Method for decorating watch parts and watch parts

Abstract

To provide a method for decorating a timepiece component and a timepiece component that can form a stereoscopic effect or a complicated design with a depth.SOLUTION: The method for decorating a timepiece component includes: an underlying layer formation step of forming a pattern in the base material of a timepiece component and forming a base; a first translucent layer formation step of forming a first translucent layer in a surface of the base by using a translucent resin; a first liquid-repellent processing step of performing liquid-repellent processing on the surface of the first translucent layer; and a first print layer formation step of forming a first print layer by printing a pattern on the surface of the first translucent layer on which the liquid-repellent processing was performed, by discharging ink with an ink-jet technique, after the first liquid-repellent processing step was performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for decorating timepiece parts and timepiece parts.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of forming surface patterns of various designs by providing an ink-receiving layer on the surface of a display plate such as a dial of a timepiece and printing by an inkjet method of discharging ink droplets onto this ink-receiving layer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the ink-receiving layer is formed using a porous layer or a water-absorbing layer made of an inorganic compound or an organic compound, the discharged ink droplets are absorbed by the ink-receiving layer and spread. Therefore, although a planar design printed by an inkjet method can be formed on the display plate, a complex design with a three-dimensional effect and depth cannot be formed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The method for decorating a timepiece part according to the present disclosure includes a base formation step of forming a pattern on a base material of the timepiece part to serve as a base, a first light-transmitting layer formation step of forming a first light-transmitting layer on the surface of the base using a light-transmitting resin, a first liquid-repellent treatment step of performing a liquid-repellent treatment on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer, and a first printing layer formation step of discharging ink by an inkjet method onto the surface of the first light-transmitting layer subjected to the liquid-repellent treatment after the first liquid-repellent treatment step to print a pattern and form a first printing layer.

[0006] The watch component of this disclosure is characterized by comprising: a substrate on which a base pattern is formed on its surface; a first translucent layer formed on the surface of the substrate using a translucent resin; a first liquid-repellent layer formed by applying a liquid-repellent treatment to the surface of the first translucent layer; and a first printed layer on which a pattern is printed on the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer using an inkjet method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of a dial, which is a watch component of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing a method for decorating a watch face, which is a watch component, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing the reflected light when the dial of the first embodiment is viewed from the front. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the reflected light when the dial of the first embodiment is viewed at an angle. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the dial from a frontal view, a 50-degree oblique view, and an 80-degree oblique view. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of a dial, which is a watch component of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows a method for decorating a watch face, which is a watch component, according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of a dial, which is a watch component of the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing a method for decorating a watch face, which is a watch component, according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [First Embodiment] The method for decorating watch components and the watch components themselves according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a dial 1, which is an example of a watch component. The dial 1 comprises a base material 2 on which a base pattern 21 is formed on its surface, a first translucent layer 3 laminated on the surface of the base material 2, a first liquid-repellent layer 4 formed by applying a liquid-repellent treatment to the surface of the first translucent layer 3, and a first printed layer 5 formed on the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer 4 by ink 50 ejected using an inkjet method. The first printed layer 5 is formed by printing a pattern 51 by changing the density of the ink 50 dots. That is, the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5 is formed by a dot pattern which is the ejection pattern of the ink 50.

[0009] Next, the method for forming a pattern on the dial 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 2. When the method for decorating the dial 1 is started, first, a base preparation process S1 is performed to form a pattern 21 on the surface of the base material 2 of the dial 1 by plating, engraving, painting, etc., to create a base. As the base material 2, metal plates such as brass, nickel silver, aluminum, and stainless steel, as well as hard plastic plates and ceramic plates can be used. In particular, if the base material 2 is made of a metal plate, a more luxurious design can be achieved compared to when a plastic plate is used, and the design quality can be further enhanced by the combination of the pattern 21 of the base material 2 and the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5. Furthermore, when a pattern 21 is formed by creating irregularities on the surface of the base material 2 through engraving or other methods, the irregular surface of the base material 2 forms the base on which the pattern 21 is formed. When the pattern 21 is formed on the surface of the base material 2 by plating or painting, the plating or painting layer forms the base.

