A decorative body comprising a decorative module, in particular for a watch

Abstract

The present invention relates to a decorative body (1.1, 12, 13, 14), in particular a wristwatch or pocket watch, comprising a first volume (V1) and a second volume (V2) that together form a sealed volume (V0), a fluid (8) that at least partially fills the first volume (V1) and the second volume (V2), a solid element (11) that is suspended and movable in the fluid and that is free to move throughout the first volume but only within the first volume, the solid element (11) being visible from the outside of the decorative body, at least one wall (9) that is permeable to the fluid at the interface between the first and second volumes, at least one zone that defines a pattern, a flow initiator that makes it possible to induce a flow that drives the fluid through the permeable wall in the direction of the zones, such that the solid elements (11) are arranged in the pattern, and a control device (12, 13, 14) for the flow initiator. The present invention also relates to such a decorative module for a watch (1.1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to decorative objects, such as watches or jewelry, which are typically equipped with decorative modules to produce optical effects. [Background technology]

[0002] The prior art, for example German Patent No. 8701203U1, includes a timepiece in which the glass through which the dial can be viewed seals a liquid containing suspended particles. Such a glass gives the timepiece an attractive character.

[0003] European Patent No. 3414108B1 describes an improvement to this type of watch crystal, proposing a decorative module in which suspended particles flow in a recessed pattern, typically etched into the lower glass and covered by the upper glass. In one particular embodiment of this invention, beads are included in the pattern, in which case the pattern is always visible. In another embodiment of this invention, beads can enter and exit the pattern, in which case the pattern appears as soon as the dial is turned downwards against the channel, and the beads fall into the channel under the action of gravity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] German Patent No. 8701203U1 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 3414108B1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The aim of the invention is to propose an ornamental body of this type which offers more freedom as regards the appearance of the pattern, typically an ornamental body whose appearance is not necessarily dependent on gravity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides a decorative object, comprising: - a first volume and a second volume that together form a sealed volume; a fluid at least partially filling the first volume and the second volume; - a solid element that is movable in suspension in the fluid and that is freely movable throughout the first volume and only within the first volume, the solid element being visible from outside the decorative body; - 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; - flow initiators, which make it possible to induce a flow that drives the fluid in the direction of the zone through the permeable wall, so that the solid elements are arranged in a pattern; - a control device for a flow initiator;

[0007] The control device, as its name suggests, allows for control of the flow initiator, which allows for triggering of flow placement and pattern placement.

[0008] Depending on the control device used, the flow and pattern placement can be triggered randomly, automatically (programmed), or on demand. Thus, the decoration according to the present invention allows for the display of patterns by movable solid elements such as beads randomly, automatically, or on demand. Thus, the triggering of the display can be made independent of gravity.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow initiator comprises a movable member. It is the movement of the movable member that causes the flow.

[0010] The movable member is typically capable of translational or rotational movement and may be, for example, a piston, an impeller or a set of impellers.

[0011] Advantageously, the zones defining the pattern are located within the first volume or at the interface between the first volume and the second volume.

[0012] The zones defining the pattern are typically permeable walls. In this case, the pattern of the zones is preferably defined by the arrangement and / or size of the through-holes (pores, channels...) in the permeable walls. In a particular embodiment of the decorative body according to the invention, the zones defining the pattern are formed using a device comprising at least two superimposed permeable walls. Thus, it is possible to provide a relative movement of one permeable wall with respect to the other in order to change the position and / or size (cross-section, e.g. diameter) of the holes and thereby change the pattern.

[0013] When the pattern of zones defining the pattern is determined by the arrangement and / or size of the through holes, the decorative body according to the invention can comprise channels containing solid elements, the channels being arranged as extensions of said through holes so that the flow initiators cause a flow that pushes the solid elements in the channels at a speed that depends on the size of the different through holes.

[0014] When the zone defining the pattern is located within the first volume, the zone is typically a surface of a permeable wall located within the first volume. The zone can also be another surface defining the first volume. In either case, the surface is preferably in relief.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the decorative body according to the invention comprises two zones, each defining a distinct pattern, each of the zones corresponding to a distinct surface disposed within the first volume; The flow initiator is capable of initiating, in response to commands received from the control device, a flow that drives fluid through the permeable wall toward a first one of the zones such that the solid elements are arranged in a first pattern, or a flow that drives fluid through the permeable wall toward a second one of the zones such that the solid elements are arranged in a second pattern.

[0016] In one particular embodiment, the decorative body according to the invention further comprises at least one second permeable wall (in addition to the permeable wall defined above), which is also located at the interface between the first volume and the second volume, and which allows the fluid to flow from one volume to the other in a direction opposite to the direction of passage through the at least one permeable wall, thereby improving the arrangement of the solid elements within the pattern.

