Method for decorating a component for a timepiece and component for a timepiece
By forming a light-transmitting layer on the watch dial and applying a liquid-repellent treatment, combined with inkjet printing technology, the problem of insufficient three-dimensionality in existing technologies has been solved, enabling complex designs and efficient production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SEIKO EPSON CORP
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
Smart Images
Figure CN116774560B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a method for decorating watch parts and watch parts themselves. Background Technology
[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a method in which an ink-retaining layer is provided on the surface of a display panel such as a watch dial, and the ink-retaining layer is printed by an inkjet method that ejects ink droplets, thereby forming surface patterns of various designs.
[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 01 / 15123
[0004] The ink-retaining layer is constructed using a porous layer or water-absorbing layer made of inorganic or organic compounds. Therefore, the ejected ink droplets are absorbed and expanded by the ink-retaining layer. This allows for the creation of flat designs printed using inkjet printing on the display panel, but not for creating complex designs with a sense of depth or three-dimensionality. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The decorative method for watch components of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a substrate forming step, wherein a pattern is formed on a substrate of the watch component to serve as a substrate; a first light-transmitting layer forming step, wherein a first light-transmitting layer is formed on the surface of the substrate using a light-transmitting resin; a first liquid-repellent treatment step, wherein the surface of the first light-transmitting layer is subjected to a liquid-repellent treatment; and a first printing layer forming step, wherein after the first liquid-repellent treatment step is performed, ink is sprayed onto the surface of the liquid-repellent treated first light-transmitting layer by inkjet spraying to print a pattern, thereby forming a first printing layer.
[0006] The watch component of the present invention is characterized by having: a substrate having a pattern formed on its surface to serve as a base; a first light-transmitting layer formed on the surface of the substrate using a light-transmitting resin; a first hydrophobic layer formed by performing a hydrophobic treatment on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer; and a first printing layer obtained by printing a pattern on the surface of the first hydrophobic layer by inkjet printing. Attached Figure Description
[0007] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of the dial, a component of a clock, according to the first embodiment.
[0008] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for decorating a watch face, which is a component of a clock, according to the first embodiment.
[0009] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the reflected light when the dial of the first embodiment is viewed from the front.
[0010] Figure 4This is an explanatory diagram showing the reflected light when the dial of the first embodiment is viewed at an angle.
[0011] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing the dial viewed from the front, at a 50-degree angle, and at an 80-degree angle.
[0012] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of the dial, a component of a clock, according to the second embodiment.
[0013] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for decorating a watch face, which is a component of a clock, according to the second embodiment.
[0014] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of the dial, a component of a clock, according to the third embodiment.
[0015] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for decorating a watch face, which is a component of a clock, according to the third embodiment.
[0016] Label Explanation
[0017] 1. 1B, 1C dial; 2. Substrate; 3. First light-transmitting layer; 4. First hydrophobic layer; 5. First printing layer; 6. Second light-transmitting layer; 7. Second hydrophobic layer; 8. Second printing layer; 21. Pattern; 50. Ink; 51. Pattern; 80. Ink; 81. Pattern. Detailed Implementation
[0018] [First Implementation]
[0019] Reference Figures 1-5 The decoration method for the clock component according to the first embodiment and the clock component will be described.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing dial 1 as an example of a component used in clocks.
[0021] The dial 1 comprises: a substrate 2 on which a pattern 21 forming a base is formed; a first light-transmitting layer 3 laminated on the surface of the substrate 2; a first hydrophobic layer 4 formed by performing a hydrophobic treatment on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer 3; and a first printing layer 5 formed by ink 50 sprayed onto the surface of the first hydrophobic layer 4 by inkjet printing. The first printing layer 5 is formed by printing the pattern 51 by changing the density of the ink dots 50. That is, the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is formed by a dot pattern that serves as the inkjet pattern of the ink 50.
[0022] Next, refer to Figure 2 The flowchart illustrates the decorative method of forming patterns on dial 1.
[0023] After the decoration method of dial 1 is started, the base forming process S1 is first implemented. In the base forming process S1, a pattern 21 is formed on the surface of the substrate 2 of dial 1 by electroplating, engraving, coating and other processes to serve as the base. The substrate 2 can be made of metal plates such as brass, zinc-copper alloy, aluminum, stainless steel or rigid plastic plates, ceramic plates, etc. In particular, if the substrate 2 is made of metal plates, a more high-end design can be formed compared with the case of using plastic plates, and the design obtained by the combination of the pattern 21 of the substrate 2 and the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 can be further improved.