[0010] After performing the substrate preparation step S1, the first translucent layer formation step S2 is performed, in which a translucent resin is applied to the surface of the substrate 2 to form the first translucent layer 3. The translucent resin can be transparent, pearlescent, or colored transparent resin materials, such as acrylic resin or epoxy resin. The thickness of the first translucent layer 3 is, for example, 40 μm or more and 100 μm or less. Methods for applying the translucent resin to the surface of the substrate 2 include spray application and inkjet application.

[0011] After the first transparent layer formation step S2 is performed, the first liquid-repellent treatment step S3 is performed to perform a liquid-repellent treatment on the surface of the first transparent layer 3. For example, the liquid-repellent treatment can be performed by replacing part of the molecular structure of the resin exposed on the surface of the first transparent layer 3 with fluorine using atmospheric pressure plasma. Through such a liquid-repellent treatment, a first liquid-repellent layer 4 having liquid-repellent properties is formed on the surface of the first transparent layer 3.

[0012] After the first liquid-repellent treatment step S3 is performed, the first printing layer formation step S4 is carried out to form the first printing layer 5 by printing a pattern 51 onto the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer 4 using an inkjet method. The ink 50 ejected by the inkjet method to form the first printing layer 5 can be water-based ink, solvent-based ink, UV-curing ink, etc. The ink 50 is a dispersion of pigments, dyes, fine particles, resins, etc. in a solvent, and for example, water-based ink such as silver nanoparticle ink, solvent-based clear ink such as epoxy resin ink, solvent-based white ink such as titanium dioxide ink, and solvent-based black ink such as carbon ink can be used. Furthermore, the ink 50 may be a permeable ink such as titanium dioxide ink, or an opaque ink such as silver nanoparticle ink. The ink dots 50 ejected by the inkjet method and adhering to the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer 4 are formed in a circular shape when viewed from a front view perpendicular to the surface of the dial 1. The diameter of the ink dots 50 is 10 μm or more and 70 μm or less, with a size of 20 μm or more and 50 μm or less being particularly preferred. If the diameter of the ink dots 50 is 70 μm or less, each individual dot is printed at a dot size that is not visible to the naked eye of the user, so when the user views the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5, it is recognized as a collection of dots, i.e., a dot pattern. Furthermore, if the diameter of the ink dots 50 is 10 μm or more, the ink 50 can be ejected stably and accurately at the correct position using the inkjet method. For this reason, for example, it is possible to eject multiple ink dots 50 in the same position. The thickness dimension of the first printing layer 5, that is, the thickness dimension of the ink 50, is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0013] After performing the first printing layer forming step S4, a first drying step S5 of drying the ink 50 of the first printing layer 5 is performed. The first drying step S5 dries the ink 50 using a hot plate, an oven, an infrared heating furnace, a vacuum dryer, or the like. When the ink 50 is a UV curable ink, the ink 50 is cured by UV irradiation in the first drying step S5. That is, the first drying step S5 is a step of fixing the ink 50 adhered to the surface of the first liquid repellent layer 4 to the surface of the first liquid repellent layer 4 by drying or curing.

