Timepiece component and decoration method of timepiece component

Abstract

To provide a timepiece component capable of expressing original design, and to provide a decoration method for the timepiece component.SOLUTION: A timepiece component includes a base material on which a first pattern is displayed, a second pattern is displayed by dot-forming a binarized pattern on a surface of the base material with ink composed of metal nanoparticles, and desired design is expressed by the first pattern and the second pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece component and a method for decorating a timepiece component. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a dial in which characters and images are formed by inkjet printing on a plated metal plate.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a transparent ink-receiving layer is formed on the surface of a plated metal plate, eliminating the need to produce films or printing plates, making it possible to produce a wide variety of dials in small quantities in a short time and at low cost. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-111660 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, characters and images are simply formed by inkjet printing on the surface of a plated metal sheet, so there is a problem in that it is difficult to express original designs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The watch component disclosed herein comprises a substrate on which a first pattern is displayed, and a second pattern is displayed on the substrate by forming a binary pattern of dots on the surface using an ink composed of metal nanoparticles, and a desired design is expressed by the first pattern and the second pattern.

[0007] The method for decorating watch parts disclosed herein is characterized by comprising a first pattern display step of displaying a first pattern on a substrate, and a second pattern display step of displaying a second pattern by dot-forming a binary pattern on the surface of the substrate using ink composed of metal nanoparticles. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a timepiece according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the dial of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing a process of decorating the dial of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an outline of the dial of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing dots formed by ink composed of metal nanoparticles landing on the surface of a substrate. [Figure 6] 8A to 8C are diagrams showing a manufacturing process for the dial of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a front view showing an outline of a dial according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [First embodiment] A timepiece 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of the timepiece 1. In this embodiment, the timepiece 1 is configured as a wristwatch that is worn on the user's wrist. As shown in Fig. 1, timepiece 1 has a metal case 2. Inside case 2 are a disk-shaped dial 10, a second hand 3, a minute hand 4, an hour hand 5, a crown 7, button A 8, and button B 9. Note that dial 10 is an example of a timepiece component of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Dial] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the dial 10. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the base material 30 of the dial 10 cut in the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the dial 10 is configured with a base material 30. In this embodiment, the base material 30 is formed from any one of shells, resin, and metal, or a combination of these. This allows the texture of these materials to be expressed. For example, by forming the base material 30 by carving out mother of pearl, it is possible to express a design in which the color tone changes depending on the amount of light, and by forming the base material 30 from a precious metal such as platinum, it is possible to obtain a luxurious feel.

[0011] A plurality of recesses 32 are formed on the surface 31 of the base material 30. In this embodiment, the recesses 32 are formed by performing a streaking process on the surface 31 of the base material 30. More specifically, the surface 31 of the base material 30 is streaked so that the recesses 32 are formed radially from the center. In this manner, in this embodiment, the first pattern 40 is displayed on the surface 31 of the base material 30 by forming the recesses 32. The recess 32 is not limited to the above structure, and may be formed by, for example, cutting, laser processing, chemical removal, polishing, forging, casting, or the like.

[0012] Furthermore, dots 33 are formed on the surface 31 of the substrate 30. In this embodiment, the dots 33 are formed by ink made of metal nanoparticles landing on the surface 31 of the substrate 30 along the binary pattern. As a result, in this embodiment, the second pattern 50 is displayed on the surface 31 of the substrate 30 by the dots 33. More specifically, the second pattern 50 is displayed by printing ink made of metal nanoparticles on the surface 31 of the substrate 30 by inkjet printing along the binary pattern in which dots are formed radially from the center.

[0013] Here, the ink composed of metal nanoparticles is a composition in which metal nanoparticles are dispersed in a dispersion medium. The metal nanoparticles refer to metal particles having a particle size in the range of 1 nm or more and 1 μm or less, and are preferably composed of any one of gold, silver, copper, and platinum. This allows the second pattern 50 to have a glossy appearance, and allows a design with a more luxurious feel to be expressed.

[0014] In this embodiment, the dots 33 are formed so that the diameter D is not less than 11 μm and not more than 60 μm. Generally, even if a pattern is expressed by dots with a diameter of 10 μm or less, the diameter of the dots is too small, so that the pattern is difficult to visually recognize as being made up of dots. In this embodiment, by forming the dots 33 so that the diameter D is 11 μm or more and 60 μm or less, it is possible to express the second pattern 50 by the visible and minute dots 33.

[0015] [How to decorate the dial] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the process of decorating the dial 10, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, first, in the first pattern display step, the surface 31 of the base material 30 is subjected to scoring and stamping to form recesses 32 and display the first pattern 40.

