Gimmelring

Abstract

A method for configuring a gimmel ring (2) with at least two partial rings (4, 6) interpenetrating each other by means of a twisting area (58), wherein the partial rings (4, 6) are adjustable between a contact position in which they are pressed against each other circumferentially via a respective contact surface (8, 10) to form a common overall ring, and a separation position in which the partial rings (4, 6) are held movably interlocking with exposed contact surfaces (8, 10).The provision is that in a configuration step (SK) configuration data (K) is recorded, which contains design feature information for the respective Gimmel ring (2) to be manufactured, in an assignment step (SZ) model data (M) of the Gimmel ring (2) to be manufactured are assigned to the recorded configuration data (K), and in a playback step (SW) a virtual model (42) of the configured overall ring is displayed on an output device (44) depending on the selected model data (M).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for configuring a gimmel ring with at least two partial rings which interlock with each other by means of a twisting area, according to the preamble of claim 1. The partial rings are adjustable between an engagement position, in which they are placed against each other circumferentially via a respective contact surface to form a common overall ring, and a separation position, in which the partial rings are held movably interlocked and the contact surfaces are at least partially exposed.

[0002] Gimmel rings, formed by at least two interlocking rings, have been known since the Middle Ages. The contact surfaces, visible only when the rings are separated, may feature engravings with personal messages, symbolism, or specific gemstones. Gimmel rings were and still are manufactured according to established specifications, ensuring that the individual shapes of the rings are precisely coordinated so that they fit together as tightly as possible when worn.

[0003] A disadvantage of the known manufacturing method is that it can only ever be used to produce exactly one Gimmel ring with a fixed, predetermined appearance. This makes it very difficult to fulfill individual customer requests. Furthermore, it is hard for the customer to understand how potential changes to the individual ring components will affect the overall appearance of the Gimmel ring, which is defined by the fixed specifications.

[0004] The object of the invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages in a method for manufacturing a gimmel ring and to enable the most individual design possible of the gimmel ring to be manufactured, and to give the customer a better idea in advance of the overall appearance of a pre-configured gimmel ring.

[0005] This problem is solved by a configuration method with the features of claim 1. In a configuration step, configuration data is acquired containing the design feature information desired by the respective user or customer. In a subsequent assignment step, model data of the complete ring to be manufactured, or its sub-rings, including their twisting area, are then assigned to the acquired configuration data. Depending on the selected model data, a virtual model of the currently configured complete ring or its sub-rings is then displayed on an output device in a playback step. This provides a customer, for the first time, with a method in which they can configure a Gimmel ring according to their own specifications and then immediately view the result virtually.This allows the customer to see the overall appearance of a configured Gimmel ring as an exact virtual model in advance.

[0006] Advantageously, the configuration, assignment, and playback steps can be performed using a computer program stored on a configuration system. This configuration system can be a single computer, a network (such as the internet or an internal network), and / or a server or cloud server. This allows the configuration process to be made available with great flexibility, for example, on the website of a jewelry manufacturer, an online jewelry retailer, or in a jewelry store.

[0007] It is particularly advantageous if configuration input tools are provided during the playback step for entering new configuration data or modifying existing configuration data. These input tools can include, for example, input fields for the user to type in configuration data and / or virtual selection buttons for confirming or rejecting pre-selected configuration data. This allows a user of the process, such as a customer, to create a new configuration for a Gimmelring or, starting from an already configured Gimmelring, to make changes to its configuration in order to achieve an optimal overall impression of the configured Gimmelring.

[0008] Advantageously, after each entry of new or modified configuration data, the mapping step and the playback step are repeated in the playback step to adjust the model data and update the displayed virtual model. In this way, the result of each configuration change can be displayed directly, helping the user achieve an exact configuration of the desired gimmel ring through repeated design adjustments.

[0009] It is advantageous if, during the playback step, the individual rings can be displayed as a complete ring in their assembled position, thus showing the user the ring as it will be worn on the finger after completion. Optionally, the individual rings can also be displayed in their separated position, for example, to illustrate a specific design on the contact surfaces.

