System for generating at least one three-dimensional element on external component element of timepiece

Abstract

To provide a system for generating at least one three-dimensional element on an external component element of a timepiece.SOLUTION: A system 1 for generating at least one three-dimensional element on a visible face of an external component element 4 of a timepiece comprises: a mould 2 formed by reversible assembly of a first component 8a and a second component 8b configured to receive a support plate 3 of the external component element 4, the mould 2 including at least one cavity 7 formed by associating the first component 8a including at least one impression 5 with the visible face of the external component element 4, each cavity 7 helping produce a blank of the three-dimensional element 10 from an over-molding by injecting injectable material onto the visible face; and a device 12 for applying a coating onto the blank over-moulded on the visible face of the external component element 4 helping finalise the blank of the three-dimensional element 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention provides a method for generating at least one three-dimensional element on a visible surface of an external part element of a timepiece. The present disclosure relates to processes and systems for

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

[0003] The invention also relates to a timepiece including such an external component element. [Background technology]

[0004] Conventionally, appliques are provided to be placed on external components such as the dial of a watch. Which three-dimensional elements are most often polished, varnished, or coated with luminescent pigments in this context The transfer of the dial base, together with the relief parts that form the appliqué to be applied, It is produced using a process that implements printing, silk-screening, or molding techniques. Appliques are made by stamping / machining a metal plate and then applying a thermosetting adhesive to it. The process is carried out using techniques that involve gluing the dial to the It is also a part that

[0005] If you want to get a high-quality part, appliques are most often made by gluing, welding, Or it may have legs for fixing to the dial by rivets. It is roughly finished using a process that involves machining or punching techniques on the However, one drawback of such a process is This is related to the fact that defects may be present on the surface of these appliques. can be done.

[0006] Furthermore, these different processes require a lot of handling by the operators in charge. This is often necessary, especially when the size of the parts being handled is small, such as when placing them on a dial. Therefore, it is known to be time-consuming and laborious. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a high quality timepiece with at least one tertiary element on the visible surface of the external component element. The above-mentioned shortcomings are eliminated by proposing a process and a system for generating the original elements. It is to improve all or some of them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] For this purpose, the invention provides at least one A process for generating three-dimensional elements, said process comprising the steps of: Chi, - creating at least one through opening in the thickness of the external part element; designing a support plate with an external component element, said through opening is a rotation axis interconnecting the center of the inlet orifice and the center of the outlet orifice with each other. a design step of providing a variable cross section along - an external part is placed in a mold formed by reversible assembly of the first part and the second part; placing a support plate with a product element, the support plate including at least one indicia; By associating the first part with a visible surface of the external part element, at least one a placing step including the substep of forming another cavity; - constructing blanks of each three-dimensional element on a visible surface of the external part element, a through opening provided with an inlet orifice of the cavity and arranged in the external part element; overmolding by injecting an injectable material into the cavity through the molded portion. a construction step comprising the sub-steps; - finishing the blank of the three-dimensional element, the finishing step being: sub-steps, i.e. removing the first part from the second part of the mold; or - providing at least one blank of a three-dimensional element overmolded on its visible surface; and removing the mold from a support plate having an external component element. After performing one of these steps, a coating is applied to the blank which is overmolded onto an outer component. and a finishing step comprising the sub-step of applying a coating.

[0009] In another embodiment, - the step of placing comprises reversible attachment of the second part to a support plate with an external part element; and a sub-step of assembling the injection circuit disposed on the second part. a connecting step between one end of the passage and an inlet orifice of the through opening of the external component; - the removing substep destroys an injection point connecting the external component element to a second component; The stage is set up to The overmolding substep includes, in particular, the step of injecting an injectable material into the cavity. During the period from before the start of the floor through to the end of the injection phase of this material or and then adjusting the temperature of the mold. - the overmolding substep includes injecting an injectable material into the cavity; before evacuating the cavity, - The Apply substep applies the blank to a 3D element that is overmolded onto an external part element. depositing decorative and / or functional materials on the visible exterior surface of the - the process comprises, for said at least one three-dimensional element to be manufactured, preparing at least one imprint on a first part using two original parts. , The step of designing the support plate may include providing at least one support plate within the thickness of the external component element. creating a blind opening, the blind opening being configured to receive an injectable material; The center of the inlet orifice of the material and the center of the bottom of this opening are interconnected by a rotary It has a variable cross section along the axis.

[0010] The present invention also provides at least one visible surface of an external component of the timepiece that implements this process. The present invention relates to a system for generating a three-dimensional element, the system comprising: - a first part and a second part configured to receive a support plate of an external part element; A mold formed by reversible assembly of two parts, the mold comprising at least one a first part including an indicia of At least one cavity is provided, each cavity being adapted to inject an injectable material onto said visible surface. It helps to create a blank for a three-dimensional component from the overmold by inserting , a mold, - On the visible faces of the external part elements, which helps to finish this blank of the three-dimensional element and a device for applying a coating to the overmolded blank.