[0016] Next, as a second pattern display process, inkjet printing is performed on the surface 31 of the substrate 30 using ink composed of metal nanoparticles in accordance with a binary pattern prepared in advance, thereby forming dots 33 and displaying the second pattern 50. Finally, in a lapping process, a transparent film is applied to the surface 31 of the base material 30 on which the dots 33 are formed, and the transparent film is polished. As a result, the transparent film applied to the surface 31 of the base material 30 is polished in a finishing process, which can further improve the design.

[0017] By decorating the dial 10 in this manner, a desired design can be expressed by the first pattern 40 and the second pattern 50, as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, even if the same first pattern 40 is expressed on the base material 30, the second pattern can be easily changed by changing the binary pattern, so that a dial that gives an impression different from that of Figure 4 can be easily provided.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to make visible both the first pattern 40 displayed on the substrate 30 and the second pattern 50 displayed by forming the binary pattern into dots, thereby making it possible to express complex and original designs. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second pattern 50 is formed by dot formation using ink composed of glossy metal nanoparticles, so that a luxurious appearance can be obtained.

[0019] In this embodiment, as described above, the first pattern 40 is displayed by forming the recesses 32 radially on the surface 31 of the base material 30, and the second pattern 50 is displayed by forming the dots 33 along the binary pattern in which the dots are formed radially. That is, in this embodiment, the first pattern 40 and the second pattern 50 are associated with each other. As a result, as shown in Fig. 4, the first pattern 40 is emphasized by the second pattern 50, and a design that gives the impression of highlighting the first pattern 40 can be expressed.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing dots 33 formed by ink composed of metal nanoparticles landing on surface 31 of substrate 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the dots 33 formed by the ink composed of metal nanoparticles landing on the surface 31 of the substrate 30 have a diameter of approximately 20 μm, and are formed to be 11 μm or more and 60 μm or less. However, this does not apply to places where the landing points overlap. In other words, in this embodiment, in places where the landing points of the ink do not overlap, the dots 33 are formed to have a diameter D of 11 μm or more and 60 μm or less.

[0021] This is presumably because, in this embodiment, the ink is composed of metal nanoparticles with a very small particle size, and surface 31 of substrate 30 is not subjected to a water-repellent treatment, so that the ink that lands on surface 31 of substrate 30 spreads appropriately. That is, by depositing ink composed of metal nanoparticles with a very small particle size on surface 31 of substrate 30 in a hydrophilic or hydrophobic state, dots 33 can be formed with a diameter D of 11 μm or more and 60 μm or less. Generally, when evaluating wettability, a contact angle between the tangent of the contour curve of a water droplet and the surface when the droplet is attached to the surface is 40° or less, which is considered to be a hydrophilic state, and a contact angle of about 40° to 90° which is considered to be a hydrophobic state. Furthermore, a contact angle of more than 90° is considered to be a water-repellent state. In this embodiment, by forming the dots 33 as described above, a fine and visible second pattern 50 can be expressed.

[0022] [Effects of the first embodiment] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In this embodiment, both the first pattern 40 displayed on the substrate 30 and the second pattern 50 displayed by forming the binary pattern as dots can be made visible. This makes it possible to express complex and original designs. In addition, the second pattern 50 is formed as dots using ink composed of glossy metal nanoparticles, resulting in a luxurious appearance. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by changing the second pattern 50 formed on the surface 31 of the base material 30, watch components with different impressions can be easily provided.

[0023] In this embodiment, the base material 30 is made of any one of seashells, resin, and metal, so that the texture of these materials can be expressed.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first pattern 40 and the second pattern 50 are associated with each other, and the second pattern 50 is formed with dots so as to emphasize the first pattern 40, thereby creating a design that gives the impression of highlighting the first pattern 40.

[0025] In this embodiment, the metal nanoparticles that form the dots of the second pattern 50 are composed of any one of gold, silver, copper, and platinum, so that a glossy second pattern 50 can be produced, resulting in a more luxurious design.

[0026] In this embodiment, the diameter D of the dots formed when the ink composed of metal nanoparticles lands on the surface 31 of the substrate 30 is 11 μm or more and 60 μm or less, so that the second pattern 50 can be displayed using visible and fine dots 33, thereby enabling the expression of a more delicate design.

[0027] In this embodiment, the surface 31 of the base material 30 is polished in the finishing process, so that the design can be further improved.

[0028] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a first pattern 40A is displayed in a matte finish, and a second pattern 50A is displayed by forming dots 33A along a binarized pattern in which dots are formed in a lattice pattern. In the second embodiment, the same or similar configurations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a process for decorating the dial 10A of the second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a front view showing an outline of the dial 10A. 6 and 7, in this embodiment, a matte first pattern 40A is displayed on a surface 31A of a substrate 30A. Furthermore, ink composed of metal nanoparticles is deposited along a lattice-like binary pattern on the surface 31A of the substrate 30A on which the first pattern 40A is displayed, thereby forming dots 33A and displaying a second pattern 50A. This makes it possible to express a complex design in which the matte first pattern 40A is blurred by the lattice-like second pattern 50A, as shown in FIG.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dots 33A constituting the second pattern 50A are formed with different shading, which makes it possible to express a design in which the matte first pattern 40A has some areas where it appears slightly clear and some areas where it appears slightly unclear.

