Spring hinge

A spring hinge for spectacles having a center piece and side pieces fitted pivotably thereto is proposed, having a spring element cooperating with said side pieces, a housing having a recess receiving the hinge element and the spring element, within which housing the hinge element is displaceably disposed, and having a locking body disposed in the recess, the locking body having a receiving region and the housing having a deformation region which is displaceable into the receiving region. The spring hinge is characterized in that the receiving region is configured such that the locking body, and hence the hinge element, is prevented from being twisted and from being pulled out of the recess.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a 35 U.S.C. §371 national phase conversion of PCT/EP2003/014049 filed 11 Dec. 2003, which claims priority to German Application No. 102 61 765.1 filed on 19 Dec. 2002.

The PCT International Application was published in the German language.

The invention relates to a spring hinge for spectacles according to the preamble to claim1.

Spring hinges of the type here under discussion are known. They serve to connect side pieces in an elastically resilient manner to a spectacle center piece comprising spectacle lenses. The spring hinges allow the side pieces to be fitted with a predefinable force onto the head of a wearer of the spectacles. The side pieces can also be pivoted out of a first functional setting, in which they bear against the center piece, into a second functional setting, in which they are disposed approximately at right angles to the center piece. If the side pieces are pivoted outward beyond the second functional setting, a spring element in the spring hinge is activated, which draws the side pieces back into the second functional setting so that the spectacles are securely held.

The spring element is accommodated inside a housing of the spring hinge, namely in a recess in the housing which also receives a hinge element held in the housing by a locking body.

It is known to fix the locking body inside the housing with a screw. In view of the miniaturization of spring hinges, the screws are getting increasingly small, so that they are becoming more and more intricate to handle. It has already been proposed to replace the screws with a bead by which the locking body is anchored inside the housing. The bead engages in an annular groove made in the basic element of the locking body. Although this produces an axial anchorage of the locking body, so that the hinge element cannot be pulled out from inside the housing, an additional protection is required against the hinge element being twisted in the housing. This leads to a relatively complex construction of the spring hinge.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a spring hinge of the type stated in the introduction, which is of simple construction and does not have this drawback.

For the achievement of this object, a spring hinge is proposed which has the features stated in claim1. The locking body of this spring hinge has a receiving region and the housing has a deformation region. The latter is displaceable into the receiving region of the locking body. The spring hinge is characterized in that the receiving region is configured such that the locking body is prevented from being twisted and pulled out of the recess. A double action is here therefore obtained, which allows a secure anchorage of the hinge element in the housing of the spring hinge without the need for any additional measures. Furthermore, the use of screws is rendered unnecessary by the deformation region, thereby substantially simplifying the assembly of the spring hinge.

An illustrative embodiment of the spring hinge is preferred which is characterized in that the deformation region is formed by at least one wall region of the housing which is plastically deformable by means of a tool. The parts of the spring hinge are thus able to be joined together particularly simply.

An illustrative embodiment of the spring hinge is additionally preferred which is characterized in that the wall region is closed. This has the advantage that no impurities can get inside the housing of the spring hinge, which impurities could lead to wearing and to functional defects.

An illustrative embodiment is additionally preferred which is characterized in that the deformation region comprises two plastically deformable wall regions of the housing. It is therefore possible to lend the spring hinge a variable shape and to adapt the number of deformation regions, for example, to different loading cases of the spring hinge.

In addition, an illustrative embodiment of the spring hinge is preferred which is characterized in that the plastically deformable wall region of the housing is thinner than the rest of its wall. The deformation forces are thus able to be adjusted and reduced to a minimum, with the result that a deformation of the rest of the spring hinge can virtually be precluded.

A further preferred illustrative embodiment of the spring hinge is characterized in that the receiving region in the locking body has at least one cavity, which can be made in the basic element of the locking body and in which the deformation region engages. This embodiment limits the range of motion in the displacement of the deformation region and thus offers the prospect of guaranteeing a defined assembly state. Furthermore, the deformation region cannot readily be pierced with the tool.

In addition, an illustrative embodiment of the spring hinge is preferred which is characterized in that the receiving region has at least one cutout, which can be made in the basic element of the locking body and which embraces the deformation region on at least three sides. The locking body can be realized differently, for example can have guide arms. It is possible to place the deformation region between the guide arms, which thus bear against the deformation region on two sides and hence prevent a rotation of the locking body within the housing of the spring hinge. A further region of the cutout bears against the deformation region and ensures that the locking body, and hence the hinge element, cannot be pulled out of the housing.

