Methods for decorating watch parts, watch parts, and watches
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SEIKO EPSON CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-05
Smart Images
Figure 2026126637000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for decorating timepiece parts, timepiece parts, and timepieces.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing a dial plate in which a substrate is etched by ultra-short pulse laser etching and the substrate is decorated. Patent Document 2 discloses a method for manufacturing a decorative dial plate in which a nickel plating film is formed on a brass plate having a dial plate shape by a wet plating method as a finishing process.
[0003] By subjecting the dial plate described in Patent Document 1 to the finishing process of Patent Document 2, a dial plate with enhanced aesthetic appearance can be obtained.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, in the methods described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, minute holes may be formed in the portion where ultra-short pulse laser etching is performed. If the plating solution enters these holes, the plating solution may flow out of the holes in subsequent processes and cause stains, which may damage the appearance of the timepiece parts.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] A method for decorating watch components is a method for decorating watch components in which a laser irradiation unit that irradiates a pulsed laser that generates ultrashort pulses and a metal substrate constituting a watch component are relatively moved while the pulsed laser is irradiated onto the surface of the substrate to decorate the substrate, comprising: a first processing step of scanning the surface while irradiating the pulsed laser and processing a first processing area of the surface; and a second processing step of scanning the surface while irradiating the pulsed laser and processing a second processing area that overlaps with a part of the first processing area when viewed from a first direction perpendicular to the surface, wherein the second processing area is located inside the edge of the first processing area when viewed from the first direction.
[0007] The watch component comprises a base material made of metal having a first surface, and a decorative recess provided on the first surface, the bottom of which has a curved shape.
[0008] The clock comprises the clock components described above and a case for housing the clock components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] A plan view showing the configuration of a clock. [Figure 2] A plan view showing the internal structure of the watch face. [Figure 3] A plan view showing the configuration of the circuit retaining plate. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the configuration of the circuit retaining plate. [Figure 5A] A plan view showing an enlarged view of section B of the circuit retaining plate shown in Figure 4. [Figure 5B] A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the circuit retaining plate shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 6A] A cross-sectional view showing an example of a method for processing the recessed areas of letters. [Figure 6B] A cross-sectional view showing an example of a method for processing the recessed areas of letters. [Figure 6C] A cross-sectional view showing an example of a method for processing the recessed areas of letters. [Figure 7A] A plan view showing the processing method for the recessed parts of the letters. [Figure 7B] Cross-sectional view showing a method of machining a concave portion of characters. [Figure 7C] Plan view showing a method of machining a concave portion of characters. [Figure 7D] Cross-sectional view showing the shape of a concave portion of characters. [Figure 8A] Plan view showing a conventional method of machining a concave portion of characters. [Figure 8B] Cross-sectional view showing a conventional method of machining a concave portion of characters. [Figure 8C] Cross-sectional view showing the shape of a conventional concave portion of characters.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0010] In the following figures, three mutually orthogonal axes will be described as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The direction along the X-axis is the "X direction", the direction along the Y-axis is the "Y direction", and the direction along the Z-axis is the "Z direction". The direction of the arrow is the + direction, and the direction opposite to the + direction is the - direction. Note that the +Z direction may also be referred to as "up" or "above", the -Z direction may be referred to as "down" or "below", and viewing from the +Z direction and -Z direction is also referred to as a plan view or planar. Also, the surface on the + side of the Z direction will be described as the upper surface, and the surface on the - side of the Z direction, which is the opposite side, will be described as the lower surface.
[0011] First, the configuration of the clock 1 will be described while referring to FIGS. 1 and 2. Note that FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the movement 10 as viewed from the dial 3 side.
[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the clock 1 is a wristwatch worn on the user's wrist, includes a cylindrical case 2, and a dial 3 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the case 2. Of the two openings of the case 2, the opening on the front side is closed by a cover glass 8, and the opening on the back side is closed by a back cover (not shown). Note that the case 2 and the back cover may not be separate bodies and may be a one-piece type case formed integrally.
