Manufacturing method for band piece

Abstract

To provide a band piece excellent in wear resistance, scratch resistance and processability, a watch band, and a manufacturing method for the watch and band piece.SOLUTION: A band piece 44 according to one embodiment of the current invention integrally includes: a base layer 51 formed by a first metallic material and forming hole parts 44d, 44e, 44f arranging connection members; and a cover layer 52 formed by a second metallic material different from the first metallic material and laminated on one side of the base layer 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a watch band link, a watch band, a watch, and a method for manufacturing a watch band link. [Background technology]

[0002] A watch band for a wristwatch is known to have a configuration in which multiple metal band links are connected. For example, a watch band may include multiple band links that are lined up in a connecting direction along the circumference of the wrist when worn and connected to each other. Each band link has a protruding portion with a pin hole at one end and a recessed portion with a pin hole at the other end. For example, the multiple band links are rotatably connected by aligning the protruding portion of one band link with the recessed portion of another band link that is aligned in the connecting direction, and then passing a metal connecting pin through the protruding portion and the recessed portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-084332 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable that the links of such a watch band have excellent design.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a watch band link, a watch band, a watch, and a watch band link that are excellent in design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A band link according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a base layer formed from a first metal material and having a hole in which a connecting member is placed, and a cover layer formed from a second metal material different from the first metal material and laminated on one side of the base layer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a watch band link, a watch band, a watch, and a method for manufacturing a watch band link that are excellent in wear resistance, scratch resistance, and workability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a timepiece according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a part of the band of the watch. [Figure 3] Cross-section of the band links of the watch band. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing a manufacturing method of the band of the watch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A wristwatch 1, watch band 40, and watch band links 44 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of the wristwatch 1, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a portion of the configuration of the watchband 40. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the watch band links 44. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the manufacturing method for the watch band links 44, showing the clad material created in the previous process. Note that in each figure, the configuration is shown schematically, enlarged, reduced, or omitted as appropriate. In this embodiment, for example, the wristwatch 1 will be described with the front side being the side on one side in one direction where the outer surface of the cover 30 faces, and the back side being the side on the other side in one direction where the outer surface of the back cover that forms the bottom of the watch case 10 faces. For example, the wristwatch 1 is worn with the outer surface of the back cover facing the wrist on which it is worn.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the wristwatch 1 comprises a watch case 10 that forms the outer shell, a module 20 that is provided within the watch case 10, a cover 30 that covers the front side of the module 20, and a watch band 40 that has a pair of band members that are respectively connected to two opposing points on the outer periphery of the watch case 10.

[0011] The watch case 10 is circular and comprises a case body 11 arranged on the outer periphery of the module 20, a back cover portion arranged on the back side of the module 20, and an outer case 13 arranged on the outer periphery of the case body 11.

[0012] The watch case 10, with its case body 11 and back cover, forms a housing section in which the module 20 is placed. The opening on the front side of the case body 11 is covered with a cover 30.

[0013] Case body 11 has band attachment sections 16 at two opposing locations on the outer periphery, for example at the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions, to which band members 41, 42 are attached. For example, band attachment section 16 has a connection structure with connection holes (holes) that are connected to band members 41, 42 by connecting members such as screws, pins, spring rods, etc. Band attachment section 16 may be configured as an integral part of watch case 10, or may be configured as a separate piece from watch case 10 and assembled to watch case 10.

[0014] The outer case 13 is provided on the outer periphery of the case body 11. The outer case 13 is fixed to the case body 11 by connecting members such as screws.

[0015] Module 20 includes various components necessary for timepiece functions, such as a display unit that displays information such as the time and date, a movement that operates the display unit, a circuit board equipped with electronic components such as an IC and an antenna, a battery, etc. For example, the display unit may be a digital display unit having a liquid crystal display panel with a digital display function, or an analog display unit having a dial and hands, etc. It may also include multiple display units.

