Timepiece comprising outer element

Abstract

The utility model relates to a timepiece (1), which comprises at least one timepiece external element (2a, 2b), the at least one timepiece external element comprises a visible surface (20a), the visible surface is formed by at least a first opaque part and at least a second transparent or semitransparent part, the at least one timepiece external element (2a, 2b) comprises an autonomous lighting device (3), and the at least one timepiece external element (2a, 2b) is arranged on the transparent or semitransparent part of the transparent or semitransparent part of the transparent or semitransparent part of the transparent or semitransparent part of the transparent or semitransparent part of the transparent or semitransparent part of the transparent or semitransparent part. The autonomous lighting device comprises the following functional elements:-at least one light source (4) capable of generating light (28) in a visible face (20a) of the timepiece outer element (2a, 2b); -an autonomous power supply unit (21); and-a control unit (7) configured to manage the operation of the light source (4); the at least one timepiece outer element (2a, 2b) is formed from an assembly (9a, 9b) of a plurality of stacked layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) connected together and each comprising one or more functional elements of the autonomous lighting device (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a timepiece, which comprises at least one timepiece external element equipped with a fully autonomous lighting device. More specifically, the utility model relates to a timepiece characterized by an original lighting effect for functional, aesthetic and / or entertainment purposes. Background Art

[0002] Making timepieces such as wristwatches with an improved aesthetic appearance is a matter of constant concern to watch manufacturers, and in particular to those responsible for designing the various external elements. It would be too time-consuming to list here all the solutions that have been considered to give a timepiece an appearance that is as neat and aesthetically pleasing as possible. Examples include the machine-painted pattern technique used on the dial, the shape and / or color of the dial appliques or hands, and the addition of precious or semi-precious stones.

[0003] In this context, it should be understood that there is a need to find a solution that does not have the disadvantages of the prior art and that aims to provide the customer's watch with an aesthetic, surprising and practical appearance. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a timepiece that allows light to escape from the interior of an exterior element of the timepiece with optimal light transmission while having original lighting effects for functional, aesthetic and / or entertainment purposes.

[0005] To this end, the utility model relates to a timepiece, comprising at least one timepiece external element, the at least one timepiece external element comprising a visible surface, the visible surface being formed by at least a first opaque portion and at least a second transparent or translucent portion, the at least one timepiece external element comprising an autonomous lighting device, the autonomous lighting device comprising the following functional elements:

[0006] - at least one light source capable of generating light in a visible face of an external element of the timepiece;

[0007] - an autonomous (self-contained, autonomome) power supply unit; and

[0008] - a control unit configured to manage the operation of the light source;

[0009] The at least one timepiece exterior element is formed by an assembly of a plurality of stacked layers connected together and each comprising one or more functional elements of the autonomous lighting device.

[0010] In other embodiments:

[0011] - the at least one timepiece exterior element comprises a bottom cover, a centerpiece, a dial, a bracelet, a bezel, a flange, a push button, a winder knob and / or a winder knob cap;

[0012] - said assembly consists of a first layer forming said visible surface, said visible surface comprising said at least one light source;

[0013] - the at least one light source is arranged in the first layer, the arrangement being configured such that most or all of the light generated by the at least one light source passes through the at least one second portion of the visible surface;

[0014] - the at least one second transparent or translucent portion is configured to enable light to pass therethrough, in particular light including solar radiation that can be received by the photovoltaic module of the autonomous power supply unit;

[0015] - said at least one light source is a light source configured to generate a continuous or quasi-continuous illumination on said at least one second portion of said first layer;

[0016] - In addition to said first layer, said assembly comprises the following successive layers:

[0017] a second layer comprising photovoltaic modules constituting said autonomous power supply unit;

[0018] a third layer, said third layer comprising the electrical accumulator constituting said autonomous power supply unit;

[0019] a fourth layer, the fourth layer forming a hidden surface for the external elements of the timepiece, the hidden surface including the control unit;

[0020] - In addition to said first layer, said assembly comprises the following successive layers:

[0021] a second layer comprising photovoltaic modules constituting autonomous power supply units; and

[0022] a third layer comprising a hidden face of the external elements of the timepiece, said hidden face comprising the control unit and the electrical accumulator constituting the autonomous power supply unit;

[0023] - the first layer is rigid relative to the other layers in the assembly, the other layers being flexible;

[0024] - the plurality of layers are joined together by connecting elements so as to integrate the layers to obtain an assembly forming a one-piece timepiece exterior element;