[0011] The present invention also relates to at least one 3D image that can be generated on a visible surface using the process. The present invention relates to an external component element for a timepiece comprising an element.

[0012] The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such an external component element. Effect of the Invention

[0013] Further objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: This will become more apparent from the following description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system for generating at least one three-dimensional element on a visible surface of an external part element of a timepiece according to an embodiment of the invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a mold of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a logic diagram of a process for generating the at least one three-dimensional element on a visible surface of an external component element according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a support plate with an external component element, which is a timepiece dial, according to an embodiment of the invention, the visible side of which can be seen provided with several three-dimensional blank elements, such as appliqués, overmolded onto the visible side. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a support plate with an external component element, which is a timepiece dial, according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the hidden side of this dial can be seen, connected to a sprue essentially formed by a second part of the mold, not shown. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of a support plate with external component elements and a sprue formed in a mold in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a different three-dimensional component blank overmolded onto an external component component, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a different three-dimensional component blank overmolded onto an external component component, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram representing a timepiece comprising an external component element provided with at least one three-dimensional element according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a method for producing at least one three-dimensional element 10 on an external part element 4 of a timepiece 100. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 1 for measuring the three-dimensional The element 10 is disposed on a visible surface 21a, also called the top surface, of this external part element 4, i.e. When the product element 4 is attached to this part 100, it is visible to the wearer of the timepiece 100. This surface 21a of the external part element 4 is, for example, generated on the surface 21a of this element 4 If the visible surface 21a is a dial, the other surface 22 of the external part element 4 is opposite the visible surface 21a. Unlike 1b, the term "visible" refers to the possibility of being perceived when fitted to the timepiece 100. "It is called.

[0016] Such a system 1 may be an automated manufacturing facility dedicated to the manufacture of all or some of the components of the timepiece 100. It can be carried out in an assembly facility (or an automated assembly line). In such a situation The system 1 includes an external component having at least one three-dimensional element 10 in the automated assembly facility. This aids in the manufacture and reliable distribution of the component elements 4.

[0017] The timepiece 100 includes an external component 4 and a clock component (not shown) assembled together. In this context, the external part element 4 is a part of the timepiece 100, also known as the wearer. be a visible or observable element of the timepiece 100 when worn by a user. As regards the clock components, the external component element 4 may form a clock movement. The elements, joints and / or rings included in the timepiece 100 are, but are not limited to, Therefore, under these conditions, each external component element 4 is a clock movement mechanism. The timepiece 100 surrounds the watch and gives it its look, visual appeal and style. It is understood that the external component element 4 is included in the elements of the non-limiting and Non-exhaustively, this can be the dial, flange, bezel, etc.

[0018] In the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 9, the external component element 4 is here the Note that it is a dial and the three-dimensional element 10 is an appliqué of this dial.

[0019] As mentioned above, this external part element 4 has a visible surface 21 (visible in Figs. 4 to 8). It also has a so-called hidden surface 21b, also called the bottom surface, which is the surface opposite to a.

[0020] As shown with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the system 1 includes, in a non-exhaustive and non-limiting manner: - capable of receiving a support plate 3 provided with at least one external part element 4; a mould 2 formed by reversible assembly of a first part 8a with a second part 8b, - a device 11 for injecting an injectable material into said mould 2; - Coating the blank of the three-dimensional element 10 overmolded on the outer part element 4 a device 12 for applying the - designing an original or "master" part for the three-dimensional element 10 to be manufactured; In particular, ultraviolet projection lithography, deep ultraviolet (DUV) projection lithography, and immersion Lithography, double exposure lithography, extreme ultraviolet lithography, and / or nanoimprint a device 13 for implementing a lithographic technique, in particular print lithography; - for preparing said at least one three-dimensional element 10 from an original part, in particular NiSi A device 14 for implementing a BMG or BMG replication technique; a device 15 for evacuating said mould 2 and / or the interior of this mould 2; A device 16 for regulating the temperature; - removing the support plate 3 of at least one external part element 4 and placing it in the mould 2; and a device 17 for detecting the presence of the

[0021] In this configuration, the mold 2 is formed by assembly of a first part 8a with a second part 8b. The support plate 3 with the external part elements 4 can be arranged. The plate 3 may comprise a single external component element 4 or alternatively several external component elements 4. It is understood that this is possible.

