DE102012002084B4 - Eyeglass joint with adjustable angle of inclination - Google Patents

Abstract

Eyeglass joint for a pair of eyeglasses consisting of an axis of rotation (1) on which the spectacle jaw (3) and a bow attachment area (4) are hinged together and at least the upper distance (6) or the lower distance (7) of spectacle jaw (3) or Bügelbefesstigungsbereich (4) to the rotation axis (1) is variable, characterized in that the spectacle jaw (3) or bracket mounting area (4) via a lower and upper coupling element (8, 9) with the axis of rotation (1) is connected and at least one coupling element (8, 9) in the spectacle jaw (3) or in the bracket mounting area (4) is guided and in its position via an adjusting element (14) is continuously displaceable and adjustable.

Description

preamble

The present invention relates to a spectacle joint.

General introduction

With this invention, a solution is presented, with which the adaptability of a spectacle frame to the biometry of the spectacle wearer is substantially improved. For this purpose, the spectacle frame receives a spectacle joint with an adjustable angle of inclination over which the height distance of the spectacle arm is varied to the ear of the spectacle wearer. The setting can be done with a simple tool, such as. As a screwdriver, and is thus a huge improvement over the usual deformation techniques on the spectacle frame.

State of the art

A pair of glasses consists of a spectacle front for receiving the sight glasses. The spectacle front is connected to the sides, left and right, via a spectacle joint with the eyeglass temple. The eyeglass joint allows the folding and unfolding of the respective eyeglass temple and thus a horizontal alignment of the eyeglass temple. In this case, the eyeglass joint has a fixed immovable connection to the attachment area of the spectacle front and to the rear a fixed unchangeable connection to the attachment area of the eyeglass temple.

The adjustment to the different height of the ears of the wearer is usually made by the optician by deforming or bending the eyeglass temple. This can deform plastic spectacles in the heated state so that sets a changed vertical orientation of the eyeglass temple or a changed inclination angle (inclination). This is possible in different ways depending on the material of the glasses and the thicknesses of the temples used. This deformation itself is not a reproducible process and varies depending on the fate of the optician different good. This can cause unsightly visible bends or even kinks on the spectacle frame. In part, the changes made to the glasses frame are difficult to undo.

In the patent DE 10 2005 014 512 A1 There are approaches to reduce the visual recognizability of these deformations.

In the patent FR 1117285 A An additional construction for adjusting the angle of inclination is described. In this case, either the attachment region of the spectacle front or the attachment region of the spectacle arm is divided. The two sections are connected with two screws at different angles. As a result, the inclination angle of the eyeglass temple is changeable. The adjustment of the inclination angle takes place step by step. First a screw is loosened and then the second screw is adjusted correctively. Only when both screws are tightened again, the temple is fixed and the set angle is effective and recognizable. Structurally, this adjustment range with the two screws is independent of the spectacle joint and spatially offset therefrom.

In the patents US3841741A and EP 0341622 A2 the temple attachment area is divided into two parts. The connection of the two parts together takes place via a rotation axis. The angle of the parts to each other can be gradually changed and fixed by means of detents. Thus, the inclination angle of the eyeglass temple is determined. A stepless adjustment is not possible. Structurally, this adjustment range with the fulcrum is independent of the spectacle joint and spatially offset from it. Normal prescription eyewear is not made with this mechanism. This mechanism is too coarse and visually too dominant.

We are looking for a construction that is easily adjustable by the optician and does not stand out when worn.

In the patents EP 1978397 A1 . EP 2023184 A1 and AT 506325 A4 Spring hinges are described, which improve the ease of use of a pair of glasses. These hinges support the horizontal rotation of the temples when opening and closing the temples with additional spring forces.

The movable part of the spring hinge is pulled depending on the opening of the glasses by a spring force at different depths in the hinge housing. By default, the penetration depth is limited by the attachment point of the spring hinge on the outside of the hinge housing. After each opening and closing of the glasses, the same unchangeable position is assumed by the movable hinge part.

There are also double spring hinges with two, parallel-acting spring hinges, which are attached at different heights to the axis of rotation of the spectacle joint. This works in the same way as the above-mentioned hinge with only one spring hinge.

