Part, timepiece, and manufacturing method of part

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a part, a timepiece which uses the part, and a manufacturing method of the part.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, since pure titanium (hereinafter, referred to as merely “titanium”) or titanium alloy is a metal which has characteristics such as a light weight and a great specific strength and is excellent in terms of corrosion resistance or the like, use of titanium or titanium alloy has increased over a wide field.

For example, since in a part which is used in a mechanical timepiece, a high impact resistance against dropping or the like, high strength, high elasticity, high vibration absorption, and the like are needed, titanium or titanium alloy is suitable for use. In addition, since titanium or titanium alloy has sufficient corrosion resistance, post-treatments such as rust-proofing are not needed. Alternatively, in a case where the part is a metal other than titanium or titanium alloy, for example, such as iron, rust prevention treatment is needed.

As rust prevention treatments, for example, performing treatments such as plating is considered. However, if the plating is a thin film, pinholes easily occur, and there is a concern that durability may be decreased. On the other hand, if the plating is a thick film, there is a concern that a dimension error may increase in the timepiece part which has a strict tolerance. Therefore, by forming the part with titanium or titanium alloy and performing anodizing thereof, coloring is realized and decorativeness can be enhanced without the need for rust prevention treatment. In this way, a technique which colors the part and enhances the decorativeness has been suggested (for example, refer to JP-A-62-278872 (Patent Reference 1)).

However, in the case where anodizing is applied to the part, since the part is immersed in chemicals and current is applied, in addition to the part which is to be colored, the other part to which it is fixed must be a member capable of enduring the chemicals and the application of the current, or an anodizable member. When an anodizable member is used as the part to be colored, and a non-anodizable member is used as the other part to which it is fixed, and anodizing is performed with these parts in a fixed state, the non-anodizable materials dissolve in the chemicals, and therefore the anodizing of the anodizable part which is to be colored cannot be performed.

Therefore, the member which is used is subject to limitation, and therefore, there is a problem in that configuration in design is limited.

In addition, it has been considered that the colored part may be fixed to the other part after anodizing of the part to be colored is performed. In this case, the work is complicated, and there is a problem in that limitations on the manufacturing process occur. Moreover, there are problems such as changes to the hue of the portion subjected to anodizing, occurrence of adverse effects such as scratching or denting, or deterioration of the attractiveness of the appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present application to provide a part, a timepiece, and a manufacturing method of the part capable of avoiding the limitations on any member which is used, expanding variation in the design, being easily manufactured, and improving the aesthetic appearance.

A part according to the present application includes at least an anodizable first member and a second conductive member, in which the first member and the second conductive member are fixed to each other, wherein an insulating member is interposed between the first member and the second conductive member.

In this way, by interposing the insulating member between the first member and the second conductive member, even though the anodizing of the first member is performed in the state where both are fixed to each other, it is possible to prevent current from flowing to the second conductive member. Thereby, even when the second conductive member is any one of the anodizable members or the non-anodizable members, the anodizing can be performed only on the first member. Thus, the materials which can be selected as the second conductive member can be increased, and variation of the part and variation in the design can be increased.

In addition, since the anodizing can be performed after the first member and the second conductive member are fixed to each other, manufacturing of the part can be easily performed. Moreover, changing of the color of the portion subjected to the anodizing can be prevented and scratching or denting can be prevented. Therefore, the aesthetic appearance can be improved.

In addition, since the first member and the second conductive member are fixed to each other before the anodizing is performed, a gap or a step and the like between the members can be provided in a purposeful manner, decorativeness is enhanced and variation in the design can further be increased.

In the part according to the present application, the first member and the second conductive member may be fixed to each other via a fixing member, and the fixing member may be an anodizable member.

According to the configuration, the first member and the second conductive member can be easily fixed to each other. In addition, when the fixing member is also the anodizable member, similarly to the first member, since the anodizing can be performed on the fixing member, even in the state where the fixing member is exposed from the first member, the aesthetic appearance is not damaged, and the color scheme can be changed.

In the part according to the present application, the first member may be formed from either titanium or titanium alloy.

According to the configuration, strength, elasticity, impact absorption and the like of the part can be enhanced, and products having high reliability can be provided.

In the part of the present application, the second conductive member may be formed from a non-anodizable material.

Also in the configuration, the anodizing can be performed only on the first member after the first member and the second conductive member are fixed to each other.

In the part according to the present application, at least the surface of the first member may be colored by the anodizing after the first member and the second conductive member are fixed to each other.

According to the configuration, the part having an excellent aesthetic appearance can be provided. In addition, since the coloring is performed by the anodizing, aging degradation or spontaneous peeling of the color can be prevented. Moreover, since the anodic oxide film is a nano-order film, the dimensional change of the part can be greatly suppressed.

In the part according to the present application, one surface and the other surface of the surfaces of the first member may be colored by different colors.

According to the configuration, the part having various variations on the color can be provided, products conforming to the needs of users can be provided.

A timepiece according to the present application includes any one of aforementioned part.

