Timepiece decorative member and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

The invention provides a decorative member for a timepiece and a method for manufacturing the decorative member. The decorative member has excellent designability. The display device includes: a light-transmitting member; a dielectric multilayer film which covers one surface of the light-transmitting member and in which an opening representing a predetermined pattern is formed; a light shielding layer covering the dielectric multilayer film; a first printing layer which is formed of a light-transmitting coating material and covers the opening of the dielectric multilayer film; and a second printing layer covering the first printing layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a decorative component for watches and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] In decorative components for watches, various structures have been proposed to enhance design. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a rotating bezel of a watch in which a colored film is formed on the lower part of a transparent glass cover and coated with luminescent material. Prior art literature Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-1247 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In decorative components for watches, there is a need to further enhance the design.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a decorative component for watches with excellent design and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0006] The decorative component for watches of the present invention comprises: a light-transmitting component; a dielectric multilayer film covering one side of the light-transmitting component and forming an opening representing a predetermined pattern; a light-shielding layer covering the dielectric multilayer film; a first printing layer formed of a light-transmitting coating and covering the opening of the dielectric multilayer film; and a second printing layer covering the first printing layer.

[0007] In the decorative component for watches of the present invention, it is preferable that the first printed layer further covers the light-shielding layer.

[0008] In the decorative component for watches of the present invention, the coating forming the first printed layer is preferably a luminescent coating.

[0009] In the decorative component for watches of the present invention, the dielectric multilayer film is preferably formed by stacking multiple thin films, the multiple thin films including a first thin film having a first refractive index and a second thin film having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index.

[0010] In the decorative component for watches of the present invention, the second printed layer preferably has light-shielding properties.

[0011] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a decorative component for watches, comprising: forming a dielectric multilayer film on one surface of a light-transmitting component; forming a metal layer covering the dielectric multilayer film; forming openings of a predetermined pattern on the dielectric multilayer film and the metal layer; forming a first printing layer covering the openings of the dielectric multilayer film and the metal layer by means of a light-transmitting coating; and forming a second printing layer covering the first printing layer.

[0012] The watch decorative component of the present invention has excellent design features. The manufacturing method of the watch decorative component of the present invention can produce a watch decorative component with excellent design features. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a top view of clock 1. Figure 2 This is a top view of bezel 7. Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of bezel 7. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the manufacturing process for ring 7. Figure 5 (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bezel 7 after the light-shielding layer formation process. Figure 5 (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bezel 7 after the opening forming process. Figure 6 This is another flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of bezel 7. Figure 7 (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bezel 7 after the mask forming process. Figure 7 (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bezel 7 after the light-shielding layer formation process. Figure 7 (C) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ring 7 after the mask removal process. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the reflective properties of the bezel in the embodiment. Figure 9 It is an image of the bezel of the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but covers the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a plan view of clock 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Clock 1 is a wristwatch, having an outer case 2, a dial 3, hands 4, a case liner 5, a crystal 6, and a bezel 7. The bezel 7 is an example of a decorative component for clocks.

[0016] The outer case 2 is a generally cylindrical component that houses the various parts of the watch 1. The outer case 2 is made of metals such as titanium and stainless steel, ceramic, or resin. Mounting portions 21 for mounting a watch strap (not shown) are formed on the six o'clock and twelve o'clock sides of the watch 1, respectively, on the outer case 2. Additionally, a crown 22 is positioned on the three o'clock side of the watch 1, which inserts through the outer case 2 and connects to the movement (not shown) of the watch 1.

[0017] The dial 3 is a circular plate-shaped component housed within the outer casing 2. Hour markers 31 are formed on the dial 3. The hour markers 31 can be formed by printing on the dial 3, by machining on the dial 3, or by arranging components with the shape of hour markers 31 on the dial 3. Figure 1 In the example shown, twelve hour markers 31 are formed on the dial 3 at 30-degree intervals.

[0018] The hands 4 have an hour hand 41, a minute hand 42, and a second hand 43 positioned above the dial 3. The hour hand 41, minute hand 42, and second hand 43 rotate with the rotational force transmitted from the movement and indicate the time via the indicator hour marker 31.

[0019] The case liner 5 is a ring-shaped component disposed on the upper surface of the dial 3 in a manner that covers the outer periphery of the dial 3. Figure 1 In the example shown, sixty graduations 51 are formed on the inner lining of the case 5 at six-degree intervals.

