Lightweight and robust timepiece component

Abstract

The invention relates to a lightweight and robust timepiece component. The method for manufacturing a timepiece component comprises the following steps: manufacturing a rough skeleton (10a) comprising a through opening (11); producing at least two rough inserts (20b); forming a pre-assembled assembly (30b) by inserting each rough insert (20b) into the through-opening (11) of the rough skeleton (10a) with minimal play; molding the pre-assembled assembly (30b) in a mold (201), causing each rough insert (20b) to be welded to at least one other rough insert (20b), thereby forming an interlocking and inseparable structure with the skeleton (10); finishing to achieve the final size and finish of the timepiece component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a watch component, particularly an external watch component (e.g., the case frame), or even more generally any other component. The invention also relates to the watch component itself (e.g., the case frame) and watches (particularly wristwatches) including at least one such watch component. Background Technology

[0002] Clock components, more specifically external clock components, must possess many mechanical properties, which are sometimes conflicting. These desired properties include:

[0003] - Lightweight, making the watch comfortable to wear;

[0004] - A very attractive appearance, without flaws, and compatible with the aesthetic requirements of luxury watches;

[0005] - Robustness, so as to withstand the external stresses that the watch will be subjected to, so that the watch parts will maintain the same appearance over a long period of time, and more generally, retain all their mechanical properties over a long period of time.

[0006] In reality, existing solutions reflect trade-offs between these properties. Typically, watch components are made of solid materials that are both lightweight and rigid. However, these existing solutions have limitations, and new solutions are needed to optimize the properties and / or appearance of watch components. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a solution for obtaining lightweight and robust watch components (particularly external watch components) that is an improvement over the prior art.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention is based on a method for manufacturing watch components, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0009] - Manufacture a rough skeleton including through openings;

[0010] - Manufacture at least two rough inserts;

[0011] - Pre-assembled components are formed by inserting each rough insert into the through opening of the rough skeleton with minimal clearance;

[0012] - Pre-assembled components are molded in a mold, resulting in each rough insert being welded to at least one other rough insert, thereby forming an interlocking and inseparable structure with the skeleton;

[0013] - Finishing to achieve the final dimensions and finish of watch components.

[0014] The present invention is more specifically defined by the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0015] These objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following non-limiting description of specific embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a bottom view of the frame of the watch case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the skeleton of the watch case frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, along the unfolded transverse vertical plane AA.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a top view of the frame of the watch case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the pre-assembled assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, along the unfolded transverse vertical plane AA.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of a pre-assembled assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a top view of a pre-assembled component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the pre-assembled component according to an embodiment of the present invention, along the unfolded transverse vertical plane AA.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view along the unfolded transverse vertical plane AA of an apparatus for molding a pre-assembled component during a molding step, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 The variations in temperature T (in °C) and load C (in kN) during the molding step of the manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the rough watch case frame produced by the molding step according to an embodiment of the present invention, along the unfolded transverse vertical plane AA.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a half-sectional view of the inner frame of the watch case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12 It is a half-sectional view of the watch case including the watch case frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] This invention relates to a method for manufacturing watch components, particularly external components (e.g., the case frame) that can be specifically positioned on or constituting the periphery of a watch. Thus, such a watch component comprises: a first portion oriented toward the interior of the watch, particularly toward a volume comprising the watch movement, which will be referred to as a chamber; and a second portion oriented toward the exterior, particularly intended to be visible from the exterior of the watch. Hereinafter, the adjectives “internal” and “external” will be used as defined above, even for watch components considered independently of the watch, referring to their intended positioning within the watch.

[0029] Furthermore, by convention, the adjective "horizontal" will be used for any direction positioned within a horizontal plane, defined by the plane of the watch's case back and / or glass, or, if these elements are not perfectly flat, by a plane tangent to the case back and / or glass. Thus, this horizontal plane corresponds to the watch's plane. The adjective "vertical" will be used to indicate a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Both the adjectives "horizontal" and "vertical" will also be used for watch components considered from outside the watch, with reference to their intended position within the watch. The "height" of a component will be considered relative to the vertical direction.

[0030] Additionally, the adjectives "lower" and "upper" will be used with reference to the vertical direction, where the case back of the clock is located at the lower part of the clock, and the glass is located at the upper part of the clock. These two adjectives "lower" and "upper" will also be used for clock components considered outside the clock, with reference to their predetermined position within the clock.

