CH716623A2 - Decorative article with luminous effect. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a decorative article (1) comprising: an element (3) made at least in part of a material based on metal, polymer or ceramic and comprising a visible face (3a) for an observer (5), at least one light source (4) external or internal to said element (3), said decorative article (1) being characterized in that it further comprises at least one optical fiber (2) embedded within said material of the element (3 ), said optical fiber (2) serving as a guide for the light coming from the light source (4) so as to produce, in use, a luminous effect on the visible face (3a) of the element (3). It also relates to a method of manufacturing the decorative article. The article may in particular be a watch or jewelry trim component.

Description

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative article, in particular to a watch or jewelery covering component having a luminous effect. It also relates to the process for manufacturing the decorative article.

PRIOR ART

[0002] There are many articles for which a particular aesthetic aspect is sought. In particular, articles in the watchmaking field, always in search of aesthetic improvement, can be edited. The aesthetic improvement can be brought by several elements, whether it is the color, the graphics or even a luminous effect via, for example, a luminescent coating. A luminous effect can also be provided via a light source added within the timepiece and intended to illuminate the dial, an Index or even a hand as in document EP 2 950 167.

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a new luminous effect to a decorative article and in particular to a trim component in watchmaking or jewelry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The object of the present invention is thus to provide a decorative article comprising one or more optical fibers coated in a material based on metal, ceramic or polymer and intended to guide the light coming from one or more light sources towards one side. visible from the decorative article so as to create a luminous effect.

[0005] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear in the following description of a preferred embodiment, presented by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0006]

Figures 1a-1e schematically represent different variants of the arrangement of light sources and optical fibers within the decorative article according to the invention.

Figure 2 schematically represents the light effects that can be obtained with the Variant of Figure 1e.

FIGS. 3a and 3b schematically represent a section of a timepiece according to the invention comprising a dial in which the optical fibers are embedded for respectively two distinct arrangements of the light source.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates the steps of the manufacturing process of the decorative article having a light effect according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The present invention relates to an article having a luminous effect for decorative purposes. The decorative article can be a constituent part of watches, jewelry, bracelets, brooches, necklaces, handbags, etc. In the watchmaking field, this article is a trim component such as a middle part, a caseback, a bezel, a pusher, a bracelet link, a dial, a hand, a Dial index, etc.

According to the invention and as shown schematically in the figures above, the decorative article 1 comprises an element 3 made of a polymeric, ceramic or metallic based material within which one or more optical fibers 2 are arranged. For simplicity, we will speak below of optical fibers in the plural. The decorative article 1 also comprises at least one light source 4 outside or inside the element 3. The optical fibers 2 emerge on at least one visible face 3a, ie a face directed towards the observer 5, of the element 3. However, it is not excluded that one end of the fibers emerge near the visible face if the element comprises a surface made of a transparent material. Proximity means a distance less than or equal to 2 mm below the visible face. The optical fibers can be either standard optical fibers or fluorescent optical fibers which produce color upon illumination. The fibers serve as waveguides for the light emitted by the light source or sources 4. The light source is an element which emits photons thanks to the phenomena of photoluminescence, electroluminescence or chemiluminescence. They may thus be light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent sources, etc. The optical fibers 2 can be directly connected to the light source 4 as shown in Figures 1d and 1e or exposed to the light source 4 without a direct connection as shown in Figures 1a-1c. According to a variant not shown, the light can also be routed from the source to the fibers via a waveguide, for example, formed in the element.

[0009] Within the material of the element 3, the optical fibers 2 can pass through from a first face 3b to a second face which is the visible face 3a of the element 3 as shown schematically in Figures 1a-b and 1d- e, the first and second faces being able to be opposed (configuration represented) or contiguous (configuration not

represented). When the fibers 2 pass through, the light source 4 is arranged on the side of the first face 3b or 3c of the element. Alternatively, the two ends of the fibers 2 can emerge on the visible face 3a as represented in FIG. 1c. In which case, the light source 4 is on the side of the visible face 3a. The optical fibers emerge on the visible face by forming a set of luminous points which, depending on the arrangement of the fibers, can draw a given shape or logo, for example a star or a smiley in the examples of FIG. 2. more generally this form or decor logo.

[0010] The optical fibers are embedded in the material and can adopt different orientations within this material. According to the variant of FIG. 1a, they are all oriented in the same direction substantially perpendicular to the visible face 3a of the element. In the example illustrated, they are oriented parallel to the fax between the light source 4 and the observer 5. In FIG. to create a variable aesthetic effect depending on the viewing angle. Alternatively to Figure 1c, the fibers 2 are folded with the two ends opening onto the visible face 3a. In the configurations of FIGS. 1d and 1e, the fibers 2 pass through with one or more light sources 4 connected to the fibers 2. In FIG. 1d, all the fibers 2 are connected to a light source 4. Figure 1c, a part of the fibers 2 is connected to a light source 4 and the remaining part of the fibers 2 is connected to another light source 4. Thus, with several light sources connected to the optical fibers, images of different colors can be generated. Also, with an alternating operation of the light sources, successive images can appear as shown in figure 2.