[0025] - said at least one first opaque portion is a graphical representation comprised on and / or in a substrate for assisting in forming said visible face;

[0026] - said functional element is printed on a substrate constituting said layer of said assembly forming said at least one timepiece exterior element;

[0027] - the at least one timepiece exterior element comprises a bottom cover, a centre piece, a dial, a bracelet, a bezel, a flange, a push button, a winder and / or a winder cap. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The objects, advantages and features of the timepiece according to the present invention will become more apparent from the following description given based on at least one non-limiting embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] - Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a case of a timepiece equipped with timepiece exterior elements such as a dial provided with an autonomous lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] - Figure 2 A top view of a watch including the dial according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] - Figure 3 An exploded view showing a first alternative embodiment of an assembly of four stacked layers forming said dial provided with autonomous lighting means according to an embodiment of the invention, said layers each comprising one or more component elements of said lighting means;

[0032] - Figure 4 A diagrammatic view showing this first alternative embodiment of an assembly of layers forming a dial provided with autonomous lighting means according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] - Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a second alternative embodiment of an assembly comprising three stacked layers forming said dial provided with autonomous lighting means according to an embodiment of the invention, said layers each comprising one or more component elements of said lighting means; and

[0034] - Figure 6 A diagrammatic view is shown of this second alternative embodiment of this assembly of layers forming a dial provided with autonomous lighting means according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The utility model originates from the following overall utility model concept, which includes accommodating an autonomous lighting device 3 in an external element 2a, 2b of a timepiece 1, wherein the external element 2a, 2b is provided with a visible surface 20a, and the visible surface 20a includes at least a first opaque portion and at least a second transparent or translucent portion.

[0036] In this timepiece 1, the timepiece exterior elements 2a, 2b correspond to all the components of the timepiece 1 around the movement 31 that contribute in particular to its external presentation, protection, fastening and control. These timepiece exterior elements further give this watch its aesthetic appearance and style and allow all its functions to be indicated. More specifically and with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 By way of non-exhaustive enumeration and non-limiting manner, the components considered here include: bottom cover 24, centerpiece 23, dial 32, bracelet 30, bezel 26, flange, pushers, hands, winder knob and / or winder knob cap.

[0037] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment, this timepiece 1 comprises: a case 22 provided with a center piece 23, a bottom cover 24 and a mirror 25 fastened to the case 22; a set of components forming a watch movement 31; and a dial 32 arranged between the watch movement 31 and the mirror 25.

[0038] In this configuration, the timepiece movement 31 drives the hands 27, including the hour hand, the minute hand and optionally the seconds hand, in a manner known to those skilled in the art. For this purpose, the dial 32 has a through hole that receives the stem of the hands.

[0039] As mentioned previously, a timepiece exterior element 2a, 2b relates to all parts surrounding the movement. For ease of understanding, only the dial will be considered. It should be noted that such a timepiece exterior element 2a, 2b thus comprises a visible face 20a (the visible face 20a is also referred to as the "visible part" or "visible upper part"), and further comprises a hidden face 20b (the hidden face 20b is also referred to as the "hidden part" or "hidden lower part" of this element 2a, 2b).

[0040] In this context, a timepiece exterior element 2a, 2b comprises two faces 20a, 20b comprising:

[0041] a so-called visible face 20 a visible from the outside of the timepiece 1 , also called “visible part” or “visible upper part”, and

[0042] A so-called hidden face 20 b arranged opposite to watch movement 31 in the enclosure of case 22 of timepiece 1 , this face 20 b also being called “hidden portion” or “hidden lower portion” of this element 2 a , 2 b .

[0043] When the timepiece external element 2a, 2b is a dial 32, it comprises at least one graphical representation, such as:

[0044] - reference (or display) elements such as, for example, numbers, indices, lines or even points, with or without hands, which contribute to the display of horological information / parameters or physical information / parameters measured by sensors or the like included in the movement;

[0045] - Inscriptions, patterns, texts, logos, etc.

[0046] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein, the timepiece movement 31 is a mechanical movement. In an alternative embodiment, this movement 31 may be an electronic movement or an electromechanical movement. When the movement of the timepiece 1 is mechanical, the timepiece 1 may be referred to herein as mechanical, and when it includes an electromechanical or electronic movement 31, respectively, the timepiece 1 may be referred to as electromechanical or electronic.