[0010] Advantageously, the design feature information entered by the user during the configuration step and recorded by the system also includes information on the arrangement of diamonds on an outer surface and / or on at least one of the contact surfaces of the partial rings. In this way, the user can also specify a desired arrangement of diamonds or other decorative stones.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the design feature information captured in the configuration step can also include information about an engraving on an outer surface and / or on at least one of the contact surfaces of the partial rings. In this way, the user can specify an engraving that is permanently visible or only visible when the rings are separated, and which, in particular, has a meaning and / or design of their choosing.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the design feature information captured in the configuration step can include information on different materials for the individual rings. In this way, the user can, for example, create a special visual effect for the overall ring, achieved, for instance, by using different materials or alloys and colors for at least two of the individual rings.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, an additional data generation step involves generating manufacturing data for the production of the partial rings in a manufacturing process, based on the acquired configuration data. This allows the configuration system to generate all the data required for the production of the displayed Gimmel ring. The manufacturing data can be adapted for use in a purely manual, a semi-automated, or a fully automated manufacturing process.

[0014] In this manufacturing process, the partial rings are advantageously produced separately from each other in a single production step, depending on the manufacturing data. In a subsequent separation step, one of the partial rings is then separated at a designated separation point. In a subsequent engagement step, the separated partial ring is brought into engagement with the other partial ring, and in a subsequent joining step, the separation point of the separated partial ring is rejoined. This ensures a particularly precise alignment of the shape of both partial rings based on the manufacturing data.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous if the generated manufacturing data includes an additional allowance compared to the dimensions of the configured sub-rings, which is required for their production. This allows any material loss expected during the manufacturing and processing of the sub-rings to be factored into the manufacturing data, ensuring two precisely complementary sub-rings that mesh together and can be fitted with exceptional accuracy.

[0016] Advantageously, the allowance in the separation area of ​​the partial ring to be separated includes a sacrificial section in which the separation step is carried out by machining. This allows the material loss of the partial ring to be factored into the manufacturing data during the separation step and thus compensated for.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the allowance includes a sprue area required during casting and / or a surface allowance required for surface finishing, which is either needed during or removed during surface finishing. This ensures particularly precise production of the configured Gimmel ring.

[0018] Furthermore, the above-mentioned task is solved by a Gimmel ring manufactured using one of the methods described above.

[0019] It should be noted that all the features of the object according to the invention described above are interchangeable or combinable with each other, provided that such an exchange or combination is not excluded for technical reasons.

[0020] The figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. They show: Fig. 1 Perspective view of a Gimmel ring in an attached position of two partial rings, Fig. 2. Perspective view of a Gimmel ring in a separation position of the partial rings, Fig. 3 View of a configuration system for carrying out a configuration method according to the invention, Fig. 4 Flowchart of a configuration process and a manufacturing process and Fig. 5 Individual representation of the partial rings according to manufacturing data in the manufacturing process.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows a Gimmel ring 2 with a first partial ring 4 and a second partial ring 6, which are arranged in an interlocking position in which they lie against each other over a first contact surface 8 and a second contact surface 10. In this contact position, the Gimmel ring 2 thus forms a complete ring with a uniformly closed shape, which defines a finger receptacle 12 through which the Gimmel ring 2 can be placed on a finger.

[0022] Fig. 2 shows the Gimmelring 2 from Fig. 1 furthermore in a separating position in which the partial rings 4, 6 are spaced apart from each other, so that the first contact surface 8 and the second contact surface 10 are at least partially free or visible from the outside.

