CN220232138U

CN220232138U - Connecting element and assembly for assembling said connecting element

Info

Publication number: CN220232138U
Application number: CN202221861949.7U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 里纳尔多·蒙塔尔万
Original assignee: Visottica Industrie SpA
Current assignee: Visottica Industrie SpA
Priority date: 2021-07-20
Filing date: 2022-07-19
Publication date: 2023-12-22
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-19

Abstract

The present application relates to a connecting element and an assembly for assembling said connecting element. The connecting element for connecting two parts of eyeglasses comprises: a first body (2) having a through hole (23) extending between an inlet (24) and an outlet (25); a second body (3) having a threaded bore (33); and a connecting screw (4) inserted into the through hole and screwed into the threaded hole to fix the two bodies together. The through hole of the first body comprises an internal cavity (230) obtained in the undercut for receiving the head (42) of the connecting screw. Furthermore, the connecting screw comprises a locking element (5) made of a plastically deformable material and provided with a stop portion (51) extending into the inner cavity between the head (42) of the connecting screw and a bottom wall (231) of the inner cavity and having a width (L3) which is larger than the width (LA 1) of the inlet opening, in order to prevent the connecting screw from sliding off the first body when unscrewed.

Description

Connecting element and assembly for assembling said connecting element

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to a connecting element for connecting two parts of spectacles and to an assembly for assembling said connecting element.

The connecting element in question is intended to facilitate the production of spectacles, in particular to fix the two ends of the frame rim together in order to hold the lenses in the rim.

The connection element in question is thus part of the spectacles industry or the production of spectacles and spectacles fittings and components.

Background

As is known, a pair of spectacles is made up of several parts mechanically interconnected by means of connecting elements. In particular, a pair of spectacles generally comprises a frame constituted by a pair of bars connected to the front by respective hinges. The front portion includes a bridge connected to a pair of frames in which the respective eyeglass lenses are mounted.

The frame of the frame may be unopened, i.e. continuously molded, for use in frames made of deformable material (e.g. acetate frames), whereby the lenses are assembled by elastic deformation of the frame material.

There are also eyeglass frames that can be opened for use in frames made of slightly deformable material (for example metal or horn frames). The latter type of frame is cut from both ends, separated upon insertion and/or removal of the lenses, and then approximated to secure the lenses and hold them stably within the frame.

The fixation of the two ends of the frame is usually achieved by means of a connecting element, which is called "frame closing tube" or "frame lock" in industry terminology.

The connecting element of known type comprises a first body and a second body, tubular in shape, fixed by welding to the respective ends of the spectacle frame and fastened together by a connecting screw to hold the two ends of the frame together.

In more detail, the first body is provided with a through hole, and the second body is provided with a threaded hole. The connecting screw includes a shank inserted into the through hole of the first body and screwed into the threaded hole of the second body by the threaded portion, and a head abutting against the first body to keep it restrained to the second body. More particularly, the through hole of the first body of the connecting element is designed with an enlarged portion for receiving the screw head.

Typically, the connecting element is provided to the spectacles manufacturer in the form of a body semi-finished product consisting of two of the above-mentioned bodies still integrated, with a partially threaded through opening defining two holes of the (future) body.

In operation, in order to assemble the connecting element to the spectacles, the body semi-finished product is fixed to the frame of the front by, for example, welding, and then cut at the fixing points of the body semi-finished product, where it is fixed, so as to obtain two independent ends of the frame and to fix with the respective bodies of the connecting element.

Subsequently, the bodies of the connecting elements are fastened together with the connecting screws, and the front frame is then closed.

Some examples of connection elements of the type briefly described above are described in patent documents US2006/0164594, US 5,387,102, US 4,813,775 and EP 0542157.

In particular, patent EP 0542157 describes a connecting element in which the connecting screw is provided with a ring of plastic material arranged around a section of its shank and is compressed into the through hole of the first body after screwing the screw into the threaded hole of the second body of the connecting element until a friction action is exerted on the first body, preventing loosening of the connecting screw and thus accidental opening of the connecting element.

The known types of connecting elements discussed above have proven to have drawbacks in practice.

A first disadvantage is that the assembly or replacement operation of the lens is relatively inconvenient, since the connection screw is easily lost by being withdrawn from the hole of the connection element body. In fact, when the connection screw is unscrewed from the threaded hole of the second body to open the front frame, it easily slides out of the body and falls off. This risk is exacerbated by the fact that the connecting element is oriented with the screw head down during normal use of the spectacles. The above-mentioned position mainly results from aesthetic requirements, as it allows hiding the screw heads (during normal use of the glasses).

Furthermore, the connecting screw of the connecting element is very small in size and is difficult to find by the human eye after falling to the ground, resulting in loss of parts and the need for replacement, thus increasing the costs and time of the end user.

