The present disclosure relates to a timepiece component and a timepiece.
There may be a case where, in order to enhance an appearance of a timepiece component, a pattern is formed on a front surface of the timepiece component. A timepiece component that has a front surface on which a boxwood pattern is formed is disclosed in JP-A-2003-72293. The boxwood pattern can be obtained by forming a plurality of circular patterns in a state where the plurality of circular patterns partially overlap with each other. As a result, the timepiece component exhibits an external appearance where the plurality of circular patterns are arranged. The circular patterns are formed by cutting grooves.
The boxwood pattern is formed by forming shallow cut lines on a front surface of a base material and hence, a viewer receives a planar impression. In order to provide a timepiece component having higher design property, there has been a demand for a timepiece component having a pattern, on a front surface thereof, that can impart a stereoscopic impression to clients.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a timepiece component comprising a base material on which a first groove, a second groove, and a flat portion are formed along a first direction, wherein
A timepiece includes the timepiece component described above.
The timepiece component includes the base material in which the first groove extending in the first direction is formed, in the first direction, the first wide width portion and the first narrow width portion are alternately provided in the first groove, the width of the first wide width portion is wider than the width of the first narrow width portion, the depth of the first wide width portion is deeper than the depth of the first narrow width portion, in cross section as viewed in the first direction, a cross-sectional shape of the first wide width portion and a cross-sectional shape of the first narrow width portion are formed in an arcuate shape having the same curvature.
The timepiece includes the timepiece component described above.
In the present embodiment, a typical example of a timepiece is described with reference to drawings. As shown in
The main plate 3 and the train wheel bridge 4 are fixed to each other by screws via a support member not illustrated in the drawing. The main plate 3 and the train wheel bridge 4 are disposed with a predetermined distance therebetween. A train wheel 7 constituted of a plurality of gears 6 is disposed between the main plate 3 and the train wheel bridge 4. A barrel drum 8 is mounted on the main plate 3 in a rotatable manner by a screw. The barrel drum 8 is provided with a mainspring and supplies power for rotating the gears 6 of the train wheel 7 to the train wheel 7. The main plate 3 and the train wheel bridge 4 are respectively provided with bearings 9 for the gears 6.
As illustrated in
Next, the pattern formed on the train wheel bridge 4 is described. In
The first grooves 12, the second grooves 13, and a flat portion 16 that each extend in a first direction 15 are formed on the base material 14. The first grooves 12 and the second grooves 13 are recessed in a cross-sectional direction with respect to the flat portion 16. To be more specific, the first grooves 12 and the second grooves 13 are arcuate grooves. With such a configuration, a linear pattern is formed on the base material 14 when the base material 14 is viewed obliquely.
As illustrated in
In
In the second direction 17, the first wide width portions 18 and the second narrow width portions 22 are alternately provided. In the second direction 17, the first narrow width portions 19 and the second wide width portions 21 are alternately provided.
As viewed in plan view of the base material 14, the flat portion 16 is recessed in the first wide width portion 18. In the first narrow width portion 19, the flat portion 16 protrudes toward a first groove 12 side. In the second wide width portion 21, the flat portion 16 is recessed. In the second narrow portion 22, the flat portion 16 protrudes toward a second groove 13 side.
The contour of the first groove 12 and the contour of the second groove 13 in contact with the flat portion 16 are respectively formed of a plurality of continuous arcs.
As viewed in plan view of the base material 14, the flat portion 16 has wide width regions and narrow width regions with respect to a width in the second direction 17. In a region where the first wide width portions 18 and the second narrow width portion 22 are aligned in the second direction 17, a width of the flat portion 16 is assumed as a first width 16a. A width of the flat portion 16 in the second direction 17 between the first wide width portion 18 and the first narrow width portion 19 is assumed as a second width 16b. The first width 16a is wider than the second width 16b. According to such a configuration, the flat portion 16 has regions where a width in the second direction 17 is wide and regions where a width in the second direction 17 is narrow. Accordingly, compared to a case where the flat portion 16 is formed in a shape of a line having the same width, the shape of the flat portion 16 is rich in variety and hence, an aesthetic appearance of the base material 14 can be enhanced.
The depth of the first groove 12 in the deepest region in the first wide width portion 18 is assumed as a first deep portion depth 23. The depth of the first groove 12 in the shallowest region in the first narrow width portion 19 is assumed as a second deep portion depth 24. The first deep portion depth 23 is equal to or less than 0.5 mm and is deeper than the second deep portion depth 24. The second deep portion depth 24 is shallower than the first deep portion depth 23, and is equal to or more than 0.05 mm. Accordingly, the depth of the first groove 12 is in a range of from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. Here, in order to further strengthen the stereoscopic impression by making the flat portion conspicuous, it is preferable that the depth of the first grooves 12 be in a range of from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Further, in order to decrease a thickness of the timepiece component, it is preferable that the depth of the first groove 12 be in a range of from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm. With such a configuration, the timepiece component can be light-weighted. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress deformation or breaking of the timepiece component against an impact that the timepiece component receives when the timepiece falls, for example.
