Temperature control for timepiece

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a temperature control device (100) for a timepiece (1000) comprising a first portion (1) that is light-transmissive, the first portion (1) defining, with an adjacent second portion (2), an intermediate chamber (9) of variable size depending on the temperature of the first portion (1); the first portion (1) comprising a first micrograting (10) based on a first spatial distribution, the second portion (2) comprising a second micrograting (20) based on a second spatial distribution and substantially facing the first micrograting (10), to partially or totally superimpose in certain relative positions between the first portion (1) and the second portion (2), so as to vary the transmission and / or reflection of incident light on the first portion (1) between a maximum amount and a minimum amount.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control device for a timepiece, comprising: a light-transmitting first portion; and a second portion adjacent to but separated from the first portion and together with the first portion defining an intermediate chamber having dimensions that can vary in the axial and / or radial directions depending on the temperature of the first portion.

[0002] The present invention also relates to timepieces, particularly watches, which include at least one such temperature control device.

[0003] This invention relates to the field of temperature control in timepieces (particularly watches) so that they can operate in environments with significant temperature fluctuations, or in environments with very high or very low temperatures, without significant rate changes, such environments being encountered particularly in scientific, aerospace, or space applications. Background Technology

[0004] The temperature inside a timepiece (especially a watch) has a direct impact on its operation. Operating clearances must be compatible with expansion phenomena within the operating thermal range. The rate of an oscillator, especially when mechanical oscillators are involved, is particularly affected by significant temperature differences, which is detrimental to applications or experiments relying on accurate and stable time estimations.

[0005] External insulation devices are bulky and uncomfortable for users.

[0006] Devices incorporated into the table (such as reflective mirrors) can make the display difficult to read, or even impossible to read. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention proposes to incorporate a device into a timepiece, particularly into a reduced volume consisting of a watch case, so that the temperature inside the timepiece can be better regulated.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention relates to a temperature control device for a timepiece, comprising: a light-transmitting first portion; and a second portion, the second portion defining an intermediate chamber with the first portion, the intermediate chamber having dimensions that can vary in an axial and / or radial direction depending on the temperature of the first portion, the first portion comprising a plurality of first microgrids based on a first spatial distribution, the second portion comprising a plurality of second microgrids based on a second spatial distribution, the first portion and the second portion having these first and second microgrids configured to move relative to each other, thereby changing the transmission and / or reflection of light on the first portion between a maximum and a minimum amount.

[0009] In other words, the temperature control device for the timepiece includes a light-transmitting first portion that, together with an adjacent second portion, defines an intermediate chamber (9) having a variable size depending on the temperature of the first portion; the first portion includes a first microgrid based on a first spatial distribution, and the second portion includes a second microgrid based on a second spatial distribution and substantially facing the first microgrid, to partially or completely overlap in certain relative positions between the first and second portions, so that the transmission and / or reflection of incident light on the first portion varies between a maximum and a minimum amount.

[0010] In other embodiments:

[0011] - The first microgrid and the second microgrid are arranged to partially or completely overlap at certain relative positions of the first portion relative to the second portion, so that the transmission and / or reflection of incident light on the first portion varies between a maximum and a minimum amount;

[0012] - The first part can move relative to the second part in the axial and / or radial directions depending on the temperature of the first part;

[0013] - The first part has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, which is different from the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the second part;

[0014] - The first part or the second part is mounted on the third part, the third part having a third coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the first part and / or different from the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the second part;

[0015] - The first spatial distribution and the second spatial distribution are similar or identical;

[0016] - The first microgrid is located on the lower surface of the first portion, in the intermediate chamber;

[0017] - The second microgrid is located on the upper surface of the second portion, in the intermediate chamber;

[0018] - The first microgrid and / or the second microgrid includes a reflective coating;

[0019] - The dimensions of the first spatial distribution and the second spatial distribution, as well as the first portion and the second portion, are adjusted to maximize reflection at the highest temperature and maximize transmission at the lowest temperature;

[0020] - The first part includes at least one coated and / or structured first reflective portion, the coated and / or structured first reflective portion being arranged to reflect light that is inclined relative to the axial direction of the timepiece and allows light to pass through in that axial direction;