Disclosure of Invention

In this case, the problem underlying the present utility model is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art described above by providing an element for connecting two parts of spectacles, so as to facilitate the assembly and replacement operations of the lenses, in particular to reliably avoid the falling-off and loss of the screws after unscrewing.

Another object of the present utility model is to provide a connecting element for connecting two parts of eyeglasses which can be assembled and disassembled without completely removing the connecting screw.

Another object of the utility model is to provide an element for connecting two portions of spectacles which is even easy to operate manually.

Another object of the present utility model is to provide a connecting element for connecting two parts of eyeglasses to prevent the connecting element from accidentally loosening the connecting screw.

The present utility model provides a connecting element for connecting two parts of eyeglasses and comprising: a first body intended to be secured to a first portion of the spectacles, extending along the development axis between a first outer end and a first inner end, and provided with a through hole extending between an inlet opening formed in the first outer end and having a first edge with a first opening width in a direction transverse to said development axis, and an outlet opening formed in the first inner end and having a second edge with a second opening width in a direction transverse to said development axis that is smaller than the first opening width of said inlet opening; a second body for securing to a second portion of the eyeglass, extending along the axis of development between a second inner end facing the first inner end of the first body and an opposite second outer end, and provided with a threaded bore extending from the second inner end; the connecting screw is at least partially inserted into the through hole of the first body and the threaded hole of the second body to mechanically constrain the first body to the second body. The connection screw includes: a shank inserted into the through hole and the threaded hole, extending longitudinally along a screw axis and having at least one threaded portion for screwing into the threaded hole of the second body; a head secured to said shank and having a side edge with a first width in a direction transverse to said axis of development, a second opening width greater than said outlet opening, and acting on said first body to retain said first body to said second body; a locking element wrapped around at least a portion of the shank of the coupling screw and made of a plastically deformable material softer than the coupling screw and the first body. The through-hole of the first body has an inner cavity, which is a connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, extends at least partially in the undercut with respect to the inlet opening and the outlet opening, and is intended to receive the head of the connection screw. The interior cavity of the through-hole has a second width in a direction transverse to the development axis, which is greater than the first opening width of the inlet opening and greater than the second opening width of the outlet opening, and is provided with a bottom wall on which the outlet opening is formed. The locking element comprises at least one stop portion extending into the inner cavity, between the head of the connecting screw and the bottom wall of the inner cavity, and having a third width, in a direction transverse to the development axis, greater than the first opening width of the inlet opening.

In the above-described connecting element, the stopper portion is compressed against between the head of the connecting screw and the bottom wall of the inner cavity.

In the above-described connecting member, the third width of the stopper portion of the locking member is larger than the first width of the head portion of the connecting screw.

In the above-mentioned connecting element, the inner cavity is provided with an annular surface which is arranged around the development axis and which is formed in an undercut with respect to the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The bottom wall extends transversely to the development axis between the second edge of the outlet opening and the annular surface.

In the above-mentioned connecting element, the inner cavity is provided with an inner shoulder extending transversely to the development axis between the first edge of the inlet opening and the annular surface.

In the above-described connecting member, the stopper portion of the locking member is substantially annular.

In the above-described connecting member, the stopper portion of the locking member is in the shape of a flange.

In the above-described connecting member, the locking member extends along the development axis between a first head and a second head provided in correspondence with the stopper portion. The locking element is provided with a thinned portion extending between the stop portion and the second head and compressively inserted into at least the outlet opening of the first body.

In the above-mentioned connecting element, the side edges of the connecting screw head are inverted with respect to the first edge of the inlet opening of the first body.

In the above-described connecting element, the inner cavity has a circular cross section.

The present utility model also provides an assembly for assembling a connecting element as described above, the assembly comprising: a first body intended to be secured to a first portion of the spectacles, extending along the development axis between a first outer end and a first inner end, and provided with a through hole extending between an inlet opening formed in the first outer end and having a first edge with a first opening width in a direction transverse to said development axis, and an outlet opening formed in the first inner end and having a second edge with a second opening width in a direction transverse to said development axis that is smaller than the first opening width of said inlet opening; a second body for securing to a second portion of the eyeglass, extending along the axis of development between a second inner end facing the first inner end of the first body and an opposite second outer end, and provided with a threaded bore extending from the second inner end; the connecting screw may be at least partially inserted into the through hole of the first body and the threaded hole of the second body to mechanically constrain the first body to the second body. The connection screw includes: a shank extending longitudinally along a screw axis and having at least one threaded portion for screwing into a threaded bore of the second body; a head secured to said shank, having a side edge, having a first width in a direction transverse to said screw axis, a second opening width greater than said outlet opening, and being capable of acting on said first body to retain said first body to said second body; an initial locking element is wrapped around at least a portion of the shank of the coupling screw and is made of a plastically deformable material softer than the coupling screw and the first body. The through-hole of the first body has an inner cavity, which is a connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, extends at least partially in the undercut with respect to the inlet opening and the outlet opening, and is intended to receive the head of the connection screw. The interior cavity of the through-hole has a second width in a direction transverse to the development axis, which is greater than the first opening width of the inlet opening and greater than the second opening width of the outlet opening, and is provided with a bottom wall on which the outlet opening is formed. The primary locking element has a first width in a direction transverse to the screwing axis, which is smaller or substantially equal to the first opening width of the inlet opening of the first body and larger than the second opening width of the outlet opening of the first body, in such a way that by inserting the connecting screw into the through hole, at least a part of the primary locking element is compressed between the head of the connecting screw and the bottom wall of the inner cavity of the first body, thereby forming a stop portion of the locking element.