[0031] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In this embodiment, a matte first pattern 40A is displayed on the surface 31A of the substrate 30A, and a second pattern 50A is displayed by forming dots 33A along a lattice-like binary pattern, so that a complex design can be expressed in which the matte first pattern 40A is blurred by the lattice-like second pattern 50A.

[0032] In this embodiment, the dots 33A that make up the second pattern 50A are formed with varying shades, making it possible to create a design in which the matte first pattern 40 appears somewhat clearly in some areas and somewhat unclear in others.

[0033] [Variations] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure.

[0034] In the above-described embodiments, the first pattern 40, 40A and the second pattern 50A are displayed on the base material of the base material 30, 30A formed by any one of shells, resin, and metal, or a combination of these, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the base material may be plated or painted with paint. This allows the luster and color of the base material to be freely expressed.

[0035] In the first embodiment described above, the first pattern 40 is displayed by forming the recesses 32 on the surface 31 of the base material 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first pattern may be displayed by printing or transferring onto the surface of the base material. Furthermore, the base material may be made of a transparent resin such as polycarbonate or glass, and the first pattern may be displayed on a movement or the like disposed on the back side of the dial, so that the first pattern can be displayed so as to be visible through the base material. This creates depth in the design expressed by the first and second patterns, making it possible to express a more complex and original design.

[0036] In each of the above-described embodiments, the design expressed by the first pattern 40, 40A and the second pattern 50, 50A may be configured to change according to the viewing angle. More specifically, the design may be configured to change according to the viewing angle by the shading of the dots 33, 33A that constitute the second pattern 50, 50A. In this way, the design expressed by the first pattern and the second pattern changes according to the viewing angle, so that a more complex and original design can be expressed.

[0037] In each of the above-described embodiments, a dark color may be added to the base material 30, 30A, and the second pattern 50, 50A may be displayed in ink having a metallic luster. In this way, the base material 30, 30A is colored in a dark color, so that the second pattern 50, 50A having a metallic luster can be made to stand out. In particular, by making the base material black and displaying the second pattern in ink containing gold or silver, a luxurious design such as gold leaf lacquerware can be expressed.

[0038] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the timepiece part of the present disclosure is configured as the dial 10, 10A, but is not limited to this. For example, the timepiece part of the present disclosure may be configured as any one of the case, dial ring, bezel, movement and its main plate, hands, abbreviations, and oscillating weight.

[0039] [Summary of this disclosure] The watch component disclosed herein comprises a substrate on which a first pattern is displayed, and a second pattern is displayed on the substrate by forming a binary pattern of dots on the surface using an ink composed of metal nanoparticles, and a desired design is expressed by the first pattern and the second pattern. In the present disclosure, both the first pattern displayed on the substrate and the second pattern displayed by forming the binary pattern as dots can be made visible. This makes it possible to express complex and original designs. In addition, the second pattern is formed as dots using ink composed of glossy metal nanoparticles, resulting in a luxurious appearance. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, by changing the second pattern formed on the surface of the base material, it is possible to easily provide watch components with different impressions.

[0040] In the watch component of the present disclosure, the base material may be formed from any one of seashell, resin, and metal, or a combination of these. As a result, the base material is formed from any one of shells, resin, and metal, or a combination of these, and the texture of these materials can be expressed.

[0041] In the timepiece component of the present disclosure, the base material may be plated or painted with paint. This allows the base material to be plated or painted with paint, so that the gloss and color of the base material can be freely expressed.

[0042] In the watch component of the present disclosure, the base material is formed from a transparent resin or glass, and the first pattern may be displayed on the surface of the base material or displayed so as to be visible through the base material. As a result, since the base material is formed of a transparent resin or glass, the first pattern can be made visible by displaying the first pattern on a member disposed on the back side of the base material, for example, rather than directly on the base material. This creates depth in the design expressed by the first and second patterns, making it possible to express a more complex and original design. In this case, the second pattern may be displayed by first depositing ink on the surface of the base material to form dots, then the first pattern may be displayed on the member disposed on the back side of the base material, and then the timepiece component of the present disclosure and the member disposed on the back side of the base material may be assembled. In other words, the order of carrying out the first pattern display process and the second pattern display process may be reversed.

