Watch components, watches, and methods for manufacturing watch components

Abstract

Conventional decoration methods make it difficult to decorate certain areas of a watch component, such as recessed surfaces, because the tools interfere with other surfaces. This invention provides a watch component having a recessed surface on which a pattern can be formed. [Solution] The watch component has a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction which includes a component of the first direction and is located on the side of the first direction that side of the first surface, and a connecting portion which connects the first surface and the second surface, and the first surface has a pattern formed by laser processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece part, a timepiece, and a method for manufacturing a timepiece part.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for decorating a timepiece part including a step of deepening using a femtosecond laser and a step of forming a surface structure by, for example, grinding. The decorations applied by these two steps overlap at least partially. The femtosecond laser is an example of a pulsed laser.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the decoration method of Patent Document 1, when attempting to process a recessed surface of a timepiece part, such as a concave portion, the tool interferes with other surfaces, resulting in a region where decoration is difficult.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A timepiece part according to an application example of the present invention has a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction including a component in the first direction and located on the first direction side of the first surface, and a connecting portion connecting the first surface and the second surface, and the first surface has a pattern formed by laser processing.

[0006] A timepiece according to an application example of the present invention includes the timepiece part and a case member that houses the timepiece part and has a transparent portion that allows the timepiece part to be visible.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a watch component according to an application example of the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a substrate having a first surface facing a first direction and having a through hole; a second surface facing a second direction including a component of the first direction and located closer to the first direction than the first surface; and a connecting portion connecting the first surface and the second surface; a structure formation step of forming a mirror surface around the through hole; and a laser decoration step of forming a pattern on the first surface by laser processing after the structure formation step. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the front of the clock. [Figure 2] This is a rear view showing the back of the watch. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the gear train bridge of a watch. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the AA section in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the rotor of a clock. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method for watch components. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating laser decoration of watch components. [Figure 8] This is a front view showing the front side of the clock according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <1. First Embodiment> The following describes the general configuration of the clock 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 is a front view showing the front side of the clock 1, and Figure 2 is a rear view showing the back side of the clock 1.

[0010] Clock 1 is an electrically controlled mechanical clock. Clock 1 has an outer case 2. The outer case 2 comprises a case body 3, a cover glass (not shown), and a case back 4. The case body 3 is cylindrical and has two openings. The opening on the front side of the two openings is covered by the cover glass. The opening on the back side of the two openings is covered by the case back 4. The case body 3, the cover glass, and the case back 4 divide the inside of the outer case 2 into compartments. Clock components are housed in these compartments of the outer case 2. The outer case 2 corresponds to a case member.

[0011] Inside the outer case 2 is a dial 6 displaying 12-hour time. Dial 6 is visible from the front of watch 1 through the cover glass.

[0012] The case back 4 includes a ring-shaped frame 4A and a transparent case back glass 4B attached to the frame 4A. The case back glass 4B is an example of a transparent portion. The case back 4 allows the watch components housed within to be seen from the back of the watch 1. The watch 1 is a so-called see-through back wristwatch. A band 5 is attached to the outer case 2. Note that Figure 2 shows the watch with the band 5 removed.

[0013] In the following explanation, the X-axis is defined as the axis parallel to the surface of the dial 6 and the line connecting the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions on the dial 6. The Y-axis is defined as the axis parallel to the surface of the dial 6 and the line connecting the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions on the dial 6. The Z-axis is defined as the normal direction to the surface of the dial 6. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other.

[0014] Of the directions parallel to the X-axis, the direction from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock on the dial 6 is the +X direction, and the opposite direction is the -X direction. Also, of the directions parallel to the Y-axis, the direction from 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock on the dial 6 is the +Y direction, and the opposite direction is the -Y direction. Also, of the directions parallel to the Z-axis, the direction from the case back 4 towards the cover glass is the +Z direction, and the opposite direction is the -Z direction. A plan view from the Z-axis direction is sometimes simply called a "plan view".

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the clock 1 includes a dial 6 and hands 7 for indicating time information inside the outer case 2. The hands 7 include an hour hand 7A, a minute hand 7B, and a second hand 7C. Each hand 7 is disposed on the +Z side with respect to the dial 6. The dial 6 is provided with graduations for each hand 7 and a calendar window 8. A date disk 8A is visible through the calendar window 8.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the clock 1 further includes a movement 10, a wheel train support 11, a rotor 12, and a power reserve indicator 13 inside the outer case 2.

