Ornament, in particular comprising ornament module for watch

Abstract

The invention relates to an ornament (1.1, 12, 13, 14), in particular a wristwatch or pocket watch, comprising:-a first volume (V1) and a second volume (V2), together forming a sealed volume (V0); -a fluid (8) at least partially filling the first volume (V1) and the second volume (V2); -a solid element (11) movable in suspension in the fluid and freely movable throughout and only within the first volume, the solid element being visible from outside of the ornament,-at least one wall (9) permeable to the fluid at the junction between the first volume and the second volume; -at least one region defining a pattern; -a flow initiator capable of inducing a flow, driving the fluid through the permeable wall in the direction of the region, so that the solid elements are arranged in the pattern; and-control means (12, 13, 14) of the flow initiators. The invention also relates to a decorative module (1.1) for such a timepiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ornament, such as a clock or jewelry, which generally includes a decorative module and produces an optical effect. Background Art

[0002] For example, the prior art of DE 8701203 U1 includes a watch in which the dial can be seen through the glass, and the glass contains a liquid with suspended particles. This glass adds an attractive feature to the watch.

[0003] Patent EP 3 414 108 B1 describes an improved version of such a watch glass and proposes a decorative module in which the suspended particles flow in the form of a concave pattern, which is typically etched in the lower glass and covered by the upper glass. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, beads are included in the pattern, in which case the pattern is always visible. In another embodiment of the present invention, the beads can enter and leave the pattern. In this case, once the dial is oriented with the channels facing downwards, the beads fall into the channels under the action of gravity, and the pattern will immediately appear. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention includes providing an ornament of this type that offers greater freedom in terms of the appearance of the pattern, typically an ornament whose pattern appearance does not necessarily depend on gravity.

[0005] To this end, the present invention proposes an ornament, comprising:

[0006] - a first volume and a second volume, jointly forming a sealed volume;

[0007] - a fluid that at least partially fills the first volume and the second volume;

[0008] - a solid element that can be suspended and move in the fluid and can move freely within and only within the first volume, and the solid element is visible from the outside of the ornament;

[0009] - at least one wall that is permeable to the fluid at the junction between the first volume and the second volume;

[0010] - at least one region defining a pattern;

[0011] - a flow initiator that can cause a flow and drive the fluid to pass through the permeable wall in the direction of the region, so that the solid element is arranged according to the pattern; and

[0012] - a control device for the flow initiator.

[0013] As the name implies, the control device can control the flow initiator. The control device is capable of triggering the arrangement of the flow, thereby triggering the arrangement of the pattern.

[0014] Depending on the control device used, the arrangement of the flow and the pattern can be triggered randomly, automatically (programmatically), or on request. Thus, the ornament according to the invention can display a pattern randomly, automatically, or on request by means of movable solid elements such as beads. Thus, the triggering of the display can be independent of gravity.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flow initiator comprises a movable member. It is the movement of the movable member that causes the flow.

[0016] The movable member can generally translate or rotate. For example, the movable member can be a piston, an impeller, or a set of impellers.

[0017] Advantageously, the area defining the pattern is arranged within the first volume or at the junction between the first volume and the second volume.

[0018] The area defining the pattern is generally the permeable wall. In this case, the pattern of the area is preferably defined by the arrangement and / or dimensions of the through-holes (holes, channels, etc.) of the permeable wall. In certain versions of the ornament according to the invention, the area defining the pattern is formed using a device comprising at least two superimposed permeable walls. Thus, a relative movement of one permeable wall with respect to the other permeable wall can be provided to change the position and / or dimensions (cross-section, e.g. diameter) of the holes, and thus change the pattern.

[0019] When the pattern of the area defining the pattern is defined by the arrangement and / or dimensions of the through-holes, the ornament according to the invention can comprise a channel for receiving solid elements, the channel being arranged as an extension of the through-holes such that the flow initiator causes a flow to push the solid elements in the channel at a speed depending on the different through-hole sizes.

[0020] When the area defining the pattern is arranged within the first volume, the area is generally the surface of the permeable wall located within the first volume. The area can also be another surface defining the first volume. In both cases, the surface is preferably relief.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the ornament according to the invention comprises two regions, each defining a different pattern, each of said regions corresponding to a different surface arranged within the first volume, and the flow initiator being able to cause a flow, driving the fluid through the permeable wall in the direction of the first of said regions, such that the solid elements are arranged according to the first pattern, or to cause a flow, driving the fluid through the permeable wall in the direction of the second of said regions, such that the solid elements are arranged according to the second pattern.

[0022] In a particular embodiment, the ornament according to the invention further comprises at least one second permeable wall (in addition to the (one or more) permeable walls defined above), said second permeable wall also being located at the junction between the first volume and the second volume. This second wall allows the fluid to flow from one of said volumes to the other in a direction opposite to the direction through the at least one permeable wall. Thereby, this improves the arrangement of the solid elements in the pattern.

[0023] Advantageously, the flow initiator is also able to cause a flow, driving the fluid through the at least one permeable wall in the direction of the region defining the pattern, a direction opposite to the direction allowing the solid elements to be arranged according to said pattern. Thus, this generally allows the pattern to be "destroyed".

