Process for creating a three-dimensional element on a timepiece component

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for creating a three-dimensional element (20) on a watch component (10) in particular on a dial, comprising the following steps: - A step (22) of generating at least one control command for a printing device (3) for reproducing a reference digital graphic representation (9a) of the 3-dimensional element (20) by the control unit (2); and - Step (27) of forming at least two substantially overlapping or overlapping layers, each having at least one particle that is printed on the watch component (10) by the printing device (3) and forms a three-dimensional element (20).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Technology field

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for generating a three-dimensional element on a watch component and a system for implementing such a method.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a watch component comprising such a three-dimensional element in addition to the watch provided with this component.

[0004] The present invention further relates to a computer program. Background Technology

[0005] Conventional technology

[0006] Watch components, such as watch dials, are generally planar, and their only three-dimensional elements are appliques, such as indices and hour numbers, which are placed at regular intervals around the dials to facilitate reading the time for different hand angles. The creation of appliques and indices remains a complex procedure, and their placement on the dial is a tedious task.

[0007] Nevertheless, there are various methods for generating three-dimensional elements on dials that have the advantage of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] More specifically, European Patent No. 2370865 discloses a solution comprising creating a mask on the dial of a watch, wherein the thickness of the mask corresponds to the desired thickness of the three-dimensional elements to be decorated on the dial and has at least one opening. The mask is then placed on the dial, and the opening is placed at the location of the part of the dial to be decorated, so that the opening of the mask is filled by thermal processing with a material that is at least partially amorphous. Finally, the mask is removed to obtain the three-dimensional elements on the dial of the watch.

[0009] However, such a solution is relatively complex to implement as a result of the large number of tasks and different types of tooling required for its implementation.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] Accordingly, one objective of the present invention is to propose a method for creating three-dimensional elements, such as decorative elements or raised patterns, on watch components in a fast and simple manner, which further contributes to the large-scale, automated, and cost-effective production of watch components provided with such three-dimensional elements.

[0012] In this regard, the present invention relates to a method for creating a three-dimensional element on a timepiece component, particularly on a dial, comprising the following steps:

[0013] - A step of generating at least one control command for a printing device for reproducing a reference digital graphical representation of the three-dimensional element by a control unit, and

[0014] - A step of configuring at least two substantially overlapping or overlapping layers, each comprising at least one particle that is printed on a watch component by a printing device and forms a 3-dimensional element.

[0015] Therefore, thanks to these features, the generation method allows 3-dimensional elements to be built on the clock component by a reduced number of operations that are easy to implement and fast.

[0016] In other embodiments:

[0017] - The forming step includes, for each layer of at least one printed particle, a sub-step of applying a layer of at least one particle onto a watch component and a sub-step of processing said layer of at least one particle;

[0018] - The application sub-step provides for the control unit to execute the at least one control command including data describing the layers constituting the reference digital graphic representation to be reproduced;

[0019] - The application sub-step provides for depositing at least one ink comprising at least one particle;

[0020] - The ink comprises a fluid that carries at least one particle, and the fluid is selected from a solvent, a viscoelastic polymer, an oil, water, and / or an aqueous solution;

[0021] - A sub-step for processing a layer of at least one particle includes the step of fixing the layer of at least one functional particle onto a watch component;

[0022] - The fixing step provides exposing at least one layer of particles to an airflow, particularly a hot airflow and / or light radiation, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation or infrared radiation;

[0023] - The above at least one particle is included in an ink such as a colored ink containing at least one pigmented or colored particle;

[0024] - The above at least one particle is contained in an ink such as a colorless, transparent, or translucent ink comprising at least one colorless, transparent, or translucent particle;

[0025] - The above at least one particle is included in an ink such as a functional ink containing at least one functional particle;

[0026] - The processing sub-step contributes to obtaining a 3-dimensional element on a watch component formed of at least two layers, each having at least one substantially overlapping or overlapping printed particle;

[0027] - The generated 3-dimensional element has a thickness greater than 100 microns or substantially greater than 100 microns.

[0028] The present invention further relates to a watch component, in particular a dial, comprising at least one three-dimensional element that can be obtained using this method.

