Structure with insert and assembly method

Abstract

To provide a structure with an insert and an assembly method.SOLUTION: There is provided a method for assembling an insert (2) with a recess (301) of a structure (300), using a propulsion tool (100) that guides striker slide (11) pushing a striker (10), and includes: a distributor device for controlling forwards or backwards motion of the striker slide (11); a tube (200) guiding the striker (10); and a head (202) with an internal profile (203) adapted to the insert (2) to be produced. According to the method: a bar (1) of a material is inserted into the tube (200) and heated to a predetermined temperature; and a distributor slide (30) is operated to move the striker slide (11) at a predefined speed and to drive the striker (10) to strike the preheated bar (1), force the preheated bar into the recess (301) and deform it so that it occupies a volume of the internal profile (203) of the head (202).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

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

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of safe assembly of accessories, especially in the watchmaking or jewellery industry. [Background technology]

[0004] Fixing accessories to small structures is always a difficult task, especially when such structures are worn by a user and when protruding, or at least peripheral, elements are subject to shear stresses, vibrations or shocks, as is the case for watches and jewelry components.

[0005] In order to ensure a secure attachment, irreversible attachment is not always possible, in which case a high level of resistance to external stresses must be combined with a reversible attachment that may be necessary to maintain the object or to change its appearance.

[0006] Additionally, some materials, such as amorphous metals, are not suitable for traditional assembly surfaces such as screws, however, the use of these materials provides other benefits and necessitates the use of suitable attachments. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a safe and reversible attachment of inserts to structures, particularly in the preferred but not exclusive case of watchmaking or jewellery construction, especially in the case of inserts made of exotic materials such as amorphous metals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a method for assembling an insert provided with an elongated portion terminating in a head at its distal end with a recess of a structure, the method using a driving tool guiding a first striker slide pushing a striker in a free-firing configuration, the driving tool comprising a distribution device for controlling the forward or backward movement of said first striker slide and a tube guiding said striker, said tube comprising a head having an internal contour adapted to the head of the insert to be manufactured, by which a bar of material at least partially made of an amorphous material is inserted into the tube, said bar of material intended to form said insert, said bar being heated to a predefined temperature, a propulsion fluid being injected into said driving tool, a second distribution slide comprised in said driving tool being actuated to move the first striker slide at a predefined speed and to drive the striker by a strike, the striker as it moves in the tube striking a preheated bar moving in the tube, the preheated bar being forcibly inserted into said recess and being deformed to occupy the volume of said internal contour of said head.

[0009] Another aspect of the invention relates to a structure comprising at least one insert arranged in a recess, the assembly of said insert with said structure being carried out according to the method defined above, said structure being a watchmaking or jewellery part, said insert being an assembly screw comprising a body and a head, said assembly screw being made of an amorphous alloy, said recess having an internal thread, said recess having a roughness greater than 6 micrometers Ra, and said assembly screw having a removal recess in its distal part forming said head. It should be noted that the head and the body of the screw can have the same or different diameters, in which case the head has a larger diameter than the body. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematic showing the arrangement of a driving tool and a particular tube in face-to-face contact with a structure to create and install an insert. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the same assembly taken along the plane AA of FIG. 1, in which the thrust tool on the right side of the figure includes a distributor that controls the movement of a striker slide to press a striker shown at the interface between the thrust tool and the tube, the tube being illustrated with the insert in two different states: near the left end of the tube a bar of material is visible, suitable for the manufacture of the insert, heated and ready to be subsequently struck by the striker, while the left side of the figure illustrates an insert manufactured by deforming this bar of material after it has been shaped, with its inner part in a recess provided in the structure to receive it and its outer part in the internal contour of the head of the tube abutting one face of the structure, the outer part of the insert still containing, approximately along its axis, the indentation made by the tip of the striker during the strike. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically a side view of the same assembly with a nozzle for injecting or extracting a fluid, in particular a gas, in particular air. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view diagrammatically showing a tube in which a bar of material is converted into an insert. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a distribution sleeve of the drive tool. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view diagrammatically showing a striker slide. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view diagrammatically showing a striker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] 1 to 3 show a schematic view of an assembly consisting of a structure 300 in which an insert 2 is formed from a bar 1 of material and in which a striker 10 circulates, which can carry out this shaping and this mounting under the action of a fluid-controlled distribution drive tool 100. The fluid control can be hydraulic or pneumatic, depending on the size of the facility. In watchmaking or jewellery applications, as shown without limitation by the figures, a pneumatic control can be sufficient to provide the energy required for the movement of the striker. In this case, the fluid conveyed is a gas, in particular air. For more complex and specialised mechanical applications, for example equipment assemblies such as nuclear power plants, the fluid control must be hydraulic, in which case the fluid used is oil. In other applications, the fluid can be liquid, gas or plasma. The example of air used in the embodiment shown in the figures is in no way limiting.

