EP0111449B1 - Method to manufacture an exterior part of a time piece, and part obtained by the same - Google Patents

Method to manufacture an exterior part of a time piece, and part obtained by the same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0111449B1
EP0111449B1 EP83810564A EP83810564A EP0111449B1 EP 0111449 B1 EP0111449 B1 EP 0111449B1 EP 83810564 A EP83810564 A EP 83810564A EP 83810564 A EP83810564 A EP 83810564A EP 0111449 B1 EP0111449 B1 EP 0111449B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
watch case
glass
fastening means
case element
coating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP83810564A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0111449A2 (en
EP0111449A3 (en
Inventor
Paul Gogniat
Eric Loth
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rado Watch Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Rado Watch Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rado Watch Co Ltd filed Critical Rado Watch Co Ltd
Publication of EP0111449A2 publication Critical patent/EP0111449A2/en
Publication of EP0111449A3 publication Critical patent/EP0111449A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0111449B1 publication Critical patent/EP0111449B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B39/00—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses
    • G04B39/02—Sealing crystals or glasses
    • G04B39/025—Sealing crystals or glasses without special sealing parts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/22—Materials or processes of manufacturing pocket watch or wrist watch cases
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B39/00—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B39/00—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses
    • G04B39/02—Sealing crystals or glasses
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49579—Watch or clock making
    • Y10T29/49584—Watch or clock making having case, cover, or back
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/5347—Crystal to watch or clock

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the assembly of the constituent elements of a watch case and it relates more particularly to a method for manufacturing a watch case element comprising on the one hand a crystal, and on the other hand a rigidly secured fixing member to the latter, as well as the element obtained by this process and a watch case comprising this element.
  • the present invention proposes a new method for producing a watch case element comprising a crystal and a fixing member subject to the latter, which allows an easy production of this fixing member, in various materials, which are themselves easy to machine if necessary, and this in any desired shape.
  • the latter also proposes watch case elements manufactured according to the aforementioned method, as well as a watch case incorporating them.
  • a watch case element consists of a lens 1, to which a fixing member 2 is attached.
  • a metal covering 3 is provided, the purpose of which is to ensure masking of the fastening member 2, and to guarantee better resistance of the assembly.
  • the glass 1 can have any desired shape
  • the fixing member 2, constituting an annular heel for fixing the glass can have a corresponding shape.
  • this heel cannot extend over the entire periphery of the glass, but only, for example, along two opposite sides of a glass of rectangular or square shape.
  • FIG. 2 there is shown a glass 4, also provided with metal coating zones 5, at which are fixed fixing pads 6 extending perpendicular to the plane of the glass and forming fixing members.
  • the fastening members 2 or 6 are not manufactured separately, then assembled with ice in an often imperfect manner, as in the prior art, but formed directly on the respective metallic coatings by a process for molding a molten material.
  • the material of the fasteners is compatible with, and has a good affinity for the material of the metal coating, the choice of the material of the fasteners is wide, and most of the metal alloys commonly used in the watchmaking or precision mechanics can be used.
  • the fixing members are made of a metal of the zinc, tin, copper, gold type, in the pure or alloyed state.
  • the metal known under the name zamac which is an alloy of zinc, aluminum, copper and magnesium, or other types of alloys as well.
