EP1424163A1 - Rotative tool for machining a shape on a mineral material, like sapphire, in particular for machining an optical surface on a watch-glass - Google Patents

Rotative tool for machining a shape on a mineral material, like sapphire, in particular for machining an optical surface on a watch-glass Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1424163A1
EP1424163A1 EP02079950A EP02079950A EP1424163A1 EP 1424163 A1 EP1424163 A1 EP 1424163A1 EP 02079950 A EP02079950 A EP 02079950A EP 02079950 A EP02079950 A EP 02079950A EP 1424163 A1 EP1424163 A1 EP 1424163A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tool
shape
mineral material
active surface
head
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP02079950A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Ménart Ruy Blas
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.)
Comadur SA
Original Assignee
Comadur SA
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 Comadur SA filed Critical Comadur SA
Priority to EP02079950A priority Critical patent/EP1424163A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2003/012837 priority patent/WO2004048034A1/en
Priority to JP2004554371A priority patent/JP4851713B2/en
Priority to CN 200380107467 priority patent/CN1732067A/en
Priority to EP03779955.8A priority patent/EP1567305B1/en
Priority to AU2003288087A priority patent/AU2003288087A1/en
Publication of EP1424163A1 publication Critical patent/EP1424163A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24B—MACHINES, DEVICES, OR PROCESSES FOR GRINDING OR POLISHING; DRESSING OR CONDITIONING OF ABRADING SURFACES; FEEDING OF GRINDING, POLISHING, OR LAPPING AGENTS
    • B24B13/00—Machines or devices designed for grinding or polishing optical surfaces on lenses or surfaces of similar shape on other work; Accessories therefor
    • B24B13/02—Machines or devices designed for grinding or polishing optical surfaces on lenses or surfaces of similar shape on other work; Accessories therefor by means of tools with abrading surfaces corresponding in shape with the lenses to be made
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24B—MACHINES, DEVICES, OR PROCESSES FOR GRINDING OR POLISHING; DRESSING OR CONDITIONING OF ABRADING SURFACES; FEEDING OF GRINDING, POLISHING, OR LAPPING AGENTS
    • B24B13/00—Machines or devices designed for grinding or polishing optical surfaces on lenses or surfaces of similar shape on other work; Accessories therefor
    • B24B13/01—Specific tools, e.g. bowl-like; Production, dressing or fastening of these tools
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24D—TOOLS FOR GRINDING, BUFFING OR SHARPENING
    • B24D7/00—Bonded abrasive wheels, or wheels with inserted abrasive blocks, designed for acting otherwise than only by their periphery, e.g. by the front face; Bushings or mountings therefor
    • B24D7/02—Wheels in one piece

