EP0098795B1 - Time piece and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Time piece and method of manufacturing the same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0098795B1
EP0098795B1 EP83810233A EP83810233A EP0098795B1 EP 0098795 B1 EP0098795 B1 EP 0098795B1 EP 83810233 A EP83810233 A EP 83810233A EP 83810233 A EP83810233 A EP 83810233A EP 0098795 B1 EP0098795 B1 EP 0098795B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
timepiece according
coating
timepiece
adhering
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
Application number
EP83810233A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0098795A2 (en
EP0098795A3 (en
Inventor
Paul Gogniat
Eric Loth
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rado Uhren AG
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Rado Uhren AG
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0098795A2 publication Critical patent/EP0098795A2/en
Publication of EP0098795A3 publication Critical patent/EP0098795A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0098795B1 publication Critical patent/EP0098795B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • G04B37/04—Mounting the clockwork in the case; Shock absorbing mountings
    • 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
    • G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
    • G04B3/04—Rigidly-mounted keys, knobs or crowns
    • G04B3/041—Construction of crowns for rotating movement; connection with the winding stem; winding stems
    • 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
    • G04B37/0008—Cases for pocket watches and wrist watches
    • 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
    • G04B37/14—Suspending devices, supports or stands for time-pieces insofar as they form part of the case
    • G04B37/1486—Arrangements for fixing to a bracelet
    • 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
    • G04B37/14—Suspending devices, supports or stands for time-pieces insofar as they form part of the case
    • G04B37/16—Fastening the case to the bracelet
    • 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
    • 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
    • G04B39/00—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses
    • 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
    • G04B45/00—Time pieces of which the indicating means or cases provoke special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects
    • 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
    • G04B45/00—Time pieces of which the indicating means or cases provoke special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects
    • G04B45/0076—Decoration of the case and of parts thereof, e.g. as a method of manufacture thereof

