decorative element
By setting a transparent color-improving layer and a reflective layer on the flat back surface of the decorative element, the problem of inconsistent color of the decorative element in different shapes and sizes is solved, and the wear resistance of the color layer is improved, making it suitable for a variety of applications.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- D SWAROVSKI & CO
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
Smart Images
Figure CN122249135A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Invention Field
[0002] This invention relates to decorative elements, such as faceted stones.
[0003] introduce
[0004] Decorative elements, such as faceted glass stones, are used as decorative pieces in many applications, including jewelry, ornaments, home furnishings, fashion, textiles, and many others. Such decorative elements are typically available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and for maximum flexibility and creativity, creators are encouraged to obtain any combination of shapes, sizes, and colors they desire.
[0005] One desirable approach to coloring glass is to incorporate chemical components such as rare earth metals and their oxides into bulk glass to provide specific color effects, such as a particular shade of blue. Coloring bulk glass in this way provides rich, deep hues that are resistant to wear and damage.
[0006] For high-quality decorative elements, the precise shade or hue of a particular color should be consistent across all shapes and sizes of stone. However, when using the same block glass composition to prepare stones of different shapes and sizes, the size and shape of the stone, especially its depth, will affect the observed hue. To achieve a consistent hue, the exact composition must therefore be tailored to the size and shape of the stone. This method is economical when preparing large quantities of stones with the same size and shape, but it is not feasible for preparing small quantities of stones with specific sizes, shapes, and color combinations.
[0007] It is known to apply coatings to faceted stones to provide a surface color effect. For example, a colored, transparent coating can be applied to the top surface of a gemstone. The gemstone appears colored when viewed through the colored coating. While this coating provides a colored effect, it is easily worn away. If the stone suffers surface damage, the coating crumbles, revealing the colorless glass underneath. This can be particularly problematic when the stone is used in applications where it will be subjected to frequent wear and tear, such as in fashion applications.
[0008] This invention has been designed in light of this background. Summary of the Invention
[0009] The present invention relates to a decorative element comprising a body having a flat rear surface and a faceted front surface, the body being at least partially transparent, and a layer arrangement on the flat rear surface of the body. The layer arrangement comprises a color-applying layer and a reflective layer. The color-applying layer is at least partially transparent and is disposed between the flat rear surface and the reflective layer.
[0010] When an observer views the decorative element, light incident on it is transmitted through the body and reaches the reflective layer via the color-applying layer. Because the color-applying layer is colored, it acts as a wavelength filter, causing the light passing through it to have a selected wavelength range corresponding to the color of the color-applying layer. The light is reflected from the reflective layer, passes through the color-applying layer and the body, and returns to the observer. The reflected light has a selected wavelength range corresponding to the color of the color-applying layer, causing the observer to observe colored reflected light. Therefore, the resulting appearance of the decorative element is a colored appearance.
[0011] The invention also extends to a method of manufacturing decorative elements. The method includes providing a body having a flat rear surface and a faceted front surface, the body being at least partially transparent, and depositing a layer arrangement on the flat rear surface of the body. The layer arrangement comprises a color-imparting layer and a reflective layer that are at least partially transparent. The layer arrangement is deposited such that the color-imparting layer is disposed between the flat rear surface and the reflective layer. Optionally, the color-imparting layer can be deposited by spraying.
[0012] In the decorative element and / or the method, the main body can be transparent, and the color-applying layer can be transparent. The main body can be colorless.
[0013] In the decorative element and / or the method, the color-applying layer may comprise an organic matrix and a colorant, wherein the organic matrix is at least partially transparent. The organic matrix may comprise a polymeric material, such as polyurethane.
[0014] In this case, the step of depositing the color-applying layer in the method may include providing a mixture comprising an organic matrix, a colorant, and a solvent, and applying the mixture to the substrate. Alternatively, depositing the color-applying layer may include providing a mixture comprising two or more components capable of reacting to form a matrix, a colorant, and a solvent, and applying the mixture to the substrate. The two or more components may comprise, for example, a resin and a hardener that react to form a matrix.