[0016] The cover 30 is a transparent member made of inorganic glass such as SiO2 glass. For example, the cover 30 is a transparent, disc-shaped watch crystal that is placed on the front side of the module 20 and covers the module 20. For example, the cover 30 is supported on the inner peripheral edge of the opening on the front side of the case body 11. A packing is interposed between the outer periphery of the cover 30 and the inner peripheral edge of the case body 11.

[0017] The watch band 40 comprises a first band member 41, a second band member 42, and a connecting mechanism 43 such as a buckle, which are connected to two opposing locations on the outer periphery of the watch case 10. For example, one end of each of the band members 41, 42 is connected to the watch case 10, and the other ends are connected to each other by the connecting mechanism 43.

[0018] Each of the band members 41, 42 includes a plurality of band links 44 that are aligned in the linking direction and rotatably connected to one another, a connecting pin 45, a buffer member 46, a link cover 47, and a fastening portion 48. In each of the band members 41, 42, the plurality of band links 44 are rotatably connected by the connecting pin 45 and are aligned in the linking direction.

[0019] The connecting mechanism 43 connects the pair of band members 41, 42. For example, the connecting mechanism 43 is a buckle member that can be switched between a fastened state and a released state by manually overlapping or unfolding multiple members to change the connection length. When the multiple members of the connecting mechanism 43 are unfolded, the connection length between the band members 41, 42 extends, entering a released state that allows the arm to be inserted and removed, and when the multiple members are folded and locked, the connection length between the band members 41, 42 decreases, entering a locked state that prevents the band from slipping off the arm to which it is worn.

[0020] The connecting mechanism 43 may be configured to include a plurality of separable members connected to the band member 41 side and the band member 42 side, respectively, and to connect the band member 41 and the band member 42 in a separable manner.

[0021] Each of the multiple band links 44 has a predetermined length in the width direction and the connecting direction. For example, the band links 44 are formed with curved, arched outer surfaces at both ends in the connecting direction. For example, the multiple band links 44 may have the same configuration, or some of them may have different shapes. For example, the band links 44 provided at the ends of each band member 41, 42 are connected to the connecting mechanism part 43 or band attachment part 16 adjacent in the connecting direction, and the other band links 44 of the band members 41, 42, excluding the ends, are connected to adjacent other band links 44.

[0022] The multiple band links 44 have a connecting structure that allows them to be connected to adjacent band links 44, the connecting mechanism 43, or the band attachment part 16. As an example, the multiple band links 44 have a first protrusion 44a that protrudes toward one end at the center of the width of one end in the connecting direction, and second protrusions 44b that protrude toward the other end at both ends in the width direction of the other end in the connecting direction. The first protrusion 44a and the second protrusion 44b are located at different positions in the width direction.

[0023] As an example, adjacent band links 44 in the connection direction have the central convex portion 44a on one end side of the adjacent band link 44 positioned in the recess 44c formed between the second convex portions 44b on both ends of the other end side.

[0024] The first protrusion 44a and the second protrusion 44b formed on one end and the other end, respectively, have a first pin hole 44d and a second pin hole 44e as holes. The pin holes 44d and 44e are through holes that penetrate the first protrusion 44a and the second protrusion 44b in the width direction that is perpendicular to or intersects with the coupling direction. For example, the inner diameter of the first pin hole 44d in the central first protrusion 44a is configured to be smaller than the inner diameter of the second pin holes 44e in the second protrusions 44b on both ends.

[0025] Furthermore, a fastening hole 44f, in which the fastening portion 48 is disposed, is formed in a region between the first protrusion 44a and the second protrusion 44b of the band piece 44. The fastening hole 44f is a through-hole that passes through the band piece 44 in the width direction.

[0026] For example, in multiple band links 44 connected in the connecting direction, the first protrusion 44a is arranged side by side in the width direction with the second protrusion 44b of another band link 44 connected in the connecting direction. In other words, by arranging the first protrusion 44a of the other band link 44 in the recess 44c, which is a retracted portion between a pair of second protrusions 44b formed on both sides in the width direction of one of a pair of adjacent band links 44, the second protrusion 44b of one band link and the first protrusion 44a of the other band link 44 are arranged side by side in the width direction.