Drawings

In view of the above, the technical features of the utility model and their advantages are generally represented in the following detailed description, with reference to the figures, which represent some purely exemplary and non-limiting forms of implementation, in which:

figure 1a shows a pair of spectacles with a connecting element according to the utility model according to a first example of application;

figure 1b shows a part of a pair of spectacles with a connecting element according to a second application example;

figure 1c shows a portion of a pair of spectacles with a connecting element according to the present utility model according to a third application example;

figure 2 shows a perspective view of the connecting element according to the utility model, in particular fixed to a frame of a spectacle frame;

figure 3 shows a partial cross-section of the connecting element;

figure 4 shows a detail of the connecting element shown in figure 3;

figure 5 shows a cross-section of the first and second bodies of the connecting element;

figures 6 and 7 show a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a connection screw of the connection element;

figure 8 shows a side view of the connecting screw before assembling the connecting element;

figures 9, 10 and 11 show the connecting element at the moment of its assembly, with the first and second bodies shown in section;

figure 12 shows a detail of the connecting element shown in figure 11;

figure 13 shows the connecting element after performing its disassembly operation;

figure 14 shows a detail of the connecting element shown in figure 13.

Detailed Description

The connecting element for connecting two portions of spectacles as discussed in the present utility model is fully illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The connecting element 1 in question is intended for connecting two parts 101, 102 of spectacles, in particular of a spectacle frame, suitable for any type of spectacles, such as conventional optical spectacles and sports spectacles.

Referring to the example of fig. 1a, 1b and 1c, a pair of spectacles comprises a frame 200 generally provided with a front 201 and two bars 202 hinged to respective sides of the front 201 by respective hinges 203. The front 201 comprises two frames 100 connected together by a bridge 100' that rests on the nose of the user. As is well known, the frame 100 is used to house ophthalmic lenses.

In particular, each frame 100 comprises an annular body (for example made of metallic material) along which extends a cut-out defining a first (end) portion 101 and a second (end) portion 102 of the frame 100.

The connecting element 1 according to the utility model comprises a first body 2 intended to be fixed to a first portion 101 of the spectacles (and in particular of the frame 100) and a second body 3 intended to be fixed to a second portion 102 of the spectacles (and in particular of the frame 100).

Furthermore, the connecting element comprises a connecting screw 4 engaged on the first and second bodies 2, 3 to keep them constrained to each other, as described in detail below.

Reference will now be made to the preferred embodiment of the drawings in which the connecting element 1 is provided for the mechanical connection of the two ends 101, 102 of one frame 100 of the frame 200.

In particular, the connecting element 1 holds the two ends 101, 102 of the frame 100 fixed to each other and substantially adjacent to each other, thereby holding the lenses in the frame 100 in a closed-frame-loop manner. For this purpose, in particular, the connecting screw 4 firmly joins the first body 2 and the second body 3 together.

According to the above preferred embodiment, the first body 2 of the connecting element 1 is fixed to the first end 101 of the frame 100, while the second body 3 is fixed to the second end 102 of the frame 100.

Obviously, the ends 101, 102 of the frame 100 (and thus the connecting element 1) may be arranged substantially at any point along the annular extension of the frame 100.

For example, the connection element 1 may be arranged in a point of the frame 100 between the hinge 203 and the bridge 100' (as in the example of fig. 1 a), or in correspondence of the hinge 203 (as in the example of fig. 1 a) or at the hinge 203 (as in the example of fig. 1 b).

In particular, referring to the example of fig. 1c, one of the bodies 2, 3 of the connecting element 1 may be integrated with one articulation element of the hinge 203 (even in a single body).

According to a variant embodiment not shown in the figures, the connecting element 1 can be used to mechanically connect two different parts of the spectacles, for example two hinging elements of a hinge of the spectacles in a rotatable manner (in this case each body 2, 3 forms at least part of a corresponding hinging element, while the connecting screw forms a pin of the hinge).

Referring to fig. 5, the first body 2 of the connecting element 1 extends along the development axis X between a first outer end 21 and a first inner end 22.

