CH711818B1 - A process for the selective decoration of a watchmaking or jewelery component. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a watch or jewelry component, said component being manufactured in a first material, the method comprising the following steps: - taking the component, the latter having undergone at the latest during this step, a treatment aimed at combining the component with a chromic element, said chromic element consisting of at least one pigment capable of reacting to an energy input and of a matrix for binding said pigment; - placing said component in an energy supply device capable of supplying energy at least locally to said component; - Using the energy supply device according to a predefined operating program in order to at least locally supply energy to said chromic element so as to cause a reaction of its pigment; - remove the component from the energy supply device.

Description

The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a watch component, said watch component being made from a first material.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Several solutions are currently known for producing colored components to produce multiple-colored timepieces.

[0003] A first solution consists in tinting the material in the mass. For this, the material, which generally is a material of the plastic type or one of its derivatives, is mixed with a dye when it is in liquid form. After mixing, the material in liquid form is injected into molds to form the components.

[0004] A second solution consists in providing the component manufactured by injection or machining and to apply a coating to it. Such a coating can be in the form of a paint or an ink.

[0005] However, a drawback of these technologies is that they pose problems in the manufacturing process. Indeed, the passage from one color to another requires cleaning operations between the different colors without eliminating the risks of pollution between the different colors.

[0006] The production of specific patterns such as writings requires the production of a decoration having the desired shape which is assembled to the component. For example, the component comprises a recess having a shape identical to that of the decoration so that the latter can be inserted therein. The disadvantage of this method is that it is complex to implement because it requires specific molds.

Personalization can also be done via the use of processes such as screen printing or pad printing but these require the use of tools (screen printing screen or pad printing plate) which need to be changed for the realization of different patterns. In addition, tools are necessary for each color desired on the decoration. The tools must also require cleaning and maintenance between each production batch.

Another means is digital printing, but this technique which requires an expensive machine for the industry can only be applied on 2-dimensional substrates (dials, simple bracelets) and is not valid for components with more complex shapes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a component, the coloring of which can be complete or selective and easily adapted.

[0010] To this end, the invention consists of a method of manufacturing a watchmaking or jewelery component, said component being manufactured in a first material, the method comprising the following steps: <tb> - <SEP> take the component, the latter having undergone, at the latest during this step, a treatment aiming to combine the component with a chromic element, said chromic element consisting of at least one pigment capable of reacting to a supply of energy and of a matrix to bind said pigment; <tb> - <SEP> placing said component in an energy supply device capable of at least locally supplying energy to said component; <tb> - <SEP> using the energy supply apparatus according to a predefined operating program in order to at least locally supply energy to said chromic element so as to cause a reaction of its pigment; <tb> - <SEP> remove the component from the power supply device.

[0011] In a first advantageous embodiment, the pigment is of the photochromic type.

[0012] In a second advantageous embodiment, the pigment is of the thermochromic type.

[0013] In a third advantageous embodiment, the pigment is able to change from a first color to a second color, the hue of the second color depending on the level of energy supplied.

In a fourth advantageous embodiment, the pigment used is capable of passing from a first color to at least a second or a third color, the passage to the second color or to the third color depending on the energy level brought.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment, the chromic element is a compound of several pigments, each pigment being chosen to react at a specific energy level.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment, the compound is a mixture of three pigments, a red pigment, a yellow pigment and a blue pigment. We can decide, for example, to have some “pigments” react locally to create a touch of red and then to react some others to give a touch of yellow in order to create an orange by additive combination.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment, the matrix is of the hard lacquer type consisting of a binder in which the pigment is mixed, this binder chosen from the family of acrylics, acrylic copolymers or polyurethanes, a dispersant of the polycarboxilic acid salt type, a plasticizer of the benzoate type, a solvent chosen from the family of glycols or esters.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment, the matrix is of the flexible lacquer type consisting of a binder in which the pigment is mixed, said binder is chosen from the family of silicones or polyurethanes.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment, the matrix is of the ink type consisting of a binder chosen from the family of acrylics or polyurethanes or silicones; of a dispersant or anti-flocculant of the polycarboxilic acid salt type, of a plasticizer and adhesion promoter of sulfonamide type and of a solvent chosen from the family of glycols or esters.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment, the first material and the matrix form one, so that the pigment can be directly integrated into said component.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment, the chromic element is a layer at least partially deposited on the surface of said component.

[0022] In another advantageous embodiment, the chromic element is in the form of an insert.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment, the energy supply apparatus is arranged to provide light energy.

