EP2717103B1 - Luminour hairspring - Google Patents

Luminour hairspring Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2717103B1
EP2717103B1 EP12187216.2A EP12187216A EP2717103B1 EP 2717103 B1 EP2717103 B1 EP 2717103B1 EP 12187216 A EP12187216 A EP 12187216A EP 2717103 B1 EP2717103 B1 EP 2717103B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spiral spring
light
regulator element
balance
spiral
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP12187216.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2717103A1 (en
Inventor
Thierry Hessler
François Gueissaz
Michel Willemin
Jean-Claude Martin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Original Assignee
Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to EP12187216.2A priority Critical patent/EP2717103B1/en
Application filed by Swatch Group Research and Development SA filed Critical Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Priority to PCT/EP2013/069560 priority patent/WO2014053336A1/en
Priority to US14/430,646 priority patent/US9188958B2/en
Priority to RU2015116873/12A priority patent/RU2596097C1/en
Priority to JP2015534954A priority patent/JP5918449B2/en
Priority to CN201380052006.7A priority patent/CN104704431B/en
Publication of EP2717103A1 publication Critical patent/EP2717103A1/en
Priority to HK15111368.4A priority patent/HK1210637A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2717103B1 publication Critical patent/EP2717103B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/04—Oscillators acting by spring tension
    • G04B17/06—Oscillators with hairsprings, e.g. balance
    • G04B17/066—Manufacture of the spiral spring
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B45/00—Time pieces of which the indicating means or cases provoke special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects
    • G04B45/0007—Light-, colour-, line-, or spot-effects caused by parts or pictures moved by the clockwork
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B45/00—Time pieces of which the indicating means or cases provoke special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects
    • G04B45/02—Time pieces of which the clockwork is visible partly or wholly