[0017] Advantageously, the flow initiator can also induce a flow that drives the fluid through at least one permeable wall in the direction of the zones that define the pattern in a direction opposite to that that allows the placement of the solid elements in the pattern, thus typically "destroying" the pattern.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the density of the solid elements is substantially equal to the density of the fluid, which has the advantage of at least partially avoiding the direct influence of gravity on the solid elements, and the density of the fluid typically differs from the density of the solid elements by at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, and more preferably at most 2%.

[0019] The decorative object according to the invention is preferably a timepiece such as a pocket watch or a wristwatch.

[0020] The clock is typically a first volume and a second volume that together form a sealed volume; a fluid at least partially filling the first volume and the second volume; a solid element movable in suspension within the fluid and movable freely throughout and only within the first volume, the solid element being visible from the outside of the timepiece; o at least one wall permeable to the fluid at the interface between the first volume and the second volume; o at least one zone defining a pattern; o flow initiators that allow the solid elements to be arranged in a pattern to induce a flow that drives the fluid in the direction of the zone through the permeable wall; a decorative module comprising: a flow initiator control device; Equipped with.

[0021] The control device is typically located outside the sealed volume of the decorative module and controls the flow initiator, in particular the movable member of the flow initiator, mechanically or magnetically as required, the movable member being preferably magnetically driven, which limits the stresses in terms of the seal tightness between the control device and the movable member.

[0022] The decorative module is - an annular frame defining an upper glass, a lower glass and a sealing volume; a partition located between the upper and lower glass panes and fixed to them, the partition corresponding to at least a part of the transparent wall, the partition defining on one side a first volume and on the other side a second volume; a piston arranged between the wall and one of the upper and lower glass panes and constituting a movable member, the volume comprising the piston corresponding to the second volume; Equipped with.

[0023] Within the scope of the present invention, the term "glass" is understood to mean any plate made of a material that is at least partially transparent, preferably completely transparent and colorless, and that may or may not be provided with an anti-reflection treatment.

[0024] As indicated above, the decorative body, whether it is a clock or not, is designed so that the movable solid elements are visible from the outside. A person skilled in the art knows how to use suitable materials and how to arrange them appropriately to reveal the pattern revealed by the solid elements. Within the scope of the present invention, it is certainly feasible for the walls defining the enclosed volume to be transparent only in limited areas, so that the solid elements can be seen.

[0025] The invention also relates to a decorative module for a wristwatch or pocket watch according to the invention.

[0026] The decorative body according to the invention has the advantage in particular that the decorative pattern can be revealed on demand or by selecting a manual control device, such as a push button or a slide member, which is controllable from outside the decorative body, or by selecting an automatic control device. It is clear that the principles of the invention can also be used to make "permanent" type patterns disappear on demand or in a programmed manner, the patterns being formed under the influence of Archimedes' principle.

[0027] To this end, the present invention provides a decorative object, comprising: a first volume and a second volume that together form a sealed volume; a fluid at least partially filling the first volume and the second volume; A solid element that is movable in suspension in the fluid and is freely movable throughout the first volume and only within the first volume, and is visible from outside the decorative body; at least one wall permeable to a fluid at an interface between the first volume and the second volume; - at least one zone defining a pattern, in which solid elements are intended to be positioned so as to be spontaneously arranged and define the pattern by virtue of Archimedes' principle; - proposes a decorative body comprising a flow initiator that makes it possible to induce a flow that drives a fluid in the direction of the zone through a permeable wall, so as to move the solid elements so that they are arranged outside the pattern, and a control device for the flow initiator.

[0028] Within the scope of the present invention, "a pattern-defining zone in which, under the effect of Archimedes' principle, solid elements are intended to be arranged spontaneously in order to define a pattern" is understood to mean a zone in which, under the effect of Archimedes' principle, solid elements become arranged when the decorative object is at rest (typically a watch lying horizontally with its dial facing up).

[0029] Within the scope of the present invention, the fluid is preferably a liquid, but may alternatively be a gas.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a part called decorative module of a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the invention, with a piston arranged in a first stable position; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the module shown in FIG. 1 (showing only the edges lying in the cross-sectional plane). [Figure 4] 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown in FIG. 1 with the piston positioned in a second stable position. [Figure 5] 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a decorative module for a watch according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which the decorative module comprises a piston arranged in a first stable position; FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown in FIG. 5, with the piston in a second stable position. [Figure 7] 10 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a decorative module for a watch according to a third embodiment of the invention, in which the decorative module comprises a piston arranged in a first stable position. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown in FIG. 7, with the piston in a second stable position. [Figure 9] 10 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a decorative module for a watch according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which the decorative module comprises a piston arranged in a first stable position. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown in FIG. 9 with the piston in a second stable position. [Figure 11] 10 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a decorative module for a watch according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which the decorative module comprises a piston arranged in a first stable position. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the decorative module shown in FIG. 11 with the piston in a second stable position. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a decorative module for a watch according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, in which the decorative module comprises a piston arranged in a first stable position; FIG. [Figure 14] 14 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the decorative module shown in FIG. 13, with the piston in a second stable position. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 shows a device for use in a watch according to the seventh or eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 5 is a diagrammatic view of the control device for the timepiece piston partially shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and its mode of operation; FIG. [Figure 17] 5 is a diagrammatic view of the control device for the timepiece piston partially shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and its mode of operation; FIG. [Figure 18] 5 is a diagrammatic view of the control device for the timepiece piston partially shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and its mode of operation; FIG. [Figure 19]5 is a diagrammatic view of the control device for the timepiece piston partially shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and its mode of operation; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Elements in Figures 5-19 designated with the same reference numerals as used in Figures 1-4 are the same as or similar to those described with reference to Figures 1-4, unless otherwise specified.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 1, a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a decorative module 1.1 and a control device.