According to the configuration, the timepiece capable of expanding variation in the design, being easily manufactured, and improving aesthetic appearance can be provided.

A manufacturing method of a part according to the present application which fixes an anodizable first member can be applied and a second conductive member to each other includes an insulating member forming process that coats the insulating member in advance at a point which comes into contact with at least the first member on the surfaces of the second conductive member, a fixing process that fixes the first member to the second conductive member which is subjected to the insulating member forming process, and anodizing process that performs the anodizing with respect to the first member which is fixed to the second conductive member.

According to the method, the part capable of expanding variation in the design and being easily manufactured can be provided.

In addition, the part capable of improving the aesthetic appearance while avoiding the limitations on the members which are used can be provided.

A manufacturing method of a part according to the present application which fixes an anodizable first member can be applied and a second conductive member to each other includes a first anodizing process that performs the anodizing at a point which comes into contact with at least the second conductive member on the surfaces of the first member and forms an insulating film, a fixing process that fixes the second conductive member to the first member which is subjected to the first anodizing process, and a second anodizing process that performs the anodizing again with respect to the first member which is fixed to the second conductive member.

According to the method, variation in the manufacturing method of the part can be increased, and proper treatments according to use can be performed on the part.

According to the present application, by interposing the insulating member between the first member and the second conductive member, even though the anodizing of the first member is performed in the state where both are fixed to each other, it is possible to prevent current from flowing to the second conductive member. Thereby, even when the second conductive member is any one of the anodizable members or the non-anodizable members, the anodizing can be performed only on the first member. Thus, the materials which can be selected as the second conductive member can be increased, and variation of the part and variation in the design can be increased.

In addition, since the anodizing can be performed after the first member and the second conductive member are fixed to each other, manufacturing of the part can be easily performed. Moreover, changing the color of the portion subjected to the anodizing can be prevented and scratching or denting can be prevented. Therefore, the aesthetic appearance can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view when viewing a movement from the front side in a state where an automatic winding mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention is removed;

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration illustrating the automatic winding mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an oscillating weight according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the oscillating weight according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory views illustrating a manufacturing method of a body of the oscillating weight and a weight according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate each process;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory views illustrating a first modification of the manufacturing method of the body of the oscillating weight and the weight of the present invention, and FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate each process;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory views illustrating a second modification of the manufacturing method of the body of the oscillating weight and the weight of the present invention, and FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate each process;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-section illustrating an oscillating weight according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an oscillating weight according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an oscillating weight according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an oscillating weight according to a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
Automatic Winding Watch

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 5.

FIG. 1 is a plan view when viewing a movement from the front side in a state where an automatic winding mechanism is removed, and FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration illustrating the automatic winding mechanism.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the automatic winding watch 10 into which a part according to the present invention (for example, an oscillating weight 160 described below) is built is constituted by a movement 100 and a casing (not illustrated) which houses the movement 100. In addition, a dial (not illustrated) is mounted on the movement 100. The movement 100 includes a main plate 102 which constitutes a substrate, a barrel and train wheel bridge 105, a center wheel bridge 106, a balance bridge 108, and a pallet bridge 109. The center wheel bridge 106 is disposed between the barrel and train wheel bridge 105 and the main plate 102. A winding stem guide hole 103 is formed at the main plate 102, and a winding stem 110 is rotatably built into the winding stem guide hole.

Here, in both sides of the main plate 102, a side (the rear side of the paper surface in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the dial is disposed is referred to as the rear side of the movement 100, and a side (the front side of the paper surface in FIGS. 1 and 2) opposite to the side in which the dial is disposed is referred to as a front side of the movement 100. A switching device including a train wheel referred to as a back train wheel or, a setting lever 140, a yoke 142, and a setting lever spring 144 is disposed in the rear side of the movement 100. A position in a shaft direction of the winding stem 110 is determined by the switching device.

On the other hand, a train wheel referred to as a front train wheel, an escapement and regulating device 40 for controlling the rotation of the front train wheel, an automatic winding mechanism 60, and the like are built into the front side of the movement 100.

The front train wheel is constituted by a movement barrel wheel 120, a center wheel & pinion 124, a third wheel & pinion 126, and a second wheel & pinion 128. The movement barrel wheel 120 is rotatably supported by the barrel and train wheel bridge 105 and the main plate 102, and includes a mainspring (not illustrated). In addition, if the winding stem 110 is rotated, a clutch wheel is rotated. Further, the mainspring is wound up via a winding pinion, a crown wheel (none are illustrated), and a ratchet wheel 118.

Moreover, a plate-shaped click 117 is meshed in a tooth section of the ratchet wheel 118, and therefore, the rotation of the ratchet wheel 118 is regulated.

On the other hand, the movement barrel wheel 120 is rotated by the rotation force generated when the mainspring is wound up, and the center wheel & pinion 124 is rotated. The center wheel & pinion 124 is rotatably supported by the center wheel bridge 106 and the main plate 102. If the center wheel & pinion 124 is rotated, the third wheel & pinion 126 is rotated.

