System for manufacturing at least one three-dimensional element on an external element of a timepiece

Abstract

Aspects of the invention relate to a system (1) for manufacturing at least one three-dimensional element on a visible face (21a) of an external element (4) of a timepiece (100) implementing the method, the system (1) comprising: - a mold (2) formed from the reversible assembly of a first part (8a) and a second part (8b) configured to receive a support plate (3) of the external element (4), the mold (2) comprising at least one cavity (7) formed by associating the first part (8a) comprising at least one imprint (5) with the visible face (21a) of the external element (4), each cavity (7) contributing to the manufacture of a blank (20) of the three-dimensional element (10) based on overmolding by injection of an injectable material onto the visible face (21a), and - a device (12) for applying a coating to the blank (20) overmolded on the visible face (21a) of the external element (4), contributing to the completion of the blank (20) of the three-dimensional element (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for manufacturing at least one three-dimensional element on the visible surface of an external element (élément d'habillage) of a timepiece.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an external element comprising at least one three-dimensional element.

[0003] The present invention also relates to timepieces that include such external components. Background Technology

[0004] In the prior art, three-dimensional elements (such as appliques set on external elements such as dials) are most commonly manufactured using methods that implement transfer or screen printing or molding techniques on the underside of the dial, with the embossed portion forming the applique, which is then polished, painted, or coated with luminescent pigment. These appliques can also be components that are mounted on the dial using methods that implement stamping / processing of metal sheets and then gluing (e.g., by means of thermosetting adhesives).

[0005] When seeking high-quality components, accessories are most often equipped with feet to secure them to the dial via gluing, welding, or riveting. Accessories are machined using techniques such as machining or stamping in the profile, and then reworked by faceting. However, one drawback of such methods relates to the fact that they can be a cause of imperfections on the surface of these accessories.

[0006] Furthermore, these different methods typically require a great deal of work from the operators responsible for them, which proves to be time-consuming and demanding given the small size of the parts being processed (especially those placed in the dial). Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the above-mentioned disadvantages by providing a method and system for manufacturing at least one three-dimensional element on the visible surface of the external components of a high-quality timepiece.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing at least one three-dimensional element on the visible surface of an external component of a timepiece, the method comprising the following steps: - The design includes a support plate for external components, including a sub-step of forming at least one through hole in the thickness of the external components, the through hole having a variable cross-section along its axis of rotation, the axis of rotation connecting the centers of its inlet and outlet orifices to each other; - Arrange a support plate including external components in a mold formed by the reversible assembly of a first component and a second component, the arrangement step including a sub-step of forming at least one cavity in the mold by associating the first component including at least one imprint with a visible surface of the external component; - Constructing a blank of each three-dimensional element on the visible surface of the external element, the step of which includes a sub-step of overmolding by injecting an injectable material into a cavity through a through-hole arranged in the external element, the through-hole having an inlet orifice of the cavity; - The completion of the blank of the three-dimensional element includes, after performing one of the following sub-steps of the completion step, a sub-step of applying a coating to the blank that is overmolded on the outer element: • The sub-step of disassembling the first part from the second part of the mold, or • A sub-step of removing the mold from a support plate including an external element having at least one blank on its surface covered with a three-dimensional element.

[0009] In other embodiments: - The arrangement step includes a sub-step of reversibly assembling the second component with a support plate including external elements, the sub-step including a connection stage of one end of the injection circuit arranged in the second component with the inlet orifice of the through hole of the external element; - The removal sub-step includes the stage of disconnecting the injection point that connects the external component to the second component; - The overmolding sub-step includes a stage for regulating the temperature of the mold, particularly during the period from before the start of the stage of injectable material into the cavity to the end of the material injection stage or after the end of the injection stage; - The overmolding step includes a stage of emptying the cavity before the stage of injecting injectable material into the cavity; - The application sub-step includes the stage of depositing decorative and / or functional materials on the visible outside of a blank of a three-dimensional element overmolded on an outer element; - The method includes the step of preparing at least one imprint in a first part using at least one original part relative to at least one three-dimensional element to be manufactured; - The design of the support plate includes a sub-step of creating at least one blind hole in the thickness of the outer element, the blind hole having a variable cross-section along its axis of rotation that connects the center of the injectable material inlet orifice to the bottom of the hole.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a system for manufacturing at least one three-dimensional element on the visible surface of an external element of a timepiece implementing the method, the system comprising: - A mold formed by the reversible assembly of a first component and a second component, the second component being configured to receive a support plate for an external element. The mold includes at least one cavity formed by associating the first component, including at least one imprint, with a visible surface of the external element. Each cavity facilitates the fabrication of a blank of a three-dimensional element based on overmolding by injecting injectable material onto the visible surface. - An apparatus for applying a coating to the blank that is overmolded on the visible surface of an outer element, which helps to complete the blank of a three-dimensional element.