[0024] In a particularly advantageous manner, the density of the solid elements is substantially equal to the density of the fluid. This has the advantage of at least partially eliminating the direct influence of gravity on the solid elements. The density of the fluid typically differs from the density of the solid elements by at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, and even more preferably at most 2%.

[0025] The ornament according to the invention is preferably a clock, such as a pocket watch or a wristwatch.

[0026] Said clock generally comprises:

[0027] - a decoration module, comprising:

[0028] o a first volume and a second volume, jointly forming a sealed volume;

[0029] o a fluid, at least partially filling the first volume and the second volume;

[0030] o solid elements, capable of floating and moving in the fluid and being able to move freely throughout and only within the first volume, said solid elements being visible from the outside of the clock;

[0031] o at least one wall, permeable to the fluid at the junction between the first volume and the second volume;

[0032] o at least one region defining a pattern; and

[0033] o A flow inducer that can cause a flow and drive a fluid to pass through the permeable wall in the direction of the region, so that the solid elements are arranged according to the pattern;

[0034] And

[0035] - A control device for the flow inducer.

[0036] The control device is usually located outside the sealed volume of the decorative module and mechanically or magnetically controls the flow inducer as needed, especially the movable member of the flow inducer. The movable member is preferably driven magnetically, which limits the stress on the sealing tightness between the control device and the movable member.

[0037] The decorative module generally includes:

[0038] - An upper glass, a lower glass and an annular frame that define a sealed volume;

[0039] - A partition, at least a part of which corresponds to the permeable wall, is arranged between the upper glass and the lower glass and is fixed relative to the glass. The partition defines a first volume on one side and a second volume on the other side; and

[0040] - A piston, which is arranged between the wall and one of the upper glass and the lower glass and constitutes the movable member. The volume containing the piston corresponds to the second volume.

[0041] Within the scope of the present invention, the term "glass" should be understood as any sheet made of a material that is at least partially transparent, preferably completely transparent and colorless, and the sheet may or may not include an anti-reflection treatment.

[0042] As described above, whether the ornament is a watch or not, it is designed so that the movable solid elements are visible from the outside. Those skilled in the art know how to use suitable materials and how to arrange them reasonably to display the pattern presented by the solid elements. Within the scope of the present invention, it is also feasible that the wall defining the sealed volume is only transparent in a limited part, because the solid elements can also be seen in this way.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a decorative module for a wristwatch or a pocket watch according to the present invention.

[0044] The ornament according to the present invention has, among other advantages, the following advantages: it is capable of displaying a decorative pattern on request, or of automatically showing the decorative pattern by selecting a manually controllable device, which can be controlled from outside the ornament, such as a button or a sliding member, or by selecting an automatic control device. Obviously, the principle of the present invention can also be used to make a "persistent" pattern disappear on demand or in a programmed manner, said pattern being formed under the action of Archimedes' principle.

[0045] To this end, the present invention proposes an ornament, comprising:

[0046] - a first volume and a second volume, together forming a sealed volume,

[0047] - a fluid, at least partially filling the first volume and the second volume,

[0048] - a solid element, capable of floating and moving in the fluid and capable of moving freely throughout and only within the first volume, said solid element being visible from outside the ornament,

[0049] - at least one wall, permeable to the fluid at the junction between the first volume and the second volume,

[0050] - at least one pattern-defining area in which the solid element is intended to spontaneously position itself under the action of Archimedes' principle so as to define said pattern;

[0051] - at least one flow initiator, capable of causing a flow and driving the fluid through the permeable wall in the direction of said area in order to move the solid elements so that they are arranged in a manner different from said pattern; and

[0052] - control means for the flow initiator.

[0053] Within the scope of the present invention, "area, defining a pattern, in which the solid element is intended to spontaneously position itself under the action of Archimedes' principle so as to define said pattern" should be understood as meaning that, when the ornament is at rest (the table is usually placed horizontally with the dial facing upwards), the solid element moves under the action of Archimedes' principle into the area where it is placed.

[0054] Within the scope of the present invention, the fluid is preferably a liquid. Optionally, it can also be a gas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer on reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0056] - Figure 1Shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a component called a decorative module in a table according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the component including a piston arranged in a first stable position;

[0057] - Figure 2 is Figure 1 a transverse cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown;

[0058] - Figure 3 is Figure 1 a simplified transverse cross-sectional view of the module shown (showing only the edges present in the cross-sectional plane);

[0059] - Figure 4 is Figure 1 a simplified transverse cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown, where the piston is arranged in a second stable position;

[0060] - Figure 5 is a simplified transverse cross-sectional view of a decorative module of a table according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the decorative module including a piston arranged in a first stable position;

[0061] - Figure 6 is Figure 5 a simplified transverse cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown, where the piston is in a second stable position;

[0062] - Figure 7 is a simplified transverse cross-sectional view of a decorative module of a table according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the decorative module including a piston arranged in a first stable position;

[0063] - Figure 8 is Figure 7 a simplified transverse cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown, where the piston is in a second stable position;