[0024] Furthermore, when the pattern 21 is formed by creating uneven surfaces on the surface of the substrate 2 through engraving or the like, the uneven surfaces of the substrate 2 constitute the base on which the pattern 21 is formed. When the pattern 21 is formed on the surface of the substrate 2 by electroplating or coating or the like, the electroplated or coated layer constitutes the base.
[0025] After performing the substrate formation step S1, a first light-transmitting layer formation step S2 is performed. In the first light-transmitting layer formation step S2, a light-transmitting resin is coated on the surface of the substrate 2 to form a first light-transmitting layer 3. The light-transmitting resin can be a transparent, pearl-based, or colored transparent resin material, such as acrylic resin or epoxy resin. The thickness of the first light-transmitting layer 3 is, for example, 40 μm or more and 100 μm or less.
[0026] Regarding the method of coating the surface of the substrate 2 with a transparent resin, methods such as coating by spraying or coating by inkjet can be used.
[0027] After the first light-transmitting layer formation step S2, a first liquid-repellent treatment step S3 is performed to liquid-repel the surface of the first light-transmitting layer 3. The liquid-repellent treatment can be performed, for example, by using atmospheric pressure plasma to replace a portion of the molecular structure of the resin exposed on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer 3 with fluorine. Through this liquid-repellent treatment, a first liquid-repellent layer 4 with liquid-repellent properties is formed on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer 3.
[0028] After performing the first hydrophobic treatment step S3, the first printing layer forming step S4 involves printing a pattern 51 onto the surface of the first hydrophobic layer 4 using an inkjet printer to form the first printing layer 5. The ink 50 sprayed by the inkjet printer to form the first printing layer 5 can be water-based ink, solvent-based ink, UV-curable ink, etc. The ink 50 is an ink in which pigments, dyes, microparticles, resins, etc., are dispersed in a solvent. For example, silver nanoparticle ink as a water-based ink, epoxy resin ink as a solvent-based transparent ink, titanium dioxide ink as a solvent-based white ink, and carbon ink as a solvent-based black ink can be used. Furthermore, the ink 50 can be a transparent ink such as titanium dioxide ink, or a non-transparent ink such as silver nanoparticle ink.
[0029] The ink dots 50, which are sprayed by inkjet and adhere to the surface of the first hydrophobic layer 4, form a circular shape when viewed from the front in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the dial 1. The diameter of the ink dots 50 is between 10 μm and 70 μm, and is particularly preferably between 20 μm and 50 μm. If the diameter of the ink dots 50 is 70 μm or less, each dot is printed at a size invisible to the naked eye, and therefore, when the user observes the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5, it is perceived as an aggregate of dots, i.e., a dot pattern. Furthermore, if the diameter of the ink dots 50 is 10 μm or more, the ink 50 can be stably sprayed to accurate positions by inkjet. Therefore, for example, ink 50 can be sprayed overlappingly to the same positions.
[0030] The thickness dimension of the first printing layer 5, i.e., the thickness dimension of ink 50, is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.
[0031] After the first printing layer formation step S4, a first drying step S5 is performed to dry the ink 50 of the first printing layer 5. The first drying step S5 uses a heating plate, oven, far-infrared heating furnace, vacuum dryer, etc., to dry the ink 50. Furthermore, if the ink 50 is a UV-curable ink, it is cured by UV irradiation in the first drying step S5. In other words, the first drying step S5 is a process of fixing the ink 50 adhering to the surface of the first hydrophobic layer 4 to the surface of the first hydrophobic layer 4 through drying and curing.
[0032] [Visual effects of the watch face]
[0033] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The appearance of the pattern on the dial 1 after being decorated through the above processes is explained. In this embodiment, the dial 1 is provided with a pattern 21 formed on the surface of the substrate 2 and a pattern 51 formed by the spray pattern, i.e., dot pattern, of the ink 50 of the first printing layer 5. Moreover, comparing the front view of the dial 1 from a direction perpendicular to the surface, i.e., a 0-degree direction, and the oblique view of the dial 1 from an inclined direction, the pattern 21 of the substrate 2 is more visible when viewed from the front than when viewed from the oblique direction. Conversely, the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is more visible when viewed from the oblique direction than when viewed from the front.