[0022] In this mold 2, the second part 8b is adapted to receive such a support plate 3. More specifically, the support plate 3 has a receiving surface formed on the concealing surface of the external part element 4. 21b faces or contacts all or a part of this receiving surface. In this configuration, the visible surface 21a of the external component element 4 is a part of 4, the support plate 3 faces and contacts the inner surface of the first part 8a. , so that the external part element 4 is placed between the first part 8a and the second part 8b of this mould 2. While being sandwiched, it is placed on the base of this mold 2.

[0023] The inner surface of this first part 8a of the mold 2 is overmolded onto the visible surface 21a of the outer part element 4. For the three-dimensional elements 10 to be printed, each one has a single inscription 5 or multiple inscriptions 5. These markings 5 ​​are each defined on this flat inner surface of the first part 8a. It has a hollow shape.

[0024] The visible surface 21a of the external component 4 comprises a zone 6, also called the overmolded zone 6. This zone 6 is then filled with injection molding material, which contributes to the design of said blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10. The inscription 5 is defined to form a cavity 7 into which a moldable material is injected. The bit 7 defines the final shape of the blank 20 and therefore the stamp 5 and the external part structure. The three-dimensional element 10 is generated by cooperation with the corresponding zone 6 of the visible surface 21a of the component element 4. In this configuration, this zone 6 therefore defines the final shape of the first part 8a and When the mold 2 and the external part element 4 are assembled together, the mold 2 faces the marking 5. The first part 8a has as many markings 5 ​​as the first part 8a has and / or has external part elements 4. Note that there are as many cavities 7 as there are overmold zones 6 .

[0025] In this regard, the system 1 comprises a device 1 for regulating the temperature inside said mould 2. 6, the first part 8a is essentially located under each of the markings 5, There may be an injection circuit (not shown) defined in the body of the first part 8a. Such a circuit is connected to a temperature regulation device 16, which regulates the temperature of the air within the circuit. A circulation of the fluid or a heated fluid can be generated.

[0026] In the external part element 4 included in the support plate 3, the visible surface 21a and the hidden surface 21b are planar. The visible surface 21a and the hidden surface 21b are preferably external components. The visible surfaces of the external part element 4 in the mold 2 are also called the top and bottom surfaces. 21a indicates the first part 8a when the first part 8a is assembled with the second part 8b. In this configuration, the outer part element 4 can contact the inner surface of these first parts. It will be understood that the first part 8a and the second part 8b are sandwiched between the first part 8a and the second part 8b and are placed in this mold 2. .

[0027] As shown with reference to FIG. 2, this external part element 4 also has a concealed surface 21 of the external part element 4. b to the receiving surface of the second part 8b. At least one through opening 18a is provided, which is connected to the cavity 7 of the mold 2. a first end, called the exit orifice, opening to the concealed surface 21 of the external part element 4; and a second end, called the inlet orifice, opening at b. The outer part element 4 is It is understood that the mold 2 has at least the same number of through openings 18a as the cavities 7 of the mold 2. will be done.

[0028] As shown with reference to Figs. 7 and 8, when the external part element 4 is a dial, the injectable This through opening 18a with material serves to form the leg 23a of the three-dimensional element 10. It should be noted that the legs 23a are particularly useful for connecting the three-dimensional element 10 to the outer component element. 4. Furthermore, the cavity is formed by using the mark 5. The zone 6 provided for forming the cavity 7 is provided with an external component in addition to this through opening 18a. With an inlet orifice defined in the visible face 21a of the element 4, also called a blind hole Such blind openings 18b may be provided with injectable material. The end opening 18b is shaped to secure the three-dimensional element 10 within the body of the external part element 4. This serves to form another leg 23b of the three-dimensional element 10 which is specially configured in a tubular shape.