[0023] As from the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, the partial rings 4, 6, and the Gimmel ring 2 can have special design features, such as at least one brilliant arrangement 14, an engraving 16, and / or a special cross-sectional contour 18, or a separate surface treatment. These design features can, for example, be individually selected by a user B or contain personal content. The special design features can be, as shown in Figure 2, Fig. Figure 2 shows, by way of example, the brilliant arrangement 14 and / or the engraving 16, into which the contact surfaces 8 and / or 10 are embedded or incorporated. With a design on the contact surfaces 8, 10, the special design features can only be seen when the Gimmel ring 2 is in the separated position or only when it is laid down. As long as a user wears such a Gimmel ring 2 in the contact position, the design features embedded in the contact surfaces 8, 10, such as in particular the brilliant arrangement 14 and / or the engraving 16, remain hidden.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, special design features can also be arranged on an outer surface 20 of the Gimmelring 2, as in Fig. 2 is shown using the example of the brilliant arrangement 14 and / or the engraving 16 in dash-dotted lines.

[0025] In this way, the relevant design features are permanently visible from the outside even when wearing the Gimmelring 2.

[0026] As a special design feature, the partial rings 4, 6 in the laying position according to Fig. 1 a complete ring with a circular or oval cross-sectional contour 18. Alternatively, the cross-sectional contour 18 can also be, for example, rounded, square or kidney-shaped.

[0027] As a further design feature, the partial rings 4, 6, as in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown, can be selected from one of several materials, that is, in particular from several alloys with different shades. Both partial rings 4, 6 can be made from a single, matching material or, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that the sub-rings can be made of two or more different materials. Furthermore, the sub-rings 4 and 6 can have a uniform or different surface finish to create a particular overall visual impression, such as by polishing or matting.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows a configuration system 22 for the individual configuration and manufacture of such a gimmel ring 2 by the user B according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0029] For this purpose, the configuration system 22 has an input interface 24 for a user B to enter and modify configuration data K. The input interface 24 can be, for example, a computer device such as a PC, a tablet computer, or a smartphone with a touchscreen 26. Alternatively or in addition to the touchscreen 26 shown, the input interface 24 can also include a computer mouse and / or a keyboard. The input interface 24 can be a single computer device or, as shown in the example, an input device or workstation that is connected to a server 28 via an internal or open network NW, such as the internet. The input interface 24 is connected to the server 28 bidirectionally via the network NW, for example, via cable and / or wirelessly.

[0030] Server 28 is in Fig. 3 is shown as an example of a physical server. Alternatively or additionally, however, server 28 can also be a cloud-based server. In any case, a large number of configuration data records DK and a computer program product 30 are stored on server 28 of the network NW or on the input interface 24, which serves as a singular computer device. This computer program product 30 is used to execute a procedure for configuring and producing the Gimmel ring 2, as described in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0031] The computer program product 30 includes a configuration program section 32, through which the configuration data K is recorded in a configuration step SK. This data is either entered directly by the user B via the input interface 24 or selected from pre-selectable configuration displays. The configuration data K includes, in particular, dimensional, material, and design feature information for the desired gimmel ring 2.

[0032] Furthermore, the computer program product 30 includes an assignment program section 34 for performing an assignment step SZ. In this step, the acquired configuration data K is used to select suitable model data M from the stored configuration data sets DK. The selected model data M includes, in particular, image information for representing the Gimmel ring 2, which results from the acquired configuration data K. Optionally, in addition to the complete ring, model data M of the two sub-rings 4 and 6, which result from the acquired configuration data K, can also be selected.

[0033] In any case, the computer program product 30 exhibits according to Fig. 3. In addition, a playback program section 36 is used to perform a playback step SW, in which the model data M selected from the stored configuration data sets DK are transmitted to the input interface 24. A virtual model 42 of the configured complete ring or the Gimmel ring 2 can then be displayed on an output device 44, which can be formed in particular by the screen 26 of the input interface, as in particular in the application position. Optionally, the two sub-rings 4, 6 can also be displayed, either individually or in the separation position of the complete ring.

[0034] When displaying the virtual model 42 of the currently configured gimmel ring 2, change input means 46 for entering alternative and / or additional configuration data K can also be displayed, such as regarding size, shape, width, material or the separate design features of the displayed gimmel ring 2.

