Element of an outer part for a timepiece or jewellery and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide an external component element for a timepiece or a jewel made of a material with excellent mechanical resistance and aesthetics.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an external component element or component for a timepiece or a jewel made of a fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composite material, where the external component element or component comprises, on at least one of faces (2) thereof, at least one cavity (4) where an insert (6) made of metallic glass is housed. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such an external component element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an element of an outer part for a timepiece or an article of jewelry. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an element of an outer part such as [Background technology]

[0002] Exterior parts for timepieces or jewellery such as backs, middles, bezels and bracelet links Many methods have already been proposed for manufacturing the components of a part. Among these, composite materials obtained by dispersing fibers in a polymer matrix are used to There are methods for manufacturing the outer component elements. Examples of such composite materials are carbon fiber and polycarbonate. Some are dispersed in a polymer matrix, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (Carbon Fiber R Also known as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP).

[0003] An element of an outer part for a timepiece or piece of jewellery made from composite material, which, in use, There are two major drawbacks: low mechanical resistance to external attacks and low brightness. It has been confirmed that carbon fibers are often affected by major issues. The polymer matrix is ​​known to be relatively soft and easily damaged. Therefore, the technique of creating decorations and reliefs using such composite materials is expected to have a long lifespan. It is known that carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix type The outer part elements obtained using this composite material have a matte appearance and therefore a high-quality appearance. For the external parts of a watch (e.g., wristwatch, pocket watch), elements of such external parts are used. It is hard to imagine that there are.

[0004] Alternative methods have already been proposed to remedy these problems. The key components of external parts that are subject to a great deal of external attack, such as control mechanisms and push parts of the type Metals and ceramic materials are used to make the matrix. Recently, ceramic reinforcement materials and metal reinforced composite materials have also been used. Using a composite material commonly called cermet, which is composed of an attribute matrix, It has also been proposed to make elements of outer parts for timepieces or jewellery.

[0005] Composite materials containing metal matrix and fiber, ceramic reinforced composite materials Thanks to its use, progress has been made in terms of the mechanical resistance of the elements of the outer parts, The resulting exterior part element is comparable to that of watches and jewellery in terms of the mechanical resistance of its decoration or relief. In fact, these exterior parts do not yet fully meet the requirements in the field of decorative arts. The technique usually used to create decorations and reliefs on elements is physical vapor deposition (PVD). This method combines electroforming and ionization, and only very thin layers can be obtained. Although the metallic thin layer has a glossy appearance, it is very thin and The thin layer does not have high mechanical resistance to friction and wear.

[0006] For example, European Patent Application EP2315673A1 describes a method for decorating the bezel of a watch. Another technology has been proposed. Briefly, this technology is based on ceramics, etc. A recess is formed on the surface of the bezel, which is made of a material that can receive time indexes and the like. An annular flange made of amorphous metal is then deposited onto the face of the bezel. The amorphous metal flange is then heated to a temperature above its glass transition temperature Tg. Then, apply pressure so that the amorphous metal fills the recesses. Cool and remove excess material.

[0007] This technology allows for the creation of a solid decoration that is resistant to mechanical stress and wear, making it ideal for timepieces. However, this technology does not provide an amorphous metal flange. The excess amorphous gold on the surface of the outer element is then removed by heating, applying pressure, and cooling. This requires genera to be removed, which is time consuming and expensive to perform. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention is particularly relevant in the field of wristwatches or jewelry, where mechanical resistance and aesthetics are of particular concern. for timepieces or jewellery made from materials that fully meet the required requirements The above and other problems are ameliorated by providing an outer component element. The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing such an outer part element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In view of this situation, the present invention provides a fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite material. Regarding the elements or components of the outer part for the timepiece or jewelry made, The element or component of the part shall have at least one of its surfaces coated with metallic glass. There is at least one cavity that accommodates the formed insert.

[0010] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the polymer used to form the matrix The material may be thermoplastic or thermosetting.

[0011] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the polymeric material is polyetheretherketone Polyethylene (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyamide-imide (P AI).

[0012] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the fibers reinforcing the polymer matrix is selected from the group consisting of glass fiber, carbon fiber, and aramid fiber.

[0013] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the metallic material used to make the insert The glass is of the bulk metallic glass type (BMG).

[0014] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the metallic glass used in the insert contains zirconium or platinum.

[0015] In a more particular embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned adhesive used to make the insert is Metallic glasses contain, apart from unavoidable impurities, zirconium, copper, titanium, nickel, and aluminum. It is derived from an alloy of aluminum, niobium, and titanium.

