EP0980543B1 - Method for making a watch case - Google Patents
Method for making a watch case Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0980543B1 EP0980543B1 EP99904678A EP99904678A EP0980543B1 EP 0980543 B1 EP0980543 B1 EP 0980543B1 EP 99904678 A EP99904678 A EP 99904678A EP 99904678 A EP99904678 A EP 99904678A EP 0980543 B1 EP0980543 B1 EP 0980543B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- support ring
- watch
- elastomeric
- case
- circle
- 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 - Lifetime
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 20
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 19
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 17
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009172 bursting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015243 ice cream Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005245 sintering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007779 soft material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004073 vulcanization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04D3/00—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials
- G04D3/0002—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe
- G04D3/0061—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe for components for protecting the mechanism against external influences
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04D3/00—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials
-
- 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
- G04B37/05—Fixed mountings for pocket or wrist watches
- G04B37/055—Fixed mountings for pocket or wrist watches with shock damping means including the winding stem
-
- 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
- G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
- G04B37/081—Complete encasings for wrist or pocket watches also comprising means for hermetic sealing of the winding stem and crown
-
- 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
- G04B37/00—Cases
- G04B37/22—Materials or processes of manufacturing pocket watch or wrist watch cases
- G04B37/223—Materials or processes of manufacturing pocket watch or wrist watch cases metallic cases coated with a nonmetallic layer
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a box of watch comprising a middle part, a back and a support ring intended to support internal elements of the watch and fixed inside the middle through of an element of elastomeric material at least part of which is formed by molding against the middle part, in which the middle part and the ring are produced separately support, then the support ring is fixed by means of the material element elastomer.
- the invention also relates to a watch case obtainable by this process.
- Patent application FR 2 463 437 describes a process of the kind indicated in preamble above.
- Most or all of the interior surface of the middle part is covered with an annular seal made of elastic material which is rendered secured to this surface by molding and vulcanization.
- the inside of this seal has protrusions serving as supports for internal elements of the watch, in particular with the movement casing net and a ring ring.
- the joint thus formed ensures an elastic suspension of the movement and can also ensure a tight closure from the bottom and the bezel of the watch case.
- it is made of a relatively soft material, it cannot offer high precision of positioning of the movement or other internal elements of the watch, such as the for example makes a casing circle.
- the present invention aims to overcome the problems mentioned above, by providing a simple and economical manufacturing process, which allows correct and precise positioning of the movement in the middle of the case shows and compensation for any deviations in the dimensions of the middle, in particular avoiding machining operations inside the middle.
- the invention also aims to facilitate the realization of the sealing means of the watch case.
- the elastomeric nature of the material molded in the gap between the ring support and middle allows to overcome constraints, previously very strict, in terms of shape and inside machining dimensions of the middle. In fact, no machining is necessary inside the middle on the surfaces which will be covered by the elastomeric material, and it is even advantageous that these surfaces either rough or rough, which improves grip.
- the external dimensions of the support ring is less problematic, because this part is generally machined if it is made of metal, or molded with sufficient precision if it is made of plastic material.
- the support ring in particular when it is a casing circle, does not need to be positioned by pressing against interior surfaces of the middle part, in particular the surfaces which will be contact with the elastomer. This allows to choose other places as reference surfaces for its positioning, for example of the outer surfaces of the middle which anyway should be machined or polished, or surfaces that are decisive for the exterior appearance of the watch, such as the notch of ice or substantive.
- the element made of elastomeric material is molded into said interval by injection, transfer or compression.
- This item can understand at least a part that is put in place before the step of overmolding.
- the element the element made of elastomeric material can constitute a seal between the middle and the bottom of the case, and / or between the middle and one control rod passing through the middle, and / or between the middle and a glass of the box.
- the overmolded elastomeric material is chosen so as to adhere to the material of the middle part.
- the watch case 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 includes a middle 2, a casing circle 3 and a back 7.
- a movement 4 and a dial 5 will be supported by the casing circle 3.
- An element in molded elastomeric material 9 fills the entire gap between the circle 3 and the middle part 2 and is extended, in a lateral hole of the middle part, by a tubular part 9 ′, the interior of which forms a housing 10 intended to receive the control rod 17 of the watch.
- This tubular part present in the housing 10 a circular sealing bead 12.
- the housing 10 opens into a crown recess 11 excavated in the middle 2.
- Figure 2 shows a section angularly offset from the section of FIG. 1. This is how the orifice 13 of the housing 10 is outside of the cutting plane.
- Figure 2 shows location 6 of movement 4, as well the location 8 of the bottom 7.
