CH706110A2 - Encrusted element for use in clock element and in jewelry article, has recess that form decoration imprint, and rail anchor and metal decoration allowed to communicate with recess to provide anchoring of metal decoration against element - Google Patents

Abstract

The element (10) has a recess that forms a decoration imprint, where the recess is entirely filled by a galvanic deposit (16) to form a galvanic element that is encrusted with a metal decoration. A rail anchor and the metal decoration are allowed to communicate with the recess to provide anchoring of the metal decoration against the element. The rail anchor comprises a hole (14), where diameter of the hole widens as the hole moves away from the recess to maintain the deposit against the element. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a clock element (2) a method for manufacturing an element.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an encrusted element of at least one metallic decoration and more specifically such an element comprising an anchoring device of said at least one metallic decoration.

Background of the invention

It is known to form at least partially synthetic sapphire watch glasses to show, by transparency, a deposit made in a hollow under the bezel forming for example a graduation or a trade name. This configuration has the advantage of protecting the deposit from any mechanical degradation by total recovery of the sapphire part. However, this configuration can make it difficult to read the decoration by the altered transmission of the coloration of the deposit but also by the lack of difference in the hue of the sapphire with respect to that of the deposit.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages mentioned above while keeping the advantage of mechanical strength and bringing that of an improved visual quality.

For this purpose, the invention relates to an element comprising a body comprising at least one recess forming the imprint of a decoration, said at least one recess being completely filled by a galvanic deposit to form an inlaid element. at least one metal decoration with improved visual quality characterized in that it comprises a device for anchoring said at least one metallic decoration communicating with said at least one recess in order to improve the anchoring of said at least one decoration against said element.

Advantageously according to the invention, the decorations are thus much more resistant to tearing without them being aesthetically modified.

According to other advantageous features of the invention: the anchoring device comprises at least one hole passing through said element and being at least partially filled with said galvanic deposit in order to increase the area of contact with said element; the diameter of said at least one hole fades as it moves away from said at least one recess to maintain said galvanic deposit against said element; the galvanic deposit completely filled said at least one hole; the galvanic deposition covers the shoulder of the end of said at least one hole which is opposite to that communicating with said at least one recess in order to block any displacement of said at least one decor relative to the body; the metallic galvanic deposit comprises gold and / or copper and / or silver and / or indium and / or platinum and / or palladium and / or nickel; each at least one recess has a depth of between 80 μm and 200 μm in order to improve the gripping force; the body is electrically conductive ceramic such as a cermet; the body is electrically nonconductive as zirconia based and the decor further comprises at least one electrically conductive layer of substantially 50 nm between the body and the galvanic deposit.

In addition, the invention relates to a part of the cladding of a timepiece or more generally to a timepiece or an article of jewelery or jewelry characterized in that it comprises at least one element according to one of the preceding variants.

Finally, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing an element comprising the following steps: <tb> a) <sep> form a body; <tb> b) <sep> etching at least one recess in a face of the body, each at least one recess forming the imprint of a decor; <tb> c) <sep> etching at least one hole communicating with said at least one recess to form an anchoring device; <tb> d) <sep> galvanically depositing a metallic material to completely fill said at least one recess and at least partially said at least one hole; <tb> e) <sep> remove any deposit from the surface of the body to leave only in the hollow of said at least one recess and said at least one hole.

Advantageously according to the invention, the decorations are manufactured in a great depth of the element which makes them much more resistant to tearing without them being aesthetically modified.

According to other advantageous features of the invention: said at least one hole passes through said element so that it can be at least partially filled in step d) by the metallic material to increase the contact area with said element; the diameter of said at least one hole fades as it moves away from said at least one recess to maintain said galvanic deposit against said element; during step d), the metal deposit completely fills said at least one hole; during step d), the metal deposit covers the shoulder of the end of said at least one hole which is opposite to that communicating with said at least one recess in order to block any displacement of at least one decoration with respect to the body; the body is electrically conductive ceramic; the body is made of electrically non-conductive ceramic and in that the method further comprises, between step c) and step d), step f): depositing at least one electrically conductive layer of substantially 50 nm on the set of the face comprising said at least one recess and said hole; step f) is carried out by chemical autocatalysis or by physical vapor deposition; step a) is carried out by sintering; step b) is performed by laser on a depth of between 80 μm and 200 μm in order to improve the gripping force; step c) is performed by laser directing the beam from the face opposite to that intended to receive said at least one recess; steps b) and c) are interchanged; each at least one recess has a continuous surface at least partially radiated to facilitate the implementation of step d).

