Alloys, especially precious metal alloys, semi-finished products made of such alloys, jewelry having at least one such semi-finished product, and a method for manufacturing such a semi-finished product.

Abstract

To provide: alloys that do not limit the use for specific ornaments that require elastic properties; semi-finished products made of such alloys; ornaments having at least one such semi-finished product; and methods for producing such semi-finished products.SOLUTION: An alloy comprises at least 33 wt.% to at most 75.5 wt.% gold, at least 1.5 wt.% to at most 45 wt.% silver, at least 8 wt.% to at most 45 wt.% copper, and the remainder being zinc.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to alloys, particularly precious metal alloys, semi-finished products made of such alloys, jewelry having at least one such semi-finished product, and a method for manufacturing such semi-finished products.

Background Art

[0002] Alloys, particularly precious metal alloys, contain at least 33 wt.% (weight percent) of gold and generally have high ductility, especially in the case of gold alloys. In particular, alloys generally react with plastic deformation under shear stress but generally break when the applied stress increases. Therefore, there are limitations in using such alloys for specific jewelry that requires elasticity. That is, it seems almost impossible to produce elastic jewelry from alloys, particularly precious metal alloys containing at least 33 wt.% of gold, especially gold alloys.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present invention is based on the object of developing an alloy in which the above-mentioned demerits do not occur, a semi-finished product made of such an alloy, jewelry having at least one such semi-finished product, and a method for manufacturing such a semi-finished product. <00000​​​​​​​​This objective is achieved, in particular, by developing an alloy composed of at least 33 wt.% and 75.5 wt.% or less gold, at least 1.5 wt.% and 45 wt.% or less silver, at least 8 wt.% and 45 wt.% or less copper, and the remainder being zinc. Surprisingly, it has been found that semi-finished products and especially elastic jewelry can be manufactured from such an alloy. This makes it possible to form semi-finished products and elastic jewelry from gold-containing alloys, and conversely, to use gold-containing alloys to manufacture elastic, and especially at least elastically deformable, semi-finished products and jewelry. This expands the applications of gold-containing alloys, while also enabling the manufacture of specific elastic jewelry from, or using, gold.

[0006] In particular, the mass fractions of each specified component, including the remainder zinc, total 100 wt.%.

[0007] Within the scope of the technical teachings proposed herein, the expression “residual zinc” means that the alloy is composed of a zinc component that is insufficient to satisfy 100 wt.% of a given range of mass percentages, i.e., a given mass fraction of the alloy components. According to one embodiment, the zinc component is pure zinc, and according to another embodiment, the zinc component consists of zinc with particularly unavoidable impurities, especially trace amounts of impurities.

[0008] In an advanced form of the present invention, the alloy is said to have a copper content of at least 9 wt.% and 42 wt.% or less, preferably at least 17 wt.% and 27 wt.% or less.

[0009] Preferably, the copper content is 40 wt.% or less, preferably 35 wt.% or less, preferably 30 wt.% or less, preferably 25 wt.% or less, preferably 20 wt.% or less, preferably at least 10 wt.%, preferably at least 15 wt.%, preferably at least 18 wt.%, preferably at least 16 wt.% and 21.5 wt.% or less, preferably at least 19 wt.% and 21 wt.% or less, preferably at least 19.6 wt.% and 20.6 wt.% or less.

[0010] In a further development of the present invention, the alloy has a silver content of at least 2.5 wt.% and 39 wt.% or less, preferably at least 3.5 wt.% and 27.5 wt.% or less.

[0011] Preferably, the silver content is 40 wt.% or less, preferably 35 wt.% or less, preferably 30 wt.% or less, preferably 25 wt.% or less, preferably 20 wt.% or less, preferably 15 wt.% or less, preferably 10 wt.% or less, preferably 5 wt.% or less, preferably 4 wt.% or less, preferably at least 2 wt.%, preferably at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 5 wt.%, preferably at least 10 wt.%, preferably at least 15 wt.%, preferably at least 3.8 wt.% and 4.2 wt.% or less, and preferably at least 3.9 wt.% and 4.1 wt.% or less.