- the circle 3 has a cavity 14 intended receiving a lug of movement 4, this lug being intended to make the movement 4 integral with the circle 3.
- Figures 1 and 2 show a shoulder 15 of the circle 3, embedded in the elastomer element 9. This shoulder makes integral, after overmolding, the circle 3 and element 9.
- the elastomer element 9, in Figure 3 achieves sealing both between the base 7 and the middle part 2 as between the middle part and the control rod 17, thanks to the bead 12.
- the bottom 7 is fixed by clipping on the lower part of the elastomer element 9, thanks to a notch 16, this which ensures watertight mounting.
- the glass 18 is sealed, in the example described, by a gasket 19 separate from the elastomer element 9 and compressed between the edge of the glass and a cylindrical surface 20 of the middle, called notch ice cream.
- a gasket 19 separate from the elastomer element 9 and compressed between the edge of the glass and a cylindrical surface 20 of the middle, called notch ice cream.
- the elastomer element 9 has a shape extending upwards, behind a flange 21 placed above of dial 5 as shown in FIG. 5, to constitute a gasket ensuring sealing between the glass 18 and the middle part 2.
- the surfaces of the middle part 2 and of the casing ring 3 on which the elastomer will be applied are first coated with a finishing liquid (primer) capable of promoting the adhesion of the elastomer.
- the middle 2 is placed in a mold with the fixed part (not shown) perfectly shoulder the outside of the middle to prevent it from bursting under pressure injection, which can reach very high values.
- Figure 4 shows three moving parts of the mold, namely an upper core 22 engaging in the circle 3 to keep it in position, a lower core 23 intended to mold the lower part of the elastomer element 9, and a drawer 24 intended to form the housing 10 in the tubular part 9 '.
- the drawer 24 can be coated with a primer preventing it from adhering to the elastomer.
- Items 22 to 24 are movable in the directions indicated by the arrows.
- the elastomer is injected in known manner through the cores 22 and / or 23, holes passage being arranged through the circle 3.
- the lateral positioning of the circle 3 relative to the middle part 2 is not not by pressing against the middle, but only by means of the core upper 22, guided by the notch 20 serving as a reference surface on the middle.
- An upper surface 26 of the middle part can serve as a surface height reference, if necessary.
- the release is carried out in a conventional manner: the drawer 24 is removed outwards, the lower core 23 is torn down and the core upper 22 is then withdrawn upwards.
- the self-adhesive properties of the elastomeric material 9 itself make it possible to perfectly join the circle 3 and the middle part 2, in removing the constraints of interior shape of this middle.
- the tubular part 9 ′ could be made beforehand, either by overmolding, or prefabricated and fixed in the hole in the middle before the overmolding step.
- Figures 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the invention, the differences from which will be described with respect to the first fashion.
- the elastomer element 9 is molded between the middle part 2 and a support ring formed here by the flange 21.
- the element 9 also fills the function of a casing circle, since its inner surface obtains by molding a precise position and dimensions, regardless of possible inaccuracies inside the middle.
- the element 9 has an internal shoulder 30 in which takes place an external thread 31 of the movement.
- the elastomer element 9 is extends upwards to form, along the notch of ice 20, a filling sealing 32 between the crystal 18 and the middle part.
- Figure 6 shows schematically that the elastomer element 9 shown in Figure 5 is molded similarly to what has been described in reference to FIG. 4, but in this case the guidance of the cores 22 and 23 is slightly different.
- the upper core 22 is guided laterally on the middle part, that is to say the peripheral surface of the middle part 2, serving as a reference surface 33.
- the lower core 23 is guided relative to the upper core 22 by vertical sliding, for example on shafts 34 crossing the two cores. Vertical positioning can be done by support on the upper surface 26 of the middle part serving as the reference.
- the method according to the invention is applicable regardless of the mode of manufacture of the middle and other parts of the watch case. However, it is particularly advantageous when one can do without a machining inside the middle. This is particularly the case when it is formed by molding, for example according to the MIM (Metal Injection) process Molding) or when made of ceramic, hard metal or other material likely to be molded.