The depth of the second groove 13 in the deepest region in the second wide width portion 21 is assumed as a third deep portion depth 25. The depth of the second groove 13 in the shallowest region in the second narrow width portion 22 is assumed as a fourth deep portion depth 26. The third deep portion depth 25 is equal to or less than 0.5 mm and is deeper than the fourth deep portion depth 26. The fourth deep portion depth 26 is shallower than the third deep portion depth 25, and is equal to or more than 0.05 mm. Accordingly, the depth of the second groove 13 is in a range of from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. Here, in order to further strengthen the stereoscopic impression by making the flat portion conspicuous, it is preferable that the depth of the second grooves 13 be in a range of from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Further, in order to decrease the thickness of the timepiece component, it is preferable that the depth of the second groove 13 be in a range of from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm. With such a configuration, the timepiece component can be light-weighted. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress deformation or breaking of the timepiece component against an impact that the timepiece component receives when the timepiece falls, for example.
With such a configuration, the first grooves 12 and the second grooves 13 are formed in a flat surface of the base material 14. In the first groove 12, the first wide width portions 18 where the groove width is wide and the groove depth is deep and the first narrow width portions 19 where the groove width is narrow and the groove width is shallow are alternately disposed. In the second groove 13, the second wide width portions 21 where the groove width is wide and the groove depth is deep and the second narrow width portions 22 where the groove width is narrow and the groove depth is shallow are alternately disposed. Accordingly, regions where the groove depth is deep and regions where the groove depth is shallow are alternately disposed in the first direction 15.
Also in the second direction 17, the first wide width portions 18 where the groove width is wide and the groove depth is deep and the second narrow width portions 22 where the groove width is narrow and the groove depth is shallow are alternately disposed.
The second wide width portions 21 where the groove width is wide and the groove depth is deep and the first narrow width portions 19 where the groove width is narrow and the groove depth is shallow are alternately disposed. Accordingly, regions where the groove depth is deep and regions where the groove depth is shallow are alternately disposed both in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction.
In the regions of both the first grooves 12 and the second grooves 13 where the groove depth is shallow, the flat portion 16 protrudes toward the groove side, and in the regions where the groove depth is deep, the groove protrudes toward the flat portion 16 side. A creative design of the base material 14 that provides a shape having unevenness and a change in groove depth, as viewed in plan view, imparts a stereoscopic impression to the front surface of the base material 14.
The depths of the first grooves 12 and the second grooves 13 are in a range of from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. With such a configuration, the depths of the first grooves 12 and the second grooves 13 are equal to or more than 0.05 mm. Accordingly, compared to the boxwood pattern formed of cutting marks having a depth of approximately 5 μm, the base material 14 has deeper grooves and hence, it is possible to impart a stereoscopic impression to the front surface of the base material 14. The depths of the grooves are equal to or less than 0.5 mm and hence, it is possible to suppress the increase of the thickness of the base material 14.
In cross section as viewed in the first direction 15, the cross-sectional shape of the first wide width portion 18 and the cross-sectional shapes of the first narrow width portion 19, the second wide width portion 21, and the second narrow width portion 22 are arcs having the same curvature. The curvature of each cross-sectional shape may have an error corresponding to 20% or less of the radius 27. With such a configuration, by changing a cutting depth in cutting the base material 14 using the same ball end mill, the first wide width portions 18, the first narrow width portions 19, the second wide width portions 21, and the second narrow width portions 22 can be easily formed.
A surface of the first groove 12 and a surface of the second groove 13 may be a satin-finished surface, and a surface of the flat portion 16 may be a mirror surface. The satin-finished surface is a surface on which fine concave and convex portions are formed. The satin-finished surface absorbs light, and the satin-finished surface also irregularly reflects light reflected on the satin-finished surface and hence, even when the satin-finished surface is irradiated with light, the satin-finished surface appears dark. With such a configuration, a contrast difference can be generated in brightness between the first grooves 12 and the second grooves 13 and the flat portions 16. Accordingly, the contrast in brightness of the train wheel bridge 4 is rich in variety and hence, it is possible to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the timepiece component.
The front surface of the base material 14 may be plated. Here, the kind of plating is not particularly limited. Plating such as nickel plating, gold plating, silver plating, blue plating, black plating, or the like may be applied to the base material 14. With such a configuration, the train wheel bridge 4 can change its color tone from a color of the base material 14 and hence, it is possible to increase variation of the color tone of the train wheel bridge 4.
The timepiece 1 includes the train wheel bridge 4. With such a configuration, it is possible to impart a stereoscopic impression to a front surface of the above-mentioned train wheel bridge 4. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the timepiece 1 including the train wheel bridge 4 that can impart the stereoscopic impression to the front surface thereof.