[0011] The present invention also relates to an external element for a timepiece, comprising at least one three-dimensional element that can be manufactured on its visible surface using the method described above.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a timepiece including such an external element. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system for manufacturing at least one three-dimensional element on the visible surface of an external component of a timepiece, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the mold of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a logic diagram associated with a method for manufacturing the at least one three-dimensional element on the visible surface of an external element, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a support plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. The support plate includes an external element, which is the dial of a timepiece. In this figure, the visible surface of the dial can be seen. The dial is provided with a plurality of three-dimensional element blanks, such as accessories, that are covered and formed on the surface. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a support plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. The support plate includes an external element, which is the dial of a timepiece. In this figure, the hidden surface of the dial can be seen. The dial is connected to a runner formed mainly by a second component of a mold (not shown). Figure 6 This is a side view of a support plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, the support plate including external elements and injection channels formed in a mold; Figure 7 and Figure 8 These are cross-sectional views of different three-dimensional component blanks overmolded onto external components according to embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 9 A timepiece according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising an external element having at least one three-dimensional element. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system 1 for manufacturing at least one three-dimensional element 10 on an external element 4 of a timepiece 100 is shown. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 9 The three-dimensional element 10 shown is manufactured on the visible surface 21a (also called the top surface) of the external element 4, that is, on the surface 21a that the wearer of the timepiece 100 can see when the external element 4 is installed in the timepiece 100. This surface 21a of the external element 4 is referred to as "visible" because it is likely to be noticed when it is installed in the timepiece 100, and is different from another surface 21b of the external element 4 that is opposite to the visible surface 21a, for example, when the element 4 is a dial.

[0015] This system 1 can be implemented in an automated assembly equipment (or automated assembly line) dedicated to manufacturing all or part of the timepiece 100. In this case, system 1 helps to manufacture and ensure the distribution of external components 4, including at least one three-dimensional component 10, within the automated assembly equipment.

[0016] Timepiece 100 includes external elements 4 and watch components (not shown) assembled together. In this case, when timepiece 100 is worn by a user, also known as a wearer, external element 4 can be a visible or observable element of timepiece 100. As for watch components, they non-limitingly and non-exhaustively include elements forming the watch movement, including joints and / or rings in timepiece 100. Therefore, under these conditions, it can be understood that each external element 4 is among the various elements surrounding the watch movement of timepiece 100 and contributes to the watch's appearance, visual appeal, and style. For example, external element 4 can non-limitingly and non-exhaustively be a dial, flange, bezel, etc.

[0017] It should be noted that, in the described embodiments, references Figure 9 External element 4 is the dial of timepiece 100, and three-dimensional element 10 is an accessory to the dial.

[0018] As described above, the external element 4 also includes a so-called hidden surface 21b, also known as the bottom surface, which is the opposite surface of the visible surface 21a (in... Figures 4 to 8 (See in the middle).

[0019] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The system 1 includes, in a non-exhaustive and non-limiting manner, the following: - A mold 2 formed by reversible assembly of a first component 8a and a second component 8b, the second component 8b being capable of receiving a support plate 3 including at least one external element 4; - Device 11 for injecting injectable material into the mold 2; - Device 12 for applying a coating to a blank of a three-dimensional element 10 overmolded on an outer element 4; - An apparatus 13 for designing original or "master" components relative to the three-dimensional element 10 to be manufactured, particularly for implementing photolithography techniques, especially ultraviolet projection optical lithography, deep ultraviolet (DUV) projection optical lithography, immersion lithography, double exposure lithography, extreme ultraviolet lithography and / or nanoimprint lithography. - An apparatus 14 for preparing the at least one three-dimensional element 10 from the original component, particularly implementing nickel pad or BMG replication technology; - Device 15 for venting the mold 2 and / or device 16 for regulating the internal temperature of the mold 2, and - Device 17 for removing and arranging at least one external element 4 in mold 2, support plate 3.