[0013] The present invention more specifically relates to a method for assembling the insert 2 with the structure 300.

[0014] In this way, a recess 301 is formed in the structure 300 to receive the insert 2 .

[0015] To manufacture this insert 2, a bar 1 of material is provided.

[0016] A method for assembling such an insert 2 with a recess 301 of a structure 300 uses a driving tool 100 which guides a first striker slide 11 which presses a striker 10 and includes a distribution device for controlling the forward or rearward movement of the first striker slide 11. The driving tool 100 includes a tube 200 which guides this striker 10 and includes a head 202 with an internal contour 203 adapted to the insert 2 to be manufactured.

[0017] According to this method, a bar 1 of material is inserted into the tube 200, heated to a predetermined temperature, a propelling fluid is injected and the second distribution slide 30 is actuated to move the first striker slide 11 at a predefined speed and drive the striker 10 to strike the preheated bar 1 and to force the preheated bar 1 into the recess 301 and deform it to occupy the volume of the internal contour 203 of said head 202.

[0018] More specifically, in a non-limiting manner, an impulse tool 100 is provided, which comprises a sleeve 50 comprising, on the one hand, a first cylindrical chamber 13 in which a first striker slide 11 is movable, arranged to axially push the striker 10 in the striking direction D, and, on the other hand, a distribution device comprising a second chamber 31 supplied with fluid by an injection or extraction nozzle 21, 22, 23 in which a second distribution slide 30 is axially movable in the striking direction D, and secondarily, a distribution device comprising a second chamber 31 supplied with fluid by an injection nozzle 21, 22, 23 in which a second distribution slide 30 is axially movable in a distribution direction D1 parallel to said striking direction D in order to control the forward or backward movement of the first striker slide 11.

[0019] A tube 200 is provided which comprises, on a first side, a cylindrical body 201 including a bore extending the first chamber 13 and arranged to guide the striker 10, and, on a second side, a head 202 having an internal contour 203 adapted to the shape of the insert 2 to be manufactured.

[0020] The tube 200 is attached on a first side thereof to the driving tool 100 and the head 202 is positioned to abut the structure 300 with the recess 301 aligned with the striking direction D.

[0021] A bar of material 1 is inserted into the cylinder 201, heating elements are placed around the cylinder 201 and the bar of material 1 is heated to a predetermined temperature.

[0022] Then, a propelling fluid is injected into at least one of the injection or extraction nozzles 21, 22, 23 and the second dispensing slide 30 is actuated to move the first striker slide 11 at a predefined speed and drive the striker 10 to strike the bar of preheated material 1 and to force the bar of preheated material 1 into the recess 301 and deform it so as to occupy the entire volume of the internal contour 203 of the head 202.

[0023] More specifically, the bar 1 of pre-heated material is abutted against the structure 300 before being forced into the recess 301 by the action of the striker 10. Even more specifically, the bar 1 of pre-heated material is abutted against the structure 300 by fluid pressure.

[0024] The striker 10, by its movement and the induced pressure it generates, is able to preposition the material in the final recess 301. A vent releases this pressure in order to carry out the striking and forming phase. The striker 10 acts like a forming hammer in a press. The striker 10 is free in the example shown, but must return to its original position.

[0025] The driving tool 100 has various channels 33, 34 for providing fluid communication with the grooves of the slide.

[0026] More specifically, the bar of material 1 is at least partially made of an amorphous material, and even more specifically, the bar of material 1 is made of an amorphous metal.

[0027] More specifically, an induction heating element is used.

[0028] More specifically, the predefined speed is selected between 1 m / s and 5 m / s.

[0029] More specifically, said predetermined temperature is chosen between 400° C. and 600° C. depending on the nature of the preheated bar 1 of material, in order to bring said bar 1 of material into a viscous phase.

[0030] More specifically, a recess 301 is made with an internal thread or with a macro-relief for a hook, the contour and pitch of which, for its removal, requires the use of ultrasound at a given frequency in combination with the application of a mechanical torque by a suitable tool.

