EP0168009B1 - Finishing parts for a wrist watch - Google Patents
Finishing parts for a wrist watch Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0168009B1 EP0168009B1 EP19850108437 EP85108437A EP0168009B1 EP 0168009 B1 EP0168009 B1 EP 0168009B1 EP 19850108437 EP19850108437 EP 19850108437 EP 85108437 A EP85108437 A EP 85108437A EP 0168009 B1 EP0168009 B1 EP 0168009B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- particles
- element according
- exterior element
- exterior
- watch
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 title claims abstract 3
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetaldehyde Diethyl Acetal Natural products CCOC(C)OCC DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 125000002777 acetyl group Chemical class [H]C([H])([H])C(*)=O 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 229920001519 homopolymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005498 polishing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 13
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 13
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 13
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 13
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 4
- 150000001247 metal acetylides Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 150000004767 nitrides Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 238000005245 sintering Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920004943 Delrin® Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- -1 oxides Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000299 Nylon 12 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001347 Stellite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- AHICWQREWHDHHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N chromium;cobalt;iron;manganese;methane;molybdenum;nickel;silicon;tungsten Chemical compound C.[Si].[Cr].[Mn].[Fe].[Co].[Ni].[Mo].[W] AHICWQREWHDHHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052593 corundum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010431 corundum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910003460 diamond Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003925 fat Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052594 sapphire Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010980 sapphire Substances 0.000 description 1
- COEZWFYORILMOM-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium 4-[(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)diazenyl]benzenesulfonic acid Chemical compound [Na+].OC1=CC(O)=CC=C1N=NC1=CC=C(S(O)(=O)=O)C=C1 COEZWFYORILMOM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
- A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B37/00—Cases
- G04B37/22—Materials or processes of manufacturing pocket watch or wrist watch cases
- G04B37/225—Non-metallic cases
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49579—Watch or clock making
- Y10T29/49584—Watch or clock making having case, cover, or back
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/8305—Miscellaneous [e.g., treated surfaces, etc.]
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a clothing element for a wristwatch, such as a box or a bracelet, at least part of which is made of a composite material.
- the required mechanical properties are in fact only critical on the surface and in particular on surfaces exposed to attacks due to lines and shocks.
- the inclusion of microscopic particles has the effect of modifying the elastic properties of the plastic, especially with respect to stresses such as shear, compression, traction, bending, etc.
- these fillers have a less pronounced effect with respect to the surface hardness due to their microscopic size. Indeed, a sharp element can scratch the surface of such a charged plastic while passing between the particles because of their size. It therefore turns out that effective protection of the surface of a plastic part against rays does not only depend on the hardness of the particles used as filler and on the proportion of these particles.
- too high a proportion of microscopic fillers can have the consequence of making the resin more fragile to impact, which is obviously not desirable in the case of a watch case which notably includes edges capable of being chipped. if the box material is brittle.
- the object of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the aforementioned drawbacks.
- At least part of the clothing element is made of a material which comprises an organic binder and macroscopic particles of mineral substances contained in the binder.
- These particles are exposed on at least a visible surface portion of the element and occupy 60% to 95% of this portion.
- Such an element has the advantage of having excellent protection against lines and shocks in its surface thus formed, due to the macroscopic dimension of the inclusions and their sufficient density, without making the composite excessively fragile. It is thus possible to produce a watch case or a bracelet having inalterability properties close to those of boxes or bracelets covered with sintered carbides or nitrides, by an injection molding process.
- elements produced according to the invention have a new aesthetic appearance, in particular after polishing the surface which brings out the colors of the inclusions different from that of plastic, for example. Indeed, the inclusions of nitrides, oxides, carbides, etc., can have very diverse colors.
- any mineral material can be combined with resin, namely carbides, borides, nitrides, carbonitrides, oxides, etc., but also sintered agglomerates such as TiC bound with Ni, elements with a monocrystalline network such as ⁇ -A1 2 0 3 (corundum) or with an amorphous structure such as glass, particles of stellite or hard steel of the same type as those used for sintering.
- resin namely carbides, borides, nitrides, carbonitrides, oxides, etc.