Next, a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned train wheel bridge 4 will be described with reference to
Step S3 is a blanking step. This step is a step of forming an outer shape of the train wheel bridge 4. In addition, holes for installing the bearings 9 and holes for installing the screwsll are formed in the train wheel bridge 4. A blanking press machine is used as a machine for forming the outer shape and the holes. Next, the processing advances to step S4. Step S4 is a polishing step. This step is a step of forming the surfaces of the flat portions 16 into a mirror surface. The first grooves 12 and the second grooves 13 are masked with a resin material. Next, the base material 14 is buffed. In the buffing, a disc-shaped polishing tool referred to as a buff is coated with a polishing agent, and the buff is pressed to the front surface of the base material 14 while rotating the buff at a high speed. Once the surfaces of the flat portions 16 are finished to be the mirror surface, the mask of the resin is removed. Next, the processing advances to step S5.
Step S5 is a plating step. This step is a step of applying plating to the base material 14. As the plating, electroplating or electroless plating is performed. Due to the above-mentioned steps, the forming of the base material 14 into the train wheel bridge 4 is finished. Then, the train wheel bridge 4 is completed by assembling the bearings 9 to the base material 14.
Next, the patterning step that is step S1 will be described in detail with reference to
In addition, the machining center 28 includes a blade tool rotating unit 34 that is configured to clamp and rotate a ball end mill 33 that is a kind of a blade tool. The Z axis table 32 is configured to move the ball end mill 33 in the Z axis direction. In addition, the machining center 28 includes a control unit 35. The control unit 35 is configured to control the movement speed and the movement amount of the Y axis table 29, the X axis table 31, and the Z axis table 32. Further, the control unit 35 is configured to control a rotational speed of the ball end mill 33. The X axis table 31 includes a vacuum chuck, and the base material 14 is suctioned and fixed to the X axis table 31. The X axis table 31 is configured to move the base material 14 in the X axis direction. The Y axis table 29 is configured to move the base material 14 in the Y axis direction.
As illustrated in
The ball end mill 33 advances while cutting the base material 14. As a result, the ball end mill 33 forms one first groove 12. Next, the control unit 35 drives the Y axis table 29. The Y axis table 29 causes the base material 14 to advance by a predetermined distance in the Y axis direction relative to the ball end mill 33. The predetermined distance is a distance between the center of the first groove 12 and the center of the second groove 13 in the X axis direction.
The ball end mill 33 advances while cutting the base material 14 in the same procedure when the first groove 12 is formed. As a result, the ball end mill 33 forms one second groove 13.
The movement of the base material 14 with respect to the ball end mill 33 by the Y axis table 29 and the formation of the grooves are repeatedly performed. As a result, the plurality of first grooves 12 and the plurality of second grooves 13 are formed in the base material 14 such that the plurality of first grooves 12 and the plurality of second grooves 13 are arranged alternately in the Y axis direction. With such processing, step S1 is finished.
As illustrated in
In the above-mentioned first embodiment, first grooves 12 and second grooves 13 are alternately arranged in a Y axis direction. The present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, only the first groove 12 may be formed in a base material 14.
As illustrated in
As viewed in plan view of the base material 14, the first groove 12 protrudes toward a flat portion 16 side in the first wide width portion 18. As viewed in plan view of the base material 14, the first groove 12 is recessed in the first narrow width portion 19. The contour of the first groove 12 in contact with the flat portion 16 is smoothly curved.
With such a configuration, the first groove 12 is formed in the base material 14. In the first groove 12, the first wide width portions 18 where a groove width is wide and a groove depth is deep and the first narrow width portion 19 where the groove width is narrow and the groove width is shallow are alternately disposed. Accordingly, regions where the groove depth is deep and a region where the groove depth is shallow are alternately disposed in the first direction 15.
In cross section as viewed in the first direction 15, the cross-sectional shape of the first wide width portion 18 and the cross-sectional shape of the first narrow width portion 19 are arcs having the same curvature. Accordingly, the base material 14 has a shape having unevenness and is formed to have a change in groove depth as viewed in plan view and hence, it is possible to impart a stereoscopic impression to the front surface of the base material 14.
The timepiece 41 includes a train wheel bridge 43. With such a configuration, it is possible to impart a stereoscopic impression to a front surface of the train wheel bridge 43. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the timepiece 41 including the train wheel bridge 43 that can impart the stereoscopic impression to the front surface thereof.
In the first embodiment, the description has been made by taking a case where the first grooves 12 and the second grooves 13 are formed in the train wheel bridge 4 as an example. In addition, the first groove 12 and the second groove 13 may also be formed in a decorative plate and the like that are disposed on a rotary weight and the dial 5. In addition, the first groove 12 and the second groove 13 may be formed in the dial 5, a case, a band, the barrel drum, and the like. With such a configuration, it is possible to impart a stereoscopic impression to surfaces of the respective members.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2021-041087 | Mar 2021 | JP | national |
The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Ser. No. 2021-041087, filed Mar. 15, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.