Further embodiments emerge from the remaining sub-claims.

FIG. 1shows a longitudinal section through a spring hinge1having a housing3which encloses a recess5. The latter accommodates a hinge element7having a gudgeon9, a spring element11, here configured as a helical spring, and a locking body13, also referred to as a guide and closing piece. The latter is shown in partially cut representation, so that a receiving region17made in the basic element15of the locking body is visible, into which a deformation region19of the housing3is displaced. A tool21is also indicated here, which comprises a mandrel23.

In the illustrative embodiment which is here represented, the receiving region17is realized as a cavity which is formed in the basic element15of the locking body13and in which the deformation region19engages. The locking body13is thus held in the recess5such that, on the one hand, it is axially secured and, on the other hand, a twisting of the locking body13relative to the housing3is precluded.

The basic construction of a spring hinge1of the type here under discussion is known, so that this is only explored briefly here: the spring hinge1can be connected by the gudgeon9to a hinge piece (not here represented), which, for its part, has at least one gudgeon. Spring hinges are known in which the hinge element7has two gudgeons disposed at a distance apart. The illustrative embodiment which is here represented is provided with a gudgeon9, which cooperates, for example, with two mutually spaced gudgeons of the hinge piece, a screw reaching through the through hole25of the gudgeon9and corresponding through holes in the gudgeon(s) of the hinge piece.

In the representation which is here chosen, it is assumed that the housing3is part of a side piece27, which is connected by the hinge piece (not here represented) to a spectacle center piece. The side piece27can be displaced relative to the center piece from a first functional setting, in which the side piece27bears against the center piece, into a second functional setting, in which the side piece27stands approximately perpendicular to the spectacle center piece. In this functional setting, the front side29of the housing3, in this case, therefore, also of the spectacle side piece27, bears against the hinge piece or the spectacle center piece. If the side piece is further pivoted in the clockwise direction, then the hinge element7is pulled, counter to the force of the spring element11, out of the recess5of the housing3, whereupon the spring element11is compressed. This leads to a restoring force, which displaces the side piece27back into its second functional setting and thus fits the spectacle side piece onto the head of a spectacle wearer with a pretensioning force.

The hinge element7has a guide region31adjoining the gudgeon9, which guide region reaches through the locking body13and transforms into a pin33, which here penetrates the spring element11. On that end of the pin which lies opposite the guide region31, a brace35, configured as a flattening, is given for the spring element11, which latter is supported with its right end against the brace35and with its left end against the locking body13.

FIG. 2shows a cross section through the housing3along the line II-II. Identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals, so that, in this respect, reference is made to the comments regardingFIG. 1.

The sectional representation according toFIG. 2shows that the outer face37of the housing3, and hence of the side piece27, is of circular cylindrical configuration in this region. Accordingly, the recess5is also cylindrical. Two guide arms39and41are here visible, which are disposed at a distance apart and emanate from the basic element15of the locking body13. The internal surfaces of the guide arms39and41are of plane configuration and are disposed at such a distance apart that the guide region31of the hinge element7(not depicted in the representation according toFIG. 2) locates here.FIG. 2reveals that the basic element15of the locking body13has a through hole43disposed concentrically to the recess5, through which the pin33of the hinge element7(not here represented) is guided. The locking body13thus guides the hinge element7, on the one hand, in the region of the through hole43, on the other hand, through the internal surfaces of the guide arms39and41; therefore also referred to as the guide sleeve.

Also indicated inFIG. 2is the tool21, with whose mandrel23the housing3, as explained above, is deformed.

FIG. 3shows the section depicted inFIG. 2, though with inserted hinge element7. Identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description toFIG. 1 and 2. It is clearly apparent in this sectional representation that the spacing of the guide arms39and41is chosen such that the guide region31of the hinge element7is here guided in a two-dimensional plane, a rotation of the guide region31, and hence of the hinge element7, within the recess5being prevented by the anchorage of the locking body13; therefore also referred to as the closing sleeve.

FIG. 4shows a further illustrative embodiment of a spring hinge1. Identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description to the preceding figures and here only the differences relative to the illustrative embodiment according toFIG. 1are explored.