[0020] In this configuration, the mold 2 includes a base assembled from a first component 8a and a second component 8b, and a support plate 3 including external elements 4 can be arranged in the base. It should be understood that the plate 3 may include a single external element 4, or alternatively include several external elements 4.

[0021] In this mold 2, the second component 8b includes a receiving surface configured to receive the support plate 3. More specifically, the support plate 3 is fitted onto the receiving surface of the second component 8b such that the concealed surface 21b of the external element 4 is arranged to face or contact all or part of the receiving surface. In this configuration, the visible surface 21a of the external element 4 faces and contacts the inner surface of the first component 8a. In other words, the support plate 3, and therefore the external element 4, are arranged in the base of the mold 2, sandwiched between the first and second components 8a, 8b of the mold 2.

[0022] The inner surface of the first component 8a of the mold 2 may include a single imprint 5 or a plurality of imprints 5, each imprint being associated with a three-dimensional element 10 to be overmolded onto the visible surface 21a of the outer element 4. Each of these imprints 5 has a hollow shape defined within the plane of the first component 8a.

[0023] The visible surface 21a of the outer element 4 includes a region 6, also called an overmolding region 6, which is defined to form a cavity 7 together with the imprint 5, in which injectable material is injected, thereby facilitating the design of the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10. This cavity 7 defines the final shape of the blank 20, and thus the final shape of the three-dimensional element 10, which is produced by the mating of the imprint 5 and the corresponding region 6 of the visible surface 21a of the outer element 4. In this configuration, when the first component 8a and the outer element 4 are assembled together, this region 6 is therefore arranged facing the imprint 5. It should be noted that the mold 2 includes as many cavities 7 as the imprint 5 included in the first component 8a, and / or as many cavities 7 as the overmolding regions 6 included in the outer element 4.

[0024] In this configuration, when system 1 is equipped with a device 16 for regulating the internal temperature of the mold 2, the first component 8a may include an injection circuit (not shown) defined within the body of the first component 8a, substantially disposed below each imprint 5. This circuit is connected to the temperature regulating device 16, which is capable of generating circulation of cooling or heating fluid within the circuit.

[0025] In the external element 4 included in the support plate 3, the visible surface 21a and the hidden surface 21b are preferably flat. These visible and hidden surfaces 21a and 21b are also referred to as the top surface and bottom surface of the external element 4, respectively. In this mold 2, when the first component 8a is assembled with the second component 8b, the visible surface 21a of the external element 4 can contact the inner surface of the first component 8a. In this configuration, it is understood that the external element 4 is arranged in the mold 2, while being sandwiched between these first and second components 8a and 8b.

[0026] refer to Figure 2 The external element 4 also includes at least one through-hole 18a, also referred to as a channel or port, connecting the hidden surface 21b of the external element 4 to the receiving surface of the second component 8b. The through-hole 18a includes a first end (referred to as an outlet port) leading to the cavity 7 of the mold 2 and a second end (referred to as an inlet port) leading to the hidden surface 21b of the external element 4. It should be understood that the external element 4 includes at least as many through-holes 18a as the cavity 7 included in the mold 2.

[0027] It should be noted that, for reference Figure 7 and Figure 8When the outer element 4 is a dial, the through-hole 18a, which includes injectable material, helps to form the foot 23a of the three-dimensional element 10. The shape of the foot 23a is specifically configured to secure the three-dimensional element 10 within the body of the outer element 4. Furthermore, in addition to the through-hole 18a, the region 6, which is configured to form the cavity 7 together with the imprint 5, may also include a blind hole 18b, also called a blind opening, comprising an inlet opening defined in the visible surface 21a of the outer element 4. This blind hole 18b, which includes injectable material, helps to form another foot 23b of the three-dimensional element 10, which is also specifically configured in shape to secure the three-dimensional element 10 within the body of the outer element 4.