[0029] The present invention further relates to a watch having at least one such watch component.

[0030] The present invention further relates to a system for generating a three-dimensional element on a watch component, which implements such a method, the system comprising a printing device and a control unit, and the printing device being connected to the control unit.

[0031] Advantageously, the control unit includes hardware and software resources, and said hardware resources include memory elements having at least one reference 3-dimensional graphic representation to be created on a clock component and descriptive data regarding said at least one reference 3-dimensional graphic representation.

[0032] The present invention further relates to such a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of this method when the computer program is executed by a control unit. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0033] A brief explanation of the drawings Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after reading a plurality of embodiments provided solely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. - FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for generating a three-dimensional element on a clock component according to one embodiment of the present invention. - FIG. 2 is a flowchart relating to a method for creating a 3-dimensional element on a clock component according to an embodiment of the present invention. - FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a watch comprising a watch component provided with at least one three-dimensional element according to an embodiment of the present invention. - FIGS. 4, FIGS. 5a, and FIGS. 5b show schematic diagrams of a printing device of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. - FIG. 6a illustrates an example of a plurality of dials of a watch after a first step of constituting at least one layer of printed particles according to an embodiment of the present invention. - FIG. 6b illustrates a shape similar to that in FIG. 6a after a second step of constituting a layer of at least one printed particle according to an embodiment of the present invention. - FIG. 6c illustrates a shape similar to that in FIG. 6b after the third step of constituting a layer of at least one printed particle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] Detailed description of the invention

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a system (1) for creating a three-dimensional element (20) on a watch component (10) of a watch (30) includes a control unit (2) and a printing device (3). In other words, the present invention consists of not manufacturing the watch component (10) but forming a three-dimensional element (20) on the component (10). The watch component (10) may be, for example, a dial. The watch component (10) may also be a substrate for forming the component (10). The watch component (10) designed to accommodate the three-dimensional element (20) may be made of a material different from that of the three-dimensional element (20). The watch component (10) may be obtained, for example, by machining or even by molding. The three-dimensional element (20) on this watch component (10) may be colored, multicolored, monochromatic, transparent, or translucent, and may include a pattern or decorative element having a raised part such as an index or applique that may serve to display information such as, for example, the date or time.

[0036] It should be noted that the 3-dimensional element (20) is formed by at least two layers applied on the watch component, the layers substantially overlap or overlap each, and thus each comprises at least one particle printed on the watch component (10) in this case. This particle, otherwise referred to as a “usable particle” or a “characterizing particle,” characterizes the corresponding layer with respect to at least one of the features of the layer, such as its properties, its texture, its lettering, its color, its shade, and / or its function.

[0037] In this system (1), a control unit (2) is connected to a printing device (3) in particular to ensure control of this device (3). The control unit (2) may be a computer or even a microcontroller by including at least one processor (4) that cooperates with hardware and software resources, in particular memory elements (5). This control unit (2) is capable of executing instructions to implement a computer program.

[0038] In this control unit (2), memory elements (5) include data regarding at least one reference digital graphic representation (9a) that can be reproduced on a watch component (10) to construct a 3-dimensional element (20), in addition to technical data (9b) regarding at least one reference digital graphic representation (9a) in addition to a computer program. This reference digital graphic representation (9a) may include a reference 2-dimensional graphic representation or a reference 3-dimensional graphic representation. It should be noted that the reference digital graphic representation (9a) is generated by a software tool (e.g., computer-aided design software more commonly known as CAD software) executed by the control unit (2), which may include a 3-dimensional digital imaging device, or by a design module of a system (1) connected to the control unit (2), which allows for virtual 3D modeling from photographs or images, or even allows for the design of a virtual 3-dimensional digital object.