[0031] It should be noted that the expression "based on material" will be used to indicate that the element mainly comprises the material, particularly at least 50% by weight of the material. In any case, when referring to a particular material, alternative embodiments based on the particular material, or those with different materials, may be used, and this will not be explicitly reiterated. Additionally, the simplified expression "component" will sometimes be used to refer to a watch component, or even inappropriately to a nearly finalized, crudely made watch component. The invention will be described particularly in the case of external watch components, but the invention can be implemented for any other watch component. Thus, the component can take the form of a case frame as described below, but it can also take the form of a link in a watch strap, or a plate or a plate of a watch movement.

[0032] The concept of this invention is to propose a watch component whose structure or general structure is "composite" and includes a specific combination of a skeleton forming a reinforcing structure and having openings filled with a second material.

[0033] Figures 1 to 12A method for manufacturing a watch component according to one embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein, as a non-limiting example, the watch component is the watch case frame 30. The same manufacturing method can be used to manufacture watch components other than the watch case frame, such as, more generally, any watch component with a composite structure, such as components of the strap, bezel, case back, or even components of the movement, such as blanks or plates.

[0034] The first step of the manufacturing method according to the embodiment involves manufacturing a rough skeleton 10a including a through opening 11. This rough skeleton is perforated, and... Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the diagram. In this first step, the rough skeleton 10a can be fabricated by conventional methods, particularly by material removal. As a variation, it can be produced by 3D printing, molding, or sintering, and then optionally re-processed using a machining apparatus. This allows for, in particular, higher manufacturing precision and the realization of certain geometries that are not possible or difficult to obtain through conventional material removal methods. The skeleton is rough in the sense that it does not yet have its final shape, but includes certain parts that will be modified later to achieve the structure of the final skeleton 10.

[0035] The skeleton can advantageously have a continuous shape arranged around a vertical central axis, a shape suitable for various watch components such as the watch case frame manufactured in this embodiment, defining a central volume or chamber 12 intended to form the internal volume of the watch case frame, which is specifically intended to receive the watch movement. Advantageously, the skeleton is formed as a one-piece assembly.

[0036] The rough framework 10a may comprise, be based on, or consist of metals or metal alloys, particularly including steel, gold, platinum, silver, bronze, titanium (e.g., grade 5 titanium or titanium aluminide), aluminum, or magnesium. As a variation, it may comprise, be based on, or consist of engineering ceramics, particularly those based on alumina or zirconium oxide. As another variation, it may comprise, be based on, or consist of organic or inorganic compounds.

[0037] It should be noted that the properties of the material chosen to form the skeleton (such as melting temperature and / or hardness and / or ductility and / or yield strength and / or tensile strength) are compatible with the methods described below. For example, these properties may be superior to the properties of the inserts described below in order to maintain the integrity of the skeleton during the molding steps described below.

[0038] As described above, the skeleton includes through openings. These openings are capable of receiving inserts, as described below. Preferably, these openings are exposed to the outside of the rough skeleton. These openings are advantageously through openings or open, i.e., their ends are either exposed to the outside of the skeleton or enter into another opening in the skeleton. In other words, the openings are through openings because they are not blind. It is also advantageous that these openings, holes, or gaps communicate with each other. For example, the rough skeleton may have a regular or irregular perforated network structure, particularly grid type, TPMS type, honeycomb type, cellular type, or trabecular type. Grid networks may in particular include randomly intersecting or clearly defined intervals of partitions. The structure may include repetition of one or more juxtaposed basic elements, which in particular contact with each other to form a continuous perforated structure. Advantageously, the through openings are not exposed inside the inner frame of the case to ensure a perfect seal on the surface defining the chamber 12 intended to receive the watch movement.

[0039] In this embodiment, to maintain the integrity of the rough skeleton 10a throughout the manufacturing process, particularly during the compression molding step described below, the rough skeleton 10a includes reinforcing portions 14a, 14b that can strengthen its structure. The reinforcing portions may take the form of additional thickness, struts, grids, or any other geometry that can strengthen the structure. They may be oriented to absorb the molding forces described below. They may be permanent or removed during steps following the molding step of the method, such as during finishing or refinishing steps. For example, the rough skeleton 10a shown according to this exemplary embodiment includes reinforcing members, which in particular take the form of struts 14b arranged between the corners of the case frame 30 and additional thickness portions 14a formed particularly on the sides of the case frame.