[0028] In this configuration, the main bodies of these through-holes and blind holes 18a, 18b are formed by a set of axial cross sections S1, S2, S3, S4, which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axes A and B of these holes 18a, 18b. In this configuration, the through-hole 18a extends along the longitudinal axis A, or axis of rotation A, which connects the centers of the inlet and outlet orifices. Similarly, the blind hole 18b extends along the longitudinal axis B, or axis of rotation B, which connects the center of the injectable material inlet orifice to the bottom of the hole 18b. These longitudinal axes A and B are substantially parallel or strictly parallel to each other. In this configuration, it should be noted that: - The through hole 18a includes at least one axial cross section S1, S3 located between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice, the surface area of ​​which is strictly different or substantially different from the surface area of ​​the axial cross section including the inlet orifice and the surface area of ​​the axial cross section including the inlet orifice and the surface area of ​​the axial cross section including the outlet orifice. - The through hole 18a includes at least one axial cross section S1, S3 located between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice, the surface area of ​​which is strictly different or substantially different from the surface area of ​​the axial cross section including the inlet orifice or the axial cross section including the inlet orifice or the axial cross section including the outlet orifice. - Through hole 18a includes at least one axial cross section S1, S3 located between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice, with a surface area of... • Strictly greater than or substantially greater than the surface area of ​​the axial cross-section including the outlet orifice, and / or • Strictly smaller than or substantially smaller than the surface area of ​​the axial cross-section including the inlet orifice; - The blind hole 18b includes at least one axial cross section S2, S4 located between the inlet orifice and the bottom, the surface area of ​​which is strictly different or substantially different from the surface area of ​​the axial cross section including the inlet orifice and the surface area of ​​the axial cross section including the inlet orifice and the surface area of ​​the axial cross section including the bottom. - The blind hole 18b includes at least one axial cross section S2, S4 located between the inlet orifice and the bottom, the surface area of ​​which is strictly different or substantially different from the surface area of ​​the axial cross section including the inlet orifice or the surface area of ​​the axial cross section including the inlet orifice or the surface area of ​​the axial cross section including the bottom. - Blind hole 18b includes at least one axial cross section S2, S4 located between the inlet orifice and the bottom, with a surface area of: • Strictly greater than or significantly greater than the surface area of ​​the axial cross-section containing the outlet orifice, and / or • Strictly smaller or significantly smaller than the surface area of ​​the axial cross-section constituting the inlet orifice.

[0029] Therefore, in this configuration, it can be understood that the through-hole 18a includes a variable cross-section along its axis of rotation, which connects the centers of the inlet and outlet orifices. Similarly, the blind orifice 18b includes a variable cross-section along its axis of rotation, which connects the center of the injectable material inlet orifice to the bottom of the orifice. It can be noted that in this case, each cross-section is transverse relative to the axes of rotation A, b. It can be noted that the cross-sections here refer to the surface, diameter, and / or dimensions of the cross-sectional planar section of the blind or through-hole.

[0030] In this case, for example, in Figure 7 In the process, the through hole 18a and the blind hole 18b can have a substantially truncated conical shape or a tube-like shape, wherein the body comprises two parts with different cross-sections or different diameters, such as Figure 8 As shown.

[0031] As already mentioned, the mold 2 includes at least one cavity 7. The cavity 7 is formed by assembling an imprint 5 included in the inner surface of the first component 8a with a corresponding region 6 of the visible surface 21a of the outer element 4. Region 6 includes a through-hole 18a disposed in the outer element 4, which opens to the cavity 7 via its outlet orifice. The through-hole 18a is connected / coupled to an injectable material injection device 11 via its inlet orifice through an injection circuit 9 defined in the second component 8b of the mold 2. It should be noted that in this configuration, when the cavity 7 also includes a blind hole 18b, the inlet orifice of which is defined within the overmolding region 6 of the visible surface 21a of the outer element 4.

[0032] In this configuration, the injectable material portion cured in the inlet orifice of the through-hole 18a forms an injection point 22, which is specifically defined to disconnect, particularly during the separation of the external element 4 from the second component 8b, as described below. In practice, this injection point 22 helps to hold the support plate 3 onto the second component 8b by attaching it to the injection channel 19 formed in the mold 2, and thus holds the external element 4 onto the second component 8b. The injection point 22 is preferably located at the inlet orifice of the through-hole 18a. In other words, the injection point 22 is located at the end or base of the leg 23a formed in the through-hole 18a of the three-dimensional element 10.

[0033] It should be noted that, Figure 6 The injection channel 19 shown includes a first component formed by curing injectable material in a through-hole 18a and a second component formed by curing injectable material in an injection circuit 9 arranged in a second component 8b.