In particular, with reference to the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 2, in use, the first outer end 21 is designed to face downwards during normal use of the spectacles, while the second inner end 22 is designed to face in the opposite direction (upwards).

The first body 2 is furthermore provided with a through-hole 23 extending along the development axis X between an inlet opening 24 obtained in the first outer end 21 and an outlet opening 25 obtained in the first end interior 22.

In more detail, the inlet opening 24 of the through-hole 23 has a first edge 240 and a first opening width LA1.

The outlet opening 25 of the through-opening 23 has a second edge 250 and a second opening width LA2 which is smaller than the first opening width LA1 of the inlet opening 24.

Advantageously, according to the embodiment shown in the figures, the second edge 250 of the outlet opening 25 of the first body 2 is circular in shape. According to a different embodiment, not shown, the outlet opening 25 may have a non-circular shape (e.g. a slot), which means that the first opening width LA1 corresponds in this case to the smallest width of the outlet opening 25.

Advantageously, the first body 2 is provided with a first inner surface 23' extending annularly around the development axis X and defining the aforementioned through hole 23.

The second body 3 of the connecting element 1 extends along the aforementioned development axis X between a second inner end 31 facing the first inner end 22 of the first body 2 and an opposite second outer end 32. Furthermore, the second body 3 is provided with a threaded hole 33 extending from said second inner end 31 along the development axis X.

Advantageously, the second body 3 is provided with an internal opening 310 from which the threaded hole 33 is formed, located at the second inner end 31 and substantially opposite the outlet opening 25 of the first body 2.

According to the embodiment of the utility model shown in the drawings, the threaded bore 33 of the second body 3 extends through and between the inner opening 310 of the second inner end 31 and the outer opening 320 of the second outer end 32.

In addition, according to an embodiment not shown, the second body 3 is provided with only one inner opening 310 and the threaded hole 33 is a blind hole, for example, extending from the inner opening 310 of the second inner end 31 to the inner end wall of the second body 3.

Advantageously, the threaded hole 33 is provided with a thread 330 obtained on a second inner surface 33' of the second body 3 extending around the development axis X and defining the threaded hole 33.

In particular, the thread 330 of the threaded hole 33 of the second body 3 may extend to the entire axial direction of the threaded hole 33, or only to a limited extent of this threaded hole, in any case sufficient to ensure the engagement of the connecting screw 4.

Advantageously, the first body 2 and the second body 3 are substantially tubular and/or are optimally made of metallic material.

The connecting screw 4 is at least partially inserted into the through hole 23 of the first body 2 and the threaded hole 33 of the second body 3 to mechanically constrain the first body 2 to the second body 3.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, the connecting screw 4 comprises a shank 41 extending longitudinally along a screwing axis Y (substantially parallel to the development axis X), inserted in the through hole 23 of the first body 2 and in the threaded hole 33 of the second body 2, and provided with at least one threaded portion 410 for screwing into the threaded hole 33 of the second body 3.

Preferably, the threaded hole 33 has an introduction section 340 (preferably unthreaded and preferably widened) starting from the internal opening 310 to facilitate the insertion of the shank 41 of the connection screw into the threaded hole 33 and the subsequent screwing of the threaded portion 410 of the shank 41 onto the threads 330 of the threaded hole 33 during the coupling phase of the connection screw 4.

The connecting screw 4 further comprises a head 42 which is fastened to the shank 41 and extends in a widened manner relative to the shank, preferably along an extension plane perpendicular to the thread axis Y.

In particular, the shank 41 of the connecting screw 4 extends along the tightening axis Y between a first end, to which the head 42 is fixed, and an opposite second free end 41 ".

Conveniently, the head 42 extends along the tightening axis Y between an outer surface 42' (advantageously provided with at least one recess 42A for the use of tools such as screwdrivers) and an inner surface 42″ from which the stem 41 protrudes.

The head 42 of the connecting screw 4 is provided with a side edge 420 (defined in a plane perpendicular to the thread axis Y) having a first width L1 greater than the second opening width LA2 of the outlet opening 25 of the first body 2.

The head 42 of the connecting screw 4 acts on the first body 2 to keep it constrained to the second body 3.

In particular, according to a particular embodiment in which the connecting element 1 is arranged to fix the two ends 101, 102 of the frame 200, the head 42 of the connecting screw 4 presses the first body 2 against the second body 2 so as to firmly fix the two (and therefore the two ends 101, 10) together.

Furthermore, the connecting screw 4 comprises a locking element 5, which is wound around at least a portion of the shank 41 of the connecting screw 4, made of a plastically deformable material softer than the material of the connecting screw 4 and the first body 2 (and preferably the second body 3).

In particular, the locking element 5 is made of a material that is deformed, for example, by a force exerted on it from the head 42 of the connection screw 4, and is deformed by a force from the first body 2 during screwing of the connection screw 4 into the second body 3, as will be described in detail below.

