Structure with insert and method of assembly

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for assembling an insert (2) with a housing (301) of a structure (300), using a propulsion tool (100) guiding a percussion slide (11) pushing a striker (10), and comprising a distributor device for controlling the advance or retraction of the percussion slide (11), and a tube (200) guiding the striker (10) and having a head (202) with an internal profile (203) adapted to said insert (2). A bar of material (1) is inserted into the tube (200), heated to a predetermined temperature, a propulsion fluid is injected, and a distributor slide (30) is operated to move the percussion slide (11) at a predefined speed and drive the striker (10) to strike the preheated bar (1), forcibly insert it into the housing (301), and deform it to occupy the volume of the internal profile (203) of the head (202).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a method of assembling an insert with a structure.

[0002] The invention also relates to a structure comprising at least one insert, the assembly of said insert with said structure being carried out according to this method.

[0003] The invention relates to the field of the safety assembly of added components, in particular for watchmaking, jewelry, or jewelry. Technological background

[0004] Fixing components attached to small structures is always delicate, particularly when such a structure is worn by a user, as in the case of a watch or a piece of jewelry, and when any element, if not protruding, at least peripheral, is subject to shear stresses, vibrations, or even shocks.

[0005] To ensure safety, irreversible fixing is not always possible, and it is a question of reconciling a high level of resistance to external constraints and a reversible fixing, which may be necessary in the context of the maintenance of the object, or even to modify its appearance.

[0006] In addition, some materials, such as amorphous metals, are not well suited to conventional assembly surfaces such as threads. However, their use can provide other advantages that require suitable fastening. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention proposes to achieve, in a secure and reversible manner, the fixing of an insert to a structure, in particular in the preferred but non-limiting case of a watchmaking, jewelry, or jewelry structure, and, even more particularly in the case of inserts made of unusual materials, such as amorphous metals, or others.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a method for assembling an insert with a structure, and more precisely a method for assembling an insert with a housing of a structure, using a propulsion tool guiding a first percussion slide pushing a firing pin, and comprising a distributor device for controlling the advance or withdrawal of said first percussion slide, and a tube guiding said firing pin and comprising a head with an internal profile adapted to said insert to be produced; a bar of material is engaged in the tube, it is heated to a predetermined temperature, a propulsion fluid is injected and a second distributor slide is operated to move the first percussion slide at a predefined speed and drive the firing pin to strike the preheated bar, force it into said housing and deform it so as to occupy the volume of said internal profile of said head.

[0009] Another aspect of the invention relates to a structure comprising at least one insert, the assembly of said insert with said structure being carried out according to this method, characterized in that said structure is a watchmaking or jewelry component. Brief description of the figures

[0010] The aims, advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where: there figure 1 illustrates, in a schematic manner and in a top view, the arrangement of a propulsion tool and a specific tube in frontal contact with a structure, to produce and fix an insert there; figure 2 illustrates, schematically and in sectional view according to plan AA of the figure 1, the same assembly; the propellant tool in the right part of the figure contains a distributor controlling the movement of a percussion slide to push a striker, represented here at the boundary between the propellant tool and the tube, this tube is represented with two different states of the insert: near the left end of the tube we can see a bar of material, suitable for the production of the insert, and which is ready to undergo heating then percussion by the striker, while in the left part of the figure we see the insert produced by transformation of this bar of material, after shaping carried out, for its internal part in a housing which the structure includes for the reception of this insert, and for its external part in an internal profile of the head of the tube, applied against a face of the structure, the external part of the insert still comprising, substantially in its axis, an imprint made by the nose of the striker during percussion;there ; figure 3 illustrates, schematically and in side view, the same assembly, with the nozzles for injecting or extracting fluid, in particular gas, in particular air; the figure 4 illustrates, schematically and in side view, the tube in which the bar of material is transformed into an insert; the Figure 5 illustrates, schematically and in side view, the sleeve of the distributor of the propulsion tool; the figure 6 illustrates, schematically and in side view, the percussion drawer; the figure 7 illustrates, schematically and in side view, the firing pin. Detailed description of the invention

