Method for manufacturing component for timepiece instrument

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing applique for a high-quality timepiece instrument capable of ensuring that a surface state of a visible portion is perfect.SOLUTION: In a method for manufacturing applique 1, the applique 1 has a top surface 2 and a rim 3 intended to be viewed by a user, a lower surface for placing the applique 1 on a dial or timepiece structure; and at least one foot part protruding from the lower surface. With this method, a varnished applique can be obtained.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing components for timepieces, and more particularly to a varnished applique intended to be attached to the dial of a timepiece using fixing feet for replacing all or part of the numerals indicating the time. This method can also be used in the manufacture of dials or bezels.

Background Art

[0002] Appliques placed on the circle indicating the time or on a subsidiary dial often give the impression of being printed and are thus often manufactured by tracing or silk screening. Timepiece appliques contribute to giving a particular physical property and are thus an important element of timepieces, especially portable timepieces (e.g., wristwatches, pocket watches). Therefore, when attaching such timepiece appliques, particular care must be taken, and they must be highly reproducible and free from any surface defects. Due to the very small size and awkward handling of these appearance components, perfect attachment is difficult. As a result, the rejection rate may be high. The manufacture of such timepiece appliques becomes even more complex when coatings such as varnishes or lacquers are applied to obtain a particular aesthetic effect. In the case of varnished appliques, it is known to deposit the applique on a support and then apply a varnish layer thereto. In this case, it can be understood that the varnish deposits on both the applique and the support. And a bond is formed between the applique and the support by capillary action, resulting in an unacceptable deterioration of the appearance.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of the above problems by providing a method for manufacturing an appliqué for a high-quality timepiece that ensures that the surface state of the visible part is perfect. One of the purposes is to overcome all or part of the above problems. by providing a method for manufacturing an appliqué for a high-quality timepiece that ensures that the surface state of the visible part is perfect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] To this end, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an appliqué, the method comprising: - making a base having an upper surface and a lower surface from a metallic material; - machining the upper surface and the rim of the appliqué on the base to a predetermined depth P from the upper surface; - cleaning the machined base; - depositing a varnish layer, a lacquer layer or a paint layer on the machined upper surface of the base so as to cover the upper surface; - drying the deposited varnish layer; - depositing an adhesive layer on the upper surface of the base over at least the entire machining depth such that the adhesive layer overlaps the varnish layer, and drying the adhesive; - machining the lower surface and the feet of the appliqué to a depth greater than [the thickness of the base] - [the machining depth of the upper surface] through the lower surface of the base so that the appliqué is held by the adhesive layer; - placing the base in a liquid bath to dissolve the adhesive and release the appliqué; - packaging the appliqué with transportation in mind. - machining the lower surface and the feet of the appliqué to a depth greater than [the thickness of the base] - [the machining depth of the upper surface] through the lower surface of the base so that the appliqué is held by the adhesive layer; - placing the base in a liquid bath to dissolve the adhesive and release the appliqué; - packaging the appliqué with transportation in mind. - placing the base in a liquid bath to dissolve the adhesive and release the appliqué; - packaging the appliqué with transportation in mind. - packaging the appliqué with transportation in mind. and comprising.

[0005] Other preferred embodiments of the present invention have the following features. - The manufacturing method includes a step of buff polishing the upper surface of the appliqué processed on the base and the rim so as to ensure uniform removal of the varnish layer and remove sharp edges that make the color prominent. - After buff polishing, an electrolytic leaching step of the base is performed to ensure the cleanliness of the support. - The varnish layer has a thickness in the range of 20 μm to 100 μm. - The varnish layer is preferably dried at 80 °C for 30 minutes and then at 140 °C for 60 minutes. - The base is made of a metal material such as brass, aluminum, copper, or precious metal. - Preferably, the adhesive layer is dried in an oven at 45 °C for 5 hours. - The base is placed in a basket and then placed in a tank for removing the adhesive. - A step of surface-treating the adhesive layer is performed to obtain a reference surface for use as a dimensional reference during the machining of the lower surface. - The machining of the appliqué through the lower surface of the base is performed under at least one coating element used in the coating, and the depth of the machining is slightly greater than the height of the rim of the appliqué. - Simultaneously with the machining through the lower surface of the base, at least one foot of the appliqué is formed so as to form the lower surface of the appliqué.

[0006] The present invention further relates to a portable timepiece including at least one appliqué according to the present invention.

[0007] Thanks to such features, a method for manufacturing such an appliqué for a timepiece can quickly obtain an appliqué with a perfect surface condition in the visible part. The appliqué obtained in this way has a perfect surface condition in the visible part.

[0008] By reading the following description of specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the present invention can also be clearly understood.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an appliqué 1 for a timepiece.

[0011] "Appliqué" refers to an object, particularly, an object placed on a dial, a color, a plate, a bridge, etc. Means a display or decorative element such as a mark, index, number, logo, monogram, etc. intended to be seen by the user. It means a display or decorative element such as a mark, index, number, logo, monogram, etc. intended to be seen by the user.

