EP3968097A1 - Clock assembly and method for manufacturing same - Google Patents

Clock assembly and method for manufacturing same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3968097A1
EP3968097A1 EP20195332.0A EP20195332A EP3968097A1 EP 3968097 A1 EP3968097 A1 EP 3968097A1 EP 20195332 A EP20195332 A EP 20195332A EP 3968097 A1 EP3968097 A1 EP 3968097A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
component
assembly
layer
watch assembly
watch
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP20195332.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
M. Jonas VANNOD
M. Christian CHARBON
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.)
Nivarox Far SA
Nivarox SA
Original Assignee
Nivarox Far SA
Nivarox 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 Nivarox Far SA, Nivarox SA filed Critical Nivarox Far SA
Priority to EP20195332.0A priority Critical patent/EP3968097A1/en
Priority to US17/379,127 priority patent/US20220075322A1/en
Priority to JP2021127245A priority patent/JP7284222B2/en
Priority to CN202111055595.7A priority patent/CN114237003A/en
Publication of EP3968097A1 publication Critical patent/EP3968097A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G04B18/00—Mechanisms for setting frequency
    • G04B18/006—Mechanisms for setting frequency by adjusting the devices fixed on the balance
    • 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
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/06—Manufacture or mounting processes
    • 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
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C28/00—Coating for obtaining at least two superposed coatings either by methods not provided for in a single one of groups C23C2/00 - C23C26/00 or by combinations of methods provided for in subclasses C23C and C25C or C25D
    • 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
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • G04B17/063—Balance construction