[0017] The movement 10 is disposed on the -Z side with respect to the dial 6. The movement 10 is a driving mechanism of the clock 1 and uses a spring (not shown) as a power source. The movement 10 includes a plurality of wheel trains (not shown).

[0018] The wheel train support 11 is disposed on the -Z side inside the movement 10 as a part of the components constituting the movement 10. The wheel train support 11 is a disk-shaped component and rotatably supports the shafts of a plurality of gears constituting the wheel train. The wheel train support 11 is visible from the back side of the clock 1. The wheel train support 11 is the component with the largest visible area from the back side among the clock components disposed inside the outer case 2. Details of the wheel train support 11 will be described later.

[0019] The rotor 12 is a component that is substantially semi-circular in plan view and is rotatably provided around the axis C of the clock 1. The circumferential part is a weight with a large mass and is rotatable like a pendulum. For example, the rotor 12 rotates according to the movement of the arm of a person wearing the clock 1. When the rotor 12 rotates, the spring is wound up. The rotor 12 is a part of a so-called automatic winding mechanism. Details of the rotor 12 will be described later.

[0020] The power reserve indicator 13 indicates the remaining amount of the wound-up spring. The power reserve indicator 13 is disposed on the -Z side with respect to the wheel train support 11.

[0021] The watch 1 is further equipped with a crown 14 on the outer surface of the outer case 2. When a person rotates the crown 14, the mainspring can be wound. In conjunction with the winding of the mainspring, the power reserve hand 13 rotates. As the power reserve hand 13 rotates, the position it indicates relative to the gear train bridge 11 changes. In addition, by pulling the crown 14 towards the +X side, the person can adjust the time by moving the hour hand 7A and minute hand 7B, or adjust the date by moving the date wheel 8A.

[0022] <1.1 Gear train bridge> Next, the gear train bearing 11 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The gear train bearing 11 is an example of a watch component. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the gear train bearing 11. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 3. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram to explain a part of the surface shape of the gear train bearing 11 that is visible from the -Z direction, and does not show the internal structure. Also, in Figure 4, the dimensional ratios of each part have been altered from the actual proportions for the sake of clarity.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the gear train support 11 has a base portion 21, a circumferential portion 22, and a flange portion 23.

[0024] The base 21 is circular in plan view with axis C at its center and rotatably supports the axes of multiple gears that constitute the gear train. Furthermore, the base 21 rotatably supports the power reserve needle 13 (see Figure 2) and is equipped with a scale indicating the remaining winding amount of the mainspring.

[0025] The base portion 21 has a main surface 26 and a peripheral surface 27. The main surface 26 and the peripheral surface 27 each face in the -Z direction. The direction in which the main surface 26 and the peripheral surface 27 face corresponds to the first direction. The main surface 26 is located on the -Z side of the peripheral surface 27 and is surrounded by the peripheral surface 27 in a plan view. That is, in the Z-axis direction, when the -Z side is up and the +Z side is down, the peripheral surface 27 is located below the main surface 26.

[0026] The circumferential portion 22 is the circumferential part of the base portion 21 and includes an arc-shaped portion in plan view. The circumferential portion 22 has a cylindrical surface 24 and a conical surface 25. The cylindrical surface 24 is parallel to the Z-axis. The conical surface 25 connects the peripheral surface 27 and the cylindrical surface 24 and is oriented in a direction that is acutely inclined from the -Z direction.

[0027] The flange portion 23 is connected to the cylindrical surface 24 and protrudes from the cylindrical surface 24 in the direction opposite to axis C. The flange portion 23 is located on the +Z side of the peripheral surface 27. The flange portion 23 is flange-shaped along the circumference of the cylindrical surface 24. There is a portion of the circumference of the cylindrical surface 24 where the flange portion 23 is not provided.

[0028] <1.1.1 First Step Section> The flange portion 23 has a flange surface 23A. The flange surface 23A is located on the +Z side of the peripheral surface 27 and faces the -Z direction. In other words, the peripheral surface 27 is located on the -Z side of the flange surface 23A. The peripheral surface 27, the circumferential portion 22, and the flange surface 23A constitute the first stepped portion 28. The difference in position between the peripheral surface 27 and the flange surface 23A in the Z-axis direction is the step in the first stepped portion 28. In the first stepped portion 28, the flange surface 23A corresponds to the first surface, and the peripheral surface 27 corresponds to the second surface. The circumferential portion 22 connects the peripheral surface 27 and the flange surface 23A, and therefore corresponds to the connection portion in the first stepped portion 28.