[0064] - Figure 9 is a simplified transverse cross-sectional view of a decorative module of a table according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the decorative module including a piston arranged in a first stable position;

[0065] - Figure 10 is Figure 9 a simplified transverse cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown, where the piston is in a second stable position;

[0066] - Figure 11 is a simplified transverse cross-sectional view of a decorative module of a table according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the decorative module including a piston arranged in a first stable position;

[0067] - Figure 12 is Figure 11 a simplified transverse cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown, where the piston is in a second stable position;

[0068] - Figure 13 A transverse cross-sectional view of a decorative module for a watch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the decorative module including a piston arranged in a first stable position;

[0069] - Figure 14 is a schematic view showing Figure 13 a transverse cross-section of the decorative module shown, where the piston is in a second stable position;

[0070] - Figure 15 shows a device for a watch according to a seventh or an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] - Figures 16 to 19 schematically shows Figures 1 to 4 the control device of the watch piston shown in part in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Unless otherwise specified, elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in Figures 5 to 19 are the same as or similar to the elements described in Figures 1 to 4 by the same reference numerals used in Figures 1 to 4

[0073] Referring to Figure 1 , a watch according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a decorative module 1.1 and a control device.

[0074] The decorative module 1.1 includes an upper glass 2 and a lower glass 3, the upper glass 2 and the lower glass 3 being transparent and fixed to an annular dial 4. The dial 4 is divided into two parts 4a and 4b which are fixedly connected to each other.

[0075] The upper glass 2, the lower glass 3 and the dial 4 together define a sealed volume V0.

[0076] Within the scope of the present invention, the terms "lower" and "upper" are defined with reference to Figure 1 the position of the decorative module 1.1 shown in

[0077] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the lower glass 3 is generally used to cover the dial of the watch, and the upper glass 2 is used to contact the outside of the watch.

[0078] The decorative module 1.1 further includes a piston 5 and a partition 6, both of which are at least partially transparent, preferably completely transparent. Their shapes are adapted to the shape of the dial of the watch. In the example shown, they are generally disc-shaped. Optionally, square, oval or non-linear shapes can also be contemplated. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ​The ring 7 visible in the figure is mounted on the lower glass 3 to form a circular grid. The piston 5 is arranged between the partition 6 and the upper glass 2.

[0079] The lower glass 3, the ring 7 and the partition 6 define a first volume V1, which is contained in the sealed volume V0. V2 represents a second volume corresponding to the sealed volume V0 minus the first volume V1. The partition 6 is located at the junction of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2. The volume V2 includes two connected sub-volumes V2a and V2b, as shown in the figure. V2a represents the part of the volume V2 located above the piston 5, that is, between the piston 5 and the upper glass 2. V2b represents the part of the volume V2 located below the piston 5, that is, between the piston 5 and the partition 6.

[0080] The sealed volume V0 is filled with a liquid 8. The liquid 8 is at least partially transparent, preferably completely transparent and colorless.

[0081] In the example shown, the portion located in the center of the partition 6 comprises a plurality of through openings, usually holes, in this case through perforations 10, and is therefore permeable to the liquid 8. In the remainder of the description, this partition portion is indicated by the term "permeable wall 9".

[0082] The permeable wall 9, in particular its surface located within the volume V1, defines a relief pattern. The depressions defining the relief pattern are provided on the surface of the permeable wall 9, for example by etching (typically by laser etching), machining, grinding, thermoforming and / or moulding.

[0083] Solid elements, in this case gold-plated hollow beads 11, suspended in the liquid 8 can move throughout the first volume V1 and only within the first volume V1. The beads 11 generally have the same density as the liquid 8, so their movement is determined by the movement of the piston 5. Therefore, they are theoretically not affected by gravity.

[0084] The liquid 8 can flow throughout the sealed volume V0. It can flow between the volumes V1 and V2. The beads 11 are then held in the first volume V1. Therefore, the perforations 10 do not allow the beads 11 to pass through them. The same is true for the openings in the ring 7.

[0085] The piston 5 is designed to move along the z-axis Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first stable position shown is Figure 4 It is usually guided along the z-axis via a sliding system arranged between the boundary of the piston 5 and the inner surface of the frame 4.

[0086] The piston 5 carries two magnets 12 which are at the boundary of the piston 5 and are radially opposite to each other. They are usually glued into the grooves provided for this purpose.

[0087] In the example shown, the device for driving the piston 5 includes two magnets 12 and a ring 14 which carries two radially opposite magnets 13 arranged such that they can face the two magnets 12 along an axis parallel to the z-axis.

[0088] The ring 14 is intended to pivot about the above-mentioned z-axis, usually with a 180° jump, such that its magnets 13 attract the magnets 12 carried by the piston 5 every other step and repel the magnets 12 carried by the piston 5 every other step. Figures 16 to 19 This principle is schematically illustrated.

[0089] Since the axial position of the ring 14 along the z-axis is fixed, when the ring 14 pivots, only the piston 5 moves along the z-axis.

