Composite case for watch

Abstract

It provides a solution for obtaining a lightweight yet robust and improved watch case. [Solution] A watch case body 30, the case body 30 includes a frame 10 that forms a reinforcing structure of the case body 30, the frame 10 includes through openings 11, the frame 10 separates the internal housing 12, the frame 10 forms at least one mounting device for the case back and / or glass and / or bezel and / or control member and / or strap, the case body 30 includes at least two inserts 20 that are welded to each other to form at least one continuous assembly through at least two through openings 11 of the frame 10 to form a connecting structure including at least two inserts 20 and the frame 10, at least one of the two inserts 20 forms at least a portion of the visible outer surface of the case body 30.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the case body of a timepiece, particularly a wristwatch. The present invention also relates to a timepiece including the case body.

Background Art

[0002] Watch parts, and more particularly external watch parts such as the case body, must have a number of mechanical properties that can sometimes be contradictory. The required properties are - Lightweight, which makes wearing the watch comfortable, - A flawless and highly attractive appearance that is compatible with the aesthetic requirements of luxury watches, - Robustness to withstand the external stresses experienced by the timepiece so that the watch parts maintain the same appearance over time and, more generally, maintain all of their mechanical properties over time. including.

[0003] In practice, existing solutions reflect a compromise between these properties. Generally, watch parts are made solid from materials that can be lightweight and hard. However, these existing solutions have limitations, and there is a need to identify new solutions that optimize the properties and / or appearance of watch parts.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For this reason, one object of the present invention is to propose a solution for obtaining a case body that is lightweight, robust, and improved with respect to the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Therefore, the present invention relates to a watch case body, the watch case body comprising a framework that forms a reinforcing structure of the case body, the framework comprising through openings, the framework comprising internal housings, the framework comprising at least one mounting device for a case back and / or glass and / or bezel and / or control member and / or strap, the case body comprising at least two inserts welded to each other to form at least one continuous assembly through at least two through openings of the framework to form a connecting structure comprising at least two inserts and the framework, at least one of the two inserts comprising at least a portion of the visible outer surface of the case body, based on a watch case body.

[0006] The present invention is defined more specifically by the claims.

[0007] The object, features, and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following non-limiting description of specific embodiments, which are given with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a top view of the frame of a case body according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the case body frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, along the unfolded transverse vertical plane AA. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top view of the frame of the case body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a disassembled cross-sectional view of an assembled assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, along an unfolded transverse vertical plane AA. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a bottom view of an assembled body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a top view of an assembled assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, along an unfolded transverse vertical plane AA. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along an unfolded transverse vertical plane AA of an apparatus for casting an assembled assembly during a casting step, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the changes in temperature T, expressed in °C, and load C, expressed in kN, during the casting step of a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an unfinished case body resulting from a casting step according to an embodiment of the present invention, along an unfolded transverse vertical plane AA. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of one side of the case body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of one side of a small watch case, including the case body, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This invention relates to a case case, more generally referred to as a watch component, and more specifically an external watch component, because the case case belongs to that family of components. In particular, the case case is positioned around or constitutes the perimeter of a watch. The case case thus includes a first part, referred to as the housing, which is oriented inward towards the watch, and particularly towards the space containing the watch movement, and a second part, which is oriented outward, and is particularly intended to be visible from the outside of the watch. Hereafter, the adjectives “inside” and “outside” will be used as defined herein, with respect to the case case, which is considered separately from the watch, in relation to its intended position within the watch.

[0010] In addition, by convention, the adjective “horizontal” is used for any direction located within a horizontal plane, which is defined by the plane of the watch's back cover and / or glass, or, if these elements are not perfectly planar, by the plane tangent to the back and / or glass. This horizontal plane thus corresponds to the plane of the watch. The adjective “vertical” is used to mean a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. These two adjectives, “horizontal” and “vertical,” are also used for watch components considered without the watch, in relation to their predetermined position within the watch. The “height” of a component is considered in relation to the vertical direction.

[0011] In addition, the adjectives "downward" and "upward" are used in relation to the vertical direction; the back cover of a watch is located in the lower part of the watch, and the glass is located in the upper part of the watch. These two adjectives, "downward" and "upward," are also used for watch components that are considered without the watch, in relation to their predetermined position within the watch.