[0029] Brass is used as the material for the gear train bearing 11. The main surface 26, peripheral surface 27, and flange surface 23A each have a textured surface formed by laser processing. The textured surface on the peripheral surface 27 and flange surface 23A is present throughout their entire surfaces. The area on the flange surface 23A where the textured surface is formed includes areas that are difficult to decorate using general decorating methods. These areas are difficult to decorate because the tools used for decorating interfere with the cylindrical surface 24 and the conical surface 25, making it impossible for the tools to make contact with the flange surface 23A. Thus, it is possible to provide a gear train bearing 11 in which the flange-like portion is decorated with a textured surface.

[0030] The conical surface 25 has a so-called diamond cut, and its surface is mirror-like. The textured surface and the mirror surface have different light reflectivity. In a plan view, the mirror surface of the conical surface 25 is adjacent to the textured surface of the flange surface 23A, which enhances the contrast. Therefore, an aesthetically superior gear train bearing 11 can be provided.

[0031] Thus, the peripheral surface 27 and flange surface 23A have a textured surface, and in a plan view, the mirror surface of the conical surface 25 is positioned between the two surfaces, each containing the textured surface, which further enhances the contrast between the textured surface and the mirror surface. Furthermore, because the peripheral surface 27 and flange surface 23A form a step in the Z-axis direction, the size of the mirror surface and the degree of light reflection change depending on the viewing angle. Therefore, a gear train support 11 with superior aesthetics can be provided.

[0032] Furthermore, since the main surface 26 also includes a textured surface, the area of ​​the textured surface becomes even larger than the area of ​​the mirrored surface of the conical surface 25. This further enhances the contrast between the textured surface and the mirrored surface. Thus, a gear train holder 11 with even superior aesthetics can be provided.

[0033] <1.1.2 Second Step Section> The base portion 21 has a second stepped portion 29. As shown in Figure 4, the second stepped portion 29 is composed of a main surface 26 and a recess 30. The recess 30 is surrounded by the main surface 26 in a plan view and is open to the -Z side. The recess 30 has a recess bottom surface 31 and a recess side wall portion 32. The recess bottom surface 31 is located on the +Z side of the main surface 26 and faces the -Z side. In other words, the main surface 26 is located on the -Z side of the recess bottom surface 31. The recess bottom surface 31 is provided with a scale for the power reserve needle 13 (see Figure 3). The recess side wall portion 32 connects the recess bottom surface 31 and the main surface 26. Since the recess side wall portion 32 connects the recess bottom surface 31 and the main surface 26, it corresponds to the connection portion in the second stepped portion 29.

[0034] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the main surface 26 surrounding the recess 30 in plan view is partially disconnected, but the length of that portion is clearly less than half the circumference of the recess 30. Therefore, the recess 30 is considered to be surrounded by the main surface 26.

[0035] The main surface 26 and the recess bottom surface 31 are oriented in the -Z direction. The recess side wall portion 32 has a recess side surface 32A and a recess slope 32B. The recess side surface 32A is connected to the recess bottom surface 31 and is oriented perpendicular to the Z axis. The recess slope 32B is connected to the main surface 26 and is oriented in a direction that is acutely inclined from the -Z direction. The difference in position between the main surface 26 and the recess bottom surface 31 in the Z axis direction is the step in the second step portion 29. In the second step portion 29, the recess bottom surface 31 corresponds to the first surface, and the main surface 26 corresponds to the second surface.

[0036] The bottom surface 31 of the recess has a textured surface formed by laser processing. The textured surface of the bottom surface 31 of the recess is present throughout its entire surface. The area where the textured surface is formed includes areas that are difficult to decorate using general decorating methods. These areas are difficult to decorate because the tools used for decorating interfere with the sloped surface 32B of the recess or the side surface 32A of the recess, making it impossible for the tools to make contact with the bottom surface 31 of the recess. An example of such an area is area B, enclosed by the dashed line. Area B is closer to the side surface 32A of the recess than to the center of the bottom surface 31 of the recess, making it even more difficult to decorate. Thus, a gear train support 11 can be provided in which the bottom of the recess 30 is decorated with a textured surface.

[0037] The recessed bevel 32B is diamond-cut and has a mirror-like surface. In plan view, the recessed bevel 32B surrounds the recessed bottom surface 31. In other words, in plan view, the mirror surface surrounds the textured surface. Since the main surface 26 and the recessed bottom surface 31 have textured surfaces, and the mirror surface is positioned between the two surfaces containing textured surfaces in plan view, the same effect as the first stepped portion 28 can be obtained as described above.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the recessed bottom surface 31 includes an area that overlaps with the rotational trajectory of the power reserve hand 13. By having a textured surface on the recessed bottom surface 31, a watch 1 with excellent visibility of the power reserve hand 13 can be provided.

