CH719299A2 - Temperature control device for a timepiece. - Google Patents

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a temperature control device for a timepiece, comprising a first part (1) allowing light to pass, defining with an adjacent second part (2) an intermediate chamber (9) of variable dimensions according to the temperature of the first part (1), the first part (1) comprises first microblinds (10) according to a first spatial distribution, the second part (2) comprises second microblinds (20) according to a second spatial distribution and forming substantially facing the first microblinds (10), to overlap partially or totally in certain relative positions between the first part (1) and the second part (2), to vary the transmission and/or the reflection of the light incident on the first part (1) between a maximum and a minimum. The invention also relates to a timepiece provided with such a temperature control device.

Description

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to a temperature control device for a timepiece, comprising a first part allowing light to pass through, and a second part adjacent to said first part but remote from said first part and defining with it an intermediate chamber of variable dimensions in an axial direction and / or a radial direction depending on the temperature of said first part.

The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such temperature control device.

[0003] The invention relates to the field of temperature control in a timepiece, in particular a watch, to make its operation possible, without noticeable alteration of the rate, in an environment subject to large temperature amplitudes, or even at very high or very low temperatures, such as may be encountered in scientific, aeronautical or astronautical applications in particular.

Technology background

[0004] The temperature inside a timepiece, in particular a watch, has a direct influence on its operation. The operating clearances must remain compatible with the expansion phenomena in the thermal range of use. The rate of the oscillator, especially when it is a mechanical oscillator, is particularly affected by large temperature variations, which is not conducive to applications or experiments which depend on a correct estimation and time stable.

[0005] External insulating devices are bulky and can be inconvenient for users.

[0006] Devices integrated into a watch, such as reflective crystals, can make reading its display difficult, if not impossible.

Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention proposes to integrate into a timepiece, and in particular in the reduced volume formed by a watch case, a device making it possible to better regulate the temperature inside this piece of watchmaking.

To this end, the invention relates to a temperature control device for a timepiece, comprising a first part allowing light to pass, and a second part defining with said first part an intermediate chamber of variable dimensions in one direction. axial and/or a radial direction depending on the temperature of said first part, said first part comprises a plurality of first microblinds according to a first spatial distribution, in that said second part comprises a plurality of second microblinds according to a second spatial distribution, said first and second parts provided with said first and second microblinds being configured to move relative to each other, thereby varying the transmission and/or reflection of said light on said first part between a maximum and a minimum.

In other words, the temperature control device for a timepiece comprises a first part allowing light to pass, defining with an adjacent second part an intermediate chamber (9) of variable dimensions depending on the temperature of the first part, the first part comprises first microblinds according to a first spatial distribution, the second part comprises second microblinds according to a second spatial distribution and substantially facing the first microblinds, to overlap partially or totally in certain relative positions between the first part and the second part , to vary the transmission and/or the reflection of the light incident on the first part between a maximum and a minimum.

[0010] In other embodiments: - the first microblinds and the second microblinds are arranged to overlap partially or totally in certain relative positions of said first part with respect to said second part, to vary the transmission and/or reflecting light incident on said first portion between a maximum and a minimum; - Said first part is capable of moving in an axial direction and/or a radial direction relative to said second part as a function of the temperature of this first part; - said first part has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, which is different from a second coefficient of thermal expansion that said second part has; – said first part or said second part is mounted on a third part, which has a third thermal coefficient which is different from a first thermal expansion coefficient that said first part has and/or from a second thermal expansion coefficient presented by said second part; - said first spatial distribution and said second spatial distribution are homothetic or identical; - said first microblinds are located on a lower surface of said first part, at the level of said intermediate chamber; - Said second microblinds are located on an upper surface of said second part, at the level of said intermediate chamber; – said first micro-blinds and/or said second micro-blinds comprise a reflective coating; - said first spatial distribution and second spatial distribution, and the dimensions of said first part and of said second part are adjusted for maximum reflection at the highest temperatures, and for maximum transmission at the lowest temperatures; - said first part comprises at least a first coated and/or structured reflective part, arranged to reflect oblique light rays with respect to an axial direction of said timepiece and to allow the passage of light rays in this axial direction; - at least one said first reflective part comprises prismatic structures projecting from said first part, arranged according to said first spatial distribution, and each comprising a reflective coating; - at least one said first reflective part comprises reflective structures embedded in the thickness of said first part for better abrasion resistance, arranged according to said first spatial distribution, and each comprising a reflective coating; – Said first part is a protective cover and in that said second part is a watch glass.