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the machining of shapes in mineral materials, in particular hard materials such as sapphire, corundum or spinel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a rotary tool for the machining of such mineral materials especially suitable for the shaping of a optical surface in a watch glass.
  • a method for forming an optical surface in the form of a converging lens included in the thickness of a plate of a material transparent mineral is known from document EP 0 123 891, in the name of this Applicant and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • This process consists essentially to rotate the plate around a first perpendicular axis to the area where the lens is to be formed and to machine the desired area using a abrasive wheel driven in rotation about a second axis distinct from the first axis and cutting this first axis at the center of curvature of the desired lens.
  • a movement oscillating of the tool or plate around a third axis perpendicular to the plane containing the first and second axes of rotation and distant from the area of a value equal to the desired radius of curvature of the lens is preferably implemented, this oscillating movement ensuring self-sharpening of the grinding wheel.
  • the rotary tool used for the lens shaping is an essentially cylindrical (even frustoconical) grinding wheel bearing, at its active end, abrasive material preferably consisting of diamond powder.
  • abrasive material preferably consisting of diamond powder.
  • the cost of this tool is relatively high given the material to be machined (especially in the case of a hard mineral material such as sapphire), corresponding abrasive material in front necessarily be incorporated on the head of the tool (typically a powder of diamond or a carbide-based compound for machining sapphire), and complexity of manufacturing this tool.
  • the lifespan of such a tool is relatively short and should be replaced periodically. The aforementioned points therefore weigh sensitive to the manufacturing costs of the shaped object.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose such a solution, namely a rotary tool for machining hard materials, in particular suitable for shaping a lens, or other optical surface, in a watch glass of mineral material hard (sapphire, corundum, spinel or the like).
  • the present invention also has for aim of proposing a solution presenting both a low cost price and a great simplicity of implementation.
  • the present invention thus relates to a rotary tool for shaping a form in a mineral material, in particular a hard mineral material, the Features are set out in claim 1.
  • the present invention also relates to a process for shaping a deforming optical surface in a transparent mineral material, in particular sapphire, corundum or spinel, using a rotary tool of the aforementioned type and the characteristics of which are set out in claim 9.
  • Another object of the present invention is an installation for machining a mineral material, in particular a hard mineral material, comprising in particular such tool and the characteristics of which are set out in claim 13.
  • the tool comprises a body terminated by a head comprising an active surface intended to come into contact with an area of the mineral material where we want to shape the desired shape, the tool head having at least one first slot, preferably several, leading to the active surface to there form an opening allowing abrasive particles to pass over the area where the desired shape must be shaped to lodge on the active surface and form, throughout the opening (s) formed on this active surface, one or more several cutting edges contributing to the shaping of the desired shape.
  • the rotary tool does not strictly speaking constitute a abrasive tool for the mineral material considered.
  • the abrasive power of the tool is created jointly by the tool (in particular by the slot (s) provided on the tool head and the corresponding openings on the active surface of the head) and the abrasive particles conveyed on the machining area.
  • Each opening on the active surface formed by the corresponding slot allows the abrasive particles to lodge there and accumulate to form, on the active surface of the tool head, a outgrowth with high abrasive power having the function of a cutting edge.
  • the tool rotary itself thus constitutes a matrix making it possible to fix or freeze the particles abrasive in a suitable configuration allowing abrasion of the mineral material to shape.
  • the head of the tool can thus be formed from a non-abrasive material for the mineral material considered and presenting a compromise between hardness and softness so maintain and guarantee the shape of the head and, respectively, allow abrasive particles to settle there.
  • This material can for example be a metal selected from the group comprising copper Cu, zinc Zn, tin Sn and iron Fe (or an alloy of metals comprising at least one of these metals).
  • the arrangement of the slot openings on the active surface of the head the tool can follow any suitable geometric arrangement, the simplest being a arrangement of one or more slots of essentially rectilinear geometry. of the slots forming diametrical or parallel openings on the active surface of the tool head can be provided in adequate number on the tool head.
  • each slot it is better to arrange each slot so that, during a rotation of the tool, the edge of cutting thus formed covers a surface of revolution delimited only by a external contour, i.e. a solid surface with no recess central.
  • a considerable advantage of the present invention is that the rotary tool is very simple and very inexpensive to manufacture, particularly in because of the type of material that can be used to make the tool and because the absence of any abrasive incorporated on the head of the tool, this abrasive being conveyed directly to the machining area in the form of abrasive particles conveyed by a fluid or a liquid.
  • an advantageous variant consists of make at least one slot so that it also acts as a channel of abrasive particles.
  • the costs associated with shaping the desired shape in the mineral material considered can thus be reduced very substantially.
  • This advantage is particularly decisive in the context of the shaping of hard mineral materials, such as sapphire, corundum or spinel, used in particular in the watch industry for the production of watch glass.
  • the current invention is therefore particularly suitable for shaping optical surfaces, or dioptres, (in particular deforming optical surfaces such as lenses magnifying) in transparent mineral materials with high hardness, including sapphire.
  • the machining installation illustrated in Figure 1 is essentially similar to the installation presented in document EP 0 123 891 mentioned above.
  • She includes a support frame 10 on which are mounted a bracket 12 and a doll 14.
  • the bracket 12 carries a spindle 16 at the end of which is a tool rotary 20, of the same axis, designated 42, as the spindle, comprising a body essentially cylindrical terminated by a head 20a intended to come into contact with an area of the mineral material to be machined.
  • a pulley 18, mounted on spindle 16 allows it to rotate around the axis 42 by means of a non-motor represented.
  • the bracket 12 further comprises slides 22, 24 and 26 allowing, in a completely conventional manner, the displacement of the tool 20 along three axes orthogonal.
  • the slide 22 allows, using a screw micrometric 23, to move the tool vertically along its axis of rotation, while that the slides 24 and 26 allow, using micrometric screws 25 and 27, respectively, to move the tool 20 in a horizontal plane in two directions perpendicular.
  • the doll 14 carries a spindle 28 whose end 28a is close to the gallows 12 is, thanks to an elbow 28b, offset downward relative to the axis of rotation, designated 44, of spindle 28.
  • a table 30 is mounted on a shaft 32 which is perpendicular to the axis 44 of the spindle 28 and which pivots in the end 28a.
  • This tree carries a pulley 34 which allows it to rotate in rotation about an axis of rotation, designated 40, thanks to a motor not shown in the figure.
  • a solid fitting 36 of the table 30, allows to fix a plate 38 of mineral material.
  • This plate 38 may for example be made of a hard and transparent mineral material of the type sapphire, corundum or spinel, like a plate forming a watch crystal that you want have a lens or other distorting optical surface.
  • the tool 20 and the setting 36 are both driven in rotation in opposite directions of rotation.
  • the laying 36 here has a thickness such as the distance between the axis of spindle 28 and the end point of the surface spherical that one wishes to shape (located on the axis of rotation 40 of the shaft 32) or equal to the radius of curvature, designated R, which this spherical surface must have.
  • the pin 28 can be associated with drive means not shown allowing it to print an oscillating movement of low amplitude or all less adjust its inclination from the horizontal plane.
  • the installation has several possibilities for driving and positioning the tool 20 and the plate 38.
  • various operating modes of the installation can be envisaged, these various operating modes all having in common at least the rotation of the tool 20 about its axis of rotation 42.
  • This rotation can, the if necessary, be accompanied by a rotation or an oscillating movement of the plate 38 around its axis of rotation 40 and / or an oscillating movement of the plate 38 around the axis of spindle 28 (this oscillating movement can alternatively be printed with the tool 20 if the gallows 12 were equipped with adequate means).
  • the machining installation includes means for conveying abrasive particles on the area of the mineral material where the shape is to be shaped desired.
  • These routing means are illustrated schematically in Figure 1 and essentially comprise a reservoir 50 containing a fluid carrying abrasive particles (e.g. diamond powder suspended in a oil) and a supply pipe 52 for conveying this fluid to the machining area.
  • a fluid carrying abrasive particles e.g. diamond powder suspended in a oil
  • a supply pipe 52 for conveying this fluid to the machining area.
  • Figures 2 to 4 respectively show a perspective view, a view of front and a sectional view of the end part of a rotary tool 20 constituting a particular embodiment of the present invention.
  • the body of the rotary tool 20 is terminated by a head 20a comprising an active surface 200 intended to come into contact with the area of the mineral material where one wishes to shape the desired shape.
  • the active surface 200 of the tool has the shape of a spherical cap concave whose radius of curvature corresponds to the radius of curvature R of the shape to shape, in this example a convex spherical optical surface.
  • implementation of the tool in the installation illustrated in Figure 1 implies that the axis 40 of the shaft 32, the axis 42 of the spindle 16 and the axis 44 of the spindle 28 intersect in one point C corresponding to the center of curvature of the convex spherical surface at shape in the plate 38 of mineral material (as illustrated in more detail in the figure 5).
  • the active surface 200 of the tool 20 could have a shape other than strictly spherical.
  • the active surface 200 of the head 20a could take the form of a torus part, by analogy to the shape of the proposed grinding wheel as a second variant in document EP 0 123 891 (this particular form then requiring a specific adjustment of the installation).
  • the active surface of the tool can take any suitable form.
  • the shape shaped in the mineral material will depend not only from the shape of the active surface of the tool but also from the movements printed on the tool and / or on the plate. The shape of the active surface of the tool head is therefore not necessarily conform to the shape of the surface to be shape.
  • the head 20a of the tool has at least one first slot opening onto the active surface 200 to form an opening there.
  • the head 20a of the tool here has a pair of slots diametral 210, 220, that is to say two substantially straight slots made along two diametrical planes passing through the axis of rotation 42 of the tool 20.
  • These slots diameters 210, 220 which run through the end of the head 20a are here arranged substantially perpendicular and therefore form a pair corresponding perpendicular openings 210a, 220a on the active surface 200 of the tool.
  • the active surface 200 of the rotary tool 20 is subdivided, in this example, in four distinct parts presenting, here, surfaces substantially equal.
  • the tool head could only be provided with a single slot, this slot not necessarily covering the entire width of the surface active.
  • the slot is configured so that, when of a rotation of the tool, the cutting edge formed by the corresponding opening of this slot covers a surface of revolution delimited only by a contour external, i.e. a solid surface without a central recess, this configuration being preferable from the point of view of the surface quality of the shaped shape.
  • a diametral slot configuration as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, meets this definition.
  • the way in which the slots extend in the head of the tool is of relatively little importance. Indeed, the essential lies mainly in the way in which these slots open onto the surface active from the tool head. It is in fact through the active surface of the tool, and the contribution of abrasive particles to this active surface during machining, that the mineral material can be shaped.
  • each opening on the active surface formed by the corresponding slot allows the abrasive particles to lodge there and there accumulate to form, on the active surface of the tool head, a protuberance at high abrasive power having the function of a cutting edge, the rotary tool constituting thus a matrix making it possible to fix or freeze the abrasive particles in a adequate configuration allowing abrasion of the mineral material to be shaped.
  • the tool 20 can advantageously be made of a non-abrasive material for the mineral material considered, preferably a material having a compromise between hardness and softness in order to maintain and guarantee the shape of the head and, respectively, allow the abrasive particles to settle there.
  • This material can thus be a metal or a metal alloy comprising at least one metal selected from the group comprising copper Cu, zinc Zn, tin Sn and iron Fe.
  • a slot in the tool so that it also acts as a channel for conveying the abrasive particles on the machining area.
  • This channel shaped slot routing would, in this case, be an integral part of the routing means abrasive particles and could replace or complete the supply duct 52 of figure 1.
  • the tool illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 can be used in a very easy to shape a converging lens in the thickness of a plate of transparent mineral material.
  • a determined angle designated ⁇
  • the axes 40, 42 passing both by the center of curvature C of the spherical surface to be shaped, designated 380 in FIG. 5.
  • the reference numeric 500 generally indicates a mixture conveyed on the machining zone containing abrasive particles.
  • the simultaneous rotation of the tool 20 and of the plate 38 around their respective axes of rotation and the adjustment of the angle ⁇ between these axes of rotation ensures that the active surface 200 of the tool shapes a portion of a convex spherical surface of radius of curvature R having a circular periphery (in other words a convex spherical cap).
  • the diameter of the tool head, designated d must have a value minimum which is greater than half the diameter, designated D, of the lens at shape.
  • the diameter d of the tool 20, in this embodiment particular work must be at least equal to the diameter D of the desired lens divided by the cosine of the angle ⁇ . It will be noted that the angle ⁇ is in practice less than 20 °, preferably less than 10 °.
  • a movement oscillating around an axis perpendicular to the axes of rotation 42, 40 and passing through the center of curvature C of the lens to be shaped (namely an oscillating movement around the axis 44 of the spindle 28 in FIG. 1) can be printed on the plate 38 (or even with the tool).
  • ⁇ max the maximum angle of inclination of the plate 38 relative to the tool 20, designated ⁇ max .
  • ⁇ max the maximum angle of inclination of the plate 38 relative to the tool 20, designated ⁇ max .
  • the active surface of the tool head may have a shape other than spherical insofar as it is not desired subject the tool to a relative movement with respect to the plate of mineral material to machined. It is thus possible to give the active surface of the tool a form of non-spherical revolution and to shape a corresponding shape in the material mineral by only rotating the tool (or even also rotating the plate of mineral material around an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the tool).
  • the particularly simple spherical shape of the active surface of the tool head such that it was presented above, constitutes however a particularly solution simple to implement, flexible to use and which allows to shape recesses of various shapes in the material.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Grinding And Polishing Of Tertiary Curved Surfaces And Surfaces With Complex Shapes (AREA)
  • Polishing Bodies And Polishing Tools (AREA)

Abstract

Tool (20) has body ended by head (20a) having active surface (200) destined to come in contact with a zone of mineral material to work on. Head of tool has first slot (210, 220) opening into active surface for forming, on this active surface, opening (210a, 220a) allowing abrasive particles to be channeled on zone where it collects on active surface, and forming, along this opening on active surface, a cutting edge contributing to desired form. Independent claims are also included for the following : (1) a method for working an optical deformable surface; and, (2) an apparatus for working an optical deformable surface.

Description

La présente invention concerne de manière générale l'usinage de formes dans des matériaux minéraux, notamment des matériaux durs tel le saphir, le corindon ou le spinelle. Plus particulièrement, la présente invention concerne un outil rotatif pour l'usinage de tels matériaux minéraux notamment adapté pour le façonnage d'une surface optique dans une glace de montre.The present invention relates generally to the machining of shapes in mineral materials, in particular hard materials such as sapphire, corundum or spinel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a rotary tool for the machining of such mineral materials especially suitable for the shaping of a optical surface in a watch glass.