[0014] [Visual effect of the nameplate] Regarding the appearance of the pattern when the nameplate 1 decorated in the above steps is visually recognized, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. In the present embodiment, the nameplate 1 is provided with a pattern 21 formed on the surface of the base material 2 and a pattern 51 formed by a dot pattern which is a discharge pattern of the ink 50 of the first printing layer 5. When comparing the front view of the nameplate 1 seen from the 0-degree direction which is the direction orthogonal to the surface and the perspective view of the nameplate 1 seen from an oblique direction, the pattern 21 of the base material 2 is easier to visually recognize in the front view than in the perspective view, and conversely, the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is easier to visually recognize in the perspective view than in the front view. This visual effect is due to the following three reasons. The first reason is that when the luminance of the reflected light Rs1 in the 0-degree direction in the first printing layer 5 is Ls1 and the luminance of the reflected light Rs2 in the oblique direction is Ls2, Ls1 < Ls2. The second reason is that when the luminance of the first printing layer 5 is Ls and the luminance of the base material 2 is Lu, Ls / Lu is larger in the perspective view than in the front view. The third reason is that the area occupied by the dots of the ink 50 with respect to the exposed area of the base material 2 is larger in the perspective view than in the front view.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the luminance of the reflected light of the first printing layer 5 is lower in the 0-degree direction than in the oblique direction. That is, when the luminance of the reflected light Rs1 in the 0-degree direction of the first printing layer 5, that is, the luminance in the front view is Ls1 and the luminance of the reflected light Rs2 in the oblique direction, that is, the luminance in the perspective view is Ls2, Ls1 < Ls2. In addition, the amount of reflected light of the base material 2 composed of a metal plate or the like is sufficiently larger than the amount of light reflected by the first printing layer 5. For example, when the luminance of the reflected light Ru1 in the 0-degree direction of the base material 2, that is, the luminance in the front view, is Lu1, Ls1 << Lu1. Therefore, since the amount of light reflected from the base material 2 is sufficiently large, the pattern 21 formed on the surface of the base material 2 is easy to visually recognize in the front view. On the other hand, since the amount of light reflected from the first printing layer 5 is relatively small, the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is difficult to visually recognize in the front view.

[0016] Also, the luminance Lu2 of the reflected light Ru2 in the diagonal direction of the base material 2 decreases compared to the luminance Lu1 of the reflected light Ru1 in the 0-degree direction. That is, Lu1 > Lu2. This is because the light reflected in the diagonal direction on the base material 2 is weakened by reflection between the base material 2 and the first light-transmitting layer 3, attenuation due to the unevenness of the surface of the base material 2, and the like. For this reason, the amount of light reflected diagonally by the first printing layer 5 becomes relatively large, and the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 becomes easy to visually recognize. That is, when the luminance of the reflected light Rs2 in the diagonal direction of the first printing layer 5 is Ls2 and the luminance of the reflected light Ru2 in the diagonal direction of the base material 2 is Lu2, Ls2 < Lu2, but the difference in luminance is smaller than the difference in luminance between Ls1 and Lu1. For this reason, Ls2 / Lu2 > Ls1 / Lu1. When the dial plate 1 is viewed from the diagonal direction, the luminance of the first printing layer 5 becomes relatively larger with respect to the luminance of the base material 2 than when viewed from the front, so the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 becomes easy to visually recognize.

[0017] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, when comparing the front view seen from the 0-degree direction perpendicular to the surface of the dial plate 1, the 50-degree perspective view seen from the 50-degree diagonal direction with respect to the perpendicular direction, and the 80-degree perspective view seen from the 80-degree diagonal direction, the exposed area of the ink 50 is the smallest in the front view and the largest in the 80-degree case with respect to the area where the base material 2 is exposed. For this reason, in the 80-degree case, the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 becomes easier to visually recognize than in the front view. In this case, it is preferable that the spacing between dots formed by the ink 50 that create the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is greater than 1x the diameter of the dot and less than 3x. That is, if the spacing between dots is 1x or less the diameter of the dot, the gaps between the dots are small, making it difficult to see the pattern 21 of the substrate 2, especially when opaque ink is used. On the other hand, if the spacing between dots is 3x or more the diameter of the dot, the gaps between the dots are large, and the pattern 51 may become unclear because the dots are far apart even when the dial 1 is viewed at an angle. In contrast, if the spacing between dots is greater than 1x the diameter of the dot and less than 3x, the pattern 21 of the substrate 2 can be seen when the dial 1 is viewed from the front, and the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 can be clearly seen when the dial 1 is viewed at an angle.