- MIM Metal Injection
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Electric Clocks (AREA)
- Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
- Gasket Seals (AREA)
Description
La présente invention concerne un procédé de fabrication d'une boíte de montre comportant une carrure, un fond et un anneau de support destiné à supporter des éléments internes de la montre et fixé à l'intérieur de la carrure par l'intermédiaire d'un élément en matériau élastomère dont au moins une partie est formée par moulage contre la carrure, dans lequel on fabrique séparément la carrure et l'anneau de support, puis on fixe l'anneau de support au moyen de l'élément en matériau élastomère. L'invention concerne aussi une boíte de montre pouvant être obtenue par ce procédé.The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a box of watch comprising a middle part, a back and a support ring intended to support internal elements of the watch and fixed inside the middle through of an element of elastomeric material at least part of which is formed by molding against the middle part, in which the middle part and the ring are produced separately support, then the support ring is fixed by means of the material element elastomer. The invention also relates to a watch case obtainable by this process.
Il est connu, dans le domaine des montres et plus particulièrement des montres-bracelets, de disposer certains éléments de la montre tels que le mouvement, le cadran ou la lunette dans un anneau de support souvent appelé cercle d'encageage, qui est inséré dans la carrure de la montre, comme décrit par exemple dans le brevet CH 681 127.It is known, in the field of watches and more particularly of wristwatches, to have certain elements of the watch such as the movement, the dial or the bezel in a support ring often called a circle casing, which is inserted into the middle of the watch, as described for example in patent CH 681 127.
Dans le cas d'une montre étanche, il est connu d'insérer une pluralité de joints d'étanchéité en matériau élastomère au niveau du fond, de la tige et de la glace de montre.In the case of a waterproof watch, it is known to insert a plurality of seals sealing in elastomer material at the bottom, the rod and the glass shows.
Bien que les opérations d'usinage intérieur de la carrure soient simplifiées par l'interposition du cercle d'encageage, il subsiste des difficultés qui n'ont jamais été résolues de façon satisfaisante. En particulier, pour empêcher tout déplacement angulaire entre le cercle d'encageage et la carrure, celle-ci doit être, dans l'art antérieur, munie d'un ou plusieurs trous recevant autant d'ergots de la pièce de support ou de vis dans le cas du document précité. Le problème des cotes intérieures de la carrure, qui doivent s'adapter au cercle d'encageage, restent donc entier.Although the internal machining operations of the middle part are simplified by the interposition of the casing circle, difficulties remain which have never been resolved satisfactorily. In particular, to prevent displacement angular between the casing circle and the middle, this should be, in the art front, provided with one or more holes receiving as many lugs of the workpiece support or screw in the case of the aforementioned document. The problem of interior dimensions of the middle, which must adapt to the casing circle, therefore remain whole.
Ce problème est particulièrement aigu lorsque la carrure est faite de matériaux durs, par exemple en céramique ou en métal dur. D'une part, de telles pièces sont généralement fabriquées par moulage et frittage, subissant ainsi des variation dimensionnelles qui ne permettent pas d'obtenir des cotes finales précises des pièces brutes. D'autre part, un usinage intérieur de ces pièces dures est très difficile et coûteux. Au problème d'ajustement du cercle d'encageage dans la carrure s'ajoute le problème du positionnement correct de ce cercle et donc du mouvement d'horlogerie, en particulier leur centrage, par rapport à une carrure dont les cotes brutes ou même finales sont imprécises.This problem is particularly acute when the middle is made of materials hard, for example ceramic or hard metal. On the one hand, such parts are generally made by molding and sintering, thus undergoing variations dimensional which do not allow to obtain precise final dimensions of the parts Gross. On the other hand, internal machining of these hard parts is very difficult and expensive. In addition to the problem of adjusting the casing circle in the middle part, problem of the correct positioning of this circle and therefore of the clockwork movement, in particular their centering, compared to a middle of which the rough dimensions or even final are imprecise.
Il est connu, notamment par le brevet français no. 898 248, de suspendre élastiquement le mouvement dans une boíte de montre au moyen d'un anneau élastique en caoutchouc placé entre la carrure et un cercle intérieur métallique destiné à supporter le mouvement. L'anneau en caoutchouc est préfabriqué avec des dimensions prédéterminées, puis introduit dans la carrure, à laquelle il est fixé à l'aide d'un adhésif. Il peut aussi être assemblé par adhésion avec le cercle. Cet anneau s'appuie contre la lunette et le fond de la boíte pour assurer l'étanchéité et comporte en outre un prolongement latéral tubulaire servant de garniture d'étanchéité pour la tige de remontoir. Toutefois, un tel anneau ayant des dimensions prédéterminées ne permet pas de compenser des écarts de cotes de la carrure, ou seulement très localement. Une telle compensation n'est d'ailleurs pas prévue dans le brevet cité.It is known, in particular by French patent no. 898 248, to suspend elastic movement in a watch case by means of a ring rubber elastic placed between the middle and a metallic inner circle intended to support the movement. The rubber ring is prefabricated with predetermined dimensions, then introduced into the middle part, to which it is fixed using an adhesive. It can also be assembled by adhesion with the circle. This ring leans against the bezel and the bottom of the case to ensure sealing and has additionally a tubular lateral extension serving as a seal for the winding stem. However, such a ring having predetermined dimensions does not not compensate for deviations in the dimensions of the middle, or only very locally. Such compensation is not, moreover, provided for in the cited patent.