[0021] - At least one of the first reflective portions includes a prismatic structure protruding on the first portion, the prismatic structure being arranged based on the first spatial distribution and each including a reflective coating;

[0022] - For better wear resistance, at least one of the first reflective portions includes a reflective structure embedded in the thickness of the first portion, the reflective structure being arranged based on the first spatial distribution and each including a reflective coating;

[0023] - The first part is a protective cover, and the second part is a watch crystal.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a timepiece, particularly a watch, which includes at least one such temperature control device. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following detailed description, wherein:

[0026] - Figure 1 The first part, which serves as a protective cover, is shown schematically and in a cross-section of a timepiece consisting of a watch face, above the second part, which serves as the watch face; arrow A indicates the activity by axial expansion, while arrow R corresponds to the activity by radial expansion; the operating part of the watch, not shown, is below the second part, that is, on the side opposite to the first part.

[0027] - Figures 2 to 5 With similar Figure 1 The diagram illustrates partial details of the relative positioning of microgrids comprising a first portion and a second portion, respectively, wherein the first microgrid is based on a first spatial distribution and the second microgrid is based on a second spatial distribution, the microgrids constituting a temperature control device according to the invention, and the microgrids are arranged to partially or completely overlap in certain relative positions of the first portion relative to the second portion, so that the transmission and / or reflection of incident light on the first portion varies between a maximum and a minimum, and thus changes or stabilizes the temperature within the timepiece;

[0028] - Figure 2 and Figure 4 Temperatures that correspond to temperatures below the optimal temperature;

[0029] - and Figure 3 and Figure 5 Temperatures that correspond to temperatures below the optimal temperature;

[0030] - from Figure 2 Location to Figure 3 The transition in position corresponds to a relative axial movement in the axial direction (from) Figure 3 Orientation Figure 2 Move away, or move closer in the opposite case);

[0031] - and from Figure 4 Location to Figure 5 The transition of position corresponds to a relative radial movement in the direction R;

[0032] - Figure 6 With similar Figure 1 The method shown is a variation in which the first part includes at least one coated and / or structured first reflective portion arranged to return light that is tilted relative to the axial direction of the timepiece and allows light to pass through in that axial direction;

[0033] - Figure 7 With similar Figure 6 The method shown is a variation in which such a first reflective portion includes prismatic structures protruding on the first portion, the prismatic structures being arranged based on a first spatial distribution and each including a reflective coating; the most oblique rays visible on the right side of the figure are reflected out of the user's field of vision, while those rays within the user's field of vision are transmitted toward the display of the watch, allowing the user to read the time or other markings displayed on the watch;

[0034] - Figure 8 With similar Figure 6 The method illustrates a variation in which, for better abrasion resistance, such a first reflective portion includes reflective structures embedded in the thickness of the first portion, the reflective structures being arranged based on a first spatial distribution and each including a reflective coating;

[0035] - Figure 9 A timepiece, here a watch, is schematically shown, which includes such a temperature control device. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention relates to a temperature control device 100 for a timepiece 1000, comprising a light-transmitting first portion 1 and a second portion 2, the second portion 2 being adjacent to but separated from the first portion 1 and defining an intermediate chamber 9 together with the first portion 1. The intermediate chamber 9 has dimensions that can vary in the axial direction A and / or the radial direction R depending on the temperature of the first portion 1.

[0037] This invention utilizes microgrids to ensure temperature control in the meter, thereby ensuring the regularity of the rate when it involves a mechanical or electromechanical meter. Each microgrid, also referred to as a "microgrid structure" or "microgrid structured element," is formed in a first or second portion. The microgrid can alter the angle of incidence, reflection, and / or refraction of incident light on the first portion. The microgrid may have refractory characteristics or features that alter the direction of light passing through or reflected on the microgrid.