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description which is given below, for information only and not limiting, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: <tb> fig. 1 <sep> is a representation of a timepiece according to the invention; <tb> fig. 2 <sep> is a top view of a ceramic element before its inlay according to the invention; <tb> figs. 3 to 8 <sep> are successive stages of the manufacturing process according to the invention; <tb> fig. 9 <sep> is a block diagram of the process according to the invention; <tb> figs. 10 and 11 <sep> are alternatives of anchoring device according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, there can be seen a generally annotated timepiece 1 comprising at least one element 10 inlaid. Each element 10 inlaid is intended to form a very wear-resistant part comprising at least a metal decoration 13 whose visual quality is improved in particular in terms of contrast.

The element 10 inlaid according to the invention may in particular form all or part of the cladding of the timepiece 1. Thus, it could form all or part of a housing 2, a bracelet 3 , a bezel 4, a dial 5, an ice cream 6, a pusher 7 and / or a crown 8. In the example illustrated below, the explanation of the invention will be given from a ring 10 having inlaid decorations 13 forming the graduations of a telescope 4. It is also possible to form inlaid elements 10 belonging to a watch movement such as, for example, a bridge and / or a plate and or an oscillating mass.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, the inlaid ceramic element 10 comprises a body 11 having at least one recess 12 forming the impression of a decoration 13. In FIG. 1, it can be seen that each decoration 13 may, advantageously according to the invention, be of any shape, such as, for example, a geometric figure or an alphanumeric character. According to the invention, each recess 12 is completely filled by a galvanic deposit 16 formed by a metallic material. This configuration makes it possible to protect each decoration 13 in the body 11.

In a first preferred embodiment, the body 11 is electrically conductive ceramic as a cermet. A cermet is a material formed by a mixture of ceramic and metal. It may, for example, comprise TiC, SiN or ZrC to form all or part of the body 11.

However, according to a second variant, the body 11 may also be of a material that is not electrically conductive. In such a case, the decoration 13 further comprises at least one electrically conductive layer of substantially 50 nm between the body 11 and the galvanic deposit 16. The body 11 can then be formed for example of ceramic or zirconia for its mechanical properties, its polishing ability and, to a lesser extent, its ability to offer a wide range of hues.

It is therefore understood according to the invention that the body 11 may be formed from an electrically conductive material or not. Therefore, the body 11 can be obtained from a wide variety of materials.

To improve the attachment of the decoration 13 in the body 11, the recess 12 preferably comprises a depth of between 80 .mu.m and 200 .mu.m.

In addition, for reasons of adhesion of the galvanic deposition, preferably, each recess 12 has a continuous surface at least partially radiated, that is to say that their inner surface has no edges.

Finally, the inlaid element 10 further comprises a device for anchoring said at least one metal decoration 13 communicating with said at least one recess 12 in order to improve the anchoring of said at least one decoration 13 against said element 10 Preferably, the anchoring device comprises at least one hole 14 passing through said element 10 and being at least partially filled by said galvanic deposit 16 and, optionally, said at least one electrically conductive layer 15 in order to increase the contact area. with said element.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, it is also visible that the diameter of the hole 14 can flare as it moves away from said at least one recess 12 in order to maintain said galvanic deposit 16 and possibly said at least one layer In fact, in this case where the hole 14 is substantially conical, the diameter of the hole 14 opening into the recess 12 being smaller than the remainder of the hole 14, the decorations 13 can not be any longer electrically conductive. to be removed.

According to alternatives anchor visible in FIGS. 10 and 11, the galvanic plating 16 can also completely fill said at least one hole 14 to maximize the area of contact with the body 18, 18 of the element. These two alternatives are possible in particular when the thickness of the body 18, 18 is substantially equal to or less than four times the depth of the recesses 12 such as for example a dial 5 of a timepiece.

According to a first alternative illustrated in FIG. 10, the body 18 comprises at least one recess 12 communicating with at least one hole 14 which opens on the face P opposite to the face F intended to receive said at least one recess 12. It is therefore clear that the body 18 is hollowed from in part. In addition, preferably, the galvanic deposit 16 covers the shoulder 19 of the end of said at least one hole 14 which is opposite to that communicating with said at least one recess 12 in order to block any displacement of said at least one decor 13 relative to to the body 18. It is therefore understood that the galvanic deposit 16 protrudes with respect to said opposite face P.

