Timepiece with localized illumination

Abstract

To provide a timepiece having an aesthetic, unexpected, and functional appearance to a customer.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a timepiece 1 including an extra-timepiece component 20a comprising a visible face 2a formed by a transparent or translucent body provided with autonomous lighting devices. The extra-horological component is formed by an assembly 10, 11, 12, 13 of a plurality of stacked layers 9a connected together, each layer including: - a light source 4 capable of generating light in the visible face of the casing element; and - a control unit 7 configured to manage the operation of the light source, the light source being configured to produce localized light on a point or quasi-point area 28 of the visible face of the cladding element, so as to produce localized illumination on said cladding element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a local clock comprising at least one external clock element equipped with a fully autonomous lighting device. In particular, the present invention relates to a clock with functional, aesthetic and / or entertainment purposes. This invention relates to a clock featuring original localized lighting effects for. [Background technology]

[0002] It is a challenge for watchmakers to create timepieces, such as wristwatches, that have improved aesthetic appearance. This is a constant source of worry, especially for those responsible for designing the various exterior elements. Here we list all the solutions that have been considered to give watches a clean and attractive appearance. Examples include the engine-driven technology used on the dial, the These include the shape and / or color of the dial appliqué or hands, as well as the addition of precious or semi-precious stones.

[0003] In this context, solutions that do not have the drawbacks of the prior art and that are aesthetically and unexpectedly There is a need to find a solution aimed at providing customers with a watch that is both visually appealing and functional. It is understood that there is. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is a clock with localized illumination at several points, which is functional Easily create and use original local lighting effects for aesthetic and / or entertainment purposes. The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a watch that provides:

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising at least one external timepiece element, At least one external clock element is a transparent or translucent body equipped with an autonomous lighting device. The external watch element has a visible surface formed by a plurality of laminated members connected together. The light source is formed by an assembly of layers, each layer comprising one of the following functional elements of the lighting device: Wow, - at least one light source capable of generating light on a visible surface of the external watch element; - a self-contained power supply unit; - a control unit configured to manage the operation of the light source; The at least one light source is adapted to provide localized illumination at the external clock element, It is designed to provide localized light in a point or quasi-point area on the visible surface of the watch's external element. do.

[0006] In another embodiment, - a first layer forming a visible surface comprising said at least one point light source; It consists of - each point light source is a light-emitting element, Each point source is a quantum box or a quantum dot. said assembly comprising, in addition to the first layer, the following successive layers: a second layer comprising photovoltaic modules constituting a self-contained power supply unit; a third layer comprising an electrical accumulator constituting a self-contained power supply unit; a fourth layer forming the hidden surface of the external watch element that includes the control unit; Equipped with said assembly comprising, in addition to the first layer, the following successive layers: a second layer comprising photovoltaic modules constituting a self-contained power supply unit; of the external elements of the clock, comprising a control unit and an electrical accumulator constituting a self-contained power supply unit; a third layer forming the hidden surface; Equipped with - the functional elements constitute layers of an assembly forming said at least one external watch element; printed on a substrate, - the first layer is rigid relative to the other layers in the assembly; - A point source is defined as a point or quasi-point area of ​​a visible surface that can be illuminated, illuminated by a single monochromatic point source. It is set up so that it can be explained, - A point light source is a light source in which each point or quasi-point area of ​​a visible surface that can be illuminated has several different light colors. configured to be illuminated by a point light source, - said at least one external watch element is one of the following: a back, a middle, a dial, a bracelet Strand, bezel, flange, push button, winding button, and / or cap Selection is made from one of the recessed rewind buttons. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention are illustrated in at least one non-limiting example shown in the drawings. The following description is based on the various embodiments.

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a watch case with an external watch element such as a dial that includes an autonomous lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows an exploded view of a first alternative embodiment of an assembly of four stacked layers forming the dial comprising an autonomous lighting device, each of said layers comprising one or more component elements of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of this first alternative embodiment of an assembly of layers forming a dial with an autonomous lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4]1 shows an exploded view of a second alternative embodiment of an assembly comprising three stacked layers forming the dial comprising an autonomous lighting device, each of said layers comprising one or more component elements of a lighting device according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic diagram of this second alternative embodiment of an assembly of layers forming a dial with an autonomous lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a top view of a watch with an external watch element such as a bezel with multiple light sources according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a top view of a watch with an external watch element such as a bezel with multiple light sources according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a top view of a watch with an external watch element such as a bezel with multiple light sources according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a method for connecting one or more point light sources 4 to at least one external watch element 2a, 2b, 2c of a watch 1. The clock is drawn from the general idea of ​​housing the external clock elements 2a, 2b , 2c is formed by a transparent or translucent body, also called the "visible part" or "visible upper part" The element has a visible surface 20a formed thereon, and also a hidden surface 20b, which is otherwise There is also a hidden surface 20b, also called the "hidden portion" or "hidden lower portion" of 2a, 2b, 2c. In this configuration, the light generated by each light source 4 is reflected by this localized in a point or quasi-point area 28 of the visible surface 20a, said external clock elements 2a, 2b, 2c This allows for clocks with local illumination at several points. and provide original local lighting effects for functional, aesthetic, and / or entertainment purposes. When the light is turned on, the clock external elements 2a, 2b are turned on. The local lighting area 28 in b and 2c varies depending on the structure and the installed lighting power. Since the external clock elements 2a and 2b transmit hard scattered light even though there is a difference in the amount of light passing through them, b, 2c, which provides a functional and / or aesthetic effect compared to the non-illuminated portions.

[0010] It should be noted that such lighting is more or less diffuse, unobtrusive, soft, The present invention can have a comfortable and pleasing appearance, and these characteristics can be implemented depending on the desired aesthetic result. This improves the final aesthetic quality of the watch 1, as it can be qualitatively varied infinitely.

[0011] Such a timepiece 1 according to the invention can be, for example, an electronic, electromechanical and / or mechanical watch. It may be a watch, in particular a sports watch or a so-called "luxury" wristwatch.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the "point or quasi-point area" refers to the area of ​​the external clock element 2a, 2b, 2 20a of the body of the and has dimensions such that it is perceived by the human eye as separate from adjacent areas.

[0013] In this watch, the external watch elements 2a, 2b, 2c surround the movement 31. It corresponds to all of the components in total1, and thus gives this watch1 its aesthetic and style. It is also acceptable to show all of the functions. By reference, these component parts considered herein are non-exhaustive and non-limiting. In this embodiment, the back portion 24, the middle portion 23, the dial 32, the bracelet strand 29, the bezel 26, the push button Includes tongue, flange, needle, winding button, and / or winding button cap.

[0014] In the following description, all parts of the watch 1 that are known to those skilled in the art are only shown in a simplified manner. It will be explained.

[0015] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the middle section, which, together with the back 24 and the dial 32, , which define the internal volume of the case 22 of this watch 1. The case 22 is enclosed by a crystal 25. For the purposes of this description, we will assume that watch 1 is a mechanical wristwatch and that It is assumed that the movement 31 is disposed in the case 22. In this setting, At least one external clock element 2a, 2b, 2c of this clock 1 is It comprises an autonomous lighting device 3 (visible in Figures 1, 2 and 4) comprising a point light source 4. The light emitted by the at least one light source 4 is directed to the external clock element 2a to be illuminated. , 2b, 2c, i.e., the dial 32 in the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8, the bezel 26 illuminates a point or quasi-point area. For this purpose, the light emitted by each point light source 4 may be collimated by any surrounding collimation means or It is collimated or focused by the focusing means towards the point or quasi-point area 28 .

[0016] It should be noted that in this exemplary embodiment of the invention described, the clock movement The movement 31 is a mechanical movement. In an alternative embodiment, the movement 31 is The watch may be an electronic or electromechanical movement. A watch is called mechanical if its movement is mechanical, and is called electromechanical if its movement is electronic. When equipped with a switch, it is called an electromechanical or electronic type.

[0017] In this configuration, the clock movement 31 includes hour, minute, and hour hands in a manner known to those skilled in the art. and optionally a second hand 27. For this purpose, the dials 32, 2a, 2 b includes a through hole for receiving the mandrel of the needle.

[0018] In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the external watch elements 2a, 2b (in this case the dial 32) is equipped with an autonomous lighting device 3, which, as will be seen later, , has its own power supply means. Such a lighting device 3 is particularly connected to the movement 3 of the watch 1. 1 and the power source of this movement 31, e.g., an electromechanical movement If this power source is an electrical source, as in a mechanical or electronic movement, it is considered autonomous. Under these conditions, the power consumed by the lighting device 3 is It is understood that this will not be used to undermine the autonomy of the entity 31.

[0019] This lighting device 3 comprises the following functional elements: at least one point light source 4; The power supply unit 21 and one control unit 7 are provided.

[0020] In this lighting device 3, the power supply unit 21 is connected to an electrical accumulator 6, also called a solar cell. The photovoltaic module 5 is shown in FIGS. and connected to the electrical storage 6 via connecting elements given the reference numbers 17b and 18. The electromotive force module 5 is a single element of the heterojunction or multi-junction type connected in parallel or in series. The photovoltaic cells of the module 5 may be any of the above unit cells known to those skilled in the art. In embodiments, semiconductor materials including copper, indium, gallium, and selenium, cadmium telluride, semiconductor material containing gallium arsenide, semiconductor material containing single crystal gallium arsenide, or single crystal silicon made from semiconductor materials including silicon or polycrystalline silicon, or perovskite It should be noted that these examples are not limiting and those skilled in the art will be able to identify suitable types for the present invention. Photovoltaic cells can be found in the following.

[0021] In this lighting device 3, a control unit 7, also called a microcontroller, The electronic circuit 8 comprises hardware resources, in particular memory elements and address and at least one processor in cooperation with the bus, the data bus, and the control bus. The control unit 7 stores in its memory elements the light emission of the at least one light source 4. Such algorithms are executed by the processor of this control unit 7. Therefore, in order to manage the operation of said at least one light source 4, a light source 4 is particularly included in the lighting device 3. This is done by taking into account data from event sensors.

[0022] It should be noted that such data may be, for example, The event may provide information relating to the event, which may contribute to the operation of the at least one light source 4. These events are likely to occur when a particular brightness level is detected in the environment of the watch. Detection of sound elements or specific sound levels, detection of specific visual objects, detection of movements made by this watch 1 The present invention may include, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner,

[0023] In this context, the event sensor of this autonomous lighting device 3 is in particular a non-exclusive and non-networked In a typical manner, - a brightness sensor to detect the ambient brightness level; - Gyroscopic and / or inertial electromechanical microsystem circuit type electronic components motion sensors such as gyro and / or inertial sensors in the form of - microphone type sound sensor, and / or - Photo sensor type light sensor, including

[0024] The control unit 7 can manage / control the operation of multiple light sources 4 simultaneously and / or sequentially. It should be further noted that each light source 4 can be controlled separately by this control unit. In this context, the management of the operation of each light source 4 is non-limiting and non-networked. In a simplified manner, the following operations are performed: sequentially switching on / off or or simultaneous switching on / off, flashing of one or more light sources 4, or the flashing frequency of each light source 4, 2. Defining the flashing time of each light source 4 or the switching on / off time of each light-emitting source 4, etc. obtain.

[0025] Such control unit 7 furthermore stores in its memory elements the addresses for managing the electrical store 6. algorithm, in particular for managing the charging of the photovoltaic module 5, and An algorithm for managing the electrical consumption of the light source 4 may be included.

[0026] 2 to 8, as mentioned above, the autonomous lighting device 3 can therefore be used outside the clock. In this configuration, the functional elements of the lighting device 3 are The light source 4, the electrical storage device 6, the photovoltaic module 5 and the control unit 7 constitute the clock. Included in one or more layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 forming the outer elements 2a, 2b, 2c do.

[0027] In other words, the body of the clock external elements 2a, 2b, 2c is connected to one or more of the lighting devices 3. A plurality of stacked layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, each comprising a functional element, are The assemblies 9a, 9b are connected so that the assemblies 9a, 9b are spaced apart.

[0028] In this assembly 9a, 9b, the layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are integrated. The components are joined together by joining elements such as adhesives to form a monolithic assembly. 9a, 9b are obtained, thus forming the integral watch outer elements 2a, 2b. 0, 11, 12, 13, 14 are stacked in the assemblies 9a, 9b and aligned in a defined order. One is arranged on top of the other.

[0029] That is, such integrated watch external elements 2a, 2b, 2c (for example, dial, bezel) , the additional advantage of being removably mounted on the case of the watch 1. This has the added advantage of making it easier to integrate into or onto the case.

[0030] Specifically, in the first and second alternative embodiments, this assembly 9a, 9b is a first layer 10 that forms / constitutes the visible surface 20a of the watch external element 2a, 2b, 2c. Such a first layer 10 may be transparent, semi-transparent, at least partially transparent, or at least The substrate is formed by a rigid or semi-rigid, at least partially translucent, substrate. UVT (Ultra-Violet Transmission) n)) also known as ultraviolet radiation, with a transmittance of 65 to 95 percent for optical radiation such as The transmittance is preferably 85 percent. The material can be transparent or translucent. The material can be, in a non-exhaustive and non-limiting manner, a polymer. The material may be glass or ceramic.

[0031] In this context, the substrate - the light generated by said at least one light source 4 is incident on the external clock elements 2a, 2b, 2 You can escape outside of c, and therefore outside of clock 1, - light from the environment of the watch 1 is directed towards the outside of the watch in the direction of the photovoltaic module 5 of the lighting device 3; The light can be transmitted through elements 2a, 2b, 2c, and if of natural origin, it comprises solar radiation. can.

[0032] In other words, the transparent or semi-transparent substrate allows optical radiation, such as solar radiation, to pass through to form a photovoltaic The photovoltaic module 5 is configured to generate power from solar energy. Ghee can be converted from this radiation into electrical energy.

[0033] Such a first layer 10 is formed on the at least one of the lighting devices 3 of the external clock element 2a, 2b, 2c. Each of them is provided with a light source 4.

[0034] In this device 3, any type of point light source 4, such as a light-emitting element, e.g. - Light Emitting Capacitor, known by the acronym LEC; - LED, OLED (organic light-emitting diode), AMOLED (active matrix light-emitting diodes of the QLED (Quantum Light Emitting Diode) type, any luminescent material that is activated by a local electric field; - any luminescent material that is activated by an electric current; Any combination of these light emitting elements may be used.

[0035] The at least one light source 4 is specifically located on or in the substrate forming the first layer 10. Such an arrangement of the light sources 4 is made by the visible surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c of the external clock elements 2a, 2b, 2c. For example, the clock external elements 2a, 2b, and 2c are set to illuminate all or part of the clock external elements 2a, 2b, and 2c. 1 or the bezel 26 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. In this case, all or part of the visible surface 20a of the dial 32, 2a, 2b or the bezel 26, 2c or to illuminate a small area present in or on the underside of this visible surface 20a. At least one graphic representation, e.g. - For example, with or without hands, watch information / parameters or movement 31 Numbers, indicators, etc. that contribute to the display of physical information / parameters measured by sensors etc. included in a reference (or representation) element, which may be an index, a line, or even a point; - Illuminate inscriptions, patterns, text, logos, etc.

[0036] This illumination can be a backlight or a light source if the light sources 4 are arranged in cavities defined in the substrate. Specifically, the cavity is formed on the underside of the substrate. In this configuration, the bottom of this cavity is If the light source 4 includes a light source, the light radiation or light generated by the light source 4 will be projected onto the outside of the dial 2a. At least one graphic representation can be seen through the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a. In particular, light radiation escaping from the visible surface 20a can be seen in the dark. In this context, the first layer 10 is formed on or in the substrate. This graphic representation contained on or under the surface of the is preferably non-transparent.

[0037] This illumination can be seen as direct illumination when the light sources 4 are arranged in cavities defined in the substrate. The cavity may be a blind opening made in the underside of the substrate, the bottom of which may be The surface does not have any graphical representation. In this setting, the light generated by this light source 4 The trapped light or radiation escapes through the bottom of this cavity towards the outside of the dial 2a, It can then escape through the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a.

[0038] This illumination can also be used as direct illumination if the light sources 4 are arranged in cavities made in the substrate. In this context, the opening may extend through the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10 and extend from both ends thereof. In this configuration, all or some of the light sources 4 2a, 2b, 2c are visible from the top surface of the substrate and thus from the visible surface 2 of the external clock element 2a, 2a, 2c. It can protrude from 0a.

[0039] Such illumination may also be achieved by coupling the at least one light source 4 to at least one waveguide. This waveguide is also called a light guide, and when light enters the guide, it From the location where the light is projected, the light is projected to the point or quasi-point area 28 of the external clock element 2a, 2b, 2c to be illuminated. A light guide is, for example, an optical fiber through which light escapes. The barrier prevents any obstructions that may appear on the substrate between the light emitting element and the associated point or quasi-point area 28 of the substrate. In this alternative embodiment, light is guided through a waveguide to allow the light to bypass the obstacle. The light is then transported from the light emitting element to a point or quasi-point area on the substrate to be illuminated.

[0040] In such a configuration, a first end of the waveguide is coupled to a light source 4 and a second end of the waveguide is coupled to a cavity, which may be a blind opening, made in the underside of the substrate of this first layer 10, teeth - through the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10 at each of its two edges , and thus may be arranged in through-openings that open onto the upper and lower surfaces of the first layer 10. The second end of the second element 2a, 2b, 2c is therefore visible from the top surface of the substrate and thus from the visible surface of the external watch elements 2a, 2b, 2c. 20a.

[0041] In this context, indirect lighting is defined as a single light emitting element contained on the underside of the substrate of this first layer 10. This can be achieved by a single light emitting source 4 coupled to several waveguides. The second end of the waveguide is a plurality of cavities each emitting optical radiation from this light source 4, this radiation being to the outside of the watch external element 2a, 2b, 2c through its visible face 20a, and therefore At least one graphic representation should be visible at the bottom of this cavity, especially in the dark. arranged in a plurality of cavities disposed on the surface; and / or - of the substrate of this first layer 10 to form graphic representations such as marker elements. A plurality of through-holes, which may or may not protrude from the upper surface, each of which emits light from the light source 4. The beams are arranged in a through aperture that radiates radiation.

[0042] In the substrate of this first layer 10, the light source 4 is located in the cavity or through the aforementioned On the inner walls of the openings, it is applied / attached to the underside of this substrate by printing or vapor deposition.

[0043] In certain embodiments of the invention, ultraviolet, violet, blue, white or infrared light is emitted. A first surface of a plurality of light-emitting elements forming the visible surface 20a of the watch external element 2a, 2b, 2c. The substrate of layer 10 is at least partially filled with fluorescent and / or phosphorescent particles. The first layer 10 is used in combination with a substrate comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material. The substrate of this layer 10 is intended to allow light to escape from or into the underside of the substrate. In this way, fluorescent particles and / or phosphorescent particles are filled in one or more of the locations shown. The fluorescent particles absorb the radiation emitted by each light-emitting element and re-emit it as a uniform visible light. Depending on the type of phosphorescent and / or fluorescent particles, the luminous effect may be reduced when the light source 4 is switched off. The light may stop as soon as it is turned on, or may continue as a result of an afterglow effect. However, the point source may be a quantum dot or a quantum box.

[0044] In a particular embodiment of the invention, each point light source 4 is a monochromatic light source and the first layer that can be illuminated Each point or quasi-point area 28 of the 10 substrates is illuminated by a single monochromatic point light source 4. In other embodiments, the point light sources 4 can be configured and illuminated with different light colors. Each point or quasi-point area 28 on the substrate is then illuminated by several of these point sources 4. In other embodiments, each light source 4 can be changed between different colors. It should also be noted that

[0045] Furthermore, the lower surface of the first layer 10 is adapted to be assembled with the second layer 11. It should also be noted that the adhesive may be self-adhesive so that it can be applied to various surfaces.

[0046] In the assemblies 9a, 9b forming the watch external elements 2a, 2b, 2c, the second layer 1 1 comprises a substrate containing a photovoltaic module 5. The substrate may be flexible or pliable. Such a substrate may be a film on which the photovoltaic module 5 is arranged. For example, the substrate may be made from a material belonging to the polymer family. The electrochemical module 5 is preferably located on the top surface of this substrate in the second layer 11, the so-called active area. This active area extends over the entire exterior of the watch elements 2a, 2b, 2c. It is this portion of the upper surface of the substrate that can receive light coming from the lower surface of the first layer 10. This light, having passed through all or part of the external clock elements 2a, 2b, 2c, and thus It originates from the external environment of the clock 1, in this case mainly from solar radiation if it is of natural origin. Coming.

[0047] It should be noted that the photovoltaic module 5 may be printed by inkjet or screen printing. is applied to the top surface of this substrate using a printing process or using a thermal evaporation printing process. Here, the second layer 11 having the photovoltaic module 5, more specifically, the base of the second layer 11, Reference is made to the photovoltaic module 5 printed on the plate.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be noted that once the photovoltaic module 5 is applied to the substrate, A layer of self-adhesive material is deposited on all or part of the top and / or bottom surfaces of the substrate. Under these conditions, the second layer 11 is in contact with the other layers, in particular with the first layer of this assembly 9a, 9b. to facilitate assembly / attachment / adhesion with the first layer 10 and / or the third layer 12. May serve as a self-adhesive layer.

[0049] In this first alternative embodiment, the assembly 9a comprises this third layer 12, The layer 12 further comprises a substrate, which is preferably flexible or pliable. The light device 3 comprises an electrical accumulator 6. This substrate is a film on which the accumulator 6 is placed. Such a substrate may be made from a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0050] This storage battery 6 may be a lithium battery or a semiconductor battery. On the top of the plate - printing processes on flexible polymer substrates, e.g. lithium batteries, or - 3D printing processes for semiconductor batteries, such as lithium metal semiconductor batteries, The coating is applied using processes known in the prior art such as:

[0051] Here, the third layer 12 with the printed electrical accumulator 6 is Reference is made to the electrical accumulator 6 printed on the plate.

[0052] Such a process is used to obtain the third layer 12 comprising this accumulator 6, which is flexible and very thin. It is used.

[0053] It should also be noted that once the accumulator 5 is applied to the substrate, A layer of self-adhesive material is deposited on all or part of the front and / or back surfaces. The third layer 12 is connected to other layers, specifically the second layer 11 and / or the second layer 12 of the assembly 9a. is a self-adhesive layer that serves to facilitate assembly / attachment / adhesion with the fourth layer 13 This can be considered.

[0054] It should be noted that the accumulator 6 is connected to the photovoltaic module 5 to generate the electricity. to store energy and to provide the electrical energy on demand to said at least one It is used to release the power to supply two light sources 4.

[0055] In a first alternative embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, this assembly 9a This fourth layer 13 forms the hidden surface 20b of the outer elements 2a, 2c. Layer 13 is formed by a preferably flexible or pliable substrate that comprises a control unit Such a substrate may be, for example, a flexible PCB on which the control unit 7 is arranged, The control unit 7 is arranged on the upper surface of the PCB, and thus on the substrate. In this context, the control unit 7 controls the three-dimensional printing process or the polymer printing process. can be used to build on this top surface of the substrate.

[0056] In a second alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the external watch elements 2b, 2c are formed The resulting assembly 9b comprises three interconnect layers 10, 11, 14. This second alternative embodiment has four layers 10, 11, 12, 13 as in the first alternative embodiment. This second alternative embodiment differs from the first alternative embodiment in that it has three layers 10, 11, 14 instead of one. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical storage 6 of the autonomous lighting device 3 is now connected to the control unit 7 Included in the third and final layer 14 of this assembly 9b is a layer 14 of the same material.

[0057] Such a third layer 14, which forms the hidden surface of the watch exterior element 2b, is preferably flexible. Alternatively, the control unit 7 may be formed on a flexible substrate, preferably on the upper surface of the substrate. The storage unit 6 and the electronic circuit 8 are thus constructed. 7 is printed on this top surface of the substrate using a 3D printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that such a substrate may be constructed, for example, as a flexible PCB. good.

[0058] In summary, in this second alternative embodiment, the assembly 9b therefore comprises: - the visibility of the external clock element 2b, 2c including said at least one light source 4 of the lighting device 3; a first layer 10 forming a surface 20a; a second layer 11 comprising a photovoltaic module 5; - forming the hidden surface 20b of the watch external element 2b, 2c containing the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7; a third layer 14 Equipped with.

[0059] It should be noted that in this second alternative embodiment, the first and second layers 10, 11 , similar to those of the first alternative embodiment of the assembly 9a.

[0060] Further, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the electronic circuit 8 of the control unit 7 is connected to a first connecting element The first connecting element 15a is connected to the connecting element 16 of the at least one light source 4. , which is connected to manage the operation of the light source 4. The electronic circuit 8 further includes an accumulator 6. The accumulator 6 also comprises a second connection element 15b connected to the first connection element 17a. Furthermore, a second connection element 17b is provided which is connected to the connection element 18 of the photovoltaic module 5. .

[0061] It should further be noted that the event sensor of the lighting device 3 described above is preferably The first layer 10 and / or the last layer 13, 14 of the assemblies 9a, 9b are arranged in this device. The control unit 7 of the sensor 3 is connected to the sensor 3 .

[0062] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the external watch element comprises assemblies 9a, 9b. The first layer 10 may be made of one or more transparent materials including an insert made of an opaque material. It should be noted that the substrate may be made of a translucent ceramic material. During the injection molding process, especially through the bi-injection molding process, Substrates made from ceramic materials containing a mixture of ceramic colors can also be provided. At least one of these colors is produced through a bi-injection molding process. The film is partially transparent or translucent to allow light to pass through at predetermined locations created by the film.

[0063] According to another alternative embodiment, not shown, the external watch elements 2a, 2b, 2c, and in particular their The first layer 10 has a ceramic material substrate of the layer 10, (e.g., to recess a few tenths or hundredths of a millimeter into the ceramic) By varying the thickness of the substrate mechanically or by laser etching, Or by internal etching methods in the substrate, in particular by laser etching processes. So, Or by changing the density of the ceramic, Or, opaque or translucent printing on the inside or on the substrate of the ceramic watch exterior element. By doing so, Or, physical vapor deposition (PVD) or other coatings patterned on the inside or substrate of the watch exterior element. or by anything similar; A combination of these methods allows the creation of one or more graphic representations of engraved illuminated objects. It may contain several point light sources 4 which can be combined.

[0064] That is, when the light emission of the point light source 4 is switched on, the normally invisible graphic representation appears on the visible surfaces of the external watch elements 2a, 2b, 2c by backlighting.

[0065] The watch 1 according to the invention advantageously provides various functional applications for the user of the watch 1. It should also be noted that the suffix "suffix" can be used to give a similar effect. The point light source 4 is switched on and off, so that the clock 1 is illuminated by the point light source 4. In the external elements 2a, 2b, 2c of the watch, functions specific to the watch 1 and / or external Measurement of a parameter or a function related to the measurement of a parameter relating to the user of the watch 1 The point light source 4 is turned on and / or off. The switching can be controlled by the control unit 7 simultaneously and / or sequentially.

[0066] For example, referring to FIG. 6, one possible functional application for watch 1 is shown. If the clock 1 is an electronic or electromechanical clock, its external clock elements 2c, A control unit 7, in this case the bezel 26, exchanges data depending on the movement of the watch 1. This external clock element 2c, in this case, is equipped with a communication module that can In a point or quasi-point area 28 of the bezel 26 of the watch 1, localized illumination is provided to illuminate the time, i.e. In the example shown, it indicates 1 o'clock. The dot or quasi-dot area 28 corresponds to the numeral or up arrow on the dial 32 of the watch 1. Corresponding to the position of Plice 30. Localized lighting makes it possible to read the time at night .

[0067] Another possible functional application for this same watch 1 is shown in FIG. At a first point or quasi-point area 28a of the bezel 26, a first localized illumination is provided. In the illustrated example, it indicates 5 o'clock. The second point or quasi-point area 2 of the bezel 26 of this watch 1 At 8b, a second localized illumination indicates the minute, i.e., 40 minutes in the example shown. The first illumination (corresponding to the minute) may be performed simultaneously with the first illumination (corresponding to the hour). The light colors on the quasi-point areas 28a, 28b may be the same (in the case of sequential illumination) or may be the same (in the case of simultaneous illumination). In the latter case, the user of the watch 1 is not able to distinguish between hours and minutes. In particular, the first and second localized illuminations allow the hours and minutes to be read at night. do.

[0068] Other possible functional applications for this watch are shown in Figure 8. The bezel of this watch 1 In one or more points or quasi-point areas 28 of 26, in this case eight areas in the illustrated example. In some cases, localized lighting indicates a luminous countdown or chronograph. The upper dot or quasi-dot area 28 can be illuminated or extinguished over time, respectively. do.