[0024] In another advantageous embodiment, the energy supply apparatus is arranged to provide thermal energy.

[0025] In another advantageous embodiment, the energy supply device is arranged to supply energy at a precise point.

[0026] In another advantageous embodiment, the energy supply apparatus comprises an enclosure in which the component is placed, said apparatus being arranged to distribute energy uniformly throughout the enclosure.

[0027] The invention further relates to a jewelry component manufactured using the method according to the invention, the jewelry component being chosen from the list comprising: earring, bracelet, ring, pendant, necklace, cufflink, brooch .

[0028] The invention further relates to a watch component chosen from the list comprising: bracelet, dial, bezel, caseband, bridge, gear train, hand, clasp, crown, pushers or a jewelery component chosen from the list comprising: buckle ear, bracelet, ring, pendant, necklace, cufflink, brooch.

The invention further relates to a timepiece comprising at least one timepiece component according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The advantages of such a covering element will become clear on reading the description which follows and on examining the drawing which illustrates it by way of example and in which: <tb> - <SEP> FIG. 1 schematically represents a portable object such as a timepiece according to the present invention; <tb> - <SEP> FIGS. 2 to 5 schematically represent various embodiments of the present invention; <tb> - <SEP> FIG. 6 schematically represents a first embodiment of the present invention; <tb> - <SEP> FIG. 7 schematically shows a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In Figure 1 is shown a portable object 1 according to the invention, such a portable object here in the form of a timepiece. Such a timepiece comprises a case 2 closed by a crystal 3, this case 2 forms a housing in which a watchmaking, electronic or mechanical or electromechanical module is arranged. The case 2 may also include an integrated or rotating bezel 2a. This watch module supplies at least one piece of information to a display module comprising, for example, a dial 4 and hands 5.

This case 2 is also provided with pairs of horns 6 in order to be able to attach a bracelet 7 to it, the latter possibly being in the form of two strands or of a single strand fixed by each end to a pair of horns 6 .

Such a portable object 1 is therefore provided with a multitude of customizable watch components 10 which may for example be the bracelet, the case, the bezel, or even the dial.

According to the invention, this personalization is irreversible and possible by the combined use of a chromic element 12 and of a novel manufacturing process.

In a first step, the method consists in providing the component which will be colored. To do this, the component will have undergone, at the latest during this first step, a transformation allowing the component to be combined with the chromic element 12.

This chromic element 12 is an element which reacts following a supply of energy and which consists of a pigment associated with a matrix.

The pigment used may be of the photochromic type or of the thermochromic type. In the case of a photochromic pigment, the color change occurs following an input of light energy. This light energy provided by a natural or artificial light source excites the molecules of the pigment which then react. This reaction consists of a color change.

In the case of a thermochromic pigment, the color change takes place following a supply of thermal energy. This thermal energy is provided by a natural heat source such as the sun or the human or artificial body. This thermal energy excites the molecules of the pigment which then react. This reaction consists of a color change.

In the case of the present invention which consists in coloring components 10, the pigments used will be of the irreversible type, that is to say that the color change is final. It is understood that the energy input is sufficient to modify the color and that stopping the energy input does not lead to a return to the initial color of the pigments used.

The matrix of the chromic element 12 consists of a support in which the pigment is mixed so as to obtain a chromic element having a consistency allowing it to be combined with the component.

In a first embodiment, the matrix is a matrix of the lacquer or ink type.

In the case of a so-called hard lacquer, the matrix may come from the family of acrylics or acrylic copolymers for high resistance to scratches and UV rays or a polyurethane binder for high resistance to abrasion , a dispersant of the polycarboxilic acid salt type, a plasticizer of the benzoate type, a solvent of the glycol or ester type and other additives as anti-UV agents for the polyurethane in order to avoid degradation of the polymer.

In the case of a so-called flexible lacquer, the matrix will come from the family of silicones or polyurethanes.

In the case of an ink, the matrix comes from the acrylic family for high UV resistance and high transparency or from the polyurethanes family for high abrasion resistance or even a silicone ink for flexible substrates; of a dispersant or anti-flocculant of the polycarboxilic acid salt type, of a plasticizer and adhesion promoter of the sulfonamide type and of a solvent of the glycol or ester type.

This matrix being in the form of flexible lacquer or ink allows, after manufacture of component 10, to have a step during which said component 10 is covered with a layer 13 of this flexible lacquer or ink as visible to FIG. 2. This layer 13 of ink or lacquer can be deposited by a spray or by passing through a bath or any other suitable process.