[0013] The timepiece 1 includes a movement 10 (see FIG. 2) housed in a case 2, and hour hand 4A, minute hand 4B, and second hand 4C that display time information. A calendar window 3A is provided on the dial 3, and the date wheel 6 is visible through the calendar window 3A. The dial 3 is also provided with hour marks 3B for indicating time.
[0014] On the side surface of the case 2, a winding knob 7 attached to a winding stem 12 (see FIG. 2) is provided. The winding knob 7 can be pulled out and moved from the 0 - stage position pushed toward the center of the timepiece 1 to the 1 - stage position and the 2 - stage position. When the winding knob 7 is rotated at the 0 - stage position, the mainspring as a mechanical energy source provided in the movement 10 can be wound up.
[0015] When the winding knob 7 is pulled to the 1 - stage position and rotated, the date wheel 6 can be moved to adjust the date. When the winding knob 7 is pulled to the 2 - stage position, the second hand 4C stops, and when the winding knob 7 is rotated at the 2 - stage position, the hour hand 4A and the minute hand 4B can be moved to adjust the time.
[0016] Here, the movement 10 refers to a structure assembled together, excluding the exterior parts such as the case 2, the dial 3, and the hands 4A - 4C from the timepiece 1, and including the driving parts for driving the hands 4A - 4C such as the wheel train.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, a winding stem 12 is provided on the side surface of the 3 - o'clock position 3H of the movement 10. The winding knob 7 is attached to the winding stem 12. Around the movement 10, a circuit presser plate 100A is arranged as an example of a base material 100. Characters 200 are engraved on the base material 100. Note that FIG. 2 shows the 12 - o'clock direction of the movement 10 as position 12H, the 3 - o'clock direction as position 3H, the 6 - o'clock direction as position 6H, and the 9 - o'clock direction as position 9H. In this embodiment, the circuit presser plate 100A corresponds to a timepiece part, and the characters 200 correspond to a decoration.
[0018] Next, the configuration of the base material 100, including the circuit retaining plate 100A, will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, 5A, and 5B. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the circuit retaining plate 100A. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of section A enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 3.
[0019] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, letters 200 are engraved on the substrate 100. For example, the letters 200 are "CORP.", which is an abbreviation for "CORPORATION". The letters 200 are processed by irradiating the substrate 100 with a pulsed laser 1200 (see Figure 6A) that generates ultrashort pulses.
[0020] Processing with the pulsed laser 1200, which generates ultrashort pulses, is a processing method that decomposes and vaporizes (ablates) the processing surface by applying high peak power for a short period of time. Specifically, among lasers, the pulsed laser 1200 is a method that outputs light at a constant repetition frequency and excels at microfabrication by causing the ablation phenomenon.
[0021] The pulse width of the pulse laser 1200 is generally classified from milliseconds to femtoseconds. When comparing at the same output, a shorter pulse width results in a higher peak intensity. In particular, with pulse widths of a few picoseconds to femtoseconds, the heat conduction time is extremely short, and the material surface can be removed before it melts. Therefore, compared to nanosecond pulse widths, where the processed surface tends to be rough due to the molten layer, materials can be processed with very high precision. Hereinafter, pulse lasers 1200 that output pulse widths of a few picoseconds to femtoseconds will be referred to as ultrashort pulse lasers.
[0022] Figure 5A is a plan view showing an enlarged view of section B of the substrate 100 shown in Figure 4, where the area drawn with a solid line represents the letter 200. That is, it shows a part of the letter "C" 200. The solid line 200A indicates that the laser irradiation unit 1100 (see Figure 6A) is scanning while irradiating with the pulsed laser 1200. On the other hand, the dashed line 200B indicates that the laser irradiation unit 1100 (see Figure 6A) is scanning without irradiating with the pulsed laser 1200.