  • Eutectic alloys are particularly interesting, since the eutectic composition of an alloy leads to a lower melting temperature.
  • the coatings used at the junction between the fixing members and the glass panels can be deposited according to various known methods, such as for example by vacuum metallization or galvanic deposition.
  • These coatings may have several layers, for example a chromium undercoat ensuring adhesion to the glass and masking of the fixing member, to which is superimposed a second layer of a material similar to that of the fixing members. to ensure the attachment of the metal during molding.
  • a chromium undercoat ensuring adhesion to the glass and masking of the fixing member, to which is superimposed a second layer of a material similar to that of the fixing members. to ensure the attachment of the metal during molding.
  • an outer layer of zinc will be used to secure a zamak fastener or gold to secure a gold fastener.
  • a glass 20, 20 ′ is shown in view from below, provided with a peripheral heel 21, 21 ′ which has a variable width so as to be slightly deformable in a radial direction, for example for absorb the stresses during the cooling of the material forming the heel, or those due to differences in coefficients of thermal expansion between the ice and the heel.
  • This variable width can be obtained by providing narrowing in the general shape of the heel, as well as openings 22 (fig. 3), or even by means of notches 22 '(fig. 4) left alternately on each lateral face of the heel. during molding. Of threads 23, 23 'allow to fix the member 21, 21, in a watch case middle.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates yet another variant of the invention, in which inserts 27, constituted for example by threaded steel studs, are partially embedded in a fixing member 28 at the time of its production, for allow it to be anchored in another element of a watch case. Furthermore, it can be seen that the fixing member 28 can be produced on an inclined lower part 29 of the lens 30, with the interposition of a coating 31.
  • the fixing member 33 comprises two adjacent zones, separated by the dotted line 34 and made of different materials.
  • a first layer adjacent to the coating 35 of the glass 36 can be made of tin to ensure good adhesion with the coating 35, while the zone situated below this layer can be made of a bronze having better qualities. mechanical.
  • the line 34 does not correspond to an abrupt separation between the two zones, but to a region of interpenetration of the two neighboring materials.
  • the external part of the fixing member 33 is provided with a cap 37 which can be made of a hard material, or of a precious metal such as gold. This cap, which can therefore have a protective or decorative function can be, for example, attached to the member 33 after its formation, or even already inside the mold used for the manufacture of this member.
  • FIG. 7 is shown schematically an installation allowing the production of the watch case elements of FIGS. 1 or 2.
  • the crystal 1 is placed between two parts 8, 9 of an injection mold, the part 9 comprising a channel 10 the shape of which corresponds to that of the fixing member to be formed.
  • An opening 11 allows this channel to communicate with the outside and to fill it with a molten metallic material.
  • the ice 1 can be heated inside the mold, and all known methods of molding molten material can be used, for example injection under pressure by centrifugation, or molding in a maintained oven. at low pressure, in order to lower the melting point of the materials used.
  • FIG 8 there is shown another aspect of the invention, according to which a fixing member 13 produced as indicated above, is used not only to secure a lens 14 to the upper part of a component 15 of a watch case, such as a middle or a bezel, but also to seal the assembly.
  • the fixing member 13 the constituent material of which can be chosen so as to be able to closely match the external shape of a housing 16 formed in the part 15, is forcibly engaged in this housing, and its support on the lateral surface of the housing 16 is further improved by a tension ring 17 disposed radially inside the annular fixing member 13.
  • the metallization 18 of the underside of the crystal extends well heard beyond the tension ring 17.