[0027] The first pin holes 44d of the first protrusions 44a of one pair of band links 44 are continuous in the width direction with the second pin holes 44e of the pair of second protrusions 44b of the other band link 44. A connecting pin 45 is disposed through these continuous pin holes 44d, 44e, thereby connecting the multiple band links 44 to each other so that they can rotate.

[0028] Of the multiple band links 44 provided on each band member 41, 42, for example, in the band link 44 arranged at the end in the connecting direction, the first convex portion 44a or the second convex portion 44b is connected to the band attachment portion 16 or the connecting mechanism portion 43 by connecting members arranged in the pin holes 44d, 44e.

[0029] The band link 44 has a multi-layer structure including multiple layers 51, 52 made of different materials stacked together. For example, the band link 44 has a two-layer structure having a base layer 51 made of a first metal material and a cover layer 52 made of a second metal material.

[0030] The base layer 51 constitutes the inner surface that faces and contacts the skin when worn. The base layer 51 includes a first metal material. The first metal material is, for example, Ti. The base layer 51 is preferably made of pure titanium. For example, the density of Ti is 4.43 g / cm 3The base layer 51 is made of a material with a lower density, i.e., a higher specific gravity, than the cover layer 52. The pin holes 44d, 44e, and fastening holes 44f are formed in the base layer 51. Furthermore, in the band link 44 located at the end, various holes connected to the band attachment portion 16 or the connecting mechanism portion 43 are also formed in the base layer 51. In other words, the area of ​​the band link 44 where the pin holes 44d, 44e, fastening holes 44f, and connecting holes are formed is formed in the base layer 51. For example, the thickness of the base layer 51 along the stacking direction is greater than half the thickness of the band link 44. In other words, the boundary between the base layer 51 and the cover layer 52 is located closer to the front side than the center of the band link 44 in the thickness direction. For example, the boundary between the base layer 51 and the cover layer 52, i.e., the surface of the base layer 51 facing the cover layer 52, is smooth.

[0031] The cover layer 52 is laminated on the front side of the base layer 51. The cover layer 52 includes a second metal material and constitutes the outer surface that is placed on the front side, i.e., the side opposite the arm, when worn. The cover layer 52 is configured to have a higher hardness than the base layer 51. For example, the second metal material that constitutes the cover layer 52 has a higher Vickers hardness than the first metal material that constitutes the base layer 51. In addition, the second metal material has a higher density and specific gravity than the first metal material. For example, the second metal material is Cobalion (registered trademark), which is a compound of cobalt, chromium, and molybdenum, and has a density of 8.4 g / cm. 3 For example, the cover layer 52 has a thickness that is smaller than half the thickness of the band link 44, and is set to be, for example, 1 / 10 or more and 1 / 2 or less.

[0032] The buffer member 46 is tubular and made of a flexible, rigid resin material such as silicone rubber. The buffer member 46 is provided at each end of the width of each of the band links 44. Specifically, a buffer member 46 is attached to the outer periphery of each end of a single connecting pin 45. The buffer member 46 is tubular and has a cylindrical hole 46d extending along the axial direction. The buffer member 46 has a large-diameter portion 46a on one side and a small-diameter portion 46b on the other side, with a stepped portion 46c formed between the large-diameter portion 46a and the small-diameter portion 46b. The axial direction of the buffer member 46 is aligned along the width of the band links 44. The large-diameter portion 46a is positioned in the pin holes 44e of the second protrusions 44b on both sides, the small-diameter portion 46b is positioned at the end of the pin hole 44d of the central protrusion 44a, and the stepped portion 46c engages with the periphery of the pin hole 44d of the protrusion 44a. That is, the buffer member 46 is interposed between the first protrusion 44a and the second protrusion 44b of a pair of band links 44 adjacent in the width direction, and regulates the positions of the first protrusion 44a and the second protrusion 44b.