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a watch or timepiece control member comprising a rocker, a cock at least one source of light energy, and at least one spiral spring fixed between said rocker and said cock, said at least one spring -spiral being arranged to transmit and diffuse light.
  • the invention also relates to a clockwork mechanical movement comprising at least one watch or timepiece control member comprising a rocker, a cock, and at least one spiral spring fixed between said rocker and said cock, said at least one spring -spiral being arranged to transmit and diffuse light.
  • the invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a mechanical movement, and / or at least one mechanical movement comprising at least one such regulator member.
  • the invention relates to the field of mechanical watchmaking.
  • the invention proposes to provide a space-saving and energy-saving solution to the problem of visualization of the spiral spring of a mechanical watch, or, more generally, of a mechanical timepiece.
  • the invention relates to a watch or timepiece control member comprising a balance wheel, a cock at least one source of light energy, and at least one spiral spring fixed between said balance and said cock, said at least one spiral spring being arranged to transmit and diffuse light emitted by said at least one light energy source of said regulating member.
  • said at least one spiral spring is made of quartz or glass or ceramic, or partially transparent at visible and / or ultraviolet wavelengths, or at least partially amorphous material,
  • the invention also relates to a clockwork mechanical movement comprising at least one watch or timepiece control member comprising a rocker, a cock, and at least one spiral spring fixed between said rocker and said cock, said at least one spring -spiral device being arranged to transmit and diffuse light, characterized in that said at least one spiral spring is arranged to diffuse and transmit the light emitted by at least one light energy source which is deported out of said regulator member and the interior of said movement to which it is connected by at least one light guide or an optical fiber to a light relay which is located at said regulator member near said spiral spring (4).
  • the invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a mechanical movement, and / or at least one mechanical movement comprising at least one such regulator member.
  • the invention relates to the field of mechanical watchmaking.
  • the invention provides a new visualization of the spiral spring of a mechanical watch, or, more generally, a mechanical timepiece. It presents and highlights the spiral spring as the heart of the movement, and uses the analogy of the cyclic movements of contraction and extension of this spiral spring with those of a human heart.
  • this spiral light using for its manufacture a particular material allowing the diffusion of the light.
  • monocrystalline quartz and glass can be used as light guides.
  • the light coming from an active or passive light source, injected into a part of the hairspring, springs in a distributed manner throughout the hairspring, or on a part of the hairspring, which makes it possible to see it in the dim light.
  • the spiral leads and diffuses this light.
  • the injection of light can be made more easily at one of the ends of the hairspring, and in particular at its outer end, by a light source such as an electroluminescent diode, or a component coated with a passive phosphorescent layer. light sources not being limiting.
  • the spiral spring is, if necessary, coated with a layer allowing the diffusion of only a portion of the light outwards, while guiding most of the light along the spiral, such a surface layer may also be phosphorescent or fluorescent.
  • the material of the spiral spring, quartz, glass, photo-structuring glass, or the like may be designed to include phosphorescence or fluorescence either in the mass of the material or by implantation.
  • the spiral spring according to the invention behaves like an optical fiber for guiding and diffusing light.
  • the invention relates to a regulator member 1 of a watch or a timepiece comprising a rocker 2, a cock 3 and at least one spiral spring 4 fixed between the rocker 2 and the cock 3.
  • the name "rooster” covers also the embodiments where a plate or a bridge carries one of the ends of the spiral spring 4.
  • the invention is here described, without limitation, in the case of a substantially plane spiral spring, that is to say which all the active turns extend, in contraction and elongation of the spiral spring 4, between two parallel planes P1 and P2. Only an internal turn at the inner end 7 of the spiral spring 4, and an outer turn, at the outer end 6 of the spiral spring 4, can, in known manner, be deployed in the space outside the gap between these two planes, in particular in the case of Breguet turns or Grossmann turns, or others.
  • the at least one spiral spring 4 transmits and diffuses light emitted by at least one light energy source 5.
  • this at least one spiral spring 4 is made of quartz or glass or ceramic, or partially transparent at visible and / or ultraviolet wavelengths or at least partially amorphous material.
  • This source of light energy 5 can be a primary source, which stores energy, then restores it by light emission, or a secondary source, here called light relay 50, connected by an optical path constituted by a guide light 51 or an optical fiber or the like, to such a primary source 5.
  • the spiral spring 4 is then in contact or in immediate proximity, or a primary source, or a light relay 50 , the choice being made according to the space available in the watch and the volume of the source 5 or the relay 50.
  • the cock 3 carries the source of light energy 5 near an outer end 6 of the spiral spring 4. It is understood that the cock 3 door indifferently a primary source 5, or such a light relay 50, the choice being made again according to the space available in the watch and the volume of the source 5 or the relay 50.
  • the rocker 2 carries the source of light energy 5, or a light relay 50, near an inner end 7 of the spiral spring 4.
  • a monobloc balance-spring balance assembly made of quartz or glass or at least partially amorphous material, and the light can be collected and brought back into a convergence zone, for example at the balance shaft or the like.
  • the light source 5 or the relay 50 is in the vicinity of the spiral spring 4, above or below the turns of this spiral.
  • several such sources are arranged near the spiral 4.
  • figure 8 thus shows two light sources 5A and 5B, arranged under the hairspring 4, one near the ferrule 21 of the balance 2, and the other near the stud 31 fixing the hairspring 4 to the rooster 3.
  • first source 5A comes in close proximity to at least one outer turn 86, and preferably several consecutive outer turns 84, 85, 86, during the maximum elongation of the hairspring 4 and transmits light to the Once at these three turns 84, 85, 86 together, only in this elongation configuration, while this source 5A transmits light only to one of the turns 86 in the spiral contraction configuration.
  • a second source 5B comes in close proximity to at least one internal coil 87 and preferably several consecutive internal turns 87, 82, 83, during the maximum contraction of the spiral 4 and transmits light at a time.