According to a second alternative illustrated in FIG. 11, the body 18 comprises at least one recess 12 communicating with at least one hole 14 which opens on a recess 20 of the face P opposite the face F intended to receive said at least one recess 12. It is therefore understood that the body 18 is dug right through. In addition, preferably, the galvanic deposit 16 covers the shoulder 19 of the end of said at least one hole 14 which is opposite to that communicating with said at least one recess 12 in order to block any displacement of said at least one decor 13 relative to to the body 18. It is therefore understood that the galvanic deposit 16 is intended to remain only in the recess 20, that is to say not to project relative to said opposite face P.

Optionally, a layer for improving the gripping force of the future decor 13 on the body 11 may be used. Indeed, even if the microroughness of the bottom of the recess 12 and the anchoring device contribute to the adhesion, a layer, for example of substantially 50 nm, can be deposited between the galvanic deposit 16 and, optionally, the layer Electrically conductive, and the body 11, 18, 18. Depending on the deposition mode of the intermediate layer, it is possible to envisage several types of materials, such as, for example, Cr, Cr2N, TiN, TiW, Ni, NiP, Cu, Ti or Zr type.

The galvanic deposition 16 and, optionally, said at least one electrically conductive layer 15 can also be formed from a wide variety of materials. Preferentially for the second variant, the electrically conductive layer 15 is chosen for its adhesion capacity and its good electrical conductivity necessary for electroforming.

In addition, according to the invention, the visual rendering of each decoration 13 is mainly obtained by the tint of the galvanic deposit 16. Therefore, the material used for the galvanic deposition 16 will preferably be guided by its hue or more generally its aesthetic rendering. In this respect, the metallic galvanic deposit 16 and, incidentally, the layer 15 comprise gold and / or copper and / or silver and / or indium and / or platinum and / or palladium and / or nickel.

For example, it is thus possible to obtain a complex visual rendering giving a shiny appearance to the body 11 and a satin appearance to the decorations 13. In addition, the decorations 13 can be formed with the same metal for to offer a homogeneous appearance or with several different metals to, for example, give a different hue between two decorations as a hue for the indexes and another for the alphanumeric characters in the case of FIG. 1.

It is also conceivable, in order to standardize the hues, to form decorations 13 of the same material as that surrounding the body 11, 18, 18. One could thus, in an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, have decorations 13 of bezel 4 of the same material as the case 2, the bracelet 3, the rest of the telescope 4, the dial 5, the pushers 7 and / or the crown 8.

Finally, optionally, the element 10 inlaid may, according to the invention, also provide an optional substantially transparent layer to protect the decorations 13 of aging. Such a layer may, for example, comprise silicon nitride which makes it possible in particular to combat the tarnishing of the galvanic deposit 16 and, possibly, of said at least one electrically conductive layer 15, especially when these are mainly formed of silver. .

The manufacturing method 21 of an inlaid element 10 will now be explained from FIGS. 2 to 9with the example of a body 11 of electrically non-conductive ceramic. Of course, the body 11 may be made from a material other than electrically non-conductive ceramic as explained above.

In a first step 22 illustrated in FIG. 9, the method 21 consists in forming the body 11, for example made of zirconia. As partially shown in the passage of FIG. 3in FIG. 4, the final body 11 of step 22 is preferably obtained by sintering, that is to say from a green body 17 preformed by means of an injection process. At the end of step 22, the body 11 visible in FIG. 4 has its final dimensions.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the method 21 comprises a second step 23 intended to etch at least one blind recess 12 in a face F of the ceramic body 11, the recesses 12 forming the imprint of the future decorations 13 as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5. Preferably, each recess 12 has a depth of between 80 and 200 microns. In addition, preferably, each recess 12 has a continuous surface at least partially radiated to facilitate the implementation of the electroforming step 26 explained below. Step 23 is preferably obtained by destructive radiation using a laser to obtain a good accuracy of the etchings.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the method 21 continues in a third step 24 for engraving at least one hole 14 communicating with each recess 12 to form an anchoring device. As shown in figs. 2 and 6, according to the shape and extent of each recess 12, one or more holes 14 are made for each recess 12. The step 24 is preferably obtained by destructive radiation by means of a laser to obtain a good precision of the engravings.