[0047] In this timepiece external element 2a, 2b, this lighting device 3 comprises its own power supply means, as will be seen below. This lighting device 3 is considered autonomous, in particular with respect to the movement 31 of the timepiece 1, and in particular with respect to the power supply of this movement 31, for example when this source is an electrical power supply device, as in an electromechanical or electronic movement. Under these conditions, it should be understood that the power used by this lighting device 3 does not serve to compromise the autonomy of the movement 31.

[0048] Such an illumination device 3 comprises the following functional elements: at least one light source 4 , a power supply unit 21 and a control unit 7 .

[0049] In this context, the light source 4 is preferably an extended light source that produces a continuous or quasi-continuous illumination on the second transparent or translucent portion of the timepiece exterior element 2a, 2b under consideration, through which the light 28 will escape. Such a light source 4 may correspond to any luminous element chosen from a non-exhaustive and non-limiting list, including:

[0050] - Light Emitting Capacitor, abbreviated as LEC;

[0051] - light-emitting diodes of the LED, OLED (organic light-emitting diode), AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) or QLED (quantum light-emitting diode) type;

[0052] - Any luminescent material activated by a local electric field;

[0053] - Any luminescent material activated by electric current;

[0054] - Any combination of these light emitting elements.

[0055] In this lighting device 3, the power supply unit 21 includes an electrical storage device 6 and a photovoltaic module 5, also called a solar cell. Figure 4 and Figure 6The connecting elements given reference numerals 17b and 18 in the figure are connected to the electrical accumulator 6. This photovoltaic module 5 may include one or more unit cells of heterojunction or multijunction type connected in parallel or in series. The photovoltaic cells of this module 5 may be made of semiconductor materials containing copper, indium, gallium and selenium, containing cadmium telluride, containing single-crystal gallium arsenide or containing single-crystal or multicrystalline silicon or perovskite in a manner known to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that these examples are not limiting and that those skilled in the art will be able to find the type of photovoltaic cell suitable for the present invention.

[0056] It should be noted that the at least one first opaque portion and the at least one second transparent or translucent portion of the visible surface of the timepiece external element 2a, 2b are preferably configured to allow light or solar radiation to pass therethrough and be supplied to the photovoltaic module 5, so that the photovoltaic module 5 can convert the solar energy from this radiation into electrical energy. In particular, the first portion can be configured to appear visually opaque, in particular to the human eye, while still allowing such solar radiation to pass therethrough.

[0057] In this lighting device 3, a control unit 7 (also called microcontroller) comprises an electronic circuit 8 including hardware resources, in particular at least one processor cooperating with memory elements and address, data and control buses. This control unit 7 comprises in its memory elements an algorithm for managing the lighting of said at least one light source 4. Such an algorithm is executed by the processor of this control unit 7, in particular taking into account data from event sensors included in the lighting device 3, in order to manage the operation of said at least one light source 4.

[0058] It should be noted that such data may, for example, provide information about events detected by these sensors, which events are likely to contribute to the operation of the at least one light source 4. In a non-limiting and non-exhaustive list, these events may include: detecting a specific brightness level in the environment of the timepiece, detecting a specific sound element or a specific sound level, detecting a specific visual object, detecting a movement caused by a part of the user's body on which this timepiece 1 is included, etc.

[0059] In this context, in particular and by way of non-limiting and non-exhaustive enumeration, the event sensors of this autonomous lighting device 3 include:

[0060] - Brightness sensor for detecting ambient brightness level;

[0061] - motion sensors, such as gyroscopes and / or inertial sensors in the form of electronic components of the gyroscope and / or inertial micro-electro-mechanical system circuit type;

[0062] - microphone type sound sensor, and / or

[0063] - Optical sensor of camera sensor type.

[0064] It should be further noted that this control unit 7 is capable of managing / controlling the operation of the light sources 4 simultaneously and / or sequentially. Furthermore, each light source 4 is managed / controlled individually by this control unit. In this context, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, the management of the operation of each light source 4 may include the following operations: sequentially turning on or off or turning on or off two or more light sources 4 simultaneously, flashing one or more light sources 4, or limiting the flashing frequency of each light source 4, the flashing duration of each light source 4, or the on or off duration of each light source 4, etc.

[0065] Such a control unit 7 may further comprise, in its memory element, algorithms for managing the electrical accumulator 6 , in particular for managing the recharging of the electrical accumulator 6 by the photovoltaic module 5 , and for managing the power consumption of said light source 4 .