  • the spiral 4 is preferably made in clusters on the same wafer.
  • Each hairspring 4 has a relatively wide attachment, and the dimensions of which are large in front of the section S of the turns 8 of the hairspring 4.
  • This fastener constitutes a reception surface that is well adapted for the light emanating from the source 5 or the relay 50, at the same time time that it allows a good mechanical attachment of the spiral 4 on the cock 3.
  • the at least one spiral spring 4 diffuses light on at least a portion of its section.
  • this spiral spring comprises, besides two outer end faces 43 and inner side faces, upper 41, lower 42, transverse inner 46, transverse outer 47, which develop along the length of the spiral spring 4. The light is then diffused at at least one of its lateral faces.
  • this non-visible face may advantageously comprise at least one superficial metallization thin layer to form a reflective mirror surface and prevent light scattering by the non-visible face considered. This can especially be the case of the lower face 42, and / or the transverse faces 46, 47.
  • the local coating of all of the lateral surfaces by such a reflective layer 40 can channel the light in the spiral over a certain distance without notable loss. It is thus possible to choose, over the length of the hairspring 4, the zones through which it is desired to have a light diffusion, and the orientation of the faces concerned, in general the upper face 41 and the one or / and the other transverse faces 46, 47.
  • the at least one spiral spring 4 diffuses light over its entire length between said cock 3 and said rocker 2.
  • the at least one spiral spring 4 is of rectangular section and is composed of a single material, quartz or glass or at least partially amorphous material, according to the figure 2 .
  • the dimensions of this section are less than 100 micrometers over the thickness of the spiral, and 1000 micrometers over its height.
  • the at least one spiral spring 4 is of rectangular section and is composed firstly of a first material which is quartz or glass or ceramic, or partially transparent at wavelengths. visible and / or ultraviolet or at least partially amorphous material, and secondly by a phosphorescent or fluorescent dopant, this dopant being incorporated into the mass of the first material.
  • the material, quartz or glass or the like (for example by implantation) can be doped in the mass with such a phosphorescent or fluorescent dopant.
  • the at least one spiral spring 4 is of rectangular section and is composed on the one hand by a first material which is quartz or glass or ceramic, or partially transparent at visible wavelengths and / or ultraviolet or at least partially amorphous material, and secondly by at least a second phosphorescent or fluorescent material applied in a thin layer 40 on at least one of the lateral surfaces of the spiral spring 4.
  • the at least one spiral spring 4 is of rectangular section and is composed on the one hand by a first material which is quartz or glass or ceramic, or partially transparent at visible wavelengths and / or ultraviolet or at least partially amorphous material, on the other hand by at least a second colored material applied in a thin layer (40) on at least one of the lateral surfaces of said spiral spring (4).
  • the second phosphorescent or fluorescent material is applied in a thin layer 40 on the four lateral surfaces of the spiral spring 4.
  • the at least one spiral spring 4 comprises, on its upper 41 and lower 42 faces defining two parallel planes P1, P2, a surface roughness Rt of between 10 nanometers and 20 micrometers, and preferably close to one micrometer or slightly higher than this value.
  • This slight roughness giving a frosted appearance to the hairspring 4 can be obtained during the manufacture of a quartz hairspring 4, for example, the process control parameters making it possible to obtain a more or less smooth surface state.
  • the presence, at certain angles, of an overhang along the transverse faces 46, 47, may confer a similar effect.
  • the spiral 4 can also be reworked so as to include micro-cells giving it locally the desired roughness.
  • thin film deposits 40 makes it possible to increase or attenuate the diffusion or the guiding of the light in the spiral 4, the case of a fluorescent or phosphorescent layer 40 makes it possible either to modify the emission spectrum (for example if uses a UV light-emitting diode as the light source 5), either to store and emit light in the layer (by analogy with europium-doped SrAl2O4 strontium aluminate, a variety of which is known as "Super-LumiNova").
  • Such a thin film deposition 40 may be used to color at least one lateral face during light re-emission by diffusion through at least one turn of the hairspring 4.
  • the layer deposition can also ensure the desired surface roughness for good diffusion.
  • the thickness of such a layer 40 is preferably between 10 nanometers and 1 micrometer, and preferably close to 100 nanometers.
  • layers 40 of different kinds metals, oxides, for example TiO 2, Tr 2 O 5, SiO 2, Si 3 N 4, Al 2 O 3, or alternates based on aluminum and gold, this list being in no way limiting. . And also to coat the different lateral faces of layers 40 of different nature.
  • a layer 40 may be colored at a particular wavelength.
  • the interaction with the light from the source 5 produces a particular effect, especially if the source 5 or the relay 50 has a monochromatic filter, or is pulsed over a single wavelength.
  • the structuring of the lateral faces of the spiral 4 is feasible, in particular in photolithography.
  • the path of the light in the spiral 4 may be modified by the presence of particular obstacles or changes of light environment, for example by the presence of notches, holes, chamfers, or the like.
  • Structuring at the level of the masks, during the production of the hairspring 4 makes it possible to produce particular transverse surfaces 46, 47 for two adjacent turns of the hairspring 4, in particular a complementarity, notches or optical polarization, for example, so as to an inner transverse surface 46 of the outermost of two turns cooperates in a particular way when it is closer to the outer transverse surface 47 of the innermost of the two contraction turns of the spiral 4, and the optical effect produced during this greater proximity is different from the optical effect that present, together, these two adjacent turns when they are at the greatest distance from each other in elongation of the spiral 4.
  • these two transverse surfaces antagonistic can receive a different monochrome treatment, for example blue on one, yellow on the other, these two colors being distinctly visible in elongation, whereas e the diffusion is done in green in contraction position.
  • At least one of the ends 6, 7 of the spiral spring 4 comprises an end face 43 receiving directly from the light of the light source 5 or a light relay 50 thereof.
  • the figure 4 illustrates such an embodiment, where all the turns of the spiral 4 are parallel.
  • this end comprises at least one bevel 44 for receiving light in a direction D substantially perpendicular to a parallel plane in two parallel planes P1, P2, defined by the upper 41 and lower 42 faces of the spiral spring 4.
  • the direction D is advantageously parallel to the axis A pivoting of the balance 2.
  • the invention makes it possible to produce the hairspring 4 as a light guide with controlled losses throughout the hairspring.