Un procédé pour former une surface optique se présentant sous la forme d'une lentille convergente comprise dans l'épaisseur d'une plaque d'un matériau minéral transparent est connu du document EP 0 123 891, au nom du présent Déposant et qui est incorporé ici par référence dans sa totalité. Ce procédé consiste essentiellement à mettre en rotation la plaque autour d'un premier axe perpendiculaire à la zone où doit être formée la lentille et à usiner la zone désirée au moyen d'une meule abrasive entraínée en rotation autour d'un second axe distinct du premier axe et coupant ce premier axe au centre de courbure de la lentille désirée. Un mouvement oscillant de l'outil ou de la plaque autour d'un troisième axe perpendiculaire au plan contenant les premier et second axes de rotation et distant de la zone d'une valeur égale au rayon de courbure désiré de la lentille est préférablement mis en oeuvre, ce mouvement oscillant assurant un auto-affûtage de la meule.A method for forming an optical surface in the form of a converging lens included in the thickness of a plate of a material transparent mineral is known from document EP 0 123 891, in the name of this Applicant and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This process consists essentially to rotate the plate around a first perpendicular axis to the area where the lens is to be formed and to machine the desired area using a abrasive wheel driven in rotation about a second axis distinct from the first axis and cutting this first axis at the center of curvature of the desired lens. A movement oscillating of the tool or plate around a third axis perpendicular to the plane containing the first and second axes of rotation and distant from the area of a value equal to the desired radius of curvature of the lens is preferably implemented, this oscillating movement ensuring self-sharpening of the grinding wheel.

Selon le procédé résumé ci-dessus, on notera que l'outil rotatif utilisé pour le façonnage de la lentille est une meule essentiellement cylindrique (voire tronconique) portant, à son extrémité active, de la matière abrasive constituée de préférence par de la poudre de diamant. On comprendra aisément que le coût de cet outil est relativement élevé compte tenu de la matière à usiner (notamment dans le cas d'un matériau minéral dur tel le saphir), du matériau abrasif correspondant devant nécessairement être incorporé sur la tête de l'outil (typiquement une poudre de diamant ou un composé à base de carbures pour l'usinage du saphir), et de la complexité de la fabrication de cet outil. On notera encore que la durée de vie d'un tel outil est relativement courte et que son remplacement doit être effectué périodiquement. Les points susmentionnés pèsent en conséquence de manière sensible sur les coûts de fabrication de l'objet façonné.According to the process summarized above, it will be noted that the rotary tool used for the lens shaping is an essentially cylindrical (even frustoconical) grinding wheel bearing, at its active end, abrasive material preferably consisting of diamond powder. It will be readily understood that the cost of this tool is relatively high given the material to be machined (especially in the case of a hard mineral material such as sapphire), corresponding abrasive material in front necessarily be incorporated on the head of the tool (typically a powder of diamond or a carbide-based compound for machining sapphire), and complexity of manufacturing this tool. It will also be noted that the lifespan of such a tool is relatively short and should be replaced periodically. The aforementioned points therefore weigh sensitive to the manufacturing costs of the shaped object.

Une solution plus simple à mettre en oeuvre et plus rentable doit donc être recherchée. La présente invention a pour but de proposer une telle solution, à savoir un outil rotatif pour l'usinage de matériaux durs, en particulier adapté au façonnage d'une lentille, ou autre surface optique, dans une glace de montre en matériau minéral dur (saphir, corindon, spinelle ou analogue). La présente invention a également pour but de proposer une solution présentant à la fois un coût de revient faible et une grande simplicité de mise en oeuvre.A solution that is simpler to implement and more profitable must therefore be sought. The object of the present invention is to propose such a solution, namely a rotary tool for machining hard materials, in particular suitable for shaping a lens, or other optical surface, in a watch glass of mineral material hard (sapphire, corundum, spinel or the like). The present invention also has for aim of proposing a solution presenting both a low cost price and a great simplicity of implementation.

La présente invention a ainsi pour objet un outil rotatif pour le façonnage d'une forme dans un matériau minéral, notamment un matériau minéral dur, dont les caractéristiques sont énoncées dans la revendication 1.The present invention thus relates to a rotary tool for shaping a form in a mineral material, in particular a hard mineral material, the Features are set out in claim 1.

La présente invention a également pour objet un procédé pour le façonnage d'une surface optique déformante dans un matériau minéral transparent, notamment le saphir, le corindon ou le spinelle, employant un outil rotatif du type susmentionné et dont les caractéristiques sont énoncées dans la revendication 9.The present invention also relates to a process for shaping a deforming optical surface in a transparent mineral material, in particular sapphire, corundum or spinel, using a rotary tool of the aforementioned type and the characteristics of which are set out in claim 9.

La présente invention a encore pour autre objet une installation d'usinage d'un matériau minéral, notamment un matériau minéral dur, comportant notamment un tel outil et dont les caractéristiques sont énoncées dans la revendication 13.Another object of the present invention is an installation for machining a mineral material, in particular a hard mineral material, comprising in particular such tool and the characteristics of which are set out in claim 13.

On notera ainsi que l'outil comporte un corps terminé par une tête comprenant une surface active destinée à venir en contact avec une zone du matériau minéral où l'on désire façonner la forme souhaitée, la tête de l'outil présentant au moins une première fente, préférablement plusieurs, débouchant sur la surface active pour y former une ouverture permettant à des particules abrasives acheminées sur la zone où doit être façonnée la forme souhaitée de se loger sur la surface active et former, tout au long de la ou des ouvertures formées sur cette surface active, une ou plusieurs arêtes de coupe contribuant au façonnage de la forme désirée.It will thus be noted that the tool comprises a body terminated by a head comprising an active surface intended to come into contact with an area of the mineral material where we want to shape the desired shape, the tool head having at least one first slot, preferably several, leading to the active surface to there form an opening allowing abrasive particles to pass over the area where the desired shape must be shaped to lodge on the active surface and form, throughout the opening (s) formed on this active surface, one or more several cutting edges contributing to the shaping of the desired shape.

On comprendra ainsi que l'outil rotatif ne constitue pas à proprement parler un outil abrasif pour le matériau minéral considéré. Au contraire, le pouvoir abrasif de l'outil est créé conjointement par l'outil (en particulier par la ou les fentes ménagées sur la tête de l'outil et les ouvertures correspondantes sur la surface active de la tête) et les particules abrasives acheminées sur la zone d'usinage. Chaque ouverture sur la surface active formée par la fente correspondante permet aux particules abrasives de s'y loger et s'y accumuler pour former, sur la surface active de la tête de l'outil, une excroissance à fort pouvoir abrasif ayant la fonction d'une arête de coupe. L'outil rotatif lui-même constitue ainsi une matrice permettant de fixer ou figer les particules abrasives dans une configuration adéquate permettant l'abrasion du matériau minéral à façonner.It will thus be understood that the rotary tool does not strictly speaking constitute a abrasive tool for the mineral material considered. On the contrary, the abrasive power of the tool is created jointly by the tool (in particular by the slot (s) provided on the tool head and the corresponding openings on the active surface of the head) and the abrasive particles conveyed on the machining area. Each opening on the active surface formed by the corresponding slot allows the abrasive particles to lodge there and accumulate to form, on the active surface of the tool head, a outgrowth with high abrasive power having the function of a cutting edge. The tool rotary itself thus constitutes a matrix making it possible to fix or freeze the particles abrasive in a suitable configuration allowing abrasion of the mineral material to shape.

La tête de l'outil peut ainsi être formée d'un matériau non abrasif pour le matériau minéral considéré et présentant un compromis entre dureté et mollesse afin de maintenir et garantir la forme de la tête et, respectivement, permettre aux particules abrasives de s'y implanter. Ce matériau peut par exemple être un métal sélectionné dans le groupe comprenant le cuivre Cu, le zinc Zn, l'étain Sn et le fer Fe (ou un alliage de métaux comprenant au moins l'un des ces métaux).The head of the tool can thus be formed from a non-abrasive material for the mineral material considered and presenting a compromise between hardness and softness so maintain and guarantee the shape of the head and, respectively, allow abrasive particles to settle there. This material can for example be a metal selected from the group comprising copper Cu, zinc Zn, tin Sn and iron Fe (or an alloy of metals comprising at least one of these metals).

La disposition des ouvertures des fentes sur la surface active de la tête de l'outil peut suivre tout agencement géométrique adéquat, le plus simple étant un agencement d'une ou plusieurs fentes de géométrie essentiellement rectiligne. Des fentes formant des ouvertures diamétrales ou parallèles sur la surface active de la tête de l'outil peuvent être ménagées en nombre adéquat sur la tête de l'outil.The arrangement of the slot openings on the active surface of the head the tool can follow any suitable geometric arrangement, the simplest being a arrangement of one or more slots of essentially rectilinear geometry. of the slots forming diametrical or parallel openings on the active surface of the tool head can be provided in adequate number on the tool head.