[0011] THE figures 1 to 3show a schematic representation of the assembly consisting of a structure 300 in which an insert 2 will be formed, from a bar of material 1, and fixed, by a tube 200 in which circulates a striker 10 capable of carrying out this shaping and this fixing, under the action of a propellant tool 100 distributor, with fluidic control. The fluidic control can be hydraulic, or pneumatic, depending on the dimensioning of the installation. For a watchmaking or jewelry application, as illustrated non-limitingly by the figures, a pneumatic control may be sufficient to provide the energy necessary for the movement of the striker. The conveyed fluid is then a gas, in particular air. For heavier applications of special mechanics, for example for assemblies of nuclear power plant equipment or the like, the fluidic control is necessarily hydraulic, the fluid used is then oil.For other applications, the fluid can be a liquid, a gas, or even a plasma. The example of air, used in the embodiment illustrated by the figures, is in no way limiting.

[0012] The invention relates more particularly to a method of assembling an insert 2 with a structure 300.

[0013] According to this method, a housing 301 is produced in the structure 300 for receiving this insert 2.

[0014] We use a bar of material 1 to make this insert 2.

[0015] The method of assembling such an insert 2 with such a housing 301 of a structure 300 uses a propulsion tool 100. This propulsion tool 100 guides a first percussion drawer 11 pushing a striker 10, and comprises a distributor device for controlling the advance or withdrawal of the first percussion drawer 11. The propulsion tool 100 comprises a tube 200 guiding this striker 10, and comprising a head 202 of internal profile 203 adapted to the insert 2 to be produced.

[0016] According to this method, a bar of material 1 is inserted into the tube 200, it is heated to a predetermined temperature, a propulsion fluid is injected and a second distributor slide 30 is operated to move the first percussion slide 11 at a predefined speed and drive the striker 10 to strike the preheated bar 1, force it into the housing 301 and deform it so as to occupy the volume of the internal profile 203 of said head 202.

[0017] More particularly and in a non-limiting manner, a propulsion tool 100 is provided, which comprises a jacket 50 which comprises, on the one hand, a first cylindrical chamber 13 in which a first percussion slide 11 is movable, arranged to axially push a striker 10 in a striking direction D, and on the other hand, a distributor device comprising a second chamber 31 supplied with fluid by injection or extraction nozzles 21, 22, 23, and in which a second distributor slide 30 is axially movable in a distribution direction D1 parallel to said striking direction D to control the advance or withdrawal of the first percussion slide 11.

[0018] A tube 200 is provided comprising on a first side a cylindrical body 201 comprising a bore arranged to extend the first chamber 13 and to guide the striker 10, and on a second side a head 202 with an internal profile 203 adapted to the shape of the insert 2 to be produced.

[0019] The tube 200 is fixed by its first side on the propulsion tool 100, and the head 202 is placed in support on the structure 300, aligning the housing 301 with the striking direction D.

[0020] The material bar 1 is engaged in the cylindrical body 201, a heating body is placed around the cylindrical body 201, and the material bar 1 is heated to a predetermined temperature.

[0021] A propulsion fluid is then injected into at least one of the injection or extraction nozzles 21, 22, 23, and the operation of the second distributor slide 30 is controlled to move the first percussion slide 11 at a predefined speed, and drive the striker 10 to strike the preheated bar of material 1 and force it into the housing 301, and deform it so as to occupy the entire volume of the internal profile 203 of the head 202.

[0022] More particularly, the preheated bar of material 1 is brought to bear on the structure 300, before being forcibly engaged in the housing 301 under the action of the striker 10. Even more particularly, the preheated bar of material 1 is brought to bear on the structure 300 by fluid pressure.

[0023] The striker 10, thanks to its movement and the induced pressure it generates, allows the material to be pre-positioned in its final housing 301. An escapement allows this pressure to be released to carry out a percussion and shaping phase. The striker 10 acts substantially like a forming hammer on a press. The striker 10 is free in the example illustrated, but it must be brought back into position.

[0024] The propulsion tool 100 comprises different channels 33, 34, for communicating the fluid with the grooves of the slides.

