Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
  • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
  • A44C5/0053—Flexible straps
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
  • A44C27/00—Making jewellery or other personal adornments
  • A44C27/001—Materials for manufacturing jewellery
  • A44C27/005—Coating layers for jewellery
  • A44C27/007—Non-metallic coatings
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C33/00—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
  • B29C33/0011—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor thin-walled moulds
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C39/00—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C39/02—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
  • B29C39/026—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles characterised by the shape of the surface
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
  • B29C45/26—Moulds
  • B29C45/37—Mould cavity walls, i.e. the inner surface forming the mould cavity, e.g. linings
  • B29C45/372—Mould cavity walls, i.e. the inner surface forming the mould cavity, e.g. linings provided with means for marking or patterning, e.g. numbering articles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B25/00—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber
  • B32B25/04—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber comprising rubber as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
  • B32B25/042—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber comprising rubber as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of natural rubber or synthetic rubber
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B25/00—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber
  • B32B25/04—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber comprising rubber as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
  • B32B25/08—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber comprising rubber as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
  • B32B27/28—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42
  • B32B27/283—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42 comprising polysiloxanes
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
  • B32B3/26—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer
  • B32B3/263—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer characterised by a layer having non-uniform thickness
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
  • B32B3/26—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer
  • B32B3/30—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. hollows, grooves, protuberances, ribs
• • 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
  • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
  • G04B19/06—Dials
  • G04B19/12—Selection of materials for dials or graduations markings
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
  • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
  • A44C5/0084—Bracelets in the form of a ring, band or tube of rigid material
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
  • B29C45/14754—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles being in movable or releasable engagement with the coating, e.g. bearing assemblies
  • B29C2045/1477—Removable inserts, e.g. the insert being peeled off after moulding
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C33/00—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
  • B29C33/12—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor with incorporated means for positioning inserts, e.g. labels
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
  • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
  • B29L2031/727—Fastening elements
  • B29L2031/7276—Straps or the like
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
  • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
  • B29L2031/739—Horology; Equipment therefor
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2250/00—Layers arrangement
  • B32B2250/02—2 layers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2250/00—Layers arrangement
  • B32B2250/24—All layers being polymeric
  • B32B2250/248—All polymers belonging to those covered by group B32B25/00
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2274/00—Thermoplastic elastomer material
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
  • B32B2307/40—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular optical properties
  • B32B2307/412—Transparent
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
  • B32B2307/40—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular optical properties
  • B32B2307/414—Translucent
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
  • B32B2307/70—Other properties
  • B32B2307/732—Dimensional properties
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
  • B32B2323/16—EPDM, i.e. ethylene propylene diene monomer
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
  • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
  • B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
  • B44C1/22—Removing surface-material, e.g. by engraving, by etching
  • B44C1/228—Removing surface-material, e.g. by engraving, by etching by laser radiation
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
  • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
  • B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
  • B44C1/24—Pressing or stamping ornamental designs on surfaces

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a watch or jewelry component. It also relates to a watch component as such, in particular a strand of bracelet, more particularly a strand of bracelet made of polymer, such as an elastomer, obtained by such a process.
• FIGS 7 to 9 schematically represent the steps of a process for manufacturing a watch component according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• Figures 14 and 15 schematically represent the steps of a process for manufacturing a watch component according to an example of a second variant of the first embodiment of the invention.
• structured surface we mean a surface which has reliefs, positive and/or negative, that is to say protruding or recessed relative to said surface. These reliefs form a master pattern of the structured surface.
• this structured surface can be flat or not, for example curved.
• the method according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to reproduce a wide variety of master patterns, including complex patterns and/or patterns involving very small dimensions, in particular micrometric, or even nanometric. Naturally, the invention does not relate to the master pattern as such, which can be any.
• the master pattern can be a natural pattern, such as that present on the surface of animal skin, leather, alligator skin, bark, a leaf, microcrystals, in particular silicon carbide crystals or ruthenium crystals, etc.
• it may be unnatural, artificial, and produced on a substrate, natural or not, by any known technique such as traditional machining, laser engraving, etc.
• the master pattern in the case where it is unnatural or artificial, can be obtained by any known technique.