[0090] By means of a kinematic chain starting from the finishing train of the watch (rouage de finissage), the drive of the ring 14 in a jump rotation can be automatically controlled, usually regularly, for example once an hour. Thus, the ring 14 rotates 180° per hour and moves the piston 5 from one stable position to the other of its two stable positions. Optionally, it is also conceivable to drive the ring 14 using an actuating member accessible from outside the watch according to the user's request, or even to drive the ring 14 randomly, for example in an unbalanced manner.

[0091] The operation of the watch according to the first embodiment of the invention is as follows:

[0092] When the piston 5 moves from the first stable position (as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown) to the second stable position (as Figure 4 shown), this causes the liquid 8 to flow through the perforations 10 towards the upper glass 2, from the first volume V1 to the second volume V2. This flow drives the beads 11 against the permeable wall 9, in particular against the surface of the permeable wall 9 which is located within the volume V1 and defines the pattern. As Figure 4 shown, the beads 11 are attracted by the flow of the liquid 8 against this surface, filling the depressions forming the relief and thus being arranged in a pattern. It goes without saying that the decoration module 1 contains a sufficient number of beads 11 to present this pattern.

[0093] When the piston 5 moves from the second stable position to the first stable position, this causes the liquid 8 to flow through the perforations 10 towards the lower glass 3, from the second volume V2 to the first volume V1. This flow moves the beads 11 away from the perforations 10, for example as Figure 3As shown. The beads 11 are generally dispersed in the volume V1 and are arranged very randomly.

[0094] In the decoration module 1.1, regardless of how the piston 5 moves, the ring 7 allows the liquid 8 to flow between the volumes V1 and V2, and this flow direction is opposite to the direction through the permeable wall 9.

[0095] Generally, when the piston 5 rises and causes the liquid 8 to flow upward (from V1 to V2) through the perforations 10, the liquid 8 also flows through the grid of the ring 7 from the volume V2 to the volume V1. More precisely, when the piston 5 rises, the liquid 8 located in the volume V2a is driven through the ring 7 into the volume V1 and then rises from V1 to V2b. At this time, this flow pushes the beads 11 against the surface defining the pattern, thus revealing the pattern.

[0096] Conversely, when the piston 5 descends and causes the liquid 8 to flow downward (from V2 to V1) through the perforations 10, the liquid 8 also flows through the grid of the ring 7 from the volume V1 to the volume V2. More precisely, when the piston 5 descends, the liquid 8 located in the volume V2b is driven through the permeable wall 9 into the volume V1, thus "destroying" the pattern presented by the beads 11, and then the liquid 8 rises from V1 to V2a through the opening on the ring 7.

[0097] This reverse flow of the liquid 8 can, among other things, improve the clarity of the pattern by avoiding irrelevant flow through the permeable wall 9.

[0098] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Shows the decoration module 1.2 of the table according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Different from the area defining the pattern in the decoration module 1.1 according to the first embodiment, the area defining the pattern in the decoration module 1.2 of the second embodiment of the present invention is not a relief surface. It is the permeable wall 9. In the second embodiment, this wall 9 has two parallel planes. The arrangement of the perforations 10 is not uniform, and it is this arrangement that defines the pattern. When the piston 5 rises, the beads 11 tend to approach the perforations 10 and are arranged near them, thus forming a pattern.

[0100] Other considerations related to the table according to the first embodiment, especially the way to control the movement of the piston 5 and the behavior of the decoration module during the stage of revealing the pattern, are still valid in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Shows the decoration module 1.3 of the table according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Unlike the surface with the defined pattern of the permeable wall 9 of the decoration module 1.1, the surface of the permeable wall 9 of the decoration module 1.3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention located within the volume V1 is not used to define the pattern to be displayed. It is not a relief surface. The partition 6 comprises two planes parallel to the upper glass 2, and the perforations 10 are preferably evenly distributed. The purpose of these perforations 10 is not to form a pattern as in the second embodiment, but merely to allow the liquid 8 to flow along the z-axis.

[0103] In this case, the surface defining the pattern corresponds to the surface of the lower glass 3 located within the first volume V1.

[0104] The operation of the piston 5 of the decoration module 1.3 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the piston 5 of the first embodiment, except that in this case, when the piston 5 moves from Figure 7 the high position shown to Figure 8 the low position shown, the pattern will be displayed. In fact, when the piston 5 descends, it pushes the beads 11 towards the lower glass 3, thus adhering to the relief surface defining the pattern.

[0105] When the piston 5 returns to Figure 7 the top position shown, this causes the liquid 8 to flow in the opposite direction. In the example shown, since the density of the beads 11 and the liquid 8 is the same, the beads 11 will rest against the permeable wall 9.

[0106] Other considerations related to the table according to the first embodiment, especially the way of controlling the movement of the piston 5, are still valid in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Figure 9 and Figure 10 shows the decoration module 1.4 of the table according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] This embodiment is very close to the third embodiment described above. The difference between this embodiment and the third embodiment is only that the surface of the permeable wall 9 located within the first volume V1 itself defines the pattern (the same as the pattern in the decoration module 1.1). Therefore, in this embodiment, the decoration module 1.4 comprises two surfaces S1 and S2, each of which defines a pattern, in this instance a relief pattern. The first surface S1 is located in the upper part of the first volume V1 (at the permeable wall 9), and the second surface S2 is located in the upper part of the lower glass 3.