La demande de brevet FR 2 463 437 décrit un procédé du genre indiqué en
préambule ci-dessus. La majeure partie ou la totalité de la surface intérieure de la
carrure est recouverte d'un joint annulaire en matériau élastique qui est rendu
solidaire de cette surface par moulage et vulcanisation. La face intérieure de ce joint
présente des protubérances servant d'appuis à des éléments internes de la montre,
en particulier au filet d'encageage du mouvement et à une bague-rehaut. Pour
l'opération de moulage, on introduit la partie de la boíte de montre comprenant la
carrure dans une enceinte définissant sa position avec précision, on introduit dans
l'enceinte un volume déterminé du matériau élastique, on place l'enceinte dans une
presse comportant un noyau dont la forme extérieure a la forme intérieure du joint et
l'on actionne la presse à chaud de façon que le matériau élastique soit comprimé
contre la carrure, y adhère et acquière sa forme définitive. Le joint ainsi formé assure
une suspension élastique du mouvement et peut assurer aussi une fermeture étanche
du fond et de la lunette de la boíte de montre. Par contre, comme il est fait d'un
matériau relativement tendre, il ne peut pas offrir une grande précision de
positionnement du mouvement ou d'autres éléments internes de la montre, comme le
fait par exemple un cercle d'encageage.
La présente invention vise à surmonter les problèmes évoqués ci-dessus, en fournissant un procédé de fabrication simple et économique, qui permet un positionnement correct et précis du mouvement dans de la carrure de la boíte de montre et une compensation des éventuels écarts de cotes de la carrure, notamment en évitant des opérations d'usinage à l'intérieur de la carrure. L'invention vise aussi à faciliter la réalisation des moyens d'étanchéité de la boíte de montre.The present invention aims to overcome the problems mentioned above, by providing a simple and economical manufacturing process, which allows correct and precise positioning of the movement in the middle of the case shows and compensation for any deviations in the dimensions of the middle, in particular avoiding machining operations inside the middle. The invention also aims to facilitate the realization of the sealing means of the watch case.
Dans ce but, l'invention concerne un procédé tel que défini dans la
revendication 1. Les revendications dépendantes définissent des formes d'exécution
particulières de ce procédé.To this end, the invention relates to a method as defined in the
La nature élastomère du matériau moulé dans l'intervalle entre l'anneau de support et la carrure permet de s'affranchir des contraintes, précédemment très strictes, en matière de forme et de cotes d'usinage intérieur de la carrure. En fait, aucun usinage n'est nécessaire à l'intérieur de la carrure sur les surfaces qui seront recouvertes par le matériau élastomère, et il est même avantageux que ces surfaces soient brutes ou rugueuses, ce qui améliore l'adhérence. Les cotes extérieures de l'anneau de support posent moins de problèmes, car cette pièce est en général usinée si elle est en métal, ou moulée avec une précision suffisante si elle est en matière plastique.The elastomeric nature of the material molded in the gap between the ring support and middle allows to overcome constraints, previously very strict, in terms of shape and inside machining dimensions of the middle. In fact, no machining is necessary inside the middle on the surfaces which will be covered by the elastomeric material, and it is even advantageous that these surfaces either rough or rough, which improves grip. The external dimensions of the support ring is less problematic, because this part is generally machined if it is made of metal, or molded with sufficient precision if it is made of plastic material.
Un aspect important de l'invention est que l'anneau de support, en particulier lorsqu'il s'agit d'un cercle d'encageage, n'a pas besoin d'être positionné par appui contre des surfaces intérieures de la carrure, notamment les surfaces qui seront en contact avec l'élastomère. Ceci permet de choisir d'autres endroits comme surfaces de référence pour son positionnement, par exemple des surfaces extérieures de la carrure qui devraient de toute façon être usinées ou polies, ou des surfaces qui sont déterminantes pour l'aspect extérieur de la montre, comme le cran de glace ou de fond.An important aspect of the invention is that the support ring, in particular when it is a casing circle, does not need to be positioned by pressing against interior surfaces of the middle part, in particular the surfaces which will be contact with the elastomer. this allows to choose other places as reference surfaces for its positioning, for example of the outer surfaces of the middle which anyway should be machined or polished, or surfaces that are decisive for the exterior appearance of the watch, such as the notch of ice or substantive.