[0018] The angle at which the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5 is clearly visible when the dial 1 is viewed obliquely is influenced by the spacing of the dots. For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, the spacing of the dots is twice the diameter of the dots, and in this case, the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5 tends to be clearly visible when viewed from an angle of 50 degrees or more relative to the orthogonal direction. Also, when the spacing of the dots is one times the diameter of the dots, the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5 tends to be clearly visible when viewed from an angle of 30 degrees or more relative to the orthogonal direction, and when the spacing of the dots is three times the diameter of the dots, the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5 tends to be clearly visible when viewed from an angle of 70 degrees or more relative to the orthogonal direction. In other words, when the spacing between dots is small relative to the diameter of the dots, the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5 becomes clear even if the angle of oblique viewing of the dial 1 relative to the orthogonal direction is small, and when the spacing between dots is large, the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5 will not be clear unless the angle of oblique viewing of the dial 1 relative to the orthogonal direction is large.

[0019] The first light-transmitting layer 3 and the first liquid-repellent layer 4 formed on the surface of the substrate 2 may be formed over the entire surface of the substrate 2 or partially. Furthermore, the first printing layer 5 formed on the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer 4 may be formed over the entire surface of the first liquid-repellent layer 4 or partially.

[0020] [Effects of the First Embodiment] According to this embodiment, in the watch dial 1, a liquid-repellent treatment is applied to the surface of the first translucent layer 3 to form a first liquid-repellent layer 4. As a result, the ink 50 ejected by the inkjet method and deposited on the first liquid-repellent layer 4 does not spread much and adheres in a stable diameter, allowing for a sharp expression of the pattern 51 of the first printed layer 5. Furthermore, because the ink 50 of the first printed layer 5 is not absorbed by the first translucent layer 3, a distance can be created between the first printed layer 5 and the substrate 2. Since patterns are formed on both the first printed layer 5 and the substrate 2, a complex design with a sense of three-dimensionality and depth can be expressed on the watch dial 1, improving the aesthetic appeal of the watch dial 1.

[0021] Furthermore, the pattern 21 on the surface of the base material 2 is made particularly easy to see when the dial 1 is viewed from the front, and the dot pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is made easy to see when the dial 1 is viewed at an angle, so that different designs can be expressed depending on the viewing angle of the watch dial 1. Furthermore, when the dial 1 is viewed from the front, the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 is difficult to see, thus preventing the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 from obscuring the visibility of the watch hands. When the dial 1 is viewed at an angle, there is less need to check the watch hands, making the pattern 51 of the first printing layer 5 easier to see, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the dial 1 and increasing its emotional value to the user.

[0022] Since a resin containing acrylic resin or epoxy resin is used as the translucent resin, the substrate 2 covered with the translucent resin can be protected. Furthermore, when the first translucent layer 3 is formed by ejecting a translucent resin using an inkjet method, the ejection position and amount of the translucent resin can be controlled with higher precision compared to when it is formed by spraying. As a result, the translucent resin can be ejected only where the first translucent layer 3 is needed on the substrate 2, minimizing the amount of translucent resin used and reducing costs. Furthermore, by providing an inkjet printer that ejects a translucent resin to form the first translucent layer 3 and an inkjet printer that ejects ink 50 to form the first printed layer 5 in the production line for the dial 1, the first translucent layer formation process S2 and the first printed layer formation process S4 can be easily automated, thereby improving productivity.

[0023] [Second Embodiment] The method for decorating watch components and the watch components themselves according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the second embodiment, components identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a dial 1B, which is an example of a watch component. The dial 1B comprises a base material 2 made of a metal plate, a first translucent layer 3 laminated on the surface of the base material 2, a first liquid-repellent layer 4 formed by applying a liquid-repellent treatment to the surface of the first translucent layer 3, a first printed layer 5 formed by ink 50 ejected on the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer 4 using an inkjet method, and a second translucent layer 6 laminated on the surface of the first printed layer 5. In other words, the dial 1B is constructed by further laminating the second translucent layer 6 on the surface of the dial 1 of the first embodiment.