[0066] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 , and as described above, the autonomous lighting device 3 is thus included in the timepiece external element 2a, 2b. In this configuration, the functional elements of this lighting device 3 (i.e. the light source 4, the electrical accumulator 6, the photovoltaic module 5 and the control unit 7) are included in one or more layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 forming the timepiece external element 2a, 2b.

[0067] In other words, the body of the timepiece external element 2a, 2b is formed by a plurality of components 9a, 9b of stacked layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, which are connected together via stacked layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and each include one or more functional elements of the lighting device 3.

[0068] In this assembly 9a, 9b, the layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are joined together by a joining element such as an adhesive substance, so as to make them integral, so as to obtain a monolithic assembly 9a, 9b, thus forming a one-piece timepiece exterior element 2a, 2b. Such layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are stacked in the assembly 9a, 9b and are arranged one above the other in a defined order.

[0069] Such a one-piece timepiece exterior element 2a, 2b (eg: a dial) therefore has the additional advantage of being removably mountable in the case of a timepiece 1, besides facilitating its integration into or onto such a case.

[0070] More specifically, in the first and second alternative embodiments, this assembly 9a, 9b comprises a first layer 10 forming / constituting a visible face 20a of a timepiece exterior element 2a, 2b. Such a first layer 10 comprises at least one light source 4 of the lighting means 3 of the timepiece exterior element 2a, 2b.

[0071] This first layer 10 is formed by a substrate comprising at least a first portion that is non-transparent, non-translucent, opaque or substantially opaque, and at least a second portion that is transparent, translucent, at least partially transparent or at least partially translucent. It will be understood that this second transparent or translucent portion constitutes part of the timepiece exterior element 2a, 2b through which:

[0072] - the light 28 generated by the at least one light source 4 can escape to the exterior of the timepiece external elements 2a, 2b and therefore of the timepiece 1, and

[0073] Light coming from the environment of the timepiece 1 can penetrate the timepiece external elements 2a, 2b in the direction of the photovoltaic module 5 of the lighting device 3, this light comprising solar radiation when it is of natural origin.

[0074] This first layer 10 is preferably rigid or semi-rigid compared to the other layers 11, 12, 13, 14 of the assembly 9a, 9b, which are preferably flexible or pliable. Here, it should be understood that such a first layer 10 helps structurally strengthen the assembly 9a, 9b of the timepiece outer element 2a, 2b.

[0075] This first layer 10 is formed by a transparent, translucent, at least partially transparent or at least partially translucent substrate, which is rigid or semi-rigid. This substrate is made of a material with a transmittance of between 65% and 95% for solar radiation, in particular for ultraviolet radiation (also called UVT (abbreviation for "ultraviolet transmission")). This transmittance is preferably 85%. This material can be transparent or translucent. In a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, this material can be a polymer, a glass or a ceramic.

[0076] It should be noted that here, the ceramic can be zirconium oxide, which is a transparent, translucent, at least partially transparent or at least partially translucent material. This zirconium oxide provides a surprising illumination for the timepiece 1, giving it a precious look and a more or less diffuse, discreet, soft and pleasant illumination, and these characteristics can be virtually infinitely varied according to the desired aesthetic result, which increases the final aesthetic quality of the timepiece 1. In addition, zirconium oxide stabilized in the tetragonal phase by the addition of yttria (Y-TZP, an abbreviation for "yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconium oxide polycrystal") is a technical ceramic that provides the best mechanical toughness and the best light transmittance. Its use in the timepiece 1 allows light 28 to escape from the interior of the external elements 2a, 2b of the timepiece 1, thus giving the external elements 2a, 2b a very good light transmission, while achieving original lighting effects for functional, aesthetic and / or entertainment purposes.

[0077] In this configuration, this material can undergo a treatment intended to form the at least one first opaque portion in and / or on the substrate. This treatment comprises, for example, producing the at least one first non-transparent, non-translucent, opaque or substantially opaque portion in the substrate and / or on the upper surface of this substrate intended to be illuminated by the light 28 generated by the at least one light source 4.