[0015] Organic substrates can be transparent. Organic substrates can be colorless.
[0016] Solvents can contain a single solvent material or a mixture of solvent materials.
[0017] In the decorative element and / or the method, the colorant may comprise a dye or pigment. The pigment may comprise a colorant material provided as particles. The colorant material may be an organic pigment, which may comprise an organic compound or an organometallic compound. Alternatively, the pigment may be an inorganic pigment, which may comprise a metal and / or metal oxide material.
[0018] When the colorant contains particles, the particles may, for example, have a diameter of less than about 20 micrometers (meaning that at least 75% of the particles have a diameter of less than 20 micrometers), preferably less than 5 micrometers (meaning that at least 75% of the particles have a diameter of less than 5 micrometers).
[0019] In the decorative element and / or the method, the color-applying layer may contain about 0.001 wt% to about 50 wt% of a colorant, preferably about 0.025 wt% to about 25 wt% of a colorant, and most preferably about 0.05 wt% to about 20 wt% of a colorant. The color-applying layer may have a thickness of about 0.5 micrometers to about 20 micrometers.
[0020] In the decorative element and / or the method, the reflective layer may be a mirror layer.
[0021] In the decorative element and / or the method, the layer arrangement may further include an adhesive layer between the color-applying layer and the reflective layer. The adhesive layer may be at least partially transparent, and preferably substantially transparent. In this case, the method may include depositing the adhesive layer on the color-applying layer.
[0022] In the decorative element and / or the method, the layer arrangement may further include a protective layer, with a reflective layer disposed between the color-applying layer and the protective layer. In this case, the method may include depositing the protective layer on the reflective layer, optionally by spraying.
[0023] In the decorative element and / or the method, the protective layer may comprise an organic material, which may be, for example, a polymeric material. For instance, the protective layer may comprise polyurethane. When the color-imparting layer comprises a matrix made of organic material, the organic material of the protective layer and the organic material of the matrix may be the same: for example, both may be polyurethane. In other embodiments, the organic material of the protective layer and the organic material of the matrix may be different.
[0024] In the decorative element and / or the method, the body may comprise a transparent material. Optionally, the body may be substantially colorless. The body may be made of glass, glass-ceramic, plastic material, or gemstone or semi-precious stone. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the body may be made of glass or plastic material, preferably glass or plastic material having a refractive index of at least 1.50, preferably at least 1.52.
[0025] In the decorative element and / or the method, the decorative element may be a flat-back crystal element. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a cross-section of the decorative element according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-section of another decorative element according to the invention; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The cross-section of the decorative element shows the path of light incident on the decorative element; and Figure 4 This is a cross-section of another decorative element according to the invention.
[0027] Description of embodiments of the present invention
[0028] Reference Figure 1 The decorative element 10 according to the invention comprises a body 20 having a flat rear surface 22 and a faceted front surface 24. In use, the flat rear surface 22 is typically fixed to the article or substrate, and the faceted front surface 24 is presented to the viewer. In this way, the viewer views the article through the faceted front surface 24.
[0029] A layer arrangement 30 is provided on the flat rear surface 22. The layer arrangement includes a first layer 32 in the form of a color-assigning layer and a second layer 34 in the form of a reflective layer. The color-assigning layer 32 is disposed between the flat rear surface 22 of the body 20 and the reflective layer 34.
[0030] The body 10 is at least partially transparent, such that at least some light incident on the front surface 24 is transmitted through the body to the layer arrangement 30. In a preferred embodiment, the body is completely transparent. The body may be colorless, such that substantially all light incident on the front surface 24 is transmitted through the body to the layer arrangement 30.