[0023] Figure 5B shows a cross-section of the character 200 processed by the pulsed laser 1200. That is, the character 200 is displayed by the surface of the base material 100, which is the first surface, becoming a recess 110. In other words, the recess 110 has a decorative quality.
[0024] The base material 100 is composed of metal parts. Examples of metal parts include stainless steel, titanium, and pure iron. However, the material of the base material 100 is not limited to these; any material that can be processed with a pulse laser is acceptable.
[0025] The laser irradiation unit 1100 (see Figure 6A), which irradiates the substrate 100 with a pulsed laser 1200, has a light-emitting unit 1300. The light-emitting unit 1300 irradiates with the pulsed laser 1200.
[0026] Next, the irradiation method of the pulsed laser 1200 will be explained with reference to Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C.
[0027] As shown in Figure 6A, the laser processing machine 1000 includes a laser irradiation unit 1100 and a moving mechanism 1400. The laser irradiation unit 1100 has a light-emitting unit 1300 as described above. The light-emitting unit 1300 irradiates with a pulsed laser 1200.
[0028] As described above, the pulsed laser 1200 generates ultrashort pulses. An ultrashort pulse is an electromagnetic pulse with a time order of a few picoseconds or less.
[0029] The moving mechanism 1400 is, for example, a mechanism that moves the table on which the substrate 100 to be processed is placed in the X and Y directions. The moving mechanism 1400 only needs to be capable of moving the pulsed laser 1200 irradiated from the laser irradiation unit 1100 relative to the substrate 100 in the scanning direction.
[0030] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6A to 6C, a recess 110 can be formed in the processing area R (see Figure 6C) by repeatedly moving the moving mechanism 1400 relative to the base material 100 from the +X direction to the -X direction.
[0031] Specifically, when the substrate 100 and the laser irradiation unit 1100 are scanned relative to each other, the pulsed laser 1200 is irradiated only when the laser irradiation unit 1100 passes through the processing area R, and the irradiation of the pulsed laser 1200 is stopped when the laser irradiation unit 1100 is outside the processing area R.
[0032] First, as shown in Figure 6A, when the laser irradiation unit 1100 passes through the processing area R of the substrate 100, the pulsed laser 1200 is irradiated onto the substrate 100, forming a recess 110 on the surface of the substrate 100. Next, as shown in Figure 6B, the area of the recess 110 expands by moving the moving mechanism 1400 in the -X direction. Then, as shown in Figure 6C, the pulsed laser 1200 is irradiated within the processing area R of the substrate 100, and the irradiation of the pulsed laser 1200 is stopped at the edge of the processing area R. From there, the operations shown in Figures 6A to 6B are repeated until the depth of the recess 110 reaches a predetermined depth.
[0033] As shown in Figure 6A, there is a period of repeated irradiation by the pulsed laser 1200 when irradiation is started, and as shown in Figure 6C, there is a period of repeated irradiation by the pulsed laser 1200 when irradiation is stopped. That is, the total irradiation time of the pulsed laser 1200 irradiating the edges 200a and 200b of the processing area R becomes longer. As a result, depressions 110a are formed at the edges 200a and 200b of the processing area R.
[0034] Next, the method for decorating clock components will be explained with reference to Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D. As mentioned above, the base material 100, such as the circuit retaining plate 100A, will be used as an example of a clock component. Figure 7C shows a magnified view of section C of the circuit retaining plate shown in Figure 5A.
[0035] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, first, the surface of the substrate 100 is scanned while irradiating it with a pulsed laser 1200 to form a first recess 110A that constitutes part of the recess 110 in the first processing area R1 of the surface (first processing step). The first processing area R1 is the area between the ends 200a and 200b of the part that will become the character 200, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B.
[0036] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7C, the surface is scanned while irradiating it with a pulsed laser 1200 along a first scanning line 301 which is at a first angle θ1 with respect to a virtual line 300 set in the first processing area R1.