[0078] When the substrate is made of a material such as ceramic (e.g. zirconium oxide), in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, the first opaque portion can be made on the substrate, for example, using the following method:

[0079] - a method for selectively carburizing and / or nitriding this surface;

[0080] - Methods for changing the thickness of a substrate by mechanical or laser etching (e.g. recessing by about one tenth or one hundredth of a millimeter in ceramics);

[0081] - internal etching methods into the substrate, in particular by laser etching processes;

[0082] - by varying the density of this substrate;

[0083] - an opaque or semi-transparent film for printing in or on the lower surface of the substrate, for example in one or more cavities formed in this lower surface;

[0084] Printing method;

[0085] -Methods for bonding opaque or translucent coatings;

[0086] - Physical vapor deposition (PVD) or similar methods that perform patterning in or on the surface of the substrate;

[0087] - or a combination of these methods.

[0088] Thus, when light 28 is emitted by the light source, the graphical representation appears on the visible face 20a of the timepiece exterior element 2a, 2b by means of the backlight.

[0089] In one embodiment, the rigid or semi-rigid substrate may be made of a first material constituting the at least one first portion and a second material constituting the at least one second portion. In this context, the first material may be made integrally with the second material in one piece, thus making this first layer 10 as a one-piece part. It will be understood that this first layer 10 therefore consists only of this at least one first portion and this at least one second portion. The at least one first portion and the at least one second portion preferably extend within the thickness of this substrate, which thickness is defined between the upper surface and the lower surface of this substrate. By extending within this thickness in this way, the at least one first portion and the at least one second portion connect these upper and lower surfaces of the substrate together.

[0090] In this version, the first material may be present in the substrate in a greater proportion than the second material. It should be noted that this second material is visually identifiable in the substrate constituting this first layer 10, because it corresponds to the at least one second transparent or translucent portion or zone of this first layer 10. It should be understood that in this context, the total surface area occupied by one or more first portions of the visible face 20a of the timepiece external element 2a, 2b is greater than the total surface area occupied by one or more second portions of this same face 20a. In this example, some of these second portions may allow light 28 generated by the at least one light source to pass therethrough, for example when this timepiece external element 2a, 2b is a dial 32, by forming a reference element such as an index, while another portion may allow light from the environment of the timepiece 1 (which may include solar radiation) to pass therethrough. In this version, the first material may account for between 55% and 75%, preferably 65%, of the body of the timepiece external element 2a, 2b.

[0091] In another example of this version, in the substrate of this first layer 10, the proportion of this first material can be smaller than the second material. It should be understood that in this context, the total surface area occupied by one or more first parts of the visible surface 20a of the timepiece external elements 2a, 2b is smaller than the total surface area occupied by one or more second parts of this same surface. In this example, the one or more first opaque parts can take the form of one or more of the graphical representations mentioned above, so that when these first parts are illuminated, each graphical representation can appear on the visible surface 20a of the timepiece external elements 2a, 2b by backlighting. It should be noted that in this configuration, the first material can therefore account for between 20% and 30%, preferably 25%, of the body of the timepiece external elements 2a, 2b.

[0092] In this first layer 10, at least one light source 4 is arranged in or on the lower surface of the substrate. This arrangement of the light source 4 in or on this lower surface is configured to illuminate all or part of the visible surface 20a of the timepiece external element 2a, 2b. For example, when this timepiece external element 2a, 2b is a dial 32, this may involve illuminating reference (or display) elements such as numbers, indices, lines, dots, etc., or illuminating one or more pointers, or even illuminating all or part of the surface of the visible surface 20a of this dial 2a, 2b.

[0093] When the light source 4 is arranged in a cavity defined in the substrate, the illumination may be backlighting or semi-direct illumination. Such a cavity may be a blind opening made in the lower surface of the substrate. More specifically, the blind opening is made in the following part:

[0094] - formed in the first opaque portion so as to assist in illuminating the graphical representation formed by the first portion; and / or

[0095] - made in the second transparent or translucent portion for illuminating the first portion corresponding to a graphical representation comprised in the substrate and / or on the upper and / or lower surface of this substrate, for example on the bottom of the cavity.

[0096] This illumination may be direct illumination when the light source 4 is arranged in a cavity defined in the substrate. Such a cavity may be a blind opening made in the lower surface of this substrate. More specifically, when the timepiece external element 2a, 2b is a dial 32, this blind opening is made in the second transparent or translucent portion to illuminate this second portion, thereby forming a small graphical representation of a reference element such as, for example, an index. This is the case, for example, when the total surface area occupied by one or more first portions of the visible face 20a of the timepiece external element 2a, 2b is greater than the total surface area occupied by one or more second portions of this same face.

[0097] In this configuration, the optical radiation 28 or light 28 generated by this light source 4 can escape via the visible face 20a of this element 2a, 2b to the outside of the timepiece external element 2a, 2b, thus allowing at least one graphical representation such as a reference element to be viewed in the dark.