[0034] The decorative module 1.1 comprises a transparent upper glass 2 and a lower glass 3 fixed to an annular dial 4. The dial 4 is in the form of two parts 4a, 4b fixedly attached to one another.

[0035] The upper crystal 2, the lower crystal 3 and the dial 4 together define a seal volume V0.

[0036] Within the scope of the present invention, the terms "lower" and "upper" are defined relative to the position of the decorative module 1·1 shown in Figure 1. The lower crystal 3 is typically intended to cover the dial of a watch according to the first embodiment of the invention, while the upper crystal 2, for its part, is intended to be in contact with the exterior of the watch.

[0037] The decorative module 1.1 also comprises a piston 5 and a partition 6, both of which are at least partially transparent, preferably completely transparent, and whose shape is adapted to that of the watch dial. In the example shown, they are generally disc-shaped. Alternatively, square, oval or non-rectilinear shapes are also conceivable.

[0038] The piston 5 and the partition 6 are arranged in the sealed volume V0 between the upper glass 2 and the lower glass 3. The partition 6 is usually attached to the lower glass 3 via a ring 7 that forms a circular grid, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. The piston 5, as part of it, is arranged between the partition 6 and the upper glass 2.

[0039] The lower glass 3, the ring 7 and the partition 6 define a first volume V1 contained within the sealed volume V0. V2 denotes a second volume corresponding to the sealed volume V0 minus the first volume V1. The partition 6 is at the interface between the first volume V1 and the second volume V2. Volume V2 comprises two communicable sub-volumes V2a and V2b as shown in the figure. V2a denotes the portion of volume V2 located above the piston 5, i.e., between the piston 5 and the upper glass 2. V2b denotes the portion of volume V2 located below the piston 5, i.e., between the piston 5 and the partition 6.

[0040] A liquid 8 fills the sealed volume V0. The liquid 8 is at least partially transparent, preferably completely transparent and colorless.

[0041] A centrally located part of the partition 6 in the illustrated embodiment is provided with a plurality of through openings, typically holes, in this case through perforations 10, and is therefore permeable to the liquid 8. This partition part will be denoted in the remainder of this document by the term "permeable wall 9".

[0042] The permeable wall 9, and in particular the surface of this permeable wall 9 located within the volume V1, defines a relief pattern. The cavities defining the relief pattern are provided on the surface of the permeable wall 9, for example by etching, typically by laser etching, by machining, grinding, thermoforming and / or molding.

[0043] A solid element suspended in the liquid 8, in this case a hollow gold-coated bead 11, can move throughout the first volume V1 and only within this first volume V1. As the bead 11 normally has the same density as the liquid 8, its movement is determined by the movement of the piston 5. Therefore, among other things, it is theoretically not affected by gravity.

[0044] The liquid 8 can flow throughout the sealed volume V0. The liquid 8 can flow between volumes V1 and V2. The beads 11 are partly retained in the first volume V1. The perforations 10 therefore do not allow the beads 11 to pass through. The same is true for the openings in the ring 7.

[0045] The piston 5 is intended to translate along the axis z between a first stable position, shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, and a second stable position, shown in Figure 4. This piston 5 is usually guided along the axis z via a slide system arranged between the boundary of the piston 5 and the inner surface of the frame 4.

[0046] The piston 5 carries two diametrically opposed magnets 12 located on its border, which are usually glued in recesses provided for this purpose.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the device for driving the piston 5 comprises two magnets 12 and a ring 14 holding two 180 degree opposite magnets 13 arranged so that they can be positioned facing the two magnets 12 along an axis parallel to the axis z.

[0048] The ring 14 is intended to pivot about the axis z defined above, typically in jumps of 180°, so that its magnets 13 attract and repel every other magnet 12 carried by the pistons 5. Figures 16 to 19 show this principle diagrammatically.

[0049] Since the axial position of the ring 14 along the axis z is fixed, when the ring 14 pivots only the piston 5 moves along the axis z.