[0040] To allow for accurate reference in subsequent steps, the rough skeleton 10a is advantageously reworked using conventional machining. Therefore, the reworked portions 16 are formed by high-precision machining on the rough skeleton. They are designed for specific functions in the molding and subsequent steps of the manufacturing method described below, particularly allowing for precise orientation and positioning of the rough skeleton 10a during these steps. This results in high dimensional accuracy and a defect-free state, especially during the molding of the insert. In this embodiment, the reworked portions 16 take the form of a support 16a, a cylinder 16b, a flat section 16c, and a second support 16d positioned on the upper side of the watch case frame (i.e., the side intended to receive the glass opposite the future case back).

[0041] Advantageously, the reprocessed portions 16 also function to reinforce the rough skeleton 10a. Preferably, they can close one side of the chamber 12, thus making the chamber a blind chamber. These reprocessed portions are intended to be removed during the finishing steps described below.

[0042] Furthermore, the skeleton advantageously includes finishing portions 15, which are also advantageously machined on the rough skeleton 10a to have precise dimensions, or even finished or final dimensions, the function of which forms the best reference for subsequent molding steps (especially during the finishing steps described below). Advantageously, some finishing portions 15 also form functional portions of the inner surface of the rough skeleton on the contour of the chamber 12, such as surfaces intended for receiving or encapsulating a watch movement. This approach is advantageous because these functional portions require high precision in their construction.

[0043] The manufacturing method according to the embodiment then includes a second step in manufacturing a plurality of rough inserts 20b intended for assembly with the aforementioned rough skeleton 10a. Any number of rough inserts may be used, for example, at least two. These inserts are rough in the sense that they are in a temporary form, which will be modified by the manufacturing method to obtain a watch component provided with the inserts 20.

[0044] Each rough insert 20b is intended to be incorporated into the rough skeleton 10a by positioning it in a through opening 11. For this purpose, each rough insert 20b is manufactured with high precision such that it is complementary to the corresponding opening 11 in the rough skeleton 10a intended for placement. Therefore, the rough insert 20b is advantageously not injection molded, but rather takes the form of a machined or preformed element. This machining of the rough insert 20b combines, for example, methods for material removal with methods for waterjet cutting or laser cutting.

[0045] Furthermore, each rough insert 20b can be molded and / or machined from the same block of material, ensuring a structurally and / or aesthetically coherent assembly once the insert 20 is assembled or molded within the frame 10. This method allows the use of materials that are non-uniform in composition, structure, and / or aesthetics while maintaining consistency in the heterogeneity of the inserts 20 associated with the frame 10. Therefore, the material block used can have variations in, for example, structure and / or color. As a variation, all rough inserts 20b arranged on the same side of the case frame are machined from the same block of material. Several separate blocks of material can also be used.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the coarse insert comprises, is based on, or is composed of a composite material, such as a polymer, like a thermoplastic, particularly PEKK, PEEK, or PPS. Optionally, the coarse insert comprises a resin matrix containing short or long fibers, particularly glass fibers, carbon fibers, inorganic or organic fibers, or engineering ceramic powders (particularly based on alumina or zirconium oxide), or pigments of luminescent materials. These fibers can be oriented such that once the insert 20 has been assembled with the skeleton 10, it promotes mechanical strength in a preferred direction and / or maintains the coherence of any unit of the composite material. For example, the fibers can be oriented longitudinally relative to the sides of the inner frame of the case. Additionally, these fibers can specifically represent approximately 60% by volume.

[0047] Additionally, according to the embodiment, the rough insert 20b has an additional thickness or excess material on its exterior. The excess material can be used in the compression molding step described below. Advantageously, the excess material can be shared or used among several inserts, such that, for example, only one element is present to fill the plurality of through openings 11. In other words, the rough inserts 20b can be independent of each other or connected to each other by excess material.

[0048] In embodiments where excess material is shared or shared among several inserts, this excess also helps to maintain structural and / or aesthetic coherence among the individual inserts assembled on the rough skeleton 10a, which is particularly advantageous for, for example, rough inserts 20b made of composite materials.

[0049] In the proposed scheme, some or all of the rough inserts 20b located on each side of the case frame are supported by individual elements due to their excess material.

[0050] Then, the manufacturing method implements a third step in which the rough insert 20b is assembled with the rough skeleton 10a to form a pre-assembled assembly 30b. Figures 4 to 7 A pre-assembled component 30b is shown, which is therefore a pre-assembled case frame 30b according to this embodiment, forming a temporary component prepared for the subsequent molding steps described below. Due to the above-described precision manufacturing, each rough insert 20b is molded and / or machined with high precision, so that it can be assembled and fitted in its corresponding through opening 11 with minimal clearance.

