Pivot structure and method for assembling the pivot structure

Abstract

To provide a pivot structure that ensures stable frictional force between components without the screw fastening loosening, and that can permanently maintain a predetermined so-called struggling force. [Solution] The pivot structure comprises a first bracket 10 having a pair of first clamping block portions 14 and second clamping block portions 15; a second bracket 20 having an intermediate block portion 21 that is rotatably fitted into the gap 12a between the first and second clamping block portions; a male screw body 30 whose screw portion 32 is screwed into the first clamping block portion around a first rotation direction and which contacts the first clamping block portion and presses in a first direction along the screw portion; and a female screw body 40 which includes a projection portion 42 with a roughly frustoconical cross-section and rounded corners that fits into a frustoconical recess of the second clamping block portion and restricts rotation, and which is screwed into the screw portion 32 around a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction and which contacts the second clamping block portion and presses in a second direction along the screw portion opposite to the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention particularly relates to a pivot structure provided on a frame of glasses for suppressing a decrease in so-called lifting force, and a method for assembling the pivot structure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a pivot structure such as a hinge that rotatably connects a pair of blades, disks, etc. is well-known. Such a pivot structure is known to be used, for example, as an opening and closing structure that rotatably connects a temple to a yoroi provided on a front frame of glasses.

[0003] By the way, when wear or the like occurs in the members of the pivot structure of glasses and the so-called lifting force of the resistance characteristics (sliding characteristics) generated when opening and closing the temple with respect to the front frame decreases, problems such as the wearing comfort of the glasses deteriorating or the temple shaking occur, and there is a problem that the usability of the glasses decreases.

[0004] In order to solve such problems, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a metal hinge that makes all the components constituting it made of titanium and maintains the lifting force over a long period of time, and a technology of a glasses frame using the same.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, the conventional pivot structure metal hinge described in Patent Document 1, even if all its constituent parts are made of titanium, has a screw fastening part that rotatably connects a single stile and a double stile with a screw (set screw). In such a conventional pivot structure with a screw fastening part, even if the screw part is tightened with an arbitrary torque, repeated opening and closing operations may cause the screw part and nut part of the screw fastening part to rotate relative to each other in the loosening direction.

[0007] As a result, conventional pivot structures with screw fastenings inevitably experience a decrease in axial force in the screw portion over time, leading to loosening between the links. This problem arises because the screw portion loosens with increasing opening and closing frequency and over time. Consequently, conventional pivot structures with screw fastenings suffer from a decrease in so-called tension force due to the loosening of the screw portion over time.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a pivot structure and a method for assembling a pivot structure that can maintain a permanently constant distance between clamping pieces without the screw fastening loosening, and in particular, when a structure with a biasing means is adopted, a stable sliding resistance force can be obtained between pieces even if the surface of the pieces wears down due to sliding, thereby stably maintaining a so-called struggling force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A pivot structure according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first bracket having a pair of first and second clamping sections; a second bracket having an intermediate section rotatably fitted into the gap between the first and second clamping sections; a male screw body having a screw thread that is screwed into the first clamping section around a first rotational direction, contacting the first clamping section and pressing in a first direction along the screw thread; and a female screw body having a truncated pyramidal shape with a substantially polygonal cross-section and rounded corners that fits into a truncated cone-shaped recess with a circular cross-section of the second clamping section to restrict rotation, and which is screwed into the screw thread around a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, contacting the second clamping section and pressing in a second direction along the screw thread opposite to the first direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the screw portion of the pivot structure is provided with two screw portions, each having a right-hand helical groove and a left-hand helical groove overlapping within the same region, at least in the area where the female screw body on the screw tip side is screwed.

[0011] Furthermore, the pivot structure is configured to have an irregular shape with equal circumference, where the outer circumference of the projection and the inner circumference of the recess are equal.

[0012] Furthermore, the pivot structure includes washers provided on both sides of the intermediate clamp portion that faces the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the intermediate piece of the pivot structure is provided with recesses on both sides into which the washers are fitted.

[0014] Furthermore, the pivot structure includes a biasing member provided in the recess that biases the washer to the first clamping block and the second clamping block.

[0015] A method for assembling a pivot structure according to one aspect of the present invention involves installing a second bracket in the gap between the first clamping block portion and the second clamping block portion of a first bracket, inserting a male screw body into the first bracket from the first clamping block portion side while rotating it in a first rotational direction, screwing the male screw body into the first clamping block portion so that the screw portion passes through the intermediate block portion of the second bracket, tightening the male screw body until it contacts the first clamping block portion, screwing a female screw body into the screw portion from the second clamping block portion side while rotating it in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, tightening the female screw body until it contacts the second clamping block portion, and tightening the female screw body to a predetermined torque. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the distance between clamping pieces can be permanently kept constant without the screw fastening loosening, and in particular, when a structure with a biasing means is adopted, even if the surface of the pieces wears down due to sliding, a stable sliding resistance force can be obtained between the pieces, and a pivot structure and a method for assembling the pivot structure can be provided that can stably maintain a so-called struggling force.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the structure of glasses equipped with the pivotal structure of the first form of the present invention [Figure 2] Same, perspective view showing the structure of the pivotal structure as seen from the male screw body side [Figure 3] Same, perspective view showing the structure of the pivotal structure as seen from the female screw body side [Figure 4] Same, exploded perspective view showing the structure of the pivotal structure [Figure 5] Same, exploded view showing the structure of the hinge in part with a cross-section [Figure 6] Same, flowchart showing the assembly procedure of the pivotal structure [Figure 7] Same, cross-sectional view of the hinge explaining the arrangement of the second bracket in the gap of the first bracket [Figure 8] Same, cross-sectional view of the hinge explaining the screwing of the male screw body to the first clamping piece [Figure 9] Same, cross-sectional view of the hinge explaining the screwing of the female screw body to the threaded part of the male screw body [Figure 10] Same, partial cross-sectional view of the hinge in the assembled state [Figure 11] Same, partial cross-sectional view of the hinge according to the modified example [Figure 12] Exploded perspective view showing the structure of the hinge according to the second embodiment [Figure 13] Same, partial cross-sectional view of the hinge in the assembled state [Figure 14] Exploded perspective view showing the structure of the hinge according to the third embodiment [Figure 15] Same, partial cross-sectional view of the hinge in the assembled state [Figure 16] Same, cross-sectional view showing the structure of the biasing member of the first modified example [Figure 17] Same, cross-sectional view showing the structure and operation of the biasing member of the second modified example