The third wheel & pinion 126 is rotatably supported by the barrel and train wheel bridge 105 and the main plate 102. If the third wheel & pinion 126 is rotated, the second wheel & pinion 128 is rotated. The second wheel & pinion 128 is rotatably supported by the barrel and train wheel bridge 105 and the center wheel bridge 106. Due to the fact that the second wheel & pinion 128 is rotated, the escapement and regulating device 40 is rotated.

(Escapement and Regulating Device)

The escapement and regulating device 40 includes a balance with hairspring 136, an escape wheel & pinion 134, and a pallet fork 138. The pallet fork 138 is rotatably supported by the pallet bridge 109 and the main plate 102. The balance with hairspring 136 is rotatably supported by the balance bridge 108 and the main plate 102. The balance with hairspring 136 includes a balance staff 136a, a balance wheel 136b, and a hairspring 136c.

According to the configuration, the escapement and regulating device 40 controls the center wheel & pinion 124 to be rotated once per hour. A cannon pinion (not illustrated) is constituted so as to simultaneously rotate based on the rotation of the center wheel & pinion 124, and a minute hand (not illustrated) which is mounted on the cannon pinion indicates the “minute”.

Moreover, in the cannon pinion, a slip mechanism is installed with respect to the center wheel & pinion 124. Through the rotation of a minute wheel based on the rotation of the cannon pinion, an hour wheel (none are illustrated) is constituted so as to rotate once every 12 hours. In addition, an hour hand (not illustrated) which is mounted on the hour wheel indicates the “hour”.

Moreover, through the rotation of the third wheel & pinion 126 by the rotation of the center wheel & pinion 124, the second wheel & pinion 128 is constituted so as to rotate once per minute. A second hand (not illustrated) is mounted on the second wheel & pinion 128.

(Automatic Winding Mechanism)

In the automatic winding mechanism 60, the oscillating weight 160 constituting the automatic winding mechanism 60 is moved by movement of arm of user, and a mainspring (not illustrated) of the movement barrel wheel 120 is wound up. The oscillating weight 160 includes a ball bearing 162, a body 164 of an oscillating weight, and a weight 166. The ball bearing 162 includes an inner race, an outer race, a plurality of ball (none are illustrated) which is installed between the outer race and the inner race, and the inner race is fixed to the barrel and train wheel bridge 105 via a ball bearing locking screw 168.

(Body of Oscillating Weight and Weight)

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the oscillating weight, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the oscillating weight.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the oscillating weight 160 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is formed in a substantial fan-shape in plan view by either titanium (Ti) and titanium alloy to which anodizing is applied. The ball bearings 162 are disposed on a rotation center of the body 164 of the oscillating weight, and the outer race of the ball bearings 162 and the body 164 of the oscillating weight are fixed to each other.

In addition, the weight 166 is fixed to the outer peripheral edge of the body 164 of the oscillating weight through the vises 61. The weight 166 is formed by molding and firing a compound which has heavy metal powder as the main component, for example, a powder which contains nickel (Ni) or copper (Cu) together with tungsten (W). That is, the weight 166 has conductivity and is formed from a heavy metal.

The weight 166 is curved so as to correspond to the outer peripheral edge of the body 164 of the oscillating weight, and includes a bearing surface 63a which can be set on the body 164 of the oscillating weight and an outer peripheral wall 63b which is formed so as to be erected at the outer periphery of the bearing surface 63a and covers the outer peripheral edge of the body 164 of the oscillating weight. A plurality of through-holes 166a (three in the first embodiment) into which the vises 61 are inserted is formed at the bearing surface 63a. On the other hand, through-holes 164a are formed at the places corresponding to the through-holes 166a of the weight 166 in the outer periphery 46 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight so that vises 61 can be inserted and pass through. In addition, similarly to the body 164 of the oscillating weight, the vises 61 are formed from either titanium or titanium alloy to which the anodizing can be applied.

According to the configuration, the outer periphery 46 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is set on the bearing surface 63a of the weight 166, the tips of the vises 61 are buckling-deformed after the vises 61 are inserted into each through-hole 164a and 166a. Therefore, the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are integrated.

Here, an insulating layer 62 is formed at a point at which the weight 166 comes into contact with the body 164 of the oscillating weight. That is, the insulating layer 62 is formed on the bearing surface 63a of the weight 166, the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 63b, and the through-holes 166a. On the other hand, an anodic oxide film 64 is formed on the surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the portion to which the vises 61 are exposed, and the surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is colored. The anodic oxide film 64 is coated on the surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the portion to which the vises 61 are exposed by sufficient thickness, for example, a range of tens to hundreds of μm. The manufacturing method will be described below.