[0025] More particularly, the material bar 1 is made of at least partially amorphous material. Even more particularly, the material bar 1 is made of amorphous metal.

[0026] More specifically, an induction heating element is used.

[0027] More specifically, we choose the predefined speed between 1 m / s and 5 m / s.

[0028] More particularly, said predetermined temperature is chosen between 400°C and 600°C, depending on the nature of the material bar 1, to bring the preheated material bar 1 into a viscous phase.

[0029] More particularly still, the housing 301 is produced with a thread or with a macro-relief for attachment. More particularly still, this housing 301 is produced with a profile and pitch thread requiring the use of ultrasound at a predetermined frequency for its disassembly in combination with the application of a mechanical torque with a suitable tool.

[0030] More particularly, the housing 301 is produced with a roughness greater than 6 micrometers Ra. For example, simple grooves from a drilling may be sufficient.

[0031] More particularly still, a striker 10 is chosen comprising a relief capable of forming in the insert 2 an imprint allowing the manipulation of this insert 2 by a key or a screwdriver with a profile complementary to this imprint.

[0032] More specifically, insert 2 is produced in the form of an assembly screw.

[0033] More particularly, the insert 2 is produced in the form of a crimping bezel. More particularly, this crimping bezel is produced with an imprint for its disassembly, this imprint being surmounted, on the side opposite the housing 301, by a crimping ring and / or crimping claws.

[0034] More particularly, said second distributor slide 30 is arranged coaxially with a third slide 17 which is arranged to control the release of the propulsion fluid when it is pushed by the second distributor slide 30, against an elastic return means 20. This mechanism makes it possible to release pressure after having moved the striker 10 away from its insertion zone. The movement of the second distributor slide 30 drives the first percussion slide 11, and when the second distributor slide 30 comes into contact with the third slide 17, it releases the propulsion gas.

[0035] The invention also relates to a structure 300 comprising at least one insert 2, the assembly of the insert 2 with the structure 300 being carried out according to this method. More particularly, this structure 300 is a watchmaking or jewelry component.

[0036] The invention thus makes it possible to produce a reversible assembly, in particular by injection of amorphous metal, in order to directly form a fixing similar to a screw, from a bar in a pre-assembly.

[0037] In short, the system comprises a propellant which transmits mechanical energy to the striker, and the latter, driven at a defined speed, comes into contact with the bar of material, in particular but not limited to amorphous metal, previously brought to temperature (which may, depending on the case, be pre-moved in the pre-assembled orifice, using air pressure for example). The striker forms an imprint in the insert thus obtained.

[0038] This insert, in particular a fixing insert, can take different forms: an assembly screw as usually used, a decorative element without the need for assembly (for example an applique, an inlaid decoration), an ornamental support, for example a precious stone in the case of the formation of a setting chaton, and in particular a combination of a screw-type fixing system and a diamond chaton, for which, in the event of disassembly, once the diamond has been removed from the chaton, a special tool can be used to unscrew the element. This insert can be provided with a special thread allowing disassembly security, that is to say a specific tip shape, or by using ultrasound at a determined frequency.

[0039] The shaping of the material, especially amorphous metal, by the striker is facilitated by the high speed of the striker in the tube.

[0040] The invention allows the manufacture of an insert, in particular a screw, which can be removed directly in place in the assembly, and in particular made of amorphous metal.

[0041] It is advantageous to make the insert housing with a special reversible thread for a directly injected screw.

[0042] The striker is simple and inexpensive, it is easy to make it for the manufacture of insert heads of any shape, and with a completely customizable footprint.

[0043] The disassembly of the insert is advantageously secured (without standardized imprint) by the use of ultrasound at a specific frequency.

Claims

1. Method for assembling an insert (2) with a housing (301) of a structure (300), using a propellant tool (100) guiding a first percussion drawer (11) pushing a striker (10), and comprising a distributor device for controlling the advance or withdrawal of said first percussion drawer (11), and a tube (200) guiding said striker (10) and comprising a head (202) of internal profile (203) adapted to said insert (2) to be produced; a bar of material (1) is inserted into the tube (200), it is heated to a predetermined temperature, a propulsion fluid is injected and a second distributor drawer (30) is operated to move the first percussion drawer (11) at a predefined speed and drive the striker (10) to strike the preheated bar (1), force it into said housing (301) and deform it so as to occupy the volume of said internal profile (203) of said head (202).