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a timepiece, and it relates more particularly to new developments relating to transparent and visible elements from the outside of the part, such as for example glass.
  • Document EP-A 0 066 538 describes a watch in which the crystal is welded to the middle part by means of a layer of low-melting solder, which adheres to the crystal by means of a coating serving both a bonding layer and a solder masking layer.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a timepiece of which a transparent element visible from the outside can be subjected to another element by a high temperature welding, and in which the transparent element is capable of receiving an outer decorative layer of hard material, as well as its manufacturing process.
  • the invention makes it possible to reach breaking loads when the coating is torn off greater than 147 x 106 N / m 2 (15 kg / m m 2 ) which become comparable to the tensile strength of the sapphire itself. even, which is between 186 and 490 x 10 6 N / m 2 (19 and 50 kg / mm 2 ) depending on the direction of the tensile force.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a partial section of a sapphire crystal or mineral glass 1 forming a component of a timepiece according to the invention.
  • This glass 1 comprises in particular an adherent coating 2 ensuring the attachment of an outer decorative layer 3, and an adherent coating 4 ensuring the attachment of a layer of high temperature solder material 5.
  • the decorative layer 3 is made of a hard material, for example metallic, of the carbide or titanium nitride type which, in addition to their high hardness which allows them to retain a shiny appearance due to their non-scratchability, have shades very close to those of gold.
  • a hard material for example metallic, of the carbide or titanium nitride type which, in addition to their high hardness which allows them to retain a shiny appearance due to their non-scratchability, have shades very close to those of gold.
  • other materials could be used, and in particular carbides, borides or nitrides of metals such as tantalum, tungsten, chromium or other compounds having an adequate appearance and hardness.
  • the adherent coating 2 it may comprise a single layer adhering to the glass and ensuring a good bond with the decorative layer 3 or several layers 6, 7 having good cohesion between them, the bottom layer 6 adhering to the glass 1 and the outer layer 7 adhering to the decoration layer 3.
  • the layer 6 can be formed of aluminum oxide AI2 0 3 , the layer 7 being a layer of chromium and the decorative layer 3 being formed of titanium nitride.
  • the adherent coating may be formed of titanium oxide Ti0 2 , which is subsequently coated with nitride or titanium carbide TiN or TiC.
  • the adherent coating 4 may consist of one or more layers (8, 9, 10) superimposed on different materials.
  • the layer 8 ensuring the attachment of the coating on the ice 1 is constituted by aluminum oxide AI2 0 3
  • the layer 10 ensuring the attachment of the solder layer 5 is a layer of tungsten carbide
  • an intermediate layer 9 of tungsten provides the connection between the two layers 8 and 10.
  • oxides for the layer in contact with the ice has proved to be particularly advantageous.
  • high temperature solder material forming the layer 5 is meant a filler material capable of being applied in the solid state between the coating 4 and another element of the timepiece, then brought to melting at a temperature of the order of 550 ° C to 600 ° C or more, depending on the nature of the elements to be combined, so as to form a permanent bond between these elements after cooling.
  • Such materials are widely used and used for example for welding steel parts. Their breaking load is much higher than that of welding materials at low temperature, and most often greater than 588 x 10 6 N / m 2 (60 kg / mm 2 ). Their resistance to oxidation under normal conditions of use of a timepiece is also much higher.
  • FIG 2 there is shown in partial section a watch case 11 provided with a crystal 12 on which have been fixed an outer decorative layer 13 and an annular middle part 14 welded to the crystal 12 by means of a solder layer 15.
  • the glass has been prepared in accordance with the preceding explanations to allow the attachment of layers 13 and 15.
  • a base 16 is removably mounted under the middle 14 by means of screws 17.
  • the fixing by welding of the middle part 14 on the glass 12 can be obtained, after the production of the adherent coatings on this glass, by placing the welding material 15, which for example forms a frame of suitable dimensions, between the two parts to be assembled, then by placing the assembly thus formed in an induction furnace.
  • Figures 3 and 4 showing a coated glass according to the invention in top view, and they illustrate the cases where a decorative layer forms either an annular frame 18, or false bezel, on the periphery of the glass, which can be bevelled as in FIG. 1, either fancy patterns 19 intended, for example, to hide the elements for fixing the glass of FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • FIGS 5 and 6 there is shown respectively in partial section and in top view a watch case in which the crystal 28 is removably attached to a middle part 29 by means of fasteners 30, four in number for example, welded at high temperature under the crystal, and which have hooking surfaces 31 collaborating elastically with protuberances 32 of the inner surface of the middle part 29 to maintain the assembly.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Joining Of Glass To Other Materials (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Piezo-Electric Transducers For Audible Bands (AREA)
  • Crystals, And After-Treatments Of Crystals (AREA)
  • Surface Treatment Of Glass (AREA)
  • Physical Vapour Deposition (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Abstract

A timepiece containing, primarily, a first transparent element (1) visible from the outside of the piece, characterized in that this element has an adherent lining (2, 4) applied to at least part of its surface and assuring the attachment to that element of a decorative outer coating of hard material (3) and/or of a layer of high-temperature soldering material (5).

Description

La présente invention concerne une pièce d'horlogerie, et elle se rapporte plus particulièrement à de nouveaux développements relatifs à des éléments transparents et visibles de l'extérieur de la pièce, comme par exemple la glace.The present invention relates to a timepiece, and it relates more particularly to new developments relating to transparent and visible elements from the outside of the part, such as for example glass.

Dans l'assemblage des éléments constitutifs de l'habillement des pièces d'horlogerie, l'un des problèmes les plus délicats à résoudre réside dans l'établissement d'une liaison entre les éléments transparents, le plus souvent en verre ou en saphir, avec d'autres éléments métalliques de la construction.In the assembly of the constituent elements of the clothing of the timepieces, one of the most delicate problems to solve resides in the establishment of a connection between the transparent elements, most often in glass or sapphire, with other metallic elements of the construction.