Return to FIG. 2, an oscillating weight pinion 178 is installed in the outer race of the ball bearing 162. The oscillating weight pinion 178 is meshed with the transmission wheel gear 182a of the first transmission wheel 182. The first transmission gear 182a is rotatably supported by the barrel and train wheel bridge 105 and the main plate 102. In addition, a pawl lever 180 is built between the first transmission wheel 182 and the barrel and train wheel bridge 105. The pawl lever 180 is mounted with a shape which is eccentric from a shaft center of the first transmission wheel 182, and includes a pulling claw 180a and a pushing claw 180b. The pulling claw 180a and the pushing claw 180b are meshed with a second transmission gear 184a of a second transmission wheel 184.

The second transmission 184 includes a second transmission pinion 184b in addition to the second transmission gear 184a. The second transmission gear 184a is disposed between the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the barrel and train wheel bridge 105. On the other hand, the second transmission pinion 184b is meshed with the ratchet wheel 118.

In addition, the pulling claw 180a and the pushing claw 180b of the pawl lever 180 which is meshed with the second transmission gear 184a are biased toward the center of the second transmission gear 184a by elastic force.

According to the configuration, if the oscillating weight 160 is rotated, the oscillating weight pinion 178 is also rotated simultaneously, and the first transmission wheel 182 is rotated by the rotation of the oscillating weight pinion 178. The pawl lever 180, which is mounted with a shape which is eccentric from the shaft center of the first transmission wheel 182, performs a reciprocating movement by the rotation of the first transmission wheel 182. In addition, the second transmission wheel 184 is rotated in a constant direction by the pulling claw 180a and the pushing claw 180b. Thereby, the ratchet wheel 118 is rotated by the rotation of the second transmission wheel 184, and a mainspring (not illustrated) of the movement barrel wheel 120 is wound up.

(Manufacturing Method of Body of Oscillating Weight and Weight)

Next, based on FIGS. 5A and 5B, the manufacturing method of the body 164 of the oscillating weight and weight 166 in the oscillating weight will be described.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory views illustrating the manufacturing method of the body of the oscillating weight and the weight, and FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate each process.

First, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the insulating layer 62 is formed in advance at the portions of the weight 166 with which the body 164 of the oscillating weight comes into contact, that is, the bearing surface 63a of the weight 166, the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 63b, and the through-holes 166a (insulating member forming process).

In addition, the outer periphery 46 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is set on the bearing surface 63a, and vises 61 are inserted from the body 164 of the oscillating weight side to each through-hole 164a and 166a.

Here, as methods for forming the insulating layer 62, for example, there are a case where the insulating layer is formed by printing methods such as dipping, a case where the insulating layer is formed by coating such as electrodeposition coating, a case where an oxide film (SiO₂) or a nitride film (SiN) is formed by dry plating such as ion plating, or the like.

Moreover, when the insulating layer 62 is formed on only the bearing surface 63a, the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 63b, and the through-holes 166a of the weight 166, a patterned mask is coated so that the bearing surface 63a, the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 63b, and the through-holes 166a are exposed, and the insulating layer 62 is formed only on the bearing surface 63a, the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 63b, and the through-holes 166a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the insulating layer 62 may be coated on the entire surface of the weight 166 without coating by a predetermined mask.

Moreover, in the first embodiment, the case where the insulating layer 62 is formed only on the bearing surface 63a, the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 63b, and the through-holes 166a of the weight 166 is described.

Continuously, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the tips in which the vises 61 are protruded to the weight 166 side are buckling-deformed, and the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are integrated (fixing process).

In this time, gap may be formed between the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166, and the both 164 and 166 may be completely adhered to each other. In addition, in the first embodiment, the case where a gap between the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 is formed is described.

After the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are integrated through the vises 61, the anodizing is performed on them (anodizing process).

Specifically, for example, a titanium plate is immersed in an electrolytic solution of a phosphoric acid aqueous solution and becomes a cathode. Moreover, the integrated body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 is immersed, and electrolytic voltage is applied to the body 164 of the oscillating weight and it becomes an anode. Thereby, the anodic oxide film 64 of a titanium oxide is uniformly formed on the surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight as a whole, and the surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is colored.

Here, the weight 166 is formed by molding and firing a compound which has heavy metal powder as the main component, and therefore, has conductivity. However, the insulating layer 62 is formed on the bearing surface 63a, the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 63b, and the through-holes 166a of the weight 166. That is, since the insulating layer 62 is interposed between the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166, current is not flowed to the weight 166. Thereby, the anodic oxide film 64 having an approximately uniform film thickness is formed only on the body 164 of the oscillating weight.

In addition, since a gap is formed between the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166, the anodic oxide film 64 is formed on the entire surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight. That is, the anodic oxide film 64 is formed also on the surface with which the body 164 of the oscillating weight comes into contact with the weight 166. Even in the above state, since the insulating layer 62 is formed on the bearing surface 63a, the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 63b, and the through-holes 166a of the weight 166, the anodic oxide film 64 is not formed on the weight 166.

Moreover, in the case where the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are adhered to each other, the anodic oxide film 64 is not formed on the entire surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight, and it is needless to say that the anodic oxide film 64 is not formed at the point with which the body 164 of the oscillating weight comes into contact with the weight 166 in the surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight.