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a watch assembly comprising two components, in particular a balance wheel and a visselotte, assembled under stress. It also relates to its manufacturing process.
  • deformations can then generate defects in the material, such as cracks or incipient cracks. They can also generate defects in the protective layer that covers the balance wheel.
  • the purpose of this layer is to give a particular appearance and to improve the resistance to tarnishing and corrosion of the balance wheels.
  • the coating is usually gilding with an undercoat of nickel to combine aesthetic appearance and corrosion resistance properties.
  • the assembly of the weights on the balance wheel will generate defects in this protective layer at the level of the areas stressed during the deformation of the arm as well as in the support or gripping areas where the layer can be locally damaged.
  • the protective layer is then no longer impervious to aggressive agents such as ammonia or chlorine, which can cause stress corrosion of the UNDERLYING material.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a method of manufacturing a watch assembly comprising two components assembled under stress such as the balance wheel/bolt pair, including a step of depositing a protective layer after the step of assembling the two components.
  • This layer can essentially consist of SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Rh, Au, Ni or NiP or else a stack of several layers of these materials.
  • This layer after assembly makes it possible to reinforce the barrier effect of the layer deposited before assembly, in particular in the zones potentially damaged during assembly.
  • This protective layer deposited after assembly guarantees the absence of surface defects due to assembly on the finished product. It fills in potential cracks or incipient cracks, which avoids contact between the aggressive medium and the underlying material.
  • the protective layer has a thickness comprised between 20 nm and 3 ⁇ m, preferably between 100 nm and 500 nm. This thin thickness makes it possible to avoid welding the slider to the balance, which would have an impact on the adjustment functionality of the sliders.
  • the present invention also relates to the watch assembly comprising a first component and a second component assembled under stress, with at least part of the surface of the assembly watchmaker coated with the protective layer intended to cover defects after assembly.
  • the invention relates to a watch assembly comprising at least two components assembled under stress.
  • the first component is a rocker arm 2 comprising an elastic arm 2a delimiting a slot 4 receiving during assembly the second component which is a screws 3 also visible at the picture 2 .
  • the second component which is a screws 3 also visible at the picture 2 .
  • It could also be a driven element such as a peg in a chainring or a pendulum on an axle, etc.
  • the components can be made of a material chosen from the list including copper, copper alloys such as brass or nickel silver, aluminium, aluminum alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, carbon steel and ferritic and austenitic stainless steels.
  • the watch assembly is covered at least partially with a protective layer after assembly intended to cover any defects such as cracks, incipient cracks, tearing of material, resulting from the assembly or possibly already present before assembly.
  • the figures 4A and 4B represent respectively using an electron microscopy view and a schematic view of this same view, the formation of cracks 8 in the base material of one of the components (reference 2) as well as in a protective layer , called first layer 6, deposited before assembly.
  • a protective layer 7, referred to as the second layer is deposited on the cracked surface to form a barrier sealed against the external environment after assembly.
  • the picture 3 schematically represents the layers deposited on the watch assembly 1.
  • one or more layers can optionally be deposited on at least one of the two components of the watch assembly.
  • the base material of the watch assembly can thus be coated with a first layer 6 and always optionally with a sub-layer 5 below the first layer 6.
  • the first layer 6 can comprise rhodium or gold pure or comprising traces of elements such as cobalt or nickel and the underlayer 5 may comprise nickel such as NiP or pure galvanic Ni, or pure gold or with traces of elements.
  • the first layer has a thickness between 100 nm and 2 ⁇ m and the underlayer has a thickness between 100 nm and 2 ⁇ m.
  • the protective layer 7 which is more particularly the subject of the invention is a barrier layer deposited after assembly.
  • This layer is formed of a single layer or of a stack of layers.
  • Each layer comprises respectively SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Rh, Au, Ni or NiP at low (2-4% by weight), medium (5-9% by weight) or high P (10-13% in weight).
  • each layer is respectively made up of SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Rh, Au, Ni or NiP at low (2-4% by weight), medium (5-9% by weight) or high P (10- 13% by weight).
  • the protective layer has a thickness comprised between 20 nm and 3 ⁇ m, preferably between 100 nm and 500 nm.
  • all of the layers have a thickness of between 20 nm and 3 ⁇ m, preferably between 100 nm and 500 nm.
  • At least part of the surface of the assembly is coated with the protective layer intended to cover the defects at the end of the assembly.
  • the surface of the component subjected to deformation during assembly is coated.
  • the entire outer surface of the watch assembly is coated with the protective layer.
  • the protective layer 7 deposited after assembly is thus devoid of defects and more particularly of cracks and incipient cracks.
  • the protective layer is deposited by ALD (for Atomic Layer Deposition in English), PVD (for Physical Vapor Deposition in English), CVD (for Chemical Vapor Deposition in English), chemical or galvanic deposition.
  • ALD Atomic Layer Deposition in English
  • PVD for Physical Vapor Deposition in English
  • CVD for Chemical Vapor Deposition in English
  • chemical or galvanic deposition for Chemical Vapor Deposition in English
  • the method may further comprise a step a′) of depositing the first layer 6 on at least part of the first component and/or of the second component before step b) of assembly.
  • the method may also include a step a") of depositing the underlayer 5 on said at least part of the first component and/or of the second component before step a').
  • the underlayer and the first layer can also be deposited by ALD, PVD, CVD, chemical or galvanic deposition.
  • the method may also include a step a'") of heat treatment intended to improve the adhesion of the first layer and of the underlayer if the latter are present. This step takes place before step b) of assembly.
  • the heat treatment is carried out between 150 and 300° C. for 30 minutes to 5 hours.
  • the method comprises a step d) of this same heat treatment after step c) of depositing the protective layer.
  • the method comprises a step a'") of this heat treatment before step b) of assembly and a step d) of this heat treatment after step c) of depositing the protective layer.

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un ensemble horloger (1) comprenant un premier composant et un deuxième composant assemblés sous contrainte, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une partie de la surface de l'ensemble est revêtue d'une couche de protection (7) destinée à recouvrir des défauts tels que des fissures ou des amorces de fissures (8) après l'assemblage.Elle se rapporte également au procédé de fabrication de cet ensemble.The present invention relates to a watch assembly (1) comprising a first component and a second component assembled under stress, characterized in that at least part of the surface of the assembly is coated with a protective layer (7 ) intended to cover defects such as cracks or incipient cracks (8) after assembly. It also relates to the manufacturing process of this assembly.

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention se rapporte à un ensemble horloger comprenant deux composants, en particulier un balancier et une visselotte, assemblés sous contrainte. Elle se rapporte également à son procédé de fabrication.The invention relates to a watch assembly comprising two components, in particular a balance wheel and a visselotte, assembled under stress. It also relates to its manufacturing process.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