[0012] Preferably, the gold content of the alloy is at least 33.3 wt.% and 75.5 wt.% or less, preferably at least 40 wt.%, preferably at least 45 wt.%, preferably at least 50 wt.%, preferably at least 55 wt.%, preferably at least 60 wt.%, preferably at least 65 wt.%, preferably at least 70 wt.% and 75.3 wt.% or less, and preferably at least 75 wt.% and 75.1 wt.% or less.

[0013] The alloy is preferably composed of at least 70 wt.% and 75.5 wt.% or less gold, at least 2.7 wt.% and 4.2 wt.% or less silver, at least 16 wt.% and 21.5 wt.% or less copper, and the remainder being zinc.

[0014] The alloy is preferably composed of at least 75 wt.% and 75.1 wt.% or less gold, at least 3.7 wt.% and 4.0 wt.% or less silver, at least 19 wt.% and 21 wt.% or less copper, and the remainder being zinc.

[0015] Preferably, the alloy is composed of at least 75 wt.% and 75.1 wt.% or less gold, preferably at least 3.1 wt.% and 4.0 wt.% or less silver, preferably at least 19.6 wt.% to 21.6 wt.% copper, and the remainder being zinc.

[0016] Preferably, the alloy consists of 75 wt.% gold, 4.3 wt.% silver, 20 wt.% copper, and the remainder zinc.

[0017] The alloy is preferably composed of 75.1 wt.% gold, 4.0 wt.% silver, 20.6 wt.% copper, and the remainder zinc.

[0018] The alloy is preferably composed of 75.5 wt.% gold, 2.1 wt.% silver, 22 wt.% copper, and the remainder zinc.

[0019] Preferably, the alloy consists of 75 wt.% gold, 1.7 wt.% silver, 23 wt.% copper, and the remainder zinc.

[0020] This objective can also be achieved by developing a semi-finished product having an alloy according to the present invention, or an alloy according to any of the embodiments described above. Preferably, the semi-finished product is manufactured from such an alloy. The semi-finished product has the shape of a slotted tube. Such a semi-finished product is advantageously elastic, especially when subjected to stress perpendicular to the longitudinal elongation of the slotted tube. A semi-finished product with such a slotted tube shape is also called a "hinge".

[0021] In a further development of the present invention, the semi-finished product is provided by being formed from a sheet metal extending in a first direction. This first direction corresponds to the direction of the longest portion of the semi-finished product, particularly a slotted tube, and is therefore the longitudinal direction of the slotted tube. The sheet metal is preferably bent in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (the second direction extending within a plane formed by the surface of the sheet metal) to form a circular shape, particularly an arc shape. In particular, slotted tubes are formed in this manner. The slots are formed by providing both ends of the sheet metal at a finite distance from each other along an imaginary circular line, and the tube has an arc-shaped cross-section rather than a closed circular cross-section, i.e., the shape of a partially open slot. The cross-section of the semi-finished product is a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0022] The sheet metal is preferably formed into an annular shape by being drawn, particularly through a round drawing die.

[0023] The semi-finished product designed in this way preferably has an outer diameter of at least 0.3 mm and 5.0 mm or less, preferably at least 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm or less, preferably 0.9 mm and 1.3 mm or less, and preferably at least 0.99 mm and 1.2 mm or less.

[0024] The semi-finished product, which is in the form of a slotted tube, preferably has an inner diameter of at least 0.03 mm and 4.5 mm or less, preferably 0.4 mm to 3 mm, and preferably at least 0.55 mm and 0.76 mm or less.

[0025] The minimum distance between the ends of the sheet metal bent in opposite directions within the slot area is preferably at least 0.02 mm and 1.0 mm or less, preferably at least 0.04 mm and 0.08 mm or less, and preferably 0.06 mm.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the semi-finished product, it has an outer diameter of 1.2 mm, an inner diameter of 0.76 mm, and a minimum spacing of 0.06 mm between slot areas.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the semi-finished product, it has an outer diameter of 0.99 mm, an inner diameter of 0.55 mm and a minimum distance of the slot area of 0.06 mm.