Pour obtenir de meilleurs résultats en termes de qualité de surface, il est préférable de ménager chaque fente de sorte que, lors d'une rotation de l'outil, l'arête de coupe ainsi formée couvre une surface de révolution délimitée uniquement par un contour externe, c'est-à-dire une surface pleine ne comportant pas d'évidement central.To obtain better results in terms of surface quality, it is better to arrange each slot so that, during a rotation of the tool, the edge of cutting thus formed covers a surface of revolution delimited only by a external contour, i.e. a solid surface with no recess central.

Un avantage considérable de la présente invention réside dans le fait que l'outil rotatif est d'une grande simplicité et très peu coûteux à fabriquer, notamment en raison du type de matériau pouvant être utilisé pour la fabrication de l'outil et en raison de l'absence d'un quelconque abrasif incorporé sur la tête de l'outil, cet abrasif étant acheminé directement sur la zone d'usinage sous forme de particules abrasives véhiculées par un fluide ou un liquide. A ce titre, une variante avantageuse consiste à ménager au moins une fente de sorte qu'elle joue en outre le rôle de canal d'acheminement des particules abrasives.A considerable advantage of the present invention is that the rotary tool is very simple and very inexpensive to manufacture, particularly in because of the type of material that can be used to make the tool and because the absence of any abrasive incorporated on the head of the tool, this abrasive being conveyed directly to the machining area in the form of abrasive particles conveyed by a fluid or a liquid. As such, an advantageous variant consists of make at least one slot so that it also acts as a channel of abrasive particles.

Grâce à l'invention, les coûts liés au façonnage de la forme désirée dans le matériau minéral considéré peuvent ainsi être réduits de manière très substantielle. Cet avantage est particulièrement déterminant dans le cadre du façonnage de matériaux minéraux durs, tel le saphir, le corindon ou le spinelle, utilisés notamment dans l'industrie horlogère pour la fabrication de glaces de montre. La présente invention est donc particulièrement adaptée pour le façonnage de surfaces optiques, ou dioptres, (notamment des surfaces optiques déformantes telles des lentilles grossissantes) dans des matériaux minéraux transparents présentant une grande dureté, dont le saphir.Thanks to the invention, the costs associated with shaping the desired shape in the mineral material considered can thus be reduced very substantially. This advantage is particularly decisive in the context of the shaping of hard mineral materials, such as sapphire, corundum or spinel, used in particular in the watch industry for the production of watch glass. The current invention is therefore particularly suitable for shaping optical surfaces, or dioptres, (in particular deforming optical surfaces such as lenses magnifying) in transparent mineral materials with high hardness, including sapphire.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaítront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit d'un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, donné uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif et illustré par les dessins annexés où :

  • la figure 1 représente une installation d'usinage adaptée spécifiquement au façonnage d'une surface optique déformante (par exemple une lentille à surface sphérique convexe) dans un matériau minéral dur et transparent, en particulier dans une glace de montre, cette installation utilisant un outil rotatif selon la présente invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective de la partie terminale, ou tête, d'un outil rotatif selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de face de la surface active de la tête de l'outil rotatif de la figure 2;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe de l'outil rotatif, prise selon la ligne A-A dans la figure 3 ; et
  • la figure 5 est un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'outil rotatif selon l'invention pour l'usinage d'une lentille sphérique convexe à pourtour circulaire dans une plaque de matériau minéral transparent.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which :
  • FIG. 1 represents a machining installation adapted specifically to the shaping of a deforming optical surface (for example a lens with a convex spherical surface) in a hard and transparent mineral material, in particular in a watch crystal, this installation using a tool rotary according to the present invention;
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the end portion, or head, of a rotary tool according to an embodiment of the present invention;
  • Figure 3 is a front view of the active surface of the head of the rotary tool of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view of the rotary tool, taken along line AA in Figure 3; and
  • Figure 5 is an example of implementation of the rotary tool according to the invention for the machining of a convex spherical lens with circular periphery in a plate of transparent mineral material.

L'installation d'usinage illustrée dans la figure 1 est essentiellement similaire à l'installation présentée dans le document EP 0 123 891 mentionné plus haut. Elle comprend un bâti-support 10 sur lequel sont montées une potence 12 et une poupée 14. La potence 12 porte une broche 16 à l'extrémité de laquelle se trouve un outil rotatif 20, de même axe, désigné 42, que la broche, comportant un corps essentiellement cylindrique terminé par une tête 20a destinée à venir en contact avec une zone du matériau minéral à usiner. Une poulie 18, montée sur la broche 16, permet d'entraíner celle-ci en rotation autour de l'axe 42 au moyen d'un moteur non représenté. La potence 12 comporte en outre des coulisses 22, 24 et 26 permettant, d'une manière tout à fait classique, le déplacement de l'outil 20 selon trois axes orthogonaux. De manière plus précise, la coulisse 22 permet, à l'aide d'une vis micrométrique 23, de déplacer l'outil verticalement selon son axe de rotation, tandis que les coulisses 24 et 26 permettent, à l'aide des vis micrométriques 25 et 27, respectivement, de déplacer l'outil 20 dans un plan horizontal selon deux directions perpendiculaires.The machining installation illustrated in Figure 1 is essentially similar to the installation presented in document EP 0 123 891 mentioned above. She includes a support frame 10 on which are mounted a bracket 12 and a doll 14. The bracket 12 carries a spindle 16 at the end of which is a tool rotary 20, of the same axis, designated 42, as the spindle, comprising a body essentially cylindrical terminated by a head 20a intended to come into contact with an area of the mineral material to be machined. A pulley 18, mounted on spindle 16, allows it to rotate around the axis 42 by means of a non-motor represented. The bracket 12 further comprises slides 22, 24 and 26 allowing, in a completely conventional manner, the displacement of the tool 20 along three axes orthogonal. More specifically, the slide 22 allows, using a screw micrometric 23, to move the tool vertically along its axis of rotation, while that the slides 24 and 26 allow, using micrometric screws 25 and 27, respectively, to move the tool 20 in a horizontal plane in two directions perpendicular.

La poupée 14 porte une broche 28 dont l'extrémité 28a voisine de la potence 12 est, grâce à un coude 28b, décalée vers le bas par rapport à l'axe de rotation, désigné 44, de la broche 28. Une table 30 est montée sur un arbre 32 qui est perpendiculaire à l'axe 44 de la broche 28 et qui pivote dans l'extrémité 28a. Cet arbre porte une poulie 34 qui permet de l'entraíner en rotation autour d'un axe de rotation, désigné 40, grâce à un moteur non représenté dans la figure. Un posage 36, solidaire de la table 30, permet de fixer une plaque 38 en matériau minéral. Cette plaque 38 peut par exemple être constituée d'un matériau minéral dur et transparent du type saphir, corindon ou spinelle, telle une plaque formant glace de montre que l'on désire munir d'une lentille ou de toute autre surface optique déformante.The doll 14 carries a spindle 28 whose end 28a is close to the gallows 12 is, thanks to an elbow 28b, offset downward relative to the axis of rotation, designated 44, of spindle 28. A table 30 is mounted on a shaft 32 which is perpendicular to the axis 44 of the spindle 28 and which pivots in the end 28a. This tree carries a pulley 34 which allows it to rotate in rotation about an axis of rotation, designated 40, thanks to a motor not shown in the figure. A solid fitting 36 of the table 30, allows to fix a plate 38 of mineral material. This plate 38 may for example be made of a hard and transparent mineral material of the type sapphire, corundum or spinel, like a plate forming a watch crystal that you want have a lens or other distorting optical surface.

On notera que l'outil 20 ainsi que le posage 36 sont tous deux entraínés en rotation selon des sens de rotation opposés. De plus, le posage 36 a ici une épaisseur telle que la distance entre l'axe de la broche 28 et le point extrême de la surface sphérique que l'on désire façonner (situé sur l'axe de rotation 40 de l'arbre 32) soit égale au rayon de courbure, désigné R, que doit présenter cette surface sphérique. Enfin, la broche 28 peut être associée à des moyens d'entraínement non représentés permettant de lui imprimer un mouvement oscillant de faible amplitude ou tout du moins régler son inclinaison par rapport au plan horizontal.Note that the tool 20 and the setting 36 are both driven in rotation in opposite directions of rotation. In addition, the laying 36 here has a thickness such as the distance between the axis of spindle 28 and the end point of the surface spherical that one wishes to shape (located on the axis of rotation 40 of the shaft 32) or equal to the radius of curvature, designated R, which this spherical surface must have. Finally, the pin 28 can be associated with drive means not shown allowing it to print an oscillating movement of low amplitude or all less adjust its inclination from the horizontal plane.