[0034] Furthermore, in this configuration, it should be understood that when the external element 4 is a dial, the imprint 5 forms the visible portion of the three-dimensional element 10, such as an accessory, and the corresponding area 6 of the external element 4 facilitates the formation of the connection portion between the accessory and the dial using the feet 23a, 23b of the accessory.

[0035] As previously described, in this mold 2, the second component 8b is configured for reversible assembly with the assembly surface of the support plate 3 and / or the hidden surface 21b of the external element 4. The second component 8b includes the at least one injectable material injection circuit 9, which is connected at a first end to the injection device 11 and at a second end to each through-hole 18a of the external element 4 of the support plate 3. It should be noted that when the system 1 is equipped with a device 15 for evacuating the mold 2, a vacuum circuit can be defined within the body of the second component 8b, which is connected at one end to the through-hole 18a of the external element 4 and at the other end to the evacuation device 15, thus enabling the creation of air space in each cavity 7 of the mold 2. In this configuration, it should be understood that one of the functions of the second component 8b is to provide a path for injectable material to the through-hole 18a for injection and, where applicable, to facilitate the evacuation of the cavities 7 of the mold 2.

[0036] In system 1, the apparatus 12 for applying a coating to a blank 20 of a three-dimensional element 10 overmolded on an outer element 4 is capable of applying / depositing a coating comprising metallic decorative materials and / or functional materials on the outer surface 24 of the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10. This apparatus 12 may include a printing module specifically provided with components for spraying such decorative and / or functional materials, and / or for evaporating such materials, and / or for evaporating coatings / films comprising such materials. It should be noted that the evaporation components may be DC cathode sputtering components or high-power pulsed magnetron sputtering components, commonly abbreviated as HIPIMS. It should also be noted that other techniques, such as those referred to as “thermal transfer” of the coating onto the blank 20, may be used.

[0037] In system 1, the decorative material can be made of ink, metal, or metal alloy. This decorative material, applied to the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10, helps to alter the visual appearance of the three-dimensional element 10. As for functional materials, they are intended to impart physical and / or chemical functional characteristics to the three-dimensional element 10, such as those associated with: - Conductive, semiconductor, or insulating properties; - Semiconductivity; - Electroluminescence; - Photoluminescence (e.g., response to ultraviolet radiation); - Phosphorescence; - "X-color change" (photochromic, electrochromic, thermochromic, ionochromic, mechanical color change, etc.); - Electrically activated; - Magnetic; - etc.

[0038] In system 1, the injectable material is, for example, an organic and / or composite material, or a metallic or ceramic material, or a thermodeformable, thermosetting, or thermoplastic material. For example, such a material may include the following elements: - SLN (phosphorescent) type charged plastics and colored and / or fluorescent pigments; - Polymers filled with ceramics, with or without colored pigments; - Additives used to provide a metallic / luster appearance, such as aluminum powder and metal powder; - Additives used to make polymers conductive (for technical reasons or for chemical / electric or other post-processing). - Additives that mimic the aesthetic effects of materials (nearite, stone, etc.); - Additives that provide specific mechanical and / or tribological properties; - BMG, usually short for "Block Metal Glass"; - Stainless steel material; - Sinterable metallic materials; - ceramics; - Silicon, and / or - One or another of these elements, or a combination of several of them.

[0039] In this configuration, it is understood that the system 1 can manufacture multiple three-dimensional elements 10 simultaneously overmolded on the visible surface 21a of the outer element 4. For this purpose, the first component 8a then includes a plurality of imprints 5, and is particularly helpful in obtaining a series of three-dimensional elements 10 overmolded on the visible surface 21a of the outer element 4. Alternatively, it should be understood that the first component 8a may include a single imprint 5 relative to the blank of the three-dimensional elements 10 overmolded in the visible surface 21a of the outer element 4.

[0040] refer to Figure 3 The system 1 implements a method for manufacturing the at least one three-dimensional element 10 on the visible surface 21a of the external element 4 of the timepiece 100.

[0041] This method includes the step of designing a support plate 3 containing an external element 4. The step includes a sub-step of creating a plurality of openings in the main body thickness of the support plate blank, the openings defining the edges of the external element 4 within the blank. In this configuration, the external element 4 is held to the remainder of the blank plate body by portions of the plate, each contained between two openings.