Abstract

In the manufacture of a watch case part comprising a glass and a middle having an opening for the glass, the following operations are carried out: first, a metallic coating is deposited on a peripheral portion of the glass, then one or more elements are formed on the coating by moulding a molten material having an affinity for the metal forming the coating, whereupon the glass is secured to the middle through the intermediary of the fastening element. The fastening element may consist of a heel extending around the periphery of the glass or of fastening studs extending at right angles to the plane of the glass. In some cases the fastening element may also act as sealing element.

Description

La présente invention concerne l'assemblage des éléments constitutifs d'une boîte de montre et elle concerne plus particulièrement un procédé pour fabriquer un élément de boîte de montre comprenant d'une part une glace, et d'autre part un organe de fixation rigidement assujetti à cette dernière, ainsi que l'élément obtenu par ce procédé et une boîte de montre comportant cet élément.The present invention relates to the assembly of the constituent elements of a watch case and it relates more particularly to a method for manufacturing a watch case element comprising on the one hand a crystal, and on the other hand a rigidly secured fixing member to the latter, as well as the element obtained by this process and a watch case comprising this element.

Pour réaliser l'assemblage amovible d'une glace dans la carrure ou la lunette d'une boîte de montre, il est connu d'utiliser des glaces auxquelles est assujetti un organe de fixation qui permet l'ancrage de la glace dans la lunette ou la carrure. De telles glaces, dites glaces à talon, sont obtenues en réalisant séparément la glace et un organe de fixation annulaire, puis en les assemblant, par ex. par thermocompression ou par collage.To carry out the removable assembly of a crystal in the middle or the bezel of a watch case, it is known to use glasses to which a fixing member is attached which allows the anchoring of the crystal in the bezel or the build. Such windows, called heel windows, are obtained by making the window and an annular fixing member separately, then assembling them, e.g. by thermocompression or by gluing.

Il a également été proposé, notamment dans le document FR-A 2034617 de réaliser ce talon in situ, par moulage d'un matériau organique. Une solution similaire est décrite dans le document EP-A 0 097 393, publié le 04.01.84; elle consiste à fixer la glace à la boîte par une couche de matériau organique vulcanisable. Toutes ces solutions font appel à un matériau organique, qu'il s'agisse de la colle ou du talon lui-même. Or, on sait que ce genre de matériau a tendance à se décomposer avec le temps, ce qui risque d'altérer l'étanchéité à long terme.It has also been proposed, in particular in document FR-A 2034617, to produce this heel in situ, by molding an organic material. A similar solution is described in document EP-A 0 097 393, published on 04.01.84; it consists in fixing the ice to the box with a layer of vulcanizable organic material. All these solutions use an organic material, whether it is glue or the heel itself. However, we know that this kind of material tends to decompose over time, which may affect sealing in the long term.

C'est pourquoi, la présente invention propose un nouveau procédé pour réaliser un élément de boîte de montre comprenant une glace et un organe de fixation assujetti à cette dernière, qui permet une réalisation facile de cet organe de fixation, dans des matériaux divers, qui sont eux- mêmes d'usinage facile si nécessaire, et cela selon toute forme désirée.This is why, the present invention proposes a new method for producing a watch case element comprising a crystal and a fixing member subject to the latter, which allows an easy production of this fixing member, in various materials, which are themselves easy to machine if necessary, and this in any desired shape.

Selon d'autres aspects de l'invention, celle-ci propose également des éléments de boîte de montre fabriqués selon le procédé précité, ainsi qu'une boîte de montre les incorporant.According to other aspects of the invention, the latter also proposes watch case elements manufactured according to the aforementioned method, as well as a watch case incorporating them.

L'invention, tel que définie dans les revendications jointes, sera bien comprise à la lecture de la description suivante, faite en référence aux dessins joints parmi lesquels

  • - les figures 1 à 6 représentent schématiquement des éléments de boîtes de montre selon divers modes de réalisation particuliers de l'invention;
  • - la figure 7 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un dispositif utilisé pour la réalisation du procédé selon l'invention, et
  • - la figure 8 est une vue en coupe schématique d'une boîte de montre comprenant un élément réalisé selon l'invention.
The invention, as defined in the appended claims, will be clearly understood on reading the following description, made with reference to the attached drawings among which
  • - Figures 1 to 6 schematically show elements of watch cases according to various particular embodiments of the invention;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a device used for carrying out the method according to the invention, and
  • - Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of a watch case comprising an element produced according to the invention.

Comme on le voit dans la figure 1, un élément de boîte de montre selon l'invention est constitué par une glace 1, à laquelle est assujetti un organe de fixation 2. Au niveau de la zone de contact entre la glace 1 et l'organe de fixation 2, est prévu un revêtement métallique 3, dont le but est d'assurer un masquage de l'organe de fixation 2, et de garantir une meilleure tenue de l'assemblage. La glace 1 peut présenter toute forme voulue, et l'organe de fixation 2, constituant un talon annulaire de fixation de la glace peut avoir une forme correspondante. Bien entendu, ce talon ne peut pas s'étendre sur toute la périphérie du verre, mais seulement, par exemple, selon deux côtés opposés d'une glace de forme rectangulaire ou carrée.As can be seen in FIG. 1, a watch case element according to the invention consists of a lens 1, to which a fixing member 2 is attached. At the level of the contact zone between the lens 1 and the fastening member 2, a metal covering 3 is provided, the purpose of which is to ensure masking of the fastening member 2, and to guarantee better resistance of the assembly. The glass 1 can have any desired shape, and the fixing member 2, constituting an annular heel for fixing the glass can have a corresponding shape. Of course, this heel cannot extend over the entire periphery of the glass, but only, for example, along two opposite sides of a glass of rectangular or square shape.