[0051] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the protective element 60 is assembled with the rough skeleton 10a to block the open side of the chamber 12, i.e., the lower side opposite to the side closed by the reworked portion 16. This protective element 60 makes it possible to obtain a completely closed and sealed internal chamber 12 and maintain the integrity of the inner surface portion of the pre-assembled assembly (especially the finished portion 15).

[0052] Naturally, the rough frame 10a and the pre-assembled assembly 30b can take several different forms without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the chamber 12 defined by the pre-assembled assembly 30b can have several through openings, for example, to accommodate control buttons, such as buttons or crowns, on the final watch. Therefore, more generally, when the chamber 12 includes through openings in several locations, several protective elements 60 can be assembled with the pre-assembled assembly 30b to block and seal the chamber 12 by closing all these through openings.

[0053] In this operation, the protective element 60 can be removably assembled with the rough skeleton 10a. Additionally, to ensure optimal sealing, a seal 61 (particularly made of a copper-containing material) can be placed at the interface between the protective element 60 and the rough skeleton 10a. Once assembled, the protective element 60 can advantageously help further reinforce the rough skeleton 10a to withstand the pressure generated during the molding process.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the protective element 60 may take the form of a plug made of a copper-containing material (more specifically, brass). It can be assembled in any manner. For example, it may be screwed into the internal threads 12a of the rough frame 10a, such as those provided for fastening the case back 40 of a future watch. Thus, a recess 12b may be provided flush with such internal threads 12a to accommodate the seal 61. The plug may include a cavity 62, allowing it to be easily screwed into and unscrewed from the rough frame 10a using suitable tools.

[0055] The manufacturing process then includes a fourth step of molding the pre-assembled component 30b in a mold to obtain a molded pre-assembled component (i.e., in this example, a molded case frame). This step results in at least two rough inserts 20b being welded to each other, and the inserts being finally positioned to form an interlocking and inseparable structure with the skeleton. Thus, this step rigidly connects the rough inserts 20b to the rough skeleton 10a. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The implementation of this fourth step is illustrated. It should be noted that "final positioning" specifically refers to positioning aimed at eliminating the clearance between the insert and the through opening 11 of the skeleton. Finally, the aforementioned "welding" between at least two rough inserts 20b ensures the continuity of the materials to be assembled; this is achieved, in particular, by at least locally heating and melting the material. In other words, this assembly method can rigidly connect or fuse the components together.

[0056] In this step, the pre-assembled watch case frame 30b is placed into the mold 201 of the compression molding apparatus 200, between the support plate 210 and the pressure plate 220. For this purpose, the mold 201 has a cavity 202 designed to receive the pre-assembled watch case frame 30b. This cavity may be arranged within the support plate 210 and / or the pressure plate 220 of the compression molding apparatus 200.

[0057] Advantageously, mold 201 includes references 203 complementary to the reworked portions 16 of the rough skeleton 10a, so as to allow for precise and correct orientation of the rough skeleton 10a and thus the pre-assembled assembly 30b (i.e., the pre-assembled case frame). More specifically, mold 201 includes references 203a, 203b, 203c, 203d complementary to the reworked portions 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d of the rough skeleton 10a, respectively.

[0058] The mold 201 is also advantageously designed to guide or facilitate the flow of the rough inserts 20b in the direction in which they are inserted into their through openings 11 during the molding step. For this purpose, the mold 201 may include an inclined surface 204 that can redirect the orientation of the force provided by the pressure plate 220 toward the insertion direction of the rough inserts 20b.

[0059] Advantageously, mold 201 includes a draft angle that facilitates demolding of the watch case frame. Additionally, mold 201 may include ejectors or at least openings 240 designed to receive them, facilitating ejection of the watch case frame from mold 201. Finally, mold 201 may include overflow recesses or vents. Overflow recesses allow excess material (overflow) to drain and / or allow trapped air or gas to drain. The aforementioned openings 240 can also be used to drain air or gas.

[0060] Additionally, filler elements 205 can be assembled in mold 201 to fill the gap between the wall of the mold cavity 202 and the pre-assembled component 30b. Such filler elements 205 can also help guide the flow of the rough insert 20b along its through opening 11. They can also serve as a material reserve for the compression molding step. Preferably, these filler elements 205 are made of the same material as the rough insert 20b. More preferably, the filler elements 205 are machined from a block of the same material as the rough insert 20b. Alternatively, the filler elements 205 can be made of metallic material and designed to move against the rough insert 20b when the mold is pressurized.