[0039] <1.1.3 Third Step Section> Returning to Figure 3, the base portion 21 has a third stepped portion 33. The third stepped portion 33 is composed of a main surface 26, a bottom surface 34, and a connecting wall portion 35. The bottom surface 34 is part of the peripheral surface 27 and is a region partially enclosed by the main surface 26 in a plan view. As described above, the main surface 26 and the bottom surface 34 are oriented in the -Z direction, and the main surface 26 is located on the -Z side of the bottom surface 34. The connecting wall portion 35 connects the main surface 26 and the bottom surface 34. The connecting wall portion 35 includes a surface oriented in a direction perpendicular to the Z axis. The difference in position between the main surface 26 and the bottom surface 34 in the Z axis direction is the step in the third stepped portion 33. In the third stepped portion 33, the bottom surface 34 corresponds to the first surface, the main surface 26 corresponds to the second surface, and the connecting wall portion 35 corresponds to the connecting portion.

[0040] The bottom surface 34 is provided with a plurality of through holes 36. The plurality of through holes 36 include through holes 36A that allow a portion of the movement 10 beyond the gear train support 11 to be visible when the watch 1 is viewed from the back cover 4 side. The plurality of through holes 36 include through holes 36B into which jewel bearings are incorporated to support the axis of the gear train. Diamond cuts 37 are provided around the through holes 36. The surface of the diamond cuts 37 is mirror-finished.

[0041] The bottom surface 34 of the third stepped section 33 has a textured surface formed by laser processing. The textured surface of the bottom surface 34 is present throughout the entire surface except for the through holes 36 and diamond cuts 37. The area where the textured surface is formed includes areas that are difficult to decorate using general decorating methods. These areas that are difficult to decorate are areas on the bottom surface 34 where the tools used for decorating interfere with the main surface 26 or the connecting wall 35, making it impossible for the tools to make contact. In other words, the bottom surface 34 has a through hole 36 and a mirror surface arranged around the through hole 36. Furthermore, a textured surface surrounds the mirror surface in a plan view.

[0042] Such a gear train bridge 11 has a textured surface formed on the entire surface of its bottom 34, which is recessed to the +Z side relative to the main surface 26, resulting in superior aesthetics. Furthermore, since the textured surface is provided adjacent to the mirrored surface of the diamond cut 37, the gear train bridge 11 can be made even more aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, in a watch 1 having such a gear train bridge 11, the textured surface of the bottom 34 and the mirrored surface of the diamond cut 37, in combination with the components beyond the through-hole 36 and the jewels incorporated into the through-hole 36, create an elegant and sophisticated design. Thus, a watch 1 with superior aesthetics can be made.

[0043] <1.2 Rotating Weight> Next, the rotor 12 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 and 5. The rotor 12 is an example of a watch component.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the rotor 12 comprises a connecting portion 41, a weight portion 42, and a central shaft portion 43. The central shaft portion 43 is fixed to a bearing (not shown) provided on the gear train bearing 11 and is rotatable around axis C. The connecting portion 41 connects the central shaft portion 43 and the weight portion 42 and is formed in a substantially fan shape in plan view. The weight portion 42 is formed continuously on the outer circumference of the connecting portion 41, and its outer circumference is formed in an arc shape centered on axis C. The weight portion 42 corresponds to the outer circumference of the rotor 12. The rotor 12 is made of tungsten and is formed as a single piece.

[0045] The weight portion 42 has a first weight surface 44 and a second weight surface 45. The first weight surface 44 and the second weight surface 45 are oriented in the -Z direction and are positioned differently from each other in the Z-axis direction. The first weight surface 44 is located on the +Z side of the second weight surface 45 and is located on the outer circumference of the second weight surface 45. In other words, the second weight surface 45 is located on the -Z side of the first weight surface 44. The first weight surface 44 and the second weight surface 45 are connected by a weight wall portion 46. The weight wall portion 46 has a weight side surface 47 and a weight cone surface 48. The weight side surface 47 is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis. The weight cone surface 48 connects the weight side surface 47 and the second weight surface 45 and is oriented in a direction that is acutely inclined from the -Z direction. When the rotor 12 is a clock component, the first rotor surface 44 corresponds to the first surface, and the second rotor surface 45 corresponds to the second surface.