[0020] The crystal 6 is a translucent, round plate-shaped component positioned above the dial 3 and the case liner 5. The crystal 6 may be made of, for example, sapphire glass, mineral glass, or acrylic glass.

[0021] Bezel 7 is a ring-shaped component arranged on the upper surface of the outer case 2, surrounding the crystal 6. A prescribed decorative pattern P is displayed on bezel 7. Figure 1 In the example shown, the decorative pattern P displays text representing the city name. However, this is not an isolated example; the decorative pattern P can be any text, symbol, graphic, etc.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a top view of bezel 7. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bezel 7 in section III-III. The bezel 7 has a light-transmitting member 71, a dielectric multilayer film 72, a light-shielding layer 73, a first printed layer 74, and a second printed layer 75. From the front direction of the clock 1 ( Figure 3 Starting from the top, the light-transmitting component 71, the dielectric multilayer film 72, the light-shielding layer 73, the first printing layer 74, and the second printing layer 75 are arranged in that order.

[0023] The light-transmitting member 71 is a ring-shaped member that is translucent. The light-transmitting member 71 is formed, for example, of sapphire glass. Preferably, the light-transmitting member 71 is formed of sapphire glass. The thickness of the light-transmitting member 71 is preferably 1.2 mm or more.

[0024] The dielectric multilayer film 72 is formed by stacking multiple thin films made of dielectric material in a manner that covers one side of the light-transmitting member 71. Some of the multiple thin films have a different refractive index than the others. That is, the multiple thin films include a first thin film having a first refractive index and a second thin film having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index. The dielectric material forming the thin films is, for example, TiO2, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, ZrO2 as a high refractive index material, Al2O3 as an intermediate refractive index material, and SiO2, MgF2, etc. as a low refractive index material. Due to the refractive index of the material and its film thickness, the dielectric multilayer film 72 has reflective properties that vary according to the angle of incidence of light, and therefore can be visually identified in different hues depending on the direction of the line of sight.

[0025] The light-shielding layer 73 is formed by covering the dielectric multilayer film 72. The light-shielding layer 73 is formed of a material with high light-shielding properties. For example, the light-shielding layer 73 is formed of silvery-white metals such as Cr, Ag, Ti, Zr, Al, Pt, Pd, and Rh, or alloys thereof. The light-shielding layer 73 can also be formed of non-ferrous metals such as Au, Cu, or Au-Cu alloys. The light-shielding layer 73 can also be formed of metal nitrides such as TiAlN, TiN, and CrN. The light-shielding layer 73 can also be formed of non-metals such as DLC (Diamond Like Carbon). The thickness of the light-shielding layer 73 is preferably 10 nm or more. Therefore, the light-shielding layer 73 has high light-shielding properties, and the color tone of the dielectric multilayer film 72 is clearly visually discernible.

[0026] Openings 721 and 731 representing the decorative pattern P are formed on the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73, respectively. That is, opening 721 is formed in the region of the dielectric multilayer film 72 corresponding to the decorative pattern P, and opening 731 is formed in the region of the light-shielding layer 73 corresponding to the decorative pattern P. Thus, the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73 represent the decorative pattern P.

[0027] The first printed layer 74 is formed of a light-transmitting coating. The first printed layer 74 covers the openings 721 of the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the openings 731 of the light-shielding layer 73 by filling them. Additionally, the first printed layer 74 covers the light-shielding layer 73. The thickness of the first printed layer 74 (the spacing between the light-shielding layer 73 and the second printed layer 75) is preferably 2 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

[0028] The coating used to form the first printed layer 74 is preferably a luminescent coating in which aluminate-based, sulfide-based, or other light-emitting pigments are dispersed in a light-transmitting resin. Thus, the area of ​​the decorative pattern P emits light in the dark, making the decorative pattern P easily visually recognizable, and the bezel 7 has excellent design.

[0029] The second printed layer 75 is formed of a coating and is configured to cover the first printed layer 74. The coating forming the second printed layer 75 is a highly opaque coating. Preferably, the coating forming the second printed layer 75 is a white coating. Since the first printed layer 74 is formed of a translucent coating, the second printed layer 75 is formed of a white coating, making the decorative pattern P visually perceptible as white. Generally, since the dielectric multilayer film 72 strongly reflects light of a specific color, by making the decorative pattern P visually perceptible as white, the color of the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the color of the decorative pattern P can be clearly distinguished, making the decorative pattern P easily visually identifiable.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the manufacturing process for ring 7.