[0050] The rotational drive of ring 14 by the jump can be controlled automatically, typically periodically (for example every hour), by a kinematic chain starting from the final gear train of the watch. In this way, every hour ring 14 pivots by 180°, thereby moving piston 5 from one of two stable positions to the other. Alternatively, ring 14 can be driven on demand by the user using an actuating member accessible from outside the watch, or randomly, for example using an imbalance.

[0051] The operation of the timepiece according to the first embodiment of the invention is as follows.

[0052] When the piston 5 passes from the first stable position (shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3) to the second stable position (shown in Figure 4), this causes a flow of liquid 8 from the first volume V1 to the second volume V2, via the perforations 10, towards the upper glass 2. This flow presses the beads 11 against the permeable wall 9 and in particular against the surface of this permeable wall 9 which is located in volume V1 and defines the pattern. Attracted by the flow of liquid 8 against this surface, the beads 11 fill the cavities which form the relief and are therefore arranged in the pattern, as shown in Figure 4. It goes without saying that the decorative module 1 comprises a sufficient number of beads 11 to represent this pattern.

[0053] When the piston 5 passes from the second stable position to the first stable position, this causes a flow of liquid 8 through the perforations 10 from the second volume V2 to the first volume V1 towards the lower glass 3. This flow pushes beads 11 away from the perforations 10, as shown for example in Figure 3. The beads 11 are generally dispersed in the volume V1, and their arrangement is highly random.

[0054] In the decorative module 1.1, the ring 7 allows the flow of liquid 8 between the volumes V1 and V2 opposite to the flow through the permeable wall 9, regardless of the movement of the piston 5.

[0055] Typically, when piston 5 rises, causing a flow of liquid 8 upward (from V1 to V2) through perforations 10, liquid 8 also passes from volume V2 to volume V1 through the grid of ring 7. More precisely, as piston 5 rises, liquid 8 located in volume V2a is driven through ring 7 into volume V1 and then rises from V1 to V2b, where the flow forces beads 11 against the surface defining the pattern, revealing the pattern.

[0056] Conversely, when the piston 5 descends, causing a downward flow of liquid 8 (from V2 to V1) through the perforations 10, the liquid 8 also passes from volume V1 to volume V2 through the lattice of the ring 7. More precisely, as the piston 5 descends, the liquid 8 located in volume V2b is driven through the permeable wall 9 into volume V1, thereby "breaking" the pattern represented by the beads 11, after which the liquid 8 rises from V1 to V2a through the openings in the ring 7.

[0057] Such a reverse flow of the liquid 8 makes it possible, inter alia, to improve the definition of the pattern by avoiding an extra flow through the permeable wall 9 .

[0058] 5 and 6 show a decorative module 1.2 for a watch according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0059] Contrary to the pattern-defining zone of the decorative module 1.1 according to the first embodiment, the pattern-defining zone of the decorative module 1.2 according to the second embodiment of the invention is not a relief surface. It is a permeable wall 9. In the second embodiment, this wall 9 has two parallel flat surfaces. The arrangement of the perforations 10 is not uniform, and it is this arrangement that defines the pattern. When the piston 5 rises, the beads 11 tend to approach the perforations 10 and be placed close together, thereby forming the pattern.

[0060] The other considerations relating to the timepiece according to the first embodiment, in particular the way in which the movement of the piston 5 is controlled and the behaviour of the decorative module during the pattern revealing phase, remain valid for the second embodiment of the invention.

[0061] 7 and 8 show a decorative module for a watch 1.3 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0062] In contrast to the surface of the transparent wall 9 of the decorative module 1.1, which defines the pattern, the surface of the transparent wall 9 of the decorative module 1.3 according to the third embodiment of the invention, located in the volume V1, is not used to define the pattern to be revealed. It is not a relief surface. The partition 6 comprises two flat surfaces parallel to the upper glass 2, and the perforations 10 are preferably uniformly distributed. The purpose of these perforations 10 is not to create a pattern as in the second embodiment, but simply to allow the flow of the liquid 8 along the axis z.

[0063] The surface defining the pattern corresponds in this case to the surface of the lower glass 3 located in the first volume V1.

[0064] 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, except that in this case the pattern appears when the piston 5 passes from the high position shown in Figure 7 to the low position shown in Figure 8. Indeed, as the piston 5 descends, it drives the beads 11 towards the underlying glass 3 and thus against the relief surface that defines the pattern.

[0065] 7, this causes the liquid 8 to flow in the opposite direction. In the example shown, the densities of the beads 11 and the liquid 8 are the same, so the beads 11 come to rest against the permeable wall 9.

[0066] The other considerations relating to the timepiece according to the first embodiment, in particular the method of controlling the movement of the piston 5, are still valid for the third embodiment of the invention.