[0069] In each of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the watch external element 2c, in this case In this case, the first layer 10 of the bezel 26 typically has a point or quasi-point area 28 on the bezel 26. These areas 28 have 12 light-emitting elements that illuminate the Only the

[0070] As an alternative to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, a point or quasi-point area of ​​localized illumination may be used. 28 can be provided on the periphery of the middle part 23 of the watch 1 rather than on the bezel 26.

[0071] Other possible functional applications of the watch according to the invention similar to that of FIG. 6 but not shown in the figures are: The display displays the date via localized illumination on a point or quasi-point area 28 on the watch bezel. The dot or quasi-dot area 28 is a number or appliqué 3 on the dial of the watch 1. It corresponds to the position of 0. For dates over "12", display the two digits of the day in order, followed by the month. (e.g., for January 23rd, use "2" followed by "3" followed by "1") Different light colors may be used for the day and the month. Localized lighting may be used to illuminate the day at night. This is particularly useful when reading attachments.

[0072] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be modified in any way by the following embodiments. Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Various simple modifications and alternatives can be considered.

Claims

1. A visible surface (2) formed by a transparent or translucent body with an autonomous lighting device (3) A watch (1) including at least one external watch element (2a, 2b, 2c) having a There was, The external watch element (2a, 2b, 2c) is made up of a number of stacked layers (10) connected together. , 11, 12, 13, 14) and each layer is formed by an assembly (9a, 9b) of The following functional elements of the lighting device (3): - generating light at the visible surface (20a) of the external watch element (2a, 2b, 2c); at least one light source (4) capable of illuminating light; a self-contained power supply unit (21), a control unit (7) configured to manage the operation of said light source (4); Equipped with The at least one light source (4) is located in the external clock element (2a, 2b, 2c). The visible surfaces (20) of the external clock elements (2a, 2b, 2c) are illuminated to provide a suitable illumination. a) a clock set to provide localized light at a point or quasi-point area (28) （１）。

2. The assembly (9a, 9b) is provided with the at least one point light source (4).

2. A watch (1) according to claim 1, comprising a first layer (10) forming a face (20a).

3. Each point light source (4) - luminous elements, A watch (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, which is a quantum dot or quantum box.

4. Said assembly (9a) comprises, in addition to said first layer (10), the following successive layers: 、 a second layer ( ) comprising the photovoltaic modules constituting said self-contained power supply unit (21); 11) and a third layer (1) comprising an electrical accumulator (6) constituting said self-contained power supply unit (21); 2) and - the hidden surface (20b) of said external watch element (2a, 2c) which comprises said control unit (7); a fourth layer forming a A watch (1) according to claim 1, comprising:

5. Said assembly (9b) comprises, in addition to said first layer (10), the following successive layers: 、 a second layer ( ) comprising the photovoltaic modules constituting said self-contained power supply unit (21); 11) and - the control unit (7) and the electrical accumulator (21) constituting the self-contained power supply unit (21). 6) and a third layer forming the hidden surface (20b) of the external watch element (2b, 2c). (14) and 2. The watch of claim 1, comprising:

6. The functional element is formed before forming the at least one external watch element (2a, 2b, 2c). The layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of the assembly (9a, 9b) are printed on the substrate.

2. A watch (1) according to claim 1, which is printed.

7. The first layer (10) is connected to the flexible other layer (11) in the assembly (9a, 9b). 12, 13, 14).

8. The point light source (4) is a point or quasi-point area (28) of the visible surface (20a) that can be illuminated.

2. The time according to claim 1, wherein the time is set so that it can be illuminated by a single monochromatic point light source (4). Total (1).

9. The point light source (4) is a point or quasi-point area (28) of the visible surface (20a) that can be illuminated. can be illuminated by several point light sources (4) with different light colors, A watch (1) according to claim 1.

10. The at least one external watch element (2a, 2b, 2c) comprises a back part (24), a middle part (2 3), dial (32), bracelet strand (30), bezel (26), flange, push button a rewind button, a rewind button with a cap, and / or a rewind button with a cap The watch (1) according to claim 1, selected from:

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