De ce qui précède, on aura compris que l'installation présente plusieurs possibilités d'entraínement et de positionnement de l'outil 20 et de la plaque 38. On verra par la suite que divers modes opératoires de l'installation peuvent être envisagés, ces divers modes opératoires ayant tous pour point commun au moins la mise en rotation de l'outil 20 autour de son axe de rotation 42. Cette rotation peut, le cas échéant, s'accompagner d'une rotation ou d'un mouvement oscillant de la plaque 38 autour de son axe de rotation 40 et/ou d'un mouvement oscillant de la plaque 38 autour de l'axe de la broche 28 (ce mouvement oscillant pouvant alternativement être imprimé à l'outil 20 si l'on équipait la potence 12 de moyens adéquats). En ce qui concerne des détails touchant au mode de mise en oeuvre particulier consistant à simultanément entraíner en rotation l'outil 20 et la plaque 38, et à imprimer un mouvement oscillant à cette plaque, on pourra se référer au procédé décrit dans le document EP 0 123 891 déjà mentionné.From the above, it will be understood that the installation has several possibilities for driving and positioning the tool 20 and the plate 38. We will see later that various operating modes of the installation can be envisaged, these various operating modes all having in common at least the rotation of the tool 20 about its axis of rotation 42. This rotation can, the if necessary, be accompanied by a rotation or an oscillating movement of the plate 38 around its axis of rotation 40 and / or an oscillating movement of the plate 38 around the axis of spindle 28 (this oscillating movement can alternatively be printed with the tool 20 if the gallows 12 were equipped with adequate means). In what relates to details relating to the particular mode of implementation consisting in simultaneously rotate the tool 20 and the plate 38, and print a oscillating movement at this plate, we can refer to the process described in document EP 0 123 891 already mentioned.

Outre les moyens d'entraínement et de positionnement susmentionnés, on notera encore que l'installation d'usinage comporte des moyens d'acheminement de particules abrasives sur la zone du matériau minéral où doit être façonnée la forme désirée. Ces moyens d'acheminement sont illustrés schématiquement sur la figure 1 et comprennent essentiellement un réservoir 50 contenant un fluide porteur de particules abrasives (par exemple une poudre de diamant en suspension dans une huile) et un conduit d'amenée 52 pour acheminer ce fluide sur la zone d'usinage. Des moyens non représentés permettent de régler la quantité de particules abrasives acheminées sur la zone d'usinage. On comprendra, dans ce qui va suivre, que l'acheminement de particules abrasives sur la zone d'usinage ainsi que l'outil rotatif selon l'invention contribuent ensemble au façonnage de la forme désirée dans la plaque de matériau minéral.In addition to the above-mentioned drive and positioning means, will also note that the machining installation includes means for conveying abrasive particles on the area of the mineral material where the shape is to be shaped desired. These routing means are illustrated schematically in Figure 1 and essentially comprise a reservoir 50 containing a fluid carrying abrasive particles (e.g. diamond powder suspended in a oil) and a supply pipe 52 for conveying this fluid to the machining area. of the means not shown make it possible to adjust the quantity of abrasive particles routed to the machining area. We will understand, in what follows, that the conveyance of abrasive particles on the machining area as well as the rotary tool according to the invention together contribute to the shaping of the desired shape in the plate of mineral material.

Les figures 2 à 4 montrent respectivement une vue en perspective, une vue de face et une vue en coupe de la partie terminale d'un outil rotatif 20 constituant un exemple de réalisation particulier de la présente invention. Comme on peut le voir dans les figures 2 à 4, le corps de l'outil rotatif 20 est terminé par une tête 20a comprenant une surface active 200 destinée à venir en contact avec la zone du matériau minéral où l'on désire façonner la forme souhaitée. Dans cet exemple particulier, la surface active 200 de l'outil présente la forme d'une calotte sphérique concave dont le rayon de courbure correspond au rayon de courbure R de la forme à façonner, dans cet exemple une surface optique sphérique convexe. Dans ce cas, la mise en oeuvre de l'outil dans l'installation illustrée dans la figure 1 implique que l'axe 40 de l'arbre 32, l'axe 42 de la broche 16 et l'axe 44 de la broche 28 se coupent en un point C correspondant au centre de courbure de la surface sphérique convexe à façonner dans la plaque 38 de matériau minéral (comme illustré plus en détail dans la figure 5).Figures 2 to 4 respectively show a perspective view, a view of front and a sectional view of the end part of a rotary tool 20 constituting a particular embodiment of the present invention. As we can see in Figures 2 to 4, the body of the rotary tool 20 is terminated by a head 20a comprising an active surface 200 intended to come into contact with the area of the mineral material where one wishes to shape the desired shape. In this example particular, the active surface 200 of the tool has the shape of a spherical cap concave whose radius of curvature corresponds to the radius of curvature R of the shape to shape, in this example a convex spherical optical surface. In this case implementation of the tool in the installation illustrated in Figure 1 implies that the axis 40 of the shaft 32, the axis 42 of the spindle 16 and the axis 44 of the spindle 28 intersect in one point C corresponding to the center of curvature of the convex spherical surface at shape in the plate 38 of mineral material (as illustrated in more detail in the figure 5).

On notera que la surface active 200 de l'outil 20 pourrait présenter une forme autre que strictement sphérique. Ainsi, la surface active 200 de la tête 20a pourrait prendre la forme d'une partie de tore, par analogie à la forme de la meule envisagée au titre de deuxième variante dans le document EP 0 123 891 (cette forme particulière nécessitant alors un réglage spécifique de l'installation). De manière générale, la surface active de l'outil peut prendre toute forme adéquate. On comprendra en tout état de cause que la forme façonnée dans le matériau minéral dépendra non seulement de la forme de la surface active de l'outil mais également du ou des mouvements imprimés à l'outil et/ou à la plaque. La forme de la surface active de la tête de l'outil n'est donc pas nécessairement conformée à la forme de la surface à façonner.Note that the active surface 200 of the tool 20 could have a shape other than strictly spherical. Thus, the active surface 200 of the head 20a could take the form of a torus part, by analogy to the shape of the proposed grinding wheel as a second variant in document EP 0 123 891 (this particular form then requiring a specific adjustment of the installation). In general, the active surface of the tool can take any suitable form. We will understand in all state that the shape shaped in the mineral material will depend not only from the shape of the active surface of the tool but also from the movements printed on the tool and / or on the plate. The shape of the active surface of the tool head is therefore not necessarily conform to the shape of the surface to be shape.

Selon l'invention, la tête 20a de l'outil présente au moins une première fente débouchant sur la surface active 200 pour y former une ouverture. Dans l'exemple illustré dans les figures 2 à 4, la tête 20a de l'outil présente ici une paire de fentes diamétrales 210, 220, c'est-à-dire deux fentes sensiblement rectilignes ménagées selon deux plans diamétraux passant par l'axe de rotation 42 de l'outil 20. Ces fentes diamétrales 210, 220 qui parcourent l'extrémité de la tête 20a sont ici agencées de manière sensiblement perpendiculaires et forment en conséquence une paire d'ouvertures perpendiculaires correspondantes 210a, 220a sur la surface active 200 de l'outil. On aura noté que la surface active 200 de l'outil rotatif 20 est subdivisée, dans cet exemple, en quatre parties distinctes présentant, ici, des superficies sensiblement égales.According to the invention, the head 20a of the tool has at least one first slot opening onto the active surface 200 to form an opening there. In the example illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the head 20a of the tool here has a pair of slots diametral 210, 220, that is to say two substantially straight slots made along two diametrical planes passing through the axis of rotation 42 of the tool 20. These slots diameters 210, 220 which run through the end of the head 20a are here arranged substantially perpendicular and therefore form a pair corresponding perpendicular openings 210a, 220a on the active surface 200 of the tool. It will have been noted that the active surface 200 of the rotary tool 20 is subdivided, in this example, in four distinct parts presenting, here, surfaces substantially equal.

On insistera sur le fait que la disposition ainsi que la géométrie des fentes 210, 220 illustrées dans cet exemple de réalisation ne sont nullement limitatives. Une seule fente ou plus de deux fentes pourraient ainsi être ménagées sur la tête. De plus, ces fentes, au lieu de se couper, pourraient être parallèles. Enfin, les fentes et les ouvertures correspondantes sur la surface active de la tête de l'outil pourraient ne pas être rectilignes, cette géométrie particulièrement simple étant néanmoins la plus aisée à réaliser. It will be emphasized that the arrangement as well as the geometry of the slots 210, 220 illustrated in this exemplary embodiment are in no way limiting. Only one slot or more than two slots could thus be formed on the head. In addition, these slots, instead of cutting, could be parallel. Finally, the slots and corresponding openings on the active surface of the tool head may not be straight, this particularly simple geometry is nevertheless the easiest to achieve.