[0012] It should be noted that the expression “material-based” is used to indicate that an element primarily consists of that material, and more particularly, contains at least 50% by weight of that material. In any case, when a particular material is mentioned, it is possible to use alternative embodiments using different materials, based on that particular material, although this is not explicitly repeated. In addition, the simplified expression “part” is sometimes used to refer to watch components and case cases, and even to roughly, almost finished, unfinished case cases. The present invention is described in particular in the context of case cases. As a variation, the present invention may be extended to any external watch component. For this purpose, the component may take the shape of a case case, or the shape of a strap link, or a plate or bridge of a watch movement, as described below.

[0013] The concept of the present invention is to propose a case body in which the structure or unfinished structure is of the "composite" type and includes a specific combination of rigid, openwork or perforated frameworks that form a reinforcing structure, with the openings filled with a second material.

[0014] Figures 1 to 12 illustrate a method for manufacturing a case body 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The same manufacturing method may be used to manufacture any watch part having a composite structure, such as watch parts other than the case body, for example, more generally, parts of a strap, a bezel, a back cover, or parts of a movement such as a blank or a plate.

[0015] The first step of the manufacturing method according to the embodiment consists of manufacturing an unfinished framework 10a including a through-opening 11. Such an unfinished framework is a pierced work and is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. In this first step, the unfinished framework 10a may be machined by conventional means, particularly by material removal. As a variant, the unfinished framework may be produced by 3D printing, casting, or sintering and then optionally reprocessed using machining means, thereby achieving a higher manufacturing precision that cannot be obtained or is extremely difficult to obtain by conventional machining methods by material removal, and particularly enabling the achievement of specific shapes. The framework is unfinished in the sense that it does not have its final shape but includes specific portions that will be corrected later in order to achieve the structure of the final framework 10.

[0016] The framework preferably has a continuous shape that defines a central volume or housing 12 that is arranged around a vertical central axis and is intended to form the internal volume of the case body, particularly intended to receive the watch movement of the watch. Advantageously, the framework is integrally formed to form an integrated assembly.

[0017] The unfinished framework 10a may be based on or made of a metal or metal alloy, particularly including titanium, aluminum, or magnesium, such as steel, gold, platinum, silver, copper, grade 5 titanium, or titanium aluminide. As a variant, the unfinished framework may be based on or made of industrial ceramics, particularly including alumina or zirconia. As another variant, the unfinished framework may include or be based on or made of an organic compound or an inorganic compound.

[0018] Note that the properties of the material selected to form the framework, such as melting temperature and / or hardness and / or ductility and / or yield strength and / or tensile strength, are compatible with the methods described below. For example, these properties may be superior to the properties of the inserts described below to protect the integrity of the framework during the casting step described below.

[0019] As described above, the framework includes through openings. These openings can receive inserts as specified below. Preferably, these openings appear on the outside of the unfinished framework. Advantageously, these openings are through openings or openings, i.e., both ends appear outside the framework or within other openings of the framework. In other words, the openings are through openings as they are not blind holes. Also advantageously, these openings, or holes or gaps, are interconnected. For example, the unfinished framework may have a regular or irregular pierced network structure, particularly of the lattice, TPMS, cellular, cell-like or strut type. The lattice network may particularly include partitions that intersect at randomly or clearly defined intervals. The structure may particularly include the repetition of one or more juxtaposed basic elements that are in contact with each other to form a continuous pierced structure. Advantageously, the through openings do not appear inside the case body to ensure a perfect seal on the surface defining the housing 12 intended to receive the timepiece movement.

[0020] In this embodiment, to protect the integrity of the unfinished frame 10a throughout the manufacturing process, particularly during the compression molding step described below, the unfinished frame 10a includes reinforcing portions 14a, 14b that allow the unfinished frame 10a to strengthen its own structure. The reinforcing portions may take the form of additional thickness, struts, lattice shapes, or any other shape that allows the structure to be strengthened. The reinforcing portions may be directed to absorb the casting forces described below. The reinforcing portions may be permanent or may be removed during steps following the casting step of the method, for example, during a finishing or reworking step. As an example, the unfinished frame 10a shown according to the example of this embodiment includes reinforcing portions that take the form of struts 14b positioned particularly between the corners of the case shell 30, and additional thickness 14a formed particularly on the side surface of the case shell.