[0046] In the rotor 12, the fourth stepped section 49 is formed by the first weight surface 44, the weight wall portion 46, and the second weight surface 45. The difference in position between the first weight surface 44 and the second weight surface 45 in the Z-axis direction is the step in the fourth stepped section 49.

[0047] The first pyramidal surface 44 and the second pyramidal surface 45 each have a textured surface formed by laser processing. The textured surface on the first pyramidal surface 44 and the second pyramidal surface 45 is present throughout their entire surfaces. The area on the first pyramidal surface 44 where the textured surface is formed includes areas that are difficult to decorate using general decorating methods. These areas that are difficult to decorate are areas on the first pyramidal surface 44 where the tool used for decorating would interfere with the second pyramidal surface 45 or the pyramidal wall portion 46, making it impossible for the tool to make contact. The pyramidal conical surface 48 is diamond-cut. The surface of the pyramidal conical surface 48 is mirror-finished.

[0048] Thus, the first pyramidal surface 44 and the second pyramidal surface 45 have a textured surface, and in a plan view, the mirror surface is located between the two surfaces containing the textured surface. This enhances the contrast between the textured surface and the mirror surface of the pyramidal cone surface 48. Furthermore, because the first pyramidal surface 44 and the second pyramidal surface 45 form a step in the Z-axis direction, the shape of the mirror surface and the degree of light reflection change depending on the viewing angle. Therefore, an aesthetically superior rotor 12 can be provided.

[0049] Furthermore, the -Z side surface of the connecting portion 41 also has a textured surface formed by laser processing. This makes the area of ​​the textured surface larger than the area of ​​the mirror surface of the conical surface 48 of the weight, further enhancing the contrast between the textured surface and the mirror surface. Thus, a rotor 12 with even better aesthetics can be provided.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, in the clock 1 incorporating the gear train bearing 11 and rotor 12 according to this embodiment, each of the gear train bearing 11 and rotor 12 has a step in the Z-axis direction, as described above. At each step, the surface located on the +Z side is laser-processed to have a textured surface. As the rotor 12 rotates, the relative positions of the surfaces with the textured surface change, allowing a person to feel a sense of freshness each time they look at the back of the clock 1.

[0051] Furthermore, in a plan view, the rotational trajectory of the weight portion 42 coincides with the flange portion 23 and the conical surface 25 of the gear train bearing 11. As the weight portion 42 rotates, the mirror surface of the weight portion's conical surface 48 changes position, and the visible area of ​​the mirror surface of the conical surface 25 changes. This also allows a person to feel a sense of freshness each time they look at the back of the watch 1.

[0052] <1.3 Manufacturing method for gear train bearings> Next, the manufacturing method of the gear train bearing 11 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of watch components. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating laser decoration of watch components, showing an example of a processed area where decoration has been applied to the flange surface 23A.

[0053] The method for manufacturing watch components includes a structure formation step S10, a laser decoration step S20, and a plating step S30.

[0054] In the structural formation process S10, a tool is brought into contact with the material to remove a portion of the material, thereby forming the surface structure of the gear train bearing 11. First, a base material 66, which will be the material for the gear train bearing 11, is prepared. The material of the base material 66 is brass. The prepared base material 66 is set in an NC machine tool. By machining with a tool such as an end mill, the contour of the gear train bearing 11, surface irregularities, and through holes 36 are formed on the base material 66 set in the NC machine tool. This forms the structure of the gear train bearing 11. The formed structure includes the first stepped portion 28, the second stepped portion 29, and the third stepped portion 33 mentioned above.

[0055] The structural formation process S10 includes a diamond cut formation step S11. In the diamond cut formation step S11, a conical surface 25 is formed on the first stepped portion 28, a concave slope 32B is formed on the second stepped portion 29, and diamond cuts 37 are formed around the through hole 36 in the third stepped portion 33. The diamond cuts are formed using a diamond cutter. A diamond cutter is a tool in which fine diamond powder is bonded together with a binder. The diamond cutter can be selected according to each diamond cut. Here, the surface state of each diamond cut formed on the base material 66 is mirror-like.

[0056] Furthermore, the type of processing equipment used in the structural formation process S10 is not limited to NC machine tools. For example, a machining center or a multi-tasking machine may be used, or a lathe, jig boring machine, tapping center, etc., depending on the part to be processed.