• the master pattern can be fabricated on a substrate, the master pattern and the substrate forming the template element.
• the master pattern can be obtained when manufacturing the template item.
• the model element and/or the master pattern can be obtained by additive manufacturing or 3D printing. Such a process for manufacturing the model element and/or the master pattern has the advantage of quickly creating varied and complex decorations using very versatile material.
• the master pattern can be complex.
• it may comprise hollow portions forming cavities of complex shape, in particular having an opening narrower than its width or more widely comprising a lower section parallel to the structured surface with a larger area than another section. parallel superimposed above the lower section, that is to say present a shape such that it presents a bottleneck when demoulding from the cavity.
• Figures 2a to 2d illustrate examples of complex cavities seen in section, in a plane perpendicular to the structured surface 990 of a model element, which structured surface 990 thus comprises at least one such complex cavity 992, or even a multitude of complex cavities , identical or different.
• a complex cavity 992 comprises an opening 993 opening onto the structured surface 990, then extends into the depth of the model element.
• This complex cavity 992 comprises at least one section, as shown in these figures, such that the greatest width L of this section in a plane parallel to the structured surface 990 is greater than the width I of the opening 993.
• a complex cavity may comprise a first section parallel to the structured surface 990 of the model element of greater area than a second superimposed parallel section positioned above this first parallel section, that is to say more close to opening 993.
• the specificity of these cavity shapes comes from the fact that they induce complexity in a demolding step of an injection process, which includes the injection of a material within a such cavity, since the cavity comprises a narrow section forming a bottleneck when removing the solidified injected material.
• the complexity can also come from a very large number of reliefs, protruding and/or hollow, which can be juxtaposed or intersect.
• the complexity can come from the resolution of the master pattern, which can involve very small dimensions.
• the structured surface 990 of the model element may include at least one height relief, measured in the direction perpendicular to the structured surface 990, between 1 nm and 2 mm, or even between 1 nm and 500 pm , even between 1 nm and 10 pm, or even between 1 nm and 10 nm.
• the structured surface 990 of the model element may comprise at least one millimetric relief or at least one micrometric relief or at least one nanometric relief, or a combination of millimetric reliefs and/or micrometric reliefs and/or nanometric reliefs.
• the first phase of the process then comprises a second step consisting of covering E02 said structured surface of the model element 99 with a molding resin, as represented by Figures 1 b and 3, capable of reproducing a negative pattern of said master pattern of the model element, after solidification of the molding resin, to obtain a structured insert 24.
• the solidification of the molding resin corresponds to its polymerization. It includes two stages: setting the resin, after which the resin is dry to the touch, then hardening the resin, after which the final mechanical properties of the resin are achieved.
• the structured insert 24 can be manufactured in the first phase according to a shape at rest (corresponding to that of the model element) which corresponds to that of the mold housing, so that it will be perfectly adapted to this accommodation without (or little) need to deform it.
• the method may include an optional additional step of depositing a coating of a release agent on the structured insert 24, in particular by coating, by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), by physical phase deposition vapor (PVD), by atomic layer deposition (ALD), by sol-gel deposition, by SAM (Self Assembled Monolayer) deposition, or by deposition of a fluorinated coating on the structured insert, for example in a material among the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA).
• CVD chemical vapor deposition
• PVD physical phase deposition vapor
• ALD atomic layer deposition
• sol-gel deposition by SAM (Self Assembled Monolayer) deposition
• a fluorinated coating on the structured insert for example in a material among the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoroalkoxy (P
• the structured pattern can be manufactured directly on a half-cavity of the manufacturing mold which will be described, in which case the process no longer includes the first phase of manufacturing an insert, but a first phase of manufacturing a structured surface 240 directly on a surface of the manufacturing mold.
• One step consists of depositing a material 4 on the structured surface 240 of the structured insert 24 or of a half-cavity 22 of a manufacturing mold 20, by means of a deposition of material 4 on the positive reliefs or projecting from the structured surface 240, as shown in Figures 7 and 8.
• the material 4 comprises pigments representing a particular color, in particular a color different, or even significantly different, from that which will form a substrate 1 of the watch component, as will be detailed later.