[0021] The unfinished frame 10a is advantageously reworked by conventional machining so that a detailed reference can be obtained for subsequent steps. Therefore, the reworked portion 16 is formed by machining on the unfinished frame with high precision. The reworked portion is intended to have a specific function in the casting step and subsequent steps of the manufacturing method described below, and in particular enables the precise orientation and positioning of the unfinished frame 10a during these steps. This results in high dimensional accuracy without defects, particularly during the casting of the insert. In this embodiment, the reworked portion 16 takes the shape of a support 16a, a cylinder 16b, a flat section 16c, and a second support 16d, positioned on the upper side of the case body, i.e., on the side opposite the case back of the future watch, intended to receive the glass.

[0022] Advantageously, the reworked portion 16 also performs the function of reinforcing the unfinished frame 10a. Preferably, the reworked portion may close off one of the sides of the housing 12, thus forming a dead-end housing. These reworked portions are intended to be removed during the finishing steps described below.

[0023] The frame also includes a finished portion 15, which is advantageously machined on the unfinished frame 10a to have precise dimensions, and even more advantageously, finished or final dimensions, the function of which is to form an optimal reference for the steps following casting, particularly during the finishing steps described below. Advantageously, the particular finished portion 15 also forms an internal functional portion of the unfinished frame on the contour of the housing 12, for example, on a surface intended to receive or enclose a watch movement. Such an approach is advantageous because the functional portion requires considerable precision in its construction.

[0024] The manufacturing method according to the embodiment includes a second step of manufacturing several unfinished inserts 20b, which are then intended to be assembled with the unfinished frame 10a described above. There may be any number of unfinished inserts, such as at least two. These inserts are unfinished in the sense that they are in a temporary shape that will be modified by the manufacturing method in order to obtain a case body with the inserts 20 provided.

[0025] Each unfinished insert 20b is intended to be incorporated into the unfinished frame 10a by being positioned in one of the through-openings 11 of the unfinished frame 10a. Therefore, each unfinished insert 20b is manufactured with high precision to complement the corresponding opening 11 of the unfinished frame 10a in which it is intended to be placed. Thus, the unfinished inserts 20b are advantageously not injection-molded, but rather machined or take the shape of preformed elements. Machining of such unfinished inserts 20b may involve, for example, a means of removing material, combined with water jet cutting or laser cutting.

[0026] Each unfinished insert 20b may further be cast and / or machined from a block of the same material, which ensures a structurally and / or aesthetically consistent assembly when the inserts 20 are assembled or cast within the frame 10. This approach allows for the use of materials that are heterogeneous in composition, structure, and / or aesthetic sense, while maintaining unity in the sense of heterogeneity of the inserts 20 associated with the frame 10. The blocks of material used may thus have variations, for example, in structure and / or color. As a variation, all unfinished inserts 20b located on the same side of the case body are machined from a block of the same material. Several separate blocks of material may be used.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the unfinished insert includes, is based on, or consists of a composite material, such as a thermoplastic material, particularly a polymer such as PEKK, PEEK, or PPS. Optionally, the unfinished insert includes a resin substrate containing short or long fibers, particularly glass, carbon, mineral, or organic fibers, or industrial ceramic powder, particularly based on alumina or zirconia, or pigments of luminescent materials. These fibers may be oriented to promote mechanical strength in a favorable direction when the insert 20 is assembled with the frame 10, and / or to maintain consistency of any pattern of the composite material. For example, the fibers may be oriented longitudinally with respect to the sides of the case body. In addition, these fibers may exhibit a volume ratio of about 60%, among other things.

[0028] In addition, depending on the embodiment, the unfinished insert 20b may have additional thickness or excess material on its external parts. The excess material may be used in the compression molding step described below. Advantageously, the excess material may be shared or aggregated among several inserts, for example, so that there is only one element filling multiple through-openings 11. In other words, the unfinished inserts 20b may be independent of each other or connected by excess material.

[0029] In embodiments where excess material is shared or aggregated among several inserts, the excess also contributes to maintaining structural and / or aesthetic consistency among the various inserts assembled to the unfinished frame 10a, which is particularly advantageous for, for example, an unfinished insert 20b made of composite material.

[0030] In the proposed solution, some or all of the unfinished inserts 20b positioned on each side of the case body are each supported by a single element thanks to their own excess material.