- sintered agglomerates such as TiC bound with Ni
- elements with a monocrystalline network such as ⁇ -A1 2 0 3 (corundum) or with an amorphous structure such as glass, particles of stellite or hard steel of the same type as those used for sintering.
- the choice of resin is relatively limited.
- a technical plastic is chosen as the resin, in particular an acetal homopolymer resin, such as that sold by Du Pont under the trade name "Delrin” (registered trademark), of the 100 ST type, which has the advantage of having resistance. Izod impact (with notch) of 900 J / m, that is to say 7 to 30 times greater than that of the other "Delrin” which constitute one of the best ranges of technical plastics.
- This material is moldable by hot injection.
- Other materials such as polyamide 12 or polycarbonate can also be used.
- the watch element such as the middle part, the back, or the bezel, or even the back-middle part of a case, or the bracelet is placed in the mold cavity intended for molding the watch element, a charge of mineral particles which can comprise a mixture of the various abovementioned substances, but also consist of only one of these substances, depending on the decorative effect sought.
- the particle size can also be chosen to be uniform or, on the contrary, as diverse as possible.
- the smallest particle size is of the order of 0.1 mm; it can go up to several millimeters. When the particles are of different colors, one can for example choose the size according to the color.
- the proportion of particles in the volume can be variable, but it is generally made so that there is on the surface of the watch element intended to form a visible surface portion, and particularly the parts most exposed to the wear, as large a proportion as possible of mineral inclusions. Then, the mold is closed and the resin is injected under pressure. The element thus produced then has a mosaic structure formed of hard particles and resin which keeps these associated with each other. These particles occupy most of this portion. After cooling and demolding, the surfaces of the molded element intended to form the visible parts from the outside are advantageously polished with a diamond wheel to bring the inclusion particles perfectly flush with the surface of the resin. The latter tends to withdraw during cooling. This grinding also makes it possible to highlight the different colors of the particles which are flush with the surface of the element, since, to promote their anchoring in the resin, they are preferably used in the raw state. These particles can advantageously come from manufacturing waste, but they can also be produced specially.
- the charge of mineral material in the form of particles larger than or equal to 0.1 mm can be incorporated into the resin before its injection into the mold.
- this technique poses abrasion problems when the resin loaded with particles moves in the injection conduits.
- a third technique consists in including the mineral particles only at the surface and in particular on the visible surfaces.
- the resin is injection molded without filler.
- the particles are included as desired on the portions of desired surfaces, in particular the visible surfaces, by heating the particles to a temperature sufficient to locally soften the resin and allow their penetration.
- This technique offers in particular the advantage of being able to control the arrangement of the particles according to their dimensions and / or their colors, with a view to specially protecting certain parts of the surface, in particular the edges and / or creating decorative patterns which do not are not left to chance as in the variants described above.
- the portion of the visible surface and therefore exposed to attack of all kinds, covered by hard particles must be greater than the half the surface.
- it will be between 60% and 95%, and preferably around 85%.
- the hardness of the particles will generally be chosen at 1400 Hv. Some of the particles may even be made of transparent substances depending on the desired aesthetic appearance.
- the organic binder and the macroscopic particles have a very high wettability in order to ensure maximum fluidity of the binder and perfect anchoring of the particles.
- Processes are known in which particular elements are added to the organic binder to make it wetting.
- the particles they will be made wetting by a thorough cleaning which will rid them of all fats or other impurities.
- this treatment will prevent accidental formation of bubbles which could give rise to tears.
- the binder is an adhesive ensuring adhesion between the particles.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Adornments (AREA)
- Powder Metallurgy (AREA)
- Finish Polishing, Edge Sharpening, And Grinding By Specific Grinding Devices (AREA)
- Physical Vapour Deposition (AREA)
- Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)
- Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
Description
La présente invention se rapporte à un élement d'habillement pour montre-bracelet, tel qu'une boîte ou un bracelet, dont au moins une partie est faite d'un matériau composite.The present invention relates to a clothing element for a wristwatch, such as a box or a bracelet, at least part of which is made of a composite material.