[0031] More specifically, the recess 301 is made with a roughness of more than 6 micrometers Ra. For example, a simple bore groove may be sufficient.

[0032] More specifically, the striker 10 is selected to have a relief that allows a recess to be formed in the insert 2, allowing the insert 2 to be manipulated by a wrench or driver having a profile that complements the recess.

[0033] More specifically, the insert 2 is manufactured in the form of an assembly screw.

[0034] More specifically, the insert 2 is manufactured in the form of a setting. More specifically, the setting is manufactured with a removal recess, which is covered, opposite the recess 301, by a setting ring and / or a setting claw.

[0035] More specifically, said second distribution slide 30 is arranged coaxially with the third slide 17, which is arranged to control the release of propellant fluid when pressed against the elastic return means 20 by the second distribution slide 30. This mechanism allows the pressure to be relieved after the striker 10 has been moved out of the insertion zone. The movement of the second distribution slide 30 drives the first striker slide 11, and when the second distribution slide 30 comes into contact with the third slide 17, the propellant gas is released.

[0036] The invention further relates to a structure 300 including at least one insert 2, the assembly of which with the structure 300 is carried out according to this method. More specifically, this structure 300 is a watchmaking part or a jewellery part.

[0037] The invention therefore makes it possible to produce reversible assemblies, in particular by injecting an amorphous metal to form a threaded attachment directly from the bar during preassembly.

[0038] In short, the system comprises a propelling tool that transfers mechanical energy to a striker that is driven at a defined speed and that contacts a preheated bar of material (possibly already placed in a prefabricated orifice, for example by air pressure), in particular, but not limited to, an amorphous metal, which forms a recess in the insert thus obtained.

[0039] The insert, in particular the mounting insert, can take different forms, such as the commonly used assembly screw, a decorative element that does not require assembly (e.g. appliqué, inlay decoration), a decorative support, e.g. a precious stone in the case of forming a setting, in particular a combination of a screw-type mounting system with a diamond setting, in which, in case of dismantling, the decorative element can be removed using a special tool after the diamond has been removed from the setting. The insert can be attached by a special screw for safe removal, i.e. a shape with a specific tip, or by using ultrasound at a specific frequency.

[0040] Shaping of materials, particularly amorphous metals, by the striker is facilitated by the high speed of the striker within the tube.

[0041] The invention makes it possible to produce inserts, especially screws, which can be directly removed in place within the assembly and which are in particular made of amorphous metal.

[0042] The recess of the insert is advantageously manufactured with a special reversible thread for directly injected screws.

[0043] The striker is simple and inexpensive, allowing easy manufacture of insert heads of any shape, with fully customizable recesses.

[0044] Removal of the insert is made safer (without a standardized cavity) by using ultrasound at a specific frequency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1 bar 2 Insert 10 Striker 11 Striker Slide 12 Second distribution slide 13 First cylindrical chamber 17 Third slide 20 Elastic return means 21 Injection or extraction nozzle 22 Injection or extraction nozzle 23 Injection or extraction nozzle 30 Second distribution slide 31 Second Chamber 33 Channels 34 Channels 50 Sleeve 100 Propulsion Tools 200 tubes 201 Cylinder 202 Head 203 Internal Contour 300 structures 301 Recess AA plane D Impact direction

Claims

1. A method for assembling an insert (2) provided with an elongated portion terminating in a head with a recess (301) of a structure (300), using a driving tool (100) guiding a first striker slide (11) which pushes a striker (10) in a free-firing configuration, the driving tool comprising a distribution device for controlling the forward or backward movement of said first striker slide (11) and a tube (200) guiding said striker (10), said tube comprising a head (202) having an internal contour (203) adapted to the head of said insert (2) to be manufactured, by which a bar (1) of material made at least partially of amorphous material is produced. , a bar of material is inserted into the tube (200), the bar being intended to form the insert (2), the bar being heated to a predefined temperature, a propulsion fluid is injected into the propulsion tool, and a second distribution slide (30) contained in the propulsion tool is actuated to move the first striker slide (11) at a predefined speed and to drive the striker (10) by a strike which, as it moves inside the tube, strikes the preheated bar (1) moving inside the tube, the preheated bar being forcibly inserted into the recess (301) and deformed to occupy the volume of the internal contour (203) of the head (202).