[0028] In a further development of the invention, the semi-finished product is measured particularly at a distance of 15 mm from the clamp, and particularly when a force is applied at a speed of 0.1 mm / s by the pressure piece, it has a spring constant of at least 1500 N / m and not more than 2200 N / m, preferably at least 1600 N / m and not more than 2100 N / m, preferably at least 1700 N / m and not more than 2050 N / m. The spring constant is 1964 N / m particularly when the slot is arranged and clamped in the direction of the acting force, 2025 N / m particularly when the slot is arranged and clamped in the opposite direction to the acting force, and 1720 N / m particularly when the slot is oriented and clamped perpendicular to the acting force. In such a semi-finished product, it is particularly possible to measure the value corresponding to the spring constant, and it will be demonstrable that the semi-finished product formed by this manufacturing method, particularly the semi-finished product formed within the scope of the manufacturing method defined below, has elasticity. It is particularly used for a semi-finished product having an alloy composed of 75.1 wt.% gold, 4.0 wt.% silver, 20.6 wt.% copper, and the balance zinc, and it is possible to measure a specific value for a given clamping. Among the conventional gold alloys clamped as samples correspondingly, for those with a gold content of 75 wt.%, spring constants of 1106 N / m before hardening and 1008 N / m after hardening were obtained. Also, for a sample of spring steel clamped appropriately, a spring constant of 3958 N / m was obtained. It can be seen that the semi-finished product made of the alloy proposed here thus has a spring constant that increases significantly in the direction of spring steel compared to conventional gold alloys.

[0029] This object is also achieved in the development of jewelry by having at least one semi-finished product according to the invention that is wound at least partially longitudinally, i.e., along a first direction, or by having at least one semi-finished product according to one of the above-described embodiments. In this way, an elastic piece of jewelry, particularly made of an alloy containing gold or a gold alloy, is advantageously provided.

[0030] The semi-finished products are wound in this manner, especially along the longitudinal direction of the slotted tubes.

[0031] The semi-finished product is preferably wound spirally along a first direction. In this way, it can have a particularly spiral, spring-like appearance.

[0032] In a further development of the present invention, an ornament is provided having at least two semi-finished products, each wound parallel to each other along its longitudinal direction, i.e., a first direction. In particular, each semi-finished product is arranged adjacent to each other along its entire length, i.e., extending parallel to each other, particularly along a spiral. Thus, the ornament preferably has a plurality of helical strands, particularly double strands, formed from at least two semi-finished products. Each semi-finished product is connected to each other mechanically, preferably not separated, at at least one of its ends, preferably via an end piece. In particular, it can be welded or bonded to the end piece. Particularly preferably, the ornament has such end pieces at both ends of the semi-finished products.

[0033] Preferably, the ornament may have exactly one semi-finished product wound along the first direction. According to an alternative embodiment, the ornament may have exactly two semi-finished products wound parallel to each other along the first direction. However, according to another preferred embodiment, the ornament may also have multiple, i.e., more than two, semi-finished products wound parallel to each other along the first direction. In particular, the ornament may have three such semi-finished products, four such semi-finished products, five such semi-finished products, or even more than five such semi-finished products.

[0034] In a further development of the present invention, at least one semi-finished piece of jewelry is provided by having a precious metal wire, particularly a gold wire, a platinum wire, or another precious metal wire, especially a gold wire or a platinum wire, wound around it, i.e., in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the semi-finished piece is completely wound with the precious metal wire, particularly spirally, along its entire longitudinal length. Preferably, the semi-finished piece is tightly wound spirally, particularly with the precious metal wire. Thus, the semi-finished piece is completely covered, i.e., completely enclosed, by the precious metal wire. In this way, the jewelry can be given a particularly noble impression.

[0035] At least two semi-finished pieces of jewelry are preferably wrapped with a precious metal wire.

[0036] The jewelry preferably has a socket at at least one end for use with at least one gemstone. In particular, at least one end piece is preferably designed as such a setting for one or more gemstones. The jewelry preferably has such a setting at at least one gemstone at both ends of at least one semi-finished product, particularly as end pieces.

[0037] In an advanced form of the present invention, the ornament is provided as a bracelet. Its elastic design allows the ornament to be positioned around the arm, particularly the forearm, and especially around the wrist, in a remarkably simple and sophisticated style.

