FR2864260A1 - Spectacle frame hinge, has hook with outer edge having bend cooperating with end of one section of elastic part when hinge is in wide-open angular position, where hook`s outer edge and knuckle`s outer edge are aligned along alignment axis - Google Patents

Abstract

The hinge has a hook (10) with an outer edge (15), a knuckle (30) with an outer edge (31), and an elastic part (20) integrated with the hook to provide two stable hinge positions. The part (20) has three sections (21, 23, 25) and two bent parts (22, 24). The edge (15) has a bend (18) cooperating with an end of the section (21) when the hinge is in wide-open angular position. The edges (15, 31) are aligned along an alignment axis. An independent claim is also included for a spectacle frame having a hinge.

Description

ELASTIC SHAFT OF EYEWEAR MOUNT, COMPRISING A RECALL PIECE

ELASTIC LOW SIZE

  The present invention relates to an eyeglass frame hinge, comprising a tenon, a knuckle having a cam profile, a hinge piece secured to the tenon, to ensure the rotational connection of the knuckle on the tenon, and a resilient piece integral with the tenon cooperating with the cam profile to give the hinge at least two stable positions.

  A hinge of the aforementioned type is described for example by the application FR 2 787 891. The hinge shown in Figure 1 of this document comprises a pin [15] (fixed part) attached to a spectacle frame [1], an elastic piece [ 17] secured to the post, a hinge element [11], and a knuckle [13] (articulated piece) formed here by the proximal end of a branch [7] of the eyeglass frame. The hinge element [11] is fixed to the pin [15] and holds the knuckle [13] by means of a hinge pin [9].

  The knuckle [13] has an outer edge [13A] and a proximal end edge [13B] (FIG 4B) which forms a cam profile cooperating with the inner edge of the elastic piece [17], to impart to the hinge two stable positions, respectively an open position and a closed position.

  In such a hinge, the arrangement of the elastic piece [17] is imposed by the fact that the inner edge of the elastic piece [17] must cooperate with the outer edge [13A] of the knuckle. The elastic piece [17] is thus disposed on the outer side of the hinge, as shown in the various embodiments shown in Figures 1, 5, 6 and 7 of the aforementioned document. As a result, the elastic piece [17] is visible from outside the hinge and determines the aesthetic appearance of the hinge. The result is a set of mediocre aesthetics.

  Another disadvantage of the hinge described above is not to include an over-opening stop. Thus, for example, the hinge as shown in Figure 4B of the aforementioned document is in over-opening position (the branch being pulled beyond its normal open position). The elastic piece [17] opposes the over-opening but if the user continues to pull the branch outwards, it may result in a deterioration of the elastic piece [17] or the branch [7].

  Thus, a general object of the present invention is to improve this type of hinge.

  More particularly, the present invention aims to improve this type of hinge to provide embodiments having improved aesthetics and / or embodiments having an over-opening stop opposing excessive bending of the elastic piece.

  For this purpose, the present invention provides an eyeglass frame hinge comprising a tenon having an inner edge, an outer edge, and a proximal end edge, a knuckle having an outer edge and a proximal end edge forming with the outer edge a cam profile, a hinge piece secured to the tenon, to ensure the rotational connection of the knuckle on the tenon, a resilient piece secured to the tenon, cooperating with the cam profile to give the hinge at least two stable positions, the elastic part comprising a first section having an inner edge cooperating with the cam profile, a first part bent in the extension of the first section, a second section in the extension of the first part bent, extending between the edge proximal end of the tenon and the proximal end edge of the knuckle, and a portion connecting the second section to the tenon.

  According to one embodiment, the portion connecting the second section to the pin comprises a second portion bent in the extension of the second section, and a third section in the extension of the second bent portion.

  According to one embodiment, the portion connecting the second section to the tenon further comprises a third portion bent in the extension of the third section, and a fourth section in the extension of the third bent portion.

  According to one embodiment, the elastic piece comprises a base integral with an inner edge of the tenon.