[0057] Furthermore, while the order in which the parts are processed is not particularly limited, it is desirable that the diamond cut formation step S11 at each stepped portion be performed after the processing of other parts in the structural formation step S10. Specifically, it is desirable that the diamond cuts of the first stepped portion 28 and the second stepped portion 29 be formed after the respective steps have been formed. It is also desirable that the diamond cut of the third stepped portion 33 be formed after the step and the through hole 36 have been formed. Doing so prevents damage to the diamond cuts.

[0058] Furthermore, if diamond cutting is not required for the watch components being manufactured, the diamond cutting formation step S11 is not performed.

[0059] Next, in the laser decoration process S20, a textured surface is formed by the laser processing machine 60. The surface on which the textured surface is formed includes the surface processed in the structural formation process S10.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, the laser processing machine 60 comprises a laser irradiation unit 61, a moving mechanism (not shown), and a control device 62. The laser irradiation unit 61 comprises a laser emission unit 63 and a focusing optical system 64. The laser emission unit 63 irradiates a nanosecond laser as a pulsed laser 65, with a pulse width at the nanosecond level. The focusing optical system 64 focuses the pulsed laser 65 onto the focusing unit 65A. The focusing unit 65A has a high laser energy density and removes metal particles from the surface of the substrate 66 to be processed. Therefore, when the pulsed laser 65 is irradiated onto the substrate 66, a processing mark 67 is formed on the surface of the substrate 66. In Figure 7, the laser irradiation direction is, as an example, the +Z direction. The size of the processing mark 67 can be adjusted by the spot diameter of the pulsed laser 65, which is controlled by the focusing optical system 64. The spot diameter is the diameter of the focusing unit 65A in a plan view.

[0061] The moving mechanism is a mechanism that moves the table on which the base material 66 is placed. As the table moves, the pulsed laser 65 emitted from the laser irradiation unit 61 moves relative to the base material 66. Figure 7 shows that in the structural formation process S10, the pulsed laser 65 is irradiated onto the processed flange surface 23A to randomly arrange numerous processing marks 67, thereby forming a textured surface.

[0062] In this embodiment, the pulse laser 65 was set to a frequency of 160 kHz and a spot diameter of 30 μm, but it is not limited to these settings and can be set appropriately according to the desired aesthetic appearance.

[0063] Thus, the spot diameter of the pulsed laser 65 is small compared to the size of the tool used in the structural formation process S10. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, a textured surface can be formed at a desired position on the lower surface of the step, that is, on the surface furthest from the laser irradiation section 61 in the laser irradiation direction. In other words, it is possible to form a textured surface over the entire area of ​​the flange surface 23A of the first step section 28, the recess bottom surface 31 of the second step section 29, the bottom surface 34 of the third step section 33, and the first pyramidal surface 44 of the fourth step section 49. Furthermore, because the irradiation position of the pulsed laser 65 is precisely controlled by the moving mechanism, it is possible to form a textured surface without damaging the diamond cut formed in the diamond cut formation step S11. In addition, because the processing conditions are extremely stable, variations in the decorative state between parts can be suppressed. Therefore, by using laser decoration, it is possible to perform mass production with a stable yield.

[0064] Next, in the plating process S30, the surfaces processed in the structural formation process S10 and the surfaces decorated in the laser decoration process S20 are plated. The plating process involves nickel (Ni) plating on the base layer and rhodium (Rh) plating on the surface using an electrolytic plating bath. The surfaces decorated in the laser decoration process S20 become white due to the rhodium plating. After this, bearings, jewels, and screws are attached to the base material 66 to form the gear train bearing 11.

[0065] Although it was explained that the material of the underlayer in the plating process S30 is nickel, it is not particularly limited and may be gold (Au), for example.

[0066] Furthermore, although it was explained that the material for the surface plating in the plating process S30 is rhodium, it is not particularly limited to this, and may be nickel, gold, or silver (Ag), for example, and should be selected according to the desired aesthetic appearance.

[0067] Furthermore, the method for manufacturing watch components is not necessarily limited to including the structure formation step S10. That is, the base material 66 with the desired structure formed on it may be prepared, for example, by purchasing it from an external source. In other words, the structure formation step S10 is an example of a step for preparing the base material 66.

[0068] Thus, by setting conditions such as the spot diameter and irradiation direction of the laser beam, laser processing can be performed even in areas where tools that process materials in contact would interfere with other surfaces and therefore be unable to process. Consequently, it is possible to provide watch parts in which the entire surface of a recessed area, such as recess 30, is decorated.

[0069] Furthermore, it is possible to provide watch components in which a matte pattern is applied to a recessed surface, such as the recessed area 30.