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] The pivot mechanism of the present invention, used in eyeglass frames and the like, will be described below with reference to the drawings. Please note that the drawings based on each embodiment in the following description are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, as well as the ratio of the thicknesses of each part, may differ from the actual dimensions, and there may be differences in dimensional relationships and ratios between drawings.

[0019] (First embodiment) The pivot structure of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of eyeglasses equipped with a hinge of the pivot structure according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the eyeglasses 100 have a front frame 101 which is the front frame. The front frame 101 has two rims 102 which are frame parts that hold the lenses 104, and a bridge 103 which is a part that connects each rim 102 so as to bridge them.

[0020] Each rim 102 has endpieces 105 (also called hinges) at the left and right ends of the front frame 101, to which the tips of the temples 106 are connected. The endpieces 105 are protruding portions formed on the outside of each rim 102.

[0021] The temples 106 are provided in pairs, one on each side, and form the arms of the eyeglass frame, extending backward from both ends of the front frame 101. The left and right temples 106 are the parts that support the front frame 101 on the face of the user wearing the eyeglasses 100.

[0022] Each temple 106 is rotatably connected to the endpiece 105 via a hinge 1. That is, each temple 106 is attached to each rim 102 of the front frame 101 by the hinge 1 so as to be able to open and close. The temple 106 is also provided with an earpiece (also called a temple tip) 107 at its base, which rests on the user's ear.

[0023] Here, the configuration of the hinge 1, which is the pivot structure of this embodiment, will be described in detail below based on the drawings. The hinge 1 is applied to a pivot structure used in eyeglass frames and the like. It is adapted to the part that rotatably connects the front frame 101 and the temple 106 of eyeglasses 100. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the hinge configuration as seen from the male screw body side, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the hinge configuration as seen from the female screw body side, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge configuration, and Figure 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the hinge configuration.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, hinge 1 has a pair of first brackets 10 and second brackets 20, and the first bracket 10 and second bracket 20 are rotatably connected within a predetermined angular range by fastening members, a male screw body 30 and a female screw body 40. The first bracket 10, second bracket 20, male screw body 30 and female screw body 40 are formed from metal materials including pure metals such as titanium, stainless steel, iron, brass, aluminum, and magnesium, or alloys thereof.

[0025] The first bracket 10 has a hinge block portion 12 and an arm 13 which is a support portion. The hinge block portion 12 has a first clamping block portion 14 and a second clamping block portion 15 which constitute a pair of clamping pieces. The arm 13 extends from the center of one outer circumference of the hinge block portion 12. The arm 13 has a joining surface 13a which is joined to the rear surface of the hinge 105 of the front frame 101.

[0026] The second bracket 20 has an intermediate frame portion 21 which constitutes an insertion piece that is rotatably positioned between the first clamping frame portion 14 and the second clamping frame portion 15. The intermediate frame portion 21 has a joining surface 23 that joins to the side surface of the temple 106.

[0027] Furthermore, in addition to adhesive bonding, various methods of brazing can be applied to join the joint surface 13a of the first bracket 10 to the hinge 105, or the joint surface 23 of the second bracket 20 to the temple 106, including mechanical joining such as rivets and screws, fusion welding such as arc welding, electron beam welding, and laser welding, pressure welding such as resistance spot welding, projection welding, seam welding, upset welding, flash welding, room temperature pressure welding, friction pressure welding, friction stir welding, ultrasonic pressure welding, and diffusion bonding, or brazing such as induction heating brazing, optical beam brazing, and laser brazing.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the hinge portion 12 of the first bracket 10 has a gap 12a between the first clamping portion 14 and the second clamping portion 15, into which the second bracket 20 is rotatably fitted. In the initial state before tightening by the male screw body 30 and the female screw body 40, the gap 12a is set to a gap dimension D0 that is equal to or slightly larger than the thickness dimension t of the intermediate portion 21 of the second bracket (t≦D0).

[0029] In other words, the intermediate block portion 21 can be inserted into the initial gap 12a with virtually no gap. Furthermore, to prevent the intermediate block portion 21 from getting caught due to a small clearance when inserted into the gap 12a, a thickness dimension t slightly smaller than the gap dimension D0 is set.

[0030] Furthermore, the hinge block portion 12 has a planar inner surface that constitutes a restricting surface 12b that restricts the rotation range of the second bracket 20. The first clamping block portion 14 and the second clamping block portion 15 have a substantially disc shape.

[0031] The first clamping block portion 14 has a first contact surface 14a on its surface, which contacts the seating surface of the male screw body 30. The first contact surface 14a is a substantially ring-shaped surface that is stepped out in the thickness direction from the surface portion of the first clamping block portion 14. The first clamping block portion 14 also has an inverted truncated cone-shaped recess 14c extending from the circular inner edge of the first contact surface 14a.

[0032] The tapered surface forming the surface of the recess 14c constitutes the second contact surface 14d, which the male screw body 30 contacts when mounted. The first clamping block 14 has a female screw portion 16 for right-hand threads engraved in a through hole drilled in the center of the recess 14c into which the male screw body 30 is screwed. Note that the female screw portion 16 of the first clamping block 14 is not limited to right-hand threads, but may also be for left-hand threads.