[0031] The manufacturing method then carries out a third step in which the unfinished inserts 20b are assembled with the unfinished frame 10a to form an assembled assembly 30b. Figures 4 to 7 show such an assembled assembly 30b, thus an assembled case body 30b, forming a temporary assembly prepared for the subsequent casting step, which will be described below. Thanks to the precise manufacturing described above, each unfinished insert 20b is cast and / or machined with high precision so that it can be assembled and fitted into its respective through-opening 11 with minimal play.

[0032] In addition, according to this embodiment, the protective element 60 is assembled to the unfinished frame 10a so as to close the opening side, which is the lower side of the housing 12, opposite to the side that is closed by the reworked portion 16. Such a protective element 60 makes it possible to obtain a completely closed and sealed inner housing 12 and to protect the integrity of the inner surface portion of the assembled assembly, in particular the finished portion 15.

[0033] Of course, the unfinished frame 10a and the assembled assembly 30b may take several different shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the housing 12 separated by the assembled assembly may have several through-openings that pass through the assembled assembly 30b for the purpose of introducing control buttons such as push buttons and crowns on the final watch, for example. More generally, if the housing 12 includes through-openings in several places, several protective elements 60 may be assembled with the assembled assembly 30 to seal and close the housing 12 by closing all of these through-openings.

[0034] During this process, the protective element 60 may be removably assembled to the unfinished frame 10a. In addition, to ensure optimal sealing, a seal 61, particularly made of copper-containing material, may be placed at the interface between the protective element 60 and the unfinished frame 10a. Once assembled, the protective element 60 may, advantageously, help further harden the unfinished frame 10a to withstand the pressure generated during the casting step.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the protective element 60 may take the form of a plug made of a copper-containing material, particularly brass. The protective element may be assembled by any means. For example, the protective element may be screwed into a female thread 12a of an unfinished frame 10a, for example, a female thread provided for attaching the case back 40 of a future watch. For this purpose, a housing 12b may be provided at the same height as such a female thread 12a to accommodate the seal 61. The plug may include a recess 62 so that it can be easily screwed into or removed from the unfinished frame 10a with a suitable tool.

[0036] The manufacturing method then includes a fourth step of casting the assembled assembly 30b in a mold to obtain a cast case body. Such a step includes welding at least two unfinished inserts 20b to each other and final positioning of the inserts to form a connected and inseparable structure within the frame. This step thus enables the unfinished inserts 20b to be firmly connected to the unfinished frame 10a. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the implementation of the fourth step. It should be noted that “final positioning” means positioning that is particularly aimed at eliminating play between the inserts and the through-openings 11 in the frame. The “welding” between the aforementioned at least two unfinished inserts 20b ultimately ensures the continuity of the assembled material. The welding is achieved by heating and melting the material, in particular, at least locally. In other words, the assembly method enables the parts to be firmly connected or joined to each other.

[0037] In this step, the assembled case body 30b is positioned between the support plate 210 and the compression plate 220 in the mold 201 of the compression molding apparatus 200. Therefore, the mold 201 has a cavity 202 that is intended to receive the assembled case body 30b. This cavity may be located within the support plate 210 and / or the compression plate 220 of the compression molding apparatus 200.

[0038] Advantageously, the mold 201 includes a reworked portion 16 of the unfinished frame 10a and complementary references 203 to enable precise and accurate oriented positioning of the unfinished frame 10a, and therefore of the assembled assembly 30b, i.e., the assembled case body. More specifically, the mold 201 includes reworked portions 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d of the unfinished frame 10a and complementary references 203a, 203b, 203c, and 203d, respectively.

[0039] The mold 201 is also advantageously designed to guide or facilitate the flow of the unfinished insert 20b in the direction in which the unfinished insert is inserted into the through-opening 11 during the casting step. For this purpose, the mold 201 may include an inclined surface 204 that allows the direction of the force supplied by the compression plate 220 to be redirected in the direction of insertion of the unfinished insert 20b.

[0040] Advantageously, the mold 201 includes a draft angle that facilitates the removal of the case body from the mold. In addition, the mold 201 may include an ejector or at least an opening 240 intended to receive an ejector to facilitate the removal of the case body from the mold 201. Finally, the mold 201 may include a flush groove or a vent. The flush groove allows for the discharge of excess material (flush) and / or ventilation of trapped air or gas. The aforementioned opening 240 may also be used for air or gas ventilation.