En ce qui concerne par exemple l'assemblage de la glace sur la carrure d'une boîte de montre, de nombreuses solutions ont déjà été proposées. Cet assemblage peut être réalisé par exemple au moyen d'organes de verrouillage mécaniques, du type des griffes, des glissières, des vis, ou encore par retenue dans un cran avec ou sans interposition d'un joint. Ces constructions sont le plus souvent lourdes et elles nécessitent des dispositions particulières au niveau de la glace ou de la carrure qui en accroissent les difficultés de fabrication. En outre, ce type de fixation de la glace implique que cette dernière présente une épaisseur suffisante.With regard, for example, to the assembly of the crystal on the middle of a watch case, numerous solutions have already been proposed. This assembly can be carried out for example by means of mechanical locking members, of the type of claws, of slides, of screws, or even by retaining in a notch with or without interposition of a seal. These constructions are most often heavy and they require special provisions at the level of the glass or the middle which increase the manufacturing difficulties. In addition, this type of fixing of the glass implies that the latter has a sufficient thickness.

Il a déjà été proposé également d'assujettir la glace par collage sur la carrure. Ce mode de liaison présente les désavantages d'une charge de rupture à la traction relativement faible, de l'ordre de 49 x 106 N/m2 (5 kg/mm2) au maximum, et d'une mauvaise tenue dans le temps, provoquée par des dégradations de la colle sous l'influence des conditions extérieures (transpiration, chocs thermiques, ultraviolets, etc..)It has already been proposed also to subject the glass by gluing to the middle part. This connection method has the disadvantages of a relatively low tensile breaking load, of the order of 49 x 10 6 N / m 2 (5 kg / mm 2 ) at most, and poor resistance in the time, caused by degradation of the adhesive under the influence of external conditions (perspiration, thermal shock, ultraviolet, etc.)

Une autre solution encore est décrite dans le brevet suisse 582909 ou le brevet japonais 56-96267. Elle consiste à utiliser pour l'assemblage de la glace à la carrure une couche intermédiaire de soudure à basse température de fusion, à base d'un alliage d'étain-plomb, d'or-indium ou d'or-étain. Des essais réalisés par la demanderesse montrent que l'adhérence de la couche de soudure sur le verre est de l'ordre de 59 x 106 N/m2 (6 kg/mm2). Le choix des matériaux de soudure est limité, et ils ont tendance à s'oxyder en cours d'utilisation. En outre, pour éviter que la soudure ne confère un aspect inesthétique à la partie inférieure de la glace, il est nécessaire de soumettre cette zone à diverses métallisations empêchant la diffusion de la soudure vers la glace.Yet another solution is described in Swiss patent 582909 or Japanese patent 56-96267. It consists in using for the assembly of the crystal to the middle part an intermediate layer of solder at low melting temperature, based on a tin-lead, gold-indium or gold-tin alloy. Tests carried out by the applicant show that the adhesion of the layer of solder to the glass is of the order of 59 x 106 N / m 2 (6 kg / mm 2 ). The choice of solder materials is limited, and they tend to oxidize during use. In addition, to prevent the solder from imparting an unsightly appearance to the lower part of the glass, it is necessary to subject this zone to various metallizations preventing the diffusion of the solder towards the glass.

Le document EP-A 0 066 538 décrit une montre dans laquelle la glace est soudée à la carrure par l'intermédiaire d'une couche de soudure à bas point de fusion, qui adhère à la glace par l'intermédiaire d'un revêtement servant à la fois de couche d'accrochage et de couche de masquage de la soudure.Document EP-A 0 066 538 describes a watch in which the crystal is welded to the middle part by means of a layer of low-melting solder, which adheres to the crystal by means of a coating serving both a bonding layer and a solder masking layer.

C'est pourquoi, la présente invention a pour but de proposer une pièce d'horlogerie dont un élément transparent et visible de l'extérieur peut être assujetti à un autre élément par une soudure à haute température, et dans laquelle l'élément transparent est susceptible de recevoir une couche extérieure de décoration en matériau dur, ainsi que son procédé de fabrication.This is why, the object of the present invention is to propose a timepiece of which a transparent element visible from the outside can be subjected to another element by a high temperature welding, and in which the transparent element is capable of receiving an outer decorative layer of hard material, as well as its manufacturing process.