[0037] Next, while irradiating with the pulsed laser 1200, the surface of the substrate 100 is scanned to form a second recess 110B, which constitutes part of the recess 110, in the second processing region R2 of the surface (second processing step). Note that the second processing region R2 is the region inside the first processing region R1 when viewed from the first direction, which is perpendicular to the surface, i.e., the Z direction. In other words, the second processing region R2 is also the region that overlaps with part of the first processing region R1.
[0038] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7C, the surface is scanned while irradiating it with a pulsed laser 1200 along a second scanning line 302 which is at a second angle θ2 with respect to the virtual line 300. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7B, a first recess 110A' may be formed between the first processing area R1 and the second processing area R2, in a region that is inside the first processing area R1 and outside the second processing area R2.
[0039] Next, while irradiating with the pulsed laser 1200, the surface of the substrate 100 is scanned to form a third recess 110C, which constitutes part of the recess 110, in the third processing region R3 of the surface (third processing step). Note that the third processing region R3 is the region inside the second processing region R2 when viewed from the first direction, which is perpendicular to the surface, i.e., the Z direction. In other words, the third processing region R3 is also the region that overlaps with part of the second processing region R2.
[0040] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7C, the surface is scanned while irradiating it with a pulsed laser 1200 along a third scanning line 303 which is at a third angle θ3 with respect to a virtual line 300. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7B, a third recess 110C' may be formed inside the third processing area R3.
[0041] By processing in this manner, a decorative feature can be applied to the bottom of the recess 110, as shown in Figures 7B and 7D, in which a curved surface 400 is formed. Figure 7D shows the cross-sectional shape of the recess 110 that constitutes the character 200 formed by the decorative method of this embodiment. The dashed line represents the actual shape of the recess 110. The solid line is an approximation of the dashed line. In this embodiment, the bottom of the recess 110 is in the shape of a circular arc.
[0042] Next, a conventional method for decorating watch components will be explained with reference to Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C. The watch component in question is the base material 100Z, such as the circuit retaining plate 100A, as described above.
[0043] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, first, the surface of the substrate 100Z is scanned while irradiating it with the pulsed laser 1200 to form a first recess 110A, which constitutes part of the recess 110, in the first processing area R1 of the surface. The scanning angle is, for example, the same as that of the recess 110 in this embodiment.
[0044] Next, while irradiating with the pulsed laser 1200, the surface of the substrate 100Z is scanned to form a second recess 110B in the second processing region R2 of the surface, which constitutes part of the recess 110. Note that the first processing region R1 and the second processing region R2 are the same region.
[0045] Next, while irradiating with the pulsed laser 1200, the surface of the substrate 100Z is scanned to form a third recess 110C, which constitutes part of the recess 110, in the third processing area R3 of the surface. Note that the third processing area R3 and the second processing area R2 are the same area.
[0046] Similar to this embodiment, the first recess 110A' and the third recess 110C' may be added. In any case, the same area as the first processing area R1 is processed. When the pulse laser 1200 is repeatedly irradiated in the processing area R of the substrate 100 in this manner, there is a risk that holes 500 will be formed at the edges 200a and 200b of the processing area R (see Figures 8B and 8C).
[0047] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8B, when processing a linear shape, it is ideal for the pulse laser 1200 to start outputting at the same time that the laser irradiation unit 1100 leaves the starting point, and to stop outputting at the same time that it reaches the end point. However, in reality, due to the characteristics of the processing machine itself, the travel function of the laser irradiation unit 1100 and the output start and stop functions of the pulse laser 1200 are independent, resulting in a difference in timing.
[0048] This difference means that the pulse laser 1200 irradiates the area between the start and end points for a slightly longer time, increasing the amount of material processed. As shown in Figure 8B, this difference in processing amount accumulates in multiple layers, forming depressions 110a in the corners of the processed shape. In particular, with ultrashort pulse lasers, due to their characteristics, it is possible to apply high-power energy locally for a short time, which makes it easy for differences in processing amount to occur between the travel area and the start and end points, and it is easy to form not only depressions 110a but also pinhole-like holes 500.
