A method of manufacturing a part for timepieces with a trim element in relief.
[0001] The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a part such as a timepiece, jewelry or jewelry, such as a watch dial, a bezel, a bracelet, like the method more particularly provide a cover member on said piece, such as one hour, a decorative element, andc. [0002] In the field of horology, the jewelry or jewelry, it is typical to perform dressing elements in relief of color different from that of the support members. Known especially prior demand 2,192 454 a1 EP, which describes a method for manufacturing a trim element forming the protrusion on a dial. According to the third embodiment described in this application, are made a watch dial entry openings of T-shape and then, a mask is put on the dial. The mask has openings arranged to communicate with the apertures of the dial. Then, the apertures are filled, by electroplating, by pressing of an amorphous material or metal injection, so as to form trim members. Finally, the thickness of the filling material protruding from the mask is suppressed, and the mask is removed. [0003]Adisadvantage of this method is that it is difficult to configure trim members integrally formed with the dial, the dial being covered with a layer of different color to produce the desired color appearance. Another drawback is the limitation in the form of trim elements. For example, the process does not allow form trim members raised with respect to the dial, it is to say elements whose bottom face (the face opposite to the dial) is not integrally pressed against the dial, it is to say trim members comprising a head surmounting a narrower portion, the narrow portion being bonded to the dial. A further disadvantage is that the method it is difficult to configure trim members to heads textured, for example guilloche. A further disadvantage is that the method it is difficult to configure trim members formed of a non-metallic material. [0004] The aim of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the drawbacks discussed previously. [0005] To this end, according to a first embodiment, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a patch with a lining element, comprising the following steps: - Providing a electrically conductive substrate having an upper surface and a pattern forming a recess in said upper surface Depositing an electrically insulating layer - in the pattern, so that the insulating layer extends to the upper surface - Depositing a metal layer on the upper surface of the substrate by galvanic growth, so that at the conclusion of this step, the metal layer is based in part on the insulating layer - Dissolving the insulating layer - Covering a set comprising the substrate and the metal layer, by a volume of a base material of the workpiece, the volume forming a footprint of the assembly - Separate the volume and the metal layer, the substrate, the volume having then a cladding part form corresponding to the impression of the pattern. [0006] The method according to the first embodiment enables to produce a patch with a trim element in relief. Said panel is comprised of the portion of the volume filling the pattern at the end of the covering step, it is therefore impossible to disengage the trim part of the workpiece. Further, since the covering member is correspondingly shaped to the impression of the pattern, it is understood that the recess may take any form desired. Further, the covering member is of the color of the base material of the workpiece, cece.qui forms a contrast with the color of the metal layer disposed around the trim part. Finally, by print-through, the textures of the top surface and the bottom of the pattern is transferred onto the metal layer and the head of the casing element. [0007] According to a second embodiment, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a patch with a lining element, comprising the following steps: - Providing a electrically conductive substrate having an upper surface and a pattern forming a recess in said upper surface Depositing an electrically insulating layer - in the pattern, so that the insulating layer extends to the upper surface - Depositing a metallic intermediate layer on the upper surface of the substrate by galvanic growth, so that at the conclusion of this step, the intermediate layer is based in part on the insulating layer - Depositing a metal layer over the intermediate layer by galvanic growth - Dissolving the insulating layer - Covering an array comprising the substrate, the intermediate layer and the metal layer, by a volume of a base material of the workpiece, the volume forming a footprint of the assembly - Separate the volume, the intermediate layer and the metal layer, the substrate, the volume having then a cladding part form corresponding to the impression of the pattern - Dissolving the intermediate layer. [0008] The part formed by the method according to the second embodiment differs