(Effect)

Therefore, according to the above-described first embodiment, even though the anodizing is performed in the state where the body 164 of the oscillating weight which is formed from titanium or titanium alloy to which the anodizing can be applied and the weight 166 which has conductivity and is formed from material to which the anodizing is not applied are fixed to each other, the anodic oxide film 64 can be reliably performed only on the body 164 of the oscillating weight.

In addition, for example, since the insulating layer 62 is interposed between the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 even in the case where the weight 166 is formed from material to which the anodizing can be applied, it is possible to prevent current from flowing into the weight 166. Thereby, the material which can be selected as the member of the weight 166 can be increased, and variation of the part and variation in the design can be increased.

In addition, since the anodizing can be performed after the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are fixed to each other, it is possible to easily perform the manufacturing of the part. Moreover, compared to the case where the body 164 of the oscillating weight is fixed to the weight 166 after the anodic oxide film 64 is formed on the body 164 of the oscillating weight, it is possible to prevent the body 164 of the oscillating weight from being damaged. That is, changing on the color of the portion subjected to the anodizing can be prevented and scratching or denting can be prevented. Therefore, the aesthetic appearance can be improved.

In addition, since the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are fixed to each other before the anodizing is performed, a gap or a step and the like between the two can be provided in a purposeful manner, decorativeness is enhanced and variation in the design can further be increased.

Moreover, by adopting the anodizing as the means for coloring the body 164 of the oscillating weight, the dimensional change of the body 164 of the oscillating weight can be greatly suppressed. That is, since the anodic oxide film 64 is a nano-order film, the dimensional change of the part can be greatly suppressed.

In addition, by using the vises 61 for fixing the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166, the both 164 and 166 can be easily integrated. Moreover, similarly to the body 164 of the oscillating weight, since the vises 61 are formed by either titanium or titanium alloy, the anodic oxide film 64 is formed also on the vises 61, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the entire aesthetic appearance of the oscillating weight 160 from being damaged.

In addition, since the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the vises 61 are formed from either titanium or titanium alloy, strength, elasticity, impact absorption, and the like of the entire oscillating weight 160 can be enhanced, corrosion resistance can be enhanced, and reliability can be improved.

Moreover, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the vises 61 are formed from either titanium or titanium alloy is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a case of trying to prevent the anodic oxide film 64 from forming on the vises 61, it is also possible to form the vises 61 by non-anodizable material.

In addition, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the vises 61 are used as the fixing member for fixing the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 is described. However, the fixing member is not limited to the vises 61, and whatever can fix the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 to each other may be applied. For example, the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 may be fixed by using screws instead of the vises 61.

Moreover, in the above-described first embodiment, as methods for forming the insulating layer 62, for example, printing methods such as dipping, coating such as electrodeposition coating, dry plating such as ion plating are described. However, the formation method is not limited to this. The anodizing is performed on at least the bearing surface 63a and the through-holes 166a of the weight 166 and an oxide film is formed, and the oxide film may be constituted as the insulating layer. In this case, after the anodic oxide film is formed on the weight 166 as the insulating layer, the weight 166 and the body 164 of the oscillating weight are fixed to each other.

Moreover, in the above-described first embodiment, in the manufacturing method of the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the case where the anodizing is performed only after the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are fixed to each other is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following manufacturing methods can be adopted.

(First Modification in Manufacturing Method of First Embodiment)

FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory views illustrating a first modification of the manufacturing method of the body of the oscillating weight and the weight, and FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate each process.

Here, in FIGS. 5A and 5B of the above-described first embodiment, the anodic oxide film 64 is not formed on the body 164 of the oscillating weight before fixing the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 (refer to FIG. 5A). However, in the first modification, the anodizing is performed in advance on the surfaces of the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the vises 61 in the state where the vises 61 are inserted into the through-holes 164a of the body 164 of the oscillating weight, and the anodic oxide film 64 is formed (first anodizing process, and refer to FIG. 6A).

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the insulating layer 62 is formed in advance on the bearing surface 63a, the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 63b, and the through-holes 166a of the weight 166. In addition, the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the vises 61 on which the anodic oxide film 64 is formed in advance are set on the bearing surface 63a and the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 63b of the weight 166 on which the insulating layer 62 is formed, the tips of the vises 61 are buckling-deformed, and the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are integrated (fixing process).

In this way, if the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are integrated, there are cases where the anodic oxide film 64 is damaged, the color of the portion on which the anodic oxide film 64 is formed is changed, or the anodic oxide film 64 is peeled.

Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the anodizing is again performed after the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are fixed to each other (second anodizing process).

That is, for example, the integrated body of the oscillating weight 164 and the weight 166 are immersed in an electrolytic solution of a phosphoric acid aqueous solution, and electrolytic voltage is applied to the body 164 of the oscillating weight and becomes an anode. Thereby, new anodic oxide film 64a is formed on the surfaces of the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the vises 61, the damaged surfaces are coated by the new anodic oxide film 64a.