Les matériaux composites, formés d'une matrice en matière plastique chargée de particules microscopiques telles que des fibres de verre, sont déjà utilisés pour la fabrication d'éléments de boîtes de montres, notamment de boîtes monoblocs et de carrures. Ces éléments sont fabriqués par injection, ce qui présente l'avantage de réduire très fortement les coûts de fabrications. Les matières plastiques permettent pour leur part de réaliser des boîtes de montres légères et de couleurs variées.Composite materials, formed from a plastic matrix loaded with microscopic particles such as glass fibers, are already used for the manufacture of watch case elements, in particular monoblock cases and middle parts. These elements are manufactured by injection, which has the advantage of greatly reducing manufacturing costs. Plastics allow for their part to make light watch boxes and various colors.
Ces deux facteurs ont été déterminants dans le succès rencontré par ces produits. Toutefois, ce succès est exclusivement limite à l'habillage de montres du bas de gamme. Ceci est dû essentiellement au fait que la faible dureté du plastique le rend vulnérable aux nombreuses agressions auxquelles sont quotidiennement soumis la plupart des boîtiers de montres- bracelets, du fait des diverses activites pratiquées par les porteurs de ces montres aussi bien sur le plan professionnel que sur celui des loisirs.These two factors were decisive in the success of these products. However, this success is exclusively limited to the dressing of low-end watches. This is mainly due to the fact that the low hardness of the plastic makes it vulnerable to the numerous attacks to which most wristwatch cases are subjected daily, due to the various activities practiced by the wearers of these watches both professionally and on leisure.
On a déjà propose de réaliser des boîtes par frittage de matériaux durs tels que des carbures ou des nitrures. Toutefois, la production de tels boîtes est réservée à une catégorie de montres d'un prix supérieur à la moyenne du fait de leur coût de fabrication.It has already been proposed to produce boxes by sintering hard materials such as carbides or nitrides. However, the production of such cases is reserved for a category of watches with a price higher than the average because of their manufacturing cost.
Il a également été propose de réaliser des pièces extérieures de montre à l'aide de matériaux existant dans la nature comme des matières minérales ou rocheuses ou encore des coquillages. Une telle réalisation est décrite dans le document FR-2 178 032 et dans le document correspondant US-3 861 990. Dans l'un et l'autre document, les pièces sont obtenues par frittage et il ne s'agit donc nullement d'un matériau composite dans le sens qu'on lui donne ici. Dans le document français cependant, il est dit à l'avant dernier alinéa de la description que, bien qu'on n'ait decrit qu'un seul procédé de frittage à chaud après tassement, on peut obtenir des résultats semblables à l'aide d'un liant dans un procédé ou l'on utilise un adhésif ou un moulage par injection en combinaison avec des matières plastiques. Cette assertion cependant n'est supportée par aucun exemple qui exposerait au moins un mode de fabrication proposant un matériau composite où les particules minérales occuperaient 60 % à 95 % dudit matériau, comme c'est le cas dans la présente invention. En effet, à la date de dépôt des documents cités, n'était connu que le mélange de fibres ou de billes de verre à de la matière plastique dans une proportion n'excédant pas 25 %. D'ailleurs, le même document n'envisage que l'utilisation de poudre, donc de particules microscopiques, ce qui peut conduire à des surfaces apparentes facilement rayables.It has also been proposed to produce exterior watch parts using materials existing in nature such as mineral or rocky materials or even shells. Such an embodiment is described in document FR-2 178 032 and in the corresponding document US-3 861 990. In both documents, the parts are obtained by sintering and it is therefore in no way a question of a composite material in the sense we give it here. In the French document, however, it is said in the penultimate paragraph of the description that, although only one hot sintering process after packing has been described, similar results can be obtained using of a binder in a process where an adhesive or an injection molding is used in combination with plastics. This assertion however is not supported by any example which would expose at least one manufacturing method proposing a composite material where the mineral particles would occupy 60% to 95% of said material, as is the case in the present invention. In fact, on the date of filing of the cited documents, only the mixture of fibers or glass beads with plastic material was known in a proportion not exceeding 25%. Moreover, the same document envisages only the use of powder, therefore of microscopic particles, which can lead to visible surfaces which are easily scratched.