[0061] As an alternative, the gap between the wall of the cavity 202 of the mold 201 and the pre-assembled component 30b can also be filled with material supplied by the injection molding apparatus, which simultaneously applies pressure to the mold to rigidly attach the rough insert 20b to the rough skeleton 10a. Thus, it is the pressure provided by the injection of material that compresses the rough insert against the rough skeleton, rather than the movement of the pressure plate 220. Of course, the mold must be adjusted to allow for such use. Preferably, the injected material is of the same type as the rough insert.

[0062] According to the illustrated embodiment, the pre-assembled component 30b is arranged in the mold 201 with its upper side oriented toward the bottom 203d of the cavity 202. The mold 201 is designed such that the reprocessed portion 16d of the rough skeleton 10a is pressed against the bottom 203d of the mold cavity by pressure applied during molding, thereby forming a sealing interface that prevents the rough insert 20b from flowing onto the respective reprocessed portions 16 and / or finished portions 15. Typically, the interaction between the mold 201 and the pre-assembled component 30b, and more specifically with the rough skeleton 10a, is designed to prevent flow of the insert 20b into the reprocessed portions 16 during the molding step.

[0063] The inclined surface 204 of the upper wall of the cavity 202 forming the mold also includes a draft angle of 30° relative to the insertion direction of the pre-assembled component 30b and the movement direction of the pressure plate 220. As described above, the draft angle of these inclined surfaces 204 also serves to redirect the force of the pressure plate 220 in the direction in which the rough insert 20b is inserted through the opening 11. In other words, the force of the pressure plate 220 is redirected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the movement direction of the pressure plate 220.

[0064] The filling element 205 is positioned on the periphery of the pre-assembled case frame in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the pressure plate 220.

[0065] Preferably, the compression molding apparatus 200 is provided with at least one heating and cooling system 230. Heat input can melt the rough inserts 20b to allow them to flow during the molding and compression steps. Preferably, the system is controlled to allow temperature regulation during pressurization and during heating and cooling of the mold 201. This, in particular, enables better control of the flow and rigid connection of the inserts, as well as the filling of the through openings in the rough skeleton 10a.

[0066] Figure 9 More precisely, possible sub-steps of the fourth step in molding the pre-assembled assembly are shown when the insert is made of carbon fiber reinforced PEKK thermoplastic and the rough skeleton 10a is made of grade 5 titanium or aluminized titanium. These sub-steps may be as follows:

[0067] a. Increase the temperature of mold 201 according to a predetermined gradient (e.g., 10°C / min) until it reaches the set temperature T, e.g., 360°C.

[0068] b. Maintain the temperature of mold 201 at the set temperature T for a predetermined time, such as 900 seconds, to ensure that the temperature of the mold and the pre-assembled case frame 30b are consistent.

[0069] c. Apply pressure to mold 201 with a predetermined load C (e.g., 25 kN), preferably maintaining this load until the cooling sub-step below is completed.

[0070] d. Cool the mold 201 according to a predetermined gradient (e.g., 10°C / min) until it reaches the set temperature T, e.g., 130°C.

[0071] Then, the fourth step includes the following sub-steps:

[0072] e. Demold the molded case frame 30a.

[0073] f. Cool the molded case frame 30a to ambient temperature.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment, the insert is made of PEKK thermoplastic, which advantageously provides a high melting temperature greater than 270°C, or even greater than 300°C, or even up to 360°C. Therefore, optimal material flow of the insert is obtained during this method; the temperature setting for the molding step is preferably equal to or even 10°C, 20°C, or even 30°C lower than the melting temperature of the material. Advantageously, the material is filled with carbon fibers, referred to as long fibers, and oriented longitudinally relative to the sides of the case frame.

[0075] Advantageously, each through opening 11 of the rough skeleton 10a is designed to receive a rough insert 20b. Due to the manufacturing process according to the first step described above, these rough inserts 20b are inserted into the openings with minimal clearance. The molding step described above allows material flow for the inserts. Since these openings are through openings and communicate with each other, at least two inserts are in material contact during this flow, which allows these rough inserts 20b to be welded to each other within the rough skeleton 10a. In other words, the two through openings 11 correspondingly comprising at least two rough inserts 20b are non-blind openings, the respective ends of which communicate with each other, allowing the two respective rough inserts 20b to be rigidly connected.

[0076] More generally, compression molding can melt the rough inserts 20b or at least make the rough inserts 20b at least surface-wise or locally ductile, so as to rigidly connect or weld them to each other on the rough skeleton 10a. In this step, the pre-assembled components are heated and then pressurized. As they flow, the inserts will also fill the gaps and adhere to the rough skeleton 10a.