[0042] The design step then includes a sub-step of forming at least one through-hole 18a in the thickness of the outer element 4, the through-hole 18a having a variable cross-section along its axis of rotation A, which connects the centers of the inlet and outlet orifices to each other. This configuration of the through-hole 18a helps to define the shape of the foot 23a of the three-dimensional element 10 formed from the injectable material included in the through-hole 18a. Therefore, the foot 23a is specifically configured in its shape to secure the three-dimensional element 10 in the body of the outer element 4. Furthermore, it can be noted that this hole 18a is configured to subsequently connect the hidden surface 21b of the outer element 4 to the surface of the second component 8b for receiving the mold.

[0043] The design step then includes a sub-step of applying at least one coating layer to the top surface of the external element 4. It should be noted that this top surface corresponds to the visible surface of the external element 4 obtained in the support plate after this design step. In this sub-step, several coatings may be applied to this visible surface.

[0044] The design step then includes a sub-step of creating at least one blind hole 18b in the thickness of the outer element 4, the blind hole 18b comprising a variable cross-section along its axis of rotation B, which connects the center of the injectable material inlet orifice and the bottom of the hole to each other. This configuration of the blind hole 18b helps to define the shape of the foot 23b of the three-dimensional element 10 formed from the injectable material contained in the blind hole 18b. Therefore, the foot 23b is specifically configured in its shape to secure the three-dimensional element 10 within the body of the outer element 4.

[0045] This method includes step 30: preparing at least one imprint 5 in a first component 8a using at least one original part associated with the at least one three-dimensional element 10 to be manufactured. It should be understood that step 30 can facilitate the manufacture of as many imprints 5 as the three-dimensional element 10 to be manufactured, such that these imprints 5 are overmolded onto the same outer component 4. Step 30 provides the manufacture of the imprint 5 from the original part (also referred to as a “master”). The original part has a shape similar to that of the three-dimensional element 10 to be manufactured. It should be noted that the implementation of step 30 may require as many original parts as the number of imprints 5 to be manufactured.

[0046] In this case, fabrication step 30 includes a sub-step 31 of designing the original component using photolithography. This photolithography technique is selected from the following techniques known in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here: ultraviolet projection lithography, DUV projection lithography, immersion lithography, double exposure lithography, far-ultraviolet lithography, and nanoimprint lithography.

[0047] The preparation step 30 includes a sub-step 32 that replicates the original component, aiming to manufacture the external element 5 by replicating the negative shape of the original component. This sub-step 32 specifically provides for the implementation of nickel pads or BMG (an abbreviation for "Bulk Metallic Glass") technology known in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here.

[0048] Subsequently, the method includes an arrangement step 33 in a mold 2 comprising a support plate 3 including an external element 4, the mold 2 being formed by the reversible assembly of first and second components 8a, 8b. During this step 33, the support plate 3 is positioned in a base defined by the reversible assembly of these first and second components 8a, 8b. This arrangement step 33 includes a sub-step 34 of the reversible assembly of the second component 8b with the support plate 3 including the external element 4. This sub-step 34 includes a connection phase 35 between one end of an injection circuit 9 disposed in the second component 8b and the inlet orifice of a through-hole 18a of the external element 4. This sub-step 34 facilitates the formation of an optimal connection between the end of the injection circuit 9 disposed in the second component 8b and the through-hole 18a defined in the external element 4, particularly with the inlet orifice of the hole 18a. It should be understood that the circuit 9 includes as many ends as the through-hole 18a included in the external element 4. It should be noted that the inlet orifice is contained within the hidden surface 21b of the external element 4. This arrangement step 33 also includes a sub-step 36, in which at least one cavity 7 is formed in the mold 2 by associating a first component 8a, including at least one imprint 5, with the visible surface 21a of the outer element 4. It should be noted that each cavity 7 is defined for the preparation / forming of the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10. In other words, the cavity 7 of the mold 2, formed by associating at least one imprint 5 of the first component 8a of the mold 2 with the visible surface 21a of the outer element of the mold 2, defines a space corresponding to the volume and shape of the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10 manufactured therein.