[0012] Such an appliqué 1 usually has an upper surface 2, a rim 3, and a lower surface 4 for placement on the dial or the structure of the timepiece.

[0013] If this lower surface 4 can be directly adhered to such a dial or such a structure, this lower surface 4 generally has at least one foot 5. Each foot 5 protrudes from this lower surface 4 and protrudes in particular according to a specific orientation of the lower surface 4 in space (not limited to this), and is fixed on the said dial or the said structure. According to the present invention, in order to manufacture such an appliqué 1, the following steps are carried out sequentially

[0014] According to the present invention, in order to manufacture such an appliqué 1, the following steps are carried out sequentially as follows. - Make a base 10 with an upper surface 11 and a lower surface 12 from a metallic material. - In the base 10, process the upper surface 2 and the rim 3 of the appliqué 1 from the upper surface to a predetermined depth P. - Wash the processed base 10. - Deposit a varnish layer 13 on the processed upper surface of the base 10 so as to cover the said upper surface. - Dry the deposited varnish layer 13. - Deposit an adhesive layer 14 on the upper surface of the base 10 over at least the entire processing depth, so that the adhesive layer 14 overlaps the varnish layer 13, and dry the adhesive. - Through the lower surface 12 of the base 10, process the lower surface 4 and the feet 5 of the appliqué 1 to a depth P' greater than [base thickness E] - [upper surface processing depth P], - Through the lower surface 12 of the base 10, process the lower surface 4 and the feet 5 of the appliqué 1 to a depth P' greater than [base thickness E] - [upper surface processing depth P], - Through the lower surface 12 of the base 10, process the lower surface 4 and the feet 5 of the appliqué 1 to a depth P' greater than [base thickness E] - [upper surface processing depth P], - Through the lower surface 12 of the base 10, process the lower surface 4 and the feet 5 of the appliqué 1 to a depth P' greater than [base thickness E] - [upper surface processing depth P], - Place Base 10 into the tank, dissolve the adhesive, and release Applicator 1. - Package Applicator 1 with transportation in mind.

[0015] The machining of the upper surface 2 and the rim 3 by the CNC machine to form the upper surface 2 and the rim 3 can, in response to circumstances, be carried out using a single tool or multiple tools, each of which can be dedicated for the operation of machining a specific surface. Of course, the machining can use various techniques such as milling, grinding, electro - erosion, laser, or other techniques. These techniques can be used either in combination or not in combination, and are not limited thereto.

[0016] Of course, the upper surface 2 and the rim 3 of Applicator 1 can be more complex than the above, and can also be simpler than the above, for example, having a plurality of plain surfaces such as flat facets. Depending on the complexity of the upper surface, machining and / or diamond polishing of the upper surface 2 is carried out using a machining and / or diamond polishing unit capable of moving at least in accordance with 5 - axes relative to the base.

[0017] Base 10 is made of a metallic material or metal alloy such as brass, aluminum, precious metal. Also, Base 10 is also used as a support for Applicator 1 until the lower surface 4 and the foot 5 are machined in the manufacturing process.

[0018] According to a specific feature of the present invention, the machining of the upper surface 2 and the rim 3 of Applicator 1 in Base 10 is carried out from the upper surface of Base 10 to a predetermined depth P. Preferably, the depth P of this machining is greater than the final height H of Applicator 1.

[0019] According to a specific feature of the present invention, after forming the upper surface 2 and the rim 3, the processed base 10 is cleaned by ultrasonic cleaning. This removes all dust and residues associated with the processing, for example, and prevents any defects in the varnish layer.

[0020] In particular, according to a specific feature of the present invention, the upper surface 2 and the rim 3 of the appliqué 1 processed on the base 10 are buffed to polish the edge of the appliqué 1 and improve the coating property of the varnish.

[0021] After buffing, a new cleaning step is performed to clean the base by electrolytic leaching.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the base can be treated to improve the resistance of the varnish layer, and such treatment involves, for example, sanding and plasma operations. And it is necessary to perform a new cleaning step to remove the existing impurities.

[0023] According to a specific feature of the present invention, a varnish layer 13 is deposited on the processed upper surface of the base 10 to cover the upper surface of the base, implicitly the upper surface 2 and the rim 3 of the appliqué 1. The varnish layer is deposited by spraying, and the base can also be cured. The varnish layer has a sufficient thickness to cover the appliqué, and typically this thickness is in the range of 20 μm to 100 μm.

[0024] Then, this varnish layer 13 is dried in an oven at 80 °C for 30 minutes and then at 140 °C for 60 minutes. Such two-stage drying allows for a time-consuming homogeneous polymerization. can be achieved, and thus the uniformity of the varnish thickness can be enhanced. Of course, the parameters of this drying step can be varied according to the specificities required by the manufacturer.