[0038] According to the invention, a first portion 1 includes a plurality of first microgrids 10 based on a first spatial distribution, and a second portion 2 includes a plurality of second microgrids 20 based on a second spatial distribution and substantially facing the first microgrids 10. The first microgrids 10 and the second microgrids 20 are arranged to partially or completely overlap in certain relative positions of the first portion 1 relative to the second portion 2, so that the transmission and / or reflection of incident light on the first portion varies between a maximum and a minimum. Each portion thus carries a specific spatial distribution of microgrids, which are therefore overlapped based on the position of the first portion 1 relative to the second portion 2 for minimum and maximum transmission / reflection. Therefore, this arrangement allows the temperature within the timepiece to be varied or stabilized according to the relative positions of the microgrids.

[0039] If any part has a different coefficient of thermal expansion than another part, or if one part is mounted on a third part having a different coefficient of thermal expansion, then movement under temperature is possible.

[0040] More specifically, the first part 1 has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, which is different from the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the second part 2.

[0041] More specifically, the first part 1 or the second part 2 is mounted on the third part, which has a third coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the first part 1 and / or different from the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the second part 2. Even more specifically, the third coefficient of thermal expansion is different from both the first and second coefficients of thermal expansion.

[0042] More specifically, the first spatial distribution and the second spatial distribution are homothetic or identical.

[0043] More specifically, the first microgrid 10 is located on the lower surface 19 of the first part 1, in the intermediate chamber 9.

[0044] More specifically, the second microgrid 20 is located on the upper surface 29 of the second part 2, at the intermediate chamber 9.

[0045] More specifically, the first microgrid 10 and / or the second microgrid 20 include a reflective coating.

[0046] More specifically, for good thermal control, the dimensions of the first spatial distribution and the second spatial distribution, as well as the first part 1 and the second part 2, are adjusted to maximize reflection at the highest temperature and maximize transmission at the lowest temperature.

[0047] Figure 1 The first part 1, which is a protective cover, is shown schematically and in cross-section above the second part 2, and the second part 2 is the watch crystal; arrow A indicates the movement by axial expansion, while arrow R corresponds to the movement by radial expansion.

[0048] Figures 2 to 5 Partial details of the relative positioning of microgrids 10 and 20, which respectively include a first part 1 and a second part 2, are shown. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The temperature corresponds to a temperature below the optimal temperature; and Figure 3 and Figure 5 This corresponds to a temperature below the optimal temperature. From Figure 2 Location to Figure 3 The transition in position corresponds to a relative axial movement in the axial direction A (from Figure 3 Orientation Figure 2 Move away, or in the opposite case, move closer together, and from Figure 4 Location to Figure 5 The transition in position corresponds to a relative radial movement in the direction R. For example, the first microgrid 10 forming the reflective layer of the first part 1 is made of aluminum oxynitride (ALON) with an optical transparency greater than 85% in the wavelength range from 250 nm to 4000 nm (from the near-ultraviolet spectrum to the infrared band), while the second microgrid 20, which has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion, is made of "Hexalite" or a similar material.

[0049] Therefore, it is advantageous to utilize the thermal expansion coefficients of various components (here, glass) to align the spatial distribution of the microgrid, thereby regulating the radiative flow reaching the surface of the table and thus regulating the thermal load on the table.

[0050] More specifically, such as Figure 6 As can be seen, the first part 1 includes at least one coated and / or structured first reflective portion 11 arranged to reflect light that is inclined relative to the axial direction of the timepiece 1000 and allows light to pass through in that axial direction.

[0051] Such as Figure 7The table, in which the spatial distribution may include irregularities to utilize specific behavior depending on the incident rate, wherein at least one such first reflective portion 11 includes a prismatic structure 4 protruding from the first portion 1, the prismatic structure 4 being arranged based on the first spatial distribution and each including a reflective coating 41. The most oblique rays, visible on the right side of the figure, are reflected out of the user's field of vision, while those rays within their field of vision are transmitted toward the display of the table, allowing the user to read the time or other markings displayed on the table.

[0052] More specifically, such as Figure 8 As can be seen and based on Figure 7 Similarly, for better wear resistance, at least one such first reflective portion 11 includes a reflective structure 5 embedded in the thickness of the first portion 1, the reflective structure 5 being arranged based on a first spatial distribution and each including a reflective coating 51.