  • the illumination of the spiral 4 is not necessarily in a preferred direction, in fact, it can be done by an upper face 41 (plane P1 of the figures), or / and by the transverse faces 46 and 47 of the spiral 4.
  • the coupling between the light source 5, or the relay 50, and the hairspring 4 may result from their proximity: the source 5 or the relay 50 emits light with a sufficient energy level so that the hairspring 4 can pick up this light, before reissuing it by broadcast.
  • the coupling may also be advantageously and preferably carried out by direct contact, surface-to-surface contact, or by plug-in, or by any known technology in the light guides and in the optical fibers.
  • the light is concentrated upstream of its transmission to the hairspring, or upon entry into the hairspring 4.
  • the concentrator is integrated with the hairspring 4 during its manufacture.
  • the distribution of the stresses in the spiral spring 4 varies during the contraction or elongation of this hairspring for a given adjustment. It also varies with a change in the characteristics of the regulating organ, and in particular with the amplitude of oscillation of the balance 2. A variation of the illumination of the spiral 4 can thus make it possible to highlight a change in amplitude.
  • the hairspring 4 according to the invention may not be homogeneous, which then makes it possible to create particular technical functionalities, and differentiated light diffusion zones.
  • Amorphize is used here to mean changing the structure so as to modify the refractive index.
  • a coil can be locally amorphized, in particular by laser treatment.
  • the hairspring 4 can also be fully amorphized.
  • the hairspring 4 can be, at least locally, polished.
  • a particular mechanical structuring makes it possible to create chosen light leakage surfaces with particular orientations on certain faces and in particular locations.
  • the problem of light guiding and diffusion over the entire length of a hairspring 4 which may have a large developed length may lead to neutralizing certain turns, or portions of turns, by preventing light from escaping, for example by reflective layers of deposits or savings of similar functionality. This then allows a saving of light, and the light guide to the ends 6 and 7 of the spiral 4.
  • the light source 5 can take various forms. Preferably, this source 5 is an electroluminescent diode or a phosphorescent or fluorescent component.
  • the source 5 is phosphorescent and / or fluorescent, preferably phosphorescent because of the longer period of remanence, which can reach several hours, and is compatible with a possibility of illumination of the spiral spring at any time during the period of time. 'a night.
  • the source of light will be "phosphorescent" in the rest of the presentation.
  • a phosphorescent source advantageously comprises rare earth aluminates, which are well known to physicists, for example europium doped strontium aluminate SrAl2O4, a variety of which is known under the name “Super-LumiNova”, or rare earth silicates, or a mixture of aluminates and rare earth silicates.
  • Other trading materials such as “Lumibrite” are also suitable.
  • Materials such as tritium 3H, promethium 147, or radium 226 have excellent phosphorescent properties, but their high radioactivity beta and / or gamma strongly limits their use, and they can be used only in minute amounts, preferably in conjunction with rare earth aluminates, for some very specific applications, military, astronautics, use at great depths, or the like, and with a protection significantly increasing the volume of the timepiece, it is called radioluminescence or autoluminescence when using these materials.
  • GTLS gases known as "GTLS” from the company "MB Microtech” containing tritium 3H, and which, like radium, do not require any external excitation to emit light, such capsules are used in particular for the visualization of needles or watch appliques, essentially military.
  • the excitation light comes from the user's environment, solar light, ambient light.
  • the light source is housed in the interior volume of the timepiece box or the watch.
  • the ambient energy can be collected at a partially or completely transparent, or translucent middle and / or at a partially or totally transparent, or translucent dial, or / and still at a display window , especially for a calendar or the like.
  • the ambient energy may, again, be collected by an adjoining accessory to the timepiece, such as a watchband, and be transmitted by a waveguide or an optical fiber, or the like. In the same way, the capture of ambient energy can be performed at the level of other elements of dressing such as the bottom, the telescope, the flange, or others.
  • the invention also relates to a watchmaking mechanical movement comprising at least one such regulator member 1, where the light source 5 is either located at the level of the regulator member 1 or is deported out of the regulator member 1 and within the movement 10 in which case it is connected by at least one light guide 51 or an optical fiber to a light relay 50 which is located at the level of the regulating member 1 near the spiral spring 4.
  • the invention also relates to a timepiece 100 comprising such a mechanical movement, and / or at least one such regulator member 1.
  • the light source 5 is, or is located at the regulating member 1, or is deported out of the regulating member 1 and inside the movement 10 in which case it is connected by at least one light guide 51 or an optical fiber to a light relay 50 which is located at the level of the regulating member 1 near the spiral spring 4, or is deported out of the movement 10 and inside the room timepiece 100 in which case it is connected by at least one light guide 51 or an optical fiber to a light relay 50 which is located at the level of the regulating member 1 near the spiral spring 4.
  • this timepiece 100 is a watch, and the spiral spring 4 is of the so-called "flat" type described above.
  • the invention may be coupled with a stroboscopic device interposed on the light path between the light source and the spiral spring, so as to perform particular lighting.
  • Structuring with stroboscopic effect according to the frequency and the wavelength of the light diffused by the source 5 or the relay 50, makes it possible to carry out an anti-counterfeiting marking or a secret signature, by structuration or masking, and which n is revealed only under certain lighting conditions.
  • the slowing down of the light because of the variation of the refractive index which is linked to the variation of the stresses at the heart during the contraction or the elongation of the hairspring, also allows a particular authentication.
  • the diffusion, by a spiral 4 treated and colored at a first wavelength, of a pulsed monochrome light of another wavelength, allows a particular visualization.
  • a variant of the invention rather applicable to the clocks and timepieces static, consists in its application to a regulator member spring, which is not a substantially flat spiral spring as above, but which is a coil spring.
  • the display device of the spiral spring offered by the invention is compact and low energy consumption. It attracts the eye of the user on the visible heart of his watch or his timepiece, and highlights the particularly lively character of a mechanical timepiece.