Therefore, according to the above-described first modification, effects similar to those of the above-described first embodiment can be achieved.

(Second Modification in Manufacturing Method of First Embodiment)

FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory views illustrating a second modification of the manufacturing method of the body of the oscillating weight and the weight, and FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate each process.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the second modification is similar to the first modification in that the anodizing is performed in advance on the surfaces of the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the vises 61 in the state where the vises 61 are inserted to the through-holes 164a of the body 164 of the oscillating weight (first anodizing process), and the anodizing is again performed after the body 164 of the oscillating weight is fixed to the weight 166 (second anodizing process).

Here, in the first anodizing process, the anodic oxide film 64b which is formed on the surfaces of the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the vises 61 have insulation properties. In addition, the value of the electrolytic voltage which is applied to the body 164 of the oscillating weight in the first anodizing process is set so as to be higher than the value of electrolytic voltage which is applied to the body 164 of the oscillating weight in the second anodizing process.

Moreover, the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the vises 61 on which the above-described anodic oxide film 64b is formed are set on the weight 166. Here, since the anodic oxide film 64b is a film which has insulation properties, the insulating layer 62 does not need to be formed on the weight 166 in the second modification while the insulating layer 62 is formed in the first embodiment and the first modification described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, after the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the vises 61 are set on the weight 166, the tips of the vises 61 are buckling-deformed, and the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are integrated.

Continuously, the anodic oxide film 64b which is formed on one surface 164b of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is removed by a physical method. It is preferable that one surface on which the anodic oxide film is removed is set on the surface (for example, the upper surface in FIG. 7B) which a user can easily view from the outside.

In addition, after the oxide film of one surface 164b of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is removed, the second anodizing process is performed, and the anodic oxide film 64c is formed. In this time, the value of the electrolytic voltage which is applied to the body 164 of the oscillating weight in the second anodizing process is smaller than the value of the electrolytic voltage which is applied to the body 164 of the oscillating weight in the first anodizing process. Thereby, the film thickness of the anodic oxide film 64c in the second anodizing process is smaller than the film thickness of the anodic oxide film 64b in the first anodizing process. Moreover, since the applied voltage of the second anodizing process is lower than the applied voltage of the first anodizing process, the anodic oxide film 64c is not formed again at the point on which the anodic oxide film 64b is formed in the first anodizing process. Thereby, the anodic oxide film 64c in the second anodizing process is formed on only one surface 164b of the body 164 of the oscillating weight on which the oxide film remove is applied.

Therefore, according to the above-described second modification, effects similar to those of the above-described first embodiment can be achieved. In addition to this, since different anodic oxide films 64b and 64c can be formed on one surface 164b of the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the other surfaces, color between one surface 164b and the other surfaces can be changed. Thereby, color variation of the oscillating weight 160 can be increased, and the choice of the user can be expanded.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described based on FIG. 8 while referring to the FIGS. 1 and 2. In addition, same reference numbers are denoted to parts similar to those of the first embodiment and described (similarly applied also to embodiments hereinafter).

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-section illustrating an oscillating weight according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the second embodiment, basic configurations such as the configuration that the automatic winding watch 10 includes the movement 100, and the train wheel referred to as the front train wheel, the escapement and regulating device 40 for controlling the rotation of the front train wheel, the automatic winding mechanism 60, or the like are built into the front side of the movement 100, the configuration that the oscillating weight 260 of the automatic winding mechanism 60 includes ball bearings 162, the body 164 of the oscillating weight, and the weight 266, the configuration that the body 164 of the oscillating weight is formed in a substantial fan-shape in plan view by either titanium or titanium alloy to which the anodizing can be applied, the configuration that the weight 266 is formed by molding and firing a compound which has a heavy metal powder as the main component, has conductivity, and is formed from a non-anodizable material, or the like are similar to those of the above-described first embodiment (similarly applied also to embodiments hereinafter).

Here, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment are like the following. That is, the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are fixed to each other by vises 61 in the oscillating weight 160 of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 266 are fixed to each other by caulking in the oscillating weight 260 of the second embodiment.

More specifically, in the weight 266, a concave portion 266a capable of receiving the outer periphery 46 is formed in a place corresponding to the outer periphery 46 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight. The concave portion 266a is constituted so as to be plastically deformed and caulking-deformed after the outer periphery 46 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is inserted to the concave portion 266a. Thereby, the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 266 are integrated. In this time, a gap may be formed between the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 266, and the both 164 and 266 may be completely adhered to each other.

Moreover, in the second embodiment, the case where the gap between the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 266 is formed is described.

In addition, the insulating layer 62 is formed in advance in the concave portion 266a of the weight 266.