Dans le cas d'une boîte de montre, les propriétés mécaniques requises ne sont critiques en fait qu'en surface et notamment sur les surfaces exposées aux agressions dues aux raies et aux chocs. Or, l'inclusion de particules microscopiques a pour effet de modifier les propriétés élastiques du plastique surtout vis-à-vis de contraintes telles que le cisaillement, la compression, la traction, la flexion, etc. Par contre, ces charges ont un effet moins prononcé vis-à-vis de la dureté de surface en raison de leur taille microscopique. En effet, un élément tranchant peut rayer la surface d'un tel plastique chargé en passant entre les particules en raison de leur taille. Il s'avère donc qu'une protection efficace de la surface d'une pièce en matière plastique contre les raies ne dépend pas seulement de la dureté des particules utilisées comme charge et de la proportion de ces particules. Par ailleurs, une proportion trop élevée de charges microscopiques peut avoir pour conséquence de rendre la résine plus fragile aux chocs, ce qui n'est évidemment pas souhaitable dans le cas d'une boîte de montre qui comporte notamment des arêtes susceptibles de s'ébrécher si le matériau de la boîte est cassant.In the case of a watch case, the required mechanical properties are in fact only critical on the surface and in particular on surfaces exposed to attacks due to lines and shocks. However, the inclusion of microscopic particles has the effect of modifying the elastic properties of the plastic, especially with respect to stresses such as shear, compression, traction, bending, etc. On the other hand, these fillers have a less pronounced effect with respect to the surface hardness due to their microscopic size. Indeed, a sharp element can scratch the surface of such a charged plastic while passing between the particles because of their size. It therefore turns out that effective protection of the surface of a plastic part against rays does not only depend on the hardness of the particles used as filler and on the proportion of these particles. Furthermore, too high a proportion of microscopic fillers can have the consequence of making the resin more fragile to impact, which is obviously not desirable in the case of a watch case which notably includes edges capable of being chipped. if the box material is brittle.
Le but de la présente invention est de remédier au moins en partie aux inconvénients susmentionnés.The object of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the aforementioned drawbacks.
A cet effet, une partie au moins de l'élément d'habillement est faite d'un matériau qui comporte un liant organique et des particules macroscopiques de substances minérales enserrées dans le liant.To this end, at least part of the clothing element is made of a material which comprises an organic binder and macroscopic particles of mineral substances contained in the binder.
Ces particules affleurent sur au moins une portion de surface visible de l'élément et occupent 60 % à 95 % de cette portion.These particles are exposed on at least a visible surface portion of the element and occupy 60% to 95% of this portion.
Un tel élément présente l'avantage d'avoir une excellente protection contre les raies et les chocs dans sa surface ainsi constituée, en raison de la dimension macroscopique des inclusions et de leur densité suffisante, sans rendre pour autant le composite excessivement fragile. Il est ainsi possible de réaliser une boîte de montre ou un bracelet présentant des propriétés d'inaltérabilité voisines de celles de boîtes ou de bracelets recouverts de carbures ou nitrures frittés, par un procédé de moulage par injection. De plus, des éléments réalisés selon l'invention présentent un aspect esthétique nouveau, notamment après polissage de la surface qui fait ressortir les couleurs des inclusions différentes de celle du plastique par exemple. En effet, les inclusions de nitrures, d'oxydes, de carbures, etc., peuvent présenter des couleurs très diverses. C'est ainsi que l'on peut imaginer une quantité de mariages de couleurs intéressants tel qu'un plastique noir avec des inclusions de TiN jaune or ou un plastique plus clair avec des inclusions de saphir. On peut aussi réaliser un mélange d'inclusions de couleurs différentes. Après polissage, la surface prend alors un aspect marbré agréable à l'oeil et inhabituel, l'intégrité de cette surface étant efficacement protégée par les inclusions de substances minérales.Such an element has the advantage of having excellent protection against lines and shocks in its surface thus formed, due to the macroscopic dimension of the inclusions and their sufficient density, without making the composite excessively fragile. It is thus possible to produce a watch case or a bracelet having inalterability properties close to those of boxes or bracelets covered with sintered carbides or nitrides, by an injection molding process. In addition, elements produced according to the invention have a new aesthetic appearance, in particular after polishing the surface which brings out the colors of the inclusions different from that of plastic, for example. Indeed, the inclusions of nitrides, oxides, carbides, etc., can have very diverse colors. This is how we can imagine a number of interesting color marriages such as a black plastic with inclusions of gold yellow TiN or a lighter plastic with inclusions of sapphire. We can also make a mixture of inclusions of different colors. After polishing, the surface then takes on a marbled appearance that is pleasing to the eye and unusual, the integrity of this surface being effectively protected by inclusions of mineral substances.