A ce sujet, on notera qu'il est connu par le brevet CH-A-455856 de réaliser des revêtements de décoration et de protection sur des parties de montres, métalliques ou non. Pour la première fois, l'invention propose de réaliser des couches extérieures de matériau dur, pour masquer les liaisons par soudure à haute température établies l'invention.On this subject, it will be noted that it is known from patent CH-A-455856 to produce decorative and protective coatings on watch parts, metallic or not. For the first time, the invention proposes to produce outer layers of hard material, to mask the high temperature solder connections established by the invention.

Les avantages d'une telle disposition sont liés aux nouveaux effets esthétiques que l'on peut ainsi obtenir. En disposant des couches de décoration dures directement sur la surface extérieure d'une glace, on peut notamment lui conférer un aspect très surprenant, et une impression de profondeur inexploitée jusqu'ici. On peut par exemple donner l'illusion que la glace est entourée d'une lunette métallique de forme complexe, découpée, etc... Au moyen d'épargnes judicieuses formées lors de l'application du revêtement extérieur, ou en réalisant successivement des revêtements ne se recouvrant pas parfaitement, on peut même obtenir des effets de dégradés sur les bords du revêtement. Un autre avantage de la mise en oeuvre de revêtements durs extérieurs est qu'ils permettent de masquer d'éventuels défauts de surface de la glace, qui sont au contraire mis en évidence dans le cas de revêtements appliqués sous la glace et visibles au travers de celle-ci.The advantages of such an arrangement are linked to the new aesthetic effects which can thus be obtained. By having hard decorative layers directly on the outer surface of a glass, it can in particular give it a very surprising appearance, and an impression of depth not exploited until now. One can for example give the illusion that the glass is surrounded by a metal bezel of complex shape, cut out, etc ... By means of judicious savings formed during the application of the external coating, or by successively making coatings not overlapping perfectly, you can even obtain gradient effects on the edges of the coating. Another advantage of the use of external hard coatings is that they make it possible to mask possible surface defects of the glass, which are on the contrary highlighted in the case of coatings applied under the glass and visible through this one.

Ces objets sont réalisés selon l'invention en proposant de prévoir sur un élément transparent d'une pièce d'horlogerie des premier et second revêtements adhérents assurant respectivement l'accrochage d'une couche extérieure de décoration et d'une couche extérieure de matériau de soudure à haute température. De tels revêtements qui jusqu'alors n'avaient pas été proposés dans l'application décrite, sont déposés de préférence selon le procédé de dépôt chimique en phase vapeur (CVD) qui permet d'obtenir d'excellents résultats.These objects are produced according to the invention by proposing to provide on a transparent element of a timepiece first and second adherent coatings respectively ensuring the attachment of an outer decorative layer and an outer layer of material. high temperature welding. Such coatings which hitherto had not been proposed in the application described, are preferably deposited according to the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process which allows excellent results to be obtained.

En particulier, l'invention permet d'atteindre des charges de rupture à l'arrachement du revêtement supérieur à 147 x 106 N/m2 (15 kg/mm2) qui deviennent comparables à la résistance à la traction du saphir lui-même, qui est comprise entre 186 et 490 x 106 N/m2 (19 et 50 kg/mm2) selon la direction de l'effort de traction.In particular, the invention makes it possible to reach breaking loads when the coating is torn off greater than 147 x 106 N / m 2 (15 kg / m m 2 ) which become comparable to the tensile strength of the sapphire itself. even, which is between 186 and 490 x 10 6 N / m 2 (19 and 50 kg / mm 2 ) depending on the direction of the tensile force.