[0035] If, during playback step SW, a change is made by activating the change input device 46, in which alternative and / or additional configuration data K are entered or selected, the assignment program part 34 is reactivated to perform the assignment step SZ in order to select adjusted model data M. Furthermore, the playback program part 36 is also reactivated to perform playback step SW in order to display the virtual model 42 in an updated form, depending on the newly selected model data 42.

[0036] Program parts 32, 34 and 36 thus form a configuration process AK, which allows the user to configure the Gimmel ring 2 to be produced according to his own wishes, whereby a virtual model of the Gimmel ring 2 is displayed to him for each configuration and each subsequent change, in order to be able to directly convey to him the result of each configuration and each configuration change made.

[0037] In addition to the configuration input methods 46 mentioned above, the following can be used in playback step SW according to Fig. 3. In addition, order input means 48 are displayed at the input interface 24 or on the touch-sensitive screen 26, by means of which the user B can alternatively order the production of the currently configured gimmel ring 2 in the course of a production process AH, as an alternative to changing the configuration.

[0038] By activating the order input device 48, a data generation program section 50 can additionally be started to carry out a data generation step SD, in which manufacturing data is generated depending on the configuration data K current during the ordering process, which serves to manufacture the partial rings 4, 6 as they are in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the ring dimensions are calculated in the data generation step SD such that the second sub-ring 6 is provided with an additional sacrificial section 56 in a designated separation area 54 compared to the first sub-ring 4. Furthermore, when generating the manufacturing data, as shown in Fig. Figure 5, represented by dashed lines, shows a sprue area 60 of the two partial rings 4, 6, which is required during manufacturing and later removed. Depending on the configuration data K regarding the desired surface finish, an additional surface allowance 62 can also be included, which is required for surface treatment and is removed during this process.

[0039] The production of the sub-rings 4 and 6 can be automated or semi-automated, for example, by controlling a production plant using the generated production data. Alternatively or additionally, the generated production data can also simply be output and used for manual production.

[0040] The procedure for configuring and manufacturing the Gimmelring 2 thus proceeds according to Fig. 4 in total as follows: After the start of configuration system 22, the following occurs according to Fig. 4. First, the configuration step SK, in which the configuration program section 32 is activated. This displays the configuration input tools 46 on screen 26, via which the user B can enter and / or select the desired configuration data K. These include, in addition to the desired dimensions, such as the ring size, information about the desired material and design features. The configuration data K entered via the configuration input tools 46 can include, in particular, information about the desired diamond arrangement 14 and / or the engraving 16.

[0041] Depending on the configuration data K entered by user B, the corresponding model data M of the currently selected Gimmel ring 2 are assigned in the assignment step SZ, performed by the assignment program section 34, using the associated configuration data records DK stored in server 28. Using this model data M, the virtual model 42 of the Gimmel ring 2, including its twisting range 58, can then be displayed as a complete ring on screen 26 in the playback step SW, performed by the playback program section 36. In addition to the virtual model 42, the configuration input elements 46 and the order input elements 48 are also displayed again.

[0042] User B can now check the appearance of the currently configured gimmel ring 2. If the user has further change requests, they can enter new configuration data K or modify their previously entered configuration data K. Afterwards, the assignment step SZ and the playback step SW are performed again, so that user B is shown a current virtual model 42 according to their current configuration. User B can repeat this process as often as desired.

[0043] As soon as user B wishes to have the Gimmelring 2 manufactured or purchased according to the currently displayed virtual model 42, he can place an order using the displayed order input means 48.

[0044] The data generation step SD is then carried out by the data generation program part 52, in which, depending on the currently selected configuration data K or the model data M derived from it, the manufacturing data for the production of the partial rings 4, 6 in the manufacturing process AH can be generated.

[0045] In the manufacturing process AH, the partial rings 4, 6 are first manufactured separately from each other in the manufacturing step SF, depending on the manufacturing data, whereby the separation area 54 with the sacrificial section 56 is already provided on one of the partial rings 4; 6 by the manufacturing data.