According to the invention, each hole 14 passes through the body 11 of the element 10 so that it can be at least partially filled during step 26 by the metal material 16 and, optionally, during the steps 25. and by said at least one electrically conductive layer to increase the contact area with said element. Indeed, it is understood in particular that the electrolyte can thus flow "in front of" and "behind" the recess 12, that is to say that it can be deposited in each recess 12 and in each hole 14 at any time of the electroforming step 26.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 6, the diameter of each hole 14 becomes smaller as it moves away from the at least one recess 12 in order to block the future metal material 16 and, possibly, the at least one electrically conductive layer 15 against the element 10. Indeed, as explained above, in this case where each hole 14 is substantially conical, the diameter of the hole 14 opening into the recess 12 is smaller than the rest of the hole 14, the decorations 13 do not. can no longer be removed. Preferably, each hole 14 may thus comprise a diameter substantially equal to 100 μm at the bottom of the recess 12 and finish with a diameter substantially equal to 120 μm or more at the opposite face P of the body 11.

Preferably, step 24 is, advantageously according to the invention, carried out by orienting the laser beam from the opposite face P in order to directly form said at least one hole 14 in a conical manner, that is to say say in which the larger diameter is at the junction with the opposite P face.

In a first embodiment, visible in triple line in FIG. 9, step 24 continues with the step 25 of the method 21 of depositing at least one electrically conductive layer of substantially 50 nm on the entire face F having said at least one recess 12 and said at least one a hole 14. The step 25 may be carried out wet, such as for example a chemical autocatalysis (also known as "electroless") or dry, such as a physical vapor deposition. In the first embodiment, following this step 25, the method 21 continues with step 26.

Therefore, such a layer 15 may, for example, be gold and / or copper and / or silver and / or indium and / or platinum and / or palladium and / or nickel.

In a second embodiment, visible in double lines in FIG. 9, step 24 continues with step 25 of the method 21 of depositing an intermediate layer as explained above. The intermediate layer is then preferably carried out by the dry route, such as, for example, by physical vapor deposition. In the second embodiment, following this step 25, the method 21 continues, either with step 25 of the first embodiment before going to step 26, or directly with step 26.

Finally in a third embodiment, visible in single line in FIG. 9, step 24 continues directly with step 26. This embodiment relates to the first variant which preferably uses an electrically conductive ceramic as a material for the body 11.

Step 26 consists in depositing galvanically a metal material 16 from the face F of the body 11 and, optionally, the conductive layer 15, to completely fill each recess 12 and at least partially each hole 14 as visible in fig. 7. Moreover, as explained in the two alternatives of the anchoring device of FIGS. 10 and 11, during step 26, the metal deposit 16 can completely fill said at least one hole 14. Finally, during this same step 26, the metal deposit 16 covers the shoulder 19 of the end of said at least one hole 14 which is opposite to that communicating with said at least one recess 12 in order to block any displacement of at least one decor 13 relative to the body 18,18.

To facilitate these fills, preferably, a renewal of the electrolyte in the recesses 12, the holes 14 and, optionally, the recesses 20, is forced by agitation, that is to say the establishment of a forced displacement of the fluids of the electroplating bath, in order to avoid problems of filling the recesses 12, the holes 14 and, possibly, the recesses 20.

As explained above, depending on the hue or more generally the desired visual rendition, the metallic material deposited in step 26 comprises gold and / or copper and / or silver and / or indium and / or platinum and / or palladium and / or nickel.

Finally, in a sixth step 27, the method 21 terminates by removing any deposit 16 and possibly 15, the surface F of the body 11, 18, 18 to leave only at the level of each recess 12 and holes 14 as shown in FIG. 8, 10 or 11. The element 10 inlaid is thus completed and possibly has only to be mounted on a final part. This step 27 can be achieved by a conventional surfacing method such as grinding or lapping to remove excess material followed by polishing.

The method 21 according to the invention may also provide a last optional step for depositing a substantially transparent layer to protect the decorations 13 of aging. Such a layer may, for example, comprise silicon nitride making it possible, in particular, to combat the tarnishing of the metallic material 16 and, possibly, of said at least one electrically conductive layer, especially when these are mainly formed on the basis of money.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example but is susceptible of various variations and modifications that will occur to those skilled in the art. In particular, the application of the element 10 inlaid according to the invention can not be limited to a timepiece 1. Thus, the element 10 inlaid could, for example, be applied to a jewelry item or jewelery or the arts of the table.

In addition, the embodiment of the recesses 12 in step 23 could be interchanged with that of the holes 14 of step 24 without reducing the advantages of the invention. It is also conceivable to substitute the laser etching of step 23 and / or step 24 by another type of etching if its accuracy and its scrap rate is acceptable.