[0034] This visual effect is based on the following three reasons. The first reason is that, in the first printing layer 5, if the brightness of the reflected light Rs1 in the 0-degree direction is set to Ls1 and the brightness of the reflected light Rs2 in the tilted direction is set to Ls2, then Ls1... <Ls2。
[0035] The second reason is that when the brightness of the first printing layer 5 is set to Ls and the brightness of the substrate 2 is set to Lu, Ls / Lu is larger when viewed obliquely than when viewed from the front.
[0036] The third reason is that the area occupied by the dots of the ink 50 relative to the exposed area of the substrate 2 is larger when viewed obliquely than when viewed from the front.
[0037] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, regarding the brightness of the reflected light of the first printing layer 5, the brightness in the 0-degree direction is lower than that in the inclined direction. That is, when the brightness of the reflected light Rs1 in the 0-degree direction of the first printing layer 5, which is the brightness when viewed from the front, is set to Ls1, and the brightness of the reflected light Rs2 in the inclined direction, which is the brightness when viewed obliquely, is set to Ls2, Ls1 < Ls2.
[0038] In addition, the amount of reflected light of the substrate 2 made of a metal plate or the like is much larger than the amount of light reflected by the first printing layer 5. For example, when the brightness of the reflected light Ru1 in the 0-degree direction of the substrate 2, which is the brightness when viewed from the front, is set to Lu1, Ls1 << Lu1.
[0039] Therefore, the amount of light reflected from the substrate 2 is sufficient, so when viewed from the front, the pattern 21 formed on the surface of the substrate 2 is easily seen. On the other hand, the amount of light reflected from the first printing layer 5 is relatively small, so the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is not easily seen when viewed from the front.
[0040] In addition, the brightness Lu2 of the reflected light Ru2 in the inclined direction of the substrate 2 is lower than the brightness Lu1 of the reflected light Ru1 in the 0-degree direction. That is, Lu1 > Lu2. This is because the light reflected in the inclined direction in the substrate 2 is weakened due to the reflection between the substrate 2 and the first light-transmitting layer 3, the attenuation caused by the unevenness of the surface of the substrate 2, etc. Therefore, the amount of light reflected obliquely by the first printing layer 5 becomes relatively larger, and the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is easily seen. That is, when the brightness of the reflected light Rs2 in the inclined direction of the first printing layer 5 is set to Ls2 and the brightness of the reflected light Ru2 in the inclined direction of the substrate 2 is set to Lu2, Ls2 < Lu2, but the difference in brightness is smaller than the difference in brightness between Ls1 and Lu1.
[0041] Therefore, Ls2 / Lu2 > Ls1 / Lu1. When the dial 1 is viewed from the inclined direction, compared with the case of viewing from the front, the brightness of the first printing layer 5 relative to the brightness of the substrate 2 becomes larger, so the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is easily seen.
[0042] And, as Figure 5As shown, a comparison was made between a frontal view (observed from a 0-degree angle orthogonal to the surface of dial 1), a 50-degree oblique view (observed from a 50-degree angle relative to the orthogonal direction), and an 80-degree oblique view (observed from an 80-degree angle). The exposed area of ink 50 relative to the exposed area of substrate 2 was smallest in the frontal view and largest in the 80-degree view. Therefore, in the 80-degree view, the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is more easily seen compared to the frontal view.
[0043] At this point, the spacing between the dots of the ink 50 forming the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is preferably greater than 1 to less than 3 times the diameter of the dots. That is, when the dot spacing is less than 1 times the diameter of the dots, the gap between the dots is small, making it difficult to see the pattern 21 of the substrate 2, especially when using non-transparent ink. On the other hand, when the dot spacing is more than 3 times the diameter of the dots, the gap between the dots is large, so even when viewing the dial 1 at an angle, the pattern 51 becomes unclear due to dot separation. In contrast, if the dot spacing is greater than 1 to less than 3 times the diameter of the dots, the pattern 21 of the substrate 2 can be seen when viewing the dial 1 from the front, and the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 can be clearly seen when viewing the dial 1 at an angle.