According to the configuration, the anodizing is performed after the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 266 are integrated. That is, for example, the integrated body of the oscillating weight 164 and weight 266 are immersed in the electrolytic solution of the phosphoric acid aqueous solution, if electrolytic voltage is applied to the body 164 of the oscillating weight and becomes an anode, the anodic oxide film 64 is formed on the entire surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight. On the other hand, current is not flowed to the weight 266 due to the insulating layer 62, and the anodic oxide film is not formed.

Therefore, according to the above-described second embodiment, effects similar to those of the above-described first embodiment can be achieved. In addition to this, in the second embodiment, since the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 266 can be integrated without using the vises 61 unlike the above-described first embodiment, the number of the parts can be decreased, and reductions in manufacturing cost can be improved.

(Modification of Second Embodiment)

In addition, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the insulating layer 62 is formed in advance on the concave portion 266a of the weight 266 and the anodizing is performed after the weight 156 and the body 164 of the oscillating weight are integrated is described. However, the invention is not limited to this, and configuration illustrated in FIG. 9 can be applied.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the oscillating weight according to a modification of the second embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the insulating layer 62 is not formed in the concave portion 266a of the weight 266. On the hand, the insulating layer 65 is formed on the outer periphery 46 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight, that is, the place where the body of the oscillating weight is inserted to the concave portion 266a. In addition, the anodic oxide film 64 is formed at the point other than the outer periphery 46 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight, that is, the surface to which the body 164 of the oscillating weight is exposed.

In the manufacturing method of the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 266 in the case of the configuration, first, the insulating film 65 is formed on the body 164 of the oscillating weight before the weight 266 is fixed to the body 164 of the oscillating weight. As the method for forming the insulating film 65, for example, the insulating film 65 may be formed by performing the anodizing, except for that, a print method such as dipping, coating such as electrodeposition coating, dry plating such as ion plating, or the like can be applied.

Here, the insulating film 65 may be formed on the entire surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight, and the insulating film 65 may be formed only on the outer periphery 46 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight. In the case where the insulating film 65 is formed only on the outer periphery 46 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight, the insulating film 65 is formed in the state where a mask is coated on the portion other than the outer periphery 46 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight.

Continuously, the outer periphery 46 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is inserted to the concave portion 266a of the weight 266, and the both 266 and 164 are fixed by caulking. In addition, the anodizing is performed to the integrated body of the oscillating weight 164 and the weight 266. In this time, even though electrolytic voltage is applied to the body 164 of the oscillating weight immersed in the electrolytic solution and becomes an anode, current is not flowed into the weight 266 due to the insulating film 65, and the anodic oxide film is not formed.

In addition, even in the case where the insulating film 65 is formed on the entire surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight, in at least the portion of the body 164 of the oscillating weight to which the electrolytic voltage is applied, the surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight needs to be exposed. Moreover, in the case where the insulating film 65 is formed by performing the anodizing, the value of the electrolytic voltage in the anodizing performed after this needs to be set higher than the value of the electrolytic voltage in the case of forming the insulating film 65. According to this configuration, the anodic oxide film 64 can be further formed on the surface of the insulating film 65.

Therefore, according to the above-described modification of the second embodiment, effects similar to those of the above-described second embodiment can be achieved. In addition to this, variation on the anodizing in the integrated body of the oscillating weight 164 and the weight 266 can be increased, and the method of the anodizing can be selected according to the use.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment of the invention will be described based on FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an oscillating weight according to the third embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment are like the following. That is, the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are fixed to each other through vises 61 in the oscillating weight 160 of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 366 are fixed to each other by using an adhesive agent 66 in the oscillating weight 360 of the third embodiment.

A bearing surface 67a which can place the body 164 of the oscillating weight, and an outer peripheral wall 67b which is erected at the outer periphery of the bearing surface 67a and covers the outer peripheral edge of the body 164 of the oscillating weight are formed in the weight 366. In addition, the adhesive agent 66 having insulation properties is coated on the bearing surface 67 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 67b. In addition, the outer periphery 46 of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is placed on the adhesive agent 66 and fixed, and therefore, the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 366 are integrated.

In this way, after the integration is performed through the adhesive agent 66, the anodizing is performed on the body 164 of the oscillating weight. In this time, even though electrolytic voltage is applied to the body 164 of the oscillating weight immersed in the electrolytic solution and becomes an anode, it is possible to prevent current from being flowed into the weight 266 due to the adhesive agent 66 having insulation properties. Thereby, the anodic oxide film is not formed on the weight 366, and the anodic oxide film 64 having a substantially uniform film thickness can be formed on the body 164 of the oscillating weight.

Therefore, according to the above-described third embodiment, effects similar to those of the above-described second embodiment can be achieved.

Moreover, in the above-described third embodiment, the case where the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 366 are integrated by only the adhesive agent 66 is described. However, the invention is not limited to this, the adhesive agent 66 and the vises 61 (refer to FIG. 4) of the above-described first embodiment can be used together. That is, the adhesive agent 66 is coated on the bearing surface 63a of the weight 166 in the above-described first embodiment, and the coated adhesive agent functions as the insulating layer 62. Moreover, after the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 are integrated by using the adhesive agent 66, the vises 61 are used. According to the configuration, a bonding strength between the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 can be enhanced.