In a second embodiment, the matrix is an insert 14, visible in Figures 3 and 4, being housed in a housing of the component 10 or the matrix is the component itself as visible in Figure 5. Indeed, in this case, the matrix is the material which is used for the manufacture of the component. Generally, such a material is of the plastic type and is easy to inject or overmold. Such a matrix could be of the thermoplastic type such as, for example, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide or methyl polymetacrylate type resin, a dispersing and compatibilizing agent of the modified / grafted copolymer type, a plasticizer of benzoate or sulfonamide type, thermosetting such as a epoxy type resin, acrylic or thermoplastic elastomer polyurethane such as a polyurethane type resin.

The matrix can also be of the vulcanized elastomer type, by injection, overmolding or compression, for example an elastomeric resin of the nitrile butadiene or hydrogenated nitrile butadiene or elastomeric fluoropolymer or silicone type, a vulcanization system suitable for the selected resin. such as sulfur and vulcanization accelerators such as thiurams or peroxides and their derivatives, possible coupling agents (silane type).

In this case, the material serving as a matrix and the pigment are mixed before being shaped by conventional injection molding or overmolding techniques. This results in a finished component, of the plastic type, which directly integrates the pigment.

[0049] Once combined with the pigment, the components are stored until the next step begins.

In a second step, the component combined with the chromic element is placed in a coloring device. This coloring device depends on the technology used, that is to say on the type of pigment used, but also on the desired mode of execution.

According to a first embodiment, the coloring of the component is total, that is to say the entire surface of the component is colored.

According to a second embodiment, the coloring of the component is partial, that is to say that the coloring is only carried out on certain parts according to a predefined pattern.

Now, depending on the embodiment, the device used for supplying energy to the pigment differs.

For the first embodiment, an apparatus allowing homogeneous energy radiation as visible in FIG. 6 from all directions will be used. This device can be in the form of an enclosure in which the component is placed, this enclosure is designed so that the interior walls that compose it are all provided with energy emitters allowing the total and homogeneous diffusion of the energy.

For the second embodiment, an apparatus allowing focused energetic radiation will be used as visible in FIG. 7. This apparatus can be in the form of a robot comprising an articulated arm on which is fixed a emitting head of 'energy. This energy emitting head is designed to provide local energy.

In a third step, the coloring of the component takes place. This coloring step consists in operating the device used for the energy supply according to a specific program.

Indeed, it is cleverly provided that the chromic element can react gradually. It is understood by this that the chromic element reacts differently according to the level of energy provided so that the more energy is provided, the more the reaction of the chromic element, that is to say of its pigment, is important and therefore the more intense the coloring.

In the case of a chromic element comprising a photochromic pigment, the color variation depends on the power emitted by the light source and on the energy received by this chromic element at any point. Thus, as long as the energy received does not affect either the matrix or the pigment, the stronger the light power emitted and the stronger and faster the variation in coloring.

In the case of a chromic element comprising a thermochromic pigment, the color variation depends on the thermal energy that it receives. This thermal energy corresponds to a rise in temperature. Thus, the more intense the thermal intensity, the stronger and faster the variation in coloring.

Consequently, the program controlling the device used for the energy supply is designed to provide the quantity of energy necessary for the total or partial coloring of the component by playing on the parameters of supply duration and d intensity as well as the localization of the intake, for partial colorings.

Thus, in the case of total coloring, the component is placed in the enclosure forming the energy supply device, the interior walls of which are provided with energy emitters. The coloring program then adjusts the intensity and duration of exposure so that the entire surface of the component changes from one color to another.

Thus, in the case of partial coloring, the component is placed under the robot forming the energy supply device. The coloring program then adjusts the intensity and duration of exposure as well as the position of the energy emitting head mounted on an articulated arm. This adjustment allows energy to be brought to the precise spot where the coloring needs to be done. Indeed, the partial coloring technique is mainly used for the production of patterns such as inscriptions or drawings. Therefore, it is necessary to have high precision.

It may be envisaged that, depending on the technology used, the focal point will be more or less wide in order to modify the coloring over a more or less wide portion.

In the case where the material of the component directly incorporates the pigments, an advantage is the durability of the coloring since the disadvantages of deterioration of a layer of paint are not present.

Once the total or partial coloring is performed, a next step is to remove the component from the energy supply device and store it.