[0053] In a variant not shown, the timepiece 1000 includes at least one internal temperature sensor and an internal control device for comparing the measured temperature with a setpoint temperature and controlling actuators (e.g., piezoelectric actuators) to move the first portion 1 and / or the second portion 2 in the axial direction A and / or the radial direction R.

[0054] More specifically, part 1 is a protective cover and part 2 is the watch crystal. Naturally, other parts of the watch can be fitted with micro-grids on two adjacent parts of the watch, such as the bezel, retaining ring, dial, movement parts, or others.

[0055] It should be understood that this invention enables the use of light, i.e., the transfer of heat (particularly through reflection), and the lookup table display (particularly the reading time). Until now, there has been no differentiation in the spectrum. It is a fact to consider that optically closing a table in a hot state would render its display unreadable. However, it is possible to utilize coatings, for example, that transmit visible light and reflect other bands such as infrared. In particular, thermal mirrors enable the transmission of ultraviolet light or certain frequencies of the visible spectrum. For example, thermal mirrors are known to have high transmittance in the 400-690 nm band and high reflectance in the 750-1125 nm band; or also transmit 85% of visible light and reflect near-infrared light and at least 90% of infrared light; or also transmit 80% of visible light and 80% of ultraviolet light and reflect 70% of infrared light.

[0056] These arrangements allow the microgrid to be transparent to the visible spectrum, enabling users to read the time, even when the microgrid is closed.

[0057] The present invention also relates to a timepiece 1000 comprising at least one such temperature control device 100. More particularly, the timepiece 1000 is a watch.

Claims

1. A temperature control device (100) for a timepiece (1000), comprising: The first part that is translucent (1); The second part (2), together with the first part (1), defines an intermediate chamber (9), the intermediate chamber (9) having dimensions that can vary in the axial and / or radial directions depending on the temperature of the first part (1), characterized in that the first part (1) comprises a plurality of first microgrids (10) based on a first spatial distribution, and wherein the second part (2) comprises a plurality of second microgrids (20) based on a second spatial distribution, the first part and the second part having these first microgrids (10) and second microgrids (20) are configured to move relative to each other, thereby changing the transmission and / or reflection of light on the first part (1) between a maximum and a minimum amount, wherein the first part (1) is capable of moving relative to the second part in the axial and / or radial directions depending on the temperature of the first part (1).

2. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first microgrid (10) and the second microgrid (20) are arranged to partially or completely overlap in a specific relative position of the first portion (1) relative to the second portion (2) so that the transmission and / or reflection of incident light on the first portion (1) varies between a maximum and a minimum amount.

3. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first part (1) has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, which is different from the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the second part (2).

4. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first part (1) or the second part (2) is mounted on the third part, the third part having a third coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the first part (1) and / or different from the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the second part (2).

5. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first spatial distribution and the second spatial distribution are similar or identical.

6. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first microgrid (10) is located on the lower surface (19) of the first portion (1), in the intermediate chamber (9).

7. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second microgrid (20) is located on the upper surface (29) of the second part (2), in the intermediate chamber (9).

8. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first microgrid (10) and / or the second microgrid (20) include a microgrid reflective coating.

9. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The dimensions of the first spatial distribution and the second spatial distribution, as well as the first part (1) and the second part (2), are adjusted to maximize reflection at the highest temperature and maximize transmission at the lowest temperature.

10. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first part (1) includes at least one coated and / or structured first reflective portion (11) arranged to return light rays that are inclined relative to the axial direction of the timepiece (1000) and allow light rays to pass through in the axial direction.

11. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, At least one of the first reflective portions (11) includes a prismatic structure (4) protruding on the first portion (1), the prismatic structure (4) being arranged based on the first spatial distribution and each including a prismatic structure reflective coating (41).

12. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, For better wear resistance, at least one of the first reflective portions (11) includes a reflective structure (5) embedded in the thickness of the first portion (1), the reflective structure (5) being arranged based on the first spatial distribution and each including a reflective structure reflective coating (51).

13. The temperature control device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first part (1) is a protective cover, and the second part (2) is a watch crystal.

14. A timepiece (1000) comprising at least one temperature control device (100) according to any one of claims 1-13.

15. The timepiece (1000) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The timepiece (1000) is a watch.

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