A titre d'exemple, la tête de l'outil ne pourrait être munie que d'une unique fente, cette fente ne parcourant pas nécessairement toute la largeur de la surface active. On notera qu'il est préférable que la fente soit configurée de sorte que, lors d'une rotation de l'outil, l'arête de coupe formée par l'ouverture correspondante de cette fente couvre une surface de révolution délimitée uniquement par un contour externe, c'est-à-dire une surface pleine sans évidement central, cette configuration étant préférable du point de vue de la qualité de surface de la forme façonnée. On aura compris qu'une configuration de fente diamétrale, comme cela est illustré dans les figures 2 à 4, répond à cette définition.For example, the tool head could only be provided with a single slot, this slot not necessarily covering the entire width of the surface active. Note that it is preferable that the slot is configured so that, when of a rotation of the tool, the cutting edge formed by the corresponding opening of this slot covers a surface of revolution delimited only by a contour external, i.e. a solid surface without a central recess, this configuration being preferable from the point of view of the surface quality of the shaped shape. We will have understood that a diametral slot configuration, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, meets this definition.

On notera également que la manière avec laquelle les fentes se prolongent dans la tête de l'outil n'a que relativement peu d'importance. En effet, l'essentiel réside surtout dans la manière avec laquelle ces fentes débouchent sur la surface active de la tête de l'outil. C'est en effet par le biais de la surface active de l'outil, et de l'apport de particules abrasives sur cette surface active lors de l'usinage, que le matériau minéral peut être façonné.Note also that the way in which the slots extend in the head of the tool is of relatively little importance. Indeed, the essential lies mainly in the way in which these slots open onto the surface active from the tool head. It is in fact through the active surface of the tool, and the contribution of abrasive particles to this active surface during machining, that the mineral material can be shaped.

Comme déjà mentionné plus haut, chaque ouverture sur la surface active formée par la fente correspondante permet aux particules abrasives de s'y loger et s'y accumuler pour former, sur la surface active de la tête de l'outil, une excroissance à fort pouvoir abrasif ayant la fonction d'une arête de coupe, l'outil rotatif constituant ainsi une matrice permettant de fixer ou figer les particules abrasives dans une configuration adéquate permettant l'abrasion du matériau minéral à façonner.As already mentioned above, each opening on the active surface formed by the corresponding slot allows the abrasive particles to lodge there and there accumulate to form, on the active surface of the tool head, a protuberance at high abrasive power having the function of a cutting edge, the rotary tool constituting thus a matrix making it possible to fix or freeze the abrasive particles in a adequate configuration allowing abrasion of the mineral material to be shaped.

L'outil 20 peut avantageusement être réalisé dans un matériau non abrasif pour le matériau minéral considéré, préférablement en un matériau présentant un compromis entre dureté et mollesse afin de maintenir et garantir la forme de la tête et, respectivement, permettre aux particules abrasives de s'y implanter. Ce matériau peut ainsi être un métal ou un alliage de métaux comprenant au moins un métal sélectionné dans le groupe comprenant le cuivre Cu, le zinc Zn, l'étain Sn et le fer Fe.The tool 20 can advantageously be made of a non-abrasive material for the mineral material considered, preferably a material having a compromise between hardness and softness in order to maintain and guarantee the shape of the head and, respectively, allow the abrasive particles to settle there. This material can thus be a metal or a metal alloy comprising at least one metal selected from the group comprising copper Cu, zinc Zn, tin Sn and iron Fe.

Au titre de variante avantageuse, on notera encore que l'on peut configurer une fente de l'outil de sorte qu'elle joue en outre le rôle de canal d'acheminement des particules abrasives sur la zone d'usinage. Cette fente conformée en canal d'acheminement ferait, dans ce cas, partie intégrante des moyens d'acheminement des particules abrasives et pourrait remplacer ou compléter le conduit d'amenée 52 de la figure 1.As an advantageous variant, it will also be noted that one can configure a slot in the tool so that it also acts as a channel for conveying the abrasive particles on the machining area. This channel shaped slot routing would, in this case, be an integral part of the routing means abrasive particles and could replace or complete the supply duct 52 of figure 1.

Un mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, pour l'usinage d'une lentille convergente (c'est-à-dire une surface sphérique convexe à pourtour circulaire) va maintenant brièvement être présenté en référence à la figure 5.An embodiment of the invention, for machining a lens convergent (i.e. a convex spherical surface with circular periphery) goes now briefly be presented with reference to Figure 5.

L'outil illustré dans les figures 2 à 4 peut être mis en oeuvre de manière très aisée pour façonner une lentille convergente dans l'épaisseur d'une plaque de matériau minéral transparent. Pour ce faire, il convient par exemple d'incliner la plaque 38 au moyen de la broche 28 de la figure 1 d'un angle déterminé, désigné α, correspondant également à l'angle que forme l'axe 42 de l'outil 20 par rapport à l'axe de rotation 40 de la plaque 38 (c'est-à-dire la perpendiculaire à la zone où doit être formée la lentille et qui passe par le centre de cette zone), les axes 40, 42 passant tous deux par le centre de courbure C de la surface sphérique à façonner, désignée 380 dans la figure 5. Il convient ensuite de mettre en rotation l'outil 20 et la plaque 38 autour de leurs axes respectifs 42 et 40 (au moyen de la broche 16, de l'arbre 32 et des moyens d'entraínement associés) et d'amener la surface active 200 de la tête de l'outil 20 au contact de la plaque 38. Dans la figure 5, on notera que la référence numérique 500 désigne globalement un mélange acheminé sur la zone d'usinage contenant des particules abrasives.The tool illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 can be used in a very easy to shape a converging lens in the thickness of a plate of transparent mineral material. To do this, for example, tilt the plate 38 by means of pin 28 of FIG. 1 at a determined angle, designated α, also corresponding to the angle formed by the axis 42 of the tool 20 relative to the axis of rotation 40 of the plate 38 (that is to say the perpendicular to the zone where must be formed the lens and which passes through the center of this zone), the axes 40, 42 passing both by the center of curvature C of the spherical surface to be shaped, designated 380 in FIG. 5. It is then necessary to rotate the tool 20 and the plate 38 around their respective axes 42 and 40 (by means of spindle 16, shaft 32 and associated drive means) and bring the active surface 200 of the head the tool 20 in contact with the plate 38. In FIG. 5, it will be noted that the reference numeric 500 generally indicates a mixture conveyed on the machining zone containing abrasive particles.

Comme schématisé dans la figure 5, la mise en rotation simultanée de l'outil 20 et de la plaque 38 autour de leurs axes de rotation respectifs et le réglage de l'angle α entre ces axes de rotation assure que la surface active 200 de l'outil façonne une portion de surface sphérique convexe de rayon de courbure R présentant un pourtour circulaire (en d'autres termes une calotte sphérique convexe). Dans la mesure où aucun mouvement oscillant n'est imprimé à l'outil ou à la plaque, on comprendra que le diamètre de la tête de l'outil, désigné d, doit présenter une valeur minimale qui est supérieure à la moitié du diamètre, désigné D, de la lentille à façonner. Plus précisément, le diamètre d de l'outil 20, dans ce mode de mise en oeuvre particulier, doit au moins être égal au diamètre D de la lentille désirée divisé par le cosinus de l'angle α. On notera que l'angle α est en pratique inférieur à 20°, préférablement inférieur à 10°.As shown in Figure 5, the simultaneous rotation of the tool 20 and of the plate 38 around their respective axes of rotation and the adjustment of the angle α between these axes of rotation ensures that the active surface 200 of the tool shapes a portion of a convex spherical surface of radius of curvature R having a circular periphery (in other words a convex spherical cap). In the since no oscillating movement is imparted to the tool or the plate, we will understand that the diameter of the tool head, designated d, must have a value minimum which is greater than half the diameter, designated D, of the lens at shape. More precisely, the diameter d of the tool 20, in this embodiment particular work, must be at least equal to the diameter D of the desired lens divided by the cosine of the angle α. It will be noted that the angle α is in practice less than 20 °, preferably less than 10 °.

Comme mentionné dans le document EP 0 123 891, plutôt que de fixer une inclinaison déterminée de la plaque par rapport à l'outil, un mouvement oscillant autour d'un axe perpendiculaire aux axes de rotation 42, 40 et passant par le centre de courbure C de la lentille à façonner (à savoir un mouvement oscillant autour de l'axe 44 de la broche 28 dans la figure 1) peut être imprimé à la plaque 38 (voire à l'outil). Dans ce cas, l'angle maximal d'inclinaison de la plaque 38 par rapport à l'outil 20, désigné αmax, peut être exprimé par la formule suivante, qui est valable pour des mouvements de faible amplitude (angles α faibles) : tan αmax ≈[2R (D - d)]/[4R2+ D d] Cette relation (1) est également valable pour le mode de mise en oeuvre précédent à inclinaison fixe.As mentioned in document EP 0 123 891, rather than fixing a determined inclination of the plate relative to the tool, a movement oscillating around an axis perpendicular to the axes of rotation 42, 40 and passing through the center of curvature C of the lens to be shaped (namely an oscillating movement around the axis 44 of the spindle 28 in FIG. 1) can be printed on the plate 38 (or even with the tool). In this case, the maximum angle of inclination of the plate 38 relative to the tool 20, designated α max , can be expressed by the following formula, which is valid for movements of small amplitude (small angles α): tan α max ≈ [2R (D - d)] / [4R 2+ D d] This relation (1) is also valid for the previous embodiment with fixed inclination.