The housing3has a slot45, the width of which is matched to the thickness of the hinge element7such that the walls of the housing3which limit the slot45likewise help to guide the hinge element7.

FIG. 5shows a further illustrative embodiment of a spring hinge1. Identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals, so that, in this respect, reference is made to the description to the preceding figures.

In the illustrative embodiments represented inFIGS. 1 and 4, the housing3of the spring hinge1is formed by the side piece27of a pair of spectacles. The illustrative embodiment of the spring hinge1which is represented inFIG. 5is characterized in that the housing3is configured as a separate element, which is applied to a side piece27(not here represented). Standard methods such as soldering, welding, especially electric welding, and the like can herein be used.

In the illustrative embodiment which is here represented, it becomes particularly clear that the deformation region19is formed by a plastically deformable wall region of the housing3which is thinner than the rest of the wall47of the housing3. The mandrel23of the tool21is here, therefore, in part cylindrically configured, while the mandrel23, in the illustrative embodiments according toFIGS. 1 and 4, can have a conical outer contour.

In the spring hinges1, too, according toFIGS. 1 and 4, the deformation region19is preferably likewise realized by a plastically deformable wall region which is thinner than the rest of the wall of the housing3.

Common to the illustrative embodiments represented inFIGS. 1,4and5is the fact that the receiving region17in the locking body13is disposed in an annular region of the basic element15. From this, as explained, two guide arms39and41can emanate, which serve to guide the hinge element7, especially the guide region31thereof. In the illustrative embodiment which is here represented, the hinge element is guided exclusively by the locking body13. The fact that the receiving region17is realized by a defined cavity, which is of conical configuration, for example, means that the locking body13is secured by the deformation region19, reaching into the receiving region17, both against twisting relative to the housing3and against axial displacement. The hinge element7is thus also prevented from being pulled out of the recess5of the housing3.

FIG. 6shows a modified illustrative embodiment of a spring hinge1, which substantially corresponds to that represented inFIG. 4. Identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description to the preceding figures.

The critical difference to the illustrative embodiment according toFIG. 4, but also relative to the illustrative embodiment represented inFIG. 1, is that the deformation region19of the housing3does not engage in the annular region49of the basic element15of the locking body13, but rather in the cutout or free space provided between the guide arms39and41, which free space—viewed in the longitudinal direction—is limited by the two internal surfaces of the guide arms39,41, and inFIG. 6, to the right, by the annular region49. Since the deformation region19juts into the recess5and the locking body13is disposed inside the recess5to the right of the deformation region, the locking body13, in the presence of a tensile force acting upon the hinge element7, can no longer be pulled out of the recess5. A twisting of the locking body13is prevented by the two guide arms39and41.

Finally, in the illustrative embodiment, too, according toFIG. 6, the locking body13is therefore secured against twisting and against being pulled out of the recess5.

FIG. 7shows a further illustrative embodiment of a spring hinge1. Identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description to the preceding figures.

The difference relative to the spring hinges already described consists in the fact that the locking body13has at least one, here two running surfaces51disposed to the right and left of the hinge element7, only the front one of which is represented here. The other running face53lies behind the hinge element7and is thus concealed.

In the illustrative embodiment represented inFIG. 7, the deformation region19of the housing3engages in a receiving region17of the locking body13, which, in turn, is disposed in the annular region49of the basic element15. This embodiment is therefore comparable with those which have been explained with reference toFIGS. 1 to 5. In the illustrative embodiment which is here represented, the brace35for the spring element11is not realized by a flattening of the end of the pin33, but by a compression.

Contrastingly, in the illustrative embodiment of the spring hinge1represented inFIG. 8, the deformation region19is disposed, in turn, in the immediate vicinity of the annular region49, to be precise between the guide arms31and41, whereof the front guide arm41is here visible. On the guide arms, running surfaces51and53are, in turn, provided, which are disposed to the right and left of the hinge element7.