With spring hinges results in better usability of the glasses, so this has a folding effect when opening and closing, as well as a extended extensibility of the temples for putting on and taking off the glasses. The inclination angle of the eyeglass temple, which changes the distance of the strap to the ear of the wearer up or down, is not affected.

task

The aim of this invention is a spectacle joint, which on the one hand allows the known opening and closing of the temples to the front glasses and also has an adjustable and adjustable height of the temples in the unfolded state of the glasses, depending on the height of another inclination angle (inclination) to the front glasses results, which changes the contact point of the eyeglass temple on the ear of the wearer up or down.

According to the present invention, a goggle joint is provided which connects the goggle to the temple attachment region via a rotation axis. For the mobility of the joint, at least one of these connections, the axis of rotation to the spectacle jaw or the axis of rotation to the bracket fastening area, must be articulated.

A spectacle frame consists of a spectacle front with the spectacle lenses on the over the spectacle jaw with subsequent axis of rotation a bracket attachment area, which continues to make the connection to the temple end piece.

The eyeglass temple consists of the temple attachment area and the temple end piece. The temple attachment area is firmly connected to the temple end piece. This transition often results from a change of material in this area. For example, metal is better suited for temple mounting applications than plastic, and plastic has better temple end properties.

The inside of the glasses area faces the wearer and is less visible when wearing the glasses of other people. In contrast, the outside of the glasses when wearing the glasses for other people is clearly visible.

For glasses, the axis of rotation has a length of about 4 to 12 mm. The desired setting range for the inclination angle is in the range of approx. +/- 10 degrees and thus leads to a height difference at the ear of approx. +/- 20 mm.

The eyeglass joint allows the opening and closing of the eyeglass temple by a vertical axis of rotation, which connects the eyeglass front with the eyeglass temple. The closed state is used to store the glasses, with the eyeglass temples lying along the front of the glasses.

When unfolded, the glasses are worn by the wearer. The inclination angle of the temple for this position should be changeable. Thus, the angle between the vertical spectacle front and the orientation of the temples is varied and thus the height of the temples on the ear of the wearer changed up or down.

Preferably, a deformation or a bending of components of the spectacle frame to change the inclination angle is dispensed with. This does not cause problems with material fatigue or material wear.

Preferably, the change in the angle of inclination is infinitely possible.

Preferably, an adjustment of the angle of inclination via an actuator is possible. Changes to the actuator should determine the inclination angle of the eyeglass temple.

The adjustment should preferably be possible centrally via a single control element. This adjustment should preferably be possible from a hidden or less visible location. This is usually the eyewear inside glasses.

Further preferably, the adjustment of the inclination angle by means of a simple tool such. As screwdriver or Allen key possible. Preferably, a reproducibility and provision of the setting is given. Further preferably, the adjustment of the inclination angle is infinitely possible. Further preferably, the adjustment of the angle of inclination is fixed, so that remains while wearing the once predetermined inclination angle.

Further preferably, the gap between the spectacle jaw and bracket mounting area regardless of the set angle of inclination is constantly large. Preferably, this change is visually hardly or not at all recognizable.

Further preferably, the center of the axis of rotation of the angle of inclination is on the axis of rotation of the spectacle joint. This achieves a small design of the spectacle joint. It can be dispensed with a further subdivision of the eyeglass temple.

Further preferably, the spectacle jaw and the temple attachment area contact at least one point.

solution

In a spectacle joint of the type described above, the object is achieved in that the bracket mounting area is connected via two coupling elements with the axis of rotation of the spectacle joint. These coupling elements are displaceably guided in each case in the upper and lower Bügelbefestigungsbereich and movable along the direction of action, which extends from and to the axis of rotation.

The upper distance of the bracket mounting portion to the axis of rotation is bridged by the upper coupling element. This upper distance is the effective length of the upper coupling element. Similarly, the lower distance of the bracket mounting portion to the axis of rotation is the effective length of the lower coupling element.

By enlarging the upper distance, the eyeglass temple is moved downwards. By shortening upwards. This applies contrary to changes in the lower distance.

The position of the coupling elements determines the angle of inclination between the spectacle jaw and the temple. By moving the coupling elements, the inclination angle is thus changed according to the invention.

With a locking option, the position of the coupling elements and thus the current angle of inclination is fixed. This locking or locking can z. Example by a screw that presses the respective coupling element in or on the guide rail and thus hinders a change in position of the coupling element. Another alternative finding is a slot screw combination that leads to the same result.

A coupling element can with an adjusting screw z. B. with a slot for the screwdriver, wherein the adjusting screw can be screwed with a screwdriver from and to the axis of rotation of the spectacle joint and entrains the connected coupling element. According to the screw position, the position of the coupling element and thus the effective length changes. Thus, the angle of inclination is adjustable according to the invention with a normal tool.