[0033] The link covers 47 are provided on both widthwise ends of the band link 44 connected by inserting the connecting pin 45. The link covers 47 have countersunk portions 47a, which are recesses in which the connecting pin 45 protruding in the widthwise direction from the band link 44 and the buffer member 46 are disposed, and cover the ends of the band link 44 and the ends of the connecting pin 45 and the buffer member 46. The link covers 47 also have steps 47c on their outer surfaces at both widthwise ends for engaging the heads of the fastening portions 48 and cover fastening holes 47b through which the shafts of the fastening portions 48 pass, and the link covers 47 on both ends are fastened together by the fastening portions 48, sandwiching the band link 44.

[0034] The fastening portion 48 has a male threaded portion 48a arranged on one side in the width direction and a female threaded portion 48b arranged on the other side in the width direction. For example, the male threaded portion 48a and the female threaded portion 48b each have a shank portion extending in the width direction and having a thread formed thereon, and a head portion provided at the end of the shank portion. The shank portion of the male threaded portion 48a is threadedly engaged with the shank portion of the female threaded portion 48b. The fastening portion 48 fastens the pair of link covers 47 that sandwich the band link 44 by having the heads of the male threaded portion 48a and the female threaded portion 48b engage with steps 47c formed in the cover fastening holes 47b of the link covers 47 and by having the shanks threadedly engaged with each other.

[0035] The manufacturing method of the band link 44 in this embodiment will be described below. The manufacturing method of the band link 44 includes a primary process of forming a rod-shaped clad material 44A as a primary processed product shown in Figure 4 before being divided into multiple band links 44, and a secondary process of dividing the clad material 44A into multiple pieces and forming the multiple band links 44 by surface treatment and hole drilling. The primary process includes a core forming process and a HIP process. For example, the clad material 44A is formed long in one direction, and has a shape in which multiple protrusions 44g that become first protrusions 44a are formed at a predetermined pitch on one edge, and multiple protrusions 44h that become second protrusions 44b are formed at a predetermined pitch on the other edge.

[0036] In the core formation step, for example, a 3D printer is used to form the base portion 51A, which will become the base layer 51, from a first metal material. The base portion 51A is in the shape of a long plate having a predetermined thickness and width.

[0037] Next, in the HIP process, the treatment material is pressurized at high temperature and high pressure (gas pressure) by HIP treatment (HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing)), to create the cover portion 52A that will become the cover layer 52 from powder of the second metal material.

[0038] For example, a mold for HIP processing corresponding to the shape of the clad material 44A to be formed is prepared, and the base portion 51A is placed in the mold as a core member, and powder of the second metal material is filled in. The mold is then placed in a chamber for HIP processing, and the cover portion 52A is formed by heating and pressurizing at high pressure and high temperature, and the base portion 51A and the cover portion 52A are sintered into an integrated body. After sintering, the mold is removed to form the clad material 44A with a two-layer structure. For example, the HIP processing conditions are 2000 atmospheres and 900°C to 1000°C.

[0039] Then, in the secondary process, the clad material 44A is cut and divided into multiple link members, and then undergoes cutting and surface treatment to form the pin holes 44d, 44e and fastening holes 44f, completing the multiple band links 44. At this time, the pin holes 44d, 44e and fastening holes 44f are formed along the width direction in the base layer 51. In other words, the pin holes 44d, 44e are positioned so as not to pass through the cover layer 52.

[0040] The band links 44, watch band 40, and watch 1 configured as described above can improve design. They also offer excellent abrasion resistance, scratch resistance, and workability. Specifically, the cover layer 52, which forms the front surface when worn, is made of a hard, highly specular material, while the back base layer 51 is made of a flexible, lightweight, and highly workable material. This ensures scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, and specularity through the cover layer 52, while the base layer 51 allows for the creation of lightweight band links that are safe and easy to work with. Furthermore, pin holes 44d, 44e, and fastening holes 44f can be easily machined, allowing for a high degree of freedom in shape.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by sintering powder of a metal material by HIP processing, it is possible to form the cover layer 52 and bond the base layer 51 and the cover layer 52. For example, even in the case of Cobalion, which is difficult to process, a desired shape can be easily obtained by forming it by HIP processing using powder.