On connaît de nombreuses réalisations de balanciers avec des moyens de réglage d'inertie et/ou d'équilibrage. Notamment on connaît des balanciers à masselottes, aussi dites visselottes, vissées ou chassées dans des implantations de la serge d'un balancier. Certaines réalisations ont tenté d'assurer le maintien de visselottes par pincement. On connaît ainsi le document CH 705 238 qui divulgue un balancier comportant au moins une fente pour la réception et le pincement en position d'une tige d'une visselotte, la fente étant délimitée par, d'une part, une partie rigide du balancier, et d'autre part, un bras élastique en permanence rappelé vers ladite partie rigide du balancier délimitant la fente pour maintenir la visselotte. Lors de l'insertion des visselottes, le bras élastique subit des déformations importantes suite à son écartement. Ces déformations peuvent alors générer des défauts dans la matière, tels que des fissures ou des amorces de fissures. Elles peuvent également générer des défauts dans la couche de protection qui recouvre le balancier. Cette couche a pour objet de donner un aspect particulier et d'améliorer la résistance au ternissement et à la corrosion des balanciers. La couche est habituellement un dorage avec une sous-couche de nickel pour combiner l'aspect esthétique et les propriétés de résistance à la corrosion. L'assemblage des masselottes sur le balancier va générer des défauts dans cette couche de protection au niveau des zones sollicitées lors de la déformation du bras ainsi que dans les zones d'appui ou de préhension où la couche peut être localement endommagée. La couche de protection n'est alors plus étanche aux agents agressifs tels que l'ammoniaque ou le chlore, qui peuvent provoquer la corrosion sous contrainte du matériau SOUS-jacent.There are many known embodiments of pendulums with inertia adjustment and/or balancing means. In particular, we know balances with flyweights, also called visselottes, screwed or driven into implantations of the serge of a balance. Some achievements have attempted to ensure the maintenance of screws by pinching. We thus know the document CH 705 238 which discloses a balance comprising at least one slot for receiving and pinching in position a rod of a screw, the slot being delimited by, on the one hand, a rigid part of the balance, and on the other hand, a elastic arm permanently biased towards said rigid part of the rocker arm delimiting the slot to hold the screw. During the insertion of the screws, the elastic arm undergoes significant deformations following its separation. These deformations can then generate defects in the material, such as cracks or incipient cracks. They can also generate defects in the protective layer that covers the balance wheel. The purpose of this layer is to give a particular appearance and to improve the resistance to tarnishing and corrosion of the balance wheels. The coating is usually gilding with an undercoat of nickel to combine aesthetic appearance and corrosion resistance properties. The assembly of the weights on the balance wheel will generate defects in this protective layer at the level of the areas stressed during the deformation of the arm as well as in the support or gripping areas where the layer can be locally damaged. The protective layer is then no longer impervious to aggressive agents such as ammonia or chlorine, which can cause stress corrosion of the UNDERLYING material.

Buts de l'inventionAims of the invention

La présente invention a pour objet de pallier aux inconvénients précités en proposant un procédé de fabrication d'un ensemble horloger comprenant deux composants assemblés sous contrainte tels que le couple balancier/visselotte, incluant une étape de dépôt d'une couche de protection postérieure à l'étape d'assemblage des deux composants.The object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a method of manufacturing a watch assembly comprising two components assembled under stress such as the balance wheel/bolt pair, including a step of depositing a protective layer after the step of assembling the two components.

Cette couche peut être constituée essentiellement de SiO2, d'Al2O3, de Rh, d'Au, de Ni ou de NiP ou encore d'un empilement de plusieurs couches de ces matériaux.This layer can essentially consist of SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Rh, Au, Ni or NiP or else a stack of several layers of these materials.

L'ajout de cette couche après assemblage permet de renforcer l'effet barrière de la couche déposée avant assemblage, en particulier dans les zones potentiellement endommagées lors de l'assemblage. Cette couche de protection déposée après l'assemblage permet de garantir l'absence de défauts de surface dus à l'assemblage sur le produit fini. Elle comble les potentielles fissures ou amorces de fissures, ce qui permet d'éviter un contact entre le milieu agressif et le matériau sous-jacent.The addition of this layer after assembly makes it possible to reinforce the barrier effect of the layer deposited before assembly, in particular in the zones potentially damaged during assembly. This protective layer deposited after assembly guarantees the absence of surface defects due to assembly on the finished product. It fills in potential cracks or incipient cracks, which avoids contact between the aggressive medium and the underlying material.

La couche de protection a une épaisseur comprise entre 20 nm et 3 µm, de préférence entre 100 nm et 500 nm. Cette fine épaisseur permet d'éviter un soudage de la visselotte au balancier, ce qui aurait un impact sur la fonctionnalité de réglage des visselottes.The protective layer has a thickness comprised between 20 nm and 3 μm, preferably between 100 nm and 500 nm. This thin thickness makes it possible to avoid welding the slider to the balance, which would have an impact on the adjustment functionality of the sliders.