[0033] Furthermore, the back surface of the first clamping section 14, which is separated from the first contact surface 14a, constitutes the first sliding contact surface 14b. One surface of the second bracket 20 makes surface contact with this first sliding contact surface 14b.

[0034] The second clamping block portion 15 has a third contact surface 15a on its surface that is separated from the first clamping block portion 14, which contacts the female screw body 40 when it is attached. The third contact surface 15a is a ring-shaped surface that is stepped in the thickness direction from the surface of the second clamping block portion 15.

[0035] The second clamping block portion 15 has a through hole 17 in its center. The second clamping block portion 15 has a frustoconical fitting recess 18 that communicates with the through hole 17 and opens in the center of the third contact surface 15a. The through hole 17 is set to a predetermined diameter through which the threaded portion 32 of the male screw body 30 can be inserted. That is, the through hole 17 has a diameter larger than the nominal diameter of the threaded portion 32 of the male screw body 30. In addition, the tapered inner surface of the fitting recess 18 constitutes an elastoplastic surface 18a.

[0036] Furthermore, the back surface of the second clamping section 15, which is separated from the third contact surface 15a, constitutes the second sliding contact surface 15b. This second sliding contact surface 15b is in surface contact with the other surface of the second bracket 20.

[0037] The first sliding contact surface 14b of the first clamping block portion 14 and the second sliding contact surface 15b of the second clamping block portion 15 are parallel surfaces that have a predetermined separation distance and form the gap 12a of the hinge block portion 12. That is, the first sliding contact surface 14b and the second sliding contact surface 15b are parallel and opposing surfaces.

[0038] The intermediate clamp portion 21 is a plate-shaped member with one outer circumference forming an arc. When the intermediate clamp portion 21 is rotatably fitted into the gap 12a, one surface (front) that contacts and slides against the first sliding contact surface 14b of the first clamping clamp portion 14 constitutes the first sliding surface 21a. Also, when the intermediate clamp portion 21 is fitted into the gap 12a, the other surface (back) that contacts and slides against the second sliding contact surface 15b of the second clamping clamp portion 15 constitutes the second sliding surface 21b.

[0039] The intermediate section 21 has a through hole 22 drilled through it in the thickness direction, approximately at the center of the arc section. The through hole 22 is set to a predetermined diameter through which the threaded portion 32 of the male screw body 30 can be inserted. That is, the through hole 22 has a diameter larger than the nominal diameter of the threaded portion 32. The through hole 22 has a hole axis perpendicular to the first sliding surface 21a and the second sliding surface 21b.

[0040] The intermediate frame portion 21 has one side that extends linearly within the tangent to the arc portion, and this side constitutes a restricted surface 24. The rotation of the intermediate frame portion 21 is restricted when the restricted surface 24 abuts against the restricting surface 12b of the second bracket 20. The intermediate frame portion 21 has a joining surface 23 that is set at a predetermined angle with respect to the restricting surface 12b.

[0041] As described above, the joining surface 23 is the surface that is joined to the side of the temple 106. Also, as described above, the joining surface 13a of the arm 13 is the surface that is joined to the endpiece 105 of the front frame 101.

[0042] Each joining surface 13a, 23 has a dihedral angle set so that the restricted surface 24 of the intermediate frame 21 abuts against the restricting surface 12b of the second bracket 20, thereby restricting the temple 106 from opening beyond a set opening degree relative to the front frame 101.

[0043] The male screw body 30 has a head 31 and a threaded portion 32. The head 31 may have a hexagonal recess 33 on its surface 31a. The head 31 may also have an inverted truncated cone-shaped protrusion 34 projecting from the center of the back surface opposite to the surface 31a.

[0044] The head 31 has knurling 31c formed on its outer circumference. That is, the male screw body 30 here can also be in the form of a cap bolt with knurling 31c and a hexagonal socket recess 33 on the head 31. The recess 33 is not limited to a hexagonal socket, but may be any recessed shape such as a Phillips head, slotted socket, or hexalobular socket.

[0045] The head 31 has a substantially ring-shaped seating surface that extends outward from the protrusion 34. The seating surface of the head 31 constitutes a first pressing surface 31b that contacts the first contact surface 14a of the first clamping block 14 and presses the screw portion 32 in a first direction along the screw axis when the male screw body 30 is attached to the first bracket 10.

[0046] Furthermore, the first pressing surface 31b has a planar area that contacts the entire surface of the first contact surface 14a. That is, the first pressing surface 31b is set to have a planar area of ​​the same shape as the first contact surface 14a or a planar area that is larger than the first contact surface 14a. That is, the head 31 is set to have an outer diameter that is approximately the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the first contact surface 14a. Of course, the outer diameter of the head 31 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the first contact surface 14a.

[0047] The protrusion 34 has a shape similar to the recess 14c of the first clamping block 14. Therefore, the tapered surface of the protrusion 34 constitutes the second pressing surface 34a (see Figure 5). That is, when the male screw body 30 is mounted on the first clamping block 14, the second pressing surface 34a contacts the second contact surface 14d of the recess 14c of the first clamping block 14 and constitutes a pressing portion that presses the screw portion 32 in the first direction along the screw axis.

[0048] Furthermore, the second pressing surface 34a has a surface area that contacts the entire surface of the second contact surface 14d. That is, the second pressing surface 34a has a tapered surface area that is the same shape as the second contact surface 14d.

[0049] The threaded portion 32 has an axis perpendicular to the first pressing surface 31b, which is the seating surface of the male threaded body 30. The threaded portion 32 extends from the center of the protrusion 34 with a predetermined length below the head. The threaded portion 32 has two threaded portions 32a at the tip of the extended side (thread end side). Both threaded portions 32a are engraved or rolled to form left and right thread grooves.