[0011] For example, the element 3 can be a dial with the optical fibers 2 fixed in the material of the dial so as to form a design. Light sources such as LEDs, connected to optical fibers fixed in the material, are placed under the dial. When the LED's light up alternately, different images are visible to the viewer. Similarly, an animation can be created on the dial. By way of example, FIGS. 3a and 3b represent different arrangements of the light source 4 under the dial 3 in which the optical fibers 2 are embedded. In FIG. 3a, the light source 4 is arranged facing a side face of the dial 3. The light is transmitted from the source 4 to the fibers 2 via a waveguide 10 provided in the dial 3. The waveguide 10 can be provided on its inner face opposite the optical fibers 2 a reflector 11 to reflect the light towards the fibers. In Figure 3b, the light source 4 is arranged under the dial 3 and in particular on the periphery of the dial. It is directly connected to the optical fibers 2. In the examples, a single light source is represented. According to variants, it is possible to place 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. light sources. According to the invention, the light sources are connected to a power source such as a battery disposed within the decorative article with a control device, for example manual, disposed outside the decorative article.

[0012] In the illustrated examples, the light source is external to the element. However, it is also possible to position the light source within the element. In this case, it is not necessary to open the two ends of the fiber on an outer face of the element. It is, for example, possible to overmold the light source within the element. By way of illustration, in the horological field, the light source can be overmolded within the trim component, for example a bracelet link, comprising the fibers. It is also possible, as described in document EP 2 950 167, to integrate the light source within a housing provided in a needle forming the element in which the optical fibers are embedded.

[0013] Preferably, the optical fibers are embedded in a polymer matrix. By way of example, the polymer can be chosen from epoxy, acrylic, phenolic, esther, polyurethane, etc. resins. The polymer matrix optionally comprises fillers making it possible to modify the mechanical properties of the material, the color, the density of the material, to make the material luminescent and/or to opacify the polymer if necessary. These fillers are, among others, inorganic such as metal or ceramic powders, introduced between 20% and 90% by weight, they aim to increase the density of the material and to change its thermal conductivity; glass fibers introduced between 10% and 50% by mass in order to increase the dimensional stability of the material or organic fillers such as vegetable fibers (cellulose, flax, hemp, etc.) or animal fibers (leather, wool ...) introduced between 5% and 50% by mass, they make it possible to give the material a natural appearance and make it possible to recycle waste from the production of natural materials. The photoluminescent pigments introduced between 10% and 90% by mass (for example strontium aluminates doped with lanthanides) are also avoided in the resin in order to benefit from luminescence in the dark after having charged the material in the light. The polymer matrix can therefore comprise one or the other of the fillers alone or in combination, provided that the percentage by mass of the filler(s) does not exceed 90% by mass of the polymer matrix. Preferably the polymer matrix will comprise at least the inorganic filler.

To produce the material, the optical fibers are integrated into the mixture comprising the organic binder, c.ä.d. the aforementioned resin, and any fillers. In an example of application illustrated in FIG. 4, the material is produced by vacuum casting in a mold 8 having the shape of the element. In a step a), a quick-setting resin 7, which can be described as glue, is poured into the bottom of the mold 8. This resin can, for example, be an epoxy resin which will then be eliminated during machining. and polishing the piece. This layer of adhesive which, by way of example, has a thickness of the order of a millimeter forms a sacrificial zone making it possible to position the optical fibers. After removal of the sacrificial zone, the bare surface will form the face intended to be visible with the luminous effect. Alternatively, instead of the sacrificial resin, a plate with a matrix of micro-holes which make it possible to position the fibers and which compose a decoration is arranged. The pattern will appear illuminated when the light source is turned on. The plaque

Claims (22)