[0070] <2. Second Embodiment> The clock 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a front view showing the front side of the clock 100. The differences from the clock 1 according to the first embodiment are that the second stepped portion 29 is provided on the dial 101 and the clock 100 is equipped with a bezel 102. The dial 101 and bezel 102 are examples of clock components.

[0071] The watch 100 has an outer case 2. The outer case 2 comprises a case 3, a cover glass (not shown), and a case back 4. The case 3 is cylindrical and has two openings. The opening on the front side of the two openings is covered by the cover glass. The opening on the back side of the two openings is covered by the case back 4. The outer case 2 houses the watch components in the space partitioned by the case 3, the cover glass, and the case back 4.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, the dial 101 is provided with a second stepped portion 29 and a power reserve hand 13. In this embodiment, the second stepped portion 29 is composed of the main surface 103 and the recess 30 of the dial 101. That is, the main surface 103 in this embodiment corresponds to the second surface. The recess 30 has a recess bottom surface 31 and a recess side wall portion 32. A textured surface is formed on the main surface 103 and the recess bottom surface 31 by laser processing. The recess side wall portion 32 has a diamond cut. In this embodiment, the direction in which the main surface 103 and the recess bottom surface 31 face corresponds to the first direction.

[0073] The dial 101 is made of brass. In the dial 101, the main surface 103 and the recess 30 may be formed integrally or may be constructed as separate parts. If they are separate, they may be constructed by bonding together a plate material on which the main surface 103 and the recess side wall portion 32 are formed and a plate material including the recess bottom surface 31.

[0074] The watch 100 is equipped with a bezel 102. The bezel 102 has a first surface facing the +Z direction (not shown) and a second surface facing the +Z direction and located on the +Z side of the first surface. In plan view, a diamond cut is provided between the first surface and the second surface. A matte finish is formed on the first and second surfaces by laser processing.

[0075] In this way, for example, a clock 100 can be provided that has a clock component on its front side whose entire recessed surface, such as the recessed part 30, is decorated.

[0076] In this embodiment, the clock 100 is not particularly limited to having both the second stepped portion 29 provided on the dial 101 and the bezel 102; it is sufficient to have at least one of them.

[0077] The first and second embodiments have been described above. In the embodiments described above, the pattern applied to the surface of the gear train bridge 11 and the dial 101 was described as a matte finish, but it is not limited to this. The pattern applied can be set according to the design, and may be, for example, a grooved pattern, a perlage pattern, or a spin pattern.

[0078] Furthermore, although it has been described that in the first stepped section 28, both the main surface 26 and the peripheral surface 27 have a textured surface, in the second stepped section 29, both the main surface 26, 103 and the recessed bottom surface 31 have a textured surface, in the third stepped section 33, both the main surface 26 and the bottom surface 34 have a textured surface, and in the fourth stepped section 49, both the first pyramidal surface 44 and the second pyramidal surface 45 have a textured surface, the invention is not limited to this. In each stepped section, the first surface may have a first pattern processed by laser processing, and the second surface may have a second pattern processed by laser processing. The second pattern is different from the first pattern.

[0079] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the main surface 26 and peripheral surface 27 of the first stepped portion 28 both face the -Z direction, in the second stepped portion 29 both face the -Z direction, in the main surface 26 and recessed bottom surface 31 of the second stepped portion 29 both face the -Z direction, in the third stepped portion 33 both face the -Z direction, in the main surface 26 and bottom surface 34 of the second stepped portion 33 both face the -Z direction, in the fourth stepped portion 49 both face the -Z direction, and in the second embodiment, the main surface 103 and recessed bottom surface 31 of the second stepped portion 29 both face the +Z direction. However, the embodiment is not limited to these. That is, it is not limited to the direction in which the first surface faces and the direction in which the second surface faces being located being perfectly identical. When the direction in which the first surface faces is defined as the first direction, the direction in which the second surface faces only needs to include a component of the first direction. The direction in which the second surface faces is equivalent to the second direction.

[0080] Furthermore, the diamond cut is not limited to being provided in the first stepped section 28, the second stepped section 29, the third stepped section 33, and the fourth stepped section 49.

[0081] Furthermore, although the gear train bridge 11, rotor 12, dial 101, and bezel 102 were used as examples of watch components in the explanation, the invention is not limited to these, and may also include, for example, the case 3, case back 4, and band 5. In other words, any watch component on which a pattern can be formed is acceptable, and it may have a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction that includes a component of the first direction and is located closer to the first direction than the first surface, and a connecting portion that connects the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first surface has a pattern formed by laser processing.