The effective distance of the coupling element can be shortened and increased, so that the inclination angle can be changed upwards and downwards. The desired angular range is thus adjustable according to the invention via a single control element.

The adjustability with an adjusting screw can be realized for both coupling elements. Ideally, the setting is reversed. This leads to a smaller gap between the spectacle jaw and bracket mounting area.

With an opposite coupling of both coupling elements z. B. via a joint rod, the setting can be transmitted from one coupling element to the other in opposite directions. The adjustment of a coupling element influences the position of the other coupling element. The adjustment of the inclination angle is also possible according to the invention via a single actuator.

With the opposite adjustment of the coupling elements a geometric peculiarity can be exploited. A shortening of the effective length of a coupling element and an extension of the effective length of the other coupling element lead to a rotation of the bracket mounting area around the center of the axis of rotation of the spectacle joint. Thus, the distance of the Bügelbefestigungsbereichs remains unchanged to the center of the axis of rotation. The result is a circular movement of the temple around the center of the angle of inclination. This lies on the center of the axis of rotation.

According to the invention, the gap between the spectacle jaw and the bracket mounting area thus remains constant if, instead of a straight-line delimitation of the areas, there is a circular separation, with the center in the axis of rotation, of the spectacle jaw and the bracket fastening area. By a circular cover of the axis of rotation to reach a constant gap width between the front, cover and bracket.

For fixing, moving and coupling the two coupling elements different structural elements can be used, which can be listed here only by way of example. There are thread translations, bolts with eccentric contact surfaces, slot screw combination, simple screw adjustment or a direct rigid connection in question.

The two coupling elements are guided in parallel in the Bügelbefestigungsbereich and have a distance from each other. The smaller the distance, the greater the change in the tilt angle and the more sensitive the adjustment. With a set inclination via the coupling elements, a reduction in the parallel distance leads to an increase in the inclination and vice versa.

In order to implement the solutions listed, the spectacle jaw or the temple fastening region can displace the coupling elements take up. Both variants lead according to the invention to a variable and adjustable angle of inclination.

The coupling elements are adjustably guided by the spectacle jaw or the temple attachment region, wherein the length of this movement path must correspond at least to the range of movement of the coupling element for the minimum and maximum effective length.

Advantages of the invention

Such a hinge allows a quick adaptation of the spectacle frame to the needs of the wearer. It is only an ordinary tool such. As a screwdriver or Allen key needed.

The adjustment can also be carried out by a non-expert, since no special knowledge of materials or specialized tools must be used for this purpose.

To adjust the angle of inclination can be dispensed with deformation of the spectacle frame.

There are no unsightly bends on the glasses frame, which stand out unpleasant when worn later. There is no risk that deforming the glasses frame becomes unusable.

The pivot point for the angle of inclination is realized on the axis of rotation of the spectacle joint, so that according to the invention a small design is possible.

Further developments, embodiments of the invention / additional claims

In one embodiment of the invention, the coupling element is connected to a spring.

As with the first solution, two coupling elements are connected to the axis of rotation of the spectacle joint. These coupling elements are displaceably guided in each case in the upper and lower Bügelbefestigungsbereich and movable along the direction of action, which extends from and to the axis of rotation.

An additional spring is located between Bügelbefestigungsbereich and a coupling element and moves the coupling element by its spring force along its guide in the bracket mounting area. The spring force presses the coupling element against a variable in strap longitudinal attachment point. Due to the spring force, this position is a preferred position, which is taken automatically by the coupling element.

The position of the attachment point determines the position of the coupling element and thus also the effective length of the coupling element. This attachment point can be realized, for example, by an adjusting screw which can be screwed in the direction of the axis of rotation and contacts the movable coupling element. The screw pushes the coupling element against the spring force of the spring.

This results in a corresponding inclination angle of the eyeglass temple. The entire, desired inclination angle range can also be covered here with only one movable, adjustable coupling element, the other having a constant effective length. The movable, adjustable coupling element takes over the task to change the eyeglass temple up and down. In this case, the basic position of the coupling element is in a middle position, so that the effective length of the coupling element can be shortened and increased.

The angle of inclination of the stirrup is determined by the two preferred positions. This results in the best dynamics when the preferred positions are changed in opposite directions. With a change of approximately +/- 0.4 mm results in a distance of the coupling elements of 8 mm at the axis of rotation of the eyeglass joint, a stroke of about +/- 20 mm at the ear.