[0044] Furthermore, when viewing the dial 1 at an angle, it is clearly visible that the angle of the pattern 51 in the first printed layer 5 is affected by the spacing of the dots. For example, Figure 5 The example shown illustrates the case where the dot spacing is twice the diameter of the dots. In this case, when viewed from an angle of 50 degrees or more relative to the orthogonal direction, the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5 tends to be clearly visible. Furthermore, when the dot spacing is one time the diameter of the dots, the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5 tends to be clearly visible when viewed from an angle of 30 degrees or more relative to the orthogonal direction. Similarly, when the dot spacing is three times the diameter of the dots, the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5 tends to be clearly visible when viewed from an angle of 70 degrees or more relative to the orthogonal direction. In other words, when the dot spacing decreases relative to the diameter of the dots, the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5 becomes clear even when the angle of oblique viewing relative to the orthogonal direction of the dial 1 decreases; conversely, when the dot spacing increases, the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5 becomes unclear unless the angle of oblique viewing relative to the orthogonal direction of the dial 1 is increased.
[0045] The first light-transmitting layer 3 and the first liquid-repellent layer 4 formed on the surface of the substrate 2 can be formed on the entire surface of the substrate 2 or partially. In addition, the first printed layer 5 formed on the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer 4 can be formed on the entire surface of the first liquid-repellent layer 4 or partially.
[0046] [Effects of the first embodiment]
[0047] According to this embodiment, in the dial 1 for watches, a first liquid-repellent layer 4 is formed by performing a liquid-repellent treatment on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer 3. Therefore, ink 50 sprayed onto the first liquid-repellent layer 4 by inkjet printing can adhere with a stable diameter without much diffusion, and the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 can be clearly displayed. Furthermore, by preventing the ink 50 of the first printing layer 5 from being absorbed by the first light-transmitting layer 3, a distance can be set between the first printing layer 5 and the substrate 2. Patterns can be formed on the first printing layer 5 and the substrate 2 respectively, so that complex designs with a three-dimensional and depth-like feel can be displayed on the dial 1, and the design of the dial 1 can be improved.
[0048] In addition, the pattern 21 on the surface of the substrate 2 is easily visible, especially when the dial 1 is viewed from the front, and the pattern 51 formed by the dot pattern of the first printing layer 5 is easily visible when the dial 1 is viewed at an angle. Therefore, it is possible to express different designs depending on the angle at which the dial 1 of the clock is viewed.
[0049] Furthermore, when viewing the dial 1 from the front, the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is difficult to see, thus preventing the clock hands from being difficult to see due to the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5. When viewing the dial 1 at an angle, the necessity to confirm the clock hands is lower, so the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is easy to confirm, which improves the design of the dial 1 and enhances its emotional value to the user.
[0050] The transparent resin used includes acrylic resin or epoxy resin, thus protecting the substrate 2 covered by the transparent resin.
[0051] Furthermore, when the first light-transmitting layer 3 is formed by inkjet printing of a light-transmitting resin, the spraying position and amount of the light-transmitting resin can be controlled with high precision compared to the case formed by spraying. Therefore, the light-transmitting resin can be sprayed only onto the parts of the substrate 2 where the first light-transmitting layer 3 is needed, minimizing the amount of light-transmitting resin used and reducing costs.
[0052] Furthermore, in the production line of dial 1, by setting up an inkjet printer that sprays out a light-transmitting resin to form the first light-transmitting layer 3 and an inkjet printer that sprays out ink 50 to form the first printing layer 5, the first light-transmitting layer forming process S2 and the first printing layer forming process S4 can be easily automated, thereby improving productivity.
[0053] [Second Implementation]
[0054] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7The method for decorating a clock component according to the second embodiment and the clock component itself are described. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, structures identical to those in the first embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals, and descriptions are omitted or simplified.
[0055] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a dial 1B as an example of a watch component. The dial 1B includes: a substrate 2 made of a metal plate; a first light-transmitting layer 3 laminated on the surface of the substrate 2; a first hydrophobic layer 4 formed by performing a hydrophobic treatment on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer 3; a first printing layer 5 formed by ink 50 sprayed onto the surface of the first hydrophobic layer 4 by inkjet printing; and a second light-transmitting layer 6 laminated on the surface of the first printing layer 5. That is, the dial 1B is constructed by further laminating the second light-transmitting layer 6 on the surface of the dial 1 in the first embodiment.