[0049] The formation of the 500 hole means that in subsequent finishing processes for watch parts, such as wet plating, the liquid used during the plating process may enter the 500 hole. After all processing steps are completed, the liquid may leak out of the 500 hole and spread across the surface, potentially causing stains. This could result in a defective appearance.
[0050] Figure 8C shows the cross-sectional shape of the recess 110 that constitutes the character 200 formed by a conventional decorative method. The dashed line represents the actual shape of the recess 110. The solid line is an approximation of the dashed line.
[0051] However, according to the method for decorating watch parts of this embodiment, the pulsed laser 1200 is irradiated onto the first processing area R1, onto the second processing area R2 which is inside the first processing area R1, and onto the third processing area R3 which is inside the second processing area R2. As a result, the portions of the pulsed laser 1200 that remain on the edges 200a and 200b of the processing area R do not overlap. Therefore, compared to the case where the edges 200a and 200b of the first processing area R1, the edges 200a and 200b of the second processing area R2, and the edges 200a and 200b of the third processing area R3 are in the same position, the total irradiation time of the pulsed laser 1200 irradiating the edges 200a and 200b can be shortened, and for example, the formation of holes 500 on the edges 200a and 200b can be suppressed. This makes it possible to prevent the plating solution from entering the pores 500 and subsequently leaking out of the pores 500 and causing stains when a plating solution is applied as a finishing treatment to watch parts, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the watch parts.
[0052] Furthermore, after forming the first recess 110A, a second recess 110B is formed inside the first recess 110A, and this process is repeated, resulting in a curved bottom shape for the recess 110. In other words, the pulse laser 1200 does not remain irradiated at the ends 200a and 200b of the processing area R. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of holes 500 at the ends 200a and 200b, thereby improving the aesthetics of the watch component.
[0053] Furthermore, since the machining is performed along the first scanning line 301 and the second scanning line 302, which have different angles, the ends 200a and 200b of the first machining area R1 and the ends 200a and 200b of the second machining area R2 are less likely to overlap compared to machining along scanning lines with the same angle. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of holes 500 at the ends 200a and 200b, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the aesthetics of the watch parts.
[0054] As described above, the method for decorating watch parts of this embodiment is a method for decorating watch parts in which a laser irradiation unit 1100 that irradiates a pulse laser 1200 that generates ultrashort pulses and a metal base material 100 that constitutes a watch part are relatively moved while the pulse laser 1200 is irradiated onto the surface of the base material 100 to decorate the base material 100, and the method comprises a first processing step of scanning the surface while irradiating with the pulse laser 1200 to process a first processing area R1 on the surface, and a second processing step of scanning the surface while irradiating with the pulse laser 1200 to process a second processing area R2 that overlaps with a part of the first processing area R1 when viewed from a first direction which is perpendicular to the surface, and the second processing area R2 is located inside the edges 200a, 200b of the first processing area R1 when viewed from the first direction.
[0055] According to this method, after irradiating the first processing area R1 with the pulsed laser 1200, the pulsed laser 1200 is then irradiated onto the second processing area R2, which is inside the first processing area R1. In other words, the processing area R is gradually narrowed, so that the portion where the pulsed laser 1200 remains does not overlap at the edges 200a and 200b of the processing area R. Therefore, compared to the case where the edges 200a and 200b of the first processing area R1 and the edges 200a and 200b of the second processing area R2 are the same, it is possible to shorten the total irradiation time of the pulsed laser 1200 irradiating the edges 200a and 200b, and for example, it is possible to suppress the formation of holes 500 at the edges 200a and 200b. As a result, when a plating solution is applied to a watch part as a finishing process, for example, it is possible to suppress the plating solution from entering the holes 500 and then leaking out of the holes 500 and causing stains, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the watch part.