Regarding the running surfaces, which in essence are known, the following should be noted: upon a swivel motion of the side piece27, which here forms the housing3of the spring hinges1represented inFIGS. 7 and 8, cams configured on the hinge piece connected to the center piece of the spectacles, run along the front side of the housing, which leads to a wearing of the housing3and of the cams. This applies, in particular, where, for the hinge piece and for the housing3, materials are chosen which tend toward cold-welding, as is the case, for example, with titanium. Such wearing phenomena can be prevented if between the two elements, i.e. between the cams on the hinge piece and the front side of the housing3, namely the running surfaces51and53, a material is introduced which has good sliding characteristics relative to the cams on the hinge piece, in this case, therefore, relative to titanium. The cams of the hinge piece then run down on these running surfaces.

A comparison ofFIGS. 7 and 8shows that the guide arms39and41can be configured in varying lengths to enable different lengths of the spring hinge1to be realized.

In the illustrative embodiments represented inFIGS. 1 to 8, the deformation region19has been provided at the top of the housing3. It is herein assumed that the spring hinges1here respectively have a single deformation region19, which cooperates with a corresponding receiving region17in the locking body13.

FIG. 9shows a further illustrative embodiment of a spring hinge in longitudinal section, the sectional plane being rotated by 90° relative to that chosen inFIGS. 1,4,5,6,7and8. Identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals, so that, in this respect, reference is made to the description to the preceding figures.

The sole difference is here that the housing3has two deformation regions19and19′, which are provided on the right and left on the housing3and cooperate with corresponding receiving regions17and17′ in the basic element15of the locking body13. The receiving regions17,17′ are disposed in the annular region49of the locking body13, which here, in turn, can have two guide arms39and41, which cooperate with the guide region31of the hinge element7.

FIG. 10shows a locking body13in perspective view. On the one hand, the annular region49of the basic element15and, on the other hand, the guide arms39and41having the internal surfaces F1and F2acting as guide surfaces, can here be clearly identified. In the annular region49, the receiving region17is provided, which is here configured as a cavity and displays a substantially conical contour.

The through bore43reaching through the annular region49has a diameter which is somewhat greater than the distance between the first guide arm39and the second guide arm41. This produces, on the internal surface of the guide arms, a respective channel55and57.

FIG. 11shows an illustrative embodiment of a locking body13, the guide arms39and41of which are configured shorter than is the case in the illustrative embodiment according toFIG. 10. The diameter of the through hole.43is smaller than the distance between the guide arms39,41, so that their inner sides form plane guide surfaces, which cooperate with the guide region31of a hinge element7(not here represented).

Here too, the receiving region17is clearly discernible, which is disposed in the annular region49of the basic element13of the hinge element13and has a frustoconical contour.

FIG. 12shows a longitudinal section through the illustrative embodiment of the locking body13represented inFIG. 11. The internal surface of the guide arm39is here clearly visible, as is the frustoconical contour of the receiving region17, which latter is disposed in the annular region49of the basic element15of the locking body13. Just like the mutually facing internal surfaces of the guide arms39and41, the internal surface of the through hole43serves the guidance of the hinge element7, the pin33of the hinge element7being disposed and guided in the region of the through hole43.

FIG. 13ashows a modified illustrative embodiment of a locking body13. Identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description to the figures above. The illustrative embodiment represented inFIG. 13ais characterized in that, in the annular region49, no receiving region17is provided. This is instead formed by the free space between the guide arms39and41, which bear on the right and left against a deformation region19(not here represented) and thus prevent a twisting of the locking body13in a recess5of a housing3. The locking body13is prevented from being pulled out of a recess5of a spring hinge1by the front side59of the annular region49of the basic element13, which front side faces the observer.

The locking body13represented inFIG. 13ahas, therefore, a receiving region17which is situated between the guide arms39and41and is formed by the cutout between the guide arms39and41. This cutout embraces a deformation region19of a spring hinge1on three sides, namely with the guide arms39and41and with the front side59of the annular region49of the locking body13.

FIG. 13bshows a modified illustrative embodiment of a locking body13. Identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals, so that, in this respect, reference is made to the description to the preceding figures, especially toFIG. 13a.

The basic element15of the locking body13has two guide arms39and41with an intervening receiving region17, which is here realized as a flattening A of a part of the annular region49. This flattening is situated between the two guide arms39and41and transforms, via a step S, into the peripheral surface U of the annular region49.

A deformation region19locates upon the flattening A, so that the locking body13can no longer be twisted within the recess5of a housing3. The deformation region19also butts against the step S, so that the locking body13can no longer be pulled out of the recess5.