The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such temperature control device.

Brief description of figures

The aims, advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where: - Figure 1 shows, schematically and in cross section of a timepiece consisting of a watch, a first part which is a protective cover, above a second part which is a watch crystal; an arrow A indicates activation by axial expansion, while an arrow R corresponds to activation by radial expansion; the functional parts of the watch, not shown, are under the second part, that is to say on the side opposite the first part; – Figures 2 to 5 show, similarly to Figure 1, the local detail of the relative positioning of microblinds that comprise respectively the first part and the second part, respectively first microblinds according to a first spatial distribution, and second microblinds according to a second spatial distribution, which constitute the temperature control device according to the invention, and which are arranged to overlap partially or totally in certain relative positions of the first part with respect to the second part, to vary the transmission and/ or the reflection of the light incident on the first part between a maximum and a minimum, and thus varying the temperature, or stabilizing it, inside the timepiece; – Figures 2 and 4 correspond to a temperature below the optimum temperature; - and Figures 3 and 5 correspond to a temperature below the optimum temperature; - the transition from the position of Figure 2 to that of Figure 3 corresponds to a relative axial movement in the axial direction A (movement from Figure 3 to Figure 2, rapprochement in the opposite case); - while the transition from the position of Figure 4 to that of Figure 5 corresponds to a relative radial movement in the direction R; - Figure 6 shows, similarly to Figure 1, a variant in which the first part comprises at least a first coated reflective part and / or structured, which is arranged to return the oblique light rays with respect to an axial direction of the timepiece, and to allow the passage of light rays in this axial direction; - Figure 7 shows, similarly to Figure 6, a variant in which such a first reflective part comprises prismatic structures projecting from the first part, arranged according to the first spatial distribution, and each comprising a reflective coating; the most inclined rays, visible on the right part of the figure, are reflected outside the user's field of vision, while those located in his field of vision are transmitted to the display of the watch, which allows the user to read the time or other indications displayed by the watch; - Figure 8 shows, similarly to Figure 6, a variant in which such a first reflective part comprises reflective structures embedded in the thickness of the first part for better abrasion resistance, arranged according to the first distribution spatial, and each comprising a reflective coating; - Figure 9 shows, schematically, a timepiece, here a watch, comprising such a temperature control device.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention relates to a temperature control device 100 for a timepiece 1000, comprising a first part 1 allowing light to pass, and a second part 2 adjacent to the first part 1 but remote from the first part 1 and defining with it an intermediate chamber 9. This intermediate chamber 9 is of variable dimensions in an axial direction A and/or a radial direction R depending on the temperature of the first part 1.

The invention implements microblinds to ensure temperature control in the watch, to ensure the regularity of operation when it comes to a mechanical or electromechanical watch. Each microblind, otherwise known as “microblind structure” or “microblind structured element”, is formed in the first or second part. This microblind can modify the angle of incidence, the angle of reflection and/or the angle of refraction of the light incident on said first part. The micro-louver may have refractory features or features that change the direction of light passing through or reflecting off this micro-louver.

[0015] According to the invention, the first part 1 comprises a plurality of first micro-blinds 10 according to a first spatial distribution, and the second part 2 comprises a plurality of second micro-blinds 20 according to a second spatial distribution and substantially facing the first micro-blinds 10 The first microblinds 10 and the second microblinds 20 are arranged to overlap partially or totally in certain relative positions of the first part 1 with respect to the second part 2, in order to vary the transmission and/or the reflection of the incident light on the first part 1 between a maximum and a minimum. Each part thus carries a specific spatial distribution of microblinds, which are thus superimposed for a minimum and a maximum of transmission/reflection according to the position of the first part 1 with respect to the second part 2. This device thus makes it possible to vary the temperature , or stabilize it, inside the timepiece according to the relative position of the microblinds.