[0050] Furthermore, the threaded portion 32 has a male threaded portion 32b at its base end. The male threaded portion 32b has a right-hand threaded male groove engraved or rolled into it that screws into the female threaded portion 16 of the first clamping block portion 14. If the female threaded portion 16 is for left-hand threads, the male threaded portion 32b has a left-hand threaded male groove engraved or rolled into it. In other words, both threaded portions 32a have two types of male threaded helical grooves, a right-hand threaded helical groove and a left-hand threaded helical groove, which are formed overlapping in the same area at the tip of the threaded portion 32.

[0051] Both threaded portions 32a have approximately crescent-shaped threads that are continuous in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the threaded portion 32, alternately formed on one side and the other side of the shaft portion. In this way, both threaded portions 32a have two types of helical grooves: a clockwise spiral groove and a counterclockwise spiral groove, due to the configuration of approximately crescent-shaped threads.

[0052] As a result, both threaded portions 32a have a double-threaded structure formed between the threads on both the left and right sides. That is, both threaded portions 32a have a double-threaded structure in which two types of male threads, left and right, are superimposed.

[0053] This double-threaded structure features a special three-dimensional male thread groove that can be freely screwed into both left-hand and right-hand female thread grooves. Therefore, both threaded portions 32a can be screwed into either right-hand or left-hand female thread grooves.

[0054] Thus, since both threaded portions 32a of the male screw body 30 can be screwed into both right-hand threaded female screw grooves and left-hand threaded female screw grooves, the tip of the threaded portion 32 can be screwed into a fastened member having a female screw groove by tightening it in a rotational direction corresponding to the left-hand thread direction of the female screw groove.

[0055] For details of the configuration and mechanism of the two screw portions 32a, which have two types of male screw helical grooves formed on the left and right sides, please refer to Japanese Patent Publication No. 4663813, for which the inventor of this application holds the patent rights.

[0056] The female threaded body 40 has a disc-shaped knob 41 and a roughly triangular truncated pyramidal fitting projection 42 with rounded corners. The knob 41 has substantially the same shape as the head 31 of the male threaded body 30, and knurling 41c is formed on its outer circumference. The female threaded body 40 can also be configured to have a hexagonal recess 43 on its surface 41a (see Figure 3). The recess 43 of the knob 41 is not limited to a hexagonal hole, as with the male threaded body 30, and may be any recessed shape such as a Phillips head, slotted hole, or hexalobular.

[0057] The knob 41 has a substantially ring-shaped seating surface with a triangular hole on its bottom surface, which is outside the fitting projection 42. The seating surface of the knob 41 constitutes a third pressing surface 41b that contacts the third contact surface 15a of the second clamping block 15 and presses in a second direction along the screw axis of the screw portion 32 when the female screw body 40 is attached to the first bracket 10. The first direction in which the male screw body 30 presses and the second direction in which the female screw body 40 presses are opposite directions along the screw axis of the screw portion 32.

[0058] The fitting projection 42 protrudes from the center of the third pressing surface 41b. The fitting projection 42 has a convex shape of a roughly triangular frustum with rounded corners, so its cross-section is roughly triangular and it has a tapered outer circumference 42a that slopes in the direction of protrusion. However, the fitting projection 42 is not limited to a protruding shape of a roughly triangular frustum with rounded corners, but may also have a convex shape of a roughly pyramidal frustum with rounded corners. In other words, the fitting projection 42 may have a cross-sectional shape of a roughly polygon with rounded corners.

[0059] The fitting projection 42 has a female threaded portion 45 in which a female thread groove for left-hand threads is engraved in a hole drilled to a predetermined depth in the center (see Figure 4). That is, the female threaded body 40 has the fitting projection 42 and is in the form of a round nut with knurling 41c and a hexagonal socket recess 43 on the knob 41.

[0060] When the female threaded body 40 is attached to the first bracket 10, the female threaded portion 45 is screwed into both threaded portions 32a of the male threaded body 30. The female threaded body 40 is tightened to both threaded portions 32a with a predetermined tightening torque. At this time, the third pressing surface 41b contacts the third contact surface 15a of the second clamping block portion 15 and presses in the direction along the thread axis of the threaded portion 32.

[0061] Furthermore, when the female screw body 40 is attached to the first bracket 10, the fitting projection 42 is accommodated in the fitting recess 18 of the second clamping block 15 and engages with it. At this time, the three tops of the outer circumference 42a of the fitting projection 42 deform the elastoplastic surface 18a of the fitting recess 18 of the second clamping block 15.

[0062] The outer circumference of the triangle of the outer circumference 42a and the inner circumference of the circular fitting recess 18 are set to be approximately equal in shape. Therefore, the elastoplastic surface 18a deforms (elastically) so that the inner circumference of the circle conforms to the outer circumference 42a of the fitting projection 42 when the fitting projection 42 is accommodated. The fitting recess 18 then deforms within a predetermined residual elastic range to conform to the outer shape of the fitting projection 42 and presses the fitting projection 42 into contact with it.

[0063] As a result, the female screw body 40 has a fitting projection 42 that fits into the fitting recess 18. Therefore, the female screw body 40 is held in place by the fitting projection 42 within the fitting recess 18, and rotation is suppressed. Consequently, the female screw body 40 is fixed to the second clamping block 15 so as not to rotate.

[0064] The fitting projection 42 of the female screw body 40 and the fitting recess 18 of the second clamping block 15 constitute a relative rotation suppression structure that suppresses the rotation of each other. Furthermore, when the female screw body 40 is screwed with the male screw body 30, the female screw body 40 may be configured such that the deformation of the elastoplastic surface 18a of the fitting recess 18, into which the fitting projection 42 is housed and fitted, does not exceed the plastic region within the yield point.