La présente invention se rapporte également à l'ensemble horloger comprenant un premier composant et un deuxième composant assemblés sous contrainte, avec au moins une partie de la surface de l'ensemble horloger revêtue de la couche de protection destinée à recouvrir les défauts à l'issue de l'assemblage.The present invention also relates to the watch assembly comprising a first component and a second component assembled under stress, with at least part of the surface of the assembly watchmaker coated with the protective layer intended to cover defects after assembly.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres particularités et avantages ressortiront clairement de la description qui en est faite ci-après, à titre indicatif et nullement limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés.

  • La figure 1 est une vue en plan de l'ensemble horloger selon l'invention comprenant le balancier et deux visselottes.
  • La figure 2 est une vue tridimensionnelle de la visselotte de l'ensemble horloger selon la figure 1.
  • La figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un composant de l'ensemble horloger recouvert de plusieurs couches selon le procédé de l'invention.
  • La figure 4A est une vue en microscopie électronique d'une coupe prise sur le balancier de l'ensemble horloger selon l'invention.
  • La figure 4B est une représentation schématique de la figure 4A.
Other features and advantages will emerge clearly from the description given of them below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings.
  • The figure 1 is a plan view of the watch assembly according to the invention comprising the balance wheel and two screws.
  • The picture 2 is a three-dimensional view of the screw mechanism of the watch assembly according to the figure 1 .
  • The picture 3 is a schematic sectional view of a component of the watch assembly covered with several layers according to the method of the invention.
  • The figure 4A is an electron microscopy view of a section taken on the balance wheel of the watch assembly according to the invention.
  • The figure 4B is a schematic representation of the figure 4A .

Description de l'inventionDescription of the invention

L'invention se rapporte à un ensemble horloger comprenant au moins deux composants assemblés sous contrainte. A titre exemple, comme représenté à la figure 1, le premier composant est un balancier 2 comprenant un bras élastique 2a délimitant une fente 4 recevant lors de l'assemblage le deuxième composant qui est une visselotte 3 visible également à la figure 2. Il pourrait également s'agir d'un élément chassé tel qu'une cheville dans un plateau ou un balancier sur un axe, etc.The invention relates to a watch assembly comprising at least two components assembled under stress. For example, as shown in figure 1 , the first component is a rocker arm 2 comprising an elastic arm 2a delimiting a slot 4 receiving during assembly the second component which is a screws 3 also visible at the picture 2 . It could also be a driven element such as a peg in a chainring or a pendulum on an axle, etc.

Les composants peuvent être réalisés dans un matériau choisi parmi la liste comprenant le cuivre, les alliages de cuivre tels que le laiton ou le maillechort, l'aluminium, les alliages d'aluminium, le titane, les alliages de titane, l'acier au carbone et les aciers inoxydables ferritiques et austénitiques.The components can be made of a material chosen from the list including copper, copper alloys such as brass or nickel silver, aluminium, aluminum alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, carbon steel and ferritic and austenitic stainless steels.

Selon l'invention, l'ensemble horloger est recouvert au moins partiellement d'une couche de protection après assemblage destinée à recouvrir d'éventuels défauts tels que des fissures, amorces de fissures, arrachage de matière, résultant de l'assemblage ou éventuellement déjà présents avant assemblage. Les figures 4A et 4B représentent respectivement à l'aide d'une vue en microscopie électronique et d'une vue schématique de cette même vue, la formation de fissures 8 dans le matériau de base d'un des composants (référence 2) ainsi que dans une couche de protection, dite première couche 6, déposée avant assemblage. Selon l'invention, une couche de protection 7, dite deuxième couche, est déposée sur la surface fissurée pour former une barrière étanche au milieu extérieur après assemblage.According to the invention, the watch assembly is covered at least partially with a protective layer after assembly intended to cover any defects such as cracks, incipient cracks, tearing of material, resulting from the assembly or possibly already present before assembly. The figures 4A and 4B represent respectively using an electron microscopy view and a schematic view of this same view, the formation of cracks 8 in the base material of one of the components (reference 2) as well as in a protective layer , called first layer 6, deposited before assembly. According to the invention, a protective layer 7, referred to as the second layer, is deposited on the cracked surface to form a barrier sealed against the external environment after assembly.