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention concerne un organe régulateur de montre ou de pièce d'horlogerie comportant un balancier, un coq au moins une source d'énergie lumineuse, et au moins un ressort-spiral fixé entre ledit balancier et ledit coq, ledit au moins un ressort-spiral étant agencé pour transmettre et diffuser de la lumière.The invention relates to a watch or timepiece control member comprising a rocker, a cock at least one source of light energy, and at least one spiral spring fixed between said rocker and said cock, said at least one spring -spiral being arranged to transmit and diffuse light.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement mécanique horloger comportant au moins un organe régulateur de montre ou de pièce d'horlogerie comportant un balancier, un coq, et au moins un ressort-spiral fixé entre ledit balancier et ledit coq, ledit au moins un ressort-spiral étant agencé pour transmettre et diffuser de la lumière.The invention also relates to a clockwork mechanical movement comprising at least one watch or timepiece control member comprising a rocker, a cock, and at least one spiral spring fixed between said rocker and said cock, said at least one spring -spiral being arranged to transmit and diffuse light.

L'invention concerne encore une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un tel mouvement mécanique, ou/et au moins un mouvement mécanique comportant au moins un tel organe régulateur.The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a mechanical movement, and / or at least one mechanical movement comprising at least one such regulator member.

L'invention concerne le domaine de l'horlogerie mécanique.The invention relates to the field of mechanical watchmaking.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

La valorisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie mécanique, plus particulièrement d'une montre, à l'égard de la clientèle, passe souvent par la mise en évidence de ses composants, et les mouvements squelettés sont appréciés de la clientèle qui peut visualiser les fonctions importantes de l'objet complexe qu'elle détient. La présentation du tourbillon dans les pièces de haute horlogerie, ou du ressort-spiral pour les pièces les plus classiques, qui constituent le coeur visible d'un mouvement, sont particulièrement appréciées. La meilleure visualisation possible constitue donc un atout important et un critère de décision pour l'acheteur. Aussi il est utile de rendre le ressort-spiral le plus visible possible, et à tout moment de la journée ou de la nuit, et en particulier en le rendant lumineux.The valuation of a mechanical timepiece, especially a watch, with regard to the customer, often goes through the highlighting of its components, and the skeletonized movements are appreciated by the customers who can visualize the important functions of the complex object it holds. The presentation of the tourbillon in haute horlogerie, or spiral spring for the most classic pieces, which constitute the visible heart of a movement, are particularly appreciated. The best possible visualization is therefore an important asset and a decision criterion for the buyer. Also he is useful to make the spiral spring as visible as possible, and at any time of the day or night, and in particular by making it bright.