[0016] A movement under the action of temperature is possible, if either one part has a thermal expansion coefficient different from that of the other part, or if one of the parts is mounted on a third part with a different coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0017] More particularly, the first part 1 has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, which is different from a second coefficient of thermal expansion that the second part 2 has.

[0018] More particularly, the first part 1 or the second part 2 is mounted on a third part, which has a third coefficient of thermal expansion which is different from a first coefficient of thermal expansion that the first part 1 has and / or a second coefficient of thermal expansion that the second part 2 has. More particularly still, the third coefficient of thermal expansion is different both from the first coefficient of thermal expansion and from the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

More particularly, the first spatial distribution and the second spatial distribution are homothetic or identical.

[0020] More particularly, the first microblinds 10 are located on a lower surface 19 of the first part 1, at the level of the intermediate chamber 9.

[0021] More particularly, the second microblinds 20 are located on an upper surface 29 of the second part 2, at the level of the intermediate chamber 9.

[0022] More particularly, the first microblinds 10 and/or the second microblinds 20 comprise a reflective coating

[0023] More particularly, for good heat control, the first spatial distribution and second spatial distribution, and the dimensions of the first part 1 and of the second part 2, are adjusted for maximum reflection at the highest temperatures, and for maximum transmission at the lowest temperatures.

Figure 1 shows, schematically and in section, a first part 1 which is a protective cover, above a second part 2 which is a watch crystal; arrow A indicates activation by axial expansion, while arrow R corresponds to activation by radial expansion.

Figures 2 to 5 show the local detail of the relative positioning of the microblinds 10 and 20 that comprise respectively the first part 1 and the second part 2. Figures 2 and 4 correspond to a temperature below the optimum temperature, and the Figures 3 and 5 correspond to a temperature below the optimum temperature. The transition from the position of Figure 2 to that of Figure 3 corresponds to a relative axial movement in the axial direction A (distance from Figure 3 to Figure 2, rapprochement in the opposite case), while the passage of the position of Figure 4 to that of Figure 5 corresponds to a relative radial movement in the direction R. For example the first microblinds 10 forming the reflective layer of the first part 1 are made of aluminum oxynitride AION, with optical transparency greater than 85%, in the wavelength range of 250 to 4000 nanometers (from near ultraviolet to the middle of the infrared band), while the 20 second microlouvres, which have a higher coefficient of thermal expansion, are made of „Hexalite " or similar.

[0026] It is thus advantageous to play on the coefficients of thermal expansion of the various components, here glasses, to align the spatial distributions of the microblinds, to regulate the flow of radiation reaching the surface of the watch, and to regulate thereby the thermal load of the watch.

[0027] More particularly, as seen in Figure 6, the first part 1 comprises at least a first reflective part 11 coated and / or structured, which is arranged to return the oblique light rays with respect to an axial direction of the part clockwork 1000 and to allow the passage of light rays in this axial direction.

The spatial distributions can include a relief to take advantage of a certain behavior as a function of the incidence as shown in FIG. 7, where at least such a first reflective part 11 comprises prismatic structures 4 projecting from the first part 1, arranged according to the first spatial distribution, and each comprising a reflective coating 41. The most inclined radiation, visible on the right part of the figure, is reflected outside the user's field of vision, while those located in his field of view are transmitted to the display of the watch, which allows the user to read the time or other indications displayed by the watch.

More particularly, as seen in Figure 8 and according to the same principle as Figure 7, at least one such first reflective part 11 comprises reflective structures 5 embedded in the thickness of the first part 1 for better resistance abrasion, arranged according to the first spatial distribution, and each comprising a reflective coating 51.

[0030] In a variant not shown, the timepiece 1000 comprises at least one internal temperature sensor, and an internal control means for comparing the measured temperature with a setpoint temperature, and for controlling an actuator, for example piezoelectric , to move the first part 1 and/or the second part 2 in the axial direction A and/or the radial direction R.