Advantageously, the locking element 5 is made of a plastic material, in particular a polymer, such as nylon.

Preferably, the locking element 5 has a substantially tubular shape and is provided with a central passage through which the shank 41 of the connecting screw 4 passes.

Preferably, the locking element 5 is positioned close to the head 42 of the connecting screw 4, in particular against the inner surface 42 "of this head 42.

Advantageously, the locking element 5 is located in the non-threaded portion of the shank 41 of the connecting screw 4 extending between the threaded portion 410 and the head 42.

Conveniently, the shank 41 of the coupling screw 4, in particular in correspondence of the above-mentioned non-threaded portion, is provided with an annular groove in which the locking element 5 is arranged.

According to the basic idea of the utility model, the through hole 23 of the first body 2 comprises an inner cavity 230, which is arranged as a connection between the inlet opening 24 and the outlet opening 25 and is (completely preferably) accommodated in the head 42 of the connection screw 4.

The aforementioned inner cavity 230 extends at least partially undercut with respect to the inlet opening 24 and the outlet opening of the first body 2.

In more detail, the cavity 230 of the through hole 23 has a second width L2 (in the transverse direction with respect to the development axis X) which is greater than the first opening width LA1 of the inlet opening 24 of the first body 2 and than the second opening width LA2 of the outlet opening 25 of the first body 2.

Advantageously, the second width L2 of the cavity 230 is greater than the first width L1 of the head 42 of the connecting screw 4, so that the head 42 is inserted with lateral play into the cavity 230.

The cavity 230 is provided with a bottom wall 231 provided with an outlet opening 25 facing the opposite inlet opening 24 and able to withstand the action of the head 42 of the coupling screw 4.

In particular, the bottom wall 231 is inserted through a portion of the locking element 5 against the head 42 of the connection screw 4.

In more detail, the locking element 5 of the connecting screw 4 comprises at least one stop portion 51 extending in the cavity 230, between the head 42 of the connecting screw 4 and the bottom wall 231 of the cavity 230, and having a third width L3 (in a direction transverse to the development axis X) greater than the first opening width LA1 of the inlet opening 24.

As such, when the shank 41 of the connection screw 4 is unscrewed from the second body 3, the head 42 of the connection screw 4 can move (along the development axis X) within the cavity 230 up to the point where the stop portion 51 of the locking element 5 abuts against the first edge 240 of the inlet opening 24, since the stop portion 51 is wider than the inlet opening, it cannot pass through the inlet opening 24, preventing the head 42 from escaping from the cavity 230, thus preventing the connection screw 4 from slipping off the first body 2 (as shown in the example of fig. 12).

Advantageously, the inner cavity 230 is provided with an annular surface 232 arranged around the development axis X and obtained in an undercut with respect to the inlet opening 24 and the outlet opening 25.

In particular, the cavity 232 is realized by means of an annular recess obtained (for example by drilling) in the first inner surface 23' of the first body 2, so as to define in the recess the annular surface 230 of the cavity 230 with respect to the edges 240, 250 of the inlet opening 24 and the outlet opening 25.

According to the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the lumen 230, and in particular the annular surface 232 thereof, has a circular cross section (i.e. in a plane orthogonal to the development axis X). According to various embodiments not shown, the lumen 230 may have a non-circular shape (e.g., slotted, polygonal, etc.), in which case the second width L2 should correspond to a dimensional width that is less than the cross-section of the lumen 230.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the annular surface 232 is developed along a development axis X parallel to the latter, in particular in the shape of a cylinder.

The bottom wall 231 of the inner cavity 230 extends transversely to the development axis X between the second edge 250 of the outlet opening 25 and the annular surface 232 of the inner cavity 230.

In this case, advantageously, the bottom wall 231 extends from the annular surface 232 to the second edge 250 of the outlet opening 25, in particular defining a first abutment step against which the stop portion 51 of the locking element 5 abuts (when the connecting screw 4 is screwed into the first and second bodies 2, 3).

Preferably, the bottom wall 231 extends annularly around the outlet opening 25, in particular by means of the annular surface 232 in connection with the second edge 250 of the outlet opening.

Advantageously, the inner cavity 230 is provided with an inner shoulder 233 on which the inlet opening 24 is obtained.

The inner shoulder 233 extends transversely to the development axis X between the first edge 240 of the inlet opening 24 and the annular surface 232 of the inner cavity 230.

In particular, the inner shoulder 233 extends annularly around the inlet opening 24 and faces the respective bottom wall 231 of the inner cavity 230, advantageously extending along the development axis X between the bottom wall 231 and the inner shoulder 233.

Conveniently, the inner shoulder 233 of the inner cavity 230 is able to abuttingly receive the stop portion 51 of the locking element 5 when the connecting screw 4 is unscrewed from the second body 3.