Il en résulte de nouvelles possibilités de construction, qui font également partie intégrante de l'invention, et qui permettent notamment d'utiliser la glace comme élément central de l'assemblage sur lequel viendront se fixer par exemple la carrure, les organes de liaison du bracelet ainsi que des éléments décoratifs ou des couches de décoration extérieures.This results in new construction possibilities, which are also an integral part of the invention, and which in particular allow the glass to be used as a central element of the assembly on which the middle part, the connecting members of the bracelet as well as decorative elements or exterior decoration layers.

L'invention sera bien comprise à la lecture de la description suivante, faite en référence aux dessins joints, parmi lesquels:

  • - la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe partielle d'une glace de montre selon l'invention; et - les figures 2 à 6 sont des représentations schématiques d'éléments de pièces d'horlogerie selon divers modes de réalisation de l'invention.
The invention will be clearly understood on reading the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:
  • - Figure 1 is a schematic view in partial section of a watch crystal according to the invention; and - Figures 2 to 6 are schematic representations of elements of timepieces according to various embodiments of the invention.

Dans la figure 1 on a représenté une coupe partielle d'une glace 1 en saphir ou en verre minéral formant un élément constitutif d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention. Cette glace 1 comporte notamment un revêtement adhérent 2 assurant l'accrochage d'une couche extérieure de décoration 3, et un revêtement adhérent 4 assurant l'accrochage d'une couche de matériau de soudure à haute température 5.In Figure 1 there is shown a partial section of a sapphire crystal or mineral glass 1 forming a component of a timepiece according to the invention. This glass 1 comprises in particular an adherent coating 2 ensuring the attachment of an outer decorative layer 3, and an adherent coating 4 ensuring the attachment of a layer of high temperature solder material 5.

La couche de décoration 3 est constituée d'un matériau dur, par exemple métallique, du type du carbure ou du nitrure de titane qui, outre leur grande dureté qui leur permet de conserver un aspect brillant en raison de leur caractère in- rayable, présentent des teintes très voisines de celles de l'or. Bien entendu, d'autres matériaux pourraient être utilisés, et en particulier des carbures, borures ou nitrures des métaux du type du tantale, du tungstène, du chrome ou d'autres composés présentant un aspect et une dureté adéquats. En ce qui concerne le revêtement adhérent 2, il peut comporter une seule couche adhérant à la glace et assurant une bonne liaison avec la couche de décoration 3 ou plusieurs couches 6, 7 présentant une bonne cohésion entre elles, la couche du dessous 6 adhérant à la glace 1 et la couche extérieure 7 adhérant à la couche de décoration 3. A titre d'exemple non limitatif, la couche 6 peut être formés d'oxyde d'aluminium AI2 03, la couche 7 étant une couche de chrome et la couche de décoration 3 étant formée de nitrure de titane. Selon une variante particulièrement appropriée, permettant la suppression de la couche intermédiaire 7, le revêtement adhérent peut être formé d'oxyde de titane Ti02, que l'on revêt ultérieurement de nitrure ou de carbure de titane TiN ou TiC.The decorative layer 3 is made of a hard material, for example metallic, of the carbide or titanium nitride type which, in addition to their high hardness which allows them to retain a shiny appearance due to their non-scratchability, have shades very close to those of gold. Of course, other materials could be used, and in particular carbides, borides or nitrides of metals such as tantalum, tungsten, chromium or other compounds having an adequate appearance and hardness. As regards the adherent coating 2, it may comprise a single layer adhering to the glass and ensuring a good bond with the decorative layer 3 or several layers 6, 7 having good cohesion between them, the bottom layer 6 adhering to the glass 1 and the outer layer 7 adhering to the decoration layer 3. By way of nonlimiting example, the layer 6 can be formed of aluminum oxide AI2 0 3 , the layer 7 being a layer of chromium and the decorative layer 3 being formed of titanium nitride. According to a particularly suitable variant, allowing the removal of the intermediate layer 7, the adherent coating may be formed of titanium oxide Ti0 2 , which is subsequently coated with nitride or titanium carbide TiN or TiC.