On décrira ci-après quelques exemples de réalisations d'éléments d'habillement tels que boîtes de montres ou bracelets selon la présente invention.A few examples of embodiments of clothing elements such as watch cases or bracelets according to the present invention will be described below.
Pratiquement n'importe quelle matière minérale peut être associée à de la résine, à savoir des carbures, des borures, des nitrures, des carbonitrures, des oxydes, etc., mais également des agglomérats frittés tels que du TiC lié avec du Ni, des éléments à réseau monocristallin tel que α-A1203 (corindon) ou à structure amorphe tel que le verre, des particules de stellite ou d'acier dur du même type que celles utilisées pour le frittage.Almost any mineral material can be combined with resin, namely carbides, borides, nitrides, carbonitrides, oxides, etc., but also sintered agglomerates such as TiC bound with Ni, elements with a monocrystalline network such as α-A1 2 0 3 (corundum) or with an amorphous structure such as glass, particles of stellite or hard steel of the same type as those used for sintering.
Par contre, le choix de la résine est relativement restreint. De préférence, on choisit comme résine un plastique technique, notamment une résine homopolymère acétal, telle que celle vendue par Du Pont sous la dénomination commerciale "Delrin" (marque déposée), de type 100 ST, qui a l'avantage de présenter une résistance au choc Izod (avec entaille) de 900 J/m c'est-à-dire 7 à 30 fois supérieure à celle des autres "Delrin" qui constituent une des meilleures gammes de plastiques techniques. Cette matière est moulable par injection à chaud. D'autres matériaux tels que le polyamide 12 ou le polycarbonate peuvent aussi être utilisés.On the other hand, the choice of resin is relatively limited. Preferably, a technical plastic is chosen as the resin, in particular an acetal homopolymer resin, such as that sold by Du Pont under the trade name "Delrin" (registered trademark), of the 100 ST type, which has the advantage of having resistance. Izod impact (with notch) of 900 J / m, that is to say 7 to 30 times greater than that of the other "Delrin" which constitute one of the best ranges of technical plastics. This material is moldable by hot injection. Other materials such as polyamide 12 or polycarbonate can also be used.
Il existe trois modes de fabrication d'éléments d'habillement de montre selon l'invention.There are three methods of manufacturing watch clothing elements according to the invention.
Selon l'un de ces modes, on place dans la cavité du moule destiné au moulage de l'élément de montre tel que la carrure, le fond, ou la lunette, voire le fond-carrure d'une boîte, ou le bracelet, une charge de particules minérales qui peuvent comporter un mélange des diverses substances susmentionnées, mais également être constituées de l'une seulement de ces substances, suivant l'effet décoratif recherché. La taille des particules peut également être choisie soit uniforme soit au contraire aussi diverse que possible. La dimension la plus petite des particules est de l'ordre de 0,1 mm; elle peut aller jusqu'à plusieurs millimètres. Lorsque les particules sont de couleurs différentes, on peut par exemple choisir la taille en fonction de la couleur. La proportion de particules dans le volume peut être variable, mais on fait généralement en sorte qu'il y ait sur la surface de l'élément de montre destinée à former une portion de surface visible, et particulièrement les parties les plus exposées à l'usure, une proportion aussi grande que possible d'inclusions minérales. Ensuite, on ferme le moule et on injecte la résine sous pression. L'élément ainsi réalisé présente alors une structure en mosaïque formée de particules dures et de résine qui maintient celles-ci associées les unes aux autres. Ces particules occupent la majeure partie de cette portion. Après refroidissement et démoulage, les surfaces de l'élément moulé destinées à former les parties visibles de l'extérieur sont avantageusement polies à la meule diamantée pour amener les particules d'inclusions parfaitement à fleur de la surface de la résine. Cette dernière a en effet tendance à se retirer durant le refroidissement. Ce meulage permet également de mettre en valeur les différentes couleurs des particules qui affleurent la surface de l'élément, étant donné que, pour favoriser leur ancrage dans la résine, elles sont de préférence utilisées à l'état brut. Ces particules peuvent avantageusement être issues de déchets de fabrication, mais elles peuvent également être produites spécialement.According to one of these modes, the watch element such as the middle part, the back, or the bezel, or even the back-middle part of a case, or the bracelet is placed in the mold cavity intended for molding the watch element, a charge of mineral particles which can comprise a mixture of the various abovementioned substances, but also consist of only one of