[0098] This illumination can also be direct illumination when the light source 4 is arranged in a through opening made in the at least one first portion and / or in the at least one second portion. Such an opening extends through the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10 so as to open at its two ends to the upper and lower surfaces of this substrate, respectively. In this configuration, all or part of the light source 4 can protrude from the upper surface of this substrate and therefore from the visible surface 20a of the timepiece external element 2a, 2b. For example, in this configuration, when the timepiece external element 2a, 2b is a dial 32, the at least one protruding light source 4 can form a reference element such as an index, a number, a point or a line.

[0099] This illumination may also be indirect illumination when the at least one light source 4 is coupled to at least one waveguide. This waveguide (also called light guide) allows the light 28 to be transferred from the point at which it is injected into the guide to the substrate or to a region of the substrate close to the upper surface of this substrate (e.g. a cavity, a through opening). This light guide may be an optical fiber, which allows to bypass any obstacles that may be present in the substrate (e.g. between the light emitting element and the region of the substrate close to the upper surface of this substrate) through which the light 28 will escape. In this alternative embodiment, therefore, the light 28 is carried from the light emitting element via the waveguide to this region of the substrate to be illuminated.

[0100] In this configuration, a first end of the waveguide is coupled to the light source 4, and a second end of this waveguide may be arranged in the following section:

[0101] a cavity which may be a blind opening made in said first and / or second portion of the substrate, in the lower surface of this substrate of the first layer 10, or

[0102] - a through opening extending through said first and / or second portion in the thickness of the substrate comprised in the first layer 10, said opening appearing at its two ends respectively on the upper and lower surface of this substrate, and therefore of the first layer 10. Thus, this second end may protrude from the upper surface of the substrate, and therefore from the visible face 20a of the timepiece external element 2a, 2b. In such a configuration, for example, when the timepiece external element 2a, 2b is a dial 32, said at least one protruding light source 4 may form a reference element such as an index, a number, a dot or a line or the like.

[0103] In this context, indirect lighting may be achieved by a single light source 4 comprised on the lower surface of the substrate of this first layer 10 and coupled to several waveguides, including the second end when the second end is arranged in:

[0104] - cavities, each of which emits light radiation coming from this light source 4, this radiation escaping to the outside of the timepiece external element 2a, 2b through the visible face 20a of the timepiece external element 2a, 2b, thus allowing viewing of at least one graphical representation, in particular in the dark, and / or

[0105] through-openings which protrude or do not protrude from the upper surface of this first layer 10 in order to form a graphical representation such as a reference element and which each emit the light radiation coming from this light source 4 .

[0106] In this first layer 10, the light source 4 is applied / attached to the lower surface of the substrate of this first layer 10, in the cavity or on the inner wall of the above-mentioned through-opening, by printing or evaporation.

[0107] Furthermore, it should be noted that the lower surface of this first layer 10 may be self-adhesive, so that it may facilitate its assembly with the second layer 11 .

[0108] In the assembly 9a, 9b forming the timepiece external element 2a, 2b, the second layer 11 comprises a substrate comprising a photovoltaic module 5. This substrate is preferably flexible or pliable. This substrate may be a film on which this photovoltaic module 5 is arranged, for example, this substrate may be made of a material belonging to the polymer family. This photovoltaic module 5 preferably extends over the entire so-called active area of ​​the upper surface of this substrate of the second layer 11. This active area is a portion of this upper surface of the substrate that is capable of receiving light from the lower surface of the first layer 10 of the timepiece external element 2a, 2b. This light that has passed all or part of the first layer 10 comes from the timepiece external element 2a, 2b, and therefore from the external environment of the timepiece 1, in this case, when it is a natural source, mainly from solar radiation.

[0109] It should be noted that the photovoltaic modules 5 are applied to the upper surface of this substrate using an inkjet or screen printing process or using a thermal evaporation printing process. Reference will be made here to the second layer 11 comprising the printed photovoltaic modules 5, in particular printed on its substrate.

[0110] Furthermore, it should be noted that once the photovoltaic module 5 has been applied to the substrate, a layer of self-adhesive or adhesive substance can be placed on all or part of the upper and / or lower surface of this substrate. Under these conditions, the second layer 11 can be a self-adhesive layer, which helps facilitate its assembly / installation / adhesion with other layers, in particular with the first layer 10 and / or the third layer 12 of this assembly 9a, 9b.