Des utilisateurs éprouvent souvent le besoin de vérifier la bonne marche de leur montre ou de leur pièce d'horlogerie, ce qui est faisable en écoutant le « tic-tac » du mécanisme. Mais cette méthode n'est pas possible dans un environnement bruyant, ou pour des personnes malentendantes.Users often feel the need to check the correct operation of their watch or their timepiece, which is feasible by listening to the "ticking" of the mechanism. But this method is not possible in a noisy environment, or for people who are hard of hearing.

Le document FR2957688 décrit un mouvement de montre selon le préambule de la revendication indépendante 16.The document FR2957688 describes a watch movement according to the preamble of the independent claim 16.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention se propose de fournir une solution peu encombrante, et peu consommatrice d'énergie, au problème de la visualisation du ressort-spiral d'une montre mécanique, ou, plus généralement, d'une pièce d'horlogerie mécanique.The invention proposes to provide a space-saving and energy-saving solution to the problem of visualization of the spiral spring of a mechanical watch, or, more generally, of a mechanical timepiece.

En particulier, elle présente et met en valeur le ressort-spiral comme le coeur du mouvement, et utilise l'analogie des mouvements cycliques de contraction et d'extension de ce ressort-spiral avec ceux d'un coeur humain.In particular, it presents and highlights the spiral spring as the heart of the movement, and uses the analogy of the cyclic movements of contraction and extension of this spiral spring with those of a human heart.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un organe régulateur de montre ou de pièce d'horlogerie comportant un balancier, un coq au moins une source d'énergie lumineuse, et au moins un ressort-spiral fixé entre ledit balancier et ledit coq, ledit au moins un ressort-spiral étant agencé pour transmettre et diffuser de la lumière émise par ladite au moins une source d'énergie lumineuse dudit organe régulateur.For this purpose, the invention relates to a watch or timepiece control member comprising a balance wheel, a cock at least one source of light energy, and at least one spiral spring fixed between said balance and said cock, said at least one spiral spring being arranged to transmit and diffuse light emitted by said at least one light energy source of said regulating member.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, ledit au moins un ressort-spiral est en quartz ou en verre ou en céramique, ou partiellement transparent aux longueurs d'ondes visible et/ou ultra-violet, ou en matériau au moins partiellement amorphe,According to a feature of the invention, said at least one spiral spring is made of quartz or glass or ceramic, or partially transparent at visible and / or ultraviolet wavelengths, or at least partially amorphous material,

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement mécanique horloger comportant au moins un organe régulateur de montre ou de pièce d'horlogerie comportant un balancier, un coq, et au moins un ressort-spiral fixé entre ledit balancier et ledit coq, ledit au moins un ressort-spiral étant agencé pour transmettre et diffuser de la lumière, caractérisé en ce que ledit au moins un ressort-spiral est agencé pour diffuser et transmettre la lumière émise par au moins une source d'énergie lumineuse qui est déportée hors dudit organe régulateur et à l'intérieur dudit mouvement auquel elle est reliée par au moins un guide de lumière ou une fibre optique à un relais lumineux lequel est situé au niveau dudit organe régulateur à proximité dudit ressort-spiral (4).The invention also relates to a clockwork mechanical movement comprising at least one watch or timepiece control member comprising a rocker, a cock, and at least one spiral spring fixed between said rocker and said cock, said at least one spring -spiral device being arranged to transmit and diffuse light, characterized in that said at least one spiral spring is arranged to diffuse and transmit the light emitted by at least one light energy source which is deported out of said regulator member and the interior of said movement to which it is connected by at least one light guide or an optical fiber to a light relay which is located at said regulator member near said spiral spring (4).