2. The recess (301) is formed in the structure (300) for receiving the insert (2), the bar (1) of material is provided for manufacturing the insert (2), a driving tool (100) is provided, the driving tool comprises a first cylindrical chamber (13) in which the first striker slide (11) arranged to axially push the striker (10) in a striking direction (D) can move, the driving tool comprises a distribution device for controlling the forward or backward movement of the first striker slide (11), the tube (200) is provided comprising, on a first side, a cylindrical body (201) including a bore extending the first cylindrical chamber (13) and arranged to guide the striker (10), and on a second side, the head (202) with the internal contour (203) adapted to the insert (2) to be manufactured, the tube (200) being provided with the first cylindrical chamber (13) in which the first striker slide (11) can move, the first striker slide (11) being arranged to axially push the striker (10) in a striking direction (D), and a distribution device for controlling the forward or backward movement of the first striker slide (11), 2. The method of assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: a cylindrical body (201) is attached to the driving tool (100) at its side, the head (202) is abutted against the structure (300) with the recess (301) aligned in the striking direction (D), the bar (1) of material is inserted into the cylindrical body (201), heating elements are arranged around the cylindrical body (201), the bar (1) of material is heated to a predetermined temperature, a driving fluid is injected into at least one of the injection or extraction nozzles (21, 22, 23), and the actuation of the second distribution slide (30) is controlled to move the first striker slide (11) at a predefined speed and to drive the striker (10) to strike the bar (1) of preheated material and to force the bar of preheated material into the recess (301) and to deform it so as to occupy the entire volume of the internal contour (203) of the head (202).

3. 3. An assembly method according to claim 2, characterised in that a heating element is used which is an induction heating element.

4. 3. The assembly method according to claim 2, characterized in that the impelling tool (100) is manufactured, which impelling tool comprises, on the one hand, the first cylindrical chamber (13) in which the first striker slide (11) is movable and, on the other hand, a second chamber (31) supplied with fluid by an injection or extraction nozzle (21, 22, 23), and a sleeve (50) comprising the distribution device, a second distribution slide (12) axially movable in a distribution direction (D1) parallel to the striking direction (D) to control the forward or backward movement of the first striker slide (11).

5. 2. An assembly method according to claim 1, characterized in that the bar (1) of preheated material is abutted against the structure (300) before being forced into the recess (301) by the action of the striker (10).

6. 6. An assembly method according to claim 5, characterized in that the bar (1) of preheated material is applied to the structure (300) by means of fluid pressure.

7. 2. An assembly method according to claim 1, characterized in that said bar (1) of material is at least partially made of amorphous material.

8. 2. An assembly method according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess (301) is manufactured with an internal thread or with a macro relief for a hook.

9. 9. The assembly method according to claim 8, characterized in that the recess (301) is manufactured with an internal thread, the contour and pitch of which, for its removal, requires the use of ultrasound at a predetermined frequency in combination with the application of a mechanical torque by a suitable tool.

10. 2. The assembly method according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess (301) is manufactured with a roughness of more than 6 micrometers Ra.

11. 2. The assembly method according to claim 1, characterized in that the striker (10) is selected in the insert (2) to include a relief capable of forming a recess, allowing the insert (2) to be manipulated by a spanner or driver having a profile complementary to the recess.

12. 2. An assembly method according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert (2) is manufactured in the form of an assembly screw.

13. 2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert (2) is manufactured in the form of a setting.

14. 14. An assembly method according to claim 13, characterized in that the setting is manufactured with a removal recess, which is covered by a setting ring and / or a setting claw on the side opposite the recess (301).

15. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined speed is selected between 1 m / s and 5 m / s.

16. 2. An assembly method according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined temperature is chosen between 400°C and 600°C depending on the nature of the bar (1) of preheated material in order to bring it into a viscous phase.

17. 2. The assembly method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second dispensing slide (30) is arranged coaxially with a third slide (17), the third slide being arranged to control the release of the propelling fluid when pressed against elastic return means (20) by the second dispensing slide (30).

18. A structure (300) comprising at least one insert (2) arranged in a recess, the assembly of said insert (2) with said structure (300) being carried out according to the method of claim 1, characterized in that said structure (300) is a watchmaking part or a jewelry part, said insert (2) is an assembly screw, said assembly screw being made of an amorphous alloy, said recess (301) having an internal thread, said recess (301) having a roughness greater than 6 micrometers Ra, and said assembly screw having a removal recess in its distal part.

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