Advantageously, the inner shoulder 233 extends from the annular surface 232 to the first edge 240 of the inlet opening 24, in particular defining a second abutment step against which the stop portion 51 of the locking element 5 is likely to abut when the connecting screw 4 is unscrewed from the second body 3.

According to the particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, the bottom wall 231 and/or the inner shoulder 233 are substantially orthogonal with respect to the development axis X. Obviously, they may also have different inclinations with respect to the development axis X, for example with a taper tapering towards the respective opening 24, 25.

Conveniently, the edges 240, 250 of the inlet opening 24 and outlet 25 of the first body 2 may develop axially parallel to the development axis X (as illustrated in the figures), or may have one or more countersinks or taper, in particular in the latter case the respective opening widths LA1, LA2 are smaller than the widths of the respective edges 240, 250.

Advantageously, the stop portion 51 of the locking element 5 is compressed against between the head 42 of the connecting screw 4 (in particular the inner surface 42″ thereof) and the bottom wall 231 of the cavity 230. Specifically, the stop portion 51 is obtained by plastic deformation of a portion of the locking element 5 pressed between the head 42 of the connecting screw 4 and the bottom wall 231 of the cavity 230 during tightening of the connecting screw 4 (as described in more detail below).

Advantageously, the third width L3 of the stop portion 51 of the locking element 5 is greater than the first width L1 of the head 42 of the connecting screw 4, in particular protruding radially from the side edge 420 depending from the head 42.

Conveniently, the third width L3 of the stop portion 51 is less than or equal to the second width L2 of the cavity 230, and the stop portion 51 is received within the cavity.

Preferably, the stop portion 51 of the locking element 5 has an annular shape, for example substantially circular.

Advantageously, the stop portion 51 of the locking element 5 protrudes with respect to the development axis X, in particular having a flange shape.

Preferably, the development axis X of the locking element 5 develops substantially in a tubular shape between a first head 52, provided in correspondence with the locking portion 51, and an opposite second head 53, closer to the second (free) end 41 "of the shank 41 of the connection screw 4.

Advantageously, the locking element 5 is provided with a thinned portion 54 extending between the stop portion 51 and the second head 53 of the locking element 5.

Preferably, the stop portion 51 presents an enlarged shape with respect to the thinned portion 54, protruding radially from the thinned portion at a first head 52 corresponding to the locking element 5.

Advantageously, the thinned portion 54 is inserted compressively in the outlet opening 25 of the first body 2 and preferably in at least one section of the threaded hole 33 of the second body 3, in particular in the lead-in section 340 of this threaded hole 33.

In particular, the thinned portion 54 is compressed between the surface of the shank 41 and the first inner surface 23 'of the through hole 23, in correspondence of the outlet opening 25 (and preferably of the lead-in section 340, between the second inner surface 33' of the threaded hole 33).

In this way, in particular, the locking element 5 generates a greater friction between the shank 41 of the connecting screw 4 and the bodies 2 and 3, preventing the connecting screw 4 from becoming unnecessarily loose.

Conveniently, the stop portion 51 may extend continuously around the development axis X, or be made up of several individual portions radially developing from the thinned portion 54.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the drawings, the stop portion 51 has a generally circular edge. Obviously, the edge of the stop portion 51 may also have a different shape, in particular with a convex-concave shape, and possibly also an irregular shape. In this case (non-circular), the third width L3 is defined by the maximum width of the stopper portion 51.

Advantageously, the first width L1 of the head 42 of the connection screw 4 is smaller than or equal to the first opening width LA1 of the inlet opening 24 of the first body 2 (with minimum tolerance gap) to allow the head 42 to pass through the inlet opening 24 during assembly of the connection element 1.

In particular, the side edges 420 of the head 42 of the connecting screw 4 are counter-shaped with respect to the first edge 240 of the inlet opening 24 of the first body 2.

Advantageously, the side edges 420 of the head 42 of the connection screw 4 are substantially the same size as the first edge 240 of the inlet opening 24 with a minimum tolerance gap, which allows a user to insert the head 42 of the connection screw 4 through the inlet opening 24 and thereby insert the head 42 into the cavity 230.

According to a particular embodiment, the side edges 420 of the head 42 of the connecting screw 4 and the first edge 240 of the inlet opening 24 of the first body 2 are circular in shape.

Obviously, the side edges 420 and the first edge 240 may also have a shape other than circular, for example polygonal or lobed, and have a configuration that still allows the head 42 to pass through the inlet opening 24. In this case, in particular, the first width L1 of the head 42 of the connecting screw 4 is equal to the minimum width of the side edge 420, and therefore, preferably, the third width L3 of the stop portion 51 of the locking element is greater than the minimum width of the head 42 of the connecting screw 4.