  According to one embodiment, the elastic piece comprises a base which is arranged without welding or gluing in a housing of the tenon.

  According to one embodiment, the tenon and the elastic piece are formed by a one-piece piece cut from a metal plate, the edges of the tenon and the elastic piece being cutting edges of the one-piece piece.

  According to one embodiment, the outer edge of the knuckle and the outer edge of the post are aligned along an axis of alignment of the post and the knuckle.

  According to one embodiment, the outer edge of the knuckle comprises a recess cooperating with the end of the first section of the elastic piece when the hinge is in a first over-opening angular position, to form an over-opening elastic stop.

  According to one embodiment, the hinge comprises a means for limiting the stroke of the first section of the elastic piece when the recess of the knuckle cooperates with the end of the first section of the knuckle comprises a proximal outer edge forming with the recess a housing receiving the first section of the elastic piece.

  According to one embodiment, the articulation piece comprises a fixing zone which is fixed on an edge of the post without closing a gap located between the proximal end edge of the tenon and the proximal end edge of the knuckle.

  According to one embodiment, the outer edge of the tenon has a recess and a recessed flat portion relative to the outer edge of the post, forming a housing receiving the fastening area of the articulation part.

  According to one embodiment, the hinge part comprises two parallel plates each provided with a hinge orifice, and a wall connecting the two plates, one side of which forms the zone of attachment of the hinge piece to the tenon.

  According to one embodiment, the post has a distal portion comprising means for fixing the post 25 to an eyeglass frame.

  According to one embodiment, the knuckle is formed by the end of a spectacle frame branch.

  The present invention also relates to a spectacle frame, comprising at least one hinge according to the invention, the outer edges of the knuckle and the post being oriented towards the outside of the spectacle frame.

  These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set out in more detail in the following description of an embodiment of a hinge according to the invention, given in a non-limiting manner in relation to the attached figures. of which: - Figure 1 is an exploded view of a hinge according to the invention - Figure 2 is an assembled view of the hinge, and - Figure 3 is an assembled view in partial section of the hinge, - Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the hinge according to the invention, and - Figure 5 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the hinge according to the invention.

  Figures 1 and 2 show a hinge 60 eyeglass frame according to the invention, respectively by an exploded view and an assembled view. The hinge 60 comprises a pin 10, an elastic piece 20, a knuckle 30 and a hinge piece 40.

  In the present application, the term "internal" refers to the edges of the elements which are directed towards the interior of the hinge (towards the face of the person wearing the spectacle frame when the hinge is assembled on a frame) and the term "outer" refers to the edges of the elements that are directed outwardly of the hinge (or outwardly of the spectacle frame when the hinge is assembled on the mount).

  The pin 10 comprises a distal portion 11 having means for fixing the stud to a spectacle frame (not shown) of any known type, with or without holding circles of the glasses. These attachment means here comprise, by way of non-limiting example, protuberances 12, 13 for directly fixing the pin 10 on a spectacle lens without a circle, the protrusion 13 serving as an indexing pad and the protrusion 12 receiving a thread and a nut for fixing the glass.

  Post 10 also includes a proximal portion 14 having an outer edge 15, an inner edge 16, and a proximal end edge 17.

  The elastic part 20 comprises a first section 21, a first bent portion 22 in the extension of the first section 21, making an angle of the order of 90, a second section 23 in the extension of the bent portion 22, a second bent portion 24 in the extension of the second section 23, making an angle of the order of 90, a third section 25 in the extension of the second bent portion 24, and a base 26 of the third section 25. The base 26 is secured to the inner edge 16 of the post 10, and is arranged here substantially midway between the two ends of the tenon. The first section 21 of the elastic piece has an inner edge 21-1, a proximal end edge 21-2, and an outer edge 21-3.

  The knuckle 30 is formed here by the end of a limb 50 of the spectacle frame, and has an outer edge 31 and a proximal end edge 32. The outer edge 31 includes a distal outer edge 33, a shoulder 34 substantially perpendicular to the outer edge 33, followed by a proximal outer edge 35 recessed relative to the distal outer edge 33 and substantially parallel thereto. The knuckle also has a hinge orifice 36, perpendicular to the plane of the hinge, preferably arranged at the same distance from the edges 32 and 35.