from the part formed by the method according to the first embodiment in that the covering element has a shoulder, it is to say an elevation, relative to the metal layer. In the second embodiment, the metal layer is bent around the casing element. Thus, the periphery of the underside of the trim element rests on the metal layer in the first embodiment, which is not the case in the second embodiment. All this gives different esthetic aspects for the two pieces. [0009] Further, the manufacturing process according to the first or second embodiment may include one or more of the following features, according to all the combinations technically possible. [0010] In one non-limiting embodiment, the method according to the first or the second embodiment comprises the following step: - Dissolving the metal layer. [0011] In one non-limiting embodiment, the method according to the first or the second embodiment includes the following step, performed before the step of depositing the insulating layer: - Machining the upper surface of the substrate so as to provide a texture, for example a guilloche. [0012] In one non-limiting embodiment of the method according to the first or the second embodiment, the pattern includes a base having a texture, for example a guilloche. [0013] In one non-limiting embodiment, the method according to the first or the second embodiment includes the following step, performed after the step of depositing the metal layer: - Machining the metal layer so as to reduce its thickness. [0014] In one non-limiting embodiment of the method according to the first or the second embodiment, the base material is an amorphous metal or a polymer, the covering step being performed by pressing a material block based on the set comprising the substrate and the metal layer. [0015] In one non-limiting embodiment of the method according to the first or the second embodiment, the base material is metallic, the covering step being performed by galvanic growth of the base material on the assembly comprising the substrate and the metal layer. [0016] In one non-limiting embodiment of the method according to the first or the second embodiment, the metal layer is made of gold, silver or nickel. [0017] In one non-limiting embodiment of the method according to the first or the second embodiment, the insulating layer is made of resin. [0018] Other features and advantages shall become apparent clearly is as made hereinafter, illustratively the least and limiting, reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: the Figure 1 a to 1 f are schematic representations of steps of a method of manufacturing a patch with a lining element, according to a first embodiment of the invention the Figure. 2a to 2f are schematic representations of steps of a method of manufacturing a patch with a lining element according to a second embodiment of the invention fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an optional additional step of the method according to the first or second embodiment of the invention. [0019] According to a first embodiment shown in fig. to. 1a to 1 F., the inventive method comprises the following steps. [0020] According to a step Md_Sub, shown in Figure. 1a, monomer is provided electrically conductive substrate SB, also called master in the middle of the molding. The substrate SB is advantageously made of brass, but may be made of another material, for example stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, a cermet composite, ceramic or a polymer made conductive (electrodeposition or plasma treatment for example), and so forth in addition, the patterned substrate SB MV hollow opening onto an upper surface of the substrate SB SPs. In one embodiment, the pattern of MT was obtained by machining the substrate SB. [0021] In the example of the fig.. 1a, the pattern MV has a bottom set top flat extending parallel to the top surface of the substrate SB SPs, TM and flanks extending substantially orthogonal to said bottom CD, but the shape is not limited. The flanks TM could be inclined with respect to the upper surface of the SP at an angle of less than 90 degrees, the bottom CD might not be quite parallel to the upper surface of the SP, andc. [0022] Note that the upper surface of the SP of the substrate SB and the bottom ST of the pattern MV have optionally been machined surface to create a special texture desired to give to the workpiece, for example a guilloche, as seen in Figure. 1a. [0023] According to a step Md_Cis, shown in Figure. 1b, an insulation layer is applied LC, advantageously a resin, MV in the pattern, to the level of the top surface of the SP, the depositing step Md_Cis is realized for example by baking a resin-viscosity form deposited in the pattern MV. In practice, if the insulating layer Cl is deposited to a thickness e causing the insulating layer LC beyond the upper surface of the substrate SB SPs, the excess is removed by surfacing. Optionally, the hardfacing also can provide or recreate a texture at the top surface of the SP. [0024] According to a step Md_Cga, shown in Figure. 