[0042] The above-described embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0043] For example, among a plurality of band links, only some of the band links may be of the two-layer structure.

[0044] Furthermore, the configuration of the multiple band links that make up the band may differ. For example, the ratio of base layer 51 to cover layer 52 may vary depending on the position of the band link, and the weight of the band links can be adjusted by increasing the ratio of Cobalion, which has a higher density, closer to band attachment section 16, which is farther from the watch case body. For example, if band link 44 on the connecting mechanism section 43 side is positioned so that it is heavier, the orientation of the dial will be stable when watch 1 is placed or worn on the wrist.

[0045] Furthermore, the boundary portion, i.e., the surface of the base layer 51 facing the cover layer 52, is not limited to being smooth. For example, it may have an uneven portion or a wavy portion. For example, by having an uneven portion or a wavy portion, the bonding strength with the cover layer 52 can be improved.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration including the piece cover 47 has been exemplified, but this is not limiting, and a configuration without the piece cover 47 may also be used. In this case, the fastening portion 48 and the fastening hole 44f may also be omitted.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the base layer 51 is formed using a 3D printer, and the cover layer 52 is formed using HIP processing. However, this is not limiting. For example, in the core formation step, the cover portion 52A may be formed from a second metallic material using a 3D printer, and the base layer 51 may be formed from powder of the first metallic material in the HIP process. In this case, the cover portion 52A is placed as a core member in a mold for HIP processing together with powder of the first metallic material, and the powder made of the first metallic material is sintered by HIP processing to form the base portion 51A. At the same time, the cover portion 52A as a core member made of the second metallic material and the base portion 51A are joined together.

[0048] Furthermore, the materials used as the first and second metallic materials are not limited to those exemplified in the above embodiment. For example, the first metallic material constituting the base layer 51 may be titanium, and the second metallic material constituting the cover layer 52 may be titanium 64. Alternatively, the first metallic material constituting the base layer 51 may be stainless steel, and the second metallic material constituting the cover layer 52 may be titanium 64.

[0049] Furthermore, not only the band links 44 but also other watch components such as the watch case 10 and the connecting mechanism 43 may have a laminated structure having a base layer 51 made of a first metal material and a cover layer 52 made of a second metal material.

[0050] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is encompassed by the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are listed below. [Note] [1] a base layer formed of a first metal material and having a hole in which a connecting member is disposed; a cover layer formed of a second metal material different from the first metal material and laminated on one side of the base layer; A band bridge that is equipped with the above. [2] The band link according to [1], wherein the second metal material has a higher hardness than the first metal material. [3] The band link according to [1], wherein the first metal material is Ti and the second metal material is Cobalion. [4] [1] A plurality of band pieces, a plurality of connecting members that connect the plurality of band links rotatably in a connecting direction that intersects with a stacking direction in which the base layer and the cover layer are stacked; Equipped with the base layer forms an inner surface that faces an object when worn; The cover layer forms an outer surface that faces outward when worn on the watch band. [5] The plurality of band links have, at one end in the connecting direction, a first convex portion that protrudes in the one direction in the connecting direction and in which the hole is formed, and at the other end in the connecting direction, a second convex portion that protrudes in the other direction in the connecting direction and in which the hole is formed, the hole being formed along a width direction that intersects with the connecting direction and the stacking direction, the second convex portion and the first convex portion of a pair of adjacent band links are arranged side by side in the connecting direction with the first convex portion of another adjacent band link, and the holes formed in the base layers of the pair of band links are arranged side by side in the width direction, The watch band described in [4], wherein a connecting member is disposed on the first convex portion and the second convex portion of the plurality of band links that are aligned in the width direction, and the band links are rotatably connected to each other. [6] [4] A watch band according to the present invention; a watch case to which the watch band is attached; a module disposed in a housing within the watch case; A watch equipped with [7] a core forming step of forming a core member from either a first metal material or a second metal material having a higher hardness than the first metal material; a HIP process of heating and pressurizing the powder of the other metal material of the first metal material and the second metal material and the core member by HIP treatment; Including, The method includes a primary step of preparing a clad material in which a base layer made of the first metal material and a cover layer made of the second metal material are laminated. How band pieces are manufactured. [8] The method for manufacturing a band link described in [7], wherein in the core forming process, the first metal material or the second metal material is shaped using a 3D printer. [9] a secondary process of cutting the clad material to separate it into a plurality of bridge members and processing the base layer of each bridge member to form holes therein after the primary process; [7] A method for manufacturing a band piece according to the present invention.