[0049] The method then includes step 37: constructing the at least one blank 20 relative to the three-dimensional element 10 on the visible surface 21a of the outer element 4. This step 37 includes an overmolding sub-step 38, in which injectable material is injected into a cavity 7 via a through-hole 18a disposed in the outer element 4, the outer element 4 having an inlet to the cavity 7. The purpose of this sub-step 38 is to perform overmolding of the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10 on a corresponding region 6 of the visible surface 21a of the outer element 4. This sub-step 38 includes an injection stage 39 from the device 11 for injecting the material to the cavity 7 containing the injectable material. In this case, the injectable material from the injection device 11 is introduced into the cavity 7 through an injectable material injection circuit 9 defined in a second component 8b and through a through-hole 18a included in the outer element 4 connecting the injection circuit 9 to the cavity 7. Therefore, in order to form the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10, the corresponding area 6 of the visible surface 21a of the external element 4 arranged facing the imprint 5 is overmolded, and the injectable material occupies the entire volume defined in the cavity 7.

[0050] This overcoating step 38 may include the following stages: - Before performing stage 39, which involves injecting the injectable material into the cavity 7, stage 40, emptying the cavity 7, and / or - The temperature regulation stage 41, particularly from the start of stage 39 (injection of injectable material into cavity 7) to the end of stage 39 or after the end of stage 39.

[0051] This evacuation stage 40 and temperature conditioning stage 41 are designed to ensure the structural uniformity of the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10 during its overmolding on the outer element 4, in order to eliminate any defects that may be present on the visible outer surface of the blank 20. Such defects may include, for example, weld lines present on the visible outer surface of the blank 20, which are formed after the two streams of injectable material are combined into the cavity 7. Such weld lines are typically present on the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10, relative to accessories with the numbers 6, 8, or 0.

[0052] During the evacuation phase 40, before the injection phase 39 is performed, the fluid (e.g., gas, such as air) present in the cavity 7 is evacuated from the cavity 7.

[0053] During the temperature conditioning phase 41 of cavity 7, prior to the injection phase 39, the temperature within cavity 7 is heated to a level higher than or substantially higher than the temperature of the injectable material in device 11 used for injecting the material. Subsequently, once the injectable material injection phase 39 has been performed, i.e., completed, cavity 7 is immediately cooled.

[0054] The method then includes a completion step 42 of at least one blank of the three-dimensional element 10. This step 42 includes a sub-step 43 of applying a coating to the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10, which is overmolded onto the outer element 4. This application sub-step 43 is performed after the following sub-steps of the completion step 42: • Sub-step 44, which involves disassembling the first part 8a from the second part 8b of mold 2, or • The sub-step of removing the mold 2 from the support plate 3, which includes an outer element 4 having at least one blank 20 covering a three-dimensional element 10 formed on the visible surface of the outer element 4.

[0055] In practice, following one or the other of these two sub-steps 44 and 45, sub-step 43 includes a deposition stage 46 on the visible exterior of each blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10 overmolded on the outer element 4, comprising decorative and / or functional materials. For example, such deposition stage 46 may apply a decorative material comprising a metallic component to the exterior of the blank 20. Such deposition stage 46 can be performed using techniques that achieve direct current cathode sputtering or, more commonly known under the abbreviation HIPIMS, high-power pulsed magnetron sputtering.

[0056] It should be noted that when the application sub-step 43 is performed after the first component 8a is removed from the second component 8b of the mold 2, the deposition stage 46 is performed while the support plate 3 is still mounted / fixed to the second component 8b of the mold 2. Furthermore, in this case, after the deposition stage 46, the method provides for the implementation of the sub-step 45 of removing the support plate 3 from the mold 2.

[0057] In this method, the removal sub-step 45 includes a disconnection phase 47 of injection point 22, which connects the support plate 3 and / or external element 4 (including the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10 or the three-dimensional element 10) to the second component 8b. This phase 47 includes a sub-phase 48 of applying force to the support plate 3, which includes the external element 4, to trigger a rotational or translational movement of the plate relative to the second component 8b, thereby triggering the disconnection of injection point 22. It should be noted that once injection point 22 has been disconnected, the bottom of the foot of the three-dimensional element 10 formed in the through-hole 18a is substantially flush with, or strictly flush with, the hidden surface 21b of the external element 4.

[0058] Once the support plate 3 has been removed from the second component 8b, the external element 4 is separated from the support plate 3 for assembly into the clock, or this is accomplished by applying a coating to the remaining visible surface 21a (i.e., the portion of surface 21a not hidden by the three-dimensional element 10).