[0067] 9 and 10 show a decorative module 1-4 for a timepiece according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0068] This embodiment is very similar to the third embodiment described above. It differs from it only in that the surface of the transparent wall 9 located in the first volume V1 itself defines a pattern (similar to the decorative module 1.1). In this embodiment, the decorative module 1.4 therefore comprises two surfaces S1 and S2, each defining a pattern, in this case a relief pattern. The first surface S1 is located on the upper side of the first volume V1 (at the transparent wall 9), and the second surface S2 is located on the upper side of the lower glass 3.

[0069] Thus, each time the position of the piston 5 is alternated, a first pattern is revealed when the beads 11 are at rest against the surface S1, and a second pattern is revealed when the beads 11 are at rest against the surface S2, the two patterns being preferably different.

[0070] Between its two stable positions, the piston 5 can assume a stable intermediate position, in which the beads 11 are typically dispersed. Three representations are therefore possible, depending on whether the beads are grouped on the surface S1, grouped on the surface S2, or dispersed.

[0071] Other considerations relating to the timepiece according to the first embodiment, in particular the method of controlling the piston 5, are still valid for the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0072] 11 and 12 show a decoration module 1.5 for a watch according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0073] 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, which together define a sealed volume V0, and also comprises a partition 6 and a piston 5 as defined in the first embodiment.

[0074] Like decorative module 1.4, decorative module 1.5 has two faces S1 and S2 each defining a relief pattern, and the entire assembly is arranged so that with each alternating position of piston 5 a first pattern appears when bead 11 is at rest against face S1 and a second pattern appears when bead 11 is at rest against face S2.

[0075] The partition 6 is identical to that of the decorative modules 1.1 and 1.4 and defines a surface S1 and a first recess pattern.

[0076] The decorative module 1.5 also comprises an additional partition 15, which is arranged between and connected to the partition 6 and the lower glass 3. This additional partition 15 comprises, on its upper face, i.e. the face facing the upper glass 2, a surface S2 and cavities 16 which form the second pattern. These cavities usually have a flat bottom and vertical edges, e.g. grooves. Preferably, the cavities have a depth greater than the radius of the beads.

[0077] The bottom of each of the hollows 16 is provided with a through opening, in this case a through perforation 17 intended to allow the liquid 8 but not the beads 11 to pass therethrough.

[0078] In this embodiment, the beads 11 suspended in the liquid 8 can move throughout the first volume V1 and only within the first volume V1. The volume V1 enclosing the beads 11 is, in contrast, defined differently from the volumes V1 of the decorative modules 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4. In this case, the volume V1 is defined, inter alia, by the partition 6 and the additional partition 15.

[0079] To understand the movement of the liquid 8, the volume V2 (V0 minus V1) is shown as the sum of three communicable sub-volumes V2a, V2b and V2c.

[0080] When the piston 5 descends (passing from the stable position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 12), this causes a flow of liquid 8 from volume V2b through the permeable wall 9 into volume V1. This moves the beads 11 away from the first surface S1, destroying the first pattern. The liquid 8 then passes through the holes 17 of the holes 16, thereby driving the beads 11 to the bottom of the holes 16, where they are arranged in the second pattern. The liquid 8 then reaches volume V2c and partly rises again towards volume V2a.

[0081] When piston 5 rises again (passing from the stable position shown in Figure 12 to the position shown in Figure 11), it drives the liquid from volume V2a to volume V2c, after which the liquid is directed through holes 17 from V2c to V1, causing the destruction of the second pattern by expelling beads 11 from hollow 16. Liquid 8 continues its path and then returns again to volume V2b through holes 10 in surface S1, expelling beads 11 into the recesses in permeable wall 9 where they are arranged in the first pattern.

[0082] 13 and 14 show a decorative module for a watch 1.6 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

[0083] Like the decorative modules described above, decorative module 1.6 comprises an upper glass 2, a lower glass 3 and a frame 4 which together define a sealed volume V0 filled with a liquid 8, and beads 11 suspended in the liquid 8 and flowing freely throughout a first volume V1 contained in the sealed volume V0.

[0084] The decorative module 1.6 comprises a partition 6, which is typically identical to that of the decorative modules 1.1 and 1.4 and defines a recessed pattern.

[0085] The decorative module 1.6 also comprises an additional partition 20 arranged between and connected to the partition 6 and the lower glass 3. This additional partition 20 is deformable in order to enlarge or reduce the volume V1, which corresponds in particular to the volume contained between the partition 6 and the additional partition 20.

[0086] The decorative module 1.6 comprises a piston 5 (not shown) which interacts with or forms part of the additional partition 20, the movement of which is controlled in the same way as the movements of the pistons of the decorative modules 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5, typically by means of a control device such as that described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 and 16 to 19.

[0087] To understand the movement of the liquid 8, the volume V2 (V0 minus V1) is shown in Figures 13 and 14 as the sum of two communicating sub-volumes V2a and V2b.