[0056] Furthermore, since the irradiation of the pulsed laser 1200 is dispersed at the bottom of the recess 110, it is possible to suppress the formation of holes 500 in the corners even with high power, such as with an ultrashort pulse laser. As a result, it is possible to achieve both non-contact and precise shape processing using an ultrashort pulse laser and surface treatment by wet plating.
[0057] Furthermore, in the method for decorating watch parts according to this embodiment, the first processing step is to form a first recess 110A that constitutes part of the recess 110 in a first processing area R1 on the surface, and the second processing step is to form a second recess 110B that constitutes part of the recess 110 in a second processing area R2 on the surface, and it is preferable that the bottom of the recess 110 has a curved shape. According to this method, after forming the first recess 110A, the second recess 110B is formed inside the first recess 110A, and by repeating this, the bottom of the recess 110 becomes a curved shape. That is, the portion where the pulse laser 1200 remains does not overlap at the ends 200a, 200b of the processing area. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of holes 500 at the ends 200a, 200b, and the aesthetics of the watch parts can be improved.
[0058] Furthermore, in the method for decorating watch parts according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the first processing step involves scanning the surface while irradiating it with a pulsed laser 1200 along a first scanning line 301 that forms a first angle θ1 with respect to a virtual straight line 300 set on the surface, and the second processing step involves scanning the surface while irradiating it with a pulsed laser 1200 along a second scanning line 302 that forms a second angle θ2 different from the first angle θ1 with respect to the virtual straight line 300. With this method, since processing is performed along the first scanning line 301 and the second scanning line 302 with different angles, the ends 200a and 200b of the first processing area R1 and the ends 200a and 200b of the second processing area R2 are less likely to overlap compared to the case where processing is performed along a scanning line with the same angle. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of holes 500 at the ends 200a and 200b, and thus suppress the deterioration of the aesthetics of the watch parts.
[0059] Furthermore, in the method for decorating watch parts of this embodiment, the method further includes a third processing step in which the surface is scanned while irradiating it with a pulsed laser 1200, and processing is performed on a third processing area R3 that overlaps with a part of the second processing area R2 when viewed from a first direction, wherein the third processing area R3 is located inside the ends 200a and 200b of the second processing area R2 when viewed from a first direction, and the third processing step preferably involves scanning the surface while irradiating it with a pulsed laser 1200 along a third scanning line 303 that forms a third angle θ3 different from the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 with respect to a virtual straight line 300. According to this method, the third processing area R3 is located inside the second processing area R2, and processing is performed along the first scanning line 301, the second scanning line 302, and the third scanning line 303, which have different angles. Therefore, the ends 200a and 200b of the first processing area R1, the ends 200a and 200b of the second processing area R2, and the ends 200a and 200b of the third processing area R3 do not overlap. Thus, it is possible to suppress the formation of holes 500 at the ends 200a and 200b, and thus suppress the deterioration of the aesthetics of the watch parts.
[0060] Furthermore, the watch component of this embodiment comprises a base material 100 made of metal and having a first surface, and a decorative recess 110 provided on the first surface, the bottom of which the recess 110 has a curved shape. With this configuration, since the bottom of the recess 110 has a curved shape, for example, the portions where the pulse laser 1200 remains at the ends 200a and 200b of the processing area R can be prevented from overlapping. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of holes 500 at the ends 200a and 200b of the recess 110, thereby improving the aesthetics of the watch component.
[0061] Furthermore, the clock 1 of this embodiment comprises the clock components described above and a case 2 for housing the clock components. This configuration makes it possible to provide a clock 1 that can improve the aesthetic appearance.
[0062] The following describes some variations of the embodiments described above.
[0063] As in the embodiment described above, the first recess 110A to the third recess 110C are not limited to being scanned from different directions; they may all be scanned from the same direction, or the scanning order may be changed.