[0059] It should also be noted that, as described above, each external element 4 may include several three-dimensional elements 10, in which case the number of injection points 22 is the same as the number of three-dimensional elements 10.

[0060] Therefore, the present invention thus facilitates the fabrication of at least one three-dimensional element 10 on the visible surface 21a of the external element 4 of a timepiece.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing at least one three-dimensional element (10) on a visible surface (21a) of an external element (4) of a timepiece (100), the method comprising the steps of: - The step of designing a support plate (3) including the external element (4) includes a sub-step of forming at least one through hole (18a) on the thickness of the external element (4), the through hole (18a) including a variable cross section along its axis of rotation (A) which connects the centers of the inlet and outlet orifices of the hole (18a) to each other. - Arrangement step (33) in which the support plate (3) including the external element (4) is arranged in a mold (2) formed by the reversible assembly of the first component (8a) and the second component (8b), the arrangement step (33) including a formation sub-step (36) of forming at least one cavity (7) in the mold (2) by associating the first component (8a) including at least one imprint (5) with the visible surface (21a) of the external element (4); - A construction step (37) of constructing a blank (20) of each three-dimensional element (10) on the visible surface (21a) of the external element (4), the construction step (37) including an overmolding sub-step (38) of injecting injectable material into the cavity (7) at an injection point (22) via a through hole (18a) arranged in the external element (4), the injection point (22) being located at the inlet orifice of the through hole; - The completion step (42) of the blank (20) of the three-dimensional element (10) includes an application sub-step (43) of applying a coating onto the blank (20) overmolded on the outer element (4) after performing one of the following sub-steps of the completion step: • The disassembly sub-step (44) of removing the first component (8a) from the second component (8b) of the mold (2), or • Removal sub-step (45) of removing the mold (2) from the support plate (3) including the external element (4), the external element (4) having at least one blank (20) of a three-dimensional element (10) overlaid on its visible surface.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arrangement step (33) includes a sub-step (34) of reversible assembly of the second component (8b) and the support plate (3) including the external element (4), the sub-step (34) including a connection stage (35) of one end of the injection circuit (9) arranged in the second component (8b) and the inlet orifice of the through hole (18a) of the external element (4).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The removal sub-step (45) includes the stage (47) of disconnecting the injection point (22) that connects the external element (4) to the second component (8b).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The overmolding step (38) includes a temperature adjustment stage (41) for adjusting the temperature of the mold (2).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature adjustment phase (41) of the mold (2) is the period from before the start of the injection phase (39) of injecting the injectable material into the cavity (7) to the end of the injection phase (39) or after the end of the injection phase (39).

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The overmolding step (38) includes a stage (40) of emptying the cavity (7) before the injection stage (39) in which the injectable material is injected into the cavity (7).

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The application sub-step (43) includes a deposition stage (46) on the visible outside of a blank (20) of a three-dimensional element (10) overmolded on the outer element (4), depositing decorative and / or functional materials.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method includes the step (30) of preparing at least one imprint (5) in the first component (8a) using at least one original part relative to the at least one three-dimensional element (10) to be manufactured.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The steps of designing the support plate (3) include a sub-step of creating at least one blind hole (18b) in the thickness of the outer element (4), the blind hole (18b) having a variable cross-section along its axis of rotation (B) connecting the center of the injectable material inlet orifice and the bottom of the hole (18b) to each other.

10. A system (1) for manufacturing at least one three-dimensional element on a visible surface (21a) of an external element (4) of a timepiece (100) by carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the system (1) comprising: - A mold (2) formed by the reversible assembly of a first component (8a) and a second component (8b), the second component (8b) being configured to receive a support plate (3) of the external element (4), the mold (2) including at least one cavity (7) formed by associating the first component (8a) including at least one imprint (5) with the visible surface (21a) of the external element (4), each cavity (7) facilitating the overmolding manufacture of a blank (20) of the three-dimensional element (10) by injecting injectable material onto the visible surface (21a), and - A device (12) for applying a coating onto the blank (20) overmolded on the visible surface (21a) of the outer element (4), thereby facilitating the completion of the blank (20) of the three-dimensional element (10).

11. An external element for a timepiece, the external element comprising at least one three-dimensional element capable of being manufactured on its visible surface (21a) using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A timepiece comprising an external element (4) according to claim 11.

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