[0024] Next, the method for decorating the dial 1B will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 7. In the flowchart of Figure 7, the steps from the base preparation step S1 to the first drying step S5 are the same as in the first embodiment, so their explanation is omitted. In the second embodiment, after the first drying step S5, a second translucent layer formation step S6 is performed in which a translucent resin is applied to the surface of the first printed layer 5 to form the second translucent layer 6. The translucent resin used to form the second translucent layer 6 can be acrylic resin, epoxy resin, etc., similar to the first translucent layer 3, and transparent, pearlescent, or colored transparent resin materials can be used. In the second translucent layer formation step S6, the method for applying the translucent resin can be the same as in the first translucent layer formation step S2, such as applying the translucent resin by spraying or by ejecting it using an inkjet method. The thickness of the second translucent layer 6 is the same as in the first translucent layer 3, for example, 40 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0025] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to dial 1B, since it has the same base material 2, first light-transmitting layer 3, first liquid-repellent layer 4, and first printing layer 5 as dial 1, it can achieve the same effects and advantages as the first embodiment. Furthermore, since the second light-transmitting layer 6 is formed on the surface of the first printed layer 5, the first printed layer 5 can be protected by the second light-transmitting layer 6, thereby improving environmental resistance.

[0026] [Third Embodiment] The method for decorating watch components and the watch components themselves according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In the third embodiment, components identical to those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a dial 1C, which is an example of a watch component. The dial 1C comprises a base material 2 made of a metal plate, a first translucent layer 3 laminated on the surface of the base material 2, a first liquid-repellent layer 4 formed by applying a liquid-repellent treatment to the surface of the first translucent layer 3, a first printed layer 5 formed on the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer 4 by ink 50 ejected using an inkjet method, a second translucent layer 6 laminated on the surface of the first printed layer 5, a second liquid-repellent layer 7 formed by applying a liquid-repellent treatment to the surface of the second translucent layer 6, and a second printed layer 8 formed on the surface of the second liquid-repellent layer 7. In other words, the dial 1C is constructed by further laminating the second liquid-repellent layer 7 and the second printed layer 8 on the surface of the dial 1B of the second embodiment. The second printed layer 8 is formed by printing a pattern 81 by changing the density of ink dots 80.

[0027] Next, the method for decorating the dial 1C will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9. In the flowchart of Figure 9, the steps from the base preparation step S1 to the second translucent layer formation step S6 are the same as in the second embodiment, so their explanation is omitted. In the third embodiment, after the second translucent layer formation step S6 is performed, the second liquid-repellent treatment step S7, the second printed layer formation step S8, and the second drying step S9 are performed in sequence. In the second liquid-repellent treatment step S7, similar to the first liquid-repellent treatment step S3, a liquid-repellent treatment is performed on the surface of the second translucent layer 6 to form the second liquid-repellent layer 7. In the second printing layer formation step S8, similar to the first printing layer formation step S4, ink 80 is ejected onto the surface of the second liquid-repellent layer 7 using an inkjet method to print a pattern 81 and form the second printing layer 8. The second drying step S9 dries the ink 80 of the second printing layer 8, similar to the first drying step S5. The patterns 51 and 81 of the first printing layer 5 and the second printing layer 8 may be the same or different.

[0028] [Effects of the third embodiment] According to dial 1C, since it has the same base material 2, first light-transmitting layer 3, first liquid-repellent layer 4, first printing layer 5, and second light-transmitting layer 6 as dial 1B, it can achieve the same effects and advantages as the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, since a second liquid-repellent layer 7 is formed on the surface of the second translucent layer 6, and a second printing layer 8 is formed on the surface of the second liquid-repellent layer 7, the patterns 21, 51, and 81 formed on the substrate 2, the first printing layer 5, and the second printing layer 8 overlap and are expressed together, resulting in a greater sense of three-dimensionality and depth, and enabling the expression of complex designs.