[0077] It should be noted that rigid connections or welds can be made by surface or partial melting at the contact interface between at least two rough inserts 20b. Rigid connections or welds can also be made by complete or substantially complete melting. A “rigid connection” means a permanent fastening between at least two components, i.e., a defined, inseparable, and irreversible assembly. Rigid connections are created without the need for additional components and without the addition of any materials such as adhesives or brazing materials.

[0078] This rigid connection or welding of the rough inserts 20b fused together within the through opening 11 creates a robust, interlocking, non-removable or inseparable assembly that is particularly resistant to environmental stresses and various accidental shocks that the watch may experience during wear.

[0079] Furthermore, the through openings 11 of the rough skeleton 10a are advantageously exposed to the outside of the rough skeleton 10a and enter into each other. Also, again advantageously, to ensure a completely sealed package, the through openings 11 of the rough skeleton 10a are not exposed to the chamber 12 of the rough skeleton 10a. Therefore, the material of the insert cannot flow into the chamber 12 through the perforated structure of the rough skeleton 10a.

[0080] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, as described above, one or more protective elements 60 are advantageously assembled with the rough skeleton 10a to seal the chamber 12 of the pre-assembled assembly, which prevents the flow of the rough insert 20b from contaminating the finishing portion 15 and the reprocessing portion 16.

[0081] According to a variant implementation, mold 201 can be adjusted to allow multiple watch parts to be molded simultaneously.

[0082] Then, the manufacturing method includes a fifth step: after demolding the pre-assembled component, finishing is performed to form a molded component 30a comprising a rough skeleton 10a and a molded insert 20a, thereby achieving the final dimensions and finish of the watch component (i.e., the watch case frame in this exemplary embodiment). In this step, the reworked portion 16 is modified or removed, while the finishing portion 15 remains unchanged. This step... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown in the image.

[0083] In this step, the shape of the watch case frame can be re-processed using conventional machining methods, such as material removal. Excess thickness and excess material, particularly present on the sides and bottom of the watch case frame, are removed with optimal precision using a predetermined re-processing section 16. In this step, a finishing section 15 is used for the precise machining of the re-processing section 16. According to this embodiment, the finishing section 15 is used to remove the re-processed section 16 by machining the stack 13a and flange 13b, which are specifically designed for securing the glass 50 via a seal 51, such as... Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12 The final clock components are depicted.

[0084] Because the reworked portion 16 and the finishing portion 15 are anticipated and protected during the molding process, their integrity is maintained. This ensures that the molded assembly 30a is reworked with optimal precision without being harmed by potential geometric inaccuracies caused by the molding process. This precision is particularly beneficial in ensuring that the thickness of the protective portion 11a, which will be described in detail below, is consistent around the insert 20 of the final composite case frame 30.

[0085] More specifically, the rework section 16 allows the molded assembly 30a to be reworked, in particular, by removing excess material derived from the molded insert 20a and certain reinforcing portions 14a, 14b. Advantageously, the rework section 16 allows for optimal positioning and orientation of the molded case frame 30a during this finishing step.

[0086] Then, the finishing portion 15 allows the reworked portion 16 to be removed while machining the functional portions 13a, 13b of the watch case frame, which, according to this exemplary embodiment, allow the glass 50 to be assembled onto the watch case frame. After removing one or more protective elements 60, the chamber 12 is exposed to the upper portion in addition to the lower portion.

[0087] The remapping performed in the first step may involve machining part or all of the chamber 12 of the watch case frame, which is intended to enclose the movement. In this embodiment, it includes machining from the lower surface intended to include the case back 40. In particular, the internal threads 12a and the recess 12b for receiving a seal have been machined to allow for a sealably fastened threaded connection to the case back 40.

[0088] The present invention also relates to the watch components themselves produced by the above-described manufacturing method, and particularly to the watch case frame. Therefore, Figure 12 A case frame 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0089] Typically, the watch case frame according to this embodiment includes a skeleton 10 forming a reinforcing structure of the watch case frame. The skeleton includes through openings and defines a central chamber 12. The skeleton 10 forms at least one device 12a, 13a, 13b for fastening the case back 40 and / or the glass 50 and / or the bezel and / or the control components and / or the strap. The watch case frame also includes at least two inserts 20, which pass through at least two through openings in the skeleton and are welded to each other to form at least one continuous assembly, thereby forming at least one interlocking structure including the at least two inserts 20 and the skeleton 10. At least one of the two inserts 20 forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the watch case frame 30.