[0031] Therefore, the body can be made of any suitable material that is at least partially transparent, such as glass, glass-ceramic, plastic, or gemstones or semi-precious stones. In a preferred embodiment, the body is made of glass or plastic, preferably glass or plastic having a refractive index of at least 1.50, preferably at least 1.52, which is the minimum refractive index of crystal glass.
[0032] The body can take any suitable shape including a flat rear surface 22 and a faceted front surface 24. Elements having a flat rear surface 22 and a faceted front surface 24 are commonly referred to as "flat-back" stones or crystals: such stones can typically have many shapes and sizes. In this embodiment, the body includes a girdle 23 between the flat rear surface 22 and the faceted front surface 24. Sidewalls 25 extend around the periphery of the girdle 23.
[0033] The layer arrangement 30 can substantially completely cover the flat rear surface 22 of the body 20. In some embodiments, a small peripheral area at the edge of the flat surface may not be covered by the layer arrangement. In other embodiments, the layer arrangement 30 may cover only a portion of the flat rear surface 22 of the body 20.
[0034] An embodiment is also envisioned in which the layer arrangement 30 extends beyond the flat rear surface 22 of the body 20 and covers part or all of the sidewall 25 of the waist ridge 23.
[0035] The color-imparting layer 32 is at least partially transparent, such that at least some incident light is transmitted through it to reach the reflective layer 34. Preferably, the color-imparting layer 32 is completely transparent. The color-imparting layer 32 is colored, thus acting as a wavelength filter. For example, if the color-imparting layer 32 is green, then the color-imparting layer 32 transmits light with a wavelength corresponding to green and absorbs light of other wavelengths.
[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the color-applying layer 32 is applied directly to the flat rear surface 22 of the body 20, but embodiments in which an intermediate layer is provided between the body 20 and the color-applying layer 32 are also contemplated, wherein the intermediate layer is at least partially transparent.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the color-applying layer 32 comprises a matrix and a colorant.
[0038] The matrix material is at least partially transparent and preferably transmissive to light of all wavelengths. The matrix material is preferably organic, such as a polymer, and in one embodiment, the organic material of the matrix is polyurethane. The matrix material can be made, for example, from a two-component system comprising a resin and a hardener.
[0039] Colorants can be provided in any suitable form, such as as pigments or dyes. In this embodiment, the colorant is provided as a pigment in the form of colorant material particles, wherein the colorant material comprises organometallic complexes and / or heterocyclic organic complexes suspended in an organic matrix. Suitable examples of colorant materials are heterocyclic nickel azo complexes (yellow), perylene derivatives (red), and copper phthalocyanine complexes (green / blue).
[0040] The particles can be specifically selected to produce the desired color. The particles can be any suitable size: in one embodiment, the particles are substantially spherical, and the majority of the particles (i.e., at least 75%) have a diameter of less than 20 micrometers, preferably less than 5 micrometers.
[0041] Any suitable proportion of colorant can be used: for example, color-applying layer 32 may contain about 0.001 wt% to about 50 wt% of colorant, preferably about 0.025 wt% to about 25 wt% of colorant, and most preferably about 0.05 wt% to about 20 wt% of colorant. This proportion of colorant has been found to provide a suitable balance between the richness and intensity of the color-applying layer and sufficient transparency.
[0042] The matrix and colorant are combined together in the color-imparting layer 34 to provide both transparent and colored layers.
[0043] The color-imparting layer 32 can be of any suitable thickness: for example, it can be from about 0.5 micrometers to about 20 micrometers. This thickness range provides a balance between providing rich, intense colors and allowing enough light to reach the reflective layer.
[0044] A reflective layer 34 is configured to reflect light. For this purpose, the reflective layer 34 defines a reflective surface facing the color-imparting layer 32. The reflective layer 34 can be made of any suitable material, such as a metal like silver or a dielectric material. The reflective layer 34 may also comprise a stack of layers. The reflective layer 34 can be of any suitable thickness, for example, from about 50 to about 1500 nm. The reflective layer can be a mirror layer.