[0109] Therefore, the pattern will be displayed whenever the position of the piston 5 alternates: the first pattern is displayed when the beads 11 adhere to the surface S1, and the second pattern is displayed when the beads 11 adhere to the surface S2. The two patterns are preferably different.

[0110] It is conceivable that the piston 5 can occupy a stable intermediate position between its two stable positions. In this intermediate position, the beads 11 will typically be dispersed / in an intermediate position. Thus, depending on whether the beads are aggregated on surface S1, surface S2 or dispersed, there can be three display modes.

[0111] Other considerations related to the table according to the first embodiment, in particular the way of controlling the piston 5, still hold true in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Shows the decorative module 1.5 of the table according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Like the decorative modules 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4, the decorative module 1.5 includes an upper glass 2, a lower glass 3 and a frame 4, which together define a sealed volume V0. The decorative module 1.5 also includes a partition 6 and a piston 5, such as the partition 6 and the piston 5 defined in the first embodiment.

[0114] Similar to the decorative module 1.4, the decorative module 1.5 contains two surfaces S1 and S2, each of which forms a relief pattern, and the entire assembly is arranged such that a pattern appears whenever the position of the piston 5 alternates: a first pattern appears when the beads 11 abut against the surface S1, and a second pattern appears when the beads 11 abut against the surface S2.

[0115] The partition 6 is the same as the partitions of the decorative modules 1.1 and 1.4 and defines the surface S1 and the first concave pattern.

[0116] The decorative module 1.5 also includes an additional partition 15, which is arranged between the partition 6 and the lower glass 3 and is connected to the partition 6. The additional partition 15 contains depressions 16 on its upper surface, i.e., the surface facing the upper glass 2, and the depressions 16 together form the surface S2 and the second pattern. These depressions generally have a flat bottom and vertical edges; for example, they are grooves. Their depth is preferably greater than the radius of the beads.

[0117] The bottom of each depression 16 contains a through-opening, which is a through-hole 17 in this instance, intended to allow the liquid 8 to pass through but not the beads 11.

[0118] In this embodiment, the beads 11 suspended in the liquid 8 can move within and only within the entire first volume V1. In contrast, the volume V1 surrounding the beads 11 is defined differently from the volume V1 of the decorative modules 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4. In this case, among other things, it is also bounded by the partition 6 and the additional partition 15.

[0119] To understand the movement of the liquid 8, the volume V2 (V0 minus V1) is shown as the sum of three connected sub - volumes V2a, V2b, and V2c.

[0120] When the piston 5 descends (from the Figure 11 stable position shown to the Figure 12 stable position shown), it causes the liquid 8 to flow through the permeable wall 9 from volume V2b to volume V1. This drives the beads 11 away from the surface S1 and causes the first pattern to be disrupted. Then, the liquid 8 passes through the holes 17 of the recess 16, thereby driving the beads 11 into the bottom of the recess 16, where the beads 11 are arranged according to the second pattern. The liquid 8 thus reaches volume V2c and partially rises again towards volume V2a.

[0121] When the piston 5 ascends again (from the Figure 12 stable position shown to the Figure 11 stable position shown), it drives the liquid from volume V2a to volume V2c, and then the liquid passes through the holes 17 from V2c to V1, which drives the beads 11 out of the recess 16, thereby disrupting the second pattern. The liquid 8 continues its path and then re - enters volume V2b through the holes 10 on the surface S1, driving the beads 11 into the recesses of the permeable wall 9 and arranging them there according to the first pattern.

[0122] Figure 13 and 14 shows the decorative module 1.6 of the table according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Similar to the foregoing decorative modules, the decorative module 1.6 includes an upper glass 2, a lower glass 3, and a frame 4, which together define a sealed volume V0 filled with a liquid 8 and beads 11. The beads 11 are suspended in the liquid 8 and can flow freely throughout the first volume V1 contained in the sealed volume V0.

[0124] The decorative module 1.6 includes a partition 6. This partition 6 is generally the same as the partitions of the decorative modules 1.1 and 1.4 and defines a concave pattern.

[0125] The decorative module 1.6 further includes an additional partition 20, which is arranged between the partition 6 and the lower glass 3 and is connected to the partition 6. Among other things, the additional partition 20 is deformable, thereby increasing or decreasing the volume V1 corresponding to the volume contained between the partition 6 and the additional partition 20.

[0126] The decorative module 1.6 includes a piston 5 (not shown), which interacts with the additional partition 20 or forms part of the additional partition 20. The movement of the piston 5 generally uses references like the piston movements of the decorative modules 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5 Figures 1 to 4 andFigures 16 to 19 The described control device performs control.

[0127] For the sake of facilitating the understanding of the movement of the liquid 8, in Figure 13 and Figure 14 the volume V2 (V0 minus V1) is shown as the sum of two communicating sub - volumes V2a and V2b.