Au moyen de l'outil représenté dans les figures 2 à 4, on notera qu'il est possible de façonner des surfaces sphériques convexes ne présentant pas nécessairement un pourtour circulaire.By means of the tool represented in FIGS. 2 to 4, it will be noted that it is possible to shape convex spherical surfaces without necessarily a circular periphery.

Ainsi, en se référant à la figure 5, il est parfaitement envisageable de soumettre la plaque 38 à un mouvement répété oscillant autour de l'axe 40, plutôt qu'à une rotation complète autour de cet axe. En limitant l'amplitude maximale de ce mouvement oscillant autour de l'axe 40, par exemple en soumettant la plaque à un mouvement angulaire oscillant de 180° environ, on peut façonner une portion d'une calotte sphérique présentant une forme générale en « C » dans le plan de la plaque.Thus, with reference to FIG. 5, it is perfectly conceivable to subject the plate 38 to a repeated movement oscillating around the axis 40, rather than a full rotation around this axis. By limiting the maximum amplitude of this oscillating movement around axis 40, for example by subjecting the plate to a angular movement oscillating by about 180 °, we can shape a portion of a spherical cap having a general "C" shape in the plane of the plate.

De même, il est parfaitement envisageable de ne pas mettre la plaque 38 en rotation autour de l'axe 40 et de soumettre uniquement cette plaque 38 à un mouvement oscillant autour d'un axe perpendiculaire à l'axe 42 de l'outil et passant par le centre de courbure C de la surface sphérique (par exemple un mouvement oscillant autour de l'axe 44 de la broche 28). De la sorte, on obtient une surface sphérique convexe de forme allongée ou oblongue.Similarly, it is perfectly possible not to put the plate 38 in rotation around the axis 40 and subject only this plate 38 to a oscillating movement about an axis perpendicular to the axis 42 of the tool and passing by the center of curvature C of the spherical surface (for example a movement oscillating around the axis 44 of the spindle 28). In this way, we obtain a surface elongated or oblong convex spherical.

Concernant ce dernier exemple, il est envisageable d'incliner en outre l'outil rotatif 20 dans un plan contenant l'axe 44 autour duquel oscille la plaque 38 et de sorte que l'axe de rotation 42 de l'outil 20 coupe l'axe 44 au centre de courbure C de la surface sphérique à façonner. Ceci revient à incliner l'outil 20 dans le plan de la figure 1 et nécessite donc des moyens de positionnement non représentés dans la figure pour permettre ce réglage angulaire. De la sorte, on obtient une surface sphérique convexe également de forme allongée mais qui est toutefois inclinée dans le sens de la largeur par rapport au plan moyen de la plaque 38, au lieu d'une surface totalement symétrique comme dans l'exemple précédent.Regarding this last example, it is possible to tilt the tool further rotary 20 in a plane containing the axis 44 around which the plate 38 oscillates and so that the axis of rotation 42 of the tool 20 intersects the axis 44 at the center of curvature C of the spherical surface to be shaped. This amounts to tilting the tool 20 in the plane of the Figure 1 and therefore requires positioning means not shown in the figure to allow this angular adjustment. In this way, we obtain a surface convex spherical also elongated but which is however inclined in the direction of the width relative to the mean plane of the plate 38, instead of a surface completely symmetrical as in the previous example.

Dans les trois exemples susmentionnés, on aura donc compris que le mouvement de rotation de l'outil 20 autour de son axe 42 s'accompagne d'un mouvement relatif répété (ou oscillant) entre l'outil 20 et la plaque 38 pour façonner une surface optique sphérique présentant un pourtour non circulaire. Des formes plus compliquées pourraient être obtenues en synchronisant plusieurs mouvements oscillants autour de divers axes passant tous par le centre de courbure de la surface sphérique, on des axes non concourants si l'on désirait façonner une surface torique, par exemple.In the three examples mentioned above, it will therefore be understood that the rotational movement of the tool 20 around its axis 42 is accompanied by a repeated (or oscillating) relative movement between tool 20 and plate 38 to shape a spherical optical surface having a non-circular periphery. More shapes complicated could be achieved by synchronizing multiple movements oscillating around various axes all passing through the center of curvature of the surface spherical, we have non-concurrent axes if we wanted to shape a toric surface, for example.

On comprendra de manière générale que diverses modifications et/ou améliorations évidentes pour l'homme du métier peuvent être apportées au mode de réalisation décrit dans la présente description sans sortir du cadre de l'invention défini par les revendications annexées. En particulier, la surface active de la tête de l'outil peut présenter une forme autre que sphérique dans la mesure où l'on ne désire pas soumettre l'outil à un mouvement relatif par rapport à la plaque de matériau minéral à usiner. Il est ainsi possible de donner à la surface active de l'outil une forme de révolution non sphérique et de façonner une forme correspondante dans le matériau minéral en ne mettant en rotation que l'outil (voire en mettant également en rotation la plaque de matériau minéral autour d'un axe confondu à l'axe de rotation de l'outil). La forme sphérique particulièrement simple de la surface active de la tête de l'outil, telle qu'elle a été présentée plus haut, constitue toutefois une solution particulièrement simple à mettre en oeuvre, flexible d'utilisation et qui permet de façonner de évidements de formes variées dans le matériau.It will generally be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the mode of embodiment described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. In particular, the active surface of the tool head may have a shape other than spherical insofar as it is not desired subject the tool to a relative movement with respect to the plate of mineral material to machined. It is thus possible to give the active surface of the tool a form of non-spherical revolution and to shape a corresponding shape in the material mineral by only rotating the tool (or even also rotating the plate of mineral material around an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the tool). The particularly simple spherical shape of the active surface of the tool head, such that it was presented above, constitutes however a particularly solution simple to implement, flexible to use and which allows to shape recesses of various shapes in the material.

On insistera enfin à nouveau sur le fait que la disposition de la ou des fentes sur la surface active de la tête de l'outil peut suivre tout agencement géométrique adéquat, le plus simple de ces agencements géométriques étant constitué par une ou plusieurs fentes essentiellement rectilignes.Finally, it will again be emphasized that the arrangement of the slot (s) on the active surface of the tool head can follow any geometric arrangement adequate, the simplest of these geometric arrangements being one or more several essentially rectilinear slots.

Claims (15)