[0041] In addition, the filling elements 205 may be assembled within the mold 201 to fill the gap between the wall of the mold cavity 202 and the assembled assembly 30b. Such filling elements 205 may also assist in guiding the flow of the unfinished insert 20b toward its opening 11. The filling elements may also be used as material reservoirs for the compression molding step. Preferably, these filling elements 205 are made of the same material as the unfinished insert 20b. Also preferably, the filling elements 205 are machined from a block of the same material as the unfinished insert 20b. Alternatively, the filling elements 205 may be made of a metallic material and designed to move relative to the unfinished insert 20b when the mold is pressurized.

[0042] As a further alternative, the gap between the wall of the cavity 202 of the mold 201 and the assembled assembly 30b may be filled with material supplied by the injection molding apparatus, which simultaneously allows the mold to be pressurized to firmly connect the unfinished insert 20b to the unfinished frame 10a. In this way, the pressure supplied by the injection of material, rather than the movement of the compression plate 220, compresses the unfinished insert against the unfinished frame. Of course, the mold must be adapted to allow such embodiments. Preferably, the injection material is of the same type as the unfinished insert.

[0043] According to the embodiment shown, the assembled assembly 30b is placed in the mold 201 with its upper side facing the bottom 203d of the cavity 202. The mold 201 is designed to be pressed against the bottom 203d of the mold cavity so that the reworked portion 16d of the unfinished frame 10a forms a sealed interface that prevents the unfinished insert 20b from flowing beyond the various reworked portions 16 and / or finished portions 15 due to the pressure exerted during casting. Generally, the interaction between the mold 201 and the assembled assembly 30b, more specifically the unfinished frame 10a, is designed so that the flow of insert 20b does not contaminate the reworked portions 16 during the casting step.

[0044] The inclined surfaces 204 that form the upper walls of the mold cavity 202 also include a draft angle of 30° in the insertion direction of the assembled assembly 30b and with respect to the direction of motion of the compression plate 220. These draft angles of the inclined surfaces 204 are also used, as described above, to reorient the force of the compression plate 220 in the direction of insertion of the unfinished insert 20b into the through-opening 11. In other words, the force of the compression plate 220 is reoriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of the compression plate 220.

[0045] The filling element 205 is positioned on the perimeter of the assembled case body in a plane perpendicular to the direction of motion of the compression plate 220.

[0046] Preferably, the compression molding apparatus 200 is provided with at least one heating and cooling system 230. Heat injection allows the unfinished insert 20b to melt in order to allow the unfinished insert to flow during the casting and compression steps. Preferably, the system is controlled to allow the temperature to be adjusted during pressurization and during heating and cooling of the mold 201. This allows for better control of the filling of the through-openings in the unfinished frame 10a, as well as the flow and firm connection of the insert.

[0047] Figure 9 more specifically illustrates possible substeps of the fourth step of casting the assembled assembly, in the case of an insert made of carbon fiber-reinforced PEKK thermoplastic material and an unfinished frame 10a made of Grade 5 titanium or titanium aluminide. These substeps may be as follows: a. The temperature of the mold 201 is increased at a predetermined gradient, for example, 10°C / min, until it reaches a temperature setpoint T, for example, 360°C. b. To ensure that the temperature of the mold and the assembled case body 30b is uniform, the temperature of the mold 201 is maintained at a temperature setpoint T for a predetermined period, for example, 900 seconds. c. The mold 201 is pressurized with a predetermined load C, for example 25 kN, which is preferably maintained until the end of the following cooling substep. d. The mold 201 is cooled at a predetermined gradient, for example, 10°C / min, until it reaches a temperature setpoint T, for example, 130°C. Subsequently, the fourth step includes the following substeps: e. Demold the cast case body 30a. f. The cast case body 30a is cooled to ambient temperature.

[0048] According to an example of the embodiment, the insert material is preferably a PEKK thermoplastic that provides a high melting temperature of more than 270°C, even more than 300°C, and even up to 360°C. Thus, an optimal flow of the insert material is obtained during the method. The temperature setpoint of the casting step is preferably equal to the melting temperature of the material, even more than 10°C or 20°C, or even 30°C lower than the melting temperature. Advantageously, the material is filled with carbon fibers, referred to as long fibers, oriented longitudinally to the sides of the case body.