De préférence l'élément en matériau élastomère est surmoulé dans ledit intervalle par injection, par transfert ou par compression. Cet élément peut comprendre au moins une partie qui est mise en place avant l'étape de surmoulage.Preferably the element made of elastomeric material is molded into said interval by injection, transfer or compression. This item can understand at least a part that is put in place before the step of overmolding.
L'élément l'élément en matériau élastomère peut constituer une garniture d'étanchéité entre la carrure et le fond de la boíte, et/ou entre la carrure et une tige de commande passant à travers la carrure, et/ou entre la carrure et une glace de la boíte.The element the element made of elastomeric material can constitute a seal between the middle and the bottom of the case, and / or between the middle and one control rod passing through the middle, and / or between the middle and a glass of the box.
De préférence, le matériau élastomère surmoulé est choisi de façon à adhérer au matériau dont est faite la carrure.Preferably, the overmolded elastomeric material is chosen so as to adhere to the material of the middle part.
D'autres avantages de l'invention apparaítront dans la description
suivante de deux modes de réalisation préférés, présentés ici à titre
d'exemples non limitatifs et illustrés par les dessins annexés, dans lesquels :
La boíte de montre 1 représentée dans les figures 1 à 3 comprend une
carrure 2, un cercle d'encageage 3 et un fond 7. Un mouvement 4 et un
cadran 5 seront supportés par le cercle d'encageage 3. Un élément en
matériau élastomère surmoulé 9 remplit tout l'intervalle compris entre le
cercle 3 et la carrure 2 et se prolonge, dans un trou latéral de la carrure, par
une partie tubulaire 9' dont l'intérieur forme un logement 10 destiné à recevoir
la tige de commande 17 de la montre. Cette partie tubulaire présente dans le
logement 10 un bourrelet d'étanchéité circulaire 12. Du côté extérieur, le
logement 10 débouche dans une noyure de couronne 11 excavée dans la
carrure 2.The
La figure 2 montre une coupe angulairement décalée par rapport à la
coupe de la figure 1. C'est ainsi que l'orifice 13 du logement 10 est en dehors
du plan de coupe. La figure 2 montre l'emplacement 6 du mouvement 4, ainsi
que l'emplacement 8 du fond 7. Le cercle 3 comporte une cavité 14 destinée
à recevoir un ergot du mouvement 4, cet ergot étant destiné à rendre le
mouvement 4 solidaire du cercle 3.Figure 2 shows a section angularly offset from the
section of FIG. 1. This is how the
Les figures 1 et 2 montrent un épaulement 15 du cercle 3, noyé dans
l'élément en élastomère 9. Cet épaulement rend solidaire, après surmoulage, le
cercle 3 et l'élément 9.Figures 1 and 2 show a
On voit que l'élément en élastomère 9, dans la figure 3, réalise
l'étanchéité aussi bien entre le fond 7 et la carrure 2 qu'entre la carrure et la
tige de commande 17, grâce au bourrelet 12. Le fond 7 est fixé par clipsage
sur la partie inférieure de l'élément en élastomère 9, grâce à un cran 16, ce
qui assure un montage étanche.We see that the
L'étanchéité de la glace 18 est réalisée, dans l'exemple décrit, par une
garniture 19 distincte de l'élément en élastomère 9 et comprimée entre le
bord de la glace et une surface cylindrique 20 de la carrure, appelée cran de
glace. Cependant, on peut très bien concevoir que l'élément en élastomère 9
ait une forme se prolongeant vers le haut, derrière un réhaut 21 placé au-dessus
du cadran 5 comme le montre la figure 5, pour constituer une
garniture assurant l'étanchéité entre la glace 18 et la carrure 2.The
On se référera à la figure 4 pour décrire l'étape de surmoulage par
injection permettant de former l'élément en élastomère 9. De préférence, les
surfaces de la carrure 2 et du cercle d'encageage 3 sur lesquelles
l'élastomère sera appliqué sont revêtues au préalable d'un liquide d'apprêt
(primer) apte à favoriser l'adhésion de l'élastomère. La carrure 2 est placée
dans un moule dont la partie fixe (non représentée) épaule parfaitement
l'extérieur de la carrure, afin d'empêcher qu'elle éclate sous la pression
d'injection, qui peut atteindre des valeurs très élevées. La figure 4 montre
trois pièces mobiles du moule, à savoir un noyau supérieur 22 s'engageant
dans le cercle 3 pour le maintenir en position, un noyau inférieur 23 destiné à
mouler la partie inférieure de l'élément en élastomère 9, et un tiroir 24 destiné
à former le logement 10 dans la partie tubulaire 9'. Le tiroir 24 peut être
enduit d'un apprêt l'empêchant d'adhérer à l'élastomère. Les éléments 22 à
24 sont mobiles dans les directions indiquées par les flèches. L'élastomère est
injecté de manière connue à travers les noyaux 22 et/ou 23, des trous de