[0043] In the watch component of the present disclosure, the first pattern and the second pattern may be associated with each other, and the second pattern may be formed with dots so as to emphasize the first pattern. As a result, the first pattern is emphasized by the second pattern, so that a design that gives the impression of highlighting the first pattern can be created.

[0044] In the watch component of the present disclosure, the dots constituting the second pattern may be formed with varying shading. As a result, the dots that make up the second pattern are formed with varying shades, making it possible to create a design in which the first pattern has some areas where it appears slightly clearer and some areas where it appears slightly unclear.

[0045] In the timepiece component of the present disclosure, the design expressed by the first pattern and the second pattern may be configured to change according to the viewing angle. As a result, the design expressed by the first pattern and the second pattern changes depending on the viewing angle, making it possible to express a more complex and original design.

[0046] In the watch component of the present disclosure, the metal nanoparticles may be comprised of any one of gold, silver, copper, and platinum. As a result, the metal nanoparticles forming the dots of the second pattern are composed of any one of gold, silver, copper, and platinum, so that a glossy second pattern can be expressed, resulting in a more luxurious design.

[0047] In the watch component of the present disclosure, the diameter of dots formed by the ink composed of the metal nanoparticles landing on the surface of the base material may be 11 μm or more and 60 μm or less. This allows the second pattern to be displayed using visible and minute dots, making it possible to express a more delicate design.

[0048] In the watch component of the present disclosure, a dark color may be added to the base material, and the second pattern may be displayed with the ink having a metallic luster. This adds a dark color to the base material, making the metallic glossy second pattern stand out. In particular, by making the base material black and displaying the second pattern with ink containing gold or silver, a luxurious design like gold leaf lacquerware can be expressed.

[0049] The method for decorating watch parts disclosed herein is characterized by comprising a first pattern display step of displaying a first pattern on a substrate, and a second pattern display step of displaying a second pattern by dot-forming a binary pattern on the surface of the substrate using ink composed of metal nanoparticles. In the present disclosure, both the first pattern displayed on the substrate and the second pattern displayed by forming the binary pattern as dots can be made visible. This makes it possible to express complex and original designs. Furthermore, the second pattern is formed as dots using ink composed of glossy metal nanoparticles, resulting in a luxurious appearance. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, by changing the second pattern formed on the surface of the base material, it is possible to easily provide watch components with different impressions.

[0050] The method for decorating watch parts disclosed herein may further include a lapping process step, which is carried out after the second pattern display process, of applying a transparent film to the surface of the base material on which dots are formed and polishing the transparent film. This allows the transparent film applied to the surface of the base material to be polished as a finishing step, thereby improving the design. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1...clock, 2...case, 3...second hand, 4...minute hand, 5...hour hand, 7...crown, 8...button A, 9...button B, 10,10A...dial, 30,30A...base material, 31,31A...surface, 32...recess, 33,33A...dot, 40,40A...first pattern, 50,50A...second pattern.

Claims

1. A substrate having a surface and a plurality of recesses formed on the surface, a first pattern formed by the plurality of recesses is displayed on the surface; On the surface on which the first pattern is formed, a second pattern identical to the first pattern and formed by ink dots made of metal nanoparticles is displayed superimposed on the first pattern. A watch component characterized by:

2. The timepiece component according to claim 1, The substrate is formed from any one of a shell, a resin, and a metal, or a combination thereof. A watch component characterized by:

3. The timepiece component according to claim 2, The substrate is plated or painted. A watch component characterized by:

4. The timepiece component according to claim 2, the substrate is formed of a transparent resin or glass, The first pattern is displayed on the surface of the substrate or is displayed so as to be visible through the substrate. A watch component characterized by:

5. The timepiece component according to claim 1, The second pattern formed by the ink dots composed of the metal nanoparticles is printed directly on the surface. A watch component characterized by:

6. The timepiece component according to claim 1, The dots constituting the second pattern are formed with different shading. A watch component characterized by:

7. The timepiece component according to claim 1, The design expressed by the first pattern and the second pattern is configured to change depending on the viewing angle. A watch component characterized by:

8. The timepiece component according to claim 1, The metal nanoparticles include any one of gold, silver, copper, and platinum. A watch component characterized by:

9. The timepiece component according to claim 1, The diameter of the dots formed by the ink composed of the metal nanoparticles landing on the surface of the substrate is 11 μm or more and 60 μm or less. A watch component characterized by:

10. In the watch component according to claim 1, The ink jet recording medium further includes a transparent film formed on the surface where the ink has landed. A watch component characterized by:

11. The timepiece component according to claim 1 is configured as a dial, The base material is given a dark color, and the second pattern is displayed with the ink having a metallic luster. A watch component characterized by:

12. A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The timepiece component is a dial. A watch component characterized by:

13. A watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and a case for housing the timepiece component. A watch characterized by

Images