In an extension, both coupling elements are connected separately with a spring with the bracket attachment area. Both coupling elements are pressed independently of each other by the spring force against a stop point, which determines the preferred position of the coupling element.

The slight displacements of the coupling elements are introduced by way of example via an adjusting bolt with eccentric rings. Depending on the rotational position of the adjusting a different attachment point acts on the lower and upper coupling element. By suitable choice of the eccentric depressions, this results in the desired attachment points for the upper and lower coupling element. The setting is possible according to the invention via an actuating element.

Ideally, this preferred position is infinitely adjustable. For this purpose, the invention presented here uses, for example, an adjusting pin which, by means of suitable eccentric cuts, manipulates the abutment point of the two coupling elements in opposite directions.

The invention mentioned here uses the axis of rotation of the spectacle joint simultaneously with the inclination of the temple. By a corresponding dimensioned actuator is a fine, reproducible and quick adjustment of the angle of inclination possible.

By the spring force, the coupling elements are pressed against the abutment point of the actuating element. This force is transmitted to the actuator whereby it is also pressed into its holder in the bracket mounting area. This avoids movement of the attachment point through tolerances and loose transition points. The adjustment is thus according to the invention more direct, sensitive and reproducible.

In order to implement the listed solutions, the spectacle jaw or the temple fastening area can receive the coupling elements in a displaceable manner. Both variants lead according to the invention to a variable and adjustable angle of inclination.

additional advantages of this embodiment

The horizontal rotation of the bracket and the angle of inclination of the bracket have their center on the axis of rotation of the spectacle joint.

The adjustability is reproducible, so that with two identically manufactured spectacles, the setting values of the first spectacles will lead to the same angle of inclination in the second spectacles.

If you do not like the glasses, they can be taken again without loss of value, since the original state is easily adjustable again.

Conclusion general part

The abovementioned and claimed components to be used according to the invention described in the exemplary embodiments are not subject to special exceptions in their size, shape, design, material selection and technical conceptions, so that the selection criteria known in the field of application can be used without restriction.

embodiment

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments.

A first alternative of an adjustable spectacle joint with displaceable coupling elements at the temple attachment area with a toggle rod

1 : Side view of an eyeglass joint with articulated rod

A second alternative of an adjustable spectacle joint with displaceable coupling elements, wherein the coupling elements are held by spring forces in a preferred position.

2 Image: Side view of a glasses joint with feathers

Description figure

Fig. 1

1 shows a first alternative of an adjustable spectacle frame in the side view. Here is the glasses front 2 with the glasses cheek 3 connected. At this glasses cheek 3 is additionally the axis of rotation 4 attached. On the other side of the axis of rotation 4 is a lower and an upper coupling element 8th . 9 with the rotation axis 4 articulated. These two coupling elements 8th . 9 be from the temple attachment area 4 slidably guided. Both coupling elements 8th . 9 are in addition to a movable articulated rod 18 movably attached. This articulated rod 18 has a pivot point in the center of the joint 19 ,

About the movable articulated rod 18 results in an opposite mobility of the coupling elements 8th . 9 , A displacement of the upper coupling element 8th z. B. to the left leads to an increase in the effective length of the coupling element 6 , at the same time becomes the lower coupling element 9 shifted to the right, which shortens the effective length of the coupling element. The angle of inclination 17 the glasses are changed, so that in this example the temple end piece 5 moved down.

The change of the two positions of the coupling elements 8th . 9 has influence on the respective effective length 6 . 7 , This will cause the top and bottom clearance 6 . 7 of the temple attachment area 4 to the axis of rotation 1 changed. This raises another angle of inclination 17 of the eyeglass strap, the strap attachment area 4 and temple end piece 5 exists, to the glasses front 2 one.

By determining this joint combination z. B. by a locking screw in the center of the articulated rod 19 consisting of axis of rotation 1 , upper and lower coupling element 8th . 9 and the articulated rod 18 results in a permanent adjustment of the angle of inclination 17 , This locking option can be omitted if the actuator 14 , which is realized in this figure with an adjusting screw, a fixed, rotatable coupling to the lower coupling element 9 Has. The position of the control element 14 determines the positions of the joint combination and thus the angle of inclination 17 ,

With the opposition of the coupling elements is a circular movement of the eyeglass temple around the center of the axis of rotation 15 reached. This has according to the invention additional optical advantages, so that z. B. the distance between spectacle jaw 3 and bracket attachment area 4 regardless of the angle of inclination 17 remains constant.