[0029] Furthermore, since a second liquid-repellent layer 7 is formed on the surface of the second translucent layer 6, and a second printing layer 8 is formed on the surface of the second liquid-repellent layer 7, similar to the first printing layer 5, the ink 80 that lands on the second liquid-repellent layer 7 does not spread much and adheres in a stable diameter, allowing for a sharp expression of the pattern 81 on the second printing layer 8. In addition, a distance can be maintained between the second printing layer 8 and the first printing layer 5, and patterns are formed on both the first printing layer 5 and the second printing layer 8, respectively, allowing for the expression of a complex design with a sense of three-dimensionality and depth on the dial 1C, thereby improving the design quality of the dial 1C.

[0030] [Other embodiments] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, watch components are not limited to dials 1, 1B, and 1C, but may also include various externally visible parts such as the date wheel, day wheel, hour, minute, and second hands, and moon phase indicator. Watch components may also include exterior watch parts such as the case, case back, and bezel. Furthermore, watch components may include the main plate, rotor, balance wheel, escapement lever, and gears used in skeleton watches, which are externally visible.

[0031] The layer configuration of the watch components is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the dial 1C, a translucent resin may be laminated on the surface of the second printed layer 8 to protect the second printed layer 8. In other words, the number of printed layers and translucent layers can be appropriately set according to the specifications required for the watch component in question.

[0032] Before performing the liquid-repellent treatment on the surfaces of the first transparent layer 3 and the second transparent layer 6, a hydrophilic treatment may be performed. For example, the hydrophilic treatment can be carried out by irradiating with ultraviolet light or by atmospheric pressure plasma using oxygen gas. By performing the hydrophilic treatment, the surfaces of the first transparent layer 3 and the second transparent layer 6 can be cleaned, so that a uniform first liquid-repellent layer 4 and second liquid-repellent layer 7 can be formed by the liquid-repellent treatment. The thickness dimensions of the first translucent layer 3 and the second translucent layer 6 may be set as appropriate during implementation. Since the distances between the pattern 21 on the substrate 2, the pattern 51 on the first printed layer 5, the pattern 81 on the second printed layer 8, etc., change depending on the thickness dimensions of the first translucent layer 3 and the second translucent layer 6, the sense of three-dimensionality and depth can be adjusted.

[0033] [Summary of this disclosure] The method for decorating watch components according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a base forming step of forming a pattern on a substrate of the watch component to serve as a base; a first translucent layer forming step of forming a first translucent layer on the surface of the base using a translucent resin; a first liquid-repellent treatment step of performing a liquid-repellent treatment on the surface of the first translucent layer; and a first printed layer forming step of, after performing the first liquid-repellent treatment step, printing a pattern by ejecting ink using an inkjet method onto the surface of the first translucent layer that has undergone the liquid-repellent treatment to form a first printed layer. According to this disclosure, a liquid-repellent layer is formed by applying a liquid-repellent treatment to the surface of the first translucent layer, and ink is ejected onto this liquid-repellent layer using an inkjet method to form the first printed layer. As a result, ink droplets that land on the liquid-repellent layer do not spread much, and the ink droplets can adhere to the liquid-repellent layer with a stable diameter, allowing for sharp expression of the pattern of the first printed layer. Furthermore, because the ink droplets of the first printed layer are not absorbed by the first translucent layer, a distance can be created between the first printed layer and the base layer. Since patterns are formed on both the first printed layer and the base layer, it is possible to express complex designs with a sense of three-dimensionality and depth in watch parts such as dials, thereby improving the design quality of watch parts.

