EP0168009A1 - Finishing parts for a wrist watch - Google Patents

Finishing parts for a wrist watch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0168009A1
EP0168009A1 EP19850108437 EP85108437A EP0168009A1 EP 0168009 A1 EP0168009 A1 EP 0168009A1 EP 19850108437 EP19850108437 EP 19850108437 EP 85108437 A EP85108437 A EP 85108437A EP 0168009 A1 EP0168009 A1 EP 0168009A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
particles
clothing
element according
binder
resin
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP19850108437
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0168009B1 (en
Inventor
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
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rado Uhren AG filed Critical Rado Uhren AG
Priority to AT85108437T priority Critical patent/ATE34470T1/en
Publication of EP0168009A1 publication Critical patent/EP0168009A1/en
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Publication of EP0168009B1 publication Critical patent/EP0168009B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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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 attack by rays 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 charges 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 rays 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, inclusions of nitrides, oxides, carbides, etc., can have very diverse colors.
  • any mineral material can be combined with resin, i.e. carbides, borides, nitrides, carbonitrides, oxides, etc., but also sintered agglomerates such as TiC bound with Ni, elements with a monocrystalline network such as a-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 i.e. carbides, borides, nitrides, carbonitrides, oxides, etc.
  • sintered agglomerates such as TiC bound with Ni
  • elements with a monocrystalline network such as a-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), 100 ST type, which has the advantage of having an Izod impact resistance (with notch) of 900 J / m, that is to say 7 to 30 times greater than that of the other "Deirins" which constitute one of the best ranges of engineering plastics.
  • This material is moldable by hot injection.
  • Other materials such as polyamide 12 or polycarbonate can also be used.
  • the mold intended for the molding of the watch element is placed in the cavity of the watch such as the middle part, the back, or the bezel, or even the back part of a case, or the bracelet, 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 matter 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. In what concerning the particles, they will be made wetting by a thorough cleaning which will rid them of all greases or other impurities. It should also be noted that this treatment will prevent the 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)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Physical Vapour Deposition (AREA)
  • Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)

Abstract

An exterior element for a wrist watch such as a case or bracelet at least partially formed from a composite material. Such material comprises an organic binder such as an acetal homopolymer and macroscopic particles of mineral substances which arrive flush with at least a portion of the visible surface of the element and cover the major part of said portion.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un élément d'habillement pour montre-bracelet, tel qu'une boite 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 boites de montres, notamment de boites monoblocs et de carrures. Ces éléments sont fabriqués par injection, ce qui présente l'avantage de réduire très fortement les coûts de fabrication. Les matières plastiques permettent pour leur part de réaliser des boites de montres légères et de couleurs variées.Composite materials, formed of 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 limité à l'habillage de montres du bas de gamme. Ceci est dù essentiellement au fait que la faible dureté du plastique le rend vulnérable aux nombreuses agressions auxquelles sont quotidiennement soumis la plupart des bottiers de montres-bracelets, du fait des diverses activités 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 plastic makes it vulnerable to the numerous attacks to which most wristwatchers are subjected daily, due to the various activities practiced by the wearers of these watches both professionally and on leisure.

On a déjà proposé de réaliser des boites par frittage de matériaux durs tels que des carbures ou des nitrures. Toutefois, la production de tels boites 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 boxes is reserved for a category of watches with a price higher than the average because of their manufacturing cost.

Il a également été proposé 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 décrit qu'un seul procédé de frittage à chaud après tassement, on peut obtenir des résultats semblables a 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 external 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 material. composite in the sense we give it here. In the French document, however, it says in the penultimate paragraph of the description that, although only one process has been described hot sintering after compaction, similar results can be obtained using a binder in a process where an adhesive or 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 boite 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 boite 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 attack by rays 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. In addition, too high a proportion of microscopic charges 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. Ces particules affleurent sur au moins une portion de surface visible de l'élément et occupent 60 % à 95 % de cette portion.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. 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 boite de montre ou un bracelet présentant des propriétés d'inaltérabilité voisines de celles de boites 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 rays 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, inclusions of nitrides, oxides, carbides, etc., can have very diverse colors. This is how we can imagine a quantity 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 boites 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 a-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, i.e. carbides, borides, nitrides, carbonitrides, oxides, etc., but also sintered agglomerates such as TiC bound with Ni, elements with a monocrystalline network such as a-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 homopolymêre 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 a 30 fois supérieure à celle des autres "Deirin" qui constituent une des meilleures gammes de plastiques techniques. Cette matière est moulable par injection a chaud. D'autres matériaux tels que le polyamide 12 ou le polycarbonate peuvent aussi être utilises.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), 100 ST type, which has the advantage of having an Izod impact resistance (with notch) of 900 J / m, that is to say 7 to 30 times greater than that of the other "Deirins" which constitute one of the best ranges of engineering 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 boite, 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'ôtat 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 mold intended for the molding of the watch element is placed in the cavity of the watch such as the middle part, the back, or the bezel, or even the back part of a case, or the bracelet, 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 a 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 matter 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 s 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 rendues 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 ou 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. In what concerning the particles, they will be made wetting by a thorough cleaning which will rid them of all greases or other impurities. It should also be noted that this treatment will prevent the 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 envisageables.With regard more specifically to the bracelet, at least two variants are possible.