1c, a metallic layer is deposited cm on the top surface of the SP (electrically conductive) of the substrate SB by galvanic growth. The substrate SB and the insulating layer of Cl are thus immersed in an electroplating bath adapted to the deposition of a metal such as gold, silver, nickel, or other metal or metal alloy can be deposited while relatively thick layer. Since the configuration of the insulating layer with respect to the IC substrate SB, the metal deposit increases not only orthogonally to the top surface of the SP, but also laterally, it is to say in the direction of the insulating layer of Cl. Upon completion of step Md_Cga, the metal layer cms thus has lateral ends EL rest on the insulating layer of Cl. [0025] As an optional step, the metal layer is machined centimeters to reduce its thickness e and/or structuring or polishing surface thereof. [0026] According to a step Md_Dis, shown in fig. 1 with d, the insulating layer is dissolved for Cl. Leaving more than one sets of ES formed the substrate SB and the metallic layer cms. [0027] As an optional step, a surface treatment is performed of the set is checked. This processing is for example the application of a release agent or a passivation treatment. The advantage of such a step appears in the following text. [0028] According to a step Md_Enr, shown in Figure. 1st, the assembly is covered by a volume VL stem and a base material of the component to be produced, so that the volume FV forms an imprint of the set is checked. In one embodiment, the base material is metal amorphous or partially amorphous, interesting for its mechanical properties. In another embodiment, the base material is a polymer. In these two cases, a block of metal amorphous or partially amorphous, or polymer, is pressed over the whole Es to a temperature at which it has a paste-like consistency, allowing it to deform to conform to the shapes of the set is checked, and especially those of the metal layer pattern cm and MV. In another embodiment, the base material is any other metal or metal alloy, for example nickel, gold, and the like, and the shroud is formed of said metal by galvanic growth. It is noted that at the conclusion of step Md_Enr, the volume VL of base material has a portion shaped to correspond to the EH of the impression of the pattern MV, and a narrow portion of Ba corresponding to the filling of the space between the lateral ends EL of the metal layer cms. [0029] According to a step Md_Dem, shown in Figure 1 F., is separated from the volume VL of base material and the metal layer cms, the substrate SB. For this purpose, the substrate SB is e.g. immersed in an acid bath selective within which it is dissolved. Alternately, the separation is performed by releasing force. Have previously carried out a surface treatment of the set is checked then allows to facilitate demolding. [0030] Upon completion of step Md_Dem, the volume VL of base material has a lining element in relief of the EH form corresponding to the impression of the pattern MV, a top face and a SF coated with the metallic layer cms. The metal layer cms extends on either side of the narrow portion of Ba, between the upper face a SF volume VL and a lower face of FF in the panel part of the EH. Note that the entire underside of FF of the trim element Eh is in contact with the metal layer cms: the underside of FF of the covering member is located on the extension of the upper surface of the metal layer cms. [0031] According to a second embodiment illustrated to Figure. 2a to 2nd, the inventive method comprises the steps Md_SubMd_Cis to previously described, followed by the following steps. [0032] According to a step MD1 ' _Gct, shown in Figure. 2a, an intermediate layer is deposited on the top surface metal CT-CS(metal) of the substrate SB by galvanic growth. The substrate SB and the insulating layer Cl and dipped in a bath suitable for the galvanic deposition of a metal such as nickel. Since the configuration of the insulating layer with respect to the IC substrate SB, the metal deposit increases not only orthogonally to the top surface of the SP, but also laterally, it is to say in the direction of the insulating layer of Cl. Upon completion of step Md_Gct, the intermediate layer a CT thus has lateral ends the EL " which rest on the insulating layer of Cl. [0033] According to a step MD1 ' _Cga, shown in Figure. 2b, a metallic layer is deposited cms' on the intermediate layer a CT (metal) by galvanic growth. The metal is e.g. gold or silver, but may be any other metal or metal alloy can be deposited while relatively thick layer. Upon completion of step MD1 ' _Cga, the metal layer cms' covers the intermediate layer a CT. The metal layer cms' thus has lateral ends the EL ' that cover the lateral ends the EL " a CT of the intermediate layer, and which rest on the insulating layer of Cl. [0034] As an optional step, the metal layer is machined cms' to reduce its thickness e ' and/or structuring or polishing surface thereof. [0035] According to a step MD1 ' _Dis, shown in Figure. 