[0045] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, the reflective layer 134 forms a portion of a reflective layer system 131 comprising multiple layers. In addition to the reflective layer 134, the reflective layer system also includes an optional adhesive layer 133 disposed between the color-imparting layer 132 and the reflective layer 134, and one or more optional other layers 135 disposed on top of the reflective layer 134. The adhesive layer 133 facilitates adhesion between the reflective layer 134 and the color-imparting layer 132. The adhesive layer 133 is at least partially transparent and can be, for example, a very thin, suitable metal oxide layer. A suitable thickness can be from 1 to 50 nm. The other layers can be, for example, metal, metal oxide, or metal nitride layers having a suitable thickness, for example, from about 50 to about 1500 micrometers.
[0046] Reference Figure 3When decorative element 10 is used, it is typically fixed to substrate 40 such that the flat rear surface 22 of body 20 faces substrate 40 and the faceted front surface 24 of body 20 faces upward. When white light is incident on the decorative element, the white light enters body 20 through faceted front surface 24. If body 20 is colorless, all wavelengths are transmitted through body to color-applying layer. Color-applying layer 32 is transparent but colored: therefore it transmits light of a specific wavelength (corresponding to the wavelength of green light in this embodiment) and absorbs light of other wavelengths (e.g., wavelengths corresponding to red and blue). When transmitted light reaches reflective layer 34, it is reflected back through color-applying layer 32 and body 20, and leaves body 20 through faceted front surface 24. An observer will therefore observe green light and perceive body 20 of decorative element 10 as green.
[0047] Therefore, the combination of the transparent color-imparting layer 32 and the reflective layer 34 provides the color effect, making the subject 20 appear colored to the observer, even if it is colorless. Since the color-imparting layer 32 is applied to the flat rear surface 22 of the subject, it is typically fixed to the substrate during use, thus protecting the color-imparting layer 32 from damage.
[0048] With this layer arrangement, the body 20 can be mass-produced from colorless and transparent materials (such as colorless glass), and different color-imparting layers 30 with different color effects can be applied to produce a wide variety of colors. These layers can be easily applied using simple processes, such as spraying or physical vapor deposition. A particular advantage is that the composition of the color-imparting layers 34 can be easily changed in small batches of different colors if desired.
[0049] Figure 4 Another decorative element 210 is shown. Figure 2 Decorative element 210 and Figure 1 The decorative elements are basically the same, except that the layer arrangement 230 also includes a protective layer 236. The protective layer 236 is arranged such that the reflective layer 234 is arranged between the color-imparting layer 232 and the protective layer 236. Figure 4 The implementation method can also be optionally combined Figure 2 The adhesive layer.
[0050] The protective layer 236 provides additional protection for the reflective layer 234 and the color-applying layer 232, especially when the decorative element 210 has not yet been fixed to the substrate for use.
[0051] The protective layer 236 can be, for example, an organic protective layer containing organic material. The organic material can optionally be the same as the matrix material of the color-imparting layer 234: for example, polyurethane. The thickness of the organic material can be any suitable thickness, for example, 0.5 to 30 micrometers.
[0052] The protective layer may optionally include a hot-melt adhesive layer 238 (i.e., an adhesive that is solid at room temperature but melts when heated and adheres when pressed onto a surface). This hot-fix adhesive is typically used on flat-back stones. A suitable thickness is, for example, 50 to 500 micrometers. In this case, an underlayer may also be provided between the protective layer 236 and the hot-melt adhesive layer 238.
[0053] In this embodiment, in addition to the protective layer 236, a hot melt adhesive layer 238 is also used, such as Figure 4 As shown. However, an embodiment of the protective layer 236 defined by the heat-melting layer is also envisioned.
[0054] For manufacturing Figures 1 to 4 Any of the decorative elements 10, 110, 210 in the first part provides a body 20 and deposits layer arrangements 30, 130, 230 on the flat rear surfaces 22, 122, 222 of the body 20, 120, 220.