[0025] According to a specific feature of the present invention, an adhesive layer 14 is deposited on the upper surface of the base 10, and the adhesive layer 14 is overlapped with the varnish layer 13 and placed so as to wrap the upper surface 2 and the rim 3 of the appliqué 1. Preferably, the adhesive layer 14 is deposited at least over the entire depth of the said processing, or even more, so as to exceed the plane formed by the upper surface of the base. Preferably, a Prolaq® type water-based adhesive is used to prevent damage to the varnish during the dissolution of the adhesive in a subsequent step. The subsequent step involves drying the deposited adhesive layer 14, and for this purpose, the base coated with the adhesive is placed in an oven at 45 °C for at least 5 hours.

[0026] After the adhesive layer 14 is dried, optionally, a step of adjusting the height level can be carried out. The adhesive layer is processed using, for example, a surface finish, thereby obtaining a uniform layer

[0027] which promotes the release of the appliqué at the end of this method and forms a flat reference surface for use during the machining of the lower surface.

[0028] According to a specific feature of the present invention, the lower surface 4 and the foot 5 of the appliqué 1 are machined via the lower surface 12 of the base 10. This machining is carried out to a depth P' greater than the [thickness E of the base 10] - [machining depth P of the upper surface], i.e., P' > (E - P).

[0029] ​​​The processing of the appliqué 1 through the lower surface of the base is carried out to a depth that is significantly greater than the height of the rim 3 of the appliqué 1, thereby separating the appliqué from the base, and the appliqué thus formed is no longer connected to the base 10 and is held only by the previously deposited adhesive layer 14

[0030] According to a particular feature of the present invention, the base is placed in an aqueous solution so as to dissolve the adhesive and release the appliqué from the adhesive layer. The introduction of the base 10 into this solution is carried out in a basket so that the released appli qué can be easily recovered.

[0031] In the case described here, the liquid used is an alkaline aqueous solution that dissolves the adhesive, and the base 10 is placed in a series of leaching tanks at 55 °C for 60 minutes to ensure good dissolution of the adhesive. Of course, other liquids can be used depending on the selected adhesive, and the temperature of the aqueous solution varies depending on the adhesive used.

[0032] Finally, the appliqué can be washed again to remove the adhesive residue and then dried. Also, other decorative treatments can be carried out on the appliqué, for example, a luminescent substance can be deposited.

[0033] Finally, the appliqué can be packaged on a storage pallet with transportation in mind.

[0034] The present invention further relates to a portable timepiece comprising at least one appliqué 1.

[0035] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the example shown and various alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.​​​​​​​​ It can be shaped and modified.

Explanation of Symbols

[0036] 1 Applicator 2 Upper surface 3 Rim 4 Lower surface 5 Foot portion 10 Base 11 Upper surface 12 Lower surface 13 Varnish layer 14 Adhesive layer E Thickness of the base H Height of the applicator P, P’ Processing depth

Claims

1. A method for producing an apike (1), comprising the steps of: The applica (1) has a top surface (2) intended to be viewed by a user and A rim (3) and a lower surface (4) for placing the apron (1) on a dial or a timepiece structure. 4) and at least one foot (5) protruding from said lower surface (3); The method comprises: A step of making a base (10) having an upper surface (11) and a lower surface (12) from a metal material; 、 The upper surface (2) and the rim (3) of the apron (1) are fixed to the base. machining the surface to a predetermined depth P; Cleaning the processed base; The base is arranged to cover the upper surface (2) and the rim (3) of the apron (1). depositing a layer of varnish on the processed upper surface of the drying the deposited varnish layer; A layer of adhesive (14) is applied to the top surface of the base (10) at least over the entire processing depth. and depositing a layer of the adhesive onto the layer of varnish, and allowing the adhesive to dry. and [thickness E of the base (10)] - through the lower surface (12) of the base (10) The lower surface of the apron (1) is processed to a depth P' that is greater than the processing depth P of the upper surface. (4) and a step of machining the foot portion (5); The base is immersed in a bath of liquid to melt the adhesive (14) and release the applicator (1). and packaging the applica for transportation; 23. A method comprising:

2. The upper surface (2) of the apron (1) processed on the base (10) and the trimming the rim (3); performing an electrolytic leaching of said base (10); 2. The method of claim 1, comprising:

3. The varnish layer (13) has a thickness in the range of 20 μm to 100 μm.

2. The method of claim 1 .

4. The varnish layer (13) is dried at 80° C. for 30 minutes and then at 140° C. for 60 minutes. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The base (10) is made of a metal material such as brass, aluminum, or a precious metal. R 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

6. Dry the adhesive layer (14) in a 45°C oven for 5 hours.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

7. Place the base in a basket and place it in the tank.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A step of surface treating the adhesive layer to obtain a uniform thickness is carried out. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The machining of the apron through the lower surface (12) of the base (10) provides the coating The processing depth is determined by the at least one covering element used in the application. The height of the rim (3) of the arch (1) is slightly larger than that of the rim (3). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. At the same time as the processing via the lower surface of the base, the lower surface of the apron (1) forming at least one leg (5) of said apron (1) to form 10. The method of claim 9.

11. The apike (1) produced by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is At least one A portable watch characterized by the above.

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