[0090] The case frame has a conventional, generally annular shape, defining a central volume or chamber 12 intended to receive the watch movement. The frame 10 specifically defines this chamber 12 and is designed to allow for precise encapsulation or boxing of the watch movement. In other words, the chamber 12 of the frame 10 is manufactured to allow for precise securing and adjustment of the movement within it. The frame 10 may include a surface at the interface with the chamber 12 for receiving such a movement.

[0091] The chamber 12 is also designed to provide a box that allows for optimal sealing. To this end, the frame 10 defines recesses 12b, 13a for seals 41, 51 at the interface between the components of the case 100 (such as the glass, back cover, or watch case) and the frame 10. Each recess 12b, 13a may be machined on the frame 10 and / or on an adjacent component of the housing associated with the frame.

[0092] according to Figure 12 In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom cover 40 is screwed into the internal thread 12a of the frame 10, and a seal 41 is placed in a recess 12b located at the interface between the bottom cover 40 and the frame 10. Additionally, the glass 50 is driven onto the storage portion 13a of the frame 10, and a seal 51 is also placed at the interface between the glass 50 and the frame 10. This embodiment can form a sealed chamber 12 designed to receive the movement. Preferably, the seal is received in a recess of the frame 10 to benefit from a high-quality surface finish and thus ensure optimal sealing.

[0093] The skeleton 10 of the case frame 30 forms part of the outer surface of the case frame, which is flush with the edges or chamfers located on the sides, corners and flanges of the case frame. All or part of the outer surface of the case frame, especially the visible surface, can be finished with a high-quality finish consistent with the finish selected for the rest of the case frame, such as, in particular, a polished or satin finish.

[0094] The skeleton advantageously includes at least one protective edge positioned on the visible outer edge of the insert. Protective portions 11a are advantageously arranged on said outer surface to protect the insert 20 from the effects of the external environment, particularly from impacts or friction that could cause the outer surface or edges of the insert 20, made of a material less hard than the skeleton 10, to chip or be damaged. These protective portions 11a form reinforced zones in locations of heavy loading or high exposure. Therefore, it is advantageous to design the skeleton to be made of a material having a greater yield strength, hardness, or ductility than the insert. The protective portions 11a may take the form of a surface, edge, or chamfer that completely or partially surrounds the visible edge of the insert 20.

[0095] Advantageously, the skeleton includes a through opening 11 completely filled with inserts, each insert being welded or fused to at least one other insert and optionally to the skeleton to form at least one continuous component of the material of the insert within the skeleton, and forming at least one inseparable interlocking structure including the inserts 20 and the skeleton 10.

[0096] The present invention also relates to a watch that includes a case frame 30 as described above. The watch may include a glass 50 fastened to a frame 10 of the case frame 30 and / or a case back 40 fastened to the frame 10 of the case frame 30 and / or a bezel fastened to the frame of the case frame and / or control members (e.g., buttons or crowns) fastened to the frame of the case frame and / or a strap fastened to the frame of the case frame.

[0097] Finally, the solution proposed in this invention has the following advantages:

[0098] This allows for a significant reduction in the mass of the bezel within the watch case, and consequently, a reduction in the overall case mass, while simultaneously enabling very high mechanical strength. The weakest part formed by the insert can be protected by the skeleton.

[0099] - Regarding the case frame, it allows for a very precise fit to enclose the watch movement and provides optimal protection against external environmental factors such as dust, moisture, immersion in water, and shocks.

[0100] - The choice of materials allows for the fulfillment of mechanical requirements while offering a variety of aesthetic possibilities;

[0101] - The skeleton can have a complex perforated structure, and the above method ensures the existence of the insert within a complex and deep geometry;

[0102] - Watch components (especially the case frame) can achieve a very precise final shape.

[0103] In summary, this invention thus enables the combination of two main objectives of previously unrealized components, particularly external clock components. It allows for the acquisition of lightweight and mechanically robust components that are also aesthetically attractive.

[0104] Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the specific geometry of the skeleton as described above. Advanced design methods such as numerical simulation and topology optimization (whether assisted by artificial intelligence models and / or machine learning models) can be advantageously used for defining and sizing the skeleton 10. These methods allow the material of the skeleton to be distributed only where the desired function needs to be performed (especially to withstand mechanical stress), which makes it possible to significantly reduce the overall mass of the component without compromising its mechanical strength.