[10] The method for manufacturing a band link according to [7], wherein the first metal material is Ti and the second metal material is Cobalion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1. Wristwatch 10...Watch case 11...Case body 13...Outer case 16...Band attachment part 20...modules 30...Cover 40...Watch band 41...First band member 42...Second band member 43...Connection mechanism section 44...Band piece 44A...Clad material 44a...First convex part 44b...Second convex part 44c...recess 44d...First pinhole 44e...Second pin hole 44f…Fastening hole 44g…Protrusion 44h…protrusion 45...Connecting pin 46...Buffer material 46a...Large diameter section 46b…Small diameter part 46c...Step section 46d...tube hole 47...Piece cover 47a...Counterbore section 47b...Cover fastening hole 47c...Step 48... Fastening part 48a...Male thread 48b... Female thread 51...Base layer 51A...Base part 52...Cover layer 52A...Cover part.

Claims

1. a base layer formed of a first metal material and having a hole in which a connecting member is disposed; a cover layer formed of a second metal material different from the first metal material and laminated on one side of the base layer; A band bridge that is equipped with the above.

2. 2. The band link according to claim 1, wherein the second metal material has a higher hardness than the first metal material.

3. 2. The band link according to claim 1, wherein said first metal material is Ti and said second metal material is Cobalion.

4. A plurality of band links according to claim 1; a plurality of connecting members that connect the plurality of band links rotatably in a connecting direction that intersects with a stacking direction in which the base layer and the cover layer are stacked; Equipped with the base layer forms an inner surface that faces an object when worn; The cover layer forms an outer surface that faces outward when worn on the watch band.

5. The plurality of band links have, at one end in the connecting direction, a first convex portion that protrudes in the one direction in the connecting direction and in which the hole is formed, and a second convex portion that protrudes in the other direction in the connecting direction and in which the hole is formed, at the other end in the connecting direction, the hole being formed along a width direction that intersects with the connecting direction and the stacking direction, the second convex portion and the first convex portion of a pair of adjacent band links are arranged side by side in the connecting direction with the first convex portion of another adjacent band link, and the holes formed in the base layers of the pair of band links are arranged side by side in the width direction, 5. The watch band according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of band links are rotatably connected to each other by connecting members disposed on the first convex portions and the second convex portions aligned in the width direction.

6. The watch band according to claim 4, a watch case to which the watch band is attached; a module disposed in a housing within the watch case; A watch equipped with

7. a core forming step of forming a core member from either a first metal material or a second metal material having a higher hardness than the first metal material; a HIP process of heating and pressurizing the powder of the other metal material of the first metal material and the second metal material and the core member by HIP treatment; Including, The method includes a primary step of preparing a clad material in which a base layer made of the first metal material and a cover layer made of the second metal material are laminated together. How band pieces are manufactured.

8. The method for manufacturing a band link according to claim 7, wherein in the core forming step, the first metal material or the second metal material is shaped by a 3D printer.

9. a secondary process of cutting the clad material to separate it into a plurality of bridge members and processing the base layer of each bridge member to form holes therein after the primary process; A method for manufacturing the band link according to claim 7.

10. 8. The method for manufacturing a band link according to claim 7, wherein said first metal material is Ti and said second metal material is Cobalion.

Images