[0029] In this regard, the bodies of the through openings 18a and the blind openings 18b are A pair of axial cross sections S1, S2, S3 perpendicular to the longitudinal axes A, B of the openings 18a, 18b are 3, S4. In this configuration, the through opening 18a is located at the center of the inlet orifice. , along the longitudinal axis A, also called the axis of rotation A, which interconnects the center of the outlet orifice With respect to the blind opening 18b, the through opening 18a also provides an entry for the injectable material. The center of the opening 18b is connected to the center of the bottom of the opening 18b by a rotation axis B. The longitudinal axes A and B are substantially parallel to each other. In this configuration, - at least one through opening 18a is provided between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice and the surface area of ​​the axial section S1, S3 with the inlet orifice is , the surface area of ​​the axial cross section with the inlet orifice, and the surface area of ​​the axial cross section with the outlet orifice Strictly or substantially different from the surface area of ​​the cross section, - at least one through opening 18a is provided between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice and the surface area of ​​the axial section S1, S3 with the inlet orifice is or the surface area of ​​an axial cross section with an inlet orifice, or with an outlet orifice the surface area of ​​the axial cross section of the - at least one through opening 18a is provided between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice The axial sections S1 and S3 have a surface area of strictly greater than or substantially greater than the surface area of ​​the axial cross section containing the outlet orifice significantly larger than the strictly less than or substantially less than the surface area of ​​the axial cross section comprising the inlet orifice Small in size, - the blind opening 18b has at least one axial gap between the inlet orifice and the bottom The surface area of ​​the axial section S2, S4 with the inlet orifice, the inlet The surface area of ​​the axial section including the mouth orifice and the surface area of ​​the axial section including the bottom Strictly or substantially different from the rear - the blind opening 18b has at least one axial gap between the inlet orifice and the bottom The surface area of ​​the axial section S2, S4 with the inlet orifice, or the surface area of ​​an axial section with an inlet orifice, or the surface area of ​​an axial section with a base Surface area strictly or substantially different; - the blind opening 18b has at least one axial gap between the inlet orifice and the bottom The surface area of ​​the cross section S2 is: strictly greater than or substantially greater than the surface area of ​​the axial cross section containing the outlet orifice significantly larger than the strictly less than or substantially less than the surface area of ​​the axial cross section containing the inlet orifice It is noted that the difference is relatively small.

[0030] Thus, in this configuration, the through opening 18a is located at the center of the inlet orifice and at the center of the outlet orifice. It is understood that the cross-section of the slit is variable along an axis of rotation that interconnects the centers of the slits and each other. Similarly, the blind opening 18b is centered at the inlet orifice of the injectable material and The nozzle has a variable cross section along an axis of rotation that interconnects the nozzle and the center of the base of the nozzle. Note that each cross section is transverse to the axes of rotation A and B. The cross sections are , the surface, diameter and / or dimensions of the cross-sectional plane of the blind opening or through opening Please note that this is related.

[0031] In this regard, for example, in FIG. 7, the through opening 18a and the blind opening 1 8b is essentially frusto-conical in shape or the body comprises two parts with different cross sections The shape can be similar to that of a tube, or it can have different diameters as shown in FIG. Cut.

[0032] As described above, the mold 2 has at least one cavity 7. The tee 7 is formed by the inscription 5 contained on the inner surface of the first part 8a and the inscription 5 on the visible surface 21a of the outer part element 4. The zone 6 is formed by assembly with the corresponding zone 6. The zone 6 is arranged on the outer part element 4. The cavity has an opening 18a extending therethrough, the opening 18a being connected to the cavity through its outlet orifice. The through opening 18a is connected to the second die 7 of the mold 2 through its inlet orifice. via an injection circuit 9 defined in part 8b, to an injectable material injection device 11. In this configuration, if the cavity 7 also comprises a blind opening 18b, this opening The inlet orifice of the mouth is defined in the overmolded zone 6 of the visible surface 21a of the outer part element 4. Please note that the

[0033] In this configuration, the portion of the injectable material that solidifies within the entrance orifice of the through opening 18a , in particular during removal of the outer part element 4 from the second part 8b, as will be explained below. In fact, this injection point 22 is formed in this mold 2 so that the injection is performed in a predetermined manner. By connecting the support plate 3 to the formed sprue 19, the external This injection point 22 serves to hold the part element 4 on the second part 8b. 1, is located at the inlet orifice of the through opening 18a. The three-dimensional element 10 has a through-opening 18a at its end or base. do.

[0034] This sprue 19, seen in FIG. 6, is formed by solidification of the injectable material within the through opening 18a. and an injectable material in an injection circuit 9 arranged in the second part 8b. Note that the second part is formed by solidification of the material.

[0035] Furthermore, in this configuration, the inscription 5 can be an applique or the like when the external part element 4 is a dial. Which three-dimensional element 10 forms the visible part and the corresponding zone of the external part element 4 for that part In pattern 6, the legs 23a and 23b of the applique are used to connect the applique to the dial. It is understood that this is useful for forming a connecting portion of the .

[0036] As already mentioned, in this mold 2, the second part 8b is the assembly surface of the support plate 3. and / or configured to be reversibly assembled with the concealed surface 21b of the external part element 4. This second part 8b is attached at a first end to the injection device 11 and at a second end to said at least one The system 1 comprises two injection circuits 9 for injectable material. If a vice 15 is provided, it is inserted at one end into the through opening 18a of the external part element 4, Also, a vacuum circuit is formed in the body of the second part 8b, which is connected at its other end to the exhaust device 15. The device 15 can define an air space in each cavity 7 of the mold 2. It should be noted that in this configuration, the function of the second part 8b is One of its functions is to allow the passage of injectable material through opening 18a for injecting the material. and, if applicable, may serve to evacuate the cavity 7 of the mold 2. It is understood.