Fig. 2

2 shows a second alternative of an adjustable spectacle joint with springs 22 . 23 in the side view.

It is shown with glasses with the glasses front 2 at the glasses cheek 3 is firmly connected. At this glasses cheek 3 is the rotation axis 1 attached.

On the right side of the rotation axis 4 is a lower and an upper coupling element 8th . 9 with the rotation axis 4 articulated. These two coupling elements 8th . 9 be from the temple attachment area 4 slidably guided. Both coupling elements 8th . 9 are additionally with a spring 22 . 23 with the temple attachment area 4 connected. By the bias of these springs 22 . 23 are the spring forces with the indicated effective direction 10 . 11 generated.

With the effective direction 10 the upper spring 22 becomes the upper coupling element 8th against the rigid lifting point 12 on the actuator 14 pressed. The upper coupling element thus takes the upper preferred position 12 one. This will be the upper distance 6 from the temple attachment area 4 to the axis of rotation 1 certainly.

Analogous to this is with the effective direction 11 the lower spring 23 the lower coupling element 9 against the rigid lifting point 13 on the actuator 14 pressed. The upper coupling element thus takes the upper preferred position 13 one. This will be the lower distance 7 from the temple attachment area 4 to the axis of rotation 1 certainly.

The actuator 14 is rotatable in the bracket mounting area 4 and can with a locking screw 21 be fixed.

With the lower and upper preferred position 12 . 13 becomes the upper and lower distance 6 . 7 of the temple attachment area 4 to the axis of rotation 1 certainly. A rotation of the control element 14 changes these preferred positions 12 . 13 due to the different, eccentric depressions on the actuator 14 , This results in another lower and upper distance 6 . 7 which results in a changed angle of inclination 17 of the temple attachment area 4 results.

With the locking screw 21 becomes the desired rotational position of the actuator 14 and thus fixes the desired angle of inclination.

Recognizable is the point of contact 16 where the glasses cheek 3 and the temple attachment area 4 touch.

By suitable choice of preferred positions 12 . 13 on the actuator 14 becomes a circular motion of the temple attachment area 4 around the center of the axis of rotation 15 achieved. Through a circular cover with the center of the axis of rotation 15 results in a constant gap between the spectacle jaw 3 and bracket attachment area 4 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

axis of rotation

2

glasses front

3

glasses Backe

4

Ironing fastening area

5

Side-piece

6

upper distance

7

lower distance

8th

Upper coupling element

9

lower coupling element

10

Direction of action of the upper spring force

11

Direction of action of the lower spring force

12

upper preferred position

13

lower preferred position

14

actuator

15

pivot point

16

Contact point eyeglass jaw with bracket attachment area

17

tilt angle

18

joint rod

19

Center of the articulated rod

20

Mobility of the articulated rod

21

locking screw

22

upper spring

23

lower spring

Claims (5)

Eyeglass joint for a pair of glasses consisting of a rotation axis ( 1 ) at which the spectacle cheek ( 3 ) and a bracket attachment area ( 4 ) are hinged together and at least the upper distance ( 6 ) or the lower distance ( 7 ) of spectacle jaw ( 3 ) or ironing area ( 4 ) to the axis of rotation ( 1 ) is variable, characterized in that spectacle jaw ( 3 ) or bracket mounting area ( 4 ) via a lower and upper coupling element ( 8th . 9 ) with the axis of rotation ( 1 ) and at least one coupling element ( 8th . 9 ) in the spectacle cheek ( 3 ) or in the bracket attachment area ( 4 ) and in its position via an actuating element ( 14 ) is continuously adjustable and adjustable. Eyeglass joint according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one guided coupling element ( 8th . 9 ) of an elastic force ( 10 . 11 ) in an adjustable preferred position ( 12 . 13 ) is held. Eyeglass joint according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that when using two guided coupling elements ( 8th . 9 ) the setting of the lower and upper distance ( 6 . 7 ) to the axis of rotation ( 1 ) via a single actuator ( 14 ) he follows. Eyeglass joint according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when using two guided coupling elements ( 8th . 9 ) the setting of the lower and upper distance ( 6 . 7 ) to the axis of rotation ( 1 ) takes place in opposite directions. Eyeglass joint according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the spectacle jaw ( 3 ) and Bügelbefestigungsbereich ( 4 ) in at least one place.

Images