[0111] In this first alternative embodiment, the assembly 9a comprises this third layer 12 further comprising a preferably flexible or pliable substrate comprising the electrical accumulator 6 from the autonomous lighting device 3. This substrate may be a film on which is placed the accumulator 6. Such a substrate may be made of a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0112] This accumulator 6 can be a lithium accumulator or a semiconductor accumulator. This accumulator 6 is applied to the upper surface of the substrate using processes known in the prior art, such as:

[0113] - printing processes on flexible polymer substrates (e.g. lithium ion batteries), or

[0114] - For example, three-dimensional printing processes for semiconductor batteries such as lithium-metal semiconductor batteries.

[0115] Reference will be made here to the third layer 12 comprising the printed electrical accumulator 6 , in particular the electrical accumulator 6 printed on a substrate of the third layer 12 .

[0116] This process is used to obtain a third layer 12 comprising this accumulator 6 which is flexible and ultra-thin.

[0117] Furthermore, it should be noted that once the reservoir 5 has been applied to the substrate, a layer of self-adhesive or adhesive substance may be placed on all or part of the upper and / or lower surface of this substrate. Under these conditions, the third layer 12 may be a self-adhesive layer, which helps facilitate its assembly / installation / adhesion with the other layers, in particular with the second layer 11 and / or the fourth layer 13 of this assembly 9a.

[0118] It should be noted that this accumulator 6 is used to store the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module 5 and to release this electrical energy as needed to power the at least one light source 4 .

[0119] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the first alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , this component 9a comprises this fourth layer 13 forming a hidden face of the timepiece external element 2a. This fourth layer 13 is formed by a preferably flexible or pliable substrate comprising the control unit 7. Such a substrate may be, for example, a flexible PCB, on which this control unit 7 is arranged, in particular on the upper surface of this PCB and therefore of the substrate. In this context, the control unit 7 may be constructed on this upper surface of the substrate using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process.

[0120] In a second alternative embodiment, the assembly 9b forming the timepiece external element 2b comprises three interconnected layers 10, 11, 14. It should be noted that this second alternative embodiment differs from the first alternative embodiment in that it comprises three layers 10, 11, 14 instead of four layers 10, 11, 12, 13 as in the first alternative embodiment. In this second alternative embodiment, the electrical accumulator 6 of the autonomous lighting device 3 is now included in the third and final layer 14 of this assembly 9b together with the control unit 7.

[0121] This third layer 14, forming the hidden face of the timepiece external element 2b, consists of a preferably flexible or pliable substrate on which the accumulator 6 and the electronic circuit 8 constituting the control unit 7 are built, preferably on the upper surface of this substrate. The accumulator 6 and the control unit 7 can be built on this upper surface of the substrate in this way using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that this substrate can be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0122] In summary, in this second alternative embodiment, the assembly 9b therefore comprises:

[0123] a first layer 10 forming a visible face 20a of the timepiece external element 2b comprising said at least one light source 4 of the lighting means 3;

[0124] - a second layer 11 comprising photovoltaic modules 5, and

[0125] A third layer 14 forming a hidden face 20 b of the timepiece exterior element 2 b , this hidden face comprising the reservoir 6 and the control unit 7 .

[0126] It should be noted that in this second alternative embodiment, the first and second layers 10, 11 are similar to those of the first alternative embodiment of assembly 9a.

[0127] In addition, reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the electronic circuit 8 of the control unit 7 comprises a first connection element 15a connected to the connection element 16 of the at least one light source 4 for managing the operation of this light source 4. This electronic circuit 8 further comprises a second connection element 15b connected to the first connection element 17a of the accumulator 6. This accumulator 6 further comprises a second connection element 17b connected to the connection element 18 of the photovoltaic module 5.

[0128] It should further be noted that the above-mentioned event sensors of the lighting device 3 are preferably arranged in the first layer 10 and / or the last layer 13 , 14 of the components 9 a , 9 b and are connected to the control unit 7 of this device 3 .

[0129] In a third alternative embodiment, not shown, the assembly forming the external element of the timepiece comprises two interconnected layers. It should be noted that this third alternative embodiment differs from the second alternative embodiment in that it comprises two layers, instead of three layers 10, 11, 14 as in this second alternative embodiment. In this third alternative embodiment, the photovoltaic module 5 of the autonomous lighting device 3 is now included in the first layer, and in particular on the lower surface of the substrate forming this first layer. This photovoltaic module 5 can be applied to this lower surface of the substrate of this first layer using an inkjet or screen printing process or using a thermal evaporation printing process. Therefore, it should be noted that this first layer is therefore similar to the first layer 11 of the first and second alternative embodiments, except that in this third alternative embodiment, the first layer additionally includes a photovoltaic module.