passage étant ménagés à travers le cercle 3.Reference will be made to FIG. 4 to describe the step of overmolding by
injection making it possible to form the
Le positionnement latéral du cercle 3 par rapport à la carrure 2 ne se
fait pas par appui contre la carrure, mais uniquement au moyen du noyau
supérieur 22, guidé par le cran de glace 20 servant de surface de référence
sur la carrure. Une surface supérieure 26 de la carrure peut servir de surface
de référence en hauteur, s'il le faut. Ainsi, le cercle d'encageage 3 et tous les
éléments qu'il porte, en particulier le mouvement et le cadran, occuperont
exactement la position voulue dans la montre, en particulier pour être
parfaitement centrés cette ouverture, indépendamment des éventuelles
imprécisions de la forme intérieure de la carrure. Il en va de même pour la
position du fond, qui sera définie par la partie inférieure de l'élément 9, moulée
au moyen du noyau inférieur 23 qui est guidé de manière classique par le
noyau supérieur 22.The lateral positioning of the
Le démoulage s'effectue de manière classique : le tiroir 24 est retiré
vers l'extérieur, le noyau inférieur 23 est arraché vers le bas et le noyau
supérieur 22 est ensuite retiré vers le haut.The release is carried out in a conventional manner: the
Les propriétés d'auto-adhésion du matériau élastomère 9 lui
permettent de rendre parfaitement solidaire le cercle 3 et la carrure 2, en
supprimant les contraintes de forme intérieure de cette carrure. On conçoit
que dans certains cas, il peut être préférable de constituer l'élément en
matériau élastomère 9 par assemblage de divers éléments, chacun venant
dans une portion de l'intervalle entre le cercle 3, la carrure 2, le logement 10
et éventuellement le fond 7. Par exemple, la partie tubulaire 9' pourrait être
réalisée au préalable, soit par surmoulage, soit préfabriquée et fixée dans le
trou de la carrure avant l'étape de surmoulage.The self-adhesive properties of the
Les figures 5 et 6 représentent un second mode de réalisation de
l'invention, dont on décrira simplement les différences par rapport au premier
mode. Dans ce cas, l'élément en élastomère 9 est moulé entre la carrure 2 et
un anneau de support constitué ici par le réhaut 21. L'élément 9 remplit aussi
la fonction d'un cercle d'encageage, puisque sa surface intérieure obtient par
le moulage une position et des dimensions précises, indépendamment des
imprécisions éventuelles de l'intérieur de la carrure. Pour positionner le
mouvement 4, l'élément 9 présente un épaulement intérieur 30 dans lequel
prend place un filet extérieur 31 du mouvement. Figures 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of
the invention, the differences from which will be described with respect to the first
fashion. In this case, the
Comme on l'a mentionné plus haut, l'élément en élastomère 9 se
prolonge vers le haut pour former, le long du cran de glace 20, une garniture
d'étanchéité 32 entre la glace 18 et la carrure.As mentioned above, the
La figure 6 montre schématiquement que l'élément en élastomère 9
représenté à la figure 5 est moulé de façon analogue à ce qui a été décrit en
référence à la figure 4, mais dans ce cas le guidage des noyaux 22 et 23 est
légèrement différent. Afin d'assurer un positionnement latéral parfait, et en
particulier le centrage, du réhaut 21 et de la surface intérieure de l'élément 9,
le noyau supérieur 22 est guidé latéralement sur la bande de carrure, c'est-à-dire
la surface périphérique de la carrure 2, servant de surface de référence
33. De manière classique, le noyau inférieur 23 est guidé par rapport au
noyau supérieur 22 par coulissement vertical, par exemple sur des arbres 34
traversant les deux noyaux. Le positionnement vertical peut s'effectuer par
appui sur la surface supérieure 26 de la carrure servant de surface de
référence.Figure 6 shows schematically that the
Dans une variante du second mode de réalisation, on peut aussi prévoir
un cercle d'encageage, associé au réhaut 21 comme dans le cas de la figure
3, mais plus court vers le haut ou combiné en une seule pièce avec le réhaut.In a variant of the second embodiment, one can also provide
a casing circle, associated with the
Un homme du métier pourra sans peine imaginer d'autres variantes de l'invention décrite ici, sans sortir du cadre défini par les revendications. En particulier, le procédé décrit est aussi applicable dans le cas où le fond de la boíte est fait d'une pièce avec la carrure, le mouvement étant emboíté par le haut.A person skilled in the art can easily imagine other variants of the invention described here, without departing from the scope defined by the claims. In in particular, the method described is also applicable in the case where the bottom of the box is made in one piece with the middle part, the movement being fitted by the high.