[0056] Next, refer to Figure 7 The flowchart illustrates the decoration method of dial 1B.
[0057] exist Figure 7 In the flowchart, the process from substrate formation step S1 to first drying step S5 is the same as in the first embodiment, therefore, the description is omitted. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, after performing the first drying step S5, a second light-transmitting layer formation step S6 is performed. In the second light-transmitting layer formation step S6, a light-transmitting resin is coated onto the surface of the first printed layer 5 to form a second light-transmitting layer 6. The light-transmitting resin used to form the second light-transmitting layer 6 is the same as that used in the first light-transmitting layer 3; it can be acrylic resin or epoxy resin, or it can be a transparent, pearlescent, or colored transparent resin material.
[0058] In the second light-transmitting layer forming step S6, the method for coating the light-transmitting resin is the same as in the first light-transmitting layer forming step S2. This can be achieved by spraying the resin or by spraying and coating it using an inkjet printer. The thickness of the second light-transmitting layer 6 is the same as that of the first light-transmitting layer 3, for example, 40 μm or more and 100 μm or less.
[0059] [Effects of the second implementation method]
[0060] According to the dial 1B, it has the same substrate 2, first light-transmitting layer 3, first hydrophobic layer 4 and first printing layer 5 as the dial 1, so it can achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.
[0061] Furthermore, a second light-transmitting layer 6 is formed on the surface of the first printed layer 5, so the first printed layer 5 can be protected by the second light-transmitting layer 6, thereby improving environmental resistance.
[0062] [Third Implementation]
[0063] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The method for decorating a clock component according to the third embodiment and the clock component itself are described. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, structures identical to those in the first and second embodiments are labeled with the same reference numerals, and descriptions are omitted or simplified.
[0064] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a dial 1C as an example of a watch component. The dial 1C includes: a substrate 2 made of a metal plate; a first light-transmitting layer 3 laminated on the surface of the substrate 2; a first hydrophobic layer 4 formed by performing a hydrophobic treatment on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer 3; a first printing layer 5 formed by ink 50 sprayed onto the surface of the first hydrophobic layer 4 by inkjet printing; a second light-transmitting layer 6 laminated on the surface of the first printing layer 5; a second hydrophobic layer 7 formed by performing a hydrophobic treatment on the surface of the second light-transmitting layer 6; and a second printing layer 8 formed on the surface of the second hydrophobic layer 7. That is, the dial 1C is constructed by further laminating the second hydrophobic layer 7 and the second printing layer 8 onto the surface of the dial 1B in the second embodiment. The second printing layer 8 is formed by printing a pattern 81 by varying the density of ink dots 80.
[0065] Next, refer to Figure 9 The flowchart illustrates the decoration method of dial 1C.
[0066] exist Figure 9 In the flowchart, the process from substrate formation step S1 to second light-transmitting layer formation step S6 is the same as in the second embodiment, so the description is omitted. Moreover, in the third embodiment, after performing the second light-transmitting layer formation step S6, the second liquid-repellent treatment step S7, the second printing layer formation step S8, and the second drying step S9 are performed sequentially.
[0067] The second hydrophobic treatment step S7 is the same as the first hydrophobic treatment step S3, in which hydrophobic treatment is performed on the surface of the second light-transmitting layer 6 to form the second hydrophobic layer 7.
[0068] The second printing layer forming process S8 is the same as the first printing layer forming process S4. Ink 80 is sprayed onto the surface of the second hydrophobic layer 7 by inkjet spraying to print the pattern 81, thereby forming the second printing layer 8.
[0069] The second drying step S9 dries the ink 80 of the second printing layer 8 in the same way as the first drying step S5.
[0070] In addition, the patterns 51 and 81 of the first printing layer 5 and the second printing layer 8 can be the same pattern or different patterns.
[0071] [Effects of the third embodiment]
[0072] According to the dial 1C, it has the same substrate 2, first light-transmitting layer 3, first hydrophobic layer 4, first printing layer 5 and second light-transmitting layer 6 as the dial 1B, so it can achieve the same effect as the first and second embodiments.