The locking body13is therefore shown to have a receiving region17, which, in cooperation with a deformation region19, leads to the locking body13being secured both against rotation and against an axial displacement within the housing3of a spring hinge1.

In the illustrative embodiment represented inFIG. 13b, the receiving region17can be created relatively simply, namely by the removal of material from the peripheral surface U of the basic element15of the locking body13, for example through a milling or grinding process. Of course, the flattening A can also be taken into consideration in a forming process during the manufacture of the locking body13and can be formed into the basic element15.

FIG. 14shows a modified illustrative embodiment of a locking body13in longitudinal section. Here, a guide arm39, the annular region49of the basic element15of the locking body13and the through hole43which penetrates this region are clearly discernible. The receiving region17is here realized by a bore, which penetrates the wall of the annular region49and thus ensures that a deformation region19can engage here. This embodiment of the receiving region17also has the effect that, when a deformation region19engages here, the locking body13is secured against twisting within a recess5of a housing3of a spring hinge1, and against the locking body13, and hence a hinge element7, being pulled out from the recess5of the spring hinge1.

FIG. 15ashows in perspective representation a modified illustrative embodiment of a locking body13, which is configured similar to that represented inFIG. 11. Identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals, so that reference is made to the preceding figures and their description.

The illustrative embodiment represented inFIG. 15ais characterized by running surfaces51and53, which are formed by material strips disposed on those ends of the guide arms39and41which are facing away from the annular region49. Preferably, the locking body13is configured in one piece. It is also conceivable, however, to fasten the running surfaces51and53in a suitable manner to the ends of the guide arms39and41, for example, to weld or solder them in place. In the illustrative embodiment represented inFIG. 15a, a receiving region17is realized in the annular region49. It is also conceivable, however, to choose the recess situated between the guide arms39and41as the receiving region17, as has been explained with reference toFIG. 13.

Finally, it is also possible, in the illustrative embodiment represented inFIG. 15a, to provide two receiving regions, disposed on the sides, as has been explained with reference toFIG. 9. The same also applies, of course, to the other locking bodies13represented inFIGS. 10 to 14.

FIG. 15bshows in perspective view a further illustrative embodiment of a locking body, which is modified relative to that inFIG. 15a. Identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals, so that, in this respect, reference is made to preceding figure.

The locking body13represented inFIG. 15bhas two guide arms39and41, which emanate from an annular region49and, at their ends facing away from the annular region49, are provided with running surfaces51and53. These are mutually connected in their upper region by a material bridge B, so that, ultimately, a U-shaped front side is formed, which closes off a housing3into which the locking body13is fitted. In addition, the material bridge B helps to stabilize the locking body13, since those ends of the guide arms39and41which are facing away from the annular region49of the basic element15are mutually connected.

On the inner side of the guide arms39and41can be recognized internal surfaces F1and F2acting as guide surfaces, which have already been explained in detail above and guide the hinge element7introduced between the guide arms39and41.

In the illustrative embodiment of the locking body13which is here represented, the annular region49has no receiving region. Instead, it is here too envisaged that the deformation region19(not here represented) of the housing3locates between the guide arms39and41. A twisting of the locking body13within the housing3(not here represented) is thus precluded. Moreover, the deformation region19is disposed between the guide arms39and41such that it bears against the front side59of the annular region49. An axial displacement of the locking body13is also thereby prevented.

FIG. 15bfurther shows the through hole43, which penetrates the annular region49of the basic element15and the wall of which serves to guide the pin33of the hinge element7when the latter is inserted into the locking body13.

FIG. 16shows, in exploded representation, a spring housing1having a hinge element7, a locking body13, and having a spring element11, which here, in turn, is configured as a helical spring.

The spring hinge1here transforms into a side piece27of a pair of spectacles. A line61is used to indicate that the spring hinge1can be fitted to the side piece27. It is also possible, however, to fit the recess5of the spring hinge1directly into the end of a side piece27, so that, between the spring hinge1or its housing3and the rest of the side piece27no transition is visible, so that the line61can be deleted.

On the top side of the housing a depression63is visible, in the region of which the thickness of the wall47is reduced and a deformation region19is configured. If the wall47is suitably thin, the depression63can be dispensed with. It is useful, however, for the reason that, when completing the housing, it is easy to see where the deformation region19is disposed and where it is necessary to apply the tool21in order to anchor the locking body13securely in the recess5of the housing3of the spring hinge1.