[0105] Furthermore, this two-part composite architecture concept can be implemented only partially within the volume of the watch components, meaning it is not necessary for the entire volume.

[0106] As described above, the present invention is particularly applicable to any component, especially any watch component, and especially any external component.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a watch component, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - Manufacture a rough skeleton (10a) including a through opening (11). - Manufacture at least two rough inserts (20b); - A pre-assembled assembly (30b) is formed by inserting each coarse insert (20b) into the through opening (11) of the coarse skeleton (10a) with minimal clearance. - The pre-assembled component (30b) is molded in a mold (201), resulting in each rough insert (20b) being welded to at least one other rough insert (20b), thereby forming an interlocking and inseparable structure with the skeleton (10); - Finishing is performed to achieve the final dimensions and surface finish of the watch components.

2. The method for manufacturing a watch component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of manufacturing a rough skeleton (10a) forms a reworked portion (16) and a finished portion (15), and wherein the finishing step keeps the finished portion (15) unchanged while modifying or removing the reworked portion (16).

3. The method for manufacturing a watch component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the mold (201) includes a portion forming a reference element (203) complementary to the reworked portion (16) of the rough skeleton (10a) to position and orient the rough skeleton (10a) of the pre-assembled assembly (30b) at the bottom of the mold (201) to form a sealing interface preventing the material of the rough insert (20b) from covering the reworked portion (16) of the rough skeleton (10b).

4. A method for manufacturing a watch component as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Prior to the molding of the pre-assembled assembly, at least one protective element (60) is assembled onto the rough skeleton (10a) of the pre-assembled assembly (30b) to protect all or part of the pre-assembled assembly, particularly the reworked portion (16) of the rough skeleton (10a) and / or the openings and / or the finished portions (15) of the skeleton, particularly the openings in the skeleton designed to be flush with through holes for controls such as buttons or crowns, and / or the method includes the step of assembling at least one protective element (60) onto the rough skeleton (10a) of the pre-assembled assembly (30b) prior to the molding of the pre-assembled assembly to reinforce the rough skeleton (10a) and maintain its integrity during the molding step.

5. The method for manufacturing a watch component as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rough frame (10a) defines an internal cavity (12), and wherein a protective element (60) is advantageously assembled with the rough frame (10a) to sealably close the open surface of the internal cavity (12).

6. A method for manufacturing a watch component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of molding the pre-assembled component (30b) includes a heating step to allow the rough insert (20b) to flow, and a compression step to fill the through opening (11) of the skeleton with the material of the rough insert and weld the rough inserts (20b) to each other and optionally bond them to the skeleton, wherein the heating step is optionally a controlled heating step.

7. The method for manufacturing a watch component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of manufacturing the rough skeleton (10a) is achieved by machining or three-dimensional printing or molding or sintering, and optionally by further machining to achieve the final precision of at least the finished portion (15) of the rough skeleton (10a).

8. A method for manufacturing a watch component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of manufacturing a rough skeleton (10a) forms a rough skeleton (10a) including a through opening (11) that is exposed to the outside of the rough skeleton (10a) and communicates with each other, and optionally is not exposed to the interior of a cavity (12) leading into the rough skeleton (10a).

9. A method for manufacturing a watch component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the method manufactures a frame (10) including recesses (12b, 13a) for positioning a seal at an interface with other components such as glass, a back cover, or a protective element.

10. A method for manufacturing a watch component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein manufacturing the rough insert (20b) comprises processing or molding the same block of material having a lower melting point than the material of the rough skeleton (10a).

11. A method for manufacturing a watch component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein manufacturing the coarse insert (20b) comprises forming an additional thickness or excess material on its exterior, the coarse inserts (20b) being independent of each other or connected to each other by the excess material.

12. A method for manufacturing a watch component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the watch component is a component of a watch case frame (30), a watch strap, a bezel, a case back, a dial, or a component of a watch movement, such as a blank or plate.

13. The method for manufacturing a watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the watch component is a case frame (30), wherein the coarse frame (10a) defines an internal chamber (12) intended to receive a watch movement, and includes at least one portion forming at least one means for fastening a case back and / or glass and / or bezel and / or control members and / or strap.

14. The method for manufacturing a watch component as claimed in claim 13, wherein the reworked portion (16) comprises a support surface, a cylinder and a flat section positioned above the inner cavity (12) of the watch case frame, and wherein the method comprises a finishing step comprising removing the reworked portion (16) by machining a storage portion and a flange for forming a means for fastening the glass.

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