these substances, depending on the decorative effect sought. The particle size can also be chosen to be uniform or, on the contrary, as diverse as possible. The smallest particle size is of the order of 0.1 mm; it can go up to several millimeters. When the particles are of different colors, one can for example choose the size according to the color. The proportion of particles in the volume can be variable, but it is generally made so that there is on the surface of the watch element intended to form a visible surface portion, and particularly the parts most exposed to the wear, as large a proportion as possible of mineral inclusions. Then, the mold is closed and the resin is injected under pressure. The element thus produced then has a mosaic structure formed of hard particles and resin which keeps these associated with each other. These particles occupy most of this portion. After cooling and demolding, the surfaces of the molded element intended to form the visible parts from the outside are advantageously polished with a diamond wheel to bring the inclusion particles perfectly flush with the surface of the resin. The latter tends to withdraw during cooling. This grinding also makes it possible to highlight the different colors of the particles which are flush with the surface of the element, since, to promote their anchoring in the resin, they are preferably used in the raw state. These particles can advantageously come from manufacturing waste, but they can also be produced specially.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'élément de montre objet de l'invention, la charge de matière minérale sous forme de particules plus grandes ou égales à 0,1 mm, peut être incorporée à la résine avant son injection dans le moule. Cette technique pose cependant des problèmes d'abrasion lorsque la résine chargée de particules se déplace dans les conduits d'injection.According to another embodiment of the watch element which is the subject of the invention, the charge of mineral material in the form of particles larger than or equal to 0.1 mm, can be incorporated into the resin before its injection into the mold. However, this technique poses abrasion problems when the resin loaded with particles moves in the injection conduits.
Enfin, une troisième technique consiste à n'inclure les particules minérales qu'en surface et notamment sur les surfaces visibles. A cet effet, la résine est moulée par injection sans charge. Ensuite, les particules sont incluses à volonté sur les portions de surfaces désirées, en particulier les surfaces visibles, en chauffant les particules à une température suffisante pour ramollir localement la résine et permettre leur pénétration. Cette technique offre notamment l'avantage de pouvoir contrôler la disposition des particules en fonction de leurs dimensions et/ou de leurs couleurs, en vue de protéger spécialement certaines parties de la surface, notamment les arêtes et/ou de créer des motifs décoratifs qui ne soient pas laissés au hasard comme dans les variantes décrites précédemment.Finally, a third technique consists in including the mineral particles only at the surface and in particular on the visible surfaces. To this end, the resin is injection molded without filler. Then, the particles are included as desired on the portions of desired surfaces, in particular the visible surfaces, by heating the particles to a temperature sufficient to locally soften the resin and allow their penetration. This technique offers in particular the advantage of being able to control the arrangement of the particles according to their dimensions and / or their colors, with a view to specially protecting certain parts of the surface, in particular the edges and / or creating decorative patterns which do not are not left to chance as in the variants described above.
Il est encore à noter que, pour réaliser un élément d'habillement de dureté comparable à celle des matériaux durs, la portion de la surface visible et par conséquent exposée aux agressions de toutes natures, couverte par des particules dures, devra être supérieure à la moitié de la surface. Avantageusement, elle sera comprise entre 60 % et 95 %, et de préférence d'environ 85 %. De plus, la dureté des particules sera généralement choisie e 1400 Hv. Certaines des particules peuvent même être en des substances transparentes en fonction de l'aspect esthétique recherché.It should also be noted that, in order to produce a clothing element with a hardness comparable to that of hard materials, the portion of the visible surface and therefore exposed to attack of all kinds, covered by hard particles, must be greater than the half the surface. Advantageously, it will be between 60% and 95%, and preferably around 85%. In addition, the hardness of the particles will generally be chosen at 1400 Hv. Some of the particles may even be made of transparent substances depending on the desired aesthetic appearance.