Dans la figure 2 on a représenté une glace 4, munie également de zones de revêtement métallique 5, au niveau desquelles sont assujettis des plots de fixation 6 s'étendant perpendiculairement au plan de la glace et formant organes de fixation.In Figure 2 there is shown a glass 4, also provided with metal coating zones 5, at which are fixed fixing pads 6 extending perpendicular to the plane of the glass and forming fixing members.

Selon un aspect essentiel de l'invention, les organes de fixation 2 ou 6 ne sont pas fabriqués séparément, puis assemblés à la glace d'une manière souvent imparfaite, comme dans l'art antérieur, mais formés directement sur les revêtements métalliques respectifs par un procédé de moulage d'un matériau en fusion. A la condition que le matériau des organes de fixation soit compatible avec, et présente une bonne affinité pour le matériau du revêtement métallique, le choix du matériau des organes de fixation est étendu, et la plupart des alliages métalliques couramment mis en oeuvre dans l'horlogerie ou la mécanique de précision peuvent être utilisés.According to an essential aspect of the invention, the fastening members 2 or 6 are not manufactured separately, then assembled with ice in an often imperfect manner, as in the prior art, but formed directly on the respective metallic coatings by a process for molding a molten material. Provided that the material of the fasteners is compatible with, and has a good affinity for the material of the metal coating, the choice of the material of the fasteners is wide, and most of the metal alloys commonly used in the watchmaking or precision mechanics can be used.

Par exemple, les organes de fixation sont réalisés en un métal du type du zinc, de l'étain, du cuivre, de l'or, à l'état pur ou allié. En particulier, on peut utiliser avantageusement le métal connu sous la dénomination zamac, qui est un alliage de zinc, d'aluminium, de cuivre et de magnésium, ou d'autres types d'alliages encore. Des alliages eutectiques sont particulièrement intéressants, dans la mesure ou la composition eutectique d'un alliage conduit à une température de fusion plus basse. Les revêtements utilisés à la jonction entre les organes de fixation et les glaces peuvent être déposés selon divers procédés connus, comme par exemple par métallisation sous vide ou dépôt galvanique. Ces revêtements peuvent présenter plusieurs couches, par exemple une sous-couche de chrome assurant l'adhérence à la glace et le masquage de l'organe de fixation, à laquelle est superposée une deuxième couche d'un matériau similaire à celui des organes de fixation pour assurer l'accrochage du métal lors du moulage. A titre d'exemple, on utilisera une couche extérieure de zinc pour l'assujettissement d'un organe de fixation au zamac ou d'or pour l'assujettissement d'un organe de fixation en or.For example, the fixing members are made of a metal of the zinc, tin, copper, gold type, in the pure or alloyed state. In particular, it is advantageous to use the metal known under the name zamac, which is an alloy of zinc, aluminum, copper and magnesium, or other types of alloys as well. Eutectic alloys are particularly interesting, since the eutectic composition of an alloy leads to a lower melting temperature. The coatings used at the junction between the fixing members and the glass panels can be deposited according to various known methods, such as for example by vacuum metallization or galvanic deposition. These coatings may have several layers, for example a chromium undercoat ensuring adhesion to the glass and masking of the fixing member, to which is superimposed a second layer of a material similar to that of the fixing members. to ensure the attachment of the metal during molding. As an example, an outer layer of zinc will be used to secure a zamak fastener or gold to secure a gold fastener.

Compte tenu du très bon état de surface que présentent les organes de fixation directement à leur sortie du moule, il n'est pas forcément nécessaire d'usiner ultérieurement ses surfaces, ce qui constitue un avantage important du procédé selon l'invention.Given the very good surface condition presented by the fastening members directly at their exit from the mold, it is not necessarily necessary to machine its surfaces subsequently, which constitutes an important advantage of the method according to the invention.