Outil rotatif (20) pour le façonnage d'une forme dans un matériau minéral, notamment un matériau minéral dur, comportant un corps terminé par une tête (20a) comprenant une surface active (200) destinée à venir en contact avec une zone du matériau minéral où l'on désire façonner ladite forme,
   caractérisé en ce que ladite tête (20a) de l'outil présente au moins une première fente (210, 220) débouchant sur ladite surface active (200) pour y former une ouverture (210a, 220a) permettant à des particules abrasives (500) acheminées sur ladite zone de se loger sur la surface active (200) et former, le long de ladite ouverture (210a, 220a) sur la surface active, une arête de coupe contribuant au façonnage de la forme désirée.Rotary tool (20) for shaping a shape in a mineral material, in particular a hard mineral material, comprising a body terminated by a head (20a) comprising an active surface (200) intended to come into contact with an area of the material mineral where one wishes to shape said shape,
characterized in that said head (20a) of the tool has at least one first slot (210, 220) opening onto said active surface (200) to form an opening (210a, 220a) allowing abrasive particles (500) routed over said area to lodge on the active surface (200) and form, along said opening (210a, 220a) on the active surface, a cutting edge contributing to the shaping of the desired shape. Outil selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la ou les fentes (210, 220) sont configurées de sorte que, lors d'une rotation de l'outil, l'arête ou les arêtes de coupe ainsi formées couvrent une surface de révolution délimitée uniquement par un contour externe.Tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the slot (s) (210, 220) are configured so that, when the tool is rotated, the cutting edge or cutting edges thus formed cover a surface of revolution delimited only by an external contour. Outil selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ladite surface active (200) est subdivisée en au moins deux parties.Tool according to claim 2, characterized in that said active surface (200) is subdivided into at least two parts. Outil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite tête (20a) de l'outil présente au moins une paire de fentes (210, 220) formant des ouvertures (210a, 220a) diamétrales ou parallèles sur ladite surface active (200).Tool according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said head (20a) of the tool has at least one pair of slots (210, 220) forming diametrical or parallel openings (210a, 220a) on said active surface (200). Outil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que ladite tête (20a) est formée d'un matériau non abrasif pour le matériau minéral considéré et présentant un compromis entre dureté et mollesse afin de maintenir et garantir la forme de la tête et, respectivement, permettre aux dites particules abrasives de s'y implanter.Tool according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said head (20a) is formed from a material which is non-abrasive for the mineral material considered and which exhibits a compromise between hardness and softness in order to maintain and guarantee the shape of the head and, respectively, allow said abrasive particles to settle there. Outil selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit matériau formant la tête (20a) est un métal ou un alliage de métaux comprenant au moins un métal sélectionné dans le groupe comprenant le Cu, le Zn, le Sn et le Fe.Tool according to claim 5, characterized in that said material forming the head (20a) is a metal or a metal alloy comprising at least one metal selected from the group comprising Cu, Zn, Sn and Fe. Outil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes pour le façonnage d'une surface optique sphérique convexe dans une plaque (38) d'un matériau minéral transparent, notamment le saphir, le corindon ou le spinelle, caractérisé en ce que la surface active (200) de l'extrémité de ladite tête présente essentiellement la forme d'une calotte sphérique concave dont le rayon de courbure (R) correspond au rayon de courbure de la surface optique à façonner.Tool according to any one of the preceding claims for shaping a convex spherical optical surface in a plate (38) of a transparent mineral material, in particular sapphire, corundum or spinel, characterized in that the active surface ( 200) of the end of said head has essentially the shape of a concave spherical cap whose radius of curvature (R) corresponds to the radius of curvature of the optical surface to be shaped. Outil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une fente joue en outre le rôle de canal d'acheminement desdites particules abrasives au niveau de ladite zone.Tool according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one slot also acts as a channel for conveying said abrasive particles at the level of said zone. Procédé pour le façonnage d'une surface optique dans une plaque (38) d'un matériau minéral transparent, notamment le saphir, le corindon ou le spinelle, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les opérations simultanées suivantes : mettre en rotation un outil (20) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8 autour d'un premier axe de rotation (42) ; mettre en contact la surface active (200) de la tête de l'outil avec la plaque (38) dans une zone du matériau minéral où l'on désire façonner ladite surface optique ; acheminer des particules abrasives (500) au niveau de ladite zone ; et déplacer l'outil (20) et/ou la plaque (38) l'un par rapport à l'autre. Method for shaping an optical surface in a plate (38) of a transparent mineral material, in particular sapphire, corundum or spinel, characterized in that it comprises the following simultaneous operations: rotating a tool (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 about a first axis of rotation (42); bringing the active surface (200) of the tool head into contact with the plate (38) in an area of the mineral material where it is desired to shape said optical surface; conveying abrasive particles (500) at said area; and move the tool (20) and / or the plate (38) relative to each other. Procédé selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que ledit outil est un outil selon la revendication 7 pour le façonnage d'une surface optique sphérique convexe, et en ce que le procédé comprend en outre une opération simultanée consistant à effectuer un mouvement relatif répété dudit outil (20) par rapport à ladite plaque (38) pour façonner une surface optique sphérique présentant un pourtour non circulaire.Method according to claim 9, characterized in that said tool is a tool according to claim 7 for the shaping of a convex spherical optical surface, and in that the method further comprises a simultaneous operation consisting in performing a repeated relative movement of said tool (20) relative to said plate (38) for shaping a spherical optical surface having a non-circular periphery. Procédé selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que ledit mouvement relatif répété est un mouvement oscillant de ladite plaque (38) ou dudit outil (20) autour d'un axe (40 ; 44) distinct dudit premier axe (42) et coupant ce premier axe au centre de courbure (C) de la surface sphérique convexe à façonner.Method according to claim 10, characterized in that said repeated relative movement is an oscillating movement of said plate (38) or of said tool (20) about an axis (40; 44) distinct from said first axis (42) and cutting this first axis at the center of curvature (C) of the convex spherical surface to be shaped. Procédé selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que ledit outil est un outil selon la revendication 7 pour le façonnage d'une surface optique sphérique convexe, et en ce que le procédé comprend en outre une opération simultanée consistant à mettre en rotation ladite plaque (38) autour d'un second axe de rotation (40) qui est perpendiculaire à la zone où l'on désire façonner ladite surface optique et qui passe par le centre de cette zone, lesdits premier et second axes de rotation (42, 40) passant par le centre de courbure (C) de la surface sphérique convexe à façonner.Method according to claim 9, characterized in that said tool is a tool according to claim 7 for shaping a convex spherical optical surface, and in that the method further comprises a simultaneous operation consisting in rotating said plate ( 38) around a second axis of rotation (40) which is perpendicular to the area where it is desired to shape said optical surface and which passes through the center of this area, said first and second axes of rotation (42, 40) passing through the center of curvature (C) of the convex spherical surface to be shaped. Installation d'usinage d'un matériau minéral, notamment un matériau minéral dur, comprenant : un outil rotatif (20) pour le façonnage d'une forme dans ledit matériau minéral, cet outil rotatif comportant un corps terminé par une tête (20a) comprenant une surface active (200) destinée à venir en contact avec une zone du matériau minéral où l'on désire façonner ladite forme ; des moyens d'entraínement (16, 18) pour entraíner en rotation ledit outil rotatif (20) autour d'un premier axe de rotation (42) ; des moyens (12, 14, 28a, 28b, 30, 36) pour positionner ledit matériau minéral en regard dudit outil rotatif ; et des moyens (28, 32, 34) pour produire un déplacement relatif entre ledit outil rotatif et ledit matériau minéral,    caractérisée en ce que l'installation d'usinage comporte en outre des moyens d'acheminement (50, 52) de particules abrasives (500) sur ladite zone où l'on désire façonner ladite forme,
   et en ce que ladite tête (20a) de l'outil présente au moins une première fente (210, 220) débouchant sur ladite surface active (200) pour y former une ouverture (210a, 220a) permettant aux dites particules abrasives (500) acheminées sur la zone de se loger sur la surface active (200) et former, le long de ladite ouverture (210a, 220a) sur la surface active, une arête de coupe contribuant au façonnage de la forme désirée.Installation for machining a mineral material, in particular a hard mineral material, comprising: a rotary tool (20) for shaping a shape in said mineral material, this rotary tool comprising a body terminated by a head (20a) comprising an active surface (200) intended to come into contact with an area of the mineral material where we want to shape said shape; drive means (16, 18) for rotating said rotary tool (20) about a first axis of rotation (42); means (12, 14, 28a, 28b, 30, 36) for positioning said mineral material opposite said rotary tool; and means (28, 32, 34) for producing a relative displacement between said rotary tool and said mineral material, characterized in that the machining installation also comprises means for conveying (50, 52) abrasive particles (500) over said zone where it is desired to shape said shape,
and in that said head (20a) of the tool has at least one first slot (210, 220) opening onto said active surface (200) to form an opening (210a, 220a) allowing said abrasive particles (500) routed over the area to be housed on the active surface (200) and form, along said opening (210a, 220a) on the active surface, a cutting edge contributing to the shaping of the desired shape. Installation selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce que ledit outil est un outil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 7.Installation according to claim 13, characterized in that said tool is a tool according to any one of claims 2 to 7. Installation selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins une fente dudit outil joue en outre le rôle de canal d'acheminement desdites particules abrasives au niveau de ladite zone et fait partie intégrante desdits moyens d'acheminement.Installation according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one slot of said tool also acts as a channel for conveying said abrasive particles at said zone and is an integral part of said means for conveying.
EP02079950A 2002-11-26 2002-11-26 Rotative tool for machining a shape on a mineral material, like sapphire, in particular for machining an optical surface on a watch-glass Withdrawn EP1424163A1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP02079950A EP1424163A1 (en) 2002-11-26 2002-11-26 Rotative tool for machining a shape on a mineral material, like sapphire, in particular for machining an optical surface on a watch-glass
PCT/EP2003/012837 WO2004048034A1 (en) 2002-11-26 2003-11-17 Rotary tool for shaping a form in a mineral material, such as sapphire, and, in particular, for shaping an optical surface in a watch crystal
JP2004554371A JP4851713B2 (en) 2002-11-26 2003-11-17 Rotating tools for shaping the shape of mineral materials such as sapphire, especially shaping the optical surface of a watch crystal
CN 200380107467 CN1732067A (en) 2002-11-26 2003-11-17 Rotary tool for shaping a form in a mineral material, such as sapphire, and, in particular, for shaping an optical surface in a watch crystal
EP03779955.8A EP1567305B1 (en) 2002-11-26 2003-11-17 Method for shaping an optical surface
AU2003288087A AU2003288087A1 (en) 2002-11-26 2003-11-17 Rotary tool for shaping a form in a mineral material, such as sapphire, and, in particular, for shaping an optical surface in a watch crystal

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EP02079950A EP1424163A1 (en) 2002-11-26 2002-11-26 Rotative tool for machining a shape on a mineral material, like sapphire, in particular for machining an optical surface on a watch-glass

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EP1567305A1 (en) 2005-08-31
JP2006507136A (en) 2006-03-02
JP4851713B2 (en) 2012-01-11
WO2004048034A1 (en) 2004-06-10
CN1732067A (en) 2006-02-08
AU2003288087A1 (en) 2004-06-18

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