[0039] The printing device (3) comprises a printing member (6), a fixed member (7), and a driving member (8). The printing member (7) comprises a plurality of printing entities, in particular inkjet cartridges, each of which comprises a printhead and at least one reservoir (12a to 12f). In the present embodiment, each cartridge comprises at least one inkjet printhead (12a to 12f). In these cartridges, the ink has at least one particle that may be contained in a fluid. This fluid is provided to ensure the carriage of said at least one particle onto a support, in this case a watch component (10), on which the at least one particle must be deposited during its ejection from the printhead. This fluid may be any body capable of ensuring such carriage. This fluid may be selected from solvents, viscoelastic polymers, oils, water, and aqueous solutions in a non-limiting and non-enclosed manner. For the purpose of illustration, where this is a viscoelastic polymer, this fluid is a non-polymerizable and preferably photopolymerizable viscoelastic polymer fluid in a liquid phase. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one particle may be deposited on this support without requiring this fluid to ensure its transport. The cartridges of this printing member (6) may contain the following inks:

[0040] - Colored ink having at least one dyed or colored particle, or

[0041] - A colorless, transparent, or translucent ink, such as a lacquer, having at least one colorless, transparent, or translucent particle, or

[0042] - A functional ink selected from the group consisting of electroluminescent ink, phosphorescent ink, photoluminescent ink, conductive ink, semiconductive ink, electroactive ink, magnetic ink, photochromic ink, electrochromic ink, thermochromic ink, ionic colorimetric ink, and mechanical colorimetric ink, having at least one functional particle.

[0043] In this context, a layer formed by at least one functional particle and / or at least one colored or dyed particle and / or at least one colorless, transparent, or translucent particle may have the following, in a non-enclosed and non-limiting manner:

[0044] - White color only;

[0045] - White color having a matte or glossy finish due to the presence of at least one colorless, transparent, or translucent particle;

[0046] - Black color only;

[0047] - Black color having a matte or glossy finish due to the presence of at least one colorless, transparent, or translucent particle;

[0048] - A wide variety of colors resulting from a 4-color printing technique that implements primary colors such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (referred to as the CMYK system), allowing a wide variety of colors to be reproduced from three basic colors to which black is added: blue-green referred to as cyan, red referred to as magenta, and yellow.

[0049] Furthermore, this printing device (3) can contribute to the creation of three-dimensional elements (20) on a watch component (10) at low resolution or even at high resolution, which can be 2,400 dpi (pixels per inch) or higher.

[0050] In this printing device (3), the driving member (8) can cause the printing member (6) to move in various directions relative to a support element of the system (1) on which the clock component (10) can be placed. This support element, which can pass the clock component (10) forward to the printheads (12a to 12f), may include a removable connecting element for the clock component (10), for example, an adhesive element. A fixing member (7) is provided to ensure the fixation of at least one layer of particles to the support, in this case, to the clock component, or to a first layer or initial layer already existing on the clock component (10). This fixing member (7) includes a module capable of emitting ultraviolet (UV) radiation and / or infrared radiation and / or airflow, particularly hot airflow. This module can generate radiation or airflow over all or part of the assembly area of ​​the surface of the watch component (10) on which a three-dimensional element (20) can be built. It should be noted that in the case where the different inks mentioned above contain a viscoelastic polymer fluid, the module is a photopolymerization module that is provided with an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source and thus can generate UV radiation over all or part of the assembly area of ​​the surface of the watch component (10) on which a three-dimensional element (20) can be built.

[0051] This system (1) can implement a method for creating a 3-dimensional element (20) on a clock component (10) shown in FIG. 2.

[0052] This method includes a step (21) of generating at least one reference digital graphic representation (9a). During this step (21), this reference digital graphic representation (9a) may be generated from a 3-dimensional digital image, or when the control unit (2) runs software for designing a 3-dimensional virtual digital object or 3D virtual modeling software (e.g., computer-aided design software more commonly referred to by the acronym CAD). Once generated, this reference digital graphic representation (9a) is preserved in the format of a digital data file in the memory elements (5) of the control unit (2). In other words, such a file contains information data regarding the reference digital graphic representation (9a).