[0073] Furthermore, a second hydrophobic layer 7 is formed on the surface of the second light-transmitting layer 6, and a second printing layer 8 is formed on the surface of the second hydrophobic layer 7. Therefore, the patterns 21, 51, and 81 formed on the substrate 2, the first printing layer 5, and the second printing layer 8 overlap, thus further enhancing the sense of three-dimensionality and depth, and enabling the expression of complex designs.
[0074] Furthermore, a second hydrophobic layer 7 is formed on the surface of the second translucent layer 6, and a second printing layer 8 is formed on the surface of the second hydrophobic layer 7. Therefore, similar to the first printing layer 5, the ink 80 sprayed onto the second hydrophobic layer 7 can adhere with a stable diameter without much diffusion, and the pattern 81 of the second printing layer 8 can be clearly displayed. In addition, a distance can be set between the second printing layer 8 and the first printing layer 5, and patterns can be formed on the first printing layer 5 and the second printing layer 8 respectively. Therefore, complex designs with a sense of three-dimensionality and depth can be displayed in the dial 1C, which can improve the design of the dial 1C.
[0075] [Other Implementation Methods]
[0076] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be implemented within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.
[0077] For example, watch components are not limited to dials 1, 1B, and 1C; they can also be various components visible from the outside, such as date wheels, day wheels, hour, minute, and second hands, and a month indicator. Furthermore, watch components can also be external parts of the watch, such as the case, back cover, and bezel. Moreover, watch components can also be used in skeletonized watches and can be visible from the outside, such as the base plate, rotating pendulum, balance wheel, escapement fork, and gears.
[0078] The layer structure of the watch component is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the dial 1C, the second printed layer 8 may be protected by laminating a light-transmitting resin on its surface. That is, the number of printed layers and light-transmitting layers can be appropriately set according to the specifications required for the watch component.
[0079] Alternatively, a hydrophilic treatment can be performed on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer 3 or the second light-transmitting layer 6 before hydrophobic treatment. The hydrophilic treatment can be performed, for example, by irradiating with ultraviolet light or by using atmospheric pressure plasma with oxygen. If a hydrophilic treatment is performed, the surfaces of the first light-transmitting layer 3 and the second light-transmitting layer 6 can be cleaned, so a uniform first hydrophobic layer 4 and a uniform second hydrophobic layer 7 can be formed through the hydrophobic treatment.
[0080] The thickness of the first light-transmitting layer 3 and the second light-transmitting layer 6 can also be appropriately set during implementation. Since the distance between the pattern 21 of the substrate 2, the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5, the pattern 81 of the second printing layer 8, etc., varies according to the thickness of the first light-transmitting layer 3 and the second light-transmitting layer 6, the sense of three-dimensionality and depth can be adjusted.
[0081] [Summary of this invention]
[0082] The decorative method for watch components of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a substrate forming step, wherein a pattern is formed on a substrate of the watch component to serve as a substrate; a first light-transmitting layer forming step, wherein a first light-transmitting layer is formed on the surface of the substrate using a light-transmitting resin; a first liquid-repellent treatment step, wherein the surface of the first light-transmitting layer is subjected to a liquid-repellent treatment; and a first printing layer forming step, wherein after the first liquid-repellent treatment step is performed, ink is sprayed onto the surface of the liquid-repellent treated first light-transmitting layer by inkjet spraying to print a pattern, thereby forming a first printing layer.
[0083] According to the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is formed by performing a hydrophobic treatment on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer, and a first printing layer is formed by spraying ink onto the hydrophobic layer by inkjet printing. Therefore, the ink droplets sprayed onto the hydrophobic layer do not diffuse much, and the ink droplets can adhere to the hydrophobic layer with a stable diameter, thereby clearly displaying the pattern of the first printing layer. In addition, by preventing the ink droplets of the first printing layer from being absorbed by the first light-transmitting layer, a distance can be set between the first printing layer and the substrate layer. Since patterns are formed on the first printing layer and the substrate layer respectively, complex designs with a sense of three-dimensionality and depth can be expressed in watch components such as dials, thereby improving the design of watch components.