[0066] In an advantageous variant, the chromic element is designed so as to allow a plurality of color variations. This variant uses a chromic element whose compound is provided with a plurality of pigments, each pigment making it possible to have a color. Thus, it is possible to have a compound which, depending on the energy input, allows different color variations. This variation in color is not a variation in the intensity of the color, that is to say a color varying from a pale shade to a brilliant shade, but a pigment capable of changing from a gray shade to a bright shade. blue tint or towards a red tint or towards a pink tint depending on the energy input. For example, the compound could be an RJB compound, that is to say comprise a red pigment, a yellow pigment and a blue pigment.

Such a variant advantageously makes it possible to improve the flexibility of the manufacturing process. Indeed, since it is possible to have a plurality of different colors depending on the energy input, it becomes possible to produce the component at a desired color by changing only the energy input. Therefore, a manufacturing process is obtained which, from a single base, allows different colorations to be obtained depending on the energy input.

Another advantage of this variant is that it allows further customization. Indeed, if the present invention allows partial or selective coloring and this variant allows a choice of the coloring color according to the energy input, then it becomes possible to proceed with a coloring of the component so that the latter has a multitude of colors.

In another variant, it is conceivable that the method according to the invention is operated during the sale of the portable object comprising the component. Indeed, in the case of a watch, it may be advantageous to offer a customization service on demand. This on-demand personalization service consists of allowing customers to modify the aesthetic appearance of various components of the portable object according to the invention directly at the time of sale. For example, in the case of a watch, this variant allows the customer who comes to buy his watch to have the possibility of modifying the appearance of his watch to make it unique. The point of sale is then equipped with at least one energy supply device used to locally or totally modify the color of one of the components of said watch.

It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements and / or combinations obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention disclosed above without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Of course, the component according to the invention may be a jewelry component chosen from the list comprising: earring, bracelet, ring, pendant, necklace, cufflink, brooch.

Claims (17)

1. A method of manufacturing a watchmaker or jeweler component (10), said component being manufactured in a first material, the method comprising the following steps: - take the first material, the latter having undergone at the latest during this step, a treatment aiming to combine the material with a chromic element (12) to form said component, said chromic element consisting of at least one suitable pigment reacting with an input of energy and a matrix to bind said pigment; - placing said component in an energy supply device capable of supplying energy at least locally to said component; - Using the energy supply device according to a predefined operating program in order to at least locally supply energy to said chromic element so as to cause a reaction of its pigment to color the component; - remove the colored component from the energy supply device. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the chromic element (12) comprises several pigments, each pigment being chosen to react at a specific energy level. 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pigment is of the photochromic type. 4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pigment is of the thermochromic type 5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pigment is able to change from a first color to a second color, the shade of the second color depending on the level of energy supplied. 6. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the chromic element (12) comprises a mixture of three pigments, a red pigment, a yellow pigment and a blue pigment. 7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the matrix is of the hard lacquer type consisting of a binder, this binder being chosen from the family of acrylics, acrylic copolymers and polyurethanes, a dispersant of polycarboxilic acid salt type, a plasticizer of the benzoate type, a solvent chosen from the family of glycols or esters, the hard lacquer being mixed with the pigment. 8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the matrix is of the flexible lacquer type consisting of a binder, said binder being chosen from the family of silicones or polyurethanes, the flexible lacquer being mixed with the pigment. 9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the matrix is of the ink type consisting of a binder chosen from the family of acrylics or polyurethanes or silicones; of a dispersant or anti-flocculant of the polycarboxilic acid salt type, of a plasticizer and adhesion promoter of sulfonamide type and of a solvent chosen from the family of glycols or esters. 10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first material and the matrix form one so that the pigment can be directly integrated into said material. 11. The method of claim 9, characterized in that the chromic element is a layer (13) at least partially deposited on the surface of said material. 12. Method according to claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the chromic element is in the form of an insert (14). 13. Timepiece component characterized in that it is manufactured using the method according to one of the preceding claims. 14. Watch component according to claim 13, characterized in that it is chosen from the list comprising: case (2), bracelet (7), dial (4), bezel (2a), caseband, bridge, gear, hand ( 5), clasp, crown, push button. 15. Jewelery component characterized in that it is manufactured using the method according to one of claims 1 to 12. 16. Jewelery component according to claim 15, characterized in that it is chosen from the list comprising: earring, bracelet, ring, pendant, necklace, cufflink, brooch. 17. Timepiece characterized in that it comprises at least one horological component according to claim 13 or 14.