Il est à noter enfin que, quel que soit le mode de fabrication choisi, il est important que le liant organique et les particules macroscopiques possèdent une très grande mouillabilité pour assurer une fluidité maximale du liant et un ancrage parfait des particules. On connaît des procédés dans lesquels on ajoute au liant organique des éléments particuliers pour le rendre mouillant. En ce qui concerne les particules, elles seront rendués mouillantes par un nettoyage poussé qui les débarrassera de toutes graisses ou autres impuretés. On notera également que ce traitement préviendra la formation accidentelle de bulles qui pourraient donner naissance à des déchirures. On comprend aussi l'avantage dudit traitement dans le cas où le liant est une colle assurant l'adhésion entre les particules.Finally, it should be noted that, whatever the manufacturing method chosen, it is important that the organic binder and the macroscopic particles have a very high wettability in order to ensure maximum fluidity of the binder and perfect anchoring of the particles. Processes are known in which particular elements are added to the organic binder to make it wetting. As for the particles, they will be made wetting by a thorough cleaning which will rid them of all fats or other impurities. It should also be noted that this treatment will prevent accidental formation of bubbles which could give rise to tears. We also understand the advantage of said treatment in the case where the binder is an adhesive ensuring adhesion between the particles.
En ce qui concerne plus spécialement le bracelet, au moins deux variantes sont envisageablés.With regard more specifically to the bracelet, at least two variants are envisaged.
Il peut ainsi être fait soit d'une succession de maillons reliés par des charnières, soit d'une succession de zones épaisses comportant les particules et de zones amincies permettant une flexion.It can thus be made either of a succession of links connected by hinges, or of a succession of thick zones comprising the particles and of thinned zones allowing bending.
Claims (9)
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT85108437T ATE34470T1 (en) | 1984-07-12 | 1985-07-08 | TRIM ELEMENT FOR A WATCH. |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH338284A CH658160GA3 (en) | 1984-07-12 | 1984-07-12 | |
| CH3382/84 | 1984-07-12 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0168009A1 EP0168009A1 (en) | 1986-01-15 |
| EP0168009B1 true EP0168009B1 (en) | 1988-05-18 |
Family
ID=4254750
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP19850108437 Expired EP0168009B1 (en) | 1984-07-12 | 1985-07-08 | Finishing parts for a wrist watch |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4730288A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0168009B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS6157633A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR880000223B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE34470T1 (en) |
| CH (1) | CH658160GA3 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3562829D1 (en) |
| HK (1) | HK56090A (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH686473B5 (en) * | 1993-03-18 | 1996-10-15 | Boninchi Sa | screw crown for a timepiece. |
| GB9908498D0 (en) * | 1999-04-15 | 1999-06-09 | Thayer Andrew R | Improvements in or relating to jewellery or the like |
| TW533105B (en) * | 1999-10-20 | 2003-05-21 | Injex Corp | Method of producing watchband parts |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3841848A (en) * | 1970-01-30 | 1974-10-15 | Suwa Seikosha Kk | HARD WATCH CASE COMPRISING TiN, T, AND AT LEAST ONE OF Mn, Al AND V |
| GB1414864A (en) * | 1972-03-27 | 1975-11-19 | Suwa Seikosha Kk | Method of producing an externally visible part of a watch |
| JPS5068163A (en) * | 1973-10-18 | 1975-06-07 | ||
| JPS568898U (en) * | 1979-07-02 | 1981-01-26 | ||
| US4495254A (en) * | 1981-05-18 | 1985-01-22 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Protectively-coated gold-plated article of jewelry or wristwatch component |
| JPS5880586A (en) * | 1981-11-10 | 1983-05-14 | Seiko Epson Corp | Production of plastic case for watch |
-
1984
- 1984-07-12 CH CH338284A patent/CH658160GA3/fr unknown
-
1985
- 1985-07-02 KR KR1019850004746A patent/KR880000223B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1985-07-08 EP EP19850108437 patent/EP0168009B1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-07-08 DE DE8585108437T patent/DE3562829D1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-07-08 AT AT85108437T patent/ATE34470T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1985-07-11 JP JP60151466A patent/JPS6157633A/en active Pending
-
1987