  The articulation piece 40 comprises two plates 41, 42 parallel to the plane of the hinge, each comprising a hinge orifice 41-1, 42-1, and a perpendicular wall 43 connecting the plates 41, 42.

  The outer edge 15 'chu tenon 10, of substantially rounded shape, extends between the distal portion 11 and the proximal portion 14 of the pin, and ends on the side of the proximal portion by a recess 18 followed by a flat edge 19 being set back from the outer edge 15.

  In FIG. 3, where the articulation piece 40 is shown in section, it appears that the flat edge 19 and the recess 18 form a sort of housing which receives the wall 43 of the articulation piece, the internal face of the wall 43 being welded to the flat edge 19 of the tenon.

  As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the hinge 60 according to the invention is assembled by arranging the knuckle 30 between the parallel faces 41, 42 of the articulation part 40, and inserting an axis of rotation in the orifices 41-1 , 42-1 and in the hole 36 of the knuckle. The axis of rotation is for example a screw 45 fixed by means of a nut 46.

  Once the hinge assembly, only the first section 21 of the elastic part 20 is visible from outside the hinge. The second section 23, which takes place between the proximal end edge 32 of the knuckle 30 and the proximal end edge 17 of the post (FIG 3), is practically not visible, while the third section 25 and the base 26 of the elastic piece are hidden by the tenon and the walls 41, 42 of the articulation piece, which each form a kind of flange and maintain the elastic piece 20 in its bending plane.

  In addition, the proximal outer edge 35 and the recess 34 of the knuckle 30 form a housing which receives the first section 21 of the resilient piece 20. As a result, in the embodiment shown, the outer edge 15 of the tenon, the face external wall of the wall 43 of the articulation part, the outer edge 21-3 of the first section 21 of the elastic piece, and the distal outer edge 33 of the knuckle, are substantially aligned along an axis AA 'shown in Figures 2 and 3. Thus, the outer appearance of the hinge is more aesthetic than that of a conventional hinge, the elastic part being partially hidden inside the hinge and the outer edges of the parts forming the hinge being aligned.

  It follows from the above that this advantage is due in particular to the fact that the elastic piece 20 passes between the proximal end edges 17, 33 of the post 10 and the knuckle 30, to be fixed on the tenon in an area of the it is located inside the hinge.

  The proximal outer edge 35 and the proximal end edge 32 of the knuckle 30 form a cam profile which cooperates with the inner edge 21-1 of the first section 21 of the elastic piece. Thus, when the hinge is in the open position (FIG 2, 3), the inner edge 21-1 of the first section 21 of the elastic piece bears on the proximal outer edge 35 and gives the hinge a first stable position. The hinge is brought into closed position by pivoting the knuckle 90, passing through an unstable intermediate position in which the wedge of the hinge pushes the first section 21 of the elastic piece outwardly of the hinge, until that the proximal end edge 32 of the knuckle is found opposite the inner edge 21-1 of the first section 21.

  The hinge according to the invention further comprises an over-opening elastic stop and a fixed over-opening stop defining two angular sectors of over-opening.

  The first angular sector of over-opening extends between the normal open position shown in FIG. 3 and a first over-opening position which is reached when the recess 34 of the knuckle 30 abuts on the proximal end edge. 21-2 of the section 21 of the elastic piece. The recess 34 then forms with the proximal end 21-2 the aforementioned over-opening elastic abutment.

  The second over-opening angular sector extends between the first over-opening angular position and a maximum over-opening angular position. When the hinge is rotated in the second angular sector after reaching the elastic stop, the recess 34 of the knuckle pushes on the proximal end edge 21-2 of the elastic piece 20, so that the bent portion 22 and the section 23 are progressively closer to the proximal end edge 17 of the post 10. The maximum angular position, here of the order of 20 degrees, is reached when the bent portion 22 and the section 23 (or one of these two elements) abut against the proximal end edge 17 of the post 10, thus forming the abovementioned fixed abutment, a blocking stop which prevents the hinge from going beyond this angular position.