[0031] First, in the light-transmitting component preparation process (step S11), light-transmitting component 71 is prepared.

[0032] Next, in the dielectric multilayer film formation process (step S12), a dielectric multilayer film 72 covering one side of the light-transmitting member 71 is formed. The dielectric multilayer film 72 is formed by sequentially stacking multiple thin films on one side of the light-transmitting member 71. Each thin film is formed by depositing dielectric material onto one side of the light-transmitting member 71 through vacuum evaporation. Each thin film can be formed by sputtering, arc ion plating, CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), etc. The thickness of the thin film can also vary depending on its position on the surface of the light-transmitting member 71. For example, by using a masking mask to prevent evaporation when a portion of the thin film is stacked, the thickness of the thin film can vary depending on its position. In this way, by changing the thickness of the thin film using a masking mask, gradient colors of various colors can be formed.

[0033] Next, in the light-shielding layer formation process (step S13), a light-shielding layer 73 covering the dielectric multilayer film 72 is formed. The light-shielding layer 73 is formed by depositing materials such as metal, metal nitride, and DLC onto the dielectric multilayer film 72 by vapor deposition. The light-shielding layer 73 can also be formed by sputtering, arc ion plating, CVD, etc.

[0034] Figure 5 (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bezel 7 after the light-shielding layer formation process. For example... Figure 5 As shown in (A), after the light-shielding layer formation process, the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73 are uniformly stacked on one surface of the light-transmitting member 71. That is, openings 721 and 731 are not formed on the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73.

[0035] Return to Figure 4Next, in the opening formation process (step S14), openings 721 and 731 representing the decorative pattern P are formed on the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73. Openings 721 and 731 are formed by etching away the areas corresponding to the decorative pattern P on the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73. Etching is performed by laser irradiation or solution etching.

[0036] Figure 5 (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bezel 7 after the opening forming process. For example... Figure 5 As shown in (B), after the opening formation process, an opening 721 is formed in the area of ​​the dielectric multilayer film 72 corresponding to the decorative pattern P, and an opening 731 is formed in the area of ​​the light-shielding layer 73 corresponding to the decorative pattern P.

[0037] return Figure 4 Next, in the first printed layer formation process (step S15), a first printed layer 74 is formed, covering openings 721 and 731 of the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73. The first printed layer 74 is formed by applying a light-transmitting coating onto the light-shielding layer 73 using a pad printing process. The first printed layer 74 can also be formed by screen printing, coating, or the like.

[0038] Next, in the second printing layer forming process (step S16), a second printing layer 75 covering the first printing layer 74 is formed. The second printing layer 75 is formed by applying paint onto the first printing layer 74 through pad printing. The second printing layer 75 can also be formed by screen printing, coating, or the like. As described above, the bezel 7 is manufactured.

[0039] As described above, the bezel 7 includes: a light-transmitting member 71; a dielectric multilayer film 72 covering one side of the light-transmitting member 71 and forming an opening 721 representing a predetermined pattern P; a light-shielding layer 73 covering the dielectric multilayer film 72; a first printed layer 74 formed of a light-transmitting coating, covering the opening of the dielectric multilayer film 72; and a second printed layer 75 covering the first printed layer 74. Thus, the bezel 7 has excellent design flexibility.

[0040] That is, the dielectric multilayer film 72 has reflective properties that vary according to the angle of light incidence, and therefore can be visually identified in different hues depending on the direction of viewing. Furthermore, an opening 721 representing the decorative pattern P is formed on the dielectric multilayer film 72. Since the first printing layer 74 covering the opening 721 is formed of a light-transmitting coating, the area corresponding to the decorative pattern P is visually identified in a hue corresponding to the second printing layer 75. The decorative pattern P has a fixed hue, while the area outside the decorative pattern P is visually identified in different hues depending on the direction of viewing, thus the bezel 7 has excellent design flexibility.

[0041] Furthermore, in the bezel 7, the coating used to form the first printed layer 74 is preferably a luminescent coating. By forming the first printed layer 74 with a luminescent coating, the area of ​​the decorative pattern P glows in the dark, making the decorative pattern P easily visually recognizable, and the bezel 7 has a design that differs from its appearance in bright light.

[0042] Furthermore, in the bezel 7, the coating used to form the second printed layer 75 is preferably white. Normally, since dielectric multilayer films strongly reflect light of a specific color and are thus visually identifiable in a colored manner, forming the second printed layer 75 with white coating makes the decorative pattern P easily visually identifiable. Additionally, when the first printed layer 74 is formed with luminescent paint, forming the second printed layer 75 with white coating strongly reflects light emitted from the first printed layer, making the decorative pattern P even more visually identifiable.