[0128] When the piston 5 rises (moves from the stable position shown in Figure 13 to the stable position shown in Figure 14 ), the additional partition 20 and / or the piston drive the liquid 8 to flow from the volume V1 to the volume V2a through the perforations 10 of the permeable wall 9, which forms a pattern by forcing the beads 11 against the concave surface of the permeable wall 9. Then, the liquid 8 partially flows from the volume V2a to the volume V2b.

[0129] When the piston 5 descends (moves from the stable position shown in Figure 14 to the stable position shown in Figure 13 ), the additional partition 20 and / or the piston drive the liquid 8 to flow from the volume V2b to the volume V2a, and then through the perforations 10 of the permeable wall 9 from the volume V2a to the volume V1, which causes the pattern to be destroyed.

[0130] Figure 15 Shows a device intended for a watch according to the seventh or eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] The seventh embodiment of the present invention differs from the foregoing embodiments in that the area defining the pattern is not the physical surface against which the beads rest stationary to display the pattern, but an area that allows the generation of liquid flows of different intensities so as to impact different beads in a specific manner.

[0132] The principle lies in selecting the size of the perforations on the permeable wall to generate liquid flows of different intensities.

[0133] A watch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention generally includes a decorative module, similar to the decorative module 1.1, which includes an upper glass and a lower glass, the upper glass and the lower glass are transparent, and are fixed on a ring - shaped frame, and define a sealed volume filled with liquid.

[0134] The decorative module according to the seventh embodiment further includes: beads, which are suspended in the liquid and can move freely in a first volume within the sealed volume; and a piston, which can translate parallel to the z - axis in a second volume (the second volume corresponds to the sealed volume minus the first volume).

[0135] Similar to the above - mentioned embodiments, the movement of the piston of the ornament will generate a liquid flow that pushes the beads, thus causing the beads to present a pattern.

[0136] As in other embodiments, the decorative module according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention includes a partition, a part of which located at the junction of the first volume and the second volume is permeable. The liquid flow caused by the piston movement drives the liquid through the perforations in the permeable wall.

[0137] In this embodiment, the beads are placed in different channels, which are generally parallel to the z-axis. The beads can only move in these channels. Each channel is positioned as an extension of the perforations in the permeable wall and preferably contains a single bead, the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the corresponding channel.

[0138] The liquid flow caused by the piston movement is affected by the size of the perforations at the entrance of each channel; the larger the perforation (but always smaller than the size of the bead), the greater the flow rate. Therefore, the beads in different channels are driven to different heights in their respective channels. It is the different heights of the beads in the channels that enable the pattern to appear.

[0139] Figure 15 A special type of device for a watch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown. This device is intended to replace the permeable wall including perforations of different sizes. For this purpose, there are two superimposed walls instead of one, which define the perforations and their different diameters. The superimposed walls can move relative to each other, thereby changing the size and arrangement of the holes and thus the pattern to be displayed. This modification can be programmed to occur spontaneously at a specific time, for example, every hour, randomly, or manually controlled.

[0140] The ornament according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is almost identical in all details to the ornament according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the seventh embodiment is that the beads are intended to reach the bottom of the channels (the bottoms of different channels are preferably at different heights) to define the pattern, and the Figure 15 size of the holes defined by the shown device allows the beads to move to the bottom of the said channels, thereby defining a specific transition pattern.

[0141] In Embodiments 1 to 8, the density of the liquid is the same as or at least substantially equal to the density of the beads, so that the movement of the beads is determined only by the movement of the piston (in particular not affected by gravity).

[0142] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, of course, starting from the watch in Embodiments 1, 4, 5 or 6, the density of the beads or the liquid can be changed so that the beads will spontaneously "float" under the action of Archimedes' principle and thus be arranged according to the pattern.

[0143] For example, in the Figures 1 to 4 shown embodiment, if the density of the beads 11 is lower than the density of the liquid 8, they will spontaneously locate in the depressions of the permeable wall, thus forming a pattern. Moving the piston 5 from its high position ( Figure 4) moving to its low position ( Figure 3 ) the movement will cause the pattern to be disrupted, otherwise, the pattern will spontaneously reform more or less quickly depending on the value of the density.

[0144] Thus, other embodiments of the present invention may relate to a watch comprising a decorative module as described above and means for controlling the piston of the decorative module, wherein the piston is arranged such that the flow caused when it is actuated by a control actuator allows the beads to be arranged in a manner different from the pattern. In other words, the piston is arranged such that the flow can disrupt the pattern that spontaneously forms under the action of Archimedes' principle.

[0145] In other embodiments, it is also conceivable that the density ratio of the beads / liquid is such that the beads normally sink under the action of gravity or normally rise under the action of Archimedes' principle, thus not forming a pattern. Therefore, the piston movement can generate a liquid flow, allowing a pattern to form briefly, which will be spontaneously disrupted more or less quickly depending on the selected density.

[0146] In this case, the piston may include a valve in order to be able to form a liquid flow in only a single direction, i.e., the direction that brings the beads to a position opposite to the position they spontaneously adopt.