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)

1. Elément d'habillement pour montre-bracelet au moins partiellement formé d'un matériau composite, caractérisé en ce que ledit matériau comporte un liant organique et des particules macroscopiques de substances minérales, enserrées dans ledit liant, qui affleurent sur au moins une portion de surface visible dudit élément et occupent 60 % à 95 % de ladite portion.1. Clothing element for a wristwatch at least partially formed of a composite material, characterized in that said material comprises an organic binder and macroscopic particles of mineral substances, contained in said binder, which are flush with at least a portion of visible surface of said element and occupy 60% to 95% of said portion. 2. Elément d'habillement selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdites particules sont réparties dans toute la masse du liant.2. clothing element according to claim 1, characterized in that said particles are distributed throughout the mass of the binder. 3. Elément d'habillement selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdites particules se situent uniquement au niveau de ladite portion de surface.3. clothing element according to claim 1, characterized in that said particles are located only at said surface portion. 4. Elément d'habillement selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit liant est un homopolymère acétal.4. clothing element according to claim 1, characterized in that said binder is an acetal homopolymer. 5. Elément d'habillement selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les parties des particules affleurant sont constituées par des surfaces résultant d'un polissage de ladite portion.5. A clothing element according to claim 1, characterized in that the parts of the flush particles are constituted by surfaces resulting from polishing of said portion. 6. Elément d'habillement selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdites particules sont en des substances de couleurs différentes.6. Clothing element according to claim 1, characterized in that said particles are made of substances of different colors. 7. Elément d'habillement selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdites particules ont des dimensions supérieures ou égales à 0,1 mm.7. clothing element according to claim 1, characterized in that said particles have dimensions greater than or equal to 0.1 mm. 8. Elément d'habillement selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément est une boite.8. Element of clothing according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said element is a box. 9. Elément d'habillement selon l'une des revendications 1 a 7, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément est un bracelet.9. clothing element according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said element is a bracelet.
EP19850108437 1984-07-12 1985-07-08 Finishing parts for a wrist watch Expired EP0168009B1 (en)

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
CH3382/84 1984-07-12
CH338284A CH658160GA3 (en) 1984-07-12 1984-07-12

Publications (2)

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EP0168009A1 true EP0168009A1 (en) 1986-01-15
EP0168009B1 EP0168009B1 (en) 1988-05-18

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EP19850108437 Expired EP0168009B1 (en) 1984-07-12 1985-07-08 Finishing parts for a wrist watch

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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)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH686473GA3 (en) * 1993-03-18 1996-04-15 Jean-Pierre Slavic Screw-type ring or crown having annular recess e.g. for timepiece

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2178032A1 (en) * 1972-03-27 1973-11-09 Suwa Seikosha Kk
DE2339858A1 (en) * 1972-08-08 1974-02-14 Metalem Sa METHOD OF DECORATING VISIBLE PARTS OF A WATCH

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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
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

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2178032A1 (en) * 1972-03-27 1973-11-09 Suwa Seikosha Kk
DE2339858A1 (en) * 1972-08-08 1974-02-14 Metalem Sa METHOD OF DECORATING VISIBLE PARTS OF A WATCH

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH686473GA3 (en) * 1993-03-18 1996-04-15 Jean-Pierre Slavic Screw-type ring or crown having annular recess e.g. for timepiece

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR880000223B1 (en) 1988-03-15
HK56090A (en) 1990-08-03
DE3562829D1 (en) 1988-06-23
KR860000840A (en) 1986-02-20
ATE34470T1 (en) 1988-06-15
JPS6157633A (en) 1986-03-24
EP0168009B1 (en) 1988-05-18
US4730288A (en) 1988-03-08
CH658160GA3 (en) 1986-10-31

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