[0038] The objective is also achieved by developing a method for manufacturing a semi-finished product according to the present invention or a semi-finished product according to one of the embodiments described above. The method comprises the following steps: Prepare a sheet metal of the alloy according to the present invention or an alloy according to one of the embodiments described above, which is stretched in a first direction. Form the sheet metal into a slotted tube. Cure the slotted tube at a specific curing temperature for a specific curing time. The specific curing temperature is in the range of at least 100°C and 400°C or less, preferably at least 250°C and 300°C or less, preferably at least 270°C and 290°C or less, preferably 270°C, preferably 275°C, preferably 280°C, preferably 285°C, and preferably 290°C. The specific curing time is in the range of at least 2 hours and 8 hours or less, preferably at least 3 hours and 7 hours or less, preferably at least 4 hours and 6 hours or less, preferably 2 hours, preferably 2.5 hours, preferably 3 hours, preferably 3.5 hours, preferably 4 hours, preferably 4.5 hours, preferably 5 hours, preferably 5.5 hours, and preferably 6 hours.

[0039] The curing temperature is preferably 270°C and the curing time is 6 hours. The curing temperature is preferably 280°C and the curing time is 4 hours. The curing temperature is preferably 285°C and the curing time is 3.5 hours. The curing temperature is preferably 290°C and the curing time is 3 hours. The curing temperature is preferably 300°C and the curing time is 2.5 hours.

[0040] The process involves preparing stretched sheet metal, reshaping it into a slotted tube, and finally curing the slotted tube to obtain a semi-finished product.

[0041] Sheet metal is supplied, in particular, by casting of molten alloys and subsequent rolling.

[0042] In particular, sheet metal is formed into a slotted tubular shape by being drawn through a round drawing die.

[0043] Semi-finished products made of gold-containing alloys or elastic gold alloys can be advantageously obtained within the scope of this manufacturing method.

[0044] In a further development of the present invention, the semi-finished product is provided by being spirally wound along a first direction. Jewelry, in particular, is obtained in this manner. The semi-finished products are spirally wound along a first direction, preferably at least two, preferably exactly two or more, arranged adjacent to each other and particularly parallel to each other. Jewelry is obtained in this manner.

[0045] In a further developed form of the present invention, the semi-finished product is provided by having a precious metal wire, particularly a gold wire or a platinum wire, or another precious metal wire, particularly a gold wire or a platinum wire, wrapped around its circumferential surface.

[0046] Preferably, the precious metal wire is wound around at least two parallel semi-finished products. Alternatively, the precious metal wire is preferably wound around each semi-finished product individually in the circumferential direction. Subsequently, the semi-finished products are wound spirally parallel to each other.

[0047] At least two semi-finished products wound parallel to each other are preferably mechanically connected at at least one of their ends, particularly via end pieces, preferably via a setting used for at least one gemstone. Preferably, the semi-finished products are connected at both ends by end pieces, particularly by sockets for at least one gemstone.

[0048] In particular, an ornament, preferably a bracelet, is obtained in this manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the figures. In the illustrated example, [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a semi-finished product embodiment. [Figure 2] This shows an embodiment of an accessory. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of semi-finished product 1. The semi-finished product has the shape of a slotted tube 2 extending along the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in Figure 1. The longitudinal direction is also called the "first direction". The semi-finished product 1 is formed from a sheet metal (thin metal plate) 3 that extends in the first direction, i.e., the longitudinal direction, and is preferably formed by drawing the sheet metal 3 from a round drawing die so that it becomes circular, especially arc-shaped, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0051] The semi-finished product is composed of an alloy. This alloy is composed of at least 33 wt.% and no more than 75.5 wt.% gold, 1.5 wt.% and no more than 45 wt.% silver, at least 8 wt.% and no more than 45 wt.% copper, and the remainder being zinc.

[0052] The copper content of the alloy is preferably at least 9 wt.% and 42 wt.% or less, and preferably at least 17 wt.% and 27 wt.% or less.

[0053] The silver content of the alloy is preferably at least 2.5 wt.% and 39 wt.% or less, and preferably at least 3.5 wt.% and 27.5 wt.% or less.