[0084] In the decorative method for watch components of the present invention, it is preferable that, in the first light-transmitting layer forming process, the first light-transmitting layer is formed by spraying the light-transmitting resin by inkjet spraying.
[0085] According to the present invention, the first light-transmitting layer is formed by spraying a light-transmitting resin using an inkjet method. Therefore, compared with the case where the resin is sprayed using a spray method, the spraying position and amount of the light-transmitting resin can be controlled with high precision. Thus, the light-transmitting resin can be sprayed only onto the parts of the substrate layer where the first light-transmitting layer is needed, minimizing the amount of light-transmitting resin used and reducing costs.
[0086] Furthermore, in the production line for watch components, by setting up an inkjet printer that sprays out a light-transmitting resin to form the first light-transmitting layer and an inkjet printer that sprays out ink to form the first printed layer, the process of forming the first light-transmitting layer and the process of forming the first printed layer can be easily automated, thereby improving productivity.
[0087] In the decorative method for watch components of the present invention, it is preferable to further include a second light-transmitting layer forming step, in which, after the first printing layer forming step is performed, a light-transmitting resin is laminated on the surface of the first printing layer to form the second light-transmitting layer.
[0088] According to the present invention, a second light-transmitting layer is laminated on the surface of the first printed layer, thereby protecting the first printed layer.
[0089] In the decorative method for watch components of the present invention, it is preferable to further include: a second hydrophobic treatment step, wherein after performing the second light-transmitting layer forming step, the surface of the second light-transmitting layer is subjected to hydrophobic treatment; and a second printing layer forming step, wherein after performing the second hydrophobic treatment step, ink is sprayed onto the surface of the hydrophobic-treated second light-transmitting layer by inkjet spraying to print a pattern, thereby forming a second printing layer.
[0090] According to the present invention, the second printing layer is stacked on the first printing layer through the second light-transmitting layer. Therefore, a distance can be set between the second printing layer and the first printing layer. Patterns are formed on the first printing layer and the second printing layer respectively. Therefore, complex designs with a three-dimensional and depth-like feel can be expressed in the watch parts, and the design of the watch parts can be further improved.
[0091] In the method for decorating watch parts according to the present invention, it is preferable that the light-transmitting resin is a resin including acrylic resin or epoxy resin.
[0092] According to the present invention, a resin including acrylic resin or epoxy resin is used as a light-transmitting resin, thereby protecting the substrate layer, the first printing layer, etc. covered by the light-transmitting resin.
[0093] The watch component of the present invention is characterized by having: a substrate having a pattern formed on its surface to serve as a base; a first light-transmitting layer formed on the surface of the substrate using a light-transmitting resin; a first hydrophobic layer formed by performing a hydrophobic treatment on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer; and a first printing layer obtained by printing a pattern on the surface of the first hydrophobic layer by inkjet printing.
[0094] According to the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is formed by performing a hydrophobic treatment on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer, and a first printing layer is formed by spraying ink onto the hydrophobic layer by inkjet printing. Therefore, the ink droplets sprayed onto the hydrophobic layer do not diffuse much, and the ink droplets can adhere to the hydrophobic layer with a stable diameter, so that the pattern of the first printing layer can be clearly displayed. In addition, by preventing the ink droplets of the first printing layer from being absorbed by the first light-transmitting layer, a distance can be set between the first printing layer and the substrate layer. Since patterns are formed on the first printing layer and the substrate layer respectively, complex designs with a sense of three-dimensionality and depth can be expressed in watch components such as dials, thereby improving the design of watch components.
[0095] In the watch component of the present invention, it is preferable that a second light-transmitting layer is also provided, which is formed on the surface of the first printed layer using a light-transmitting resin.
[0096] According to the present invention, a second light-transmitting layer is laminated on the surface of the first printed layer, thereby protecting the first printed layer.
[0097] In the watch component of the present invention, it is preferable that it further comprises: a second hydrophobic layer, which is formed by hydrophobic treatment of the surface of the second light-transmitting layer; and a second printing layer, which is obtained by printing patterns on the surface of the second hydrophobic layer by inkjet printing.
[0098] According to the present invention, the second printing layer is stacked on the first printing layer through the second light-transmitting layer. Therefore, a distance can be set between the second printing layer and the first printing layer. Since patterns are formed on these first and second printing layers respectively, complex designs with a sense of three-dimensionality and depth can be expressed in watch parts, and the design of watch parts can be further improved.