• Material 4 can also generate any visual or functional effect, in addition to or as a replacement for coloring, such as for example a metallic, pearly or glittery effect.
• Material 4 can also be phosphorescent or fluorescent.
• matter 4 is not necessarily visible to the naked eye.
• This material 4 can for example be in the form of a paint, a lacquer, a varnish, or a composite, in particular a luminescent composite, capable of withstanding the temperatures occurring in the subsequent stages. injection and/or compression. Material 4 can for example be applied to roller on the projections of the structured surface 240 or by any other technique known to those skilled in the art such as printing, screen printing, or even decaling.
• the method implements a step consisting of positioning the structured insert 24 whose structured surface 240 comprises the deposition of material 4 within a cavity 21 of a mold 20 used for the manufacturing the blank 1 a of a substrate 1 of the watch component, in particular on a first half-cavity 22 delimiting said cavity 21 in collaboration with a second half-cavity 23, as shown in Figure 8.
• said mold 20 is advantageously metallic, for example steel.
• this positioning is carried out by simple insertion into a housing provided for this purpose in the mold 20, in a sufficiently adjusted manner to induce retention of the structured insert 24. The latter is therefore advantageously maintained in the mold without gluing or fixing.
• This mold housing has a shape and thickness corresponding to those of the structured insert.
• the structured insert 24 can have any shape, and occupy all or part of the surface of the mold 20, in particular half an indentation. In addition, it has sufficient flexibility to perfectly match the shape of the housing intended to receive it, without leaving any gaps. Its material also allows it not to adhere to the mold. It can thus be removed easily, without the need to add a release agent to the surface of the mold.
• the method then comprises a step consisting of filling the cavity 21 of the mold with a material of the component, to form a blank 1 a of the substrate 1 of the watch component, as shown in Figure 9.
• This may be a step of injection or compression molding.
• the material is in the form of pasty or fluid raw material which is injected into the cavity 21 of the mold 20 at a predetermined pressure (typically comprised between 80 bar and 150 bar, or even between 80 bar and 90 bar), while the mold is already closed and has a given temperature (typically between 100°C and 200°C).
• a preform or a raw blank is positioned on a part of the mold before closing the mold, then is compressed at a given temperature (typically between 100°C and 200°C).
• This filling of the mold includes filling the negative pattern of the structured surface 240. Then, the component material is partially cooled and solidified.
• the blank 1 a comprises a pattern 1 1 1 a which is the identical reproduction of the pattern of the structured surface 240.
• the deposition of material 4 on the positive reliefs or in projection of the structured surface 240 has been transferred within the cavities 3a of the pattern 1 1 1 a of the blank 1 a of substrate 1 representing the cavities 3 of the pattern 1 1 1 of the substrate 1.
• This phenomenon can in particular be explained by the fact that the material 4 adheres to the blank 1 a during the crosslinking of the material of the component constituting it, a phenomenon which can be all the more facilitated if the material 4 adheres little to the blank. insert 24.
• the parameters of this step are chosen in particular so as to obtain a blank 1a whose material is not completely crosslinked and whose format does not yet completely correspond to that of the substrate 1 in order to allow the implementation of the joining step described below.
• the pattern 1 11 a may not correspond identically to the pattern 1 1 1 which will be visible on the finalized watch component 10 as illustrated by Figures 10, 1 1 and 12.
• the material of the component is a polymer, in particular an elastomer or based on an elastomer, that is to say comprising at least 50% by weight of elastomer.
• the elastomeric material may be a fluoroelastomer (FKM, FFKM or FEPM), or a natural (NR) or synthetic rubber (SBR, HNBR, EPDM), or a vinyl methylsilicone (VMQ) or a fluorosilicone (FVMQ).
• the component material is a polymer, thermoplastic or thermoset. Such a material has the particular advantage of facilitating the separation of the insert from the component without damaging the latter.
• component material is such that it is adapted to a specific, more or less complex shape of the watch component to be manufactured, the most complex shapes requiring the use of a component material with more efficient mechanical properties than those of the insert 24. In this scenario, in particular, it is naturally possible to destroy the insert 24 at the time of demolding the blank 1a.
• the watch component is thus advantageously flexible.