Dans les figures 3 et 4, on a représenté en vue de dessous une glace 20, 20', munie d'un talon périphérique 21, 21' qui présente une largeur variable de manière à être légèrement déformable dans une direction radiale, par exemple pour absorber les contraintes lors du refroidissement du matériau formant le talon, ou celles dues à des différences de coefficients de dilatation thermique entre la glace et le talon. Cette largeur variable peut être obtenue en prévoyant des rétrécissements dans la forme générale du talon, ainsi que des ouvertures 22 (fig. 3), ou encore au moyen d'encoches 22' (fig. 4) laissées alternativement sur chaque face latérale du talon lors du moulage. Des taraudages 23, 23' permettent de fixer l'organe 21, 21, dans une carrure de boîte de montre.In FIGS. 3 and 4, a glass 20, 20 ′ is shown in view from below, provided with a peripheral heel 21, 21 ′ which has a variable width so as to be slightly deformable in a radial direction, for example for absorb the stresses during the cooling of the material forming the heel, or those due to differences in coefficients of thermal expansion between the ice and the heel. This variable width can be obtained by providing narrowing in the general shape of the heel, as well as openings 22 (fig. 3), or even by means of notches 22 '(fig. 4) left alternately on each lateral face of the heel. during molding. Of threads 23, 23 'allow to fix the member 21, 21, in a watch case middle.

Le mode de réalisation de la figure 5 illustre une autre variante encore de l'invention, dans laquelle des inserts 27, constitués par exemple par des goujons filetés en acier, sont partiellement noyés dans un organe de fixation 28 au moment de sa réalisation, pour permettre son ancrage dans un autre élément d'une boîte de montre. En outre, on voit que l'organe de fixation 28 peut être réalisé sur une partie inférieure inclinée 29 de la glace 30, avec interposition d'un revêtement 31.The embodiment of FIG. 5 illustrates yet another variant of the invention, in which inserts 27, constituted for example by threaded steel studs, are partially embedded in a fixing member 28 at the time of its production, for allow it to be anchored in another element of a watch case. Furthermore, it can be seen that the fixing member 28 can be produced on an inclined lower part 29 of the lens 30, with the interposition of a coating 31.

Dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 6, l'organe de fixation 33 comporte deux zones adjacentes, séparées par la ligne pointillée 34 et cons- titutées de matériaux différents. Par exemple, une première couche adjacente au revêtement 35 de la glace 36 peut être constituée d'étain pour assurer un bon accrochage avec le revêtement 35, tandis que la zone située en dessous de cette couche peut être réalisée en un bronze présentant de meilleures qualités mécaniques. Bien entendu, les deux zones étant formées à l'état fondu, la ligne 34 ne correspond pas à une séparation abrupte entre les deux zones, mais à une région d'interpénétration des deux matériaux voisins. En outre, la partie externe de l'organe de fixation 33 est munie d'une coiffe 37 qui peut être réalisée en un matériau dur, ou en un métal précieux comme de l'or. Cette coiffe, qui peut donc avoir une fonction protectrice ou décorative peut être, par exemple, rapportée sur l'organe 33 après sa formation, ou même déjà à l'intérieur du moule servant à la fabrication de cet organe.In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the fixing member 33 comprises two adjacent zones, separated by the dotted line 34 and made of different materials. For example, a first layer adjacent to the coating 35 of the glass 36 can be made of tin to ensure good adhesion with the coating 35, while the zone situated below this layer can be made of a bronze having better qualities. mechanical. Of course, the two zones being formed in the molten state, the line 34 does not correspond to an abrupt separation between the two zones, but to a region of interpenetration of the two neighboring materials. In addition, the external part of the fixing member 33 is provided with a cap 37 which can be made of a hard material, or of a precious metal such as gold. This cap, which can therefore have a protective or decorative function can be, for example, attached to the member 33 after its formation, or even already inside the mold used for the manufacture of this member.