2. Assembly method according to claim 1,characterized in thatsaid housing (301) is produced in said structure (300) for receiving said insert (2), said bar of material (1) is provided for making said insert (2), said propellant tool (100) is provided comprising a first cylindrical chamber (13) in which said first percussion slide (11) is movable, arranged to axially push said striker (10) in a striking direction (D), and comprising a distributor device for controlling the advance or withdrawal of said first percussion slide (11), said tube (200) is provided comprising on a first side a cylindrical body (201) comprising a bore arranged to extend said first chamber (13) and to guide said striker (10), and on a second side a said head (202) with a said internal profile (203) adapted to said insert (2) to be produced, said tube (200) is fixed by its said first side to said propellant tool (100),and said head (202) is pressed against said structure (300) by aligning said housing (301) with said striking direction (D), said material bar (1) is engaged in said cylindrical body (201), a heating body is placed around said cylindrical body (201), said material bar (1) is heated to a predetermined temperature, a propulsion fluid is injected into at least one of said injection or extraction nozzles (21, 22, 23), and said second distributor slide (30) is operated to move said first percussion slide (11) at a predefined speed and drive said striker (10) to strike said preheated material bar (1) and forcibly engage it in said housing (301) and deform it so as to occupy the entire volume of said internal profile (203) of said head (202)., 3. Assembly method according to claim 2, characterized in thatwe use a so-called heating element which is an induction heating element.

4. Assembly method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said propulsion tool (100) is produced comprising a jacket (50) which comprises, on the one hand, said first cylindrical chamber (13) in which said first percussion slide (11) is movable, and on the other hand, said distributor device comprising a second chamber (31) supplied with fluid by injection or extraction nozzles (21, 22, 23) and in which a second distributor slide (30) is axially movable in a distribution direction (D1) parallel to said striking direction (D) to control the advance or withdrawal of said first percussion slide (11).

5. Assembly method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatsaid preheated bar of material (1) is brought into contact with said structure (300), before forcibly engaging it in said housing (301) under the action of said striker (10).

6. Assembly method according to claim 5, characterized in that said preheated bar of material (1) is brought into contact with said structure (300) by fluid pressure.

7. Assembly method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said bar of material (1) is made of at least partially amorphous material.

8. Assembly method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said housing (301) is produced with a thread or with a macro-relief for attachment.

9. Assembly method according to claim 8, characterized in thatsaid housing (301) is produced with a profile and pitch tapping requiring the use of ultrasound at a predetermined frequency for its disassembly in combination with the application of a mechanical torque with a suitable tool.

10. Assembly method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said housing (301) is produced with a roughness greater than 6 micrometers Ra.

11. Assembly method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a said striker (10) is chosen comprising a relief capable of forming in said insert (2) an imprint allowing the manipulation of said insert (2) by a key or a screwdriver with a profile complementary to said imprint.

12. Assembly method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said insert (2) is produced in the form of an assembly screw.

13. Assembly method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in thatsaid insert (2) is produced in the form of a crimping bezel.

14. Assembly method according to claim 13, characterized in that said crimping bezel is produced with an imprint for its disassembly, said imprint being surmounted, on the side opposite said housing (301), by a crimping ring and / or crimping claws.

15. Assembly method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that we choose the predefined speed between 1 m / s and 5 m / s.

16. Assembly method according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that said predetermined temperature is chosen between 400°C and 600°C, depending on the nature of said bar of material (1), to bring said preheated bar of material (1) into a viscous phase.

17. Assembly method according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in thatsaid second distributor spool (30) is arranged coaxially with a third spool (17) which is arranged to control the release of the propulsion fluid when it is pushed by said second distributor spool (30), against an elastic return means (20).

18. Structure (300) comprising at least one insert (2), the assembly of said insert (2) with said structure (300) is carried out according to the method according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that said structure (300) is a watchmaking or jewelry component.

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