[0016] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the metal used to make the insert The attribute glass contains zirconium, copper, titanium, nickel, aluminum and niobium by weight. %, 60≦Zr≦75, 10≦Cu≦20, 0≦Ti≦6, 7≦Ni≦15, 0≦Al ≦8, including amounts of 0≦Nb≦6.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, the metal gas used to make the insert The lath is made of alloy V with the composition Zr70Cu13Ni9.9Al3.65Nb3.4 in weight percent. it106a, or composition Zr65.7Cu15.6Ni11.7Al3.7Ti3.3 The alloy is Vit105.

[0018] In a more particular embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned adhesive used to make the insert is Metallic glasses are derived from alloys of platinum, copper, nickel and phosphorus, excluding unavoidable impurities. do.

[0019] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the metal used to make the insert The attribute glass contains platinum, copper, nickel and phosphorus in weight percent, with 80≦Pt≦90 and 5≦Cu. Contains amounts of ≦10, 1≦Ni≦3, 4≦P≦7.

[0020] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the metal used to make the insert The attribute glass has the composition, by weight, of Pt85Cu7Ni2.3P5.7.

[0021] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the metal used to make the insert The attribute glass has a glass transition temperature of 350°C or less.

[0022] In another particular embodiment of the invention, said outer part for a timepiece or piece of jewelry has a backing The parts are the centerpiece, middle part, bezel, bracelet links, or clasp.

[0023] The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing an element or component of an outer part for a timepiece or jewelry. Regarding the method of manufacturing making the outer component elements using a fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite material; At least one of the surfaces of the element or component of the outer part is machined to form at least one forming two voids; heating the metallic glass to its melting point; A step of injecting and filling the at least one void with metallic glass to form an insert. Top and and a step of performing finishing work as required.

[0024] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the recess is formed by milling.

[0025] In another particular embodiment of the invention, the finishing operation comprises removing excess material, polishing, and / or involving trimming of said insert.

[0026] Thanks to these features, the invention allows the use of time indexes, numbers, logos and other technical A timepiece or clock, covered on the outside with one or more inserts, such as symbolic or decorative markings It can provide the outer component of a piece of jewelry. Such inserts are in the form of solid blocks and are therefore resistant to friction and wear. Such inserts are also suitable for watches and jewelry. It has an appearance that meets the aesthetic requirements in the field. The thickness of the insert allows for a wide range of finishing operations, Thus, it is possible to give a metallic luster. Made in a single process, glass injection, which significantly reduces time and costs This allows for excellent manufacturing precision. For practical purposes, for the purposes of this specification, a "metallic glass" is defined as a glass that is at least partially amorphous. It is said that it can be solidified in a fast state, that is, in a state where it does not have a regular atomic arrangement. Metallic glasses are a category of metal alloys that have the specific characteristics of , simple cubic structures, body-centered or face-centered structures, hexagonal structures, and variations of these structures. This is clearly distinct from traditional metals, which crystallize according to a textured structure. Such metallic glasses are generally composed of elements that are dimensionally incompatible with one another, resulting in a given The solidification rate is determined by the cooling rate, and is slow enough to obtain a disordered solid crystal structure. By doing so, the property of solidifying in an amorphous state is obtained. The behavior of this group of materials can be observed in injection molding and thermal This allows for applications similar to those of polymeric materials, such as cold processing. In particular, it has high corrosion resistance, high hardness, and elasticity to reduce internal mechanical loss. This has the advantage of being flexible.

[0027] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments. This example is given purely for illustrative purposes and is not limiting. . [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view of a bezel for a portable timepiece according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The invention has mechanical and aesthetic features that meet the requirements in the field of wristwatches. Inventive concepts involving providing elements of exterior parts for timepieces or jewelry, such as To this end, the present invention is based on the idea that fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites are used. and forming an element of the outer part as described above, and then forming at least one A decorative or functional insert made of metallic glass is inserted by forming a cavity. The present invention teaches that the fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite material is used to accommodate the void. Thanks to this, the outer part element according to the invention is perfectly suited for timekeeping applications. It has the resistance to mechanical wear and aesthetic characteristics of metallic glass. The inserts to be used are solid and have sufficient thickness to withstand external mechanical attacks. Also, such inserts are thicker and therefore more durable for finishing work. This allows for maximum brightness and brilliance. The cert is made in a single injection step, which saves significant time and allows for superior manufacturing Precision can be achieved.

[0030] The entire bezel is assigned the reference number 1, and the bezel 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an element of an outer part for a timepiece according to the present invention. Other exterior components such as threat links and clasps are also contemplated.