[0049] Advantageously, each through-opening 11 of the unfinished frame 10a is intended to receive an unfinished insert 20b. Thanks to the manufacturing process described in the first step above, these unfinished inserts 20b are inserted into the openings with minimal play. The casting step described above allows the insert material to flow. Since these openings are through-openings and are connected to one another, during the flow, the material of at least two inserts comes into contact, thereby allowing these unfinished inserts 20b to weld to one another within the unfinished frame 10a. In other words, the two through-openings 11, each containing at least two unfinished inserts 20b, are non-stop openings, with their respective ends connected to one another, allowing the two respective unfinished inserts 20b to be firmly connected.

[0050] More generally, compression molding allows the unfinished inserts 20b to be melted, or at least malleable, at least superficially or locally, in order to firmly connect or weld the unfinished inserts to one another within the unfinished frame 10a. In this step, the assembled assembly is heated and then pressurized. As it flows, the inserts also fill the gaps and adhere to the unfinished frame 10a.

[0051] It should be noted that a solid connection or weld may occur by surface or localized melting at least on the contact surfaces between at least two incomplete inserts 20b. A solid connection or weld may also occur by its complete or substantially complete melting. "Solid connection" means a permanent, definitive, inseparable, and irreversible assembly between at least two parts. A solid connection is achieved without the need for additional parts and without the addition of any materials such as adhesive or brazing materials.

[0052] The robust connection or welding of the unfinished inserts 20b joined to each other within the through-opening 11 results in a robust, connected, non-disassemblable, or inseparable assembly, which is particularly resistant to environmental pressures and various unexpected shocks that the future watch may experience while being worn.

[0053] In addition, the various through-openings 11 of the unfinished frame 10a appear, advantageously, both outward and inward. Furthermore, also advantageously, to ensure a completely sealed casing, the through-openings 11 of the unfinished frame 10a do not appear inside the housing 12 of the unfinished frame 10a. As a result, the insert material cannot flow into the housing 12 through the openwork structure of the unfinished frame 10a.

[0054] In this embodiment, to seal the housing 12 of the assembled assembly, one or more protective elements 60 are advantageously assembled within the unfinished frame 10a as described above, which allows the flow of the unfinished insert 20b to prevent contamination of the finished portion 15 and the reworked portion 16.

[0055] According to one modified embodiment, the mold 201 may be adapted to allow simultaneous casting of several watch components.

[0056] The manufacturing method then includes a fifth finishing step, which enables achieving the final dimensions and finish of the watch component, which in this embodiment is the case body, by forming a cast assembly 30a, which includes an unfinished frame 10a and a cast insert 20a, after demolding the assembled assembly. In this step, the reworked portion 16 is modified or removed, while the finished portion 15 remains unchanged. This step is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11.

[0057] In this step, the shape of the case body may be reworked by conventional machining means such as material removal. By using a predetermined reworked portion 16, excess thickness and material present particularly on the sides and bottom of the case body are removed with optimal precision. In this step, the finishing portion 15 is used for precise machining of the reworked portion 16. Depending on the embodiment, the finishing portion 15 is used to remove the reworked portion 16 by machining the deposit 13a and flange 13b, which are particularly intended to be fitted with a seal 51, as shown in Figure 12, which shows the final watch component.

[0058] Since the reworked portion 16 and the finished portion 15 are anticipated and protected during the casting step, the integrity of both is maintained, ensuring that the reworked cast assembly 30a has optimal accuracy, which is not compromised by potential dimensional inaccuracies that occur during the casting step. This accuracy is particularly advantageous in that it ensures that the thickness of the protected portion 11a, which will be described in detail below, is uniform around the insert 20 of the final composite case body 30.

[0059] More specifically, the reworked section 16 allows for the reworking of the cast assembly 30a, in particular by removing excess material resulting from the cast insert 20a and certain reinforcing sections 14a, 14b. Advantageously, the reworked section 16 allows for optimal positioning and orientation of the cast case body 30a during the finishing step.

[0060] The finishing portion 15 then allows for machining of the functional portions 13a and 13b of the case body while removing the reworked portion 16, which, according to this example of the embodiment, allows for the assembly of the glass 50 onto the case body in particular. The housing 12 then appears in an upper portion in addition to the lower portion after the removal of the protective elements or multiple elements 60.

[0061] The rework performed in the first step allows for machining of part or all of the housing 12 of the case body intended to enclose the movement. In this embodiment, the first step includes machining from the lower side intended to include the case back 40. The female threads 12a and the housing 12b for receiving the seal are machined in particular to allow for the sealed mounting of the screw-in case back 40.