[0088] As the piston 5 rises (passing from the stable position shown in Figure 13 to the position shown in Figure 14), the additional partition 20 and / or the piston drives the liquid 8 from volume V1 to volume V2a through the perforations 10 in the permeable wall 9, which causes the formation of a pattern by forcing the beads 11 against the recessed surface of the permeable wall 9. The liquid 8 then passes partially from volume V2a to volume V2b.

[0089] As the piston 5 descends (passing from the stable position shown in Figure 14 to the position shown in Figure 13), the additional partition 20 and / or piston drives the liquid 8 from volume V2b to volume V2a, and then from volume V2a to volume V1, through the perforations 10 in the permeable wall 9, thereby destroying the pattern.

[0090] FIG. 15 shows a device intended to be used in a wristwatch according to the seventh embodiment or according to the eighth embodiment of the invention.

[0091] The seventh embodiment of the present invention differs from the previously presented embodiments in that the zones that define the pattern are not physical surfaces on which the beads rest to reveal the pattern, but zones that make it possible to create liquid flows of different intensities in order to impact different beads in specific ways.

[0092] The principle consists in selecting the size of the perforations in the permeable wall to create liquid flows of different intensities.

[0093] A watch according to the seventh embodiment of the invention typically comprises a decorative module which, like decorative module 1.1, is transparent, fixed on an annular frame and comprises an upper glass and a lower glass which define a sealed volume filled with liquid.

[0094] The decorative module according to the seventh embodiment also comprises beads suspended in a liquid that are freely movable within a first volume contained in the enclosed volume, and a piston that is translatable parallel to the axis z within a second volume (a second volume corresponding to the enclosed volume minus the first volume).

[0095] As in the previous embodiment, the movement of the piston in the decoration creates a flow of liquid that moves the beads so that they reveal a pattern.

[0096] As in the other embodiments, the decorative module according to the seventh embodiment of the invention comprises a partially permeable partition located at the interface between the first and second volumes, the flow of liquid caused by the movement of the piston driving the liquid through the perforations in this permeable wall.

[0097] In this embodiment, the beads are housed in different channels, typically parallel to axis z. The beads can only move within these channels. Each channel is arranged as an extension of a permeable wall penetration and preferably contains a single bead with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the corresponding channel.

[0098] The liquid flow caused by the piston's movement is affected by the size of the perforations at the entrance of each channel: the larger the perforations (which always remain smaller than the size of the beads), the greater the flow rate. Thus, beads in different channels are driven to different heights within their respective channels. The different levels of beads within the channels can reveal patterns.

[0099] Figure 15 shows a wristwatch device particularly suitable for a seventh embodiment of the present invention. This device is intended to replace a transparent wall comprising perforations of different sizes. For this purpose, there are not one but two superimposed walls that define the perforations and their different diameters. The superimposed walls can move relative to each other to change the size and arrangement of the perforations, thereby changing the pattern revealed. This change can be programmed to occur spontaneously at specific times, for example, hourly, randomly, or manually controllable.

[0100] The decorative body according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is identical in most details to the decorative body according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, with the difference being that the beads are intended to reach the bottom of the channels (the bottoms of different channels are preferably located at different heights) to define the pattern, and that the size of the holes defined by the device shown in Figure 15 allows the beads to move to the bottom of said channels and define a specific temporary pattern.

[0101] In embodiments 1 to 8, the density of the liquid is the same as or at least substantially equal to the density of the beads, so that the movement of the beads is determined only by the movement of the piston (and is not particularly influenced by gravity).

[0102] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is certainly feasible to proceed from a clock according to one of embodiments 1, 4, 5 and 6 and vary the density of either the beads or the liquid so that the beads are arranged in a pattern and therefore "float" spontaneously under the influence of Archimedes' principle.

[0103] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, if the beads 11 have a density lower than that of the liquid 8, the beads will spontaneously arrange themselves in the recesses of the permeable wall to form a pattern. The act of moving the piston 5 from its high position (Figure 4) to its low position (Figure 3) makes it possible to destroy the pattern, which otherwise spontaneously reforms more or less quickly depending on the value of the density.

[0104] Another embodiment of the invention can therefore relate to a timepiece comprising an ornamental module as described above and a device for controlling the piston of this ornamental module, the piston being arranged in such a way that the flow it causes when actuated by a control initiator allows the arrangement of beads in a manner other than a pattern, in other words the piston is arranged in such a way that the flow destroys the pattern that is naturally formed under the influence of Archimedes' principle.

[0105] In yet other embodiments, it is possible to envision a bead / liquid density ratio such that the beads fall, typically under the influence of gravity, or rise, typically under the influence of Archimedes' principle, so as not to define a pattern. The piston movement can thus create a liquid flow that allows for the fleeting formation of a pattern that is spontaneously destroyed at one or more speeds depending on the selected density.

[0106] In such cases, the piston may be equipped with a valve that allows liquid flow in only one direction, i.e., that brings the beads into a position opposite to that which the beads would spontaneously adopt.