Dans la figure 7 on a représenté schématiquement une installation permettant la réalisation des éléments de boîtes de montre des figures 1 ou 2. La glace 1 est placée entre deux parties 8, 9 d'un moule à injecter, la partie 9 comportant un canal 10 dont la forme correspondant à celle de l'organe de fixation à former. Une ouverture 11 permet de faire communiquer ce canal avec l'extérieur et de le remplir avec un matériau métallique en fusion. Bien entendu, la glace 1 peut être chauffée à l'intérieur du moule, et tous les procédés connus de moulage de matériau en fusion peuvent être mis à profit, par exemple l'injection sous pression par centrifugation, ou le moulage dans un four maintenu à basse pression, afin d'abaisser le point de fusion des matériaux utilisés.In FIG. 7 is shown schematically an installation allowing the production of the watch case elements of FIGS. 1 or 2. The crystal 1 is placed between two parts 8, 9 of an injection mold, the part 9 comprising a channel 10 the shape of which corresponds to that of the fixing member to be formed. An opening 11 allows this channel to communicate with the outside and to fill it with a molten metallic material. Of course, the ice 1 can be heated inside the mold, and all known methods of molding molten material can be used, for example injection under pressure by centrifugation, or molding in a maintained oven. at low pressure, in order to lower the melting point of the materials used.

Dans la figure 8, on a représenté un autre aspect de l'invention, selon lequel un organe de fixation 13 réalisé comme indiqué précédemment, est utilisé non seulement pour assujettir une glace 14 à la partie supérieure d'une pièce constitutive 15 d'une boîte de montre, comme par exemple une carrure ou une lunette, mais également pour assurer l'étanchéité de l'assemblage. A cet effet, l'organe de fixation 13, dont le matériau constitutif peut être choisi de façon à pouvoir épouser intimement la forme extérieure d'un logement 16 pratiqué dans la pièce 15, est engagée à force dans ce logement, et son appui sur la surface latérale du logement 16 est encore amélioré par une bague de tension 17 disposée radialement à l'intérieur de l'organe de fixation annulaire 13. Dans le cadre de cette construction, la métallisation 18 de la face inférieurede la glace s'étend bien entendu au delà de la bague de tension 17.In Figure 8, there is shown another aspect of the invention, according to which a fixing member 13 produced as indicated above, is used not only to secure a lens 14 to the upper part of a component 15 of a watch case, such as a middle or a bezel, but also to seal the assembly. To this end, the fixing member 13, the constituent material of which can be chosen so as to be able to closely match the external shape of a housing 16 formed in the part 15, is forcibly engaged in this housing, and its support on the lateral surface of the housing 16 is further improved by a tension ring 17 disposed radially inside the annular fixing member 13. In the context of this construction, the metallization 18 of the underside of the crystal extends well heard beyond the tension ring 17.

Bien qu'ayant été décrite en relation avec certains de ses modes de réalisation particuliers seulement, la présente invention ne s'y trouve nullement limitée, mais elle est au contraire susceptible de faire l'objet de nombreuses modifications et variantes qui apparaîtront à l'homme du métier.Although having been described in relation to some of its particular embodiments only, the present invention is in no way limited thereto, but it is on the contrary liable to be the subject of numerous modifications and variants which will appear on skilled in the art.

Claims (11)

1. A method of producing a watch case element having a glass (1) and fastening means (2) secured to the latter, which comprises depositing a metal coating (3) on one face of the glass, and then forming said fastening means on the metal coating, by moulding a molten metal material having a good affinity for the coating material.
2. A watch case element produced by the method of claim 1 and having a glass (1) provided on one face thereof with a metal coating (3), and metal fastening means (2) secured to said coating by intermetallic bonding.
3. A watch case element as in claim 2, characterised in that the fastening means are formed by a peripheral heel (2) extending under the glass.
4. A watch case element as in claim 2, characterised in that the fastening means are formed by a plurality of studs (6) at right angles to the plane of the glass.
5. A watch case element as in claim 3, characterised in that the peripheral heel (2) is of varying width to allow slight deformation in a plane parallel to the plane of the glass.
6. A watch case element as in any one of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the fastening means further include inserts (27) for enclosing them.
7. A watch case element as in claim 6, characterised in that the inserts are threaded studs (27).
8. A watch case element as in any one of the claims 2 to 7, characterised in that the outer portion of the fastening means (33) are provided with a rim (36).
9. A watch case element as in any one of claims 2 to 8, characterised in that the fastening means (33) include at least two regions of different materials.
10. A watch case comprising in particular a component (15) having an upper opening and a watch case element having a glass (14) provided with a metal coating (18) over the periphery of its inner face, and metal fastening means (13) secured to said coating by intermetallic bonding and forming a heel extending under the glass, said heel being force fitted into a suitable recess
(16) of said component to render the assembly fluidtight. 11. A watch case as in claim 10, characterised in that a tensioning ring (17) is mounted radially inside the fastening means (13) to press it against the side wall of said recess (16).
EP83810564A 1982-12-14 1983-12-05 Method to manufacture an exterior part of a time piece, and part obtained by the same Expired EP0111449B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH7262/82 1982-12-14
CH726282A CH650634GA3 (en) 1982-12-14 1982-12-14