[0037] In this system 1, a three-dimensional element 10 is overmolded onto an external component element 4. On the blank 20, a device 12 for applying a coating is provided, which is a decoration of the type of metal. A coating with a geometric and / or functional material is applied to the three-dimensional element 10. The device 12 may be applied / deposited on the outer surface 24 of the rank 20. A device for releasing decorative and / or functional materials and / or such Engines for vaporizing suitable materials and / or coatings containing such materials A printing module may be provided that is specifically provided with a mechanism for vaporizing the film. The vaporization engine is commonly referred to as a direct current cathode sputtering engine, or by the acronym HIPIMS. It is noted that the present invention may be implemented using known high power impulse magnetron sputtering engines. Other techniques, such as what is called "hot transfer" of coatings onto blank 20, are also being considered. Note that one can use

[0038] In this system 1, the decorative material may be made of ink or of metal or metal alloy. This decorative material can be applied to the blank 20 of this three-dimensional element 10. The addition of functional materials helps to change the visual appearance of the three-dimensional element 10. For example, - Electrically conductive, semiconducting or insulating; - Semi-conductive, - electroluminescence, - photoluminescence (e.g. response to UV light), - Phosphorescence, - "X-chromism" (photochromic, electrochromic, thermochromic , ionochromic, mechanochromic, etc.), - Electric activation, - Magnetic, - physical and / or chemical functional properties associated with the three-dimensional element 10 It is intended to be given.

[0039] In this system 1, the injectable material may be, for example, an organic and / or composite material, is a metallic or ceramic material, or a thermoformable, thermosetting, or thermoplastic material. By way of example, the material may comprise the following elements: - charged plastics and coloured and / or fluorescent pigments of the SLN (phosphorescent) type, - Ceramic filled polymers, with or without color pigments; - Additives to give a metallic / shiny appearance such as aluminum powder, metal powder, etc. - Derivation of polymers (for technical reasons or chemical / galvanic or other post-treatment) Additives for electrification, - Additives that give aesthetic finishes that mimic materials (nacre, stone, etc.), - additives which impart specific mechanical and / or tribological properties, - BMG, better known by its acronym "Bulk Metallic Glass" , - Stainless steel material, - sinterable metallic materials, - Ceramic, - Silicone, and / or - one or another combination of these elements with each other, or a combination of several of them with each other A combination can be provided.

[0040] In this configuration, such a system 1 simultaneously displays on the visible surface 21a of the external component element 4. It will be appreciated that this makes it possible to manufacture several three-dimensional elements 10 that are molded by casting. For this purpose, the first part 8a is provided with several markings 5, in particular on the outer part 2, a series of overmolded parts 21a are formed on the visible surface 21a of the outer component element 4. Alternatively, the first part 8a serves to obtain the three-dimensional element 10 of the outer part element 4 A single imprint is made on the blank of the three-dimensional element 10 overmolded on the visible surface 21a of the It is understood that 5 may be provided.

[0041] As shown with reference to FIG. 3, the system 1 includes a visual sensor 4 for detecting the presence of an external component 4 of a timepiece 100. On the surface 21a, a process for producing said at least one three-dimensional element 10 is carried out. do.

[0042] Such a process comprises the steps of designing a support plate 3 with external component elements 4. The step includes drilling several through holes in the thickness of the body of the support plate blank. and forming a through hole in such a plate blank by forming an external part In this configuration, the outer part element 4 is located between the two through holes. The part of this plate which contains the blank plate is held to the rest of the body of the blank plate.

[0043] This design step then involves the creation of at least one through opening in the thickness of the external part element 4. the through opening 18a being located at the center of the inlet orifice; and a variable cross section along its axis of rotation A interconnecting the center of the outlet orifice. Such a configuration of the through opening 18a increases the amount of injectable material contained in the through opening 18a. This contributes to defining the shape of the legs 23a of the three-dimensional element 10 formed by the material. This leg 23a therefore serves in particular to fasten this three-dimensional element 10 to the body of the external part element 4. Furthermore, such an opening 18a is configured to define the outer part element 4. The concealed surface 21b is provided for later connection to the surface of the mold that receives the second part 8b. Please note that.

[0044] This design step then involves applying at least one coating to the top surface of this external component element 4. The upper surface is then fitted with a support plate after this design step. Note that this corresponds to the visible surface of the external part element 4 captured in the During the step, several coatings can be applied onto this visible surface.