[0147] Regardless of the embodiment of the present invention, the lower glass of the decorative module is generally made of one of the following materials: borosilicate, crystal glass, fused quartz, crown optical glass, flint glass, quartz, transparent ceramic, sapphire, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyurethane.

[0148] The partition and the piston are generally also made of one of these materials.

[0149] Finally, the upper glass can also be made of one of these materials, but preferably a harder material such as sapphire. This hardness gives the upper glass better scratch resistance, which is very advantageous when the upper glass is in contact with the outside of the watch.

[0150] In any case, in the watch according to the present invention, it is preferred that each component of the decorative module - the upper glass, the lower glass, the partition and the piston - is at least partially made of a transparent material, in the sense that the decorative module is intended to cover, among other things, the dial that displays the time.

[0151] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, a sealed passage can pass through the volume containing the liquid, which allows a cannon or a pipe to pass through, so as to display the time, for example, above the housing containing the liquid volume. Therefore, the watchmaker only needs to ensure that the decorative beads are visible and that the different elements (glass, partition, piston) can achieve this.

[0152] The refractive index of the liquid is preferably equal to or sufficiently close to the refractive index of the (multiple) regions defining the pattern (with a difference of no more than 10%, preferably no more than 5%, and even more preferably no more than 2%) so that the or the (multiple) regions are substantially invisible. Within the scope of the present invention, the term "refractive index" should be understood as the refractive index measured at a wavelength of 700 nm, a temperature of 20 °C to 25 °C, and atmospheric pressure.

[0153] In the specific case of a decorative module for a watch, the refractive index of the liquid is preferably close to the refractive index of the permeable wall of the partition separating the first volume and the second volume so that the regions defining the pattern are substantially invisible. Advantageously, the upper glass, the lower glass, and the piston also have refractive indices of the same order of magnitude.

[0154] When etched, the relief surface - the permeable wall 9 of the decorative module or the lower glass 3 of the decorative module - is preferably made of a material very suitable for etching, borosilicate or fused quartz. In this case, the refractive index of the liquid 8 is approximately 1.47 (the refractive index of borosilicate). For example, the liquid 8 is glycerol or mineral oil, preferably mineral oil.

[0155] Regardless of the embodiment of the present invention, the beads are, for example, hollow, impermeable, and covered with a coloring material such as gold. To make the density of the beads close to the density of the liquid, their walls are preferably very thin. The beads are typically hollow glass with a very thin coating (<1 μm, even <0.3 μm) that contains gold (or other coloring material). The advantage of this is that the direct influence of gravity on the beads can be at least partially eliminated.

[0156] A person skilled in the art can select the thickness of the wall to adjust the density ratio of the liquid and the beads.

[0157] If the density of the fluid is large enough, it is also conceivable to use solid beads made of a synthetic material such as PMMA, with the beads coated with a metallic coating such as gold. Similarly, the density of the beads can be adjusted by selecting the thickness of the gold.

[0158] The foregoing description focuses on describing specific embodiments by way of non-limiting examples, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of certain specific features just described, such as the structure and operation of the control device, the shapes shown, and the materials described for the different components.

[0159] In the embodiment shown, the solid element is a bead. These solid elements can be other substances than beads and adopt any suitable shape. They can also be made of materials other than the above materials.

[0160] In the embodiment shown, the driving of the liquid to flow in the direction of the regions defining the pattern is caused by a piston that can translate and is controlled by a pivoting magnetic control device. Obviously, with reference toFigures 1 to 4 The ring 14 of the described magneto - controlled device can be different. The magneto - controlled device generally consists of one or more magnets. For example, four magnets are evenly distributed around the ring, moving in 90° steps; or eight magnets are evenly distributed around the ring, moving in 45° steps to raise and then lower the piston. Following the same logic, the rotation angle can be reduced by increasing the number of magnets.

[0161] The ring 14 may not be automatically driven by the movement of the watch movement that mounts it, but only pivot unevenly, i.e., randomly, under the influence of the wearer's movement. The ring 14 can also be actively driven to rotate in successive steps, usually by the wearer pressing a button.

[0162] In other variants, it is also conceivable to use a threaded helical guidance system instead of a slider to guide the piston rotation.

[0163] The flow of the liquid can also be generated by an element capable of rotating rather than translating, such as by an impeller or a set of rotating impellers, or even by means other than a moving element, such as by waves or temperature differences.

[0164] The relief pattern can be obtained by methods other than those described above, and any other method that allows the production of components in 3D form is applicable.

[0165] In the example shown, the liquid fills the sealed volume. It is also conceivable that the liquid only partially fills the volume, since the described liquid flow may still exist. In addition, the liquid filling the sealed volume can be replaced by a fluid in gaseous form.

[0166] Finally, although the ornament mentioned in the example shown is a watch, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited thereto.