Le procédé selon l'invention est applicable quel que soit le mode de fabrication de la carrure et des autres pièces de la boíte de montre. Cependant il est particulièrement avantageux lorsqu'on peut se passer d'un usinage à l'intérieur de la carrure. C'est le cas notamment quand celle-ci est formée par moulage, par exemple selon le procédé MIM (Metal Injection Moulding) ou lorsqu'elle est en céramique, en métal dur ou une autre matière susceptible d'être moulée.The method according to the invention is applicable regardless of the mode of manufacture of the middle and other parts of the watch case. However, it is particularly advantageous when one can do without a machining inside the middle. This is particularly the case when it is formed by molding, for example according to the MIM (Metal Injection) process Molding) or when made of ceramic, hard metal or other material likely to be molded.
Claims (13)
- Manufacturing method for a watch case (1) including a middle part (2), a back cover (7) and a support ring (3, 21) intended to support internal elements of the watch and fixed within the middle part via an element (9) made of elastomeric material at least a portion of which is formed by moulding against the middle part and in a gap using at least one core (22, 23), wherein the middle part and the support ring are manufactured separately, then the support ring is fixed by means of the element made of elastomeric material,
characterised in that at least said portion of the element (9) made of elastomeric material is formed by said moulding in a gap between the middle part (2) and the support ring (3, 21), while the support ring is held in a desired position within the middle part by means of said core (22, 23) which is positioned with respect to one or more reference surfaces (20, 26, 33) of the middle part. - Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the elastomeric element (9) is overmoulded in said gap by injection, transfer or compression.
- Method according to claim 2, characterised in that the elastomeric element (9) includes at least one portion (9') which is set in place prior to the overmoulding step.
- Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the elastomeric element (9) constitutes a sealing gasket between the middle part (2) and the back cover (7) of the case.
- Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the elastomeric element (9) constitutes a sealing gasket between the middle part (2) and a control stem (17) passing through the middle part.
- Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the elastomeric element (9) constitutes a sealing gasket between the middle part (2) and a crystal (18) of the case.
- Method according to claim 2, characterised in that the overmoulded elastomeric material is selected so that it adheres to the material of which the middle part (2) is made.
- Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the support ring (3) is a casing ring.
- Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the support ring (3, 21) is made of plastic material.
- Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the middle part (2) is made of ceramic material or hard metal.
- Method according to claim 1, characterised in that said reference surfaces (20, 26, 33) are not in contact with the element made of elastomeric material.
- Method according to claim 11, characterised in that the reference surfaces (26, 33) are outer surfaces of the middle part.
- Watch case obtained by a method according to any of the preceding claims.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH47198 | 1998-02-27 | ||
| CH00471/98A CH693049A5 (en) | 1998-02-27 | 1998-02-27 | A method of sealing embodiment in a watch. |
| PCT/CH1999/000092 WO1999044104A1 (en) | 1998-02-27 | 1999-02-26 | Method for making a watch case |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0980543A1 EP0980543A1 (en) | 2000-02-23 |
| EP0980543B1 true EP0980543B1 (en) | 2004-11-17 |
Family
ID=4187766
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP99102069A Withdrawn EP0939351A1 (en) | 1998-02-27 | 1999-02-02 | Method for manufacturing a seal |
| EP99904678A Expired - Lifetime EP0980543B1 (en) | 1998-02-27 | 1999-02-26 | Method for making a watch case |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP99102069A Withdrawn EP0939351A1 (en) | 1998-02-27 | 1999-02-02 | Method for manufacturing a seal |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6213635B1 (en) |
| EP (2) | EP0939351A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP4384268B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100613540B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1122897C (en) |
