• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to a flexible composite article (10), for example a watch strap, with an elastomeric base member (60), a composite insert (55) comprising a surface coating layer (30) on a matrix ( 20) made of elastomer, welded by vulcanization on the base element (60) so that the surface coating layer (30) is visible. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a flexible composite article.
    公开号:CH712301B1
    申请号:CH00296/17
    申请日:2017-03-13
    公开日:2021-07-15
    发明作者:Rognon Thierry
    申请人:Valiance Sa；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Technical area
    The present invention relates to a flexible composite article and a method of manufacturing such an article.
    State of the art
    Flexible composite articles are known formed by superimposing several layers of components. However, most composites are formed by processes that do not allow the components to join together so that the article does not delaminate.
    [0003] In addition, the existing assembly processes do not make it possible to obtain aesthetically satisfactory assemblies which can be used for articles such as watch straps.
    Brief summary of the invention
    [0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an article which is exempt from or which minimizes the limitations of known articles.
    According to the invention, these goals are achieved in particular by means of a flexible composite article with:an elastomeric base element;a composite insert comprising a surface coating layer on an elastomeric matrix, vulcanized to the base member so that the surface coating layer is visible.
    The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a flexible composite article comprising: i) partial vulcanization of a sheet of an elastomeric material; ii) superimposing a coating layer on the partially vulcanized elastomer sheet; iii) vulcanization of the assembly until a composite sheet is obtained comprising a surface coating layer on an elastomeric matrix; iv) cutting the composite sheet into composite inserts having a determined shape; v) overmolding of the composite inserts on elastomer base elements; vi) complete vulcanization of overmolding until a flexible composite article is obtained with an elastomeric base element, and a composite insert comprising a surface coating layer on an elastomeric matrix, on the base element so as to that the surface coating layer is visible.
    In one embodiment of the method specified above in which step iii) of vulcanization of the assembly until a composite sheet is obtained is a complete vulcanization step and step v) of overmolding of the composite inserts comprises the interposition of a tie layer of a partially vulcanized elastomeric material between the composite insert and the base element, and step vi) of complete overmolding vulcanization ensures the bond between the element base and composite insert through the tie layer. As an alternative, step iii) of vulcanization of the assembly until a composite sheet (50) is obtained is a partial vulcanization step, and step vi) of complete overmolding vulcanization ensures the bond between the 'base element (60) and the composite insert (55).
    When the insert is completely vulcanized, the connection between the insert and the base element is provided by the tie layer. The tie layer is completely vulcanized during the vulcanization of the overmolding of the composite insert on the base element (step vi). According to one embodiment, when step iii) is complete vulcanization of the composite sheet, this step is carried out at a temperature between 100 ° C and 200 ° C for a period of between 20 s and 300 s.
    In the absence of a tie layer, it is important to first perform a partial vulcanization of the insert to allow, secondly, the connection between the insert and the base element by Complete vulcanization after overmolding of the insert in the base element (step vi). In one embodiment, the partial vulcanization step (step i) or alternatively, step iii) of vulcanization of the assembly until a sheet of composite (50) is obtained is a partial vulcanization step , and step vi) of complete overmolding vulcanization ensures the bond between the base element (60) and the composite insert (55)) is carried out at a temperature between 100 ° C and 150 ° C for a period between 20 s and 120 s.
    This solution according to the present invention has the particular advantage over the prior art of providing a flexible article which is more resistant to delamination. The article according to the present invention is assembled using elements initially partially vulcanized, then completely vulcanized during the assembly of the article to allow a better bond between the elements which compose the article.
    The flexible article according to the present invention comprises one or more elastomeric components, the base element, the matrix, or the tie layer. Rubber is one of the most widely used elastomers, but the present invention is not limited to rubber as an elastomer. Elastomers are formed by chains of monomers, for example rubber is a polymer made up of chains of cis-1,4 polyisoprene monomers. Elastomers are formed by vulcanization, which gives them remarkable mechanical properties: for example, articles made of elastomers have elastic properties and very good resistance to deformation.