La figure 3 représente schématiquement les couches déposées sur l'ensemble horloger 1. Avant assemblage, une ou plusieurs couches peuvent être optionnellement déposées sur au moins un des deux composants de l'ensemble horloger. Le matériau de base de l'ensemble horloger peut ainsi être revêtu d'une première couche 6 et toujours optionnellement d'une sous-couche 5 en dessous de la première couche 6. La première couche 6 peut comprendre du rhodium ou de l'or pur ou comprenant des traces d'éléments tels que du cobalt ou du nickel et la sous-couche 5 peut comprendre du nickel tel que du NiP ou du Ni galvanique pur, ou de l'or pur ou avec des traces d'éléments. La première couche a une épaisseur comprise entre 100 nm et 2 µm et la sous-couche a une épaisseur comprise entre 100 nm et 2 µm.The picture 3 schematically represents the layers deposited on the watch assembly 1. Before assembly, one or more layers can optionally be deposited on at least one of the two components of the watch assembly. The base material of the watch assembly can thus be coated with a first layer 6 and always optionally with a sub-layer 5 below the first layer 6. The first layer 6 can comprise rhodium or gold pure or comprising traces of elements such as cobalt or nickel and the underlayer 5 may comprise nickel such as NiP or pure galvanic Ni, or pure gold or with traces of elements. The first layer has a thickness between 100 nm and 2 μm and the underlayer has a thickness between 100 nm and 2 μm.

La couche de protection 7 qui fait plus particulièrement l'objet de l'invention est une couche barrière déposée après assemblage. Cette couche est formée d'une seule couche ou d'un empilement de couches. Chaque couche comporte respectivement du SiO2, de l'Al2O3, du Rh, de l'Au, du Ni ou du NiP à bas (2-4% en poids), moyen (5-9% en poids) ou haut P (10-13% en poids). Préférentiellement, chaque couche est respectivement constituée de SiO2, Al2O3, Rh, Au, Ni ou de NiP à bas (2-4% en poids), moyen (5-9% en poids) ou haut P (10-13% en poids). La couche de protection a une épaisseur comprise entre 20 nm et 3 µm, de préférence entre 100 nm et 500 nm. Pour la variante avec un empilement de couches, l'ensemble des couches a une épaisseur comprise entre 20 nm et 3 µm, de préférence entre 100 nm et 500 nm.The protective layer 7 which is more particularly the subject of the invention is a barrier layer deposited after assembly. This layer is formed of a single layer or of a stack of layers. Each layer comprises respectively SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Rh, Au, Ni or NiP at low (2-4% by weight), medium (5-9% by weight) or high P (10-13% in weight). Preferably, each layer is respectively made up of SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Rh, Au, Ni or NiP at low (2-4% by weight), medium (5-9% by weight) or high P (10- 13% by weight). The protective layer has a thickness comprised between 20 nm and 3 μm, preferably between 100 nm and 500 nm. For the variant with a stack of layers, all of the layers have a thickness of between 20 nm and 3 μm, preferably between 100 nm and 500 nm.

Selon l'invention, au moins une partie de la surface de l'ensemble est revêtue de la couche de protection destinée à recouvrir les défauts à l'issue de l'assemblage. Avantageusement, au moins la surface du composant soumis à la déformation lors de l'assemblage est revêtue. Préférentiellement, toute la surface extérieure de l'ensemble horloger est revêtue de la couche de protection.According to the invention, at least part of the surface of the assembly is coated with the protective layer intended to cover the defects at the end of the assembly. Advantageously, at least the surface of the component subjected to deformation during assembly is coated. Preferably, the entire outer surface of the watch assembly is coated with the protective layer.

La couche de protection 7 déposée après assemblage est ainsi dépourvue de défauts et plus particulièrement de fissures et d'amorces de fissures.The protective layer 7 deposited after assembly is thus devoid of defects and more particularly of cracks and incipient cracks.

La présente invention se rapporte également au procédé de fabrication de l'ensemble horloger comprenant les étapes suivantes :

  1. a) Mise à disposition du premier composant et du deuxième composant,
  2. b) Assemblage sous contrainte du premier composant et du deuxième composant,
  3. c) Dépôt de la couche de protection 7, aussi dite deuxième couche, sur au moins une partie de la surface de l'assemblage comprenant le premier composant et le deuxième composant.
The present invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the watch assembly comprising the following steps:
  1. a) Provision of the first component and the second component,
  2. b) Assembly under stress of the first component and the second component,
  3. c) Deposition of the protective layer 7, also called second layer, on at least part of the surface of the assembly comprising the first component and the second component.