[0055] First, color-imparting layers 34, 134, and 234 are deposited on the flat rear surfaces 22, 122, and 222 of the main bodies 20, 120, and 220.
[0056] If necessary, the body may be pretreated to ensure a smooth, clean surface: for example, if the body is made of glass, it may be pretreated by, for example, plasma ionization, flame treatment, and / or solvent cleaning.
[0057] The matrix material and colorant are mixed together with a solvent or diluent. The solvent may contain a single solvent material or a mixture of solvent materials. When the matrix material is provided as a two-component resin, both components are mixed with the colorant and solvent. The solvent can be any suitable solvent material, such as ethoxypropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, methoxypropanol, methoxypropyl acetate, ethyl acetate, naphtha, methoxypropanol, and / or mixtures thereof. The colorant can be provided by a premixture of solvent and color-imparting particles (e.g., a suspension or solution of an organometallic complex or a heterocyclic organometallic complex in a solvent). The solvent ratio is chosen such that the mixture has a viscosity suitable for spraying.
[0058] Mix the materials using any suitable method for a period of time. For example, the materials can be mixed in a rotary mixer at a speed of 60 to 120 rpm for 2 to 15 minutes.
[0059] The mixture is then sprayed onto flat surfaces 22, 122, and 222.
[0060] Optionally, the layer may be allowed to dry at room temperature for a period of time. The drying time may be up to about 180 minutes, preferably up to about 120 minutes, and most preferably up to about 75 minutes.
[0061] The layer is then cured, optionally at a temperature above room temperature. For example, the substrate and layer can be heated to a curing temperature of up to about 125°C, preferably about 50°C to about 120°C, and most preferably about 60°C to about 110°C. The layer can be allowed to cure for a period of time, which can be about 10 minutes to about 24 hours, preferably about 20 minutes to 18 hours, and most preferably about 30 minutes to about 13 hours.
[0062] The reflective layers 34, 234 (or reflective layer system 131) are then deposited using a suitable deposition process such as PVD. If an adhesive layer 133 is used, it is first applied using a suitable PVD process. The reflective layers 34, 134, 234 are then applied using a suitable PVD process. For example, if the reflective layers 34, 134, 234 are a metal such as silver, they can be deposited by sputtering. If other layers 135 are used, these other layers are deposited using a suitable PVD process.
[0063] If a protective layer 236 is used, then the protective layer 236 is deposited on the reflective layer 234 or the reflective layer system 131. First, the reflective layer 234 (or the outer layer of the reflective layer system 131) can be pretreated to ensure a smooth, clean surface, such as by plasma ionization, flame treatment, and / or solvent cleaning.
[0064] When the protective layer 236 is an organic protective layer, it can be applied by spraying. For example, if the organic protective layer is a two-component resin, the two components can be mixed and the mixture can be sprayed using a suitable spraying method.
[0065] Optionally, the organic protective layer 236 may be allowed to dry at room temperature for a period of time. The drying time may be up to about 180 minutes, preferably about 30 minutes to about 120 minutes, and most preferably about 45 minutes to about 75 minutes.
[0066] The organic protective layer 236 is then cured, optionally at a temperature above room temperature. For example, the body 220 and the organic protective layer 236 can be heated to a curing temperature of up to about 180°C, preferably about 50°C to about 160°C, and most preferably about 60°C to about 110°C. The organic protective layer 238 can be allowed to cure for a period of time, which can be about 10 minutes to about 24 hours, preferably about 20 minutes to 18 hours, and most preferably about 30 minutes to about 13 hours.
[0067] If necessary, the organic protective layer 236 can be applied in multiple stages: a first organic protective layer can be applied and allowed to cure, and a second organic protective layer can be applied on top of the first organic protective layer in the same manner to increase the total thickness of the organic protective layer 236.
[0068] If the protective layer is a hot-fix layer, an underlayer can be applied to the reflective layer 234 or the reflective layer system 131, followed by a hot-fix adhesive layer.