[0043] In the above description, the first printed layer 74 covers the openings 721 and 731 of the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73, but is not limited to this example. The first printed layer 74 may only cover the openings 721 and 731 of the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73, without covering the light-shielding layer 73. That is, the first printed layer 74 may only be formed inside the openings 721 of the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the openings 731 of the light-shielding layer 73. Even so, the bezel 7 has excellent design flexibility.

[0044] In the above description, the decorative pattern P is represented by forming openings 721 and 733 in the regions corresponding to the decorative pattern P in the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73, respectively, but this is not an exclusive example. For instance, the decorative pattern P can also be represented by forming the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73 only in the regions corresponding to the decorative pattern P. Even so, the bezel 7 has excellent design flexibility.

[0045] In the above description, bezel 7 is through Figure 4 The manufacturing method shown in the flowchart is used to manufacture the bezel, but is not limited to such examples.

[0046] Figure 6 This is another flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of bezel 7.

[0047] First, in the light-transmitting component preparation process (step S21), the light-transmitting component 71 is prepared in the same way as in step S11.

[0048] Next, in the mask forming process (step S22), a mask M is formed on one side of the light-transmitting member 71 in the area corresponding to the decorative pattern P. The mask M is formed by applying resin to one side of the light-transmitting member 71 using pad printing. The mask M can also be formed by screen printing, coating, etc.

[0049] Figure 7 (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the face ring 7 after the mask forming process. For example... Figure 5 As shown in (A), after the mask forming process, a mask M is formed in the area corresponding to the decorative pattern P on one side of the light-transmitting member 71.

[0050] return Figure 6 In the dielectric multilayer film formation process (step S23), a dielectric multilayer film 72 is formed in the same manner as in step S12. At this time, since a mask M is formed in the area corresponding to the decorative pattern P, the dielectric multilayer film 72 is not formed on the surface of the light-transmitting member 71, but on the mask M.

[0051] Next, in the light-shielding layer formation process (step S24), a light-shielding layer 73 is formed in the same manner as in step S13. At this time, since the mask M is formed on the area corresponding to the decorative pattern P, the light-shielding layer 73 is formed in a manner that covers the dielectric multilayer film 72 on the mask M.

[0052] Figure 7 (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bezel 7 after the light-shielding layer formation process. Since a mask M is formed in the area of ​​the light-transmitting member 71 corresponding to the decorative pattern P, the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73 are formed on one surface of the light-transmitting member 71 in the area other than the area corresponding to the decorative pattern P and on the mask M.

[0053] Back Figure 6 In the mask removal process (step S25), the mask M formed on one side of the light-transmitting member 71, along with the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73 formed on the mask M, are removed together. As a result, openings 721 and 731 representing the decorative pattern P are formed on the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73. The mask M is removed by immersing the light-transmitting member 71 in an organic solvent such as acetone or ethanol. Alternatively, ultrasonic waves can be applied to the light-transmitting member 71 immersed in the organic solvent. This allows for more efficient removal of the mask M.

[0054] Figure 7 (C) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bezel 7 after the mask removal process. By removing the mask M formed in the area of ​​the light-transmitting member 71 corresponding to the decorative pattern P, openings 721 and 731 are formed in the areas of the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73 corresponding to the decorative pattern P, i.e., in the areas where the mask M is formed.

[0055] return Figure 6 Next, in the first printing layer forming process (step S26), the first printing layer 74 is formed in the same way as in step S15.

[0056] Next, in the second printing layer forming process (step S27), a second printing layer 75 is formed in the same manner as in step S16. As described above, the bezel 7 is manufactured.

[0057] The bezel 7 manufactured in this way is connected to... Figure 4 The bezel 7 manufactured using the method shown in the flowchart also exhibits excellent design capabilities.

[0058] In the above description, the decorative component for a watch is the bezel 7, but it is not limited to this example. The decorative component for a watch can also be the dial 3 or the case liner 5. When the decorative component for a watch is the dial 3, the dial 3 has… Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shows the structure, through Figure 4 or Figure 6 The watch is manufactured using the manufacturing method shown in the flowchart. In this case, the decorative pattern P is, for example, hour marker 31. When the watch decorative component is the case liner 5, the case liner 5 has… Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shows the structure, through Figure 4 or Figure 6 The watch is manufactured using the method shown in the flowchart. In this case, the decorative pattern P is, for example, a scale 51. Alternatively, the decorative component for the clock can also be a hand 4 representing a specified decorative pattern.