    Vulcanization is a thermal process which makes it possible to create a three-dimensional network within the polymer. Conventionally, vulcanizing agents are used to create bridges between the chains of monomers. For example, for the chains of unsaturated monomers, such as rubber, sulfur-based agents are used to create bridges between the chains of monomers, for example mono-di or poly sulphide bridges. During the vulcanization of chains of saturated monomers, peroxide derivatives are conventionally used to create the bridges between the chains.
    In the present invention, vulcanization has a dual role. On the one hand, it makes it possible to confer mechanical properties on the components of the article which are made of elastomer. On the other hand, vulcanization also makes it possible to weld the elastomeric components with the components which are not made of elastomers, for example the surface layer on the base element. In particular, the article according to the present invention comprises components made of at least partially vulcanized elastomers welded to non-elastomeric components during additional vulcanizations to form composites. These additional vulcanizations serve mainly to weld the components of the composite to give it mechanical properties such as elasticity and flexibility. At the same time, the method of the invention makes it possible to avoid any slippage or displacement of the coating layers during molding.
    The flexible article according to the present invention is a composite which comprises several components made of elastomers, for example rubber. These components are vulcanized under special conditions which allows to obtain a flexible article.
    [0015] According to one embodiment, the article further comprises an elastomeric bonding layer (intermediate bonding layer) between the base element and the composite insert. This bonding layer provides the bond between the base element and the insert.
    In one embodiment, said composite insert is in a housing of the base element. The housing is a cavity formed in the base element, the dimensions of the housing are defined to accommodate at least the insert and the tie layer when the latter is present.
    [0017] According to one embodiment, the base element and the elastomer matrix are made of the same elastomer material.
    The embodiments described for the article according to the present invention also apply to the method according to the present invention mutatis mutandis.
    Example (s) of embodiment of the invention
    Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of a flexible article 10 according to the present invention. The manufacture of the article begins with a step of partial vulcanization of the matrix 20 or sheet. The matrix 20 is in this embodiment of partially vulcanized rubber. Then, a complementary vulcanization step makes it possible to form the composite 50 by welding a surface layer 30 on the matrix 20 (see FIG. 1, arrow S1).
    The term 'partially vulcanized' indicates, in the context of the present invention, an element, for example a sheet, of elastomer whose molecules have been partially crosslinked together, so that the element can be cut and handled, but that it is still susceptible to deformation and to behave like a fluid when subjected to appropriate temperatures and pressures. Vulcanization can be completed, by turning the partially vulcanized elements into cured rubber, by the application of heat and suitable vulcanizing agents.
    The present invention is applicable to any combination of vulcanizable elastomer and coating layers. Particularly satisfactory results have been obtained by using fluoroelastomers, for example elastomers of the FKM, FFKM, FEKM type, vulcanizable with peroxides or bisphenols, or rubbers of the NBR or HNBR type, or silicones, EPDM rubber.
    Regarding the flexible surface layer 30, it can include a wide variety of materials, fiber or film. The surface coating layer can comprise one or more of: synthetic fibers or films, in particular of aramid (for example Kevlar® or Nomex®) Polyamides (for example Nylon®), polyethylene, carbon fibers, glass fibers, metal fibers , vegetable fibers such as cotton, linen, hemp, wood fibers, paper, animal fibers, in particular wool or silk, mineral fibers, fabric, velvet, or satin, layer formed by additive manufacturing, in particular 3D printing.
    One can achieve by the invention of the surface coverings of noble fabric, for example silk, or from any animal, vegetable or mineral fiber. The invention makes it possible to add a surface coating of woven carbon fibers to a flexible article, which not only gives it superior mechanical characteristics, but also a particularly attractive appearance and suitable for high-tech constructions. Special fibers such as Nomex® or Kevlar® can also be used.
    Furthermore, the invention is not limited to fabric coverings. Nonwoven fiber coverings can very well be used, or non-fiber coverings. The woven or non-woven layer, the fibers, or the coating as a whole can also be dyed, metallized, or colored by PVD or CVD processes, thus achieving an endless palette of combinations and textures. Importantly, the application of coating 30 does not prejudice the flexibility and wearing comfort of the article of the invention.