[0069] In some implementations, for example Figure 4 As shown, the protective layer 236 may comprise an organic protective layer 236 and a hot-fix layer 238. In such an embodiment, the organic protective layer 236 is applied as described above, followed by an underlayer and a subsequent hot-fix layer 238 applied over the organic protective layer 236.
[0070] Example
[0071] Samples comprising flat-back glass crystals with a coating arrangement applied to the flat back surface were prepared. A color-imparting layer was prepared by mixing the following components: Matrix: Two-part polyurethane resin (part 1: acrylic resin dissolved in an organic solvent; part 2: oligomeric diisocyanate in an organic solvent).
[0072] Diluent: Ethoxypropyl acetate
[0073] Colorant: Yellow pigment containing particles of heterocyclic nickel azo complex in an aldehyde solvent.
[0074] Particle size: At least 90% of the particles have a diameter of less than 5 micrometers.
[0075] Mix the matrix and diluent components in the following ratio: acrylic resin - 1 part Oligomeric diisocyanate - 1 part Diluent - 1.6 parts Add 7.5% by weight of colorant to the mixture.
[0076] Mix the coating mixture in a rotary mixer at 60 rpm for 10 minutes.
[0077] The coating is applied to the flat surface of the stone using a commercial spraying device with an atomizer having a flow rate of 110 L / min and an airflow rate of 200 L / min. The spraying device is positioned 200 mm above the flat surface.
[0078] After applying the color-enhancing layer, allow the sample to air dry overnight at room temperature (approximately 12 hours). Then, cure the sample at 95-115°C for 2 hours. Once the color-enhancing layer has cured, apply an adhesive layer using PVD, followed by applying a silver reflective layer via sputtering.
[0079] The decorative element was found to have a high-quality colored appearance. From all viewing angles, the decorative element appears yellow.
Claims
1. A decorative element comprising: A body having a flat rear surface and a faceted front surface, the body being at least partially transparent; A layer arrangement on the flat rear surface of the body, the layer arrangement comprising: Color application layer; and Reflective layer; The color-imparting layer is at least partially transparent and is disposed between the flat back surface and the reflective layer.
2. The decorative element according to claim 1, wherein The color-imparting layer comprises an organic matrix and a colorant, wherein the organic matrix is at least partially transparent.
3. The decorative element according to claim 2, wherein, The organic matrix comprises polyurethane.
4. The trim element of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The colorant comprises a colorant material, which comprises a metal-organic complex and / or a heterocyclic organic complex and / or a metal oxide and / or a metal.
5. The decorative element according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The colorant comprises particles of colorant material.
6. The decorative element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The color-imparting layer comprises about 0.001% by weight to about 50% by weight of a colorant, preferably about 0.025% by weight to about 25% by weight of a colorant, and most preferably about 0.05% by weight to about 20% by weight of a colorant.
7. The decorative element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The color-imparting layer has a thickness of about 0.5 micrometers to about 20 micrometers.
8. The decorative element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The layer arrangement further includes a protective layer, and the reflective layer is disposed between the color-imposing layer and the protective layer.
9. The decorative element according to claim 8, wherein, The protective layer comprises an organic material, optionally wherein the organic material is polyurethane.
10. A method for manufacturing a decorative element, the method comprising: A body is provided having a flat rear surface and a faceted front surface, the body being at least partially transparent; A layer arrangement is deposited on the flat rear surface of the body, the layer arrangement comprising at least a partially transparent color-imparting layer and a reflective layer, such that the color-imparting layer is disposed between the flat rear surface and the reflective layer.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising depositing a color-imparting layer on the flat rear surface of the body.
12. The method of claim 10 or claim 11, further comprising depositing the color-imparting layer by spraying.
13. The decorative element or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises a transparent material, and optionally wherein the body is substantially colorless.
14. The decorative element or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is made of glass or plastic material.