2c, the insulating layer is dissolved for Cl. Leaving more than one sets of ES' formed of the substrate SB, CT and of the intermediate layer of the metal layer cms '. [0036] As an optional step, a surface treatment is carried out in this assembly in ES '. This processing is for example the application of an oil or a passivation. The advantage of such a step appears in the following text. [0037] According to a step MD1 ' _Enr, shown in Figure. 2d, overlaid by assembly in ES' by a volume VLs' of a base material of the component to be produced, so that the volume FV forms an imprint of the set is checked. In one embodiment, the base material is amorphous metal, interesting for its mechanical properties. In another embodiment, the base material is a polymer. In these two cases, a block of amorphous or partially amorphous metal or polymer is pressed over the whole AE 'to a temperature at which it has a paste-like consistency, allowing it to deform to conform to the shapes of the assembly in ES', and in particular that of the MT-pattern. In another embodiment, the base material is any other metal, for example nickel, gold, and the like, and the shroud is formed of said metal by galvanic growth. It is noted that at the conclusion of step MD1 '_Enr, the volume VLs' base material has a portion of the EH' of a form corresponding to the impression of the pattern MV, and a narrow portion of Ba 'corresponding to the filling of the space between the lateral ends of EL' of the metal layer cms '. [0038] According to a step MD1 ' _Dem, shown in Figure. 2nd, is separated from the volume VLs' base material, the intermediate layer CT and the metal layer cms ', of the substrate SB. For this purpose, the substrate SB is e.g. immersed in an acid bath selective within which it is dissolved. Alternately, the separation is performed by releasing force. Have previously carried out a surface treatment of the assembly in ES' then allows to facilitate demolding. [0039] According to a step MD1 ' _Grf, shown in Figure. 2f, dissolving the intermediate layer a CT. The volume VLs' base material then has a trim element of the EH 'shaped raised pattern corresponding to the footprint of the MV, a top face and a SF' coated with the metallic layer cms '. The metal layer cms' extends on either side of the narrow portion of Ba, conforming to the curved shape of said narrow portion of Ba. Only a portion of the underside of FF in the panel part of the EH 'is in contact with the metal layer cms', contrary to what is the case in the first embodiment. [0040] The first and second embodiment thus permit manufacturing a part of the PC, the PC 'two-color having a lining element of the EH, the EH' relief, the color transition between the base material and the metal layer cms, cms' being clear. Naturally, the trim part of the EH, the EH 'cannot be disengaged from the remainder of the room the PC, the PC because it is a component of the volume FV, FV' base material. In addition, it recalls that the top surface of the substrate SB of the SP and the bottom ST of the pattern MV may have previously been machined surface to create a particular texture, e.g. a guilloche. In this case, by print-through, the metal layer cms, cms' and the head of the casing element of the EH, the EH ' also have such texture. [0041] Optionally, an optional step as shown in fig. additional Md_Dtt. 3, the metal layer is dissolved centimeters, cm in '. The narrow portion of Ba, the Ba ' is then visible from the outside, making it a different aesthetic appearance. [0042] The geometry of the covering part of the EH, the EH 'and the narrow portion of Ba, the Ba' depends on several parameters: The width L of the pattern - MV, shown in fig. 1 has The height H of the pattern - MV, shown in Figure. 1a The tilt has flanks - FC of MV pattern, shown in Figure. 1a - The width g, gm 'lateral ends the EL, the EL' of the metal layer cms, cms ', shown in Figures 1 c and 2c - The width g "lateral ends the EL" a CT of the intermediate layer, shown in the Figure. 2c - The thickness w, w 'EI said lateral ends, the EL' of the metal layer cms, cms '(which is equal to their width g, gm' unless the metal layer cms, cms' has been machined), shown in Figure. 