[0059] [Example] pass Figure 4 The manufacturing method shown in the flowchart produces the bezel of the embodiment.

[0060] First, in step S11, a ring-shaped sapphire glass, i.e. a light-transmitting component, with a thickness of 1.2 mm is prepared.

[0061] Next, in step S12, the light-transmitting component is placed into a vacuum evaporation apparatus. On one surface of the light-transmitting component, five layers of TiO2 film and five layers of SiO2 film are alternately stacked, for a total of ten layers, thereby forming a dielectric multilayer film. In order to make the dielectric multilayer film visually recognizable as blue, each film is formed sequentially from the light-transmitting component side with thicknesses of 42nm, 52nm, 52nm, 21nm, 100nm, 53nm, 39nm, 38nm, 76nm, and 136nm, respectively.

[0062] Next, in step S13, a light-shielding layer is formed by vapor-depositing Cr on one surface of the light-transmitting component. The light-shielding layer is formed to have a thickness of 50 nm.

[0063] Next, in step S14, the light-transmitting component is removed from the vacuum evaporation apparatus. Then, openings 721 and 731 representing the decorative pattern P are formed on the dielectric multilayer film 72 and the light-shielding layer 73 by etching using laser irradiation.

[0064] Next, in step S15, the light-transmitting component is cleaned. Then, a first printed layer is formed by pad printing a luminescent coating onto the light-shielding layer. The first printed layer is formed with a thickness of 5 μm.

[0065] Next, in step S16, a second printed layer is formed by pad printing a white coating onto the first printed layer. The second printed layer is formed with a thickness of 10 μm. As described above, the bezel of the embodiment is manufactured.

[0066] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the reflection characteristics of the bezel of the embodiment measured after step S13. Figure 8 In the graph, the horizontal axis represents wavelength, and the vertical axis represents reflectance as a percentage. Additionally, Figure 8 The solid line of the curve represents the reflection characteristics of light with an incident angle of 0 degrees, and the dashed line represents the reflection characteristics of light with an incident angle of 30 degrees. The incident angle is the angle relative to the normal direction of the light-transmitting component.

[0067] like Figure 8 As shown, the peak wavelengths of the reflection characteristics for light with an incident angle of 0 degrees and the peak wavelengths for light with an incident angle of 30 degrees are both less than 450 nm, showing slight differences. Therefore, the bezel of the embodiment is perceived as having a slightly different shade of blue based on positional visual perception.

[0068] Figure 9 It is an image of the border of the implementation method. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the bezel in this embodiment has different hues depending on its position. Although in Figure 9 While no hue is explicitly displayed, the bezel of this embodiment is visually identifiable by a hue that changes from bluish-purple to bluish-green as it moves from the upper right to the lower left. Furthermore, since the string pattern P, serving as the decorative motif, is visually identifiable in white, it can be easily distinguished from the blue dielectric multilayer film. Thus, the bezel of this embodiment is confirmed to have excellent design appeal, and the decorative pattern is easily visually identifiable.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the above-described embodiments and variations can also be implemented in appropriate combinations within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A decorative component for clocks, characterized in that, have: Light-transmitting components; A dielectric multilayer film covers one side of the light-transmitting member and has openings representing a predetermined pattern. A light-shielding layer that covers the dielectric multilayer film; The first printed layer, which is formed of a light-transmitting coating, covers the openings of the dielectric multilayer film; as well as A second printed layer covers the first printed layer.

2. The decorative component for clocks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first printed layer further covers the light-shielding layer.

3. The decorative component for clocks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coating that forms the first printed layer is a luminescent coating.

4. The decorative component for clocks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dielectric multilayer film is formed by stacking multiple thin films. The plurality of thin films includes a first thin film having a first refractive index and a second thin film having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index.

5. The decorative component for clocks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second printed layer has light-shielding properties.

6. A method for manufacturing a decorative component for clocks, characterized in that, include: A dielectric multilayer film is formed on one surface of the light-transmitting component. A light-shielding layer is formed covering the dielectric multilayer film. Openings representing a predetermined pattern are formed on the dielectric multilayer film and the light-shielding layer. A first printed layer is formed by using a light-transmitting coating to cover the openings of the dielectric multilayer film and the light-shielding layer. A second printing layer is formed that covers the first printing layer.

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