[0034] In the method for decorating watch components according to the present disclosure, the first translucent layer formation step preferably involves ejecting the translucent resin using an inkjet method to form the first translucent layer. According to this disclosure, since the first translucent layer is formed by ejecting a translucent resin using an inkjet method, the ejection position and amount of the translucent resin can be controlled with high precision compared to when the resin is ejected by spraying. As a result, the translucent resin can be ejected only where the first translucent layer is needed in the substrate layer, minimizing the amount of translucent resin used and reducing costs. Furthermore, by providing an inkjet printer that extrudes a translucent resin to form a first translucent layer and an inkjet printer that extrudes ink to form a first printed layer in a production line for watch components, the first translucent layer formation process and the first printed layer formation process can be easily automated, thereby improving productivity.

[0035] In the method for decorating watch components according to the present disclosure, it is preferable to further include a second translucent layer formation step, in which a translucent resin is laminated onto the surface of the first printed layer to form a second translucent layer after the first printed layer formation step has been carried out. According to this disclosure, since the second light-transmitting layer is laminated on the surface of the first printing layer, the first printing layer can be protected.

[0036] In the method for decorating watch components according to the present disclosure, it is preferable to further include a second liquid-repellent treatment step of performing a liquid-repellent treatment on the surface of the second transparent layer after performing the second translucent layer formation step, and a second printing layer formation step of performing a second printing layer by ejecting ink using an inkjet method to print a pattern on the surface of the second translucent layer that has undergone the liquid-repellent treatment after performing the second liquid-repellent treatment step. According to this disclosure, since the second printed layer is laminated with a second translucent layer in between the first printed layer, a distance can be created between the second printed layer and the first printed layer. Since patterns are formed on the first and second printed layers, it is possible to express complex designs with a sense of three-dimensionality and depth in watch components, thereby further improving the design quality of watch components.

[0037] In the method for decorating watch components according to the present disclosure, the translucent resin is preferably a resin containing an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin. According to this disclosure, since a resin containing acrylic resin or epoxy resin is used as the translucent resin, the underlying layer, the first printed layer, etc., covered with the translucent resin can be protected.

[0038] The watch component of this disclosure is characterized by comprising: a substrate on which a base pattern is formed on its surface; a first translucent layer formed on the surface of the substrate using a translucent resin; a first liquid-repellent layer formed by applying a liquid-repellent treatment to the surface of the first translucent layer; and a first printed layer on which a pattern is printed on the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer using an inkjet method. According to this disclosure, a liquid-repellent layer is formed by applying a liquid-repellent treatment to the surface of the first translucent layer, and ink is ejected onto this liquid-repellent layer using an inkjet method to form the first printed layer. As a result, ink droplets that land on the liquid-repellent layer do not spread much, and the ink droplets can adhere to the liquid-repellent layer with a stable diameter, allowing for sharp expression of the pattern of the first printed layer. Furthermore, because the ink droplets of the first printed layer are not absorbed by the first translucent layer, a distance can be created between the first printed layer and the base layer. Since patterns are formed on both the first printed layer and the base layer, it is possible to express complex designs with a sense of three-dimensionality and depth in watch parts such as dials, thereby improving the design quality of watch parts.

[0039] In the watch component of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the first printed layer further comprises a second translucent layer formed of a translucent resin on its surface. According to this disclosure, since the second light-transmitting layer is laminated on the surface of the first printing layer, the first printing layer can be protected.

[0040] In the watch component of the present disclosure, it is preferable to further include a second liquid-repellent layer formed by performing a liquid-repellent treatment on the surface of the second light-transmitting layer, and a second printed layer on which a pattern is printed on the surface of the second liquid-repellent layer by an inkjet method. According to this disclosure, since the second printed layer is laminated with a second translucent layer in between the first printed layer, a distance can be created between the second printed layer and the first printed layer. Since patterns are formed on the first and second printed layers, it is possible to express complex designs with a sense of three-dimensionality and depth in watch components, thereby further improving the design quality of watch components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1, 1B, 1C... Dial, 2... Substrate, 3... First light-transmitting layer, 4... First liquid-repellent layer, 5... First printing layer, 6... Second light-transmitting layer, 7... Second liquid-repellent layer, 8... Second printing layer, 21... Pattern, 50... Ink, 51... Pattern, 80... Ink, 81... Pattern.