[0045] Next, this design step involves the incorporation of at least one blind hole within the thickness of the external component element 4. The step of creating an opening 18b, said blind opening 18b being capable of being poured. The center of the material inlet orifice and the center of the bottom of this opening are interconnected. The blind opening 18b has a variable cross section along the rotation axis B. Such a configuration of the blind opening 18b The legs of the three-dimensional element 10 formed by the injectable material contained in the lined opening 18b. Therefore, the leg portion 23b contributes to defining the shape of the third leg portion 23b. The dimensional element 10 is configured and shaped to be fixed to the body of the outer part element 4 .

[0046] Such a process requires at least one step for the at least one three-dimensional element 10 to be manufactured. preparing at least one imprint 5 on the first part 8a using at least one original part; Step 30 includes forming the same number of marks 5 as the three-dimensional elements 10 to be generated. Such a stamp 5 is overmolded onto the same external part element 4. It is understood that this step 30 involves the removal of the markings 5 ​​from the original part, also called the "master". This original part has a shape similar to that of the three-dimensional element 10 to be generated. The implementation of this step 30 requires as many original parts as there are impressions 5 to be produced. Please note that:

[0047] In this regard, the preparation step 30 may be carried out using lithographic techniques. This lithography technique is described in detail here. The following techniques are known from the prior art that are not described: ultraviolet projection lithography , DUV projection light lithography, immersion lithography, double exposure lithography, extreme ultraviolet lithography lithography, and nanoimprint lithography.

[0048] This preparation step 30 then involves creating the external part by reproducing the negative shape of the original part. The method includes a substep 32 of duplicating the original part in order to generate element 4. This substep 32 is carried out according to the method known from the prior art, which will not be described in detail here. iSIM or BMG (acronym for "Bulk Metallic Glass") technique Provide the following:

[0049] The process then proceeds to position the support plate 3 with the external part elements 4 in the mould 2. The mold 2 includes a step 33 for reversibly assembling the first part 8a and the second part 8b. During this step 33, the support plate 3 is formed by these first parts 8a and the second part 8b are placed on a platform defined by the reversible assembly of the first part 8a and the second part 8b. The placement step 33 is the placement of the second part 8b with the support plate 3 with this external part element 4. A reverse assembly sub-step 34 is then performed on this second part 8b. one end of the injection circuit 9 placed in the external part 4 and the inlet orifice of the through opening 18a of the external part 4. Such a sub-step 34 comprises a connecting step 35. between the end of the injection circuit 9 and the through opening 18a defined in the external component element 4, in particular This circuit 9 serves to provide an optimal connection between the inlet orifice of the opening 18a and the external The component element 4 has an inlet orifice for the through opening 18a and an end portion having the same number of inlet orifices. It is understood that the inlet orifice is included in the concealed surface 21b of the external part element 4. Such a placement step 33 may also include a first part including at least one marking 5. 8a to the visible surface 21a of the external part element 4, the mold 2 is The method includes a sub-step 36 of forming at least one cavity 7. Each cavity 7 has three It should be noted that the dimension is defined for the preparation / forming of the blank 20 of the dimensional element 10. In other words, this cavity 7 of the mold 2 is formed by at least one engraving of the first part 8a of the mold 2. The mark 5 is formed by associating it with the visible surface 21a of the external part element of this mold 2. This corresponds to the volume and shape of the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10 to be produced. Define the space within which

[0050] Next, the process is performed on the three-dimensional element 10 on the visible surface 21a of the external part element 4. , a step 37 of constructing said at least one blank 20. 7 is a through hole arranged in the outer part element 4 provided with an inlet orifice of the cavity 7 Overmolding by injecting an injectable material into the cavity 7 through the opening 18a. The objective of this sub-step 38 is to determine the feasibility of the external part element 4. In the corresponding zone 6 of the viewing plane 21a, the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10 is overmolded. Such a sub-step 38 is to perform a design for injecting this material. The injector 11 is provided with an injection stage 39 for injecting an injectable material into this cavity 7. In response, the injectable material from the injection device 11 is injected into the injectable cavity defined in the second part 8b. an injection circuit 9 of the injectable material and an external part connecting said injection circuit 9 of the injectable material to the cavity 7; The element 4 includes a through opening 18a, which is introduced into the cavity 7. Thus, the injectable material is then formed into this blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10. In order to form a lattice pattern, the visible surface 21a of the external part element 4 is arranged facing the inscription 5. By overmolding the corresponding zone 6, the entire volume defined by the cavity 7 is filled. Occupy.

[0051] Such an overmolding step 38 may include the following stages: - before carrying out a step 39 of injecting the injectable material into this cavity 7, said cavity a stage 40 of evacuating the tee 7, and / or - in particular, before the start of the step 39 of injecting the injectable material into the cavity 7, During or after the end of the injection phase 39, the cavity A step 41 of adjusting the temperature of the device 7 may be provided.