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0111449A2 EP0111449A2 (en) 1984-06-20
EP0111449A3 EP0111449A3 (en) 1984-07-18
EP0111449B1 true EP0111449B1 (en) 1986-10-29

Family

ID=4322380

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP83810564A Expired EP0111449B1 (en) 1982-12-14 1983-12-05 Method to manufacture an exterior part of a time piece, and part obtained by the same

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US4589886A (en)
EP (1) EP0111449B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS59120880A (en)
KR (1) KR890000083B1 (en)
CH (1) CH650634GA3 (en)
DE (1) DE3367288D1 (en)
HK (1) HK34992A (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH657246GA3 (en) * 1984-07-12 1986-08-29
CH678680GA3 (en) * 1990-02-20 1991-10-31 Watch glass mounting - has a deposited metal layer between decorative layer and solder to prevent visible effects of soldering
US5251846A (en) * 1990-07-23 1993-10-12 Vehicle Research Corporation Supersonic aircraft shock wave energy recovery system
US7861966B2 (en) * 2005-04-18 2011-01-04 Vehicle Research Corporation Supersonic aircraft footprint spreading control system and method
EP2261757A1 (en) 2009-06-10 2010-12-15 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Method and device for attaching a glass to a bezel
JP5824969B2 (en) * 2011-08-29 2015-12-02 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Cover glass and watch
EP2595008B1 (en) * 2011-11-17 2015-01-07 Montres Rado S.A. Case for a clock piece
JP6150407B1 (en) * 2016-03-08 2017-06-21 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Watch parts, dials, dial units, movements and watches

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0097393A1 (en) * 1982-06-21 1984-01-04 Firma H. Finger Strap watch case

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH13597A (en) * 1896-11-27 1897-07-31 Richard Lagerie Emile Machine for stretching (combing, carding, stripping) textile materials
US2468239A (en) * 1943-11-18 1949-04-26 Us Rubber Co Method of bonding rubber to metal
US2597935A (en) * 1946-04-22 1952-05-27 Corning Glass Works Cover glass assembly
US2854815A (en) * 1954-09-24 1958-10-07 Piquerez Ervin Double watch crystal with moisture absorbent and indicating packing
CH317169A4 (en) * 1969-03-03 1971-10-29
FR2051627A1 (en) * 1969-07-09 1971-04-09 Chapuis Laurent Wrist watch case construction
CH623711B (en) * 1978-12-15 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie CLOCK.
JPS5696267A (en) * 1979-12-28 1981-08-04 Seiko Epson Corp Fixation of cover glass
CH649435GA3 (en) * 1981-05-22 1985-05-31

Patent Citations (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0097393A1 (en) * 1982-06-21 1984-01-04 Firma H. Finger Strap watch case

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3367288D1 (en) 1986-12-04
KR890000083B1 (en) 1989-03-07
EP0111449A2 (en) 1984-06-20
HK34992A (en) 1992-05-22
JPH0253757B2 (en) 1990-11-19
CH650634GA3 (en) 1985-08-15
EP0111449A3 (en) 1984-07-18
US4589886A (en) 1986-05-20
KR840007474A (en) 1984-12-07
JPS59120880A (en) 1984-07-12

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