The hinge element7has a gudgeon9, which is passed through by a through hole25, and also a guide region31, which locates in the free space of the locking body13, which free space is provided between the guide arms39and41. The basic element15of the locking body13is reached through by the pin33of the hinge element7. Said pin juts therefore through the through hole43in the annular region49of the locking body13and extends through the spring element11. That end65of the pin33which is facing away from the gudgeon9is deformed once the locking body13and the spring element11have been slipped on, so that a brace35, realized, for example, by a flattening, is formed, which brace has been explained with reference to the preceding figures and serves to clamp the spring element11in place between the locking body13and the brace35.

The assembly unit consisting of hinge element7, locking body13and spring element11can also be slid, following preassembly, into the recess5. The deformation region19is then deformed such that it engages in the recess5in the housing3and here, for example, is displaced into the receiving region17which is situated between the guide arms39and41and which is limited to the right by the annular region49or the front side59thereof.

Through the displacement of the deformation region19into the receiving region17, the locking body13is anchored inside the spring hinge1and is secured against twisting and against being pulled out of the recess5, whereby the hinge element7is also prevented from being possibly pulled out of the recess.

With reference toFIG. 16, it has been explained that a depression63can be made in the wall47. It is also conceivable, however, to make in the wall47a through hole, the rim of which is displaced into the receiving region17and thus forms the deformation region19. An attempt can be made to form the rim of the hole, and hence the deformation region19, tight against the receiving region17. It cannot be wholly precluded, however, that in such a configuration of the deformation region19, impurities may manage to get inside the housing3. It is therefore preferable if the deformation region19, as described above, is realized by a closed wall region, which is plastically deformable and the wall thickness of which is preferably thinner than the wall47of the housing3. The reduced wall thickness can serve to ensure that the forces for the displacement of the deformation region19into the receiving region17do not get too large. A deformation of the spring hinge1as a whole is thus able to be prevented.

In the illustrative embodiment of the spring hinge1which is represented inFIG. 16, a locking body13as explained with reference toFIG. 10or11, or as represented inFIG. 15, can be used. It is therefore possible to provide the locking body13with at least one recess, which forms the receiving region17, the recess being able to be realized by a cavity or by a bore. As explained with reference toFIG. 9, two deformation regions and receiving regions, disposed on the side of the spring hinge1, can also be provided in this case. Finally, it is possible to provide the locking body13with running surfaces51and53, which has been explained in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 7 and 8, and15.

FIG. 17shows in exploded representation a spring hinge having a housing3, which can be configured separate from a spectacle side piece and can be applied thereto. Parts which have already been explained with reference to the preceding figures are provided with identical reference numerals, so that, in this respect, reference is made to the preceding figures so as to avoid repetition.

In the perspective view according toFIG. 17, the hinge element7, the locking body13, as has been explained with reference toFIG. 15b, and a spring element11are arranged in mutual alignment. Parallel thereto and further to the rear lies the housing3.

The guide region31of the hinge element7, which cooperates with the guide surfaces F1and F2of the locking body13, is clearly discernible. The pin33of the hinge element7reaches through the through hole43in the basic element15of the locking body13and penetrates the spring element11configured as a helical spring. In order to secure this on the pin33, the end65of the pin33is deformed, for example pressed flat, so as to form a brace35for the spring element11.

The hinge element7is then—as in the other illustrative embodiments—slid jointly with the locking body13and the spring element11, at least in part, into the recess5of the housing3; the gudgeon9of the hinge element7remains outside the housing3.

In the fitting the preassemblable subassembly consisting of hinge element7, locking body13and spring element11, this is slid into the housing3to the point where the running surfaces51and53, and the material bridge B, rest upon the front side29of the housing3.

FIG. 18shows a spring hinge1in exploded representation, though here the preassemblable subassembly consisting of hinge element7, locking body13and spring element11are already assembled. The end65of the pin33, which is here not visible, is compressed in the longitudinal direction so as to form the brace35and secure the spring element.

Separate from the preassemblable subassembly, the housing3of the spring hinge1is represented.

FIG. 19shows the spring hinge represented inFIGS. 17 and 18in the assembled state, the housing3being represented in longitudinal section.