- 1987-01-08 US US07/004,788 patent/US4730288A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1990
- 1990-07-26 HK HK56090A patent/HK56090A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| HK56090A (en) | 1990-08-03 |
| EP0168009A1 (en) | 1986-01-15 |
| KR860000840A (en) | 1986-02-20 |
| US4730288A (en) | 1988-03-08 |
| JPS6157633A (en) | 1986-03-24 |
| CH658160GA3 (en) | 1986-10-31 |
| KR880000223B1 (en) | 1988-03-15 |
| DE3562829D1 (en) | 1988-06-23 |
| ATE34470T1 (en) | 1988-06-15 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| EP3674816B1 (en) | External part of a timepiece or jewelry made of a heavy composite material | |
| EP0502796B1 (en) | Spectacle frames of synthetic resin and method of manufacture | |
| WO2001030719A3 (en) | Composite stone surfacing with improved optical and wear resistance properties | |
| EP3559759A1 (en) | Timepiece component made from composite material | |
| EP0168009B1 (en) | Finishing parts for a wrist watch | |
| CH691008A5 (en) | scratchproof watch crystal, transparent and watch case equipped with such a drink. | |
| EP0100276A2 (en) | Method of manufacturing a seat element by moulding a frame on upholstery, and seat element made thereby | |
| FR2672252A1 (en) | ONE-PIECE SYNTHETIC RESIN WHEEL. | |
| WO1998017462A1 (en) | Method for making the front part for spectacle frame | |
| FR2765517A1 (en) | PLASTIC ARTICLE, MANUFACTURING METHOD, AND MOLDING COMPOSITION | |
| FR1465637A (en) | Prefabricated slabs | |
| WO2004096578A2 (en) | Cover shell and method for the production thereof | |
| US5015499A (en) | Composite gem stone and production method | |
| FR2711089A1 (en) | Method of preparing a friction lining by reusing an old worn friction lining, and friction lining thus obtained. | |
| EP1375190A1 (en) | Process for decorating a article, such as a sporting good | |
| CH679138A5 (en) | Decorative mouldings mfr. for ornaments - by using epoxy] resin and hardener | |
| EP4258063A1 (en) | Assembly of a composite watch component | |
| EP2892380A1 (en) | Item of jewellery | |
| CH715694A2 (en) | Decorative item made of a heavy composite material. | |
| EP4363933A1 (en) | Timepiece component made of colored forged carbon and method for manufacturing such a timepiece component | |
| CH715022B1 (en) | Cladding component for watchmaking or jewelery made of composite material and process for its manufacture. | |
| FR2630678A1 (en) | Method of manufacturing a strip made of thermoplastic, especially for a watch strap | |
| BE829777A (en) | COLORED OPAQUE PANEL AND ITS MANUFACTURING PROCESS | |
| FR3072049B1 (en) | REPOSITIONABLE STICKER DEVICE | |
| FR2882504A1 (en) | Glass and mineral part polishing method, involves applying and distributing polish powders to predetermined height on surface of mineral part to produce polish on surface, where powders adhere to surface using adhesive |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
| AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT CH DE FR GB IT LI |
|
| 17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19860407 |
|
| 17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19870519 |
|
| ITF | It: translation for a ep patent filed | ||
| GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
| AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT CH DE FR GB IT LI |
|
| REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 34470 Country of ref document: AT Date of ref document: 19880615 Kind code of ref document: T |
|
| REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 3562829 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 19880623 |
|
| GBT | Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977) | ||
| PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
| STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
| 26N | No opposition filed | ||
| ITTA | It: last paid annual fee | ||
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 19940623 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 19940714 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 19940718 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Payment date: 19940720 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Payment date: 19940725 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Effective date: 19950708 Ref country code: AT Effective date: 19950708 |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Effective date: 19950731 Ref country code: CH Effective date: 19950731 |
|
| GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 19950708 |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Effective date: 19960430 |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Effective date: 19960501 |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST |