Decorative object, in particular comprising a decorative module for a watch

Abstract

The invention relates to a decorative object (1.1, 12, 13, 14), in particular a wristwatch or a pocket watch, comprising: - a first space (V1) and a second space (V2), together forming a sealed space (V0); - a fluid (8) at least partially filling the first space (V1) and the second space (V2); - solid elements (11) that are movably suspended in the fluid and free to move throughout the entire first space and only throughout the first space, the solid elements being visible from outside the decorative object; - at least one wall (9) that is permeable to the fluid at the interface between the first space and the second space; - at least one region defining a pattern; - a flow initiator capable of bringing about a flow that drives the fluid toward the region through the permeable wall so that the solid elements are arranged according to the pattern; and - a control device (12, 13, 14) for controlling the flow initiator. The invention also relates to a decorative module (1.1) for such a timepiece.

Description

[0001] Decorative object, in particular comprising a decorative module for a watch

[0002] The present invention relates to a decorative object, for example a watch or jewelry item, typically comprising a decorative module and producing an optical effect.

[0003] In the state of the art, as described for example in document DE 8701203 U1, there are watches whose glass, through which the dial is visible, contains a liquid containing suspended particles. Such a glass gives the watch an attractive appearance.

[0004] Patent EP 3414 108 B1 describes an improved version of this type of watch crystal and proposes a decorative module in which the suspended particles circulate in a hollow pattern, typically engraved in a lower crystal and covered by an upper crystal. In a particular embodiment of this invention, the balls are contained in the pattern in which case it is always visible. In another embodiment of the invention, the balls can enter and exit the pattern, in which case the pattern appears as soon as the dial is oriented with the channels downwards, the balls falling into the channels under the effect of gravity.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a decorative object of this type which allows more freedom as to the appearance of the pattern; typically where the appearance of the pattern is not necessarily dependent on gravity.

[0006] The present invention provides for this purpose a decorative object comprising:

[0007] - a first volume and a second volume together forming a sealed volume; a fluid at least partially filling the first volume and the second volume;

[0008] - mobile solid elements suspended in the fluid and free to move throughout the first volume and only in the first volume, said solid elements being visible from the exterior of the decorative object;

[0009] - at least one fluid-permeable wall at the interface between the first volume and the second volume;

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

[0011] - a flow initiator capable of causing a flow driving the fluid towards said zone through said permeable wall so that the solid elements arrange themselves according to said pattern; and

[0012] - a flow initiator control device.

[0013] As its name suggests, the control device allows you to control the flow initiator. It allows you to trigger the flow and therefore the pattern.

[0014] Depending on the control device used, the flow and the placement of the pattern can be triggered randomly, automatically (programmed) or on demand. Thus, the decorative object according to the invention allows the display of a pattern by movable solid elements such as balls randomly, automatically or on demand. The triggering of the display can therefore be made independent of gravity. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the flow initiator comprises a movable member. It is the movements of the movable member that cause the flow.

[0015] The moving part is typically mobile in translation or rotation. It can, for example, be a piston, a propeller or a set of propellers.

[0016] Advantageously, the area defining the pattern is arranged within the first volume or at the interface between the first volume and the second volume.

[0017] The area defining the pattern is typically said permeable wall. In this case, the pattern of said area is preferably defined by the arrangement and / or size of through holes (pores, channels, etc.) of said permeable wall. In certain versions of the decorative object according to the invention, the area defining the pattern is formed by means of a device comprising at least two superimposed permeable walls. Relative movements of one permeable wall relative to another can thus be provided to modify the positions and / or sizes (section, for example diameter) of the holes and thus change the pattern.

[0018] Where the pattern of the pattern-defining area is defined by the arrangement and / or size of through-holes, the decorative object of the invention may comprise channels containing the solid elements, said channels being arranged in extensions of said through-holes such that the flow initiator causes flows pushing the solid elements into said channels at speeds dependent on the sizes of the different through-holes.

[0019] When the area defining the pattern is arranged inside the first volume, said area is typically the surface of said permeable wall located inside the first volume. It may also be another surface defining the first volume. In both cases, said surface is preferably in relief.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the decorative object according to the invention comprises two zones each defining a distinct pattern, each of said zones corresponding to a distinct surface arranged inside the first volume and the flow initiator is capable of causing, according to the command it receives from the control device, either a flow driving the fluid towards a first of said zones through said permeable wall so that the solid elements are arranged according to a first pattern, or a flow driving the fluid towards the second of said zones through said permeable wall so that the solid elements are arranged according to a second pattern.

[0021] In a particular embodiment, the decorative object according to the invention further comprises at least one second permeable wall (in addition to the permeable wall(s) defined previously), said second permeable wall also being located at the interface between the first and second volumes. This second wall allows a flow of fluid from one of said volumes to the other, in a direction opposite to that passing through said at least one permeable wall. It thus improves the arrangement of the solid elements according to the pattern.

[0022] Advantageously, the flow initiator is also capable of causing a flow driving the fluid towards said area defining a pattern through said at least one permeable wall in the direction opposite to the direction allowing the arrangement of the solid elements according to said pattern. It then typically makes it possible to “destroy” said pattern.

[0023] Particularly advantageously, the density of the solid elements is substantially equal to the density of the fluid. This has the advantage of being freed, at least in part, from the direct effects of gravity on the solid elements. The density of the fluid typically differs by at most 10%, preferably by at most 5%, more preferably by at most 2% from the density of the solid elements.

[0024] The decorative object according to the invention is preferably a timepiece such as a pocket watch or a wristwatch.

[0025] Said timepiece typically comprises:

[0026] - a decorative module comprising: o a first volume and a second volume together forming a sealed volume; o a fluid at least partially filling the first volume and the second volume; o mobile solid elements suspended in the fluid and free to move throughout the first volume and only in the first volume, said solid elements being visible from the outside of said timepiece; o at least one fluid-permeable wall at the interface between the first volume and the second volume; o at least one area defining a pattern; and o a flow initiator capable of causing a flow driving the fluid towards said area through said permeable wall so that the solid elements are arranged according to said pattern; and a device for controlling the flow initiator.

[0027] The control device is typically located outside the sealed volume of the decorative module and controls the flow initiator, in particular the moving member of the flow initiator where applicable, mechanically or magnetically. The drive of said moving member is preferably magnetic, which limits the constraints in terms of sealing between the control device and the moving member.

[0028] The aforementioned decorative module typically comprises: an upper pane, a lower pane and an annular frame defining the sealed volume; a partition, at least a portion of which corresponds to said permeable wall, arranged between the upper and lower panes and fixed relative to said panes, said partition delimiting on one side the first volume and on the other the second volume; and a piston arranged between said wall and one of said upper and lower panes and constituting said movable member, the volume comprising said piston corresponding to said second volume.

[0029] In the context of the present invention, the term "glass" means any plate made of a material that is at least partially transparent and preferably entirely transparent and colorless, which may or may not include an anti-reflective treatment.

[0030] As previously indicated, the decorative object, whether or not it is a watch, 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 arrange them appropriately to highlight the pattern revealed by the solid elements. In the context of the present invention, it is entirely conceivable that the walls defining the sealed volume are transparent only in a restricted part from the moment they allow the solid elements to be seen.

[0031] The invention also relates to a decorative module for a wristwatch or a pocket watch according to the invention.

[0032] The decorative object according to the invention has, among other things, the advantage of being able to reveal a decorative pattern on demand or automatically by choosing a manual control device that can be controlled from outside the object, for example a push button or a sliding member, or by choosing an automatic control device. It is clear that the principle of the invention can also be used to make a "persistent" type pattern formed under the effect of Archimedes' thrust disappear on demand or in a programmed manner.

[0033] The invention proposes for this purpose a decorative object comprising: a first volume and a second volume together forming a sealed volume, a fluid at least partially filling the first volume and the second volume, mobile solid elements suspended in the fluid and free to move throughout the first volume and only in the first volume, said solid elements being visible from the outside of the decorative object, at least one wall permeable to the fluid at the interface between the first volume and the second volume, at least one zone defining a pattern in which the solid elements are intended to position themselves spontaneously, under the effect of Archimedes' thrust, to define said pattern; at least one flow initiator capable of causing a flow driving the fluid towards said zone through said permeable wall so as to move the solid elements so that they arrange themselves differently from according to the pattern;and a flow initiator control device.;

[0034] In the context of the invention, the term "zone defining a pattern in which the solid elements are intended to position themselves spontaneously, under the effect of Archimedes' thrust, to define said pattern" means a zone in which said solid elements are placed when the decorative object is at rest (typically shown horizontally, dial upwards), under the effect of Archimedes' thrust.

[0035] In the context of the present invention, the fluid is preferably a liquid. Alternatively, it may be a gas.

[0036] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description made with reference to the appended drawings in which: Figure 1 represents, in perspective section, a part, called decorative module, of a watch according to a first embodiment of the invention comprising a piston arranged in a first stable position;

[0037] - Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown in Figure 1;

[0038] - Figure 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view (showing only the edges present in the section plane) of the module shown in Figure 1;

[0039] - Figure 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown in Figure 1 in which the piston is arranged in a second stable position;

[0040] - Figure 5 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a decorative module for a watch according to a second embodiment of the invention, said decorative module comprising a piston arranged in a first stable position;

[0041] - Figure 6 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown in Figure 5 in which the piston is in a second stable position;

[0042] - Figure 7 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a decorative module for a watch according to a third embodiment of the invention, said decorative module comprising a piston arranged in a first stable position;

[0043] - Figure 8 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown in Figure 7 in which the piston is in a second stable position;

[0044] - Figure 9 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a decorative module for a watch according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, said decorative module comprising a piston arranged in a first stable position;

[0045] - Figure 10 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown in Figure 9 in which the piston is in a second stable position;

[0046] - Figure 11 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a decorative module for a watch according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, said decorative module comprising a piston arranged in a first stable position;

[0047] - Figure 12 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown in Figure 11 in which the piston is in a second stable position;

[0048] - Figure 13 is a schematic view showing a cross-section of a decorative module for a watch according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, said decorative module comprising a piston arranged in a first stable position;

[0049] - Figure 14 is a schematic view showing a cross-section of the decorative module shown in Figure 13 in which the piston is in a second stable position;

[0050] - figure 15 illustrates a device used in a watch according to a seventh or eighth embodiment of the invention.

[0051] - Figures 16 to 19 schematically illustrate the watch piston control device illustrated in part in Figures 1 to 4 and its mode of operation. The elements designated in Figures 5 to 19 by the same reference numbers as those used in Figures 1 to 4 are, unless otherwise indicated, identical or similar to those described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0052] With reference to Figure 1, a watch according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a decorative module 1.1 and a control device.

[0053] The decorative module 1.1 comprises a transparent upper glass 2 and a transparent lower glass 3 fixed on an annular frame 4. The frame 4 is in two parts 4a, 4b integral with each other.

[0054] The upper glass 2, the lower glass 3 and the frame 4 together define a sealed volume V0.

[0055] In the context of the present invention, the terms “lower” and “upper” are defined with reference to the position of the decorative module 1.1 as illustrated in Figure 1. The lower glass 3 is typically intended to cover the dial of the watch according to the first embodiment of the invention and the upper glass 2 is intended to be in contact with the exterior of the watch.

[0056] The decorative module 1.1 also comprises a piston 5 and a partition 6, both at least partially transparent and preferably completely transparent. Their shape is adapted to that of the watch dial. In the illustrated example, they are generally disc-shaped. Alternatively, square, oval or left-handed shapes could be imagined.

[0057] The piston 5 and the partition 6 are arranged in said sealed volume V0, between the upper 2 and lower 3 windows. The partition 6 is typically mounted on the lower window 3 by means of a ring 7, visible in Figures 1 and 2, forming a circular grid. The piston 5 is arranged between the partition 6 and the upper window 2.

[0058] The lower glass 3, the ring 7 and the partition 6 delimit a first volume V1, included in the sealed volume VO. V2 will denote the second volume corresponding to the sealed volume VO from which the first volume V1 is subtracted. The partition 6 is at the interface between the first volume V1 and the second volume V2. The volume V2 comprises two communicating sub-volumes V2a and V2b illustrated in the figures. V2a denotes the part of the volume V2 located above the piston 5, that is to say between the piston 5 and the upper glass 2. V2b denotes the part of the volume V2 located below the piston 5, that is to say between the piston 5 and the partition 6.

[0059] A liquid 8 fills the sealed volume VO. The liquid 8 is at least partially transparent, and preferably completely transparent and colorless.

[0060] A portion, located in the center of the partition 6 in the illustrated example, comprises several through openings, typically holes, here through holes 10, and is therefore permeable to the liquid 8. This portion of partition is designated in the remainder of the description by the expression “permeable wall 9”.

[0061] The permeable wall 9 and in particular the surface of this permeable wall 9 located inside the volume V1, defines a relief pattern. The hollows defining the relief pattern are formed on the surface of the permeable wall 9, for example by engraving, typically by laser engraving, by machining, grinding, thermoforming and / or molding. Solid elements, here hollow balls 11 coated with gold, suspended in the liquid 8 can move throughout the first volume V1 and only in this first volume V1. The balls 11 typically have the same density as the liquid 8 so that their movements are conditioned by those of the piston 5. They are therefore, among other things, theoretically insensitive to gravity.

[0062] The liquid 8 is able to circulate throughout the sealed volume VO. It can circulate between the volumes V1 and V2. The balls 11 are blocked in the first volume V1. The holes 10 therefore do not allow the balls 11 to pass through. The same applies to the openings in the ring 7.

[0063] The piston 5 is intended to move in translation along a z axis between a first stable position illustrated in figures 1, 2 and 3 and a second stable position illustrated in figure 4. It is typically guided along the z axis by means of sliding systems arranged between the peripheries of this piston 5 and the internal surface of the frame 4.

[0064] The piston 5 carries two magnets 12 located on its periphery and diametrically opposed. They are typically glued in recesses provided for this purpose.

[0065] In the example illustrated, the piston drive device 5 comprises the two magnets 12 and a ring 14 carrying two diametrically opposed magnets 13 arranged so that they can be positioned opposite the two magnets 12 along an axis parallel to the z axis.

[0066] The ring 14 is intended to pivot around the z axis defined previously, typically in 180° jumps, so that its magnets 13 attract, every other step, and repel, every other step, those 12 carried by the piston 5. Figures 16 to 19 schematically illustrate this principle.

[0067] The axial position of the ring 14 along the z axis being fixed, only the piston 5 moves along the z axis during the pivoting of the ring 14.

[0068] The rotational drive of the ring 14 by jumps can be controlled automatically, typically regularly, for example every hour, by a kinematic chain starting from the finishing gear of the watch. In this way, every hour, the ring 14 pivots 180° and causes the piston 5 to move from one of its two stable positions to the other. Alternatively, it is also possible to envisage driving the ring 14 on demand by the user by means of an actuating member accessible from outside the watch or else driving this ring 14 randomly, for example by using an unbalanced mass.

[0069] The operation of the watch according to the first embodiment of the invention is as follows:

[0070] When the piston 5 moves from the first stable position (illustrated in figures 1, 2 and 3) to the second stable position (illustrated in figure 4), this creates a flow of liquid 8 towards the upper ice 2, from the first volume V1 to the second volume V2, through the holes 10. This flow drives the balls 11 against the permeable wall 9 and in particular against the surface of this permeable wall 9 located inside the volume V1 and defining the pattern. By being attracted by the flow of liquid 8 against this surface, the balls 11 come to fill the hollows forming the relief and thus arrange themselves according to the pattern, as illustrated in figure 4. It goes without saying that the decorative module 1 comprises a sufficient number of balls 11 to allow this pattern to be represented. When the piston 5 moves from the second stable position to the first stable position, this creates a flow of liquid 8 towards the lower glass 3, from the second volume V2 to the first volume V1, through the holes 10.This flow separates the balls 11 from the holes 10, as illustrated in Figure 3 for example. The balls 11 are generally dispersed in the volume V1 and their arrangement is quite random.

[0071] In the decorative module 1.1, the ring 7 allows, whatever the movement of the piston 5, a flow of liquid 8 between the volumes V1 and V2 opposite to that passing through the permeable wall 9.

[0072] Typically, when the piston 5 rises and causes a flow of liquid 8 upwards (from V1 to V2) through the holes 10, liquid 8 also passes from volume V2 to volume V1 through the grid of the ring 7. More precisely, when the piston 5 rises, the liquid 8 located in the volume V2a is forced into the volume V1 through the ring 7 and then rises from V1 to V2b. This is where the flow drives the balls 11 against the surface defining the pattern to reveal the pattern.

[0073] Conversely, when the piston 5 descends and causes a flow of liquid 8 downwards (from V2 to V1) by crossing the holes 10, liquid 8 also passes from volume V1 to volume V2 by passing through the grid of the ring 7. More precisely, when the piston 5 descends, the liquid 8 located in the volume V2b is driven into the volume V1 by passing through the permeable wall 9 and thus “destroys” the pattern represented by the balls 11 then it rises from V1 to V2a by passing through the openings of the ring 7.

[0074] Such a reverse flow of liquid 8 makes it possible, among other things, to improve the definition of the pattern by avoiding parasitic flows through the permeable wall 9. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a decorative module 1.2 for a watch according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0075] Unlike the area defining the pattern of the decorative module 1.1 according to the first embodiment, the area of ​​the decorative module 1.2 of the second embodiment of the invention that defines the pattern is not a raised surface. It is the permeable wall 9. In the second embodiment, this wall 9 has two flat, parallel surfaces. The arrangement of the holes 10 is not uniform and it is this arrangement that defines the pattern. When the piston 5 rises, the balls 11 tend to move closer to the holes 10 and arrange themselves in their proximity, thus forming the pattern.

[0076] The other considerations relating to the watch according to the first embodiment, in particular the manner in which the movements of the piston 5 are controlled, and the behavior of the decorative module during the phases of revealing the pattern, remain valid in the second embodiment of the invention.

[0077] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a decorative module 1.3 for a watch according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0078] Unlike the surface of the permeable wall 9 of the decorative module 1.1 defining the pattern, the surface of the permeable wall 9 of the decorative module 1.3 according to the third embodiment of the invention located in the volume V1 does not have the role of defining the pattern to be revealed. It is not in relief. The partition 6 comprises two flat surfaces, parallel to the upper glass 2 and the holes 10 are preferably uniformly distributed. These holes 10 are not intended to create a pattern as in the second embodiment but simply to allow a flow of liquid 8 along the z axis. The surface defining the pattern corresponds here to the surface of the lower glass 3 located inside the first volume V1.

[0079] The operation of the piston 5 of the decorative module 1.3 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the piston 5 of the first embodiment, only here, it is when the piston 5 moves from its high position illustrated in Figure 7 to its low position illustrated in Figure 8 that the pattern is revealed. Indeed, when the piston 5 is lowered, it drives the balls 11 towards the lower glass 3 and therefore against the raised surface defining the pattern.

[0080] When the piston 5 returns to its high position illustrated in Figure 7, this causes a flow of liquid 8 in the opposite direction. In the example illustrated, the densities of the balls 11 and of the liquid 8 being identical, the balls 11 come to bear against the permeable wall 9.

[0081] The other considerations relating to the watch according to the first embodiment, in particular the manner in which the movements of the piston 5 are controlled, remain valid in the third embodiment of the invention.

[0082] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a decorative module 1.4 for a watch according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0083] This embodiment is very close to the third embodiment mentioned above. It differs from the third embodiment only in that the surface of the permeable wall 9 located in the first volume V1 also defines a pattern (as in the decorative module 1.1). Thus, in this embodiment, the decorative module 1.4 comprises two surfaces S1 and S2 each defining a pattern, in relief here. The first S1 in the upper part of the first volume V1 (at the permeable wall 9) and the second S2 at the upper part of the lower glass 3. Thus, at each alternation of position of the piston 5, a pattern is revealed, a first when the balls 11 are pressing against the surface S1 and a second when the balls 11 are pressing against the surface S2. Said two patterns are preferably different.

[0084] We can imagine that the piston 5 could occupy a stable intermediate position between its two stable positions. In this intermediate position, the balls 11 would typically be dispersed / in an intermediate position. Thus three displays would be possible depending on whether the balls are gathered on the surface S1, on the surface S2 or dispersed.

[0085] The other considerations relating to the watch according to the first embodiment, in particular the manner in which the piston 5 is controlled, remain valid in the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0086] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a decorative module 1.5 for a watch according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0087] Like the decorative modules 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4, the decorative module 1.5 comprises an upper glass 2, a lower glass 3 and a frame 4 together defining a sealed volume VO. It also comprises a partition 6 and a piston 5 such as those defined in the first embodiment.

[0088] Like the decorative module 1.4, the decorative module 1.5 comprises two surfaces S1 and S2 each defining a relief pattern and the whole is arranged so that, at each alternation of position of the piston 5, a pattern is revealed, a first when the balls 11 are pressing against the surface S1 and a second when the balls 11 are pressing against the surface S2.

[0089] The partition 6 is identical to that of the decorative modules 1.1 and 1.4 and defines the surface S1 and the first hollow pattern. The decorative module 1.5 also comprises an additional partition 15, arranged between the partition 6 and the lower glass 3 and connected to the partition 6. This additional partition 15 comprises, on its upper face, that is to say the one oriented towards the upper glass 2, hollows 16 together forming the surface S2 and the second pattern. These hollows 16 are typically flat-bottomed and vertically edged; they are, for example, grooves. They are preferably of a depth greater than the radius of the balls.

[0090] The bottom of each of the hollows 16 comprises through openings, here through holes 17, intended to allow the liquid 8 to pass through but not the balls 11.

[0091] In this embodiment, the balls 11 suspended in the liquid 8 can move throughout the first volume V1 and only in the first volume V1. The volume V1 enclosing the balls 11 is, however, defined differently from the volume V1 of the decorative modules 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4. It is here delimited, among other things, by the partition 6 and by the additional partition 15.

[0092] To understand the movements of liquid 8, the volume V2 (VO from which V1 has been subtracted) is represented as the set of three communicating sub-volumes V2a, V2b and V2c.

[0093] When the piston 5 descends (passing from its stable position illustrated in Figure 11 to that illustrated in Figure 12), it causes a flow of liquid 8 from the volume V2b to the volume V1, through the permeable wall 9. This causes the destruction of the first pattern by driving the balls 11 from the surface S1. Then the liquid 8 passes through the holes 17 of the hollows 16 and thus drives the balls 11 into the bottom of the hollows 16 where they are arranged according to the second pattern. The liquid 8 thus arrives in the volume V2c and rises partly towards the volume V2a. When the piston 5 rises (passing from its stable position illustrated in Figure 12 to that illustrated in Figure 11), it drives the liquid from the volume V2a to the volume V2c then the liquid moves from V2c to V1 through the holes 17, which causes the destruction of the second pattern by driving the balls 11 from the hollows 16.The liquid 8 continues on its path and then passes through the holes 10 of the surface S1 to reach the volume V2b, carrying the balls 11 into the hollows of the permeable wall 9 where they are arranged according to the first pattern.

[0094] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a decorative module 1.6 for a watch according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

[0095] Like the decorative modules described previously, the decorative module 1.6 comprises an upper glass 2, a lower glass 3 and a frame 4 together defining a sealed volume V0 filled with liquid 8, and balls 11 suspended in the liquid 8 and free to circulate throughout a first volume V1 included in the sealed volume V0.

[0096] The decorative module 1.6 comprises a partition 6. This is typically identical to that of the decorative modules 1.1 and 1.4 and defines a hollow pattern.

[0097] The decorative module 1.6 also comprises an additional partition 20, arranged between the partition 6 and the lower glass 3 and connected to the partition 6. This additional partition 20 is capable of deforming to enlarge or shrink the volume V1 corresponding to the volume contained, among other things, between the partition 6 and the additional partition 20.

[0098] The decorative module 1.6 comprises a piston 5 (not shown) which interacts with the additional partition 20 or which is part of the additional partition 20. Its movements are typically controlled like those of the pistons of the decorative modules 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 by means of a control device as described with reference to figures 1 to 4 and 16 to 19.

[0099] To understand the movements of liquid 8, the volume V2 (VO from which V1 has been subtracted) is represented in figures 13 and 14 as the set of two communicating sub-volumes V2a and V2b.

[0100] When the piston 5 rises (passing from its stable position illustrated in figure 13 to that illustrated in figure 14), the additional partition 20 and / or the piston expels the liquid 8 from the volume V1 to the volume V2a through the holes 10 of the permeable wall 9 which causes the formation of the pattern by bringing the balls 11 against the hollow surface of the permeable wall 9. The liquid 8 then passes partly from the volume V2a to the volume V2b.

[0101] When the piston 5 descends (passing from its stable position illustrated in figure 14 to that illustrated in figure 13), the additional partition 20 and / or the piston expels the liquid 8 from the volume V2b to the volume V2a then from the volume V2a to the volume V1 through the holes 10 of the permeable wall 9 which causes the destruction of the pattern.

[0102] Figure 15 illustrates a device for use in a watch according to a seventh or eighth embodiment of the invention.

[0103] The seventh embodiment of the invention differs from the embodiments presented previously in that the area defining the pattern is not a physical surface against which the balls come to bear to reveal the pattern but an area making it possible to create flows of liquid of different intensities to impact the different balls in a specific manner.

[0104] The principle consists of playing on the size of the holes in the permeable wall to create different intensities of liquid flow. A watch according to the seventh embodiment of the invention typically comprises a decorative module comprising, like the decorative module 1.1, a transparent upper glass and a transparent lower glass fixed on an annular frame and defining a sealed volume filled with liquid.

[0105] The decorative module according to the seventh embodiment also comprises balls suspended in the liquid and free to move in a first volume included in the sealed volume and a piston movable in translation parallel to the z axis in a second volume (the second volume corresponding to the sealed volume from which the first volume is subtracted).

[0106] As in the aforementioned embodiments, the movements of the decorative module piston create a flow of liquid moving the beads to reveal a pattern.

[0107] As in the other embodiments, the decorative module according to the seventh embodiment of the invention comprises a partition, a portion of which located at the interface between the first and second volumes is permeable. The flow of liquid caused by the movement of the piston drives the liquid through the holes in this permeable wall.

[0108] In this embodiment, the balls are housed in different channels, typically parallel to the z axis. They can only move in these channels. Each channel is located in the extension of a bore in the permeable wall and preferably contains a single ball with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the corresponding channel.

[0109] The flow of liquid caused by the piston movement is affected by the size of the hole at the entrance to each channel; the larger the hole (while still remaining smaller than the size of a ball), the greater the flow rate. Thus, the balls in the different channels are drawn to different heights in their respective channels. It is the different levels of the balls in the channels that reveal the pattern.

[0110] Figure 15 illustrates a particular type of device for a watch according to the seventh embodiment of the invention. This device is intended to replace the permeable wall comprising holes of different sizes. To do this, it is not one but two superimposed walls which define the holes and their different diameters. The superimposed walls can move relative to each other to vary the sizes and arrangement of the holes and thus change the pattern to be revealed. This modification can be programmed to occur spontaneously at certain times, for example every hour, randomly, or to be manually controllable.

[0111] A decorative object according to an eighth embodiment of the invention is almost in all respects identical to a decorative object according to the seventh embodiment of the invention. The difference with the seventh embodiment is that the balls are intended to reach the bottom of the channels (the bottoms of the different channels preferably being at different heights) to define the pattern and that the size of the holes defined by the device illustrated in Figure 15 allows the balls to move to the bottoms of said channels by defining specific transient patterns.

[0112] In embodiments 1 to 8, the density of the liquid is identical or at least substantially equal to that of the balls so that the movements of the balls are defined only by those of the piston (insensitivity to gravity in particular). Without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is entirely possible to start from a watch according to one of embodiments 1, 4, 5 and 6 and to change the density of one or other of the balls and / or of the liquid so that the balls spontaneously “float” under the effect of Archimedes’ thrust to arrange themselves according to a pattern.

[0113] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, if the balls 11 had a density lower than that of the liquid 8, they would spontaneously position themselves in the hollows of the permeable wall to form the pattern. Moving the piston 5 from its high position (Figure 4) to its low position (Figure 3) would destroy the pattern which would, more or less quickly depending on the values ​​of said densities, spontaneously reform.

[0114] Thus, other embodiments of the invention may relate to watches comprising a decorative module as described above and a device for controlling the piston of this decorative module in which the piston is arranged so that the flow that it causes when it is actuated by the control initiator allows the arrangement of the balls other than according to the pattern. In other words, the piston is arranged so that the flow allows the pattern formed spontaneously under the effect of Archimedes' thrust to be destroyed.

[0115] In still other embodiments, one can also imagine the case in which the ratio of the ball / liquid densities is such that the balls fall, typically under the effect of gravity, or rise, typically under the effect of Archimedes' thrust, to define no pattern. A piston movement can then create a flow of liquid allowing the ephemeral formation of the pattern which will spontaneously destroy itself, more or less quickly depending on the chosen densities. In such cases, the piston can comprise a valve to be able to form a flow of liquid in only one direction, namely that bringing the balls into the opposite position to that which they spontaneously take.

[0116] Regardless of the embodiment of the invention, the lower glass of the decorative module is typically made of one of the following materials: borosilicate, crystalline glass, fused silica, crown glass, flint glass, quartz, transparent ceramic, sapphire, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyurethane.

[0117] The septum and piston are typically also made of one of these materials.

[0118] Finally, the top glass can also be made of one of these materials, but it is preferably made of a harder material, such as sapphire. This hardness gives it better scratch resistance, which is an advantage if the top glass is in contact with the outside of the watch.

[0119] In any event, in a watch according to the invention, it is preferable that each of the members, namely the upper glass, the lower glass, the partition(s) and the piston of the decorative module, is made, at least in part, of a transparent material insofar as the decorative module is intended to cover a dial bearing, among other things, the time display.

[0120] Without departing from the scope of the invention, a sealed channel may pass through the volume comprising the liquid, the channel allowing the passage of a cannon or a barrel so that the time display, for example, is located above the enclosure comprising the volume of liquid. The watchmaker will then only have to ensure that the decorative balls are visible and that the various elements (glasses, partition, piston) make this possible. The refractive index of the liquid is preferably equal to that of the zone(s) defining the pattern or sufficiently close to it (differing by at most 10%, preferably 5%, more preferably 2%) so that said zone(s) are substantially invisible. The expression "refractive index" is understood, in the context of the present invention, to mean a refractive index measured at a wavelength of 700 nm, at a temperature of 20 to 25 °C and at atmospheric pressure.

[0121] In the particular case of a decorative module for a watch, the refractive index of the liquid is preferably close to that of the permeable wall of the partition delimiting the first and second volumes so that the area defining the pattern is substantially invisible. Advantageously, the upper and lower glasses as well as the piston also have refractive indices of the same order.

[0122] When etched, the raised surfaces that are the permeable wall 9 of the decorative module or the lower glass 3 of the decorative module are preferably made of borosilicate, or fused silica, materials that lend themselves well to etching. In this case, the liquid 8 has a refractive index that is approximately 1.47 (refractive index of borosilicate). It is, for example, glycerin or a mineral oil, preferably a mineral oil.

[0123] Whatever the embodiment of the invention, the balls are for example hollow, watertight and covered with a colored material such as gold. In order for them to have a density close to that of the liquid, they preferably have a very thin wall. They are typically hollow, made of glass, with a very thin coating (< 1 micron or even < 0.3 micron) comprising gold (or other colored materials). This has the advantage of being free, at least in part, from the direct effects of gravity on said balls. A person skilled in the art can adjust the thickness of this wall to adjust the ratio of the densities of the liquid and the balls.

[0124] If the fluid density is sufficient, one can also imagine solid balls made of plastic such as PMMA with a metallic coating such as gold. Here too, the density of the balls can be adjusted by varying the thickness of the gold.

[0125] The preceding description seeks to describe particular embodiments by way of non-limiting illustration, and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular characteristics which have just been described, such as for example the structure and operation of the control device, the shapes shown and materials described for the various constituents.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiments, the solid elements are balls. These solid elements could be different from balls and take any other suitable shape. They could also be made of materials other than those mentioned above.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiments, the flow driving the liquid towards the area defining the pattern is caused by a piston movable in translation and controlled by a pivoting magnetic control device. It is clear that the ring 14 of the magnetic control device described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 could be different. It could typically comprise a single magnet or more than two magnets, for example four magnets uniformly distributed around the periphery of the ring which would then move in 90° steps, or eight magnets uniformly distributed around the periphery of the ring which would then move in 45° steps, to raise and then lower the piston. This rotation angle could be reduced by multiplying the number of magnets according to this same logic.

[0128] The ring 14 could not be driven automatically by the movement of the watch in which it is mounted but simply be unbalanced and pivot under the influence of the movements of the wearer of the watch, therefore randomly. The ring 14 could also be driven in rotation in successive steps voluntarily, typically by pressure from the wearer of the watch on a pusher.

[0129] In other variants, one could also consider a rotational guide of the piston not using slides but rather a helical-shaped guide system of the thread type.