[0053] The method then provides a step (22) of determining technical data (9b) regarding the reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a). This step (22) is implemented by a control unit (2) and thus allows the technical data (9b) to be determined, and this data particularly contributes to selecting the direction of movement of one or more types of ink and printing members (6) required to create a 3-dimensional element (20) on the watch component (10). During this step (22), this file and particularly the information data regarding the reference digital graphic representation (9a) particularly, this graphic representation (9a) is divided into at least two layers,

[0054] - Transverse direction, which may be horizontal, vertical, or oblique;

[0055] - Longitudinal direction, which can be horizontal, vertical, or oblique.

[0056] It is processed by implementing a process for digitally dividing / cutting.

[0057] More specifically, during this processing, the control unit (2) determines the elements that are characteristics of each acquired layer, such as:

[0058] - At least one dimension of each layer, which may be, for example, thickness, length, width, surface area, or volume for each layer;

[0059] - Visual / aesthetic / structural modalities, i.e., visual and / or aesthetic and / or structural modalities of each layer of the reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a), such as color and / or texture;

[0060] - Physical and / or chemical functional properties that a 3-dimensional element (20) must have, for example, such as the following:

[0061] · Electrically conductive, semiconductive, or insulating properties;

[0062] · Semiconductivity;

[0063] · Electroluminescence;

[0064] · Photoluminescence (e.g., reaction to ultraviolet radiation);

[0065] · Phosphorescence;

[0066] · "X-color change" (photochromic, electrochromic, thermochromic, ionic chromic, mechanical chromic, etc.);

[0067] · Electroactive;

[0068] · Magnetism;

[0069] · Etc.

[0070] These characteristic elements of each layer constitute technical data (9b) regarding a reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a) preserved in the memory elements (5) of the control unit (2).

[0071] A method for generating this 3-dimensional element (20) further comprises the step (23) of arranging a clock component (10) on a support element of the system (1). It further comprises the step (24) of selecting a reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a) to be reproduced on the clock component (10) to form the 3-dimensional element (20). During this selection step (24), this reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a) may be selected using a man-machine interface (MMI) connected to the control unit (2). This step (24) may be implemented either before or after the arrangement step (23).

[0072] This method further comprises a step (25) of treating the surface of a watch component (10), particularly in an assembly area of ​​this surface where a three-dimensional element (20) is to be created. This treatment step (25) may be implemented either before or after the creation step (21), the determination step (22), the arrangement step (23), or the selection step (24). This treatment step (25) may be performed by implementing atmospheric plasma, low-pressure plasma, flame, electric corona discharge, organic layer deposition, cleaning bath or galvanic treatment techniques, treatment techniques using an adhesive primer, or a combination of each or a combination of many of these techniques. This step (25) may or may not be performed under a vacuum. Furthermore, it should be noted that this processing step (25) contributes to promoting good adhesion between the surface of the watch component (10) and the 3-dimensional element (20) created on the watch component (10), in particular, between the first, so-called initial layer constituting the 3-dimensional element (20) and the surface, which is described below.

[0073] The method then provides a step (26) of generating at least one control command for controlling the printing device (3) by the control unit (2), said at least one command is intended to reproduce a reference digital graphic representation (9a). This step (26) of generating the at least one control command is executed based on technical data (9b) regarding the layers forming the reference digital graphic representation (9a) to be generated. said at least one command includes criteria for controlling the printing device (3) and, in particular, the printing member (6) and the fixing member (7). These criteria include, in particular, data regarding the following:

[0074] - Selection of cartridges comprising printheads (12a to 12f) necessary to reproduce each layer of a reference digital graphic representation (9a) and, depending on the ink contained therein, particularly to reproduce the visual / aesthetic / structural aspects and / or functional characteristics of these layers;

[0075] - Movement of the printheads (12a to 12f) of each cartridge to an assembly area of ​​the surface of the watch component (10) for reproducing at least one dimension and / or visual / aesthetic / structural aspects and / or functional characteristics of each layer of the reference digital graphic representation (9a);

[0076] - Distance and / or positioning of the printheads (12a to 12f) of each cartridge with respect to an assembly area on the surface of a watch component (10) for reproducing at least one dimension of each layer of a reference digital graphic representation (9a) and / or visual / aesthetic / structural aspects and / or functional characteristics;

[0077] - Duration of positioning of the printheads (12a to 12f) of each cartridge with respect to the assembly area of ​​the surface of the watch component (10) for reproducing at least one dimension of each layer of the reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a) and / or visual / aesthetic / structural aspects and / or functional characteristics;

[0078] - A flow of ink ejected from printheads (12a to 12f) for reproducing at least one dimension and / or visual / aesthetic / structural aspects and / or functional characteristics of each layer of a reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a), in particular, the number of ejected droplets.