[0054] The semi-finished product 1 preferably has an outer diameter D1 of at least 0.3 mm and 5.0 mm or less. The inner diameter D2 of the semi-finished product 1 preferably has an inner diameter D2 of at least 0.03 mm and 4.5 mm or less. The minimum distance A of the slot area of ​​the semi-finished product 1 preferably has an inner diameter D1 of at least 0.02 mm and 1.0 mm or less.

[0055] The semi-finished product 1 preferably has a spring constant measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which is at least 1500 N / m and 2200 N / m or less, and preferably at least 1600 N / m and 2100 N / m or less. In particular, the spring constant measured at a distance of 15 mm from the clamp is preferably at least 1700 N / m and 2050 N / m or less.

[0056] The semi-finished product 1 is preferably manufactured by preparing an enlarged sheet metal 3 made of an alloy, particularly by casting and rolling. Subsequently, the sheet metal is formed into a slotted tube 2, particularly by drawing using a round drawing die. The slotted tube 2 is then preferably cured at a curing temperature of at least 100°C and 400°C or less for a curing time of at least 2 hours and 8 hours or less. In this way, the semi-finished product 1 is finally obtained.

[0057] The semi-finished product 1 is preferably wound spirally, in particular to obtain an ornament. The semi-finished product 1 is preferably wound with a precious metal wire, particularly a gold wire or a platinum wire, or another precious metal wire, particularly a gold wire or a platinum wire, in the circumferential direction, i.e., in the direction of arrow P in Figure 1 or in the exact opposite direction.

[0058] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the jewelry 5, indicating that the jewelry 5 has at least one semi-finished product 1 of Figure 1 that is wound in a region along a first direction. In particular, in this case, the jewelry 5 has two such semi-finished products 1, each wound parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction. In particular, the semi-finished product 1 is wound spirally to form a double strand. However, in another embodiment, the jewelry 5 may have exactly one semi-finished product 1 wound along the first direction, or more than two semi-finished products 1 each wound adjacent to each other parallel along the longitudinal direction.

[0059] Furthermore, Figure 2 shows that the semi-finished product 1 is wrapped with precious metal wire 7, so the actual semi-finished product 1 is no longer visible from the outside.

[0060] Preferably, at least one end of the semi-finished product 1 is an end piece 9 and does not appear to be in the shape of a stone setting for at least one gemstone. In particular, two semi-finished products 1 are mechanically connected to the end piece 9, preferably by welding or bonding.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, each semi-finished product 1 has such end pieces 9 at both ends.

[0062] Accessory 5 is specifically designed as a bracelet 11.

Claims

1. An accessory (5) comprising a semi-finished product (1) having the shape of a slotted tube (2), The aforementioned semi-finished product (1) is At least 33 wt.% and less than 75.5 wt.% of gold, At least 1.5 wt.% of silver and 45 wt.% or less, At least 8 wt.% and 45 wt.% or less of copper, The remaining zinc and It is an alloy composed of, The semi-finished product (1) is arc-shaped when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the slotted pipe, and slots are formed between opposing ends of the sheet metal that forms the semi-finished product (1). The ornament (5) has at least two of the semi-finished products (1) that are wound adjacent to each other and parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the slotted tube, Each of the aforementioned semi-finished products (1) is an ornament (5) in which a precious metal wire (7) is spirally wound around the perimeter of the semi-finished product (1) so that the surface of the semi-finished product (1) is not visible.

2. The jewelry (5) according to claim 1, wherein the alloy has a copper content of at least 9 wt.% and 42 wt.% or less.

3. The jewelry (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alloy has a silver content of at least 2.5 wt.% and 39 wt.% or less.

4. The accessory (5) is designed as a bracelet (11), according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A method for manufacturing a semi-finished product (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A step of preparing the alloy sheet metal (3) which is extended in a first direction, The process of forming the aforementioned sheet metal (3) into a slotted pipe (2), The process involves curing the slotted tube (2) at a specific curing temperature of at least 100°C and 400°C or less for a specific curing time of at least 2 hours and 8 hours or less, A step to obtain the aforementioned semi-finished product (1), A manufacturing method that includes the following features.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein the semi-finished product (1) is wound in a spiral shape.

7. The manufacturing method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a precious metal wire (7) is wound around the curved sheet metal forming the semi-finished product (1).

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