Selon l'invention, la couche de protection est déposée par ALD (pour Atomic Layer Déposition en anglais), PVD (pour Physical Vapor Déposition en anglais), CVD (pour Chemical Vapor Déposition en anglais), dépôt chimique ou galvanique.According to the invention, the protective layer is deposited by ALD (for Atomic Layer Deposition in English), PVD (for Physical Vapor Deposition in English), CVD (for Chemical Vapor Deposition in English), chemical or galvanic deposition.

Le procédé peut en outre comporter une étape a') de dépôt de la première couche 6 sur au moins une partie du premier composant et/ou du deuxième composant avant l'étape b) d'assemblage.The method may further comprise a step a′) of depositing the first layer 6 on at least part of the first component and/or of the second component before step b) of assembly.

Le procédé peut également comporter une étape a") de dépôt de la sous-couche 5 sur ladite au moins partie du premier composant et/ou du deuxième composant avant l'étape a').The method may also include a step a") of depositing the underlayer 5 on said at least part of the first component and/or of the second component before step a').

La sous-couche et la première couche peuvent également être déposées par ALD, PVD, CVD, dépôt chimique ou galvanique.The underlayer and the first layer can also be deposited by ALD, PVD, CVD, chemical or galvanic deposition.

Le procédé peut également comporter une étape a'") de traitement thermique destinée à améliorer l'adhérence de la première couche et de la sous-couche si ces dernières sont présentes. Cette étape se déroule avant l'étape b) d'assemblage. Le traitement thermique est réalisé entre 150 et 300°C pendant 30 minutes à 5 heures. En variante, le procédé comporte une étape d) de ce même traitement thermique après l'étape c) de dépôt de la couche de protection. Selon une autre variante, le procédé comporte une étape a'") de ce traitement thermique avant l'étape b) d'assemblage et une étape d) de ce traitement thermique après l'étape c) de dépôt de la couche de protection.The method may also include a step a'") of heat treatment intended to improve the adhesion of the first layer and of the underlayer if the latter are present. This step takes place before step b) of assembly. The heat treatment is carried out between 150 and 300° C. for 30 minutes to 5 hours. Alternatively, the method comprises a step d) of this same heat treatment after step c) of depositing the protective layer. As a variant, the method comprises a step a'") of this heat treatment before step b) of assembly and a step d) of this heat treatment after step c) of depositing the protective layer.

LégendeLegend

  1. (1) Ensemble horloger(1) Clock set
  2. (2) Balancier
    1. a. Bras élastique
    (2) Pendulum
    1. at. Elastic arm
  3. (3) Visselotte
    1. a. Tige
    (3) Viselotte
    1. at. Stem
  4. (4) Fente(4) Slot
  5. (5) Sous-couche déposée avant assemblage(5) Undercoat deposited before assembly
  6. (6) Couche déposée avant assemblage, aussi appelée première couche(6) Layer deposited before assembly, also called first layer
  7. (7) Couche déposée après assemblage, aussi appelée couche de protection ou deuxième couche(7) Layer deposited after assembly, also called protective layer or second layer
  8. (8) Fissure ou amorce de fissure(8) Crack or incipient crack
  9. (9) Matériau d'enrobage de l'échantillon visualisé en microscopie électronique(9) Embedding material of the sample visualized by electron microscopy

Claims (24)