[0065] For detailed configuration and mechanism of such a relative rotation suppression structure that suppresses the relative rotational movement of two members, please refer to Japanese Patent Publication No. 7249065, for which the inventor of this application holds the patent rights.

[0066] Furthermore, in the fitted state where the fitting recess 18 of the female screw body 40 is elastoplastically deformed along the outer shape of the fitting projection 42, the planar area of ​​the third pressing surface 41b comes into contact with the entire surface of the third contact surface 15a. That is, in the state where the fitting projection 42 is fitted into the fitting recess 18, the third pressing surface 41b has a planar area that is the same shape as the third contact surface 15a or a planar area that is larger than the shape of the third contact surface 15a.

[0067] Therefore, the outer diameter of the knob 41 is set to be the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the third contact surface 15a. Of course, the outer diameter of the knob 41 may also be smaller than the outer diameter of the third contact surface 15a.

[0068] The assembly procedure and effects of the hinge 1 of this embodiment, configured as described above, will be explained in detail below, following step S of the flowchart in Figure 6 and with reference to Figures 7 to 11. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the assembly procedure of the pivot structure, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge illustrating the placement of the second bracket in the gap of the first bracket, Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge illustrating the screwing of the male screw body into the first clamping block, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge illustrating the screwing of the female screw body into the threaded portion of the male screw body, and Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the hinge in its assembled state.

[0069] First, the assembly worker installs the second bracket 20 onto the first bracket 10 as shown in Figure 6 (S1). Here, as shown in Figure 7, the intermediate block portion 21 of the second bracket 20 is inserted into the gap 12a between the hinge block portions 12 of the first bracket 10.

[0070] Furthermore, the second bracket 20 is positioned in the gap 12a such that the through hole 22 formed in the intermediate clamp portion 21 communicates with the female screw portion 16 of the first clamp portion 14 and the through hole 17 of the second clamp portion 15.

[0071] Next, the assembly worker inserts the male screw body 30 into the first bracket 10 from the first clamping block 14 side (S2). Here, as shown in Figure 8, the threaded portion 32 of the male screw body 30 is screwed into the female threaded portion 16 of the first clamping block 14.

[0072] At this time, the male screw body 30 is rotated in the right R direction by hand by grasping the head 31 on which the knurling 31c is formed, or by using a tool such as a hex wrench (not shown) that engages with the recess 33. As a result, both threaded portions 32a of the threaded portion 32, which can be screwed into both the female thread groove for right-hand threads and the female thread groove for left-hand threads, are screwed into the female threaded portion 16 for right-hand threads.

[0073] Next, the assembly worker screws the male screw body 30 into the first clamping block 14 so that the threaded portion 32 of the male screw body 30 is inserted into the second bracket 20 (S3). Here, the male screw body 30 is tightened in a clockwise direction, and the threaded portion 32 advances through the female threaded portion 16 into which it is screwed, and the tip of the screw is fed towards the second bracket 20. Then, the tip of the threaded portion 32 is fed into and inserted into the through hole 22 of the intermediate block 21 of the second bracket 20.

[0074] Then, the assembly worker tightens the male screw body 30 onto the first clamping block portion 14 of the first bracket 10 until it contacts the first clamping block portion 14 (S4). Here, as the male screw body 30 is tightened in a right-hand direction, the tip of the screw portion 32 is fed towards the second clamping block portion 15. At this time, the tip of the screw portion 32 passes through the through hole 22 of the intermediate block portion 21 and is fed into the through hole 17 of the second clamping block portion 15.

[0075] Then, as the male screw body 30 continues to rotate in the right R direction, the first pressing surface 31b of the seating surface comes into contact with the first contact surface 14a of the first clamping block portion 14, as shown in Figure 9. In addition, the second pressing surface 34a of the convex portion 34 of the male screw body 30 also comes into contact with the second contact surface 14d of the first clamping block portion 14, as well as the convex portion 34a of the male screw body 30.

[0076] In this state, the male screw body 30 is tightened to the first clamping block 14. When both threaded portions 32a of the threaded portion 32 of the male screw body 30 pass through the female threaded portion 16, the right-hand threaded male screw portion 32b then screws into the female threaded portion 16.

[0077] Then, the male screw body 30 is tightened to the first clamping block 14 with the male screw portion 32b screwed into the female screw portion 16. In addition, both screw portions 32a of the screw portion 32 of the male screw body 30 protrude beyond the third contact surface 15a through the through hole 17 and fitting recess 18 of the second clamping block 15. In this state, the male screw body 30 is screwed into the hinge block 12.

[0078] Next, the assembly worker screws the female screw body 40 onto the threaded portion 32 of the male screw body 30 from the second clamping block portion 15 side (S5). Here, the female screw portion 45 of the female screw body 40 is screwed onto both threaded portions 32a of the male screw body 30.

[0079] At this time, since the female threaded portion 45 of the female threaded body 40 is for left-hand threads, the knob 41 on which the knurled 41c is formed is grasped and rotated in the left L direction by hand or by a tool such as a hex wrench (not shown) that engages with the recess 33. As a result, both threaded portions 32a of the threaded portion 32, which can be screwed into both the female threaded groove for right-hand threads and the female threaded groove for left-hand threads, are screwed into the female threaded portion 45 for left-hand threads.

[0080] Next, the assembly worker tightens the female screw body 40 onto the screw portion 32 until it contacts the second clamping block portion 15 (S6). Here, as the female screw body 40 continues to rotate in the left L direction, the tip of the screw portion 32 is fed towards the second clamping block portion 15. At this time, the tip of the screw portion 32 passes through the through hole 22 of the intermediate block portion 21 and is fed into the through hole 17 of the second clamping block portion 15.