Finally, it should also be noted that step 25 or step 25 is not limited to chemical autocatalysis or physical vapor deposition but can be alternatively carried out, for example, by chemical deposition. in the vapor phase, atomic layer deposition or ion bombardment.

Claims (27)

1. Element (10) comprising a body (11, 18, 18) comprising at least one recess (12) forming the impression of a decoration (13), said at least one recess being entirely filled by a deposit (16). ) galvanic to form an element (10) inlaid with at least one metallic decoration (13) with improved visual quality characterized in that it comprises a device for anchoring said at least one metallic decoration communicating with said at least one recess to improve the anchoring of said at least one decor against said element. 2. Element (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the anchoring device comprises at least one hole (14) passing through said element and being at least partially filled with said deposit (16) galvanic to increase the surface of contact with said element. 3. Element (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the diameter of said at least one hole (14) flares as it moves away from said at least one recess (12) to maintain said deposit (16) galvanic against said element. 4. Element (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the galvanic deposit (16) completely filled said at least one hole (14). 5. Element (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the galvanic deposition (16) covers the shoulder (19) of the end of said at least one hole (14) which is opposite to that communicating with said at least a recess (12) to block any movement of said at least one decor (13) relative to the body (18, 18). 6. Element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deposit (16) galvanic metal comprises gold and / or copper and / or silver and / or indium and or platinum and / or palladium and / or nickel. 7. Element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each at least one recess (12) has a depth of between 80 microns and 200 microns to improve the gripping force. 8. Element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (11, 18, 18) is electrically conductive ceramic. 9. Element (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the body (11, 18, 18) is wholly or partly formed by a cermet. 10. Element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (11, 18, 18) is electrically non-conductive and in that the decoration (13) further comprises at least one layer (15). ) electrically conductive of substantially 50 nm between the body (11, 18, 18) and the galvanic deposit (16). 11. Element (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the body (11, 18, 18) is formed based on zirconia. 12. Timepiece (1) characterized in that it comprises at least one element (10) according to one of the preceding claims. 13. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the body (11, 18, 18) of said element forms all or part of a housing (2) and / or a bracelet (3). ) and / or a telescope (4) and / or a dial (5) and / or an ice (6) and / or a pusher (7) and / or a crown (8) ). 14. Article of jewelry or jewelry characterized in that it comprises at least one element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9. 15. A method of manufacturing (21) an element (10) comprising the following steps: a) forming (22) a body (11, 18, 18); b) etching (23) at least one recess (12) in a face (F) of the body (11, 18, 18), each at least one recess forming the imprint of a decoration (13); c) etching (24) at least one hole (14) communicating with said at least one recess to form an anchoring device; d) depositing (26) galvanically a metallic material (16) to completely fill said at least one recess and at least partially said at least one hole; e) removing (27) any deposit (16) from the surface of the body (11, 18, 18) to leave only in the hollow of said at least one recess and said at least one hole. 16. Method (21) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one hole (14) through said element so that it can be at least partially filled in step d) by the metal material (16) in order to increase the contact area with said element. 17. Method (21) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the diameter of said at least one hole (14) flares as it moves away from said at least one recess (12) to maintain said deposit (16) galvanic against said element. 18. Method (21) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, in step d), the metal deposit (16) completely filled said at least one hole (14). 19. Method (21) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, in step d), the metal deposit (16) covers the shoulder (19) of the end of said at least one hole (14) which is opposed to that communicating with said at least one recess (12) to block movement of at least one decor (13) relative to the body (18, 18). 20. Method (21) according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the body (11) is electrically conductive ceramic. 21. Method (21) according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the body (11, 18, 18) is electrically non-conductive ceramic and in that the method (21) further comprises between step c) and step d), the next step: f) depositing (25) at least one electrically conductive layer (15) of substantially 50 nm over the entire face (F) comprising said at least one recess and said hole. 22. Process (21) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that step f) is carried out by chemical autocatalysis or by physical vapor deposition. 23. Process (21) according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that step a) is carried out by sintering. 24. Method (21) according to one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that step b) is performed by laser on a depth of between 80 microns and 200 microns in order to improve the gripping force. 25. Process (21) according to one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that step c) is carried out by laser by directing the beam from the face (P) opposite to that (F) intended to receive said at least one recess (12). 26. Method (21) according to one of claims 15 to 25, characterized in that steps b) and c) are interchanged. 27. Method (21) according to one of claims 15 to 26, characterized in that each at least one recess (12) comprises a continuous surface at least partially radiated (R) to facilitate the implementation of the step d).