[0031] According to the present invention, the bezel 1 is made using a fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite material. In an illustrative example, the polymeric material used to form the matrix is ​​a thermoplastic The polymer material is preferably a thermosetting or thermosetting material, but is not limited thereto. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoro Ethylene (polytetrafluoroethylene: PTFE) and polyamide-imide (polyamide-i The matrix is ​​preferably selected from the group consisting of glass fibers. , carbon fiber, and aramid fiber. For such a bezel 1, a plate of composite material having the required thickness is individually can give signs.

[0032] For example, the SPIDE TP tie developed by CETIM, a technical center for the French mechanical industry. The filament winding method of the present invention is used to fabricate the elements of the outer part, such as the bezel 1 of the present invention. In simple terms, the filament winding method creates a cylindrical shape. The fibers pre-impregnated with the polymer material are placed on a tube-like form having a cross section that forms a At the same time, the polymer pre-impregnated These fibers are arranged in a mold according to a predetermined number of layers and according to an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the mold. At the same time, these fibers are heated enough to melt the impregnated polymer. The metal is heated to a temperature high enough to cut the contours and pressed against a die. The part obtained by the above process is selected depending on the subsequent use of the part. The pieces are then machined in the traditional way using lathes and milling machines to achieve the final dimensions.

[0033] In the present invention, a cylindrical tube having an inner diameter of about 30 mm and an outer diameter of about 45 mm is typically used. The bezel 1 is obtained by cutting the outline of the cylindrical ring. The shell is usually about 5 to 25 m in diameter and is made of polyetheretherketone, which has a melting point of 341°C. It is obtained by winding carbon fibers impregnated with polyether ether ketone (PEEK). In order to obtain the desired tubular profile for obtaining the bezel 1 according to the invention, it is preferable to The carbon fiber is wound perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the shaped profile at an angle of 90°. Obtained by doing so.

[0034] In particular, the material having a tubular profile used to make the bezel 1 is typically ±1 35% by weight PEEK polymer and 65% by weight carbon fiber (25-45% PEEK polymer and 55-75% carbon fiber). The outer part elements obtained from the shell contain a high content of carbon fiber, which allows the The conductivity is greatly improved, allowing the heat introduced during the metallic glass injection to be quickly dissipated. As a result, the temperature at which the metallic glass is injected is Although the temperature is higher than the melting point of the crystal, the bezel does not decompose or distort. The reduced thickness of the injected insert, combined with the good thermal conductivity of the mold and the composite material, This allows for a significant reduction in the time the polymer is exposed to temperatures above its melting point. It is also noteworthy that special additional measures are required to prevent degradation of the polymer. It is not necessary to perform this during brief contact with metallic glass. Visible parts of the composite that may be damaged during surface finishing operations after removal from the mold are then removed.

[0035] The bezel 1 has one or more grooves on its top surface 2, typically formed by milling. Voids 4 are formed. According to the invention, these voids 4 are made of a metallic glass type material. These inserts are filled with a material to form the inserts 6. As shown in FIG. Insert 6 represents numbers and indices shaped like triangles and circles. Preferably, these voids 4 are formed so that the insert 6 has excellent mechanical strength. To ensure that the undercut angle α is 5 to 10°,

[0036] The metallic glass used to make the insert 6 is a bulk metallic glass. Preferably, the metallic glass is of the Zirconia alloy glass (BMG) type. For example, except for unavoidable impurities, it does not contain zirconium, copper, titanium, nickel, An alloy containing titanium, aluminum, or niobium can be used. The metallic glasses used to make the glass contain these materials in the following weight percent range: 60≦Zr≦70 5, 10≦Cu≦20, 0≦Ti≦6, 7≦Ni≦15, 0≦Al≦8, 0≦Nb≦6 Quantity included.

[0037] Examples of zirconium-containing metallic glasses suitable for the needs of the present invention include, by weight, Zr Alloy Vit106a with a composition of 70Cu13Ni9.9Al3.65Nb3.4, and weight percent The composition of Zr65.7Cu15.6Ni11.7Al3.7Ti3.3 is Vit105 Examples include:

[0038] Also, the metallic glass used to make the insert 6 is platinum-based. For example, platinum, copper, nickel, aluminum, lithium, etc. can be used, excluding unavoidable impurities. According to one embodiment, alloys containing fluorine can be used to make the insert. The metallic glass to be used contains these materials in weight percent: Includes amounts of 80≦Pt≦90, 5≦Cu≦10, 1≦Ni≦3, 4≦P≦7.

[0039] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the metallic glass used to make the insert The composition, in weight percent, is given by Pt85Cu7Ni2.3P5.7.

[0040] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the metallic glass used to make the insert The glass has a glass transition temperature of 350°C or less.