The connecting element 1 in question is assembled starting from one assembly comprising a first body 2 and a second body 3. Furthermore, the assembly comprises a connecting screw 4 in which an initial locking element 5' is arranged, which locking element 5 will be formed after coupling the connecting screw 4 to the body 2, 3 (as described below).

Referring to the example of fig. 7, the initial locking element 5' is wound around a portion of the shank 41 of the connection screw 4 and is made of a plastically deformable material softer than the material of the connection screw 4 and the first body 2 (and preferably the second body 3).

Advantageously, the initial locking element 5' has an initial width LI (in a direction transverse to the axis of threading Y) smaller than or substantially equal to the first opening width LA1 of the first body 2, so as to pass the connecting screw 4 through the first body 2 when it is inserted into the through hole 23 thereof.

Furthermore, the initial width L1 of the initial locking element 5 'is greater than the second opening width LA2 of the outlet opening 25 of the first body 2, such that by inserting the connecting screw 4 into the first hole 23, at least a portion of the initial locking element 5' is compressed between the head 42 of the connecting screw 4 and the bottom wall 231 of the inner cavity 230 of the first body 2 to form the above-mentioned stop portion 51 of the locking element 5.

Advantageously, the initial locking element 5' has a substantially tubular shape and preferably rests along the shank 41 against the inner surface 42 "of the head 42 of the connection screw 4.

In more detail, in order to assemble the connecting element 1 in question, the connecting screw 4 is inserted in the through hole 23 of the first body 2, as shown in the example of fig. 9.

In particular, the shank 41 of the connection screw 4 is inserted into the through hole 23 of the first body 2 and thus into the threaded hole 33 of the second body 3 so as to be screwed onto the same.

The head 42 of the connecting screw 4 and the initial locking element 5 'are inserted into the inner cavity 230 of the first body 2 through the inlet opening 24 of this first body (as shown in the example of fig. 10) until the initial locking element 5' abuts against the bottom wall 231 of the inner cavity 230 (as shown in the example of fig. 11).

After screwing the shank 41 of the connection screw 4 into the threaded hole 33 of the second body 3, a portion of the initial locking element 5 'is pressed between the head 42 (in particular the inner surface 42″ thereof) and the bottom wall 231 of the cavity 230, causing this portion of the initial locking element 5' to be plastically deformed, widening to form the stop portion 51, so as to obtain the locking element 5 of the connection element 1 described above (as illustrated in the example of fig. 3).

Advantageously, the initial locking element 5 'is provided with a conical portion 55, which is preferably provided on a head of the initial locking element 5' facing the second end 41″ of the shank 41 of the coupling screw 4. In particular, with reference to the example of fig. 12, and is designed to abut against the bottom wall 231 of the inner cavity 230 at the second edge 250 of the outlet opening 25 to facilitate the pressing of the stop portion 51 and preferably the entering of a portion of the initial locking element 5' into the outlet opening 25 (and better into the threaded hole 33) to form the thinned portion 54 of the locking element 5.

Conveniently, if the extension of the initial locking element 5 'along its tightening axis Y does not have a constant width, its initial width L1 is equal to the maximum width of this initial locking element 5'.

As mentioned above, the initial width L1 of the initial locking element 5' is smaller than or substantially equal to the first opening width LA1 of the inlet opening 24, to allow passage through said inlet opening when the shank 41 of the connecting screw 4 is inserted into the through hole 23 of the first body.

Advantageously, if the initial width L1 is substantially equal to the first opening width LA1, the initial locking element 5 'has dimensions corresponding to the first edge 240 of the inlet opening 24 with a minimum tolerance, which allows the user to insert the initial locking element 5' through the inlet opening 24, thereby inserting the head 42 of the connection screw 4 into the cavity 230. This tolerance can be problematic in that the initial width L1 has a minimum clearance relative to the first opening width LA1, or is exceeded, with the initial width L1 being slightly greater than the first opening width LA1, to allow the initial locking element 5 'to pass through the inlet opening after the initial locking element 5' has been slightly compressed.

The utility model thus conceived achieves the intended aim.

Claims

1. -a connecting element (1), the connecting element (1) being for connecting two portions of eyeglasses and comprising:

-a first body (2) intended to be fixed to a first portion (101) of spectacles, extending along a development axis (X) between a first outer end (21) and a first inner end (22), and provided with a through hole (23) extending between an inlet opening (24) formed in the first outer end (21) and having a first edge (240) with a first opening width (LA 1) in a direction transverse to said development axis (X), and an outlet opening (25) formed in the first inner end (22) and having a second edge (250) with a second opening width (LA 2) smaller than the first opening width (LA 1) of the inlet opening (24) in a direction transverse to said development axis (X).