Procédé de fabrication d'un ensemble horloger (1) comprenant un premier composant et un deuxième composant assemblés sous contrainte, ledit procédé comportant les étapes successives suivantes: a) Mise à disposition du premier composant et du deuxième com posant, b) Assemblage sous contrainte du premier composant et du deuxième composant, c) Dépôt d'une couche de protection (7), aussi appelée deuxième couche, sur au moins une partie de la surface de l'assemblage comprenant le premier composant et le deuxième composant. Method for manufacturing a timepiece assembly (1) comprising a first component and a second component assembled under stress, said method comprising the following successive steps: a) Provision of the first component and the second component, b) Assembly under stress of the first component and the second component, c) Deposition of a protective layer (7), also called second layer, on at least part of the surface of the assembly comprising the first component and the second component. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une étape a') de dépôt d'une première couche (6) sur au moins une partie du premier composant et/ou du deuxième composant avant l'étape b) d'assemblage.Process according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a step a') of depositing a first layer (6) on at least part of the first component and/or of the second component before step b) of Assembly. Procédé selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une étape a") de dépôt d'une sous-couche (5) sur ladite au moins une partie du premier composant et/ou du deuxième composant avant l'étape a').Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a step a") of depositing an underlayer (5) on said at least part of the first component and/or of the second component before step a' ). Procédé selon la revendication 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une étape a'") de traitement thermique après l'étape a') et avant l'étape d'assemblage b), ladite étape a'") étant réalisée entre 150 et 300°C pendant un temps compris entre 30 minutes et 5 heures.Process according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises a step a'") of heat treatment after step a') and before the assembly step b), the said step a'") being carried out between 150 and 300°C for a time of between 30 minutes and 5 hours. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une étape d) de traitement thermique après l'étape c), ladite étape d) étant réalisée entre 150 et 300°C pendant un temps compris entre 30 minutes et 5 heures.Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step d) of heat treatment after step c), said step d) being carried out between 150 and 300°C for a time of between 30 minutes and 5 hours. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la couche de protection (7) est déposée par ALD, PVD, CVD, dépôt chimique ou dépôt galvanique.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer (7) is deposited by ALD, PVD, CVD, chemical deposition or galvanic deposition. Procédé selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que la première couche (6) et la sous-couche (5) sont déposées par ALD, PVD, CVD, dépôt chimique ou dépôt galvanique.Process according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first layer (6) and the underlayer (5) are deposited by ALD, PVD, CVD, chemical deposition or galvanic deposition. Ensemble horloger (1) comprenant un premier composant et un deuxième composant assemblés sous contrainte, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une partie de la surface de l'ensemble horloger (1) est revêtue d'une couche de protection (7) destinée à recouvrir des défauts après l'assemblage.Watch assembly (1) comprising a first component and a second component assembled under stress, characterized in that at least part of the surface of the watch assembly (1) is coated with a protective layer (7) intended to cover defects after assembly. Ensemble horloger (1) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que ladite partie est la surface du premier composant.Watch assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said part is the surface of the first component. Ensemble horloger (1) selon la revendication 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que toute la surface de l'ensemble horloger (1) est revêtue de la couche de protection (7).Watch assembly (1) according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the entire surface of the watch assembly (1) is coated with the protective layer (7). Ensemble horloger (1) selon l'une des revendications 8 à 10, caractérisé en ce que la couche de protection (7) est dépourvue de fissures et d'amorces de fissures (8).Watch assembly (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the protective layer (7) is devoid of cracks and incipient cracks (8). Ensemble horloger (1) selon l'une des revendications 8 à 11, comprenant une première couche (6) sur au moins une partie du premier composant et/ou du deuxième composant, ladite première couche (6) étant disposée en dessous de la couche de protection (7).Timepiece assembly (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 11, comprising a first layer (6) on at least part of the first component and/or of the second component, the said first layer (6) being placed below the layer protection (7). Ensemble horloger (1) selon la revendication précédente, comprenant une sous-couche (5) disposée sous la première couche (6).Watch assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising an under-layer (5) placed under the first layer (6). Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7 ou ensemble horloger (1) selon l'une des revendications 8 à 13, caractérisé en ce que le premier composant est un balancier (2) comprenant un bras élastique (2a) délimitant une fente (4) recevant lors de l'assemblage le deuxième composant qui est une visselotte (3).Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7 or watch assembly (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the first component is a balance wheel (2) comprising an elastic arm (2a) delimiting a slot ( 4) receiving during assembly the second component which is a visselotte (3). Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7 ou ensemble horloger (1) selon l'une des revendications 8 à 13, caractérisé en ce que le premier composant est un élément assemblé par chassage sur le deuxième composant.Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7 or watch assembly (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the first component is an element assembled by driving in on the second component. Procédé ou ensemble horloger selon la revendication 15, caractérisé en ce que le premier composant est une cheville et le deuxième composant est un plateau.Method or watch assembly according to Claim 15, characterized in that the first component is a peg and the second component is a plate. Procédé ou ensemble horloger selon la revendication 15, caractérisé en ce que le premier composant est un balancier et le deuxième composant est un axe.Method or watch assembly according to Claim 15, characterized in that the first component is a balance wheel and the second component is an axle. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7 ou ensemble horloger (1) selon l'une des revendications 8 à 13, caractérisé en ce que la couche de protection (7) comporte du SiO2, de l'Al2O3, du Rh, de l'Au, du Ni ou du NiP.Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7 or watch assembly (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the protective layer (7) comprises SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Rh, Au, Ni or NiP. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7 ou ensemble horloger (1) selon l'une des revendications 8 à 13, caractérisé en ce que la couche de protection (7) est formée d'un empilement de couches comportant respectivement du SiO2, de l'Al2O3, du Rh, de l'Au, du Ni ou du NiP.Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7 or watch assembly (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the protective layer (7) is formed by a stack of layers comprising respectively SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Rh, Au, Ni or NiP. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7 ou ensemble horloger (1) selon l'une des revendications 8 à 13, caractérisé en ce que la couche de protection (7) a une épaisseur comprise entre 20 nm et 3 µm, de préférence entre 100 nm et 500 nm.Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7 or watch assembly (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the protective layer (7) has a thickness of between 20 nm and 3 µm, preferably between 100 nm and 500 nm. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 2 à 7 ou ensemble horloger (1) selon l'une des revendications 12 à 13, caractérisé en ce que la première couche (6) comporte de l'Au ou du Rh.Method according to one of Claims 2 to 7 or watch assembly (1) according to one of Claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the first layer (6) comprises Au or Rh. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 2 à 7 ou ensemble horloger (1) selon l'une des revendications 12 à 13, caractérisé en ce que la première couche (6) a une épaisseur comprise entre 100 nm et 2 µm.Method according to one of Claims 2 to 7 or watch assembly (1) according to one of Claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the first layer (6) has a thickness of between 100 nm and 2 µm. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 3 à 7 ou ensemble horloger (1) selon la revendication 13, caractérisé en ce que la sous-couche (5) comporte du Ni ou de l'Au.Method according to one of Claims 3 to 7 or watch assembly (1) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the underlayer (5) comprises Ni or Au. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 3 à 7 ou ensemble horloger (1) selon la revendication 13, caractérisé en ce que la sous-couche (5) a une épaisseur comprise entre 100 nm et 2 µm.Method according to one of Claims 3 to 7 or watch assembly (1) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the underlayer (5) has a thickness of between 100 nm and 2 µm.
EP20195332.0A 2020-09-09 2020-09-09 Clock assembly and method for manufacturing same Pending EP3968097A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20195332.0A EP3968097A1 (en) 2020-09-09 2020-09-09 Clock assembly and method for manufacturing same
US17/379,127 US20220075322A1 (en) 2020-09-09 2021-07-19 Timepiece assembly and method for manufacturing the same
JP2021127245A JP7284222B2 (en) 2020-09-09 2021-08-03 Timepiece assembly and manufacturing method thereof
CN202111055595.7A CN114237003A (en) 2020-09-09 2021-09-09 Timepiece module and method of manufacturing the same