[0064] As described in the above embodiment, the character 200 was used as an example of the object to be decorated, but the decoration method described above may also be applied to shapes or patterns as the object to be decorated.
[0065] As described in the above embodiment, the recess 110 is explained as being formed in 3 to 5 layers, such as the first recess 110A to the third recess 110C, but it is not limited to this, and for example it may be formed in 45 layers.
[0066] As described in the above embodiment, the bottom of the recess 110 in the decorative character 200 has a curved shape, but the invention is not limited to this. The bottom of the recess may have a stepped slope shape instead of a curved shape.
[0067] As described in the above embodiment, the circuit retaining plate 100A was used as an example of a watch component, but the watch component is not limited to this. The watch component may be a dial, rotor, gear train bridge, etc., made of a flat base material that is made of metal and has a flat surface on which decoration is formed. The watch component may also be a case or band made of a metal base material that has a flat surface on which decoration is formed. These watch components are parts whose formed decoration is visible from the outside of the watch when assembled as a watch. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0068] 1...Watch, 2...Case, 3...Dial, 3A...Calendar window, 3B...Hour markers, 4A...Hour hand, 4B...Minute hand, 4C...Second hand, 6...Date wheel, 8...Cover glass, 10...Movement, 12...Winding stem, 100...Base material, 100A...Circuit retaining plate as a watch component, 100Z...Base material, 110...Recess, 110A...First recess, 110B...Second recess, 110C...Third recess, 200...Characters, 200a...End, 300...Virtual straight line, 301...First scanning line, 302...Second scanning line, 303...Third scanning line, 400...Curved surface, 500...Hole, 1000...Laser processing machine, 1100...Laser irradiation unit, 1200...Pulse laser, 1300...Light emitting unit, 1400...Movement mechanism.
Claims
1. A method for decorating a watch component, comprising: a laser irradiation unit that irradiates a pulsed laser that generates ultrashort pulses; and a metal substrate constituting a watch component, wherein the pulsed laser is irradiated onto the surface of the substrate while the two units are relatively moved, thereby decorating the substrate; A first processing step involves scanning the surface while irradiating it with the pulsed laser to process a first processing area of the surface, A second processing step involves scanning the surface while irradiating it with the pulsed laser, and performing processing on a second processing area that overlaps with a part of the first processing area when viewed from a first direction perpendicular to the surface. It has, A method for decorating a watch component, wherein the second processing area is located inward from the edge of the first processing area when viewed from the first direction.
2. A method for decorating watch components according to claim 1, The first processing step involves forming a first recess in the first processing region of the surface, which constitutes a part of the recess. The second processing step involves forming a second recess in the second processing region of the surface, which constitutes a part of the recess. A method for decorating watch parts, wherein the bottom of the recess has a curved shape.
3. A method for decorating watch components according to claim 1, The first processing step involves scanning the surface while irradiating it with the pulsed laser along a first scanning line that forms a first angle with respect to a virtual straight line set on the surface, The second processing step is a method for decorating a watch part, wherein the surface is scanned while irradiating it with the pulsed laser along a second scanning line that forms a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the virtual line.
4. A method for decorating watch components according to claim 3, The process further includes a third processing step in which the surface is scanned while irradiating it with the pulsed laser, and processing is performed on a third processing region that overlaps with a part of the second processing region when viewed from the first direction. The third machining region is located inward from the edge of the second machining region when viewed from the first direction. The third processing step is a method for decorating a watch part, wherein the surface is scanned while irradiating it with the pulsed laser along a third scanning line that forms a third angle different from the first and second angles with respect to the virtual line.
5. A base material made of metal and having a first surface, A decorative recess provided on the first surface, Equipped with, The bottom of the recess has a curved shape, which is a watch component.
6. The clock component described in claim 5, A case for housing the aforementioned watch components, A watch equipped with [a specific feature].