[0079] The method subsequently comprises a step (27) of forming at least two substantially overlapping or overlapping layers, each having at least one particle that is printed on the surface of the watch component (10) by the printing device (3) and forms a three-dimensional element (20). This step (27) may also be referred to as a “forming step (27) using a jet containing at least the particles.” More specifically, during this step (27), the particles are sprayed onto the watch component (10). These particles may be contained in the same nozzle of the printhead or in a plurality of different nozzles of the printhead. As mentioned above, it should be noted that they may be deposited onto the watch component (10) by being contained in a fluid or, in an alternative embodiment, without the need for such a fluid to ensure its transport.

[0080] The at least one printed particle mentioned above is included in one of the aforementioned functional, colored, and / or colorless / transparent / translucent inks. More specifically, the layer may be formed from only at least one type of printed particle or from multiple types of particles, namely functional, colored, and / or colorless / transparent / translucent printed particles.

[0081] This construction step (27) comprises two sub-steps (28, 29) for each layer of at least one printed particle built on the watch component (10). The first sub-step is a sub-step (28) of applying a layer of at least one particle onto the watch component (10), particularly onto an assembly area of ​​the surface of the component (10). The application of this layer may be performed sequentially or optionally. As mentioned above, the at least one particle may be a functional, colored, and / or colorless / transparent / translucent particle. It will be understood that this layer may include a plurality of particle types in addition to the at least one particle selected from functional, colored, or colorless / translucent / translucent particles. Furthermore, this application sub-step (28) provides a control unit to execute the at least one control command, which includes data describing a reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a) to be reproduced. The execution of the above at least one command enables control over the deposition of at least one ink containing the at least one particle and optionally other inks containing at least one functional, colored, or colorless / transparent / translucent particle within the scope of the application of this layer. A second sub-step is a sub-step (29) for processing the layer of the at least one particle, which immediately follows the application sub-step (28) and is intended to finish the printing of the at least one particle of this layer on the watch component (10). This sub-step (29) for processing the layer of the at least one functional particle includes the step of fixing the layer of the at least one particle onto the watch component (10). This fixing step provides exposing the layer of the at least one particle to an airflow, particularly a hot airflow, and / or to optical radiation, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation or infrared radiation.The purpose of this fixing step is therefore to convert at least one layer of particles in a paste or liquid state into at least one layer of printed particles in a solid, rigid, elastic, dry, cured, and / or insoluble state. It should be noted that this conversion has the advantage of being executed very quickly, generally in less than 1 second.