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20195332.0A EP3968097A1 (en) 2020-09-09 2020-09-09 Clock assembly and method for manufacturing same

Publications (1)

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EP3968097A1 true EP3968097A1 (en) 2022-03-16

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US (1) US20220075322A1 (en)
EP (1) EP3968097A1 (en)
JP (1) JP7284222B2 (en)
CN (1) CN114237003A (en)

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EP3185086A1 (en) * 2015-12-21 2017-06-28 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Timepiece dial applique
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH248536A (en) * 1945-08-15 1947-05-15 Beyeler & Cie G Method for fixing decorative elements forming indexes on a watch dial.
CH621667GA3 (en) * 1977-04-27 1981-02-27 Electronic support
CH699882A2 (en) * 2008-11-06 2010-05-14 Montres Breguet Sa Elevated curve hairspring e.g. breguet hairspring, for use in timepiece, has lifting device arranged between external layer of spring and terminal curve so as to increase concentric development of hairspring
CH703462A2 (en) * 2010-07-19 2012-01-31 Nivarox Sa Inertia adjustable bogie beam assembly producing method for watch, involves inserting insert into housing by restricting maintaining unit in insertion position and releasing unit to maintaining position after complete insertion of insert
CH705238A2 (en) 2011-07-15 2013-01-15 Nivarox Sa Balance for clock movement of watch, has elastic arm comprising distal end free with respect to hub, arm and felloe sector, and permanently biased toward rigid part of balance delimiting slot
EP3185086A1 (en) * 2015-12-21 2017-06-28 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Timepiece dial applique
CH713329A1 (en) * 2016-12-16 2018-06-29 Mft Et Fabrique De Montres Et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle S A Oxidation fixation of two pieces of a watch component, in particular of an escape anchor.

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CN114237003A (en) 2022-03-25
US20220075322A1 (en) 2022-03-10
JP2022045899A (en) 2022-03-22

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