De la même façon que pour le revêtement 2, le revêtement adhérent 4 peut être constitué d'une ou de plusieurs couches (8, 9,10) superposées de matériaux différents. Par exemple, la couche 8 assurant l'accrochage du revêtement sur la glace 1 est constituée par de l'oxyde d'aluminium AI2 03, la couche 10 assurant l'accrochage de la couche de soudure 5 est une couche de carbure de tungstène, tandis qu'une couche intermédiaire 9 de tungstène assure la liaison entre les deux couches 8 et 10. L'utilisation d'oxydes pour la couche en contact avec la glace s'est avérée particulièrement intéressante.In the same way as for the coating 2, the adherent coating 4 may consist of one or more layers (8, 9, 10) superimposed on different materials. For example, the layer 8 ensuring the attachment of the coating on the ice 1 is constituted by aluminum oxide AI2 0 3 , the layer 10 ensuring the attachment of the solder layer 5 is a layer of tungsten carbide , while an intermediate layer 9 of tungsten provides the connection between the two layers 8 and 10. The use of oxides for the layer in contact with the ice has proved to be particularly advantageous.

Par matériau de soudure à haute température formant la couche 5, on entend un matériau d'apport susceptible d'être appliqué à l'état solide entre le revêtement 4 et un autre élément de la pièce d'horlogerie, puis amenée à la fusion à une température de l'ordre de 550°C à 600°C ou plus, selon la nature des éléments à associer, de manière à former une liaison permanente entre ces éléments après refroidissement. De tels matériaux sont largement répandus et utilisés par exemple pour le soudage de pièces d'acier. Leur charge de rupture est bien supérieure à celle des matériaux de soudure à basse température, et le plus souvent supérieure à 588 x 106 N/m2 (60 kg/ mm2). Leur résistance à l'oxydation dans les conditions d'utilisation normales d'une pièce d'horlogerie est également bien supérieure.By high temperature solder material forming the layer 5 is meant a filler material capable of being applied in the solid state between the coating 4 and another element of the timepiece, then brought to melting at a temperature of the order of 550 ° C to 600 ° C or more, depending on the nature of the elements to be combined, so as to form a permanent bond between these elements after cooling. Such materials are widely used and used for example for welding steel parts. Their breaking load is much higher than that of welding materials at low temperature, and most often greater than 588 x 10 6 N / m 2 (60 kg / mm 2 ). Their resistance to oxidation under normal conditions of use of a timepiece is also much higher.

Il s'est avéré que le procédé actuellement le mieux adapté au dépôt des revêtements adhérents 2 et 4, et qui permet d'obtenir des charges à la rupture de 98 et 147 x 106 N/m2 (10 kg/mm2 à 15 kg/mm2) et même davantage, est le procédé de dépôt chimique en phase vapeur, connu également sous la dénomination dépôt CVD. Ce procédé consiste à amener à la surface de la glace, maintenue à une température élevée, des matériaux en phase vapeur. Cette surface est alors le siège d'une réaction chimique conduisant à un dépôt de matière. En utilisant par exemple des masques permettant de ne soumettre qu'une partie de la surface de l'élément à revêtir à l'action des matériaux en phase vapeur, il est alors possible de conférer toute forme utile au revêtement obtenu, et de n'en recouvrir que les endroits que l'on désire protéger par une couche de décoration, ou lier par soudure à un autre élément de la pièce d'horologerie.It has been found that the process currently best suited for depositing adherent coatings 2 and 4, and which makes it possible to obtain breaking loads of 98 and 147 x 10 6 N / m 2 (10 kg / mm 2 at 15 kg / mm 2 ) and even more, is the chemical vapor deposition process, also known as CVD deposition. This process consists in bringing to the surface of the ice, maintained at a high temperature, materials in the vapor phase. This surface is then the site of a chemical reaction leading to a deposit of material. By using, for example, masks making it possible to subject only part of the surface of the element to be coated to the action of materials in the vapor phase, it is then possible to give any useful shape to the coating obtained, and to only cover the places you want to protect with a decorative layer, or bond by welding to another element of the timepiece.