    Advantageously, the surface layer 30 consists of coated fibers, for example silk fibers coated in a resin to secure the fibers, which minimizes the destructuring of the surface layer during this first vulcanization.
    Following the first step of making the composite sheet 50, the sheet 50 is cut into inserts 55 (arrow S2), having a shape determined according to the use of the article 10. For example, the The insert 55 has the shape of a watch strap strand as illustrated in FIG. 3a. According to the present invention, the cutting can be obtained by laser, water jet, chisel or by a knife. The cutting can also include a step of machining the surface of the insert.
    The insert 55 is superimposed on a tie layer 40 on a base element 60 as illustrated in Figure 1 (arrow S3). In this embodiment, the tie layer and the base member are made of rubber and have been partially vulcanized. Advantageously, the insert 55, the connecting layer 40, and the base element 60 have similar or almost identical dimensions and they are superimposed during vulcanization to allow the elements to be welded. In another embodiment (not shown), the base element 60 may include a housing for receiving the tie layer 40 and the insert 55.
    An overmolding and vulcanization step (54) makes it possible to secure the insert 55, the surface layer 40 and the base element 60. As illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, this vulcanization step creates bonds between the elastomeric components, such as the tie layer 40, the base element 60 and the composite insert 55. FIGS. 2a and 2b, 3a and 3b indicate non-limiting examples of embodiment. Welds are indicated by slanted lines. For example, the overmolding step (step v)) can be carried out at a temperature between 80 ° C and 180 ° C for a period of between 1 minute and 60 minutes.
    [0029] In addition, the method may include local control of the temperature of a region of the overmolding mold adjacent to the surface coating layer.
    Advantageously, during the vulcanization carried out under pressure in a mold of suitable shape, the connecting layer 40, still partially fluid, can fill the interstices between the base 60 and the insert 55 rising between them. Its volume will be chosen judiciously to allow the lateral surface of the insert to be perfectly sealed, encasing any cut and frayed fiber which may possibly be there, without however overflowing on the upper face. The method of the invention thus makes it possible to produce composite rubber parts, which are perfectly flexible, with noble coatings and a perfect weld between the base and the insert, without cracks or fraying.
    It is also possible to produce mosaics of different coatings, thus obtaining complex patterns, logos or textures. The surface coating layer may comprise a combination of several layers forming a predefined pattern. Alternatively, several composite inserts are arranged on the base element forming a predefined pattern. This is possible for example by juxtaposing several coating elements in the same insert, or else by vulcanizing on the same base several inserts having the desired shapes and coatings.
    The method of the invention also makes it possible to produce assemblies with heat-sensitive coatings which would not ordinarily withstand prolonged exposure to the temperatures necessary for vulcanization. To this end, it is possible to provide, in the mold intended for the final overmolding, a local control of the temperature of the wall adjacent to the coating, in order to moderate the local thermal conditions.
    Although the figures refer exclusively, for the sake of brevity, to a watch strap, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment but encompasses all areas in which one can usefully provide flexible articles with a surface coating. We can cite among others: accessories and cases for phones or other portable devices, leather goods, saddlery, interior decoration or vehicles. Since the technique of the invention does not modify the elastic and flexibility characteristics of rubber, and any risk of delamination is excluded, it can be imagined to use it to give a distinctive appearance to technical components, for example belts of transmission, tires, anti-slip or protective strips, and so on.
    权利要求:
    Claims (20)
    [1]
    1. Flexible composite article (10) with:an elastomeric base member (60);a composite insert (55) comprising a surface coating layer (30) on an elastomeric matrix (20), vulcanized to the base member (60) so that the surface coating layer (30) is visible.
    [2]
    2. A flexible composite article (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said composite insert is in a housing of the base member (60).
    [3]
    3. Flexible composite article (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an intermediate elastomeric bonding layer (40) between the base element (60) and the composite insert (55).
    [4]
    4. Flexible composite article (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said base member (60) and the elastomeric matrix (20) are made of the same elastomeric material.
    [5]
    5. Flexible composite article (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said base element (60) and / or matrix (20) and / or intermediate bonding layer comprise one or more of: NBR rubber, HNBR rubber, FKM rubber, Silicones, EPDM rubber, FFKM rubber, FEKM rubber.