[0046] In the subsequent separation step ST, the designated separation area 54 is separated, in particular by machining away the sacrificial section 56. Following this, the two manufactured partial rings 4 and 6 are engaged with each other in the engagement step SE and permanently joined together in the subsequent joining step SV. The rejoined partial ring 6 is dimensioned such that, without the sacrificial section 56 removed in the separation process, it is dimensionally compatible with the complementary partial ring 4. In this way, both partial rings 4 and 6 can then be positioned very precisely against each other to form the Gimmel ring 2 in the engaged position.

[0047] In a final surface treatment step SO, depending on the recorded design feature information, for example the brilliant arrangement 14 and / or the engraving 16 can be carried out on the outer surface 20 and / or on the contact surfaces 8, 10, or other surface treatment can be carried out, such as in particular gloss polishing or matting.

[0048] After this, the completed Gimmelring 2 can be moved from the separation position to the application position, in which it can be worn on a finger of the user.

[0049] It should be noted that all the elements and features described above of the various embodiments of the object according to the invention are interchangeable or combinable with each other, provided that such an exchange or combination is not excluded for technical reasons.

Claims

[1] Method for configuring a Gimmel ring (2) with at least two partial rings (4,6) interpenetrating each other by means of a twisting area (58), wherein the partial rings (4, 6) are adjustable between an engagement position in which they are placed against each other around their respective contact surfaces (8, 10) to form a common overall ring, and a separation position in which the partial rings (4, 6) are held movably interlocked with exposed contact surfaces (8, 10), characterized by , that In a configuration step (SK), configuration data (K) is recorded, which contains design feature information for the respective Gimmel ring (2) to be manufactured, in an assignment step (SZ) the recorded configuration data (K) are assigned to model data (M) of the Gimmel ring to be manufactured (2) and In a playback step (SW) depending on the selected model data (M) a virtual model (42) of the configured overall ring is displayed on an output device (44). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the configuration step (SK), the assignment step (SZ) and the playback step (SW) can be performed using a computer program product (30) stored on a configuration system (22). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that in the playback step (SW) configuration input means (46) are provided for entering new configuration data (K). [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by , that after the input of new configuration data (K) in the playback step (SW) the assignment step (SZ) and the playback step (SW) are performed again, adjusting the model data (M) and updating the displayed virtual model (42). [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that in the playback step (SW) the sub-rings (4, 6) can be displayed as a complete ring in the application position. [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the design feature information captured in the configuration step (SK) includes information on a brilliant arrangement (14) on an outer surface (20) and / or on at least one of the contact surfaces (8, 10) of the partial rings (4, 6). [7] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the design feature information captured in the configuration step (SK) includes information on an engraving (16) on an outer surface (20) and / or on at least one of the contact surfaces (8, 10) of the partial rings (4, 6). [8] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the design feature information captured in the configuration step (SK) includes information on different materials of the sub-rings (4, 6). [9] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that in an additional data generation step (SD) depending on the configuration data (K) manufacturing data for the production of the partial rings (4, 6) in a manufacturing process (AH) can also be generated. [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by , that in the manufacturing process (AH): The partial rings (4, 6) are manufactured separately from each other in a manufacturing step (SF) depending on the manufacturing data, in a separation step (ST) following the manufacturing step (SF) one of the partial rings (4; 6) is separated in a separation area (54), In an engagement step (SE) following the separation step (ST), the separated partial ring (4; 6) is brought into engagement with the respective other partial ring (6; 4) and In a connection step (SV) following the intervention step (SE), the separation area (54) of the separated partial ring (4; 6) is reconnected. [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by , that the generated manufacturing data contain an additional allowance compared to the dimensions of the configured sub-rings (4, 6) which is required for their manufacture. [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized by , that the allowance in the separation area (54) of the partial ring (4; 6) to be separated includes a sacrificial section (56) in which the separation step (ST) is carried out by chip formation. [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by, that the allowance includes a sprue area (60) required for casting and / or a surface allowance (62) required for surface treatment. [14] Gimmelring (2), manufactured by a process according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images