[0081] Then, the female screw body 40 is tightened in a counterclockwise direction, and as shown in Figure 10, the third pressing surface 41b of the seating surface comes into contact with the third contact surface 15a of the second clamping block portion 15. At this time, the fitting projection 42 of the female screw body 40 engages with the fitting recess 18 of the second clamping block portion 15 while deforming its elastoplastic surface 18a.

[0082] The assembly worker then tightens the female threaded body 40 to a predetermined torque (S7). Here, the female threaded body 40 is tightened to the second clamping block 15 side with a set predetermined torque using a tool such as a torque wrench (not shown). The female threaded body 40 is then held in place with its fitting projection 42 fitted within the fitting recess 18 of the second clamping block 15, thereby preventing rotation.

[0083] By tightening the female screw body 40 with a predetermined torque, the first clamping block 14 and the second clamping block 15 move slightly toward each other. As a result, the gap 12a between the hinge blocks 12 shrinks, becoming slightly smaller than the initial gap dimension D0, and the gap dimension D becomes approximately the same as the thickness dimension t of the intermediate block 21 (t ≈ D).

[0084] In other words, the intermediate block portion 21 of the second bracket 20, which is positioned in the gap 12a of the hinge block portion 12 and clamped between the first clamping block portion 14 and the second clamping block portion 15, has a predetermined surface pressure (surface clamping pressure) applied from the first sliding contact surface 14b to the first sliding surface 21a, and from the second sliding contact surface 15b to the second sliding surface 21b. Therefore, the intermediate block portion 21 is installed on the hinge block portion 12 with a predetermined sliding resistance (frictional force) applied to it.

[0085] In other words, the second bracket 20, which is fitted into the hinge block portion 12 of the first bracket 10, is configured to be rotatable around the axis of the threaded portion 32 of the female screw body 40 while a predetermined sliding resistance, or so-called struggling force, is applied to it.

[0086] The hinge 1 assembled as described above will contact the first contact surface 14a and the second contact surface 14d of the first clamping block 14 with the entire surface of the first pressing surface 31b and the second pressing surface 34a, which serve as the seating surface for the male screw body 30, and will press in the direction along the screw axis of the screw portion 32.

[0087] Furthermore, the hinge 1 presses against the third contact surface 15a of the second clamping block 15 with the entire surface of the third pressing surface 41b of the female screw body 40, pressing in the direction along the screw axis of the screw portion 32.

[0088] As a result, the hinge 1 receives a uniform surface pressure from the hinge block 12 of the first bracket 10 onto the second bracket 20, providing a stable, so-called wobbling force.

[0089] Furthermore, the male screw body 30 has its root-side male screw portion 32b screwed into the right-hand threaded female portion 16 of the first clamping block portion 14, and both screw portions 32a on the screw tip side are screwed into the left-hand threaded female portion 45 provided on the female screw body 40, which is fitted into the second clamping block portion 15 to suppress rotation.

[0090] Therefore, even if the male screw body 30 tries to rotate to the left, the female screw body 40, which has a female screw portion 45 for left-hand threads, will tighten in that direction. As a result, the rotation of the male screw body 30 to the left is restricted, and the screw-like connection between the male screw portion 32b and the female screw portion 16 of the first clamping block portion 14 is maintained, thus preventing loosening.

[0091] In this way, because the male screw body 30 does not loosen, the distance between the first clamping block 14 and the second clamping block 15 does not change. Therefore, there is no decrease in axial force due to the loosening of the male screw body 30, and the widening of the gap 12a between the hinge blocks 12 is prevented. In other words, the gap dimension D of the gap 12a between the hinge blocks 12 is permanently maintained.

[0092] Therefore, the intermediate clamp portion 21 of the second bracket 20 does not cause any change in the predetermined surface pressure applied to the first sliding surface 21a from the first sliding contact surface 14b of the first clamping clamp portion 14, and to the second sliding surface 21b from the second sliding contact surface 15b of the second clamping clamp portion 15.

[0093] As a result, the intermediate link section 21 is subjected to a permanently stable predetermined sliding resistance, known as a struggle force. In other words, the hinge 1 prevents loosening of the screw fastening section consisting of the male screw body 30 and the female screw body 40, thus preventing a decrease in the axial force of the screw section 32 and permanently suppressing a decrease in the predetermined sliding resistance, known as a struggle force.

[0094] The hinge 1 of the pivot structure of this embodiment described above can maintain a permanently constant distance between the first clamping block 14 and the second clamping block 15 without the screw fastening portion loosening, thereby providing stable sliding resistance and stably maintaining the so-called struggling force.

[0095] Furthermore, if, for example, the front frame 101 or temples 106 of eyeglasses 100 become bent or damaged, and repair or replacement of the front frame 101 or temples 106 is necessary, even if the female screw body 40 is removed from the screw portion 32 of the male screw body 30, the fitting recess 18 of the second clamping frame 15, which is elastically and plastically deformed due to its fitting with the fitting projection 42, returns to its original circular shape. Therefore, the first bracket 10 and the female screw body 40 of the hinge 1 can be reused.

[0096] (modified version) Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a hinge according to a modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, in this modified example, the hinge 1 may have a double-threaded portion 32a created by engraving or rolling both left and right thread grooves onto the entire threaded portion 32 of the male screw body 30. In this configuration, the male screw body 30 can be rotated in the right R direction so that both threaded portions 32a engage with the female threaded portion 16 of the first clamping block portion 14, and the base portion of the threaded portion 32 is also screwed into the female threaded portion 16. The female screw body 40 can be rotated in the left L direction so that the female threaded portion 45 engages with both threaded portions 32a of the male screw body 30, and is screwed into the tip portion of the threaded portion 32.