[0130] Furthermore, in a third alternative embodiment, and similarly to the second alternative embodiment, the electrical accumulator 6 of the autonomous lighting device 3 is included in the second and last layer of this assembly together with the control unit 7. This second layer, which forms the hidden face of the external elements of the timepiece, consists of a preferably flexible or pliable substrate on which the accumulator 6 and the electronic circuit 8 constituting the control unit 7 are built, preferably on the upper surface of this substrate. This accumulator 6 and the control unit 7 can be built in this way on the upper surface of the substrate using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that this substrate can be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0131] In summary, in this third alternative embodiment, the assembly therefore comprises:

[0132] a first layer forming a visible face 20a of an external element of the timepiece, comprising said at least one light source 4 and the photovoltaic module 5 of the lighting device 3, and

[0133] A second layer forming a hidden face 20 b of the external elements of the timepiece, comprising the reservoir 6 and the control unit 7 .

[0134] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and that a person skilled in the art may envisage various simple modifications and alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A timepiece (1), characterized in that: The timepiece comprises at least one timepiece external element (2a, 2b), the at least one timepiece external element comprising a visible surface (20a), the visible surface being formed by at least one first opaque portion and at least one second transparent or translucent portion, the at least one timepiece external element (2a, 2b) comprising an autonomous lighting device (3), the autonomous lighting device comprising the following functional elements: - at least one light source (4) capable of generating light (28) in a visible face (20a) of the timepiece external element (2a, 2b); - autonomous power supply unit (21); as well as - a control unit (7) configured to manage the operation of the light source (4); The at least one timepiece exterior element (2a, 2b) is formed by an assembly (9a, 9b) of a plurality of stacked layers which are connected together and each comprise one or more functional elements of the autonomous lighting device (3).

2. The timepiece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The assembly (9a, 9b) consists of a first layer (10) forming the visible surface (20a) comprising the at least one light source (4).

3. The timepiece (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The at least one light source (4) is arranged in the first layer (10), the arrangement being configured such that most or all of the light (28) generated by the at least one light source (4) passes through the at least one second portion of the visible surface (20a).

4. The timepiece (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The at least one second transparent or translucent portion is configured to enable light to pass therethrough.

5. The timepiece (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The at least one second transparent or translucent portion is configured to allow light including solar radiation that can be received by the photovoltaic module (5) of the autonomous power supply unit (21) to pass therethrough.

6. The timepiece (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The at least one light source (4) is a light source configured to generate continuous or quasi-continuous illumination on the at least one second portion of the first layer (10).

7. The timepiece (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that In addition to the first layer (10), the assembly (9a) comprises the following successive layers: - a second layer (11) comprising photovoltaic modules (5) constituting said autonomous power supply unit (21); - a third layer (12) comprising an electrical accumulator (6) constituting the autonomous power supply unit (21); - a fourth layer (13) forming a hidden face (20b) of the timepiece external element (2a), said hidden face comprising said control unit (7).

8. A timepiece (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterised in that In addition to the first layer (10), the assembly (9b) comprises the following successive layers: - a second layer (11) comprising photovoltaic modules (5) constituting said autonomous power supply unit (21), and - a third layer having a hidden face (20b) of the timepiece external element (2a), said hidden face comprising the control unit (7) and the electrical accumulator (6) constituting the autonomous power supply unit (21).

9. The timepiece (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first layer (10) is rigid relative to the other layers in the assembly (9a, 9b), which are flexible.

10. The timepiece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The layers are joined together by connecting elements so as to integrate the layers to obtain an assembly (9a, 9b) forming a one-piece timepiece exterior element (2a, 2b).

11. The timepiece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one first opaque portion is a graphical representation included on and / or in a substrate that assists in forming the visible surface (20a).

12. The timepiece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The functional elements are printed on a substrate constituting the layer of the assembly (9a, 9b) forming the at least one timepiece exterior element (2a, 2b).

13. The timepiece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one timepiece exterior element (2a, 2b) comprises a bottom cover (24), a centerpiece (23), a dial (32), a wristband (30), a bezel (26), a flange, a button, a winder knob and / or a winder knob cap.

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