More particularly, the first part 1 is a protective cover and the second part 2 is a watch glass. Naturally, other parts of the watch may be suitable for installing micro-blinds on two adjacent parts of the watch, such as the bezel, flange, dial, parts of the movement, or others.

It is understood that the invention makes it possible to use the capacity of light, both to transfer heat, in particular by reflection, and to consult the display of the watch, in particular to read the time. So far, there has been no differentiation in the spectrum. It could be considered that optically closing the watch in a hot state would make it impossible to read its display. However, it is possible to use coatings which, for example, transmit visible light and reflect another band such as infrared. The hot mirrors make it possible in particular to transmit the ultraviolet or certain frequencies of the visible. For example, hot mirrors with high transmission in the 400-690 nanometer band and high reflection in the 750-1125 nanometer band are known; or else transmitting 85% of the visible and reflecting the near infrared and at least 90% of the infrared; or else transmitting 80% of the visible and the ultraviolet and reflecting 70% of the infrared.

These arrangements make it possible to make the microblinds permeable to the visible spectrum to allow the user to read the time, even in their closed state.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 1000 comprising at least one such temperature control device 100. More particularly, this timepiece 1000 is a watch.

Claims (16)

1. Temperature control device (100) for a timepiece (1000), comprising a first part (1) allowing light to pass, and a second part (2) defining with said first part (1) an intermediate chamber ( 9) of variable dimensions in an axial direction (A) and / or a radial direction (R) depending on the temperature of said first part (1), characterized in that said first part (1) comprises a plurality of first microblinds (10) according to a first spatial distribution, in that said second part (2) comprises a plurality of second microblinds (20) according to a second spatial distribution, said first and second parts provided with these first and second microblinds (10, 20) being configured to move relative to each other, thereby varying the transmission and/or reflection of said light on said first part (1) between a maximum and a minimum. 2. Temperature control device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first microblinds (10) and the second microblinds (20) are arranged to overlap partially or totally in certain relative positions of said first part ( 1) with respect to said second part (2), to vary the transmission and/or the reflection of the light incident on said first part (1) between a maximum and a minimum. 3. Temperature control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first part (1) is able to move in an axial direction (A) and/or a radial direction (R) relative to said second part as a function of the temperature of this first part (1). 4. Temperature control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first part (1) has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, which is different from a second coefficient of thermal expansion presented by said second part (2). 5. Temperature control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first part (1) or said second part (2) is mounted on a third part, which has a third thermal coefficient which is different from a first coefficient of thermal expansion exhibited by said first part (1) and/or from a second coefficient of thermal expansion exhibited by said second part (2). 6. Temperature control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first spatial distribution and said second spatial distribution are homothetic or identical. 7. Temperature control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first microblinds (10) are located on a lower surface (19) of said first part (1), at the level of said intermediate chamber (9). 8. Temperature control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second microblinds (20) are located on an upper surface (29) of said second part (2), at the level of said intermediate chamber (9). 9. Temperature control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first microblinds (10) and/or said second microblinds (20) comprise a reflective coating 10. Temperature control device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said first spatial distribution and second spatial distribution, and the dimensions of said first part (1) and of said second part (2 ) are adjusted for maximum reflection at the highest temperatures, and for maximum transmission at the lowest temperatures. 11. Temperature control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first part (1) comprises at least a first reflective part (11) coated and / or structured, arranged to return the rays oblique relative to an axial direction of said timepiece (1000) and to allow the passage of light rays in this axial direction. 12. Temperature control device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one said first reflective part (11) comprises prismatic structures (4) projecting from said first part (1), arranged along said first spatial distribution, and each comprising a reflective coating (41). 13. Temperature control device (100) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that at least one said first reflective part (11) comprises reflective structures (5) embedded in the thickness of said first part (1 ) for better resistance to abrasion, arranged according to said first spatial distribution, and each comprising a reflective coating (51). 14. Temperature control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first part (1) is a protective cover and in that said second part (2) is a watch crystal. 15. Timepiece (1000) comprising at least one temperature control device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. 16. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 15, characterized in that it is a watch.