[0052] Such stages of evacuation 40 and temperature regulation 41 are present on the visible exterior surface of this blank 20. During overmolding on the outer component 4, in order to eliminate the presence of any possible defects, In particular, the objective is to ensure the structural uniformity of the blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10. Such defects consist, for example, of the presence of a weld line on the visible outer surface of the blank 20, and may include cavities. Such a weld seam is formed after the merging of two flows of injectable material into the weld seam 7. For appliques having the shape of the numbers 8, 0, or 10, a blank 20 of a three-dimensional element 10 Often present in

[0053] During the evacuation phase 40, the fluid present in the cavity 7, e.g. a gas such as air, , is discharged from the cavity 7 before carrying out the injection step 39.

[0054] When performing the temperature adjustment step 41 of the cavity 7, the temperature in the cavity 7 is adjusted to the temperature 39, the temperature of the injectable material from the device 11 for injecting this material The injectable material is then heated to a temperature greater than or substantially greater than the temperature at which it is injected. Once 39 is performed, i.e. completed, the cavity 7 is immediately cooled.

[0055] The process then proceeds to a finishing step of said at least one blank of three-dimensional element 10. This step 42 comprises the third molded part 4 overmolded onto the outer component element 4. A sub-step 43 comprises applying a coating to said blank 20 of the base element 10 . Such an application sub-step 43 includes the following sub-steps of this finishing step 42: That is, a substep 44 of removing the first part 8a from the second part 8b of the mould 2, or the at least one three-dimensional element 10 overmolded onto the visible surface of the external component element 4; From the support plate 3 with the outer part element 4 provided with one blank 20, This is carried out after carrying out sub-step 45 of removing mold 2.

[0056] In fact, after one or the other of these two sub-steps 44, 45, the application sub-step 43 is a blank 20 of the three-dimensional element 10 overmolded on the external part element 4 The method further comprises depositing 46 decorative and / or functional materials onto the visible exterior surface of the For example, this deposition step 46 may be performed by depositing a metallic composition on the outer surface of the blank 20 of decorative material. Such a deposition step 46 can then be referred to by the acronym HIPIMS. Also known as DC cathode sputtering or high power impulse magnetron spa This can be done according to the technology used to implement the filtering.

[0057] followed by sub-step 44 of removing the first part 8a from the second part 8b of the mould 2 When sub-step 43 is performed, the deposition stage 46 is still applied to the second part 8b of the mold 2. It should be noted that this is done with a support plate 3 that is fixed / fixed to the In this context, following this deposition stage 46, the process continues with the removal of the support plate 3 from the mold 2. The implementation of the removal sub-step 45 is provided.

[0058] In this process, the removal substep 45 removes the blank 20 or the 3-dimensional element 10. The support plate 3 and / or the outer part element 4, which is provided with the dimensional element 10, is attached to the second part 8 b. This step 47 comprises destroying the injection point 22 connecting the second part 8b The purpose of this is to induce a rotational or translational movement of this plate relative to A force is applied to the support plate 3 with the part element 4, thus causing the destruction of this injection point 22. When the injection point 22 is destroyed, the through opening 18a is formed. The base of the leg of the three-dimensional element 10 is substantially the same height as the concealed surface 21b of the external part element 4. Note that the height of the concealed surface 21b is either smaller than or exactly the same as this concealed surface 21b.

[0059] Once the support plate 3 has been removed from this second part 8b, it can be removed for mounting on the timepiece. , or then on the remaining visible surface 21a, i.e. hidden by the three-dimensional element 10 To finish the part of this surface 21a that is not yet finished by applying a coating layer , the outer component element 4 is separated from the support plate 3 .

[0060] Moreover, as mentioned above, each external component element 4 may comprise several three-dimensional elements 10. Under these conditions, it is possible to provide as many injection points 22 as there are three-dimensional elements 10. Please note that.

[0061] The invention therefore provides, on the visible surface 21a of the external part element 4 of the timepiece, at least one This is useful for generating a three-dimensional element 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 System 2. Mold 3 Support Plate 4 External Component Elements 5. Engraving 6 Zone 7 Cavity 8a First part 8b Second part 9 Injection circuit 11 Injection Device 12 Applicable Devices 13 Design Device 14 Preparation Device 15 Exhaust Device 16 Regulating Devices 17 Placement Devices 18 Through opening 18a Through opening 18b Blind opening 19 sprues 20 Blank 21a Visible surface 21b Concealed Surface 22 Injection points 23a Legs 23b Legs 24 Exterior 30 Preparation Steps 31 Design Sub-Steps 32 Duplicate Substep 33 Placement Steps 34 Reversible Assembly Sub-Steps 35 Connection Stage 36 Formation Substep 37 Construction Steps 38 Overmold Substep 39 Injection Phase 40 Exhaust Stage 41 Temperature Control Stages 42 Finishing Steps 43 Application Substep 44 Removal substep 45 Removal Substep 46 Sedimentation Stage 47 Destruction Stage 48 Destruction Sub-stage 100 clock A Longitudinal axis, rotation axis B Longitudinal axis, rotation axis S1 Axial section S2 Axial section S3 axial cross section S4 Axial section