| CH (1) | CH693049A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69921914T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2234239T3 (en) |
| HK (1) | HK1028114A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999044104A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2000050962A1 (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-08-31 | Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. | Wristwatch case |
| EP1046967B1 (en) * | 1999-04-22 | 2007-03-28 | ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse | Method for mounting a casing-ring in a watch case and case-ring used in said method |
| US6863436B2 (en) * | 2001-12-19 | 2005-03-08 | Eta Sa Fabriques D'ebauches | Watch including a casing ring for a movement mounted in a case assembled via the bezel or via the back cover |
| EP1420307A1 (en) * | 2002-11-18 | 2004-05-19 | Eterna SA | Watch case |
| EP2738625B1 (en) * | 2009-03-19 | 2015-08-12 | Rolex Sa | Timepiece case comprising a metal bellows |
| JP5652087B2 (en) * | 2010-09-29 | 2015-01-14 | カシオ計算機株式会社 | Case unit and method for assembling case unit |
| JP5588314B2 (en) * | 2010-11-17 | 2014-09-10 | セイコーインスツル株式会社 | clock |
| EP2590325A1 (en) * | 2011-11-04 | 2013-05-08 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. | Thermally compensated ceramic resonator |
| CH708743A2 (en) * | 2013-10-25 | 2015-04-30 | Meco Sa | Joint timepiece. |
| EP3220210B1 (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2020-05-06 | Montres Breguet S.A. | Chiming or musical timepiece, with resonant bezel |
| JP6531754B2 (en) * | 2016-12-21 | 2019-06-19 | カシオ計算機株式会社 | Equipment case and watch |
| EP3561612B1 (en) * | 2018-04-23 | 2023-07-26 | Rolex Sa | Method for assembling a timepiece |
| CN109752943B (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2021-03-23 | 厦门理工学院 | Automatic kludge of positive negative pole of clock and watch |
| EP3712716B1 (en) | 2019-03-21 | 2023-03-15 | Rolex Sa | Timepiece bezel |
| JP2021167809A (en) * | 2020-04-03 | 2021-10-21 | ロレックス・ソシエテ・アノニムRolex Sa | Sealing system for timepiece case |
| EP3923088A1 (en) * | 2020-06-12 | 2021-12-15 | Comadur S.A. | Method for manufacturing a decorative part from hard material provided with a polymer coating |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR898248A (en) | 1941-03-31 | 1945-04-13 | Gebru Der Thiel G M B H | Watch mechanism support device |
| CH310877A (en) * | 1951-06-05 | 1955-11-15 | Juillerat Ch Jules | Waterproof watch box and bumper. |
| CH508920A (en) | 1968-08-19 | 1971-02-15 | Bley Roland | Waterproof watch |
| CH782271A4 (en) * | 1971-05-27 | 1973-08-15 | ||
| CH632890B (en) * | 1979-08-08 | Gen Watch Co Ltd | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A WATCH BOX AND WATCH BOX OBTAINED BY THIS PROCESS. | |
| CH634454GA3 (en) | 1980-04-15 | 1983-02-15 | Method of manufacturing a waterproof watch case | |
| US5033035A (en) | 1989-09-27 | 1991-07-16 | Mondaine Watch Ltd. | Watertight watch |
| CH681127B5 (en) | 1991-07-30 | 1993-07-30 | Werthanor Sa |
-
1998
- 1998-02-27 CH CH00471/98A patent/CH693049A5/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1999
- 1999-02-02 EP EP99102069A patent/EP0939351A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-02-26 KR KR1019997009756A patent/KR100613540B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-02-26 EP EP99904678A patent/EP0980543B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-02-26 JP JP54300599A patent/JP4384268B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-02-26 WO PCT/CH1999/000092 patent/WO1999044104A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1999-02-26 ES ES99904678T patent/ES2234239T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-02-26 US US09/403,588 patent/US6213635B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-02-26 CN CN99800194A patent/CN1122897C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-02-26 DE DE69921914T patent/DE69921914T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2000
- 2000-11-20 HK HK00107405A patent/HK1028114A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN1122897C (en) | 2003-10-01 |
| JP2001522468A (en) | 2001-11-13 |
| CH693049A5 (en) | 2003-01-31 |
| DE69921914T2 (en) | 2006-03-02 |
| EP0939351A1 (en) | 1999-09-01 |
| KR20010020182A (en) | 2001-03-15 |
| CN1256765A (en) | 2000-06-14 |
| US6213635B1 (en) | 2001-04-10 |
| KR100613540B1 (en) | 2006-08-16 |
| JP4384268B2 (en) | 2009-12-16 |
| HK1028114A1 (en) | 2001-02-02 |
| WO1999044104A1 (en) | 1999-09-02 |
| DE69921914D1 (en) | 2004-12-23 |
| ES2234239T3 (en) | 2005-06-16 |
| EP0980543A1 (en) | 2000-02-23 |
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