[0062] The present invention also relates to the watch components themselves obtained from the above-described manufacturing method, more specifically to the watch case body. Figure 12 shows a case body 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Generally, the watch case body according to this embodiment includes a frame 10 that forms a reinforcing structure of the case body, the frame including through openings that define a central housing 12, and the frame 10 forms at least one device 12a, 13a, 13b for attaching the case back 40 and / or glass 50 and / or bezel and / or control member and / or strap. The case body further includes at least two inserts 20 welded to each other to form at least one continuous assembly through at least two through openings in the frame, in order to form at least one connecting structure including the frame 10, and at least one of the two inserts 20 forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the case body 30.

[0064] The case body has a conventional, generally annular shape that defines a central volume or housing 12 intended to house the watch movement. The frame 10 is designed in particular to define the housing 12 and to allow for precise encasing or casing of the watch movement. In other words, the housing 12 of the frame 10 is manufactured to allow for precise mounting and fitting of the movement therein. The frame 10 may include a surface that receives the movement at its interface with the housing 12.

[0065] The housing 12 is also designed to provide a casing that allows for optimal sealing. To this end, the frame 10 defines housings 12b, 13a of seals 41, 51 at the interface between the frame 10 and components of the small watch case 100, such as the glass, back cover, or watch case. Each housing 12b, 13a may be machined onto the frame 10 and / or onto adjacent components of the case associated with the frame.

[0066] According to an example of the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the case back 40 is screwed into the female thread 12a of the frame 10, and the seal 41 is installed in the housing 12b located at the interface between the case back 40 and the frame 10. In addition, the glass 50 is pressed onto the deposit 13a of the frame 10, and the seal 51 is similarly installed at the interface between the glass 50 and the frame 10. This embodiment makes it possible to form a sealed housing 12 intended to receive the movement. Preferably, the seal is received within the housing in the frame 10 to benefit from a high-quality surface finish and thus ensure optimal sealing.

[0067] The framework 10 of the case body 30 forms part of the external surface of the case body, particularly at the ends or chamfers located on the sides of the case body, corners, and flanges. All or part of the external surface of the case body, particularly the visible surface, may be finished with a high-quality finish, in accordance with a finish selected for the rest of the case body, particularly polished or satin finish.

[0068] The framework preferably includes at least one protective end positioned on the visible outer end of the insert. Specifically, the protective portion 11a is preferably positioned on the outer surface and is used to protect the insert 20 from external environments that could abrade or damage the outer surface or end of the insert 20, particularly from impact or friction, which may be made of a material less hard than the framework 10. These protective portions 11a form reinforced areas in high-load or heavily exposed locations. For this reason, it is advantageous to design the framework from a material having higher yield strength, hardness or ductility than the insert, in particular. The protective portion 11a may take the form of a surface, end, or chamfer that completely or partially encloses the visible end of the insert 20.

[0069] Advantageously, the frame includes through-openings 11 which are entirely filled with inserts, and each insert is welded or joined to at least one other insert and optionally to the frame in order to form at least one continuous assembly of the insert material within the frame and to form at least one inseparable connecting structure including the insert 20 and the frame 10.

[0070] The present invention also relates to a watch including the case body 30 described above. The watch may include a glass 50 fastened to the frame 10 of the case body 30, and / or a case back 40 fastened to the frame 10 of the case body 30, and / or a bezel fastened to the frame of the case body, and / or control members such as push buttons or crowns fastened to the frame of the case body, and / or a strap fastened to the frame of the case body.

[0071] Finally, the solution proposed by the present invention has the following advantages. - This allows for achieving extremely high mechanical strength while significantly reducing the mass of the case body, and therefore the mass of smaller cases. The most vulnerable parts, formed by the inserts, are protected by the frame. - The case body allows for a very precise fit to encase the watch movement, providing optimal protection for the movement against external environmental factors such as dust, moisture, water ingress, and shocks. - The selection of materials allows for multiple aesthetic possibilities while also meeting mechanical requirements. - The framework may have a complex openwork structure, and the method ensures the presence of inserts within the complex and deep shapes. - The case body may have a very precise final shape. In summary, the present invention makes it possible to combine two primary objectives of components, particularly external watch components, which have not been achieved before. The present invention makes it possible to obtain components that are both aesthetically pleasing and lightweight, as well as mechanically robust.