Claims

1. A base forming process in which a first pattern is formed on the substrate of a watch component to serve as a base, A first light-transmitting layer formation step is performed in which a first light-transmitting layer is formed on the surface of the substrate using a light-transmitting resin, A first liquid-repellent treatment step in which a liquid-repellent treatment is performed on the surface of the first transparent layer, Ink is ejected onto the surface of the first translucent layer, which has undergone the aforementioned liquid-repellent treatment, using an inkjet method. First printing layer formation step: Then, print the second pattern on top of the first pattern to form the first printing layer. and, A method for decorating watch components, characterized by comprising the following:

2. In the method for decorating watch components according to claim 1, The first translucent layer formation step involves ejecting the translucent resin using an inkjet method.

1. A method for decorating watch components, characterized by forming a translucent layer.

3. In the method for decorating watch components according to claim 1 or claim 2, Formation of the second light-transmitting layer: A light-transmitting resin is laminated onto the surface of the first printed layer to form a second light-transmitting layer. A method for decorating watch components, characterized by further comprising the process.

4. In the method for decorating watch components according to claim 3, A second liquid-repellent treatment step in which a liquid-repellent treatment is applied to the surface of the second light-transmitting layer, Ink is ejected onto the surface of the second translucent layer that has undergone the aforementioned liquid-repellent treatment using an inkjet method. A second printing layer formation step is performed, in which a third pattern is printed to form a second printing layer. A method for decorating watch components, further characterized by comprising the following features.

5. A method for decorating watch components according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The translucent resin of the first translucent layer is a resin containing acrylic resin or epoxy resin. A method for decorating watch components, characterized by the features described above.

6. A substrate on which a first pattern is formed on the surface, A first light-transmitting layer formed on the surface of the substrate using a light-transmitting resin, A first liquid-repellent layer formed on the surface of the first light-transmitting layer, Formed on the surface of the first liquid-repellent layer in a first pattern, and ejected by an inkjet method. A first printed layer in which a second pattern is formed by dots of applied ink, A watch component characterized by having the following features.

7. In the watch component described in Claim 6, The aforementioned ink is a silver nanoparticle ink, which is a component for a watch.

8. In the watch component described in Claim 6, The aforementioned ink is a permeable titanium oxide ink, which is a component for a watch.

9. A watch component according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The spacing between the ink dots is greater than 1 times the diameter of the dots and less than 3 times the diameter of the dots. A watch component characterized by the following features.

10. A watch component according to any one of claims 6 to 9, The first pattern of the substrate is an uneven surface formed by processing the surface of the substrate. A watch component characterized by the following features.

11. A watch component according to any one of claims 6 to 10, The surface of the first translucent layer on which the first liquid-repellent layer is formed is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. A watch component characterized by the following features.

12. In the watch component according to any one of claims 6 to 11, The first printed layer is further provided with a second translucent layer formed of a translucent resin on its surface. A distinctive watch component.

13. In the watch component according to claim 12, A second liquid-repellent layer formed on the surface of the second light-transmitting layer, Formed on the surface of the second liquid-repellent layer, the ink dots ejected by the inkjet method A second printed layer in which a third pattern is formed, Furthermore, The first pattern of the substrate, the second pattern of the first printed layer, and the front of the second printed layer. The third pattern is a watch component characterized by overlapping elements.

14. In the watch component described in Claim 13, The watch part is characterized in that a translucent resin is laminated on the surface of the second printed layer. Item.

15. In the watch component according to claim 13 or claim 14, The surface of the second translucent layer on which the second liquid-repellent layer is formed is treated with a hydrophilic solution. A watch component characterized by the following features.

16. Characterized by comprising a watch component as described in any one of Claims 6 to 15. clock.

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