[0130] The liquid flow could also be created by a rotating rather than translating moving element, such as a propeller or set of rotating propellers, or by means other than a moving element, for example through waves or a temperature difference.

[0131] Relief patterns can be obtained by other processes than those mentioned above; any other process that allows for the creation of 3D parts may be suitable.

[0132] In the examples illustrated, the liquid fills the sealed volume. It could also be considered that it fills it only partially, as long as the described liquid flows remain possible. In addition, the liquid filling the sealed volume could be replaced by a gas-like fluid.

[0133] Finally, if the decorative object mentioned in the illustrated examples is a watch, it is obvious that the invention is not limited to this object.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) 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); - solid elements (11) mobile in suspension in the fluid and free to move in the whole of the first volume and only in the first volume, said solid elements being visible from the outside of the decorative object; - at least one wall (9) permeable to the fluid (8) at the interface between the first volume (V1) and the second volume (V2), - at least one area defining a pattern; - a flow initiator capable of causing a flow driving the fluid towards said zone through said permeable wall so that the solid elements (11) arrange themselves according to said pattern; and - a control device (12, 13, 14) of the flow initiator.

2. Decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 1, characterized in that said flow initiator comprises a movable member (5) whose movements cause said flow.

3. Decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 2, characterized in that the drive of said movable member (5) is mechanical or magnetic, preferably magnetic.

4. Decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said zone defining the pattern is arranged inside the first volume (V1) or at the interface between the first volume (V1) and the second volume (V2). Decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 4, characterized in that said area defining the pattern is said permeable wall (9). Decorative object (1.2, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 5, characterized in that the pattern of said area is defined by the arrangement and / or the size of holes (10) passing through said permeable wall (9). Decorative object according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the area defining the pattern is formed by means of a device comprising at least two superimposed permeable walls.Decorative object according to claim 6 or 7 when dependent on claim 6, characterized in that it comprises channels containing the solid elements and arranged in the extensions of said through holes so that the flow initiator causes flows pushing the solid elements into said channels at speeds depending on the diameters of the different through holes. Decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 4, characterized in that said area defining the pattern is the surface (S1) of said permeable wall (9) located inside the first volume (V1). Decorative object (1.1; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 9, characterized in that said surface is in relief.

11. Decorative object (1.4; 1.5, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises two zones each defining a distinct pattern, each of said zones corresponding to a distinct surface (S1, S2) arranged inside the first volume (V1) and in that the flow initiator is capable of causing, according to the command it receives from the control device, either a flow driving the fluid (8) towards a first of said zones through said permeable wall so that the solid elements are arranged according to a first pattern, or a flow driving the fluid towards the second of said zones through said permeable wall (9) so that the solid elements are arranged according to a second pattern.

12. Decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one second permeable wall (7) at the interface between the first volume (V1) and the second volume (V2) which allows a flow of fluid (8) from one of said volumes to the other in a direction opposite to that passing through said permeable wall (9).

13. Decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5, 12, 13, 14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow initiator is also capable of causing a flow driving the fluid (8) towards said zone through said permeable wall (9) in the direction opposite to the direction allowing the arrangement of the solid elements (11) according to said pattern.

14. Decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the density of the solid elements (11) is substantially equal to the density of the fluid (8). Decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a timepiece such as a wristwatch or a pocket watch comprising: - a decorative module (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6) comprising: o a first volume (V1) and a second volume (V2) together forming a sealed volume (V0); o a fluid (8) at least partially filling the first volume and the second volume; o mobile solid elements suspended in the fluid and free to move throughout the first volume and only in the first volume, said solid elements being visible from the outside of said timepiece; o at least one fluid-permeable wall (9) at the interface between the first volume and the second volume; o at least one area defining a pattern; and o a flow initiator capable of causing a flow driving the fluid towards said area through said permeable wall so that the solid elements are arranged according to said pattern; and - a control device (12, 13, 14) for the flow initiator. Timepiece according to claim 15, characterized in that said decorative 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 portion of which corresponds to said permeable wall (9), arranged between the upper and lower windows and fixed relative to said windows, said partition delimiting on one side the first volume and on the other the second volume; and a piston (5) arranged between said partition and one of said upper and lower windows and constituting said movable member, the volume comprising said piston corresponding to said second volume.

17. Decorative 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. Decorative object 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; - mobile solid elements suspended in the fluid and free to move throughout the first volume and only in the first volume, said solid elements being visible from the exterior of the decorative object; - at least one fluid-permeable wall at the interface between the first volume and the second volume; - at least one zone defining a pattern in which the solid elements are intended to position themselves spontaneously, under the effect of Archimedes' thrust, to define said pattern; - a flow initiator capable of causing a flow driving the fluid towards said zone through said permeable wall so as to move the solid elements so that they arrange themselves other than according to said pattern; and a device for controlling the flow initiator.

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