Claims

1. A decoration (1.1; 1.2; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) comprises: ； 1.3； 1.4； 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) includes: - A first volume (V1) and a second volume (V2) that together form a sealed volume (V0); - A fluid (8) that at least partially fills the first volume (V1) and the second volume (V2); - A solid element (11) that is capable of floating and moving in the fluid and is capable of moving freely throughout and only within the first volume, and the solid element is visible from the outside of the decoration, - At least one wall (9) that is permeable to the fluid (8) at the junction between the first volume (V1) and the second volume (V2); - At least one region defining a pattern; - A flow initiator that is capable of causing a flow to drive the fluid through the permeable wall in the direction of the region, so that the solid element (11) is arranged according to the pattern; and - Control means (12, 13, 14) for the flow initiator.

2. The decoration (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 1, wherein, the flow initiator includes a movable member (5), and the movement of the movable member causes the flow.

3. The decoration (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 2, wherein, the movable member (5) is driven mechanically or magnetically, preferably magnetically.

4. The decoration (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the region defining the pattern is arranged within the first volume (V1) or at the junction between the first volume (V1) and the second volume (V2).

5. The decoration (1.1; 1.2; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 4, wherein, the region defining the pattern is the permeable wall (9).

6. The decoration (1.2, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 5, wherein, the pattern of the region is defined by the arrangement and / or size of holes (10) passing through the permeable wall (9).

7. The decoration according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, the region defining the pattern is formed using a device including at least two superimposed permeable walls.

8. The decoration according to claim 6 or claim 7 when dependent on claim 6, wherein, the decoration includes a channel that houses the solid element and is arranged as an extension of the through-hole, so that the flow initiator causes a flow to push the solid element in the channel at a speed depending on the diameter of different through-holes.

9. The decoration (1.1; 1.2; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 4, Characterized in that, The region defining the pattern is the surface (S1) of the permeable wall (9) located within the first volume (V1).

10. The ornament (1.1; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 9, Characterized in that, The surface is a relief.

11. The ornament (1.4, 1.5, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 9 or 10, Characterized in that, The ornament includes two regions, each region defining a different pattern, each of the regions corresponding to a different surface (S1, S2) arranged within the first volume (V1), and the flow initiator is capable of causing a flow, driving the fluid (8) through the permeable wall in the direction of the first of the regions, such that the solid elements are arranged in accordance with the first pattern, or causing a flow, driving the fluid through the permeable wall (9) in the direction of the second of the regions, such that the solid elements are arranged in accordance with the second pattern.

12. The ornament (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to any one of the preceding claims, Characterized in that, The ornament further includes at least one second permeable wall (7) located at the junction between the first volume (V1) and the second volume (V2), the second permeable wall (7) allowing the fluid (8) to flow from one of the volumes to the other volume in a flow direction opposite to the direction of flow through the permeable wall (9).

13. The ornament (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5, 12, 13, 14) according to any one of the preceding claims, Characterized in that, The flow initiator is also capable of causing a flow, driving the fluid (8) through the permeable wall (9) in the direction of the region, the direction being opposite to the direction allowing the solid elements (11) to be arranged in accordance with the pattern.

14. The ornament (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to any one of the preceding claims, Characterized in that, The density of the solid element (11) is substantially equal to the density of the fluid (8).

15. The ornament (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to any one of the preceding claims, Characterized in that, The ornament is a clock, such as a wristwatch or a pocket watch, Comprising: - A decoration module (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6), comprising: o A first volume (V1) and a second volume (V2), jointly forming a sealed volume (V0); o A fluid (8), at least partially filling the first volume and the second volume; o A solid element, capable of floating and moving in the fluid and capable of freely moving throughout and only within the first volume, the solid element being visible from the outside of the clock; o At least one wall (9) permeable to the fluid at the junction between the first volume and the second volume; o At least one region defining a pattern; and o A flow initiator capable of causing a flow to drive the fluid through the permeable wall in the direction of the region, so that the solid elements are arranged according to the pattern; and - Control means (12, 13, 14) for the flow initiator.

16. The timepiece according to claim 15, characterized in that the decoration module (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6) comprises: - An upper glass (2), a lower glass (3) and an annular frame (4) defining the sealed volume (V0); - A partition (6), at least a part of the partition (6) corresponding to the permeable wall (9), arranged between the upper glass and the lower glass and fixed relative to the glasses, the partition defining the first volume on one side and the second volume on the other side; and - A piston (5) arranged between the partition and one of the upper glass and the lower glass and constituting the movable member, the volume containing the piston corresponding to the second volume.

17. The decoration module (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6) for a wristwatch or a pocket watch according to claim 15 or 16.

18. An ornament, comprising: - A first volume and a second volume together forming a sealed volume (V0); - A fluid at least partially filling the first volume and the second volume; - Solid elements capable of floating and moving in the fluid and capable of moving freely throughout and only within the first volume, the solid elements being visible from the outside of the ornament; - At least one wall permeable to the fluid at the junction between the first volume and the second volume; - At least one region defining a pattern, the solid elements being intended to spontaneously position themselves in at least one region defining the pattern under the action of Archimedes' principle to define the pattern; - A flow initiator capable of causing a flow to drive the fluid through the permeable wall in the direction of the region in order to move the solid elements so that the solid elements are arranged in a manner different from the pattern; and control means for the flow initiator.

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