-a second body (3) for fixing to a second portion (102) of the spectacles, extending along a development axis (X) between a second inner end (31) facing a first inner end (22) of the first body (2) and an opposite second outer end (32), and provided with a threaded hole (33) extending from the second inner end (31); -the connection screw (4) is at least partially inserted in the through hole (23) of the first body (2) and in the threaded hole (33) of the second body (3) to mechanically constrain the first body (2) to the second body (3);

the connecting screw (4) comprises:

-a shank (41) inserted in the through hole (23) and in the threaded hole (33), extending longitudinally along a screwing axis (Y) and having at least one threaded portion (410) for screwing into the threaded hole (33) of the second body (3);

-a head (42) fixed to said shank (41) and provided with a side edge (420),

has a first width (L1) in a direction transverse to the development axis (X), a second opening width (LA 2) greater than the outlet opening (25), and acts on the first body (2) to keep the first body (2) constrained to the second body (3);

-a locking element (5) wound around at least a portion of the shank (41) of said connection screw (4) and made of a plastically deformable material softer than said connection screw (4) and said first body (2);

the method is characterized in that:

-the through hole (23) of the first body (2) has an inner cavity (230) which is a connection between the inlet opening (24) and the outlet opening (25), extends at least partially in the undercut with respect to the inlet opening (24) and the outlet opening (25), and is intended to receive the head (42) of the connection screw (4);

-the inner cavity (230) of the through hole (23) has a second width (L2) in a direction transverse to the development axis (X), is larger than the first opening width (LA 1) of the inlet opening (24) and is larger than the second opening width (LA 2) of the outlet opening (25), and is provided with a bottom wall (231) on which the outlet opening (25) is formed;

-the locking element (5) comprises at least one stop portion (51) extending into the inner cavity (230), between the head (42) of the connecting screw (4) and the bottom wall (231) of the inner cavity (230), and having a third width (L3), in a direction transverse to the development axis (X), greater than the first opening width (LA 1) of the inlet opening (24).

2. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop portion (51) is compressed against between the head (42) of the connecting screw (4) and the bottom wall (231) of the inner cavity (230).

3. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the third width (L3) of the stop portion (51) of the locking element (5) is greater than the first width (L1) of the head (42) of the connecting screw (4).

4. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said internal cavity (230) is provided with an annular surface (232) arranged around said development axis (X) and formed in an undercut with respect to said inlet opening (24) and said outlet opening (25);

wherein the bottom wall (231) extends transversely to the development axis (X) between the second edge (250) of the outlet opening (25) and the annular surface (232).

5. Connecting element (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the inner cavity (230) is provided with an inner shoulder (233) extending transversely to the development axis (X) between the first edge (240) of the inlet opening (24) and the annular surface (232).

6. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop portion (51) of the locking element (5) is substantially annular.

7. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop portion (51) of the locking element (5) is flange-shaped.

8. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (5) extends along the development axis (X) between a first head (52) and a second head (53) arranged in correspondence of the stop portion (51);

wherein the locking element (5) is provided with a thinned portion (54) extending between the stop portion (51) and the second head (53) and compressively inserted into at least the outlet opening (25) of the first body (2).

9. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the side edges (420) of the head (42) of the connecting screw (4) are inversely shaped with respect to the first edge (240) of the inlet opening (24) of the first body (2).

10. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner cavity (230) has a circular cross section.

11. Assembly for assembling a connecting element (1) according to claim 1, the assembly comprising:

-a second body (3) for fixing to a second portion (102) of the spectacles, extending along a development axis (X) between a second inner end (31) facing a first inner end (22) of the first body (2) and an opposite second outer end (32), and provided with a threaded hole (33) extending from the second inner end (31); -the connection screw (4) can be at least partially inserted in the through hole (23) of the first body (2) and in the threaded hole (33) of the second body (3) to mechanically constrain the first body (2) to the second body (3);

the connecting screw (4) comprises:

-a shank (41) extending longitudinally along a screwing axis (Y) and having at least one threaded portion (410) for screwing into a threaded hole (33) of the second body (3);

-a head (42) fixed to said shank (41), provided with a lateral edge (420), having a first width (L1) in a direction transverse to said screwing axis (Y), a second opening width (LA 2) greater than said outlet opening (25), and able to act on said first body (2) to keep said first body (2) constrained to said second body (3);

-an initial locking element (5') wound around at least a portion of the shank (41) of said connection screw (4) and made of a plastically deformable material softer than said connection screw (4) and said first body (2);

the method is characterized in that:

the initial locking element (5 ') has a first width (L1) in a direction transverse to the screwing axis (Y) which is smaller than or substantially equal to the first opening width (LA 1) of the inlet opening (24) of the first body (2) and larger than the second opening width (LA 2) of the outlet opening (25) of the first body (2) in such a way that by inserting the connecting screw (4) into the through hole (23), at least a portion of the initial locking element (5') is compressed between the head (42) of the connecting screw (4) and the bottom wall (231) of the inner cavity (230) of the first body (2), thereby forming a stop portion (51) of the locking element (5).