[0097] (Second embodiment) Next, the pivot structure of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the hinge according to the second embodiment, and Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the hinge in its assembled state. Note that for the hinge 1 of this embodiment, a detailed explanation of the same components as in the first embodiment described above will be omitted, and only the different components will be described below.

[0098] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the hinge 1 of the pivot structure of this embodiment has two ring-shaped washers 51 and 52 interposed on both sides of the intermediate frame portion 21 of the second bracket 20.

[0099] Each washer 51, 52 is formed from a metal material including fluororesin such as PTFE, a sintered body such as ceramics, or a pure metal such as titanium, stainless steel, iron, brass, aluminum, magnesium, or an alloy thereof. Furthermore, each washer 51, 52 may be coated with hard chrome plating to improve wear resistance.

[0100] The intermediate block section 21 has ring-shaped recesses 25 and 26 on both sides facing the first sliding contact surface 14b and the second sliding contact surface 15b of the hinge block section 12, into which washers 51 and 52 are fitted. Each recess 25 and 26 is a ring-shaped groove formed by counterboring or the like to have a shape similar to that of each washer 51 and 52.

[0101] Each washer 51, 52 is fitted into the recesses 25, 26 of the intermediate block 21 before the second bracket 20 is installed in the gap 12a of the hinge block 12 of the first bracket 10 during the assembly of the hinge 1.

[0102] In this embodiment, the hinge 1 has washers 51 and 52 that contact and slide against the first sliding contact surface 14b and the second sliding contact surface 15b of the hinge block 12, forming the first sliding surface 51a and the second sliding surface 52a.

[0103] In other words, when the hinge 1 is installed, a predetermined surface pressure is applied to the first sliding surface 51a and the second sliding surface 52a of the washers 51 and 52 provided on the intermediate block portion 21 of the second bracket 20, which is positioned in the gap 12a of the hinge block portion 12. As a result, the intermediate block portion 21 is installed on the hinge block portion 12 with a predetermined sliding resistance applied.

[0104] Therefore, the second bracket 20, which is fitted into the hinge block portion 12 of the first bracket 10, is configured to be rotatable around the axis of the threaded portion 32 of the female threaded body 40 while a predetermined sliding resistance, or so-called struggling force, is applied to it.

[0105] In addition to the effects described above for the first embodiment, the hinge 1 of the pivot structure of this embodiment can prevent wear of the second bracket 20 by providing washers 51 and 52 on the intermediate slot portion 21 of the second bracket 20. Furthermore, if each washer 51 and 52 is formed from a fluororesin such as PTFE with good sliding properties, frictional resistance can be reduced, and if it is made from a sintered body such as ceramics or a metal material with a hard chrome plating film, wear resistance can be improved.

[0106] (Third embodiment) Next, the pivot structure of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0107] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the hinge according to the third embodiment, and Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the hinge in its assembled state. In this embodiment, the hinge 1 omits detailed descriptions of the same components as those in the first and second embodiments described above, and only the different components are described below.

[0108] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the hinge 1 of the pivot structure of this embodiment has elastic rings 53 and 54, which are made up of two elastic bodies that are biasing members that bias the two ring-shaped washers 51 and 52 of the second embodiment toward the first sliding contact surface 14b and the second sliding contact surface 15b of the hinge block 12.

[0109] Furthermore, the intermediate block section 21 has ring-shaped recesses 27 and 28 on both sides facing the first sliding contact surface 14b and the second sliding contact surface 15b of the hinge block section 12, where the elastic rings 53 and 54 are positioned. Each recess 27 and 28 is a ring-shaped groove formed by counterboring or the like.

[0110] Furthermore, the intermediate compost section 21 has ring-shaped planar ribs 27a, 28a around the through holes 22 on both sides. The planar portions of each rib 27a, 28a abut against the inner edges of each washer 51, 52.

[0111] Each elastic ring 53, 54 is fitted into the recesses 25, 26 of the intermediate block portion 21 before the washers 51, 52, when assembling the hinge 1, before the second bracket 20 is installed in the gap 12a of the hinge block portion 12 of the first bracket 10. In other words, each elastic ring 53, 54 is interposed between the intermediate block portion 21.

[0112] In addition, in this embodiment, the hinge 1 also has the surfaces of washers 51 and 52 that contact and slide against the first sliding contact surface 14b and the second sliding contact surface 15b of the hinge block 12, which constitute the first sliding surface 51a and the second sliding surface 52a.

[0113] In the pivot structure hinge 1 of this embodiment described above, the elastic rings 53 and 54 provided on the intermediate block portion 21 press against the back surfaces 51b and 52b of each washer 51 and 52 with repulsive force, constantly biasing them. As a result, the hinge 1 is positioned on the hinge block portion 12 with the intermediate block portion 21 of the second bracket 20 subjected to a predetermined sliding resistance (frictional force).

[0114] In other words, the hinge 1 applies a predetermined surface pressure to each washer 51, 52, which is biased by the repulsive force of elastic rings 53, 54 provided on the intermediate block portion 21 of the second bracket 20, which is positioned in the gap 12a of the hinge block portion 12. Specifically, the hinge 1 has the first sliding surface 51a and the second sliding surface 52a of each washer 51, 52 pressing against the first sliding contact surface 14b and the second sliding contact surface 15b of the hinge block portion 12. As a result, the intermediate block portion 21 is positioned on the hinge block portion 12 with a predetermined sliding resistance applied.

[0115] Therefore, the second bracket 20, which is fitted into the hinge block portion 12 of the first bracket 10, is configured to be rotatable around the axis of the threaded portion 32 of the female threaded body 40 while a predetermined sliding resistance, or so-called struggling force, is applied to it.