[0072] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the specific shape of the frame described above. Advanced design methods, such as numerical simulation and topology optimization (with or without the assistance of artificial intelligence models and / or machine learning models), can be advantageously used to define and dimension the frame 10. Such methods allow the materials of the frame to be distributed only where necessary to perform the required function, particularly to withstand mechanical stress, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the overall mass of the components without compromising mechanical strength.

[0073] Furthermore, the concept of a two-part composite architecture can be implemented in only a portion of the volume of the watch components, that is, not necessarily in the entire volume.

[0074] As described above, the present invention is particularly suitable for all components, especially all watch components, and especially all external components. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 10. Framework 11 Through-opening 11a Protected part 12 Internal enclosure 12a equipment 12b Housing 13a equipment 13b Equipment 14a Reinforcement section 14b Reinforcement part 20 inserts 30 Case Body 40 Case back 50 Glass

Claims

1. A watch case body (30), the case body (30) includes a frame (10) that forms a reinforcing structure of the case body (30), the frame (10) includes through openings (11), the frame separates an internal housing (12), the frame forms at least one mounting device for a case back and / or glass and / or bezel and / or control member and / or strap, the case body (30) includes at least two inserts (20) that are welded to each other to form at least one continuous assembly through at least two through openings (11) of the frame (10) to form a connecting structure including at least two inserts (20) and the frame (10), at least one of the two inserts (20) forms at least a portion of the visible outer surface of the case body (30). Watch case.

2. The frame (10) forms an integrally formed assembly. The watch case body according to claim 1.

3. The framework (10) includes, in particular, a regular or irregular openwork network of lattice, TPMS, cytoplasmic, cellular, or prism type. The watch case body according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The through-opening (11) of the frame (10) is located on the outside of the case body (30) and, in order to contribute to the sealing of the internal housing (12), at the interface with the internal housing (12), it does not appear on the inside of the case body (30) and communicates with each other. A watch case body according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The frame (10) includes reinforcing portions (14), such as additional thickness, supports, or grids, which are positioned particularly between the corners and / or on the sides of the case body, in order to protect its integrity during compression molding. A watch case according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The frame (10) includes an internal surface for receiving the watch movement, which is designed to separate the internal housing (12) and allow for the encasing or casing of the watch movement. A watch case body according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The frame (10) includes at least one portion that forms at least one mounting device (12a, 13a, 13b) for the case back and / or glass and / or bezel and / or control member and / or strap, and includes housings (12b, 13a) that provide a seal capable of sealing the internal housing (12) after the case back (40) and glass (50) are mounted at the interface with components such as the glass (50), case back (40), or watch case. A watch case body according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The frame (10) forms part of the outer surface of the case body (30), particularly the ends or chamfers located on the sides of the case body, the corners, and / or flanges. A watch case according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The frame (10) includes, or is based on, or is made of, metals or metal alloys, particularly steel, gold, platinum, silver, copper, titanium such as Grade 5 titanium or titanium aluminide, aluminum, or magnesium, or industrial ceramics, or is based on, or is made of, metals or metal alloys, or is particularly based on, alumina or zirconia, or is made of, or is made of, industrial ceramics, or is made of, or is made of, organic or inorganic compounds, or is based on, or is made of, organic or inorganic compounds A watch case body according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The frame (10) includes through openings (11) filled with inserts (20), and the inserts (20) are all welded to each other and optionally to the frame in order to form a continuous assembly, forming an inseparable connecting structure including the inserts (20) and the frame (10). A watch case body according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The insert (20) includes, or is based on, or consists of, a composite material, such as a polymer, particularly PEKK, which optionally contains short or long fibers, particularly glass, carbon, mineral or organic fibers, or industrial ceramic powder, particularly alumina or zirconia, particularly fibers oriented longitudinally to the side surface of the case body, embedded within a resin substrate. A watch case body according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The material of the frame (10) has a higher yield strength and / or hardness and / or ductility and / or tensile strength and / or melting temperature than the material of at least one insert (20). A watch case body according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The insert (20) includes at least one protective end (11a) positioned on the visible outer end, A watch case according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A clock, comprising a case body (30) as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The watch includes a glass (50) fastened to the frame (10) of the case body (30), and / or a case back (40) fastened to the frame (10) of the case body (30), and / or a bezel fastened to the frame (10) of the case body (30), and / or a control member such as a push button or crown fastened to the frame (10) of the case body (30), and / or a strap fastened to the frame (10) of the case body (30), The clock according to claim 14.

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