• it may have a non-planar shape at rest, induced by the shape of the manufacturing mold.
• This shape can be curved or arched, in particular concave or convex.
• the watch component can be curved or arcuate, in particular concave or convex.
• the watch component can be rigid at rest, that is to say retain a predefined shape at rest, which can advantageously be modified by elastic deformation or by conformation, at room temperature or not, particularly in the case of a bracelet, due to the flexible material used.
• material 4 resists the vulcanization conditions of the elastomer forming watch component 10.
• the step consisting of filling the mold 20 therefore advantageously comprises the casting, injection or compression of the material of the component, and makes it possible to form a watch component comprising a surface structured in one piece.
• the method then comprises a step consisting of removing the blank 1a of the watch component 10 from the mold 20.
• the possible structured insert 24 remains secured to said blank 1a, due to their nesting at the structured surface, and the fact that there is no attachment of the structured insert on the manufacturing mold.
• the structured insert 24 fulfills a second function of temporary protection of the structured surface of the blank of the watch component, in particular to allow a deburring or sandblasting sub-step at the end of the mold.
• the process then includes a step consisting of separating the watch component blank from the possible structured insert 24.
• the structured insert 24 can be separated from the blank 1a during the step consisting of demolding said blank from the mold 20.
• This structured insert 24 can optionally be reused within the mold to manufacture a new blank and a other identical watch component.
• the connection between the two parts 1* and 2* may be partial. or total.
• the parts 1 * and 2* can thus be joined only at the upper surface 1 10 * of the upper layer of the substrate 1 * and the lower surface 200 * of the layer 2 *. They can also be advantageously joined together at the level of all the surfaces of the reliefs 1 1 1 * and the lower surface 200 * of the layer 2 *, as in Figure 16.
• the deposition of material may be a deposition of metal or a metal alloy or a deposition of a paint, a lacquer, a varnish, or a composite, in particular with a luminescent, phosphorescent or fluorescent material. .
• All or part of the substrate, in particular at least one layer, and/or said transparent or translucent protective layer are made of polymer material, for example of thermoplastic or thermoset polymer, or based on polymer, that is to say comprising at least least 50% by weight of polymer material, and therefore mainly in polymer, and advantageously in an elastomeric or elastomer-based material, in particular a fluoroelastomer (FKM, FFKM or FEPM), or a natural (NR) or synthetic rubber (SBR, HNBR, EPDM), or a vinyl methylsilicone (VMQ) or a fluorosilicone (FVMQ).
• polymer material for example of thermoplastic or thermoset polymer, or based on polymer, that is to say comprising at least least 50% by weight of polymer material, and therefore mainly in polymer, and advantageously in an elastomeric or elastomer-based material, in particular a fluoroelastomer (FKM, FFKM or FEPM
• the materials of the at least one layer of the substrate and of the transparent or translucent protective layer are compatible, so that they adhere to each other independently of any additional means such as an adhesive.
• the polymers of the at least one layer of the substrate and of the transparent or translucent protective layer facing each other have the same chemical nature in order to promote crosslinking between them.
• the selected polymers are part of the same chemical family, in particular that of fluoroelastomers.
• the materials chosen advantageously comprise the same polymer matrix.
• the reliefs of the substrate may include all or part of the following characteristics: o at least one relief whose height, measured in the direction perpendicular to the watch component, is between 1 nm and 2 mm, or even between 1 nm and 500 pm, or even between 1 nm and 10 pm, or even between 1 nm and 10 nm; and/or o several intersecting reliefs, and/or o at least one cavity whose opening is narrower than its greatest width or comprising a lower section parallel to the structured surface with a larger area than another section parallel positioned above the lower section.
• the invention also relates to a wristwatch comprising at least one watch component as described above.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Materials Engineering (AREA)
• Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
• Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

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Publications (1)

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Family Applications (1)

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• 2023
  • 2023-08-28 JP JP2025512607A patent/JP2025527800A/ja active Pending
  • 2023-08-28 WO PCT/EP2023/073500 patent/WO2024046958A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2023-08-28 CN CN202380062993.2A patent/CN119816223A/zh active Pending
  • 2023-08-28 EP EP23762406.9A patent/EP4580462A1/de active Pending

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