  In the first angular sector of over-opening, the proximal outer edge 35 of the knuckle (cam profile) acts on the inner edge 21-1 of the section 21 of the elastic piece, and the restoring force exerted by it is quite low. In the second sub-opening angular sector, the elastic restoring force exerted by the elastic piece is significantly higher, due to greater bending per angular unit. This results in a tactile effect corresponding to a hardening hinge.

  In an alternative embodiment, the hinge piece 40 can serve as a rear stop for the elastic piece 20 to obtain the fixed over-opening stop. For example, the wall 43 of the piece 40 may be shaped so as to block the bent portion 22 or the section 23 of the elastic piece before these elements reach the tenon.

  It goes without saying that the first sector of over-opening, in this case only a few degrees, can be almost zero if the distance between the step 34 of the knuckle 30 and the proximal end edge 21-2 of the elastic piece is very small. . In this case, these two elements cooperate as soon as the hinge is brought into over-opening position.

  In one embodiment, the pin 10 and the elastic piece 20 are made in one piece by cutting a metal plate, for example a sheet metal plate. In this case, the edges 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 of the tenon and the edges 21-1, 21-2, 21-3 of the elastic piece are cutting edges of the one-piece piece. The knuckle 30 can also be cut from a metal plate, preferably of the same thickness, the distal end of the knuckle, forming the arm 50, then being covered by a plastic sheath. The hinge piece 40 is preferably a machined part.

  It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of various other embodiments, particularly with regard to the shape of the tenon, the shape of the knuckle and the branch, and the shape of the piece d articulation, and obtaining overopening stops.

  The elastic piece is particularly likely to take various other forms. By way of example, FIG. 4 represents a hinge according to the invention comprising an elastic piece 20 'of greater length than the elastic piece 20 described above, in order to obtain greater elasticity (with identical material used). ). The part 20 'comprising a first section 21', a first bent portion 22 'in the extension of the first section 21, making an angle of the order of 90, a second section 23' in the extension of the bent portion 22, a second bent portion 24 'in the extension of the second section 23', making an angle of the order of 90, a third section 25 'in the extension of the second bent portion 24. The third section 25', instead of being connected to the post as before, is extended by a third bent portion 26 ', making an angle of the order of 180, followed by a fourth section 27' substantially parallel to the third section 25 '. The fourth section 27 'is extended by a bent base 28' connecting the piece 20 'to the inner edge 16 of the post 10, here in the vicinity of the proximal end edge 17 of the post 10.

  On the other hand, the elastic piece is not necessarily made of the same material as the tenon. The elastic piece may be of a material chosen for its elastic properties, and then be welded or simply attached to the post. By way of example, FIG. 5 illustrates a hinge according to the invention comprising an elastic piece 20 "attached to the stud 10 without welding or gluing .The piece 20" comprises, like the piece 20, a first section 21 ", a first bent portion 22 ", a second portion 23", a second bent portion 24 ", a third portion 25" and a base 26 ". The base 26 "of the piece 20" here has substantially the shape of a half of "S", and forms a kind of loosely folded hook. It is received by a housing 16-1 of corresponding shape provided in the pin 10. At the other end of the piece 20 ", the cam profile of the knuckle pushes on the inner edge 21-1" of the section 21 " , which echoes with a leverage effect on the base 26 ", which thus remains a prisoner of the housing 16-1. The base 26 "is thus naturally maintained in the housing 16-1, without bonding or welding.The elastic piece 20" is also maintained in its plane of flexion by the flanges of the articulation piece 40.