[0082] Furthermore, although it was explained that the material of the gear train bridge 11 and the dial 101 is brass, it is not particularly limited to this. Any suitable metal can be used for the gear train bridge 11 and the dial 101, respectively. For example, nickel silver, titanium, stainless steel, copper, silver, aluminum, duralumin, cupronickel, pure iron, steel, or alloys thereof can be used.

[0083] Furthermore, although it was explained that the material of the rotor 12 is tungsten, it is not limited to this, and any metal having the desired quality may be used. Also, although it was explained that the rotor 12 is formed as a single piece, it is not limited to this, and for example, the connecting part 41 and the weight part 42 may be made as separate parts. In that case, for example, the materials may be brass for the connecting part 41 and tungsten for the weight part 42.

[0084] Furthermore, if the material of the watch component is nickel silver, the plating process S30 does not need to be performed in the manufacturing flow of the watch component. This is because nickel silver is relatively resistant to surface oxidation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1...Watch, 2...Outer case, 3...Case, 4...Case back, 4A...Frame, 4B...Case back glass, 5...Band, 6...Dial, 7...Hands, 7A...Hour hand, 7B...Minute hand, 7C...Second hand, 8...Calendar window, 8A...Date wheel, 10...Movement, 11...Gear train bridge, 12...Rotor, 13...Power reserve hand, 21...Base, 22...Circumferential part, 23...Flange part, 23A...Flange surface, 24...Cylindrical surface, 25...Conical surface, 26...Main surface, 27...Peripheral surface, 28...First step, 29...Second step, 30...Recess, 31...Bottom surface of recess, 32...Side wall of recess, 32A...Side surface of recess, 32B...Inclined surface of recess, 33...Third step, 34...Bottom surface, 35...Connecting wall, 36...Through Hole, 36A...Through hole, 36B...Through hole, 37...Diamond cut, 41...Connecting part, 42...Weight part, 43...Central axis part, 44...First weight surface, 45...Second weight surface, 46...Weight wall part, 47...Weight side surface, 48...Weight cone surface, 49...Fourth step part, 60...Laser processing machine, 61...Laser irradiation part, 62...Control device, 63...Laser emission part, 64...Focusing optical system, 65...Pulse laser, 65A...Focusing part, 66...Substrate, 67...Processing marks, 100...Watch, 101...Dial, 102...Bezel, 103...Main surface, B...Area, C...Axis, S10...Structure formation process, S11...Diamond cut formation step, S20...Laser decoration process, S30...Plating process

Claims

1. It has a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction which includes a component of the first direction and is located closer to the first direction than the first surface, and a connecting portion which connects the first surface and the second surface. The first surface is characterized by having a pattern formed by laser processing.

2. The aforementioned pattern is a watch component according to claim 1, including a pearlescent pattern.

3. The aforementioned connecting portion is a watch component according to claim 2, including a mirror surface.

4. It has a recess that is surrounded by the second surface in a plan view, The watch component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first surface is the bottom of the recess.

5. In plan view, the connecting portion includes an arc-shaped portion. The watch component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first surface is flange-shaped.

6. Page 1 is, Through hole and It has a mirror surface arranged around the through hole, The watch component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pattern surrounds the mirror surface in a plan view.

7. The watch component according to claim 3, wherein the second surface has a textured surface formed by laser processing.

8. The watch component described in claim 1, A case member that houses the watch components and has a transparent portion that allows the watch components to be seen, A watch equipped with [a specific feature / ability].

9. The aforementioned watch component is a gear train bearing, The case member comprises a back cover including the transparent portion, It is rotatable around an axis and comprises a rotor having an arc-shaped outer circumference on its outer side, The outer periphery has a first cone facing the first direction and a second cone facing the first direction and located on the side of the first direction that is closer to the first cone. The watch according to claim 8, wherein the first weight surface is decorated by laser processing.

10. A step of preparing a substrate having a first surface facing a first direction and having a through hole, a second surface facing a second direction including the component of the first direction and located closer to the first direction than the first surface, and a connecting portion connecting the first surface and the second surface, A structural forming step of forming a mirror surface around the through hole, A laser decoration step is performed to form a pattern on the first surface by laser processing, which is performed after the structure formation step. A method for manufacturing watch components, including [specific component].

11. The method for manufacturing watch parts according to claim 10, wherein the pattern includes a pear-skin pattern.

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