Bien entendu, il est possible de ne déposer par CVD qu'une partie du revêtement adhérent, et plus particulièrement sa couche en contact avec la glace, d'autres couches pouvant ultérieurement être déposées sur la première par d'autres méthodes comme par exemple par placage galvanique s'il s'agit de couches de cuivre ou de nickel.Of course, it is possible to deposit by CVD only a part of the adherent coating, and more particularly its layer in contact with the ice, other layers which can subsequently be deposited on the first by other methods such as for example by galvanic plating in the case of copper or nickel layers.

On comprendra que sur la figure 1 les épaisseurs des différentes couches indiquées ont été fortement exagérées, des épaisseurs de quelques microns étant suffisantes en réalité pour les couches constituant les revêtements adhérents.It will be understood that in FIG. 1 the thicknesses of the different layers indicated have been greatly exaggerated, thicknesses of a few microns being sufficient in reality for the layers constituting the adherent coatings.

Dans la figure 2, on a représenté en coupe partielle une boîte de montre 11 munie d'une glace 12 sur laquelle ont été fixés une couche extérieure de décoration 13 et une carrure annulaire 14 soudée à la glace 12 par l'intermédiaire d'une couche de soudure 15. La glace a été préparée conformément aux explications précédentes pour permettre l'accrochage des couches 13 et 15. Un fond 16 est monté de façon amovible sous la carrure 14 par l'intermédiaire de vis 17. La fixation par soudage de la carrure 14 sur la glace 12 peut être obtenue, après la réalisation des revêtements adhérents sur cette glace, en disposant le matériau de soudure 15, qui forme par exemple un cadre aux dimensions adéquates, entre les deux pièces à assembler, puis en plaçant l'ensemble ainsi formé dans un four à induction.In Figure 2, there is shown in partial section a watch case 11 provided with a crystal 12 on which have been fixed an outer decorative layer 13 and an annular middle part 14 welded to the crystal 12 by means of a solder layer 15. The glass has been prepared in accordance with the preceding explanations to allow the attachment of layers 13 and 15. A base 16 is removably mounted under the middle 14 by means of screws 17. The fixing by welding of the middle part 14 on the glass 12 can be obtained, after the production of the adherent coatings on this glass, by placing the welding material 15, which for example forms a frame of suitable dimensions, between the two parts to be assembled, then by placing the assembly thus formed in an induction furnace.

Les figures 3 et 4 représentant une glace revêtue selon l'invention en vue de dessus, et elles illustrent les cas où une couche de décoration forme soit un cadre annulaire 18, ou fausse lunette, sur la périphérie de la glace, qui peut être biseautée comme dans la figure 1, soit des motifs de fantaisie 19 destinés par exemple à masquer les organes de fixation de la glace des figures 5 et 6.Figures 3 and 4 showing a coated glass according to the invention in top view, and they illustrate the cases where a decorative layer forms either an annular frame 18, or false bezel, on the periphery of the glass, which can be bevelled as in FIG. 1, either fancy patterns 19 intended, for example, to hide the elements for fixing the glass of FIGS. 5 and 6.

Dans les figures 5 et 6 on a représenté respectivement en coupe partielle et en vue de dessus une boîte de montre dans laquelle la glace 28 est fixés de façon amovible à une carrure 29 au moyen d'organes de fixation 30, au nombre de quatre par exemple, soudés à haute température sous la glace, et qui comportent des surfaces d'accrochages 31 collaborant élastiquement avec des protubérances 32 de la surface intérieure de la carrure 29 pour maintenir l'assemblage.In Figures 5 and 6 there is shown respectively in partial section and in top view a watch case in which the crystal 28 is removably attached to a middle part 29 by means of fasteners 30, four in number for example, welded at high temperature under the crystal, and which have hooking surfaces 31 collaborating elastically with protuberances 32 of the inner surface of the middle part 29 to maintain the assembly.