[0116] In addition to the effects and advantages described above in the first and second embodiments, the hinge 1 of the pivot structure of this embodiment, as described above, can prevent wear of the second bracket 20 by providing elastic rings 53 and 54 that bias each washer 51 and 52 on the intermediate slot portion 21 of the second bracket 20.

[0117] Furthermore, even if the first sliding surface 51a and the second sliding surface 52a of each washer 51 and 52 of hinge 1 wear down, the elastic rings 53 and 54 bias them towards either the first sliding surface 51a or the second sliding surface 52a, thereby suppressing a decrease in the so-called struggle force of the predetermined sliding resistance. Hinge 1 is particularly effective when each washer 51 and 52 is formed from a fluororesin such as PTFE, which has lower wear resistance than sintered bodies, metals, etc.

[0118] (First torture) Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a biasing member according to a first modified example of the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 16, the biasing member that biases each washer 51, 52 may be a rectangular ring 55 made of an elastic material, rather than elastic rings 53, 54.

[0119] The square ring 55 has a lower deformation rate than the elastic rings 53 and 54, and because its biasing surface is flat, there is less pressure transfer, and it stably applies biasing force to each washer 51 and 52. Furthermore, in order for the square ring 55 to stably apply biasing force to each washer 51 and 52, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the square ring 55 be similar to the cross-sectional shape of the recesses 27 and 28 of the intermediate compost section 21.

[0120] (Second variation) Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration and operation of a biasing member in a second modified example of the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the corner ring 55 may have arc-shaped recesses 55a and 55b on its outer and inner circumference so that when it is crushed, it bulges out and elastically deforms into a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0121] As described above, when the hinge 1 of the pivot structure described in each embodiment and each modified example is used in eyeglasses 100, it connects the front frame 101 and the temple 106 and performs the function of opening and closing the temple 106 relative to the front frame 101. Furthermore, the hinge 1 suppresses wear between the clamping links, and even if wear occurs, the elastic ring biases it so that no gaps are created between the links, and the so-called resistance force is stably maintained, so the temple 106 does not wobble when folding the eyeglasses 100. As a result, eyeglasses 100 using the hinge 1 are free from problems such as poor wearing comfort or reduced usability of the eyeglasses.

[0122] The inventions described in each of the embodiments above are not limited to those embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist thereof. Furthermore, each of the embodiments and modifications above includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the multiple constituent elements disclosed.

[0123] For example, if the problem described can be solved and the effect described can be obtained even if some of the constituent elements shown in each embodiment are deleted, then the configuration with the deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0124] 1…Hing 10…First bracket 12...Hinge section 12a...Gap 12b…Regulatory aspects 13... Arm 13a,23…Joint surface 14…First clamping section 14a...first contact surface 14b...First sliding surface 14c, 55a, 55b… recessed 14d…Second contact surface 15...Second clamping section 15a…Third contact surface 15b...Second sliding surface 16,45...Female thread section 17, 22… Through holes 18…Matching recess 18a...Elastoplastic surface 20…Second bracket 21...Intermediate Panel 21a, 51a...first sliding surface 21b, 52a...Second sliding surface 23...Joint surface 24…Regulated surface 25, 26, 27, 28… recessed 27a, 28a… Ribs 30... Male screw body 31...Head 31a, 41a…Surface 31b...first pressing surface 31c, 41c... knurling 32...Screw part 32a...Threaded ends 32b…Male thread part 33, 43… Recess 34…Convex part 34a...Second pressing surface 40...Female screw body 41... Nobu 41b…Third pressing surface 42...Mating protrusion 42a...Outer periphery 51, 52... Washer 51b,52b…Back side 53, 54… Elastic ring 55... Square ring 100...glasses 101... Front frame 102... Rim 103...Bridge 104... Lens 105...Wisdom 106...Temple D 0, D...Gap dimensions t...thickness dimension

Claims

1. A first bracket having a pair of first and second clamping sections, A second bracket having an intermediate clamp portion that is rotatably fitted into the gap between the first clamping clamp portion and the second clamping clamp portion, The screw portion is screwed into the first clamping frame portion in a first rotational direction, and the male screw body abuts against the first clamping frame portion and presses in a first direction along the screw portion, A female screw body includes a truncated pyramidal projection with a roughly polygonal cross-section and rounded corners, which fits into a truncated cone-shaped recess with a circular cross-section of the second clamping piece to restrict rotation, and which screws into the screw portion around the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and presses against the second clamping piece in the second direction along the screw portion opposite to the first direction, A pivot structure characterized by having the following features.

2. The pivot structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the screw portion comprises two screw portions, each having a right-hand helical groove and a left-hand helical groove overlapping within the same region, at least in the region where the female screw body on the screw tip side is screwed.

3. The pivot structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer circumference of the projection and the inner circumference of the recess are set to be of the same size.

4. The pivot structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a washer provided on at least one surface of the intermediate clamp portion facing the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion.

5. The pivot structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the intermediate piece has a recess on at least one of its surfaces into which the washer is fitted.

6. The pivot structure according to claim 5, further comprising a biasing member provided in the recess for biasing the washer to the first clamping block and the second clamping block.

7. The second bracket is installed in the gap between the first clamping section and the second clamping section of the first bracket. Insert the male screw body into the first bracket from the first clamping section side while rotating it in the first rotational direction. The male screw body is screwed onto the first clamping frame so that the screw portion is inserted through the intermediate frame portion of the second bracket. Tighten the male screw body until it contacts the first clamping portion. From the second clamping section side, the female screw body is screwed onto the screw section while rotating it in the second rotation direction, which is opposite to the first rotation direction. Tighten the female screw body until it contacts the second clamping portion. The female screw body is tightened to a predetermined torque. A method for assembling a pivot structure characterized by the following features.

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