[0082] In one example where the particles are contained in a viscoelastic polymer ink, that is, an ink comprising a viscoelastic polymer fluid capable of carrying and / or fixing / binding the at least one particle, the configuration step (27) provides an application sub-step (28), wherein the control unit (2) executes the at least one control command comprising data (9b) describing the reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a) to be reproduced. The printing device (3) subsequently applies a layer of the at least one particle directly onto an assembly area of ​​a surface provided for this purpose on a watch component (10) in accordance with the at least one executed control command. This layer comprises an ink having the at least one particle carried by a viscoelastic polymer fluid; in this context, this ink is also referred to as a viscoelastic polymer fluid. This viscoelastic polymer ink layer is otherwise referred to as an initial layer or a first layer. This first layer and thus one or more particles constituting it undergo polymerization during a sub-step (29) of processing this layer. More specifically, this sub-step (29) includes the step of fixing the layer onto an assembly area. During this step, the layer is photopolymerized by exposure to light radiation, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is emitted by the fixing member (7) and is intended to convert the layer into an acrylate polymer ink layer, also referred to as a polymerized viscoelastic polymer ink layer. It should be noted that this polymerized viscoelastic polymer ink may also be referred to as a photocured polymer ink or a photopolymerized polymer ink.The printing device (3) may subsequently apply a second layer of at least one functional and / or colored and / or colorless / transparent / translucent particle onto a first layer of at least one viscoelastic polymer fluid already present on the watch component (10), in accordance with the at least one executed control command. This second layer may comprise a functional ink and / or colored ink and / or colorless / translucent / translucent ink having the at least one corresponding particle carried by the viscoelastic polymer fluid; in this context, these inks are also referred to as functional viscoelastic polymer ink, colored viscoelastic polymer ink, and colorless / translucent / translucent viscoelastic polymer ink. This second layer and thus one or more particles constituting it are then subjected to polymerization during a processing sub-step (29). These first and second layers are arranged on the watch component (10) by substantially overlapping or overlapping. Alternatively, the second layer may be applied in a manner that is particularly to the first layer and directly to the assembly area of ​​the surface of the watch component (10). Under these conditions, this polymerization allows the first layer to be fixed to the surface of the watch component (10) according to corresponding alternative embodiments, and allows the second layer to be fixed to the first layer or to the assembly area of ​​the surface of the watch component (10) as well as the first layer.

[0083] It should be noted that at least one layer of particles applied on the watch component (10) may be in the range of 10 to 150 microns and preferably have a thickness of 100 microns.

[0084] It should be noted that a layer of at least one particle is understood to mean a layer that is deposited on an assembly area of ​​the surface of a watch component (10) provided for this purpose in an optional or continuous manner and may undergo a fixation step by exposure to optical radiation or airflow. In the context of the invention, the layer may have an uneven thickness or a uniform thickness at all points, which is obtained by the deposition of a variable number of droplets of at least one ink by at least one inkjet printhead (12a to 12f) as a function of the position of the head (12a to 12f) on the assembly area of ​​the surface of the watch component (10) on which a three-dimensional element (20) is to be constructed by at least one pass of the at least one printhead (12a to 12f). It should be noted that each droplet contains at least one particle.

[0085] In FIG. 4, the printing device (3), and in particular its printing member (6), comprises four cartridges provided, for example, with printheads (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d). Each of these cartridges comprises a colored viscoelastic polymer ink, in this case, a colored viscoelastic polymer ink comprising at least one dyed particle or colored particle that allows the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, or black to be reproduced. In this context, during the configuration step (27), the printing member (6) is therefore controlled by the control unit (2) to apply / deposit a first layer of at least one colored particle in a continuous or selective manner onto an assembly area of ​​the surface of the watch component (10). This layer thus has one or more colors corresponding to the colors of the corresponding layer of the reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a). Droplets of cyan, magenta, yellow, and / or black ink are ejected from the nozzles of the printheads (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) toward the assembly area of ​​the watch component (10). The distance or positioning of each printhead (12a to 12d) relative to this assembly area can be adjusted as needed, for example, as a function of the contour accuracy and elevated portions of the layers forming the reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a). The number of droplets can also vary as a function of resolution or per passage. Droplets deposited on the surface of the watch component (10) are somewhat diffused as a function of the surface finish of the watch component (10) of the watch (30) before being polymerized by ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by a module capable of emitting ultraviolet (UV) radiation.A second layer of at least one particle is subsequently applied to the first polymerized layer before polymerization by the application of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thus the regeneration of the three-dimensional element (20) on the watch component (10) is completed. The superposition of the first and second layers of at least one polymerized viscoelastic polymer fluid forms a thickness of at least 20 to 200 microns, and preferably at least 100 microns, to regenerate an elevated print visible to the naked eye of an individual wearing a watch (30) having a watch component (10) manufactured according to the method of the present invention.

[0086] It should be noted that for the creation of three-dimensional elements (20) having a higher elevated height, at least one layer of particles, ranging from 3 to 10 layers, preferably 4 or 5 layers, must be built on the watch component (10) in an overlapping or substantially overlapping manner. Each layer undergoes a fixation step by polymerization of each layer through ultraviolet (UV) radiation before the processing sub-step (29) and, in particular, before overlapping an additional layer of at least one particle on a previous polymerized or printed layer.