[0107] In any embodiment of the present invention, the lower glass of the decorative module is typically formed from one of the following materials: borosilicate glass, crystal glass, fused silica, optical crown glass, flint glass, quartz, transparent ceramic, sapphire, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, or polyurethane.

[0108] The partition and piston are also typically designed from one of these materials.

[0109] Finally, the top crystal can also be made of any of these materials, but is preferably made of a harder material, such as sapphire, as this hardness gives it excellent scratch resistance, which is advantageous if it comes into contact with the outside of the watch.

[0110] In any case, in the timepiece according to the invention, it is preferred that the upper glass, the lower glass, the partition and the piston elements of the decorative module are made, at least in part, from a transparent material, in the sense that the decorative module is intended to cover in particular the dial bearing the time display.

[0111] Without departing from the scope of the invention, a sealed channel can pass through the volume comprising the liquid, which channel allows the passage of, for example, a cannon pinion or a pipe, so that the time display is performed above the housing comprising the liquid volume. The watchmaker only has to ensure that the decorative beads are visible and that the different elements (crystal, partition, piston) allow this.

[0112] The refractive index of the liquid is preferably equal to the refractive index of the zone(s) defining the pattern or is sufficiently close to it (difference of at least 10%, preferably at least 5%, and even more preferably at least 2%) so that said zone(s) are substantially invisible. The expression "refractive index" is understood within the scope of the present invention to mean the refractive index measured at a wavelength of 700 nm, at a temperature of 20-25°C and at atmospheric pressure. In the case of decorative modules for watches, the refractive index of the liquid is preferably close to the refractive index of the transparent walls of the partitions defining the first and second volumes so that the zones defining the pattern are substantially invisible. Advantageously, the upper and lower glass and the piston also have refractive indices of the same order.

[0113] If etching is to be performed, the relief surface - the transparent wall 9 of the decorative module or the lower glass 3 of the decorative module - is preferably made from borosilicate or fused silica, which are materials suitable for etching. In this case, the liquid 8 has a refractive index of approximately 1.47 (the refractive index of borosilicate). The liquid is, for example, glycerol or mineral oil, preferably mineral oil.

[0114] In an embodiment of the invention, the beads are hollow, impermeable, and coated with a colored material, such as gold. They are preferably very thin-walled to have a density close to that of a liquid. They are typically made of hollow glass and are provided with a very thin coating (<1 micron, or 0.3 micron) of gold (or other colorant). This has the advantage of at least partially avoiding the direct effect of gravity on the beads.

[0115] One skilled in the art can select this wall thickness to adjust the density ratio of the liquid and the beads.

[0116] If the fluid is dense enough, it is also possible to have solid beads made of a synthetic material such as PMMA with a metallic coating such as gold, again allowing the density of the beads to be tuned by choosing the thickness of the gold.

[0117] The foregoing description has focused on describing some specific embodiments as non-limiting examples, and the present invention is not limited to the implementation of some specific features described therein, such as the structure and operation of the control device, the illustrated shapes of the different components, and the illustrated materials.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, the solid elements are beads. These solid elements can be other than beads, can have any suitable shape, and can be made of materials other than those cited above.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiment, the flow that drives the liquid toward the zones that define the pattern is caused by a piston that can move in translation and is 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 can be different. It can typically comprise one magnet or two or more magnets, for example four magnets evenly distributed around the circumference of the ring that moves in 90° steps, or eight magnets evenly distributed around the circumference of the ring that moves in 45° steps, to raise and then lower the piston. This rotation angle can be reduced by increasing the number of magnets.

[0120] The ring 14 is not automatically driven by the movement of the mounted watch, but is simply unbalanced and can pivot randomly under the influence of the movement of the watch wearer. The ring 14 can also be driven to rotate continuously voluntarily by the wearer of the watch pressing a push button.

[0121] In another variation, it is envisaged that the piston is rotationally guided by a threaded helicoidal guide system rather than using a slide.

[0122] The liquid flow can also be created by an element that moves in rotation rather than translation, such as an impeller or set of rotating impellers, or by means other than a moving element, for example via waves or temperature differences.

[0123] The relief pattern can be obtained by methods other than those mentioned above, and any other method that allows the part to be produced in three dimensions is suitable.

[0124] In the illustrated example, the liquid fills the sealed volume. It is also contemplated that the volume may only be partially filled, as the described liquid flow remains possible. Additionally, the liquid filling the sealed volume may be replaced with a fluid in the form of a gas.

[0125] Finally, although the decorative object referred to in the illustrated embodiment is a clock, it is clear that the invention is not limited to this object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1.1 Decoration Module 2 Upper glass 3 Lower glass 4 Dial 5 pistons 6 Partitions 7 Ring 8 liquid 9 Permeable Walls 10 perforation 11 hollow beads 12, 13 Magnet 14 Ring

Claims

1. A decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14), a first volume (V1) and a second volume (V2) that together form a sealed volume (V0); a fluid (8) at least partially filling the first volume (V1) and the second volume (V2); a solid element (11) that is movable in suspension in the fluid and that is freely movable only within the first volume throughout the entire first volume, the solid element (11) being visible from outside the decorative body; at least one wall (9) permeable to said fluid (8) at the interface between said first volume (V1) and said second volume (V2); at least one zone defining a pattern; a flow initiator capable of initiating a flow that drives said fluid through said permeable wall towards said zones so that said solid elements (11) are arranged in said pattern; a control device (12, 13, 14) of said flow initiator; A decorative body (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) comprising:

2. 2. A decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow initiator comprises a movable member (5), the movement of which causes the flow.

3. 3. A 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 movable element (5) is driven mechanically or magnetically, preferably magnetically.

4. Decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the zones defining the pattern are arranged within the first volume (V1) or at the interface between the first volume (V1) and the second volume (V2).

5. 5. Decorative body (1.1; 1.2; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 4, characterized in that the zones defining the pattern are the transparent walls (9).

6. 6. Decorative body (1.2, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 5, characterized in that the pattern of zones is determined by the arrangement and / or size of holes (10) passing through the permeable wall (9).

7. 7. Decorative body according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the zones defining the pattern are formed using a device comprising at least two superimposed transparent walls.

8. 8. A decorative body according to claim 6 or claim 7 when dependent on claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a channel containing solid elements, the channel being arranged as an extension of the through holes so that the flow initiator induces a flow that pushes the solid elements in the channel at a speed that depends on the diameter of the various through holes.

9. Decorative body (1.1; 1.2; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 4, characterized in that the zone defining the pattern is a surface (S1) of the permeable wall (9) located in the first volume (V1).

10. 10. Decorative object (1.1; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 9, characterized in that the surface is in relief.

11. said decorative body (1.4; 1.5, 12, 13, 14) comprises two zones each defining a distinct pattern, each of said zones corresponding to a distinct surface (S1, S2) arranged in said first volume (V1); the flow initiator is capable of initiating, in response to a command received from the control device, a flow that drives the fluid (8) through the permeable wall towards a first one of the zones such that the solid elements are arranged in a first pattern, or a flow that drives the fluid through the permeable wall (9) towards a second one of the zones such that the solid elements are arranged in a second pattern; A decorative object (1.4; 1.5, 12, 13, 14) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that

12. The decorative body (1.4; 1.5; 1.6; 12; 13; 14) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 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) that allows the fluid (8) to flow from one of the volumes to the other in a direction opposite to the direction through the permeable wall (9).

13. Decorative body (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5, 12, 13, 14) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the flow initiator is also capable of inducing a flow that drives the fluid (8) through the permeable wall (9) towards the zone in a direction opposite to the direction that allows the arrangement of the solid elements (11) in the pattern.

14. A decorative body (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the density of said solid element (11) is substantially equal to the density of said fluid (8).

15. The decorative object (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) is a timepiece such as a wristwatch or a pocket watch, The clock, a first volume (V1) and a second volume (V2) that together form a sealed volume (V0); o a fluid (8) at least partially filling said first volume and said second volume; a solid element movable in suspension in a fluid, movable freely throughout said first volume and only within said first volume, said solid element being visible from the outside of said timepiece; o at least one wall (9) permeable to said fluid at the interface between said first volume and said second volume; o at least one zone defining a pattern; o a flow initiator capable of initiating a flow that drives the fluid through the permeable wall towards the zones such that the solid elements are arranged in the pattern; a decorative module (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6) comprising a control device (12, 13, 14) of said flow initiator; A decorative body (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6, 12, 13, 14) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises:

16. said decorative modules (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6) an upper glass (2), a lower glass (3) and an annular frame (4) defining said sealing volume (V0); a partition (6) arranged between and fixed to said upper and lower glass panes, corresponding at least in part to said transparent wall (9), which defines on one side said first volume and on the other side said second volume; a piston (5) arranged between the partition and one of the upper and lower panes and forming the movable member, the volume comprising the piston corresponding to the second volume; 16. A watch according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises:

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

18. A decorative object, a first volume and a second volume that together form a sealed volume (V0); a fluid at least partially filling said first volume and said second volume; a solid element movable in suspension in said fluid, movable throughout said first volume and only within said first volume, said solid element being visible from the outside of said decorative body; at least one wall permeable to said fluid at the interface between said first volume and said second volume; at least one zone defining a pattern, in which, by virtue of Archimedes' principle, said solid elements are intended to be positioned so as to be spontaneously arranged and define said pattern; a decorative body comprising a flow initiator making it possible to induce a flow that drives said fluid through said permeable wall in the direction of said zones so as to move said solid elements so that said solid elements are arranged outside said pattern, and a control device for said flow initiator.

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