[0041] According to the present invention, to form the insert 6, metallic glass is injected into the cavity. For this purpose, a metallic glass ingot is prepared and placed in the melting chamber. After the metallic glass ingot is melted, the metallic glass is heated to a temperature above its melting point. The glass is poured into a mold in which the bezel 1 is placed. The bezel 1 is configured to fill the void 4 in the bezel 1. The injection of metallic glass into the cavity is effected by a piston or by gas pressure. This can be done by mechanical pressure. The recess 4 is preferably formed between the bezel 1 and the insert. The metallic glass has a slight excess thickness to provide an optimal link between the It is filled as follows.

[0042] After the metallic glass has cooled, the bezel 1 is removed from the mold and the excess material is removed, ground, and and / or may undergo finishing operations such as mechanical or chemical polishing. If there are any burrs, remove them by trimming.

[0043] Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein but is defined by the appended claims. Various modifications and simple modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein. Variations are conceivable. In particular, within the scope of the present invention, metallic glasses can be melted and then melted. It was found that it was necessary to temporarily heat the solution to a temperature where it could be injected using an injection device. do. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1 bezel 2 Top side 4 Hollow part 6 Inserts

Claims

1. An element or component of an outer part for a timepiece or jewelry made using a fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite material obtained by dispersing fibers in a polymer matrix, The device comprises at least one cavity (4) formed in at least one of the surfaces (2) for pouring a molten metallic glass therein, and an insert (6) in the form of a solid block in which the molten metallic glass solidifies within the cavity (4), The fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite material contains 65% carbon fibers within a range of ±10% as the fibers, and is configured so that heat diffuses through at least the carbon fibers, so that the element or component of the external part does not deform even when the metallic glass, which melts at a temperature higher than the melting point of the polymer material forming the polymer matrix, is injected into the void (4).

2. The polymeric material used to form the matrix is ​​thermoplastic or thermosetting. An element or component of an exterior part according to claim 1 .

3. The polymer material is selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyamideimide (PAI). An element or component of an exterior part according to claim 2.

4. The metallic glass used to make the insert is of the bulk metallic glass (BMG) type. An element or component of an outer part according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3.

5. The metallic glass used in the insert contains zirconium or platinum. An element or component of an exterior part according to claim 4.

6. The metallic glass used to make the insert is derived from an alloy of zirconium, copper, nickel, aluminum, niobium, and / or titanium, excluding unavoidable impurities. An element or component of an outer part according to claim 5.

7. The metallic glass used to make the insert contains zirconium, copper, titanium, nickel, aluminum, and niobium in the following amounts by weight: 60≦Zr≦75, 10≦Cu≦20, 0≦Ti≦6, 7≦Ni≦15, 0≦Al≦8, 0≦Nb≦6. An element or component of an outer part according to claim 6.

8. The metallic glass used to make the insert is an alloy having the composition Zr70Cu13Ni9.9Al3.65Nb3.4 or an alloy having the composition Zr65.7Cu15.6Ni11.7Al3.7Ti3.3, in weight percent. An element or component of an outer part according to claim 7.

9. The metallic glass used to make the insert contains platinum, copper, nickel, and phosphorus in the amounts of 80≦Pt≦90, 5≦Cu≦10, 1≦Ni≦3, and 4≦P≦7 by weight. An element or component of an outer part according to claim 5.

10. The metallic glass used to make the insert has a composition, by weight, of Pt85Cu7Ni2.3P5.7 An element or component of an outer part according to claim 9.

11. The metallic glass used to make the insert has a glass transition temperature of 350°C or less. An element or component of an exterior part according to claim 4.

12. The outer part for a timepiece or jewelry is a back, a middle, a bezel (1), a bracelet link, or a clasp. An element or component of an outer part according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3.

13. A method for manufacturing an element or component of an outer part according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, comprising: fabricating an element or component of the outer part using the fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite material obtained by dispersing the fibers in the polymer matrix formed from the polymer material; machining at least one of the surfaces (2) of the element or component of the external part to form the at least one recess (4); heating the metallic glass to its melting point; Injecting and filling the metallic glass into the at least one cavity (4) to form the insert (6); and performing finishing operations as necessary, In the step of forming the insert (6) by injecting the metallic glass into the at least one cavity (4), the elements or components of the outer part are configured so as not to be deformed by the heat of the heated metallic glass being diffused through the fibers. A method characterized by:

14. The void portion is formed by milling.

14. The method of claim 13.

15. The finishing operation involves removing excess material, polishing, and / or trimming the insert (6).

15. The method of claim 14.

16. The void (4) has an undercut angle (α) of 5 to 10°.

15. The method of claim 14.

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