Claims (16)

  A spectacle frame hinge, comprising: - a tenon (10) having an inner edge (16), an outer edge (15), and a proximal end edge (17), - a knuckle (30) having a outer edge (31, 33, 34, 35) and a proximal end edge (32) forming with the outer edge a cam profile, - a hinge piece (40) integral with the tenon (10), to ensure the connection in rotation of the knuckle (30) on the tenon (10), - an elastic piece (20, 20 ', 20 ") integral with the tenon (10), cooperating with the cam profile to give the hinge at least two positions stable, characterized in that the resilient piece (20, 20 ', 20 ") comprises: - a first section (21, 21', 21") having an inner edge (21-1) cooperating with the cam profile, - a first bent portion (22, 22 ', 22 ") in the extension of the first section (21, 21', 21"), - a second section (23, 23 ', 23 ") in the extension of the first part bent (22, 22 ', 22 "), extends between the proximal end edge (17) of the tenon (10) and the proximal end edge (32) of the knuckle (30), and - a portion (24, 25, 26, 24 ', 25', 26 ', 27', 28 ', 24 ", 25", 26 ") connecting the second section (23, 23', 23") to the pin (10).   2. Hinge according to claim 1, wherein the portion connecting the second section to the pin comprises: - a second bent portion (24, 24 ', 24 ") in the extension of the second section (23, 23', 23"), and - a third section (25, 25 ', 25 ") in the extension of the second bent portion (24, 24', 24").   2864260- 14 3. Hinge according to claim 2, wherein the portion connecting the second section to the pin further comprises: - a third bent portion (26 ') in the extension of the third section (25'), and a fourth section (27 ') in the extension of the third part bent.   4. Hinge according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the resilient piece (20 ', 20') comprises a base (26, 26 ') integral with an inner edge (16) of the tenon (10).   5. Hinge according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the resilient piece (20 ") comprises a base (26") which is arranged without welding or gluing in a housing (16-1) of the tenon (10).   6. Hinge according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tenon (10) and the elastic piece (20, 20 ') are formed by a one-piece piece cut in a metal plate, the edges (31, 32, 35 21-1) of the stud and the resilient piece being cutting edges of the one-piece piece.   7. hinge according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer edge (31, 33) of the knuckle and the outer edge of the post (15) are aligned along an alignment axis (AA ') of tenon and charnon.   8. Hinge according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outer edge (31) of the knuckle comprises a recess (34) cooperating with the end (21-2) of the first section (21) of the elastic piece when the hinge is in a first over-opening angular position, to form an over-opening elastic stop.   9. Hinge according to claim 8, comprising a means (17) for limiting the stroke of the first section (21) of the elastic piece when the recess (34) of the knuckle cooperates with the end (21-2) of the first section ( 21, and thus form a non-elastic over-opening abutment defining a maximum angular position of over-opening.   10. Hinge according to one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the outer edge (31) of the knuckle comprises a proximal outer edge (35) forming with the recess (34) a housing receiving the first section (21, 21 ', 21 ") of the elastic piece.   Hinge according to one of claims 1 to   10, wherein the articulation piece (40) comprises a fastening zone (43) which is fixed on an edge (19) of the tenon without closing a gap between the proximal end edge (17) of the tenon (10). ) and the proximal end edge (32) of the knuckle (30).   12. Hinge according to claim 11, wherein the outer edge (15) of the pin (10) has a recess (18) and a flat portion (19) recessed relative to the outer edge (15) of the post, forming a receiving housing. the zone (43) for fixing the articulation piece (40).   13. Hinge according to one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the articulation piece (40) comprises two parallel plates (41, 42) each provided with a hinge orifice (41-1, 42-1). ), and a wall (43) connecting the two plates, one side forms the attachment zone of the hinge piece to the tenon.   Hinge according to one of Claims 1 to   13, wherein the tenon has a distal portion (11) comprising means (12, 13) for fixing the tenon to a spectacle frame.   15. Hinge according to one of claims 1 to   14, wherein the knuckle (30) is formed by the end of an eyeglass frame limb (50).   16. spectacle frame, comprising at least one hinge according to one of claims 1 to 15, the outer edges of the knuckle and the tenon being oriented outwardly of the eyeglass frame.