    [6]
    6. Flexible composite article (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the surface coating layer (30) comprises a layer comprising one or more of: synthetic fibers or films, in particular aramid, polyamides, polyethylene, carbon fibers, glass fibers, metal fibers, vegetable fibers such as cotton, flax, hemp, wood fibers; paper ; animal fibers, especially wool or silk; mineral fibers; or comprises a layer of fabric, velvet, or satin, or a layer formed by additive manufacturing, in particular 3D printing.
    [7]
    7. A flexible composite article (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the woven or non-woven layer has a surface colored by a physical or chemical vapor deposition process.
    [8]
    8. A flexible composite article (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface coating layer (30) comprises a combination of several layers forming a predefined pattern.
    [9]
    9. Flexible composite article (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the base element (60) are arranged several composite inserts (55) forming a predefined pattern.
    [10]
    10. A method of manufacturing a flexible composite article (10) comprising:i) partial vulcanization of a sheet of an elastomeric material (20);ii) superimposing a coating layer (30) on the partially vulcanized elastomer sheet (20);iii) vulcanization of the assembly until a composite sheet (50) is obtained comprising a surface coating layer (30) on an elastomeric matrix (20);iv) cutting the composite sheet (50) into composite inserts (55) having a determined shape;v) overmolding of the composite inserts (55) on elastomer base elements (60);vi) complete vulcanization of overmolding until obtaining a flexible composite article (10) with a base element (60) in elastomer, and a composite insert (55) comprising a surface coating layer (30) on a matrix (20) made of elastomer, on the base element (60) so that the surface coating layer (30) is visible.
    [11]
    11. The method of claim 10 wherein step iii) of vulcanization of the assembly until a composite sheet (50) is obtained is a complete vulcanization step and in which step v) of overmolding. composite inserts (55) comprises the interposition of a tie layer (40) of a partially vulcanized elastomeric material between the composite insert (55) and the base element (60), and step vi) of vulcanization complete overmolding ensures the connection between the base element (60) and the composite insert (55) by the bonding layer (40).
    [12]
    12. The method of claim 10, wherein step iii) of vulcanizing the assembly until a composite sheet (50) is obtained is a partial vulcanization step, and step vi) complete vulcanization. overmolding provides the connection between the base element (60) and the composite insert (55).
    [13]
    13. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein step iii) of assembly vulcanization is carried out at a temperature between 100 ° C and 200 ° C for a period of between 20 s and 300 s.
    [14]
    14. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein step i) of partial vulcanization and step iii) of assembly vulcanization are carried out at a temperature between 100 ° C and 150 ° C for a period between 20 s and 120 s.
    [15]
    15. The manufacturing method according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the cutting is obtained by laser, water jet, chisel or by a knife.
    [16]
    16. The manufacturing method according to one of claims 10 to 15, wherein said base element (60) and / or matrix (20) and / or intermediate connecting layer comprise one or more of: NBR rubber, HNBR rubber. , FKM rubber, Silicones, EPDM rubber, FFKM rubber, FEKM rubber.
    [17]
    17. The manufacturing method according to one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the surface coating layer (30) comprises a layer comprising one or more of: synthetic fibers or films, in particular aramid, polyamides, polyethylene, fibers of carbon, fiberglass; metal fibers; vegetable fibers such as cotton, linen, hemp, wood fibers; paper ; animal fibers, especially wool or silk; mineral fibers; or comprises a layer of velvet or satin fabric, or a layer formed by additive manufacturing, in particular 3D printing.
    [18]
    18. The manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, comprising a step of coloring by a method of physical or chemical vapor deposition of the surface coating layer (30) or of the fibers.
    [19]
    19. The manufacturing method according to one of claims 10 to 18, wherein step v) of overmolding is carried out at a temperature between 80 ° C and 180 ° C for a period of between 1 minute and 60 minutes.
    [20]
    20. The manufacturing method according to one of claims 10 to 19, comprising local control of the temperature of a region of the overmolding mold adjacent to the surface coating layer.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CH712301A2|2017-09-29|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    CH3662016|2016-03-16|
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