[0087] The speed of the step (29) of processing each layer in less than 1 second allows the reference 3-dimensional graphic representations (9a) to be reproduced within a very short period compared to conventional methods.

[0088] In FIG. 5a and 5b, the printing device (3), and in particular its printing member (6), comprises four cartridges provided with, for example, printheads (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d). In the printing device (3) shown in FIG. 5a, its printing member (6) comprises four cartridges provided with printheads (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d). Each of these cartridges comprises a colored viscoelastic polymer ink, in this case, a colored viscoelastic polymer ink comprising at least one dyed or colored particle that allows a cyan, magenta, yellow, or black color to be reproduced.

[0089] In this context, during the configuration step (27), the printing member (6) is therefore,

[0090] - A plurality of layers of a colorless / transparent / transparent viscoelastic polymer ink comprising at least one colorless / transparent / transparent particle and a viscoelastic polymer ink comprising at least one white colored particle from the printing device (3) shown in FIG. 5a, and

[0091] - A plurality of layers of colored viscoelastic polymer ink comprising at least one colored particle from the printing device (3) shown in FIG. 5b

[0092] By superposition, it is controlled by a control unit (2) to form a raised 3-dimensional element (20) on the clock component (10) of the clock (20).

[0093] As with white colored polymer ink, the use of lacquer should be noted to allow for the formation of a three-dimensional element (20).

[0094] The shape of the 3-dimensional element (20) is formed by different parts (14, 16, 18) of different heights. The shapes of these different parts are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b. In this context, the number of layers of at least one particle contained in these viscoelastic polymer inks is, for example, in the range of 3 to 10 layers, and preferably, 3, 4, or 5 layers may be superimposed for the construction of a 3-dimensional element (20) having a large thickness. Each layer is polymerized immediately after the completion of its building by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, in particular, before the superimposition of an additional layer of at least one particle on this now polymerized or printed layer.

[0095] Once the shape of the reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a) is reproduced, the elevated portion of the 3-dimensional element (20) and, where appropriate, all or part of the 2-dimensional clock component (10) may then be coated in one or more finishing layers of colors to reproduce one or more colors of the reference digital graphic representation (9a). This finishing layer contains at least one particle and generally has a thickness that varies from 10 to 100 microns as a function of the number of inks and / or lacquers forming it. This finishing layer is then polymerized by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

[0096] In FIGS. 6a to 6c, a three-dimensional element (20) is made colored on a watch component (10) of a watch (30) by applying a plurality of layers of at least one black color particle, said at least one particle is contained in a black color viscoelastic polymer ink and then polymerized by the polymerization of each of these layers. The black color three-dimensional element (20) shown in FIG. 6a is thus obtained. Referring to FIG. 6b, in addition to the remaining planar portions of the watch component (10), this three-dimensional element (20) is then coated with at least one layer of at least one white color particle, said particle is contained in a white color viscoelastic polymer ink, preferably in two white color layers, and each of the layers is then polymerized. Layers of at least one particle contained in the colored viscoelastic polymer ink are applied only on the 3-dimensional element (20), on the planar portions of the watch component (10), or on either the 3-dimensional element (20) and the planar portions of the watch component (10) before being subsequently polymerized. It should be noted that the layer of at least one particle contained in the lacquer may then be applied to the entire watch component (10) for a matte or glossy finish, or optionally applied.

[0097] The present invention further relates to such a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of this method when the computer program is executed by a control unit.

[0098] Although the method according to the present invention is exemplified by the creation of a three-dimensional element (20) on a watch component (10), such as the dial of a watch (30), this method is applicable to other watch components, in particular, a bezel, case, case back, pendulum, disc, crystal, or even a wristband. On the other hand, implementation of this method is not limited to two layers each having at least one particle for the creation of such a three-dimensional element (20), but may provide a configuration of many more than two layers for such creation of the three-dimensional element (20).