1c and 2b The thickness e -, th 'of insulating layer LC, LC' deposited in step Md_Cis MD1 or ' _Cis, shown in Figures 1 b and 2b. [0043] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example but is susceptible to various variations and modifications apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts. The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a part (PC's) for timepieces with a trim element (the EH), comprising the following steps: providing a electrically conductive substrate having an upper surface and a pattern forming a recess in said upper surface; depositing an electrically insulating layer in the pattern, so that the insulating layer extends to the upper surface; depositing a metal layer on the (cms) upper surface of the substrate by galvanic growth, so that at the conclusion of this step, the metal layer (cms) is based in part on the insulating layer; dissolving the insulating layer; covering an array comprising the substrate and the metal layer (cms), by a volume of a base material of the workpiece (PC's), the volume forming a footprint of the assembly; separating (Md_Dem) the volume and the metal layer (cms), of the substrate, the volume having then a cladding part form corresponding to the impression of the pattern. 1. A method of manufacturing a part (PC's) with a trim element (the EH), comprising the following steps: - Providing a substrate (Md_Sub) (bs) electrically conducting polymer comprising a top surface and a pattern (CS) (MV) forming a recess in said upper surface (CS) (Md_Cis) - depositing an electrically insulating layer (LC) in the pattern (MV), so that the insulating layer (LC) extends to the top surface (CS) - Depositing a metal layer (Md_Cga) (cms) on the upper surface of the substrate (CS) (bs) by galvanic growth, so that at the conclusion of this step, the metal layer (cms) is based in part on the insulating layer (LC) (Md_Dis) - dissolving the insulating layer (LC) - Cover (Md_Enr) a set (AE) (bs) comprising the substrate and the metal layer (cms), by a volume (FV) of a base material of the workpiece (PC's), the volume (FV) forming a footprint of the set (AE) - Separate (Md_Dem) the volume (FV) and the metal layer (cms), the substrate (bs), the volume (FV) having then a trim element (the EH) of corresponding shape to the impression of the pattern (MV). 2. A method of manufacturing a part (PC's) with a trim element (the EH), comprising the following steps: - Providing a substrate (Md_Sub) (bs) electrically conducting polymer comprising a top surface and a pattern (CS) (MV) forming a recess in said upper surface (CS) (Md_Cis) - depositing an electrically insulating layer (LC) in the pattern (MV), so that the insulating layer (LC) extends to the top surface (CS) - (MD1 ' _Gct) depositing an intermediate layer (CT-) metal on the top surface of the substrate (CS) (bs) by galvanic growth, so that at the conclusion of this step, the intermediate layer (the CT) is based in part on the insulating layer (LC) - (MD1 '_Cga) depositing a metal layer (cms') on the intermediate layer by galvanic growth (CT-) - Dissolving (MD1 ' _Dis) the insulating layer (LC) - Cover (MD1 '_Enr) a set (in ES') comprising the substrate (bs), the intermediate layer (the CT) and the metal layer (cms '), by a volume (seen) of a base material of the part (the PC), the volume (seen) forming a footprint of the set (in ES') - Separate (MD1 '_Dem) the volume (seen), the intermediate layer (the CT) and the metal layer (cms'), the substrate (noun), the volume (FV) having then a trim element (the EH ') of corresponding shape to the impression of the pattern (MV) - Dissolving (MD1 ' JDis) the intermediate layer (the CT). 3. Manufacturing method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following step: (Md_Dtt) - dissolving the metal layer (cms, cms '). 4. Manufacturing method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following step, performed before the deposition step (Md_Cis) of the insulating layer (LC): - Machine the top surface of the substrate (CS) (bs) so as to provide a texture, for example a guilloche. 5. Manufacturing method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pattern (MV) has a bottom (CD) having a texture, for example a guilloche. 6. Manufacturing method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following step, performed after the step of depositing (Md_Cga, MD1 '_Cga) of the metal layer (cms, cms'): Machining the metal layer - (cms, cms ') so as to reduce its thickness (W, W'). 7. Manufacturing method according to any one of the preceding claims, whereby the base material is an amorphous metal or polymer, the overlaying step (Md_Enr, MD1 '_Enr) being performed by pressing a material block based on the set (AE, AE') (bs) comprising the substrate and the metal layer (cms, cms '). 8. The manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 6, the base material being metallic, the overlaying step (Md_Enr, MD1 '_Enr) being produced by galvanic growth of the base material on the set (AE, AE') (bs) comprising the substrate and the metal layer (cms, cms '). 9. The manufacturing method according to one of the preceding claims, the metal layer (cms, cms ') being made of gold, silver or nickel. 10. The manufacturing method according to one of the preceding claims, the insulating layer (LC) being made of a resin.Specification
Field of the invention
Background of the invention
Abstract of the invention
Summary description of the drawings
Detailed description of the preferred embodiments