Bien qu'elle ait été décrite en relation avec certains de ses mode de réalisation particuliers, la présente invention s'y trouve nullement limitée, mais elle est au contraire susceptible de faire l'objet de nombreuses modifications et variantes qui apparaîtront à l'homme du métier.Although it has been described in relation to some of its particular embodiments, the present invention is in no way limited thereto, but on the contrary is likely to be the subject of numerous modifications and variants which will appear to humans. of career.

Claims (16)

1. Timepiece particularly including a first transparent element visible from the exterior of the timepiece, characterized in that said first element includes in combination a first adherent coating applied to one or several parts of its surface, a layer of high temperature soldering material adhering to said first coating, a second adherent coating applied to another part of its surface and an outer decoration layer adhering to said second coating, said second coating and said outer decoration layer being placed in a manner to mask said first coating and said layer of soldering material.
2. Timepiece according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one of said coatings is formed of a single layer of material adhering simultaneously to the surface of the element and to the decoration layer or the layer of soldering material.
3. Timepiece according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one of said coatings is formed of at least two superposed layers of different materials united to one another, the bottom layer adhering to the element and the outer layer adhering to the decoration layer or to the layer of soldering material.
4. Timepiece according to claim 3 characterized in that the coating furthermore includes at least one intermediate layer assuring the binding between said bottom and outer layers.
5. Timepiece according to any of claims 2-4 characterized in that the coating layer in contact with the element is an oxide layer.
6. Timepiece according to claim 5 characterized in that the oxide layer is a layer of Ti02.
7. Timepiece according to any of claims 1-6 characterized in that the decoration layer is a layer of titanium nitride or titanium carbide.
8. Timepiece according to any of claims 3-5 characterized in that said first coating particularly includes a layer of tungsten covered over by a layer of tungsten carbide.
9. Timepiece according to any of claims 1-8 characterized in that the resistance to stripping off the coating is greater or equal to 98 x 106 N/ m2.
10. Timepiece according to claim 9 characterized in that the resistance to the stripping off is greater or equal to 147 x 106 N/m2.
11. Timepiece according to any of claims 1-10 characterized in that the first element is a watch crystal.
12. Timepiece according to claim 11 characterized in that it furthermore includes a second element fastened to the first by means of said layer of soldering material.
13. Timepiece according to claim 12 characterized in that said second element is a caseband.
14. Timepiece according to claim 12 characterized in that said second element is a fastening component of the watch crystal.
15. Timepiece according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the first element is formed from sapphire.
16. Method of obtaining the timepiece according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that at least the adherent coating layer in contact with the first element is deposited according to the chemical vapour deposition process.
EP83810233A 1982-07-09 1983-06-03 Time piece and method of manufacturing the same Expired EP0098795B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH418382A CH653205GA3 (en) 1982-07-09 1982-07-09
CH4183/82 1982-07-09

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EP0098795A2 EP0098795A2 (en) 1984-01-18
EP0098795A3 EP0098795A3 (en) 1984-02-15
EP0098795B1 true EP0098795B1 (en) 1987-01-28

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EP83810233A Expired EP0098795B1 (en) 1982-07-09 1983-06-03 Time piece and method of manufacturing the same

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US (1) US4623262A (en)
EP (1) EP0098795B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS5923277A (en)
KR (1) KR890000084B1 (en)
CH (1) CH653205GA3 (en)
DE (1) DE3369581D1 (en)
HK (1) HK100792A (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH0416757B2 (en) 1992-03-25
DE3369581D1 (en) 1987-03-05
US4623262A (en) 1986-11-18
EP0098795A2 (en) 1984-01-18
JPS5923277A (en) 1984-02-06
CH653205GA3 (en) 1985-12-31
KR890000084B1 (en) 1989-03-07
EP0098795A3 (en) 1984-02-15
HK100792A (en) 1992-12-24
KR840005566A (en) 1984-11-14

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