can be sacrificial or be maintained in the material. In a step b), the optical fibers 2 are positioned in the bottom of the mold to produce the desired pattern. The resin 7 in which the base of the fibers 2 is embedded is polymerized. In a step c), the fibers are cut to the desired size so as to emerge on or close to the visible face on the finished element. When the fibers are intended to be connected directly to light sources. They are, during this step, twisted and glued together to form one or more strands respectively connected to one or more light sources 4. In a step d), the resin 9 forming the polymer matrix of the material is cast with the desired fillers in the mold cavity to overmold the optical fibers. In step e), the resin is cross-linked and the assembly is removed from the mold after the curing time. In step f), the layer of sacrificial resin 7 or the plate, if applicable, is eliminated by machining. [0015] It will be noted that alternatively, the optical fibers can be embedded in an amorphous or crystalline metal matrix via a process of injection on the fibers positioned in the mold, of a feedstock comprising a metal powder and a system organic binder (paraffin, polyethylene, etc.). After injection, the feedstock is debinded by thermal degradation or by dissolution in a solvent before being sintered. The fibers are then made of a material such as quartz resistant to metal sintering temperatures. [0016] The optical fibers can also be embedded in a ceramic matrix based on nitrides, oxides and/or carbides. The ceramic powders optionally mixed with an organic binder system (paraffin, polyethylene, etc.) are injected or pressed into the mold comprising the fibers before being sintered. The fibers are then also made of a material resistant to ceramic sintering temperatures. Legend [0017] (1) Decorative item (2) Optical fiber (3) Element or dial To. face up b. Face opposite the visible face vs. Face contiguous with the visible face (4) Light source (5) Observer (6) Ice (7) Support, also called sacrificial resin (8) Mold (9) Material or resin (10) Waveguide (11) Reflector Claims 1. Decorative article (1) comprising: - an element (3) made at least in part from a metallic, polymeric or ceramic based material and comprising a visible face (3a) for an observer (5), - at least one light source (4) outside or inside said element (3), said decorative article (1) being characterized in that it further comprises at least one optical fiber (2) embedded in said material of the element (3), said optical fiber (2) serving as a guide for the light coming of the light source (4) so as to produce, in use, a luminous effect on the visible face (3a) of the element (3). 2. Decorative article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said optical fiber (2) emerges at one end on the visible face (3a) or close to the visible face (3a) of the element (3). and at its other end on this same visible face (3a) or close to this same visible face (3a) of the element (3). 3. Decorative article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said optical fiber (2) emerges at one end on the visible face (3a) or close to the visible face (3a) of the element (3). and at its other end on a face (3c) contiguous with the visible face (3a). 4. Decorative article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said optical fiber (2) emerges at one end on the visible face (3a) or close to the visible face (3a) of the element (3). and at its other end on a face (3b) opposite the visible face (3a). 5. Decorative article (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that this other end of the optical fiber (2) is directly connected to the light source (4). 6. Decorative article (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that this other end of the optical fiber (2) is coupled to the light source (4) via a waveguide (10 ). 7. Decorative article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises several optical fibers (2) forming on the visible face (3a) of the element (3) a decor. 8. Decorative article (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least two light sources (4) intended in use to form decorations on the visible face (3a) of the element (3) respectively. distinguished by their shape or color. 9. Decorative article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each optical fiber (2) is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the visible face (3a) of the element (3). 10. Decorative article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each optical fiber (2) is oriented with an interior angle of 90° with respect to a direction substantially perpendicular to the visible face (3a). ) of element (3). 11. Decorative article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the element (3) is a watchmaking or jewelery covering component chosen from the list comprising a case middle, a back, a bezel, a pusher, a bracelet link, a dial, a hand and a dial index. 12. Decorative article (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the element (3) is the dial with the light source (4) arranged under the dial. 13. Decorative article (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the element (3) is the dial with the light source (4) arranged facing a side face of the dial. 14. Method for manufacturing a decorative article (1) comprising an element (3) made at least in part from a metallic, polymeric or ceramic-based material, said article (1) comprising at least one light source (4) and at least one optical fiber (2) embedded in said material, the method comprising the steps of: - Provide the optical fiber (2) and a mold (8) having substantially the shape of the element (3), - Place a support (7) at the bottom of the mold (8) to position the optical fiber (2), - Pour, inject or press on the support (7) a starting material so as to coat the optical fiber (2) and obtain the material based on metal, polymer or ceramic. - Unmould the metallic, polymeric or ceramic based material. 15. Manufacturing process according to claim 14, characterized in that the support (7) is sacrificial. 16. Manufacturing process according to claim 15, characterized in that the support (7) is a sacrificial resin acting as glue for the optical fiber (2) during its positioning. 17. Manufacturing process according to claim 14, characterized in that the support (7) is a plate pierced with one or more holes for positioning the optical fiber (2). 18. Manufacturing process according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the starting material is a polymer or resin matrix comprising at least one filler intended to modify the mechanical properties of the material, its color, its density, to opacify it and/or to make it luminescent, said at least one filler being present in a percentage by weight of between 20 and 90%, the material being obtained by polymerization of the polymer or resin matrix. 19. Manufacturing process according to claim 18, characterized in that the polymer or resin matrix is a resin chosen from epoxy, acrylic, phenolic, esther and polyurethane resins. 20. Manufacturing process according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the starting material is a metal or ceramic feedstock comprising an organic binder system, the material being obtained by sintering the feedstock after a debinding step . 21. Manufacturing process according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that several optical fibers (2) are made available, said optical fibers (2) being twisted and glued together after the step of positioning the optical fibers (2) so as to form one or more strands of optical fibers (2). 22. Manufacturing process according to claim 21, characterized in that, after the demolding step, each strand of optical fibers (2) is connected to a light source (4).