It can clearly be discerned that the hinge element7is inserted partially into the recess5in the housing3, namely to the point where the gudgeon9protrudes. The locking body13is held in locking arrangement inside the housing3such that it, on the one hand, is fixed in the axial direction and, on the other hand, cannot be twisted within the housing3. For this purpose, a deformation region19of the housing3, which is here disposed, by way of example, on the bottom side thereof, is forced inside the recess5such that it bears against the front side59of the locking body3. The deformation region19reaches up to the guide arms39and41, whereof the front guide arm41is here visible. A twisting of the locking body13is prevented by the fact that the lower edges of the guide arms39and41butt against the deformation region19.

In the illustrative embodiment which is here represented, the housing3is provided on its bottom side with weld bosses69and71, which serve to fasten the housing3onto a spectacle side piece (not here represented) by electric welding. Naturally, other fastening options, such as soldering or the like, are also possible.

The hinge element7, where the deformation region19is provided, is provided with a flattened region67so as to ensure that the deformation region19does not press onto the hinge element7and restrict its freedom of motion. The annular region49, measured in the radial direction, reaches beyond the flattened region67. If the housing3, in the receiving region17of the locking body3, is pressed in the deformation region19, then the region67of the hinge element7is not blocked by the deformation region19of the housing3, though a twisting of the hinge element7in the recess5is prevented. At the same time, the front side59of the annular region49of the locking body13serves, as stated, as an axial stop for the deformation region19. Here too, therefore, it is ensured that the hinge element7is held in the housing3such that it is secured against twisting and against excessive axial displacement.

All in all, a different realization of a spring hinge1is shown to be possible, which spring hinge comprises a locking body13having a receiving region17and a housing3having a deformation region19. The locking body13can be differently realized, as can the associated receiving region17, which can comprise one or more depressions or bores or, indeed, a recess which is situated between two guide arms39and41. The deformation region has at least one wall region which is plastically deformable and can be displaced into the receiving region17. In this way, it is easily possible, in particular without the use of any screws, to anchor the hinge element7inside the housing3by means of the locking body13, the locking body13being secured both against twisting and against being pulled out of the recess5of the housing3.

It becomes clear from the figures that the locking body13has at least one guide surface F1, which cooperates with a guide region31of the hinge element7such that, given anti-twist protection and axial fixation of the locking body13, a twisting and an excessive axial displacement of the hinge element7are likewise prevented. In the illustrative embodiments which are here represented, it can be seen that the guide arms39and41have on their inner sides a respective guide surface F1and F2, between which the guide region31of the hinge element7is disposed. The guide surfaces permit an axial displacement of the hinge element7over a certain path length. The axial securement of the locking body13inside the housing3and the supporting of the spring element11against the locking body13and against the brace35of the hinge element7serve, however, to prevent the hinge element7from being pulled out of the housing3.

This ensures, therefore, that the hinge element7cannot be twisted relative to the housing3and cannot be pulled fully out of the recess5. This simple construction proves its worth, in particular, in the increasing miniaturization of spring hinges1, the position of the deformation region19being easily discernible, in particular, if the wall47of the housing3is provided with a region of thinner wall thickness, i.e. when a depression63is provided, for example, which shows the user where the deformation of the housing3must be effected in order to anchor the locking body13or the hinge element7securely in the housing3.

Preferably, the wall region of the housing3in the deformation region19is of continuous configuration, so that the interior of the housing3is protected against the penetration of impurities. In principle, it is also possible, however, to realize the deformation region19by way of the rim of a hole made in the wall47of the housing3.

From the illustrative embodiments which have here been represented and explained, it can be concluded that the deformation region19can be provided on the top side of the housing3, but also on the bottom side thereof. It is additionally conceivable to provide a deformation region19in the region of at least one of the side walls of the housing3. It also becomes plain that for a spring hinge a single deformation region may suffice, but that a plurality of deformation regions, where appropriate lying opposite one another in pairs, can also be realized.

In the final analysis, it is evident that the basic principle of the securement of the hinge element7against twisting and against being pulled out of the housing3, which principle has here been pursued, can be realized both in spring hinges1, the housing3of which is part of the side piece, and in spring hinges1which have a separate housing3applied to a spectacle side piece. Should the housing3be welded on, it can be provided with one or more weld bosses in the region of the bearing surface by which it rests on the side piece, which has been explained, by way of example, with reference toFIG. 19.