Claims

1. On the visible surface (21a) of the external part element (4) of the timepiece (100), at least one 3 A process for generating dimension elements (10), said process comprising the steps of: , i.e. - creating at least one through opening (18a) in the thickness of said external part element (4); The method further comprises the steps of: designing a support plate (3) with said external component element (4); the through opening (18a) is an inlet of the through opening (18a) Along a rotation axis (A) that interconnects the center of the orifice and the center of the exit orifice with each other. a design step of providing a variable cross section; - formed by reversible assembly of a first part (8a) and a second part (8b) A step of placing the support plate (3) with the external part element (4) in the mold (2). A step (33) for attaching said first part (8a) including at least one marking (5). , by associating with the visible surface (21a) of the external part element (4), this mold forming at least one cavity (7) in the placement stage (2); Tep (33) and - on said visible face (21a) of said external part element (4), a block of each three-dimensional element (10) A step (37) of constructing a rank (20), comprising: the through opening (18a) provided with an orifice and arranged in the external part element (4); By injecting an injectable material into said cavity (7) through the A construction step (37) comprising a sub-step (38) of downloading - finishing (42) said blank (20) of said three-dimensional element (10), So, the following sub-steps of this finishing step: Removing the first part (8a) from the second part (8b) of the mould (2). Sub-step (44), or At least one blank of the three-dimensional element (10) overmolded onto said visible surface. from said support plate (3) comprising said external part element (4) provided with a stud (20) , after carrying out one of the sub-steps (45) of removing the mold (2), Applying a coating to said blank (20) overmolded onto the component (4) A process comprising a finishing step (42) comprising a sub-step (43).

2. The positioning step (33) includes the step of placing the support plate (3) with the external part element (4). and a sub-step (34) of reversible assembly of said second part (8b) with said Step (34) connects one end of the injection circuit (9) located in this second part (8b) with the previous A step of connecting (3) said through opening (18) of said external part element (4) with said inlet orifice 5). The process of claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The removing sub-step (45) comprises removing the external part element (4) from the second part (8b).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of destroying the injection point (22) connecting the The process described in

4. The overmolding sub-step (38) is particularly adapted to deposit a molded article into the cavity (7). Before the start of the step (39) of injecting the active material, until the end of the step (39) of injecting this material During or after the end of this injection step (39), the temperature of the mold (2) is adjusted.

2. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a floor (41).

5. The overmold sub-step (38) deposits the injectable material in the cavity (7). Prior to the step (39) of injecting material, a step (40) of evacuating said cavity (7) is included.

2. The process of claim 1 ,

6. The applying sub-step (43) is performed by applying a pre-molded On the visible outer surface of the blank (20) of the three-dimensional element (10), decorative material and / or The process according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a step (46) of depositing a functional material. Seth.

7. For said at least one three-dimensional element (10) to be manufactured, at least one original A step of preparing at least one marking (5) on said first part (8a) using the part.

2. The process according to claim 1, further comprising a step (30).

8. The step of designing the support plate (3) includes the steps of: creating at least one blind opening (18b) in said The blind opening (18b) is in the center of the inlet orifice of the injectable material and is in contact with the opening and a variable cross section along its axis of rotation (B) which interconnects the center of the bottom of portion (18b).

2. The process according to claim 1 .

9. FIG. 1 is a view of an external component element (4) of a timer (100) for implementing the process according to claim 1. (21a) a system (1) for generating at least one three-dimensional element on , the system (1) - configured to receive the support plate (3) of said external part element (4), A mold (2) is formed by reversible assembly of a first part (8a) and a second part (8b). ), wherein the die (2) includes the first part (8) which includes at least one marking (5). a) to said visible surface (21a) of said external part element (4). Each cavity (7) is provided with an injectable material. on said visible surface (21a) to remove said three-dimensional element from the overmold. a die (2) that helps to produce a blank (20) of (10); said external part, which helps to finish this blank (20) of said three-dimensional element (10); The blank (20) is overmolded onto the visible surface (21a) of the part element (4). and a device (12) for applying a coating to the substrate.

10. It can be produced on the visible surface (21a) using the process according to claim 1. An exterior part element for a timepiece comprising at least one three-dimensional element.

11. A timepiece comprising an external component element (4) according to claim 10.

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