In addition, in the above-described third embodiment, the case where the anodic oxide film 64 having a substantially uniform film thickness is formed on the entire surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is described. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the film thickness of the anodic oxide film 64 each may be changed at the surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight. More detailed description will be described based on FIG. 11 below.

(Modification of Third Embodiment)

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an oscillating weight according to a modification of the third embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, an anodic low pressure oxide film 74a is formed on one surface 164b of the body 164 of the oscillating weight, and an anodic high pressure oxide film 74b which has a greater film thickness than that of the low pressure anodic oxide film 74a is formed on the surface other than the surface 164b to which the body 164 of the oscillating weight is exposed.

Next, the manufacturing method of the body of the oscillating weight and the weight in the modification of the third embodiment will be described.

Here, after the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 366 are integrated, two anodizing process of the first anodizing process and the second anodizing process are performed. More specifically, first, after the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 366 are integrated, the first anodizing process is performed, and the anodic high pressure oxide film 74b is formed on the entire surface to which the body 164 of the oscillating weight is exposed. The value of the electrolytic voltage which is applied to the body 164 of the oscillating weight in the first anodizing process is set so as to be higher than that of the second anodizing process which is the later process.

Continuously, the anodic oxide film 74b formed on one surface 164b of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is removed by a physical method. Here, it is preferable that one surface to which grinding processing is performed is set on the surface (for example, the upper surface in FIG. 11) which a user can easily view from the outside.

In addition, after the grinding processing of one surface 164b of the body 164 of the oscillating weight is performed, the second anodizing process is performed. In this time, the value of the electrolytic voltage in the second anodizing process is smaller than the value of the electrolytic voltage in the first anodizing process. Thereby, new oxide film is not formed on the high pressure anodic oxide film 74b formed in the first anodizing process.

On the other hand, the new low pressure anodic oxide film 74a is formed on the one surface 164b on which the high pressure anodic oxide film 74b is removed by physical method. The low pressure anodic oxide film 74a becomes thinner film compared to the high pressure anodic oxide film 74b by the value of the electrolytic voltage which is lower in the second anodizing process. Thereby, the film thicknesses of the anodic oxide films 74a and 74b each can be changed at the front surface and the rear surface of the body 164 of the oscillating weight, that is, the one surface 164b and the other surface 164c.

Therefore, according to the above-described modification of the third embodiment, in addition to the effects similar to those of the above-described third embodiment, the colors of the front and rear surfaces of the body 164 of the oscillating weight can each be changed. Thereby, the oscillating weight 160 having various variations in color can be provided, and products conforming to the needs of users can be provided.

In addition, in the above-described modification of the third embodiment, the case where two anodizing processes of the first anodizing process and the second anodizing process are performed in the fixing of the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 366 by using the adhesive agent 66 is described.

However, the invention is not limited thereto, and two anodizing processes of the first anodizing process and the second anodizing process may be performed to the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 166 of the above-described first embodiment or the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weight 266 of the second embodiment.

Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes those in which various alterations are applied to the above-described embodiments within the range without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiments, the case where the body 164 of the oscillating weight is formed in a substantial fan-shape in plan view by either titanium or titanium alloy is described. However, the invention is not limited to this. That is, the body 164 of the oscillating weight may be formed from any material if the anodizing can be applied. For example, magnesium (Mg), magnesium alloy, lithium (Li), aluminum (Al), tungsten, molybdenum (Mo), or the like may be used instead of titanium and titanium alloy.

In addition, the body 164 of the oscillating weight is not limited to the substantial fan-shape in plan view, and for example, may be a substantial circle shape in plan view.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiments, for example, the case where the weights 166, 266, and 366 are formed by molding and firing the powder which contains nickel or copper with tungsten is described. However, the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the weights 166, 266, and 366 may be formed from any material having conductivity.

In addition, the case where the weights 166, 266, and 366 are formed by molding and firing heavy metal power or has conductivity and are formed from a non-anodizable material is described. However, the invention is not limited to this. That is, the weights 166, 266, and 366 may be formed from material to which the anodic oxide treatment can be applied. Even in this case, by interposing the insulating layers 62 and 65 or the adhesive agent 66 having insulation properties between the body 164 of the oscillating weight and the weights 166, 266, and 366, the anodic oxide films 64 to 74b can be formed only on the body 164 of the oscillating weight.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the case where the anodizing is performed on the integrated body of the oscillating weights 164 and the weights 166, 266, and 366 which constitute the oscillating weights 160, 260, 360 built into the movement 100 of the automatic winding watch 10 has been described. However, the invention is not limited to this. That is, the anodizing in the above-described embodiments can be performed on various parts which have at least one member to which anodizing can be applied and a conductive member and in which the members are fixed to each other.

Part, timepiece, and manufacturing method of part

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CPC

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Priority Claims (1)