Claims

Claim 1 A method for generating a 3-dimensional element (20) on a clock component (10), comprising: generating at least one control command (22) for a printing device (3) to reproduce a reference digital graphic representation (9a) of the 3-dimensional element (20), which is archived in the memory elements (5) of the control unit (2);and- comprising the step (27) of configuring at least two overlapping layers each comprising at least one particle that is printed on the watch component (10) by the printing device (3) and forms the three-dimensional element (20), wherein the configuring step (27) comprises, for each layer of at least one printed particle, a sub-step (28) of applying a layer of at least one particle on the watch component (10) and a sub-step (29) of processing said layer of at least one particle, wherein the configuring step (27) provides the control unit (2) to execute said at least one control command comprising data (9b) describing the layers that constitute the reference digital graphic representation (9a) to be reproduced, and the generating step (22) further comprises the step of determining at least one physical or chemical functional characteristic that the three-dimensional element (20) must have, wherein the at least one physical or chemical functional characteristic is electrical conductivity, insulating property, semiconductivity, Selected from the group consisting of electroluminescence, phosphorescence, photochromism, electrochromism, thermochromism, ionic chromism, mechanochromism, electroactivity, and magnetism, and the data (9b) is configured by including the selected at least one physical or chemical functional characteristic, and the reference digital graphic representation (9a) is generated by a design module connected to the control unit (2) or by a software tool executed by the control unit (2), and the reference digital graphic representation (9a) is a man-machine interface connected to the control unit (2) after the step (22) of generating the at least one control command;A method for generating a 3-dimensional element characterized by being selected using MMI), and further comprising the step (25) of processing an assembly area of ​​the surface of the watch component (10) where the 3-dimensional element (20) is to be generated in order to improve adhesion between the surface of the watch component (10) and the 3-dimensional element (20) generated on the watch component (10).; Claim 2 A method for generating a three-dimensional element according to claim 1, wherein the forming step (27) comprises depositing at least one ink containing at least one particle. Claim 3 A method for producing a three-dimensional element according to claim 2, wherein the ink comprises a fluid that carries the at least one particle, and the fluid is selected from at least one of a solvent, a viscoelastic polymer, an oil, water, and an aqueous solution. Claim 4 A method for generating a three-dimensional element according to claim 1, wherein the sub-step (29) of processing the layer of at least one particle comprises the step of fixing the layer of at least one functional particle onto the watch component (10). Claim 5 A method for generating a three-dimensional element according to claim 4, wherein the fixing step comprises exposing the layer of at least one particle to at least one of an airflow and optical radiation. Claim 6 A method for generating a three-dimensional element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one particle is included in an ink selected from the group formed by: - ​​a colored ink comprising at least one dyed or colored particle; - a colorless, transparent, or translucent ink comprising at least one colorless, transparent, or translucent particle; or - a functional ink comprising at least one functional particle. Claim 7 A method for generating a three-dimensional element according to claim 1, wherein the processing sub-step (29) contributes to obtaining the three-dimensional element (20) on a watch component (10) formed of at least two layers each having at least one overlapping printed particle. Claim 8 A method for generating a three-dimensional element according to claim 1, characterized in that the generated three-dimensional element (20) is larger than 100 microns and has a thickness of 200 microns or less. Claim 9 A method for generating a 3-dimensional element according to claim 1, wherein the configuring step (27) is a configuring step that implements a particle jet. Claim 10 A clock component (10) comprising at least one 3-dimensional element (20) that can be obtained by the method according to claim 1. Claim 11 A watch (30) comprising at least one watch component (10) according to claim 10. Claim 12 A system (1) for generating a three-dimensional element on a clock component (10) for implementing the method according to claim 1, wherein the system (1) comprises a printing device (3) and a control unit (2), and the printing device (3) is connected to the control unit (2). Claim 13 A system (1) characterized in that, in claim 12, the control unit (2) includes hardware and software resources, and the hardware resources include memory elements (5) having at least one reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a) to be generated on a clock component (10) and technical data (9b) regarding the at least one reference 3-dimensional graphic representation (9a). Claim 14 A computer program stored on a recording medium, comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method according to claim 1 when the program is executed by a control unit (2).

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