Claims
1. A method of decorating a component for a timepiece, characterized in that, have: The substrate forming process involves forming patterns on the substrate of watch parts to serve as the substrate; In the first light-transmitting layer forming process, a first light-transmitting layer is formed on the surface of the substrate using a light-transmitting resin; The first hydrophobic treatment step involves treating the surface of the first light-transmitting layer with hydrophobic material to form the first hydrophobic layer. as well as In the first printing layer formation process, after the first hydrophobic treatment process, ink is sprayed onto the surface of the first hydrophobic layer using an inkjet printer to print patterns, thus forming the first printing layer. A distance equal to the thickness of the first light-transmitting layer is provided between the pattern formed on the substrate and the pattern printed on the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, the pattern formed on the substrate and the pattern printed on the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer overlap. The thickness of the first light-transmitting layer is between 40 μm and 100 μm. The spacing between the ink dots of the pattern printed on the surface of the first hydrophobic layer is greater than 1 times and less than 3 times the diameter of the dots. The brightness of the reflected light in the tilted direction relative to the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate is lower than the brightness of the reflected light in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. Furthermore, the brightness of the reflected light in the first printed layer in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate is lower than the brightness of the reflected light in the tilted direction of the first printed layer. Therefore, when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, the pattern formed on the substrate is more easily seen than the pattern printed on the surface of the first hydrophobic layer, and when viewed from the tilted direction, the pattern printed on the surface of the first hydrophobic layer is more easily seen than the pattern formed on the substrate.
2. The method for decorating a watch component according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first light-transmitting layer forming process, the light-transmitting resin is sprayed out by inkjet printing to form the first light-transmitting layer.
3. The method for decorating a watch component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The decorative method further includes a second light-transmitting layer forming step, in which, after the first printing layer forming step is performed, a light-transmitting resin is laminated on the surface of the first printing layer to form the second light-transmitting layer.
4. The method for decorating a watch component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The decoration method also has the following characteristics: The second liquid-repellent treatment step involves performing a liquid-repellent treatment on the surface of the second light-transmitting layer after the second light-transmitting layer formation step; and In the second printing layer forming process, after the second hydrophobic treatment process is performed, ink is sprayed onto the surface of the second light-transmitting layer that has undergone the hydrophobic treatment by inkjet printing to print patterns, thereby forming the second printing layer.
5. The method for decorating a watch component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light-transmitting resin is a resin including acrylic resin or epoxy resin.
6. A timepiece component, characterized by, It has the following characteristics: The substrate has a pattern formed on its surface that serves as a base. The first light-transmitting layer is formed on the surface of the substrate using a light-transmitting resin; The first hydrophobic layer is formed by hydrophobic treatment of the surface of the first light-transmitting layer; as well as The first printing layer is obtained by printing patterns on the surface of the first hydrophobic layer using an inkjet printing method. A distance equal to the thickness of the first light-transmitting layer is provided between the pattern formed on the substrate and the pattern printed on the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, the pattern formed on the substrate and the pattern printed on the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer overlap. The thickness of the first light-transmitting layer is between 40 μm and 100 μm. The spacing between the ink dots of the pattern printed on the surface of the first hydrophobic layer is greater than 1 times and less than 3 times the diameter of the dots. The brightness of the reflected light in the tilted direction relative to the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate is lower than the brightness of the reflected light in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. Furthermore, the brightness of the reflected light in the first printed layer in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate is lower than the brightness of the reflected light in the tilted direction of the first printed layer. Therefore, when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, the pattern formed on the substrate is more easily seen than the pattern printed on the surface of the first hydrophobic layer. And when viewed from the tilted direction, the pattern printed on the surface of the first hydrophobic layer is more easily seen than the pattern formed on the substrate.
7. The watch component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The watch component also has a second light-transmitting layer, which is formed on the surface of the first printed layer using a light-transmitting resin.
8. The watch component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The watch component also has: The second hydrophobic layer is formed by hydrophobic treatment of the surface of the second light-transmitting layer; and The second printing layer is obtained by printing patterns on the surface of the second hydrophobic layer using an inkjet printing method.