L'invention concerne encore une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un tel mouvement mécanique, ou/et au moins un mouvement mécanique comportant au moins un tel organe régulateur.The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a mechanical movement, and / or at least one mechanical movement comprising at least one such regulator member.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, en référence aux dessins annexés, où :

  • la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en perspective, un organe régulateur de montre comportant un balancier, un ressort-spiral, et un coq, ainsi qu'une source lumineuse à proximité d'une extrémité du ressort-spiral ;
  • la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée, une section transversale courante d'un ressort-spiral selon un premier mode d'exécution où ce ressort-spiral est de section rectangulaire, et est nu ;
  • la figure 3 représente, de façon schématisée, une section transversale courante d'un ressort-spiral selon un deuxième mode d'exécution où ce ressort-spiral est de section rectangulaire, et comporte un revêtement mince sur ses quatre faces;
  • la figure 4 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en perspective, l'extrémité d'un ressort-spiral avec une spire externe dont la section est parallèle aux autres spires, cette extrémité faisant face à un relais lumineux ;
  • la figure 5 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en perspective, l'extrémité d'un ressort-spiral avec une spire externe vrillée dont la section est perpendiculaire aux autres spires, cette extrémité comportant un biseau pour la collecte de lumière provenant sensiblement perpendiculairement au plan de ce biseau ;
  • la figure 6 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en coupe passant par l'axe de pivotement du balancier, l'organe régulateur de la figure 1, où une source de lumière située à l'intérieur d'une montre, et qui n'est pas à proximité immédiate de l'organe régulateur, est reliée par un guide de lumière à un relais lumineux positionné sur le coq à proximité du ressort-spiral ;
  • la figure 7 représente schématiquement une pièce d'horlogerie avec un mouvement comportant un tel organe régulateur ;
  • la figure 8 représente, de façon partielle et en vue en plan, deux sources de lumière disposées sous le spiral, l'une à proximité de la virole, et l'autre à proximité du piton, dans deux positions du spiral, en contraction maximale figure 8A et en élongation maximale figure 8B.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 represents, schematically, partially, and in perspective, a watch regulator member comprising a balance, a spiral spring, and a cock, and a light source near an end of the spiral spring;
  • the figure 2 schematically represents a current cross section of a spiral spring according to a first embodiment in which this spiral spring is of rectangular section, and is bare;
  • the figure 3 schematically represents a current cross section of a spiral spring according to a second embodiment in which the spiral spring is of rectangular section, and comprises a thin coating on its four faces;
  • the figure 4 represents, schematically, partially, and in perspective, the end of a spiral spring with an outer coil whose section is parallel to the other turns, this end facing a light relay;
  • the figure 5 represents, schematically, partially, and in perspective, the end of a spiral spring with a twisted outer turn whose section is perpendicular to the other turns, this end having a bevel for collecting light coming substantially perpendicular to the plane of this bevel;
  • the figure 6 represents, schematically, partially, and in section passing through the axis of pivoting of the balance, the regulating member of the figure 1 , where a light source located inside a watch, and which is not in the immediate vicinity of the regulating member, is connected by a light guide to a light relay positioned on the cock close to the spring -spiral;
  • the figure 7 schematically represents a timepiece with a movement comprising such a regulating member;
  • the figure 8 represents, partially and in plan view, two light sources arranged under the hairspring, one near the shell, and the other near the pin, in two positions of the hairspring, in maximum contraction figure 8A and in maximum elongation Figure 8B .

Description détaillée des modes de réalisation préférésDetailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

L'invention concerne le domaine de l'horlogerie mécanique.The invention relates to the field of mechanical watchmaking.

L'invention fournit une visualisation nouvelle du ressort-spiral d'une montre mécanique, ou, plus généralement, d'une pièce d'horlogerie mécanique. Elle présente et met en valeur le ressort-spiral comme le coeur du mouvement, et utilise l'analogie des mouvements cycliques de contraction et d'extension de ce ressort-spiral avec ceux d'un coeur humain.The invention provides a new visualization of the spiral spring of a mechanical watch, or, more generally, a mechanical timepiece. It presents and highlights the spiral spring as the heart of the movement, and uses the analogy of the cyclic movements of contraction and extension of this spiral spring with those of a human heart.

Tout particulièrement, il s'agit de rendre lumineux ce spiral, en utilisant pour sa confection un matériau particulier permettant la diffusion de la lumière. Notamment le quartz monocristallin et le verre peuvent être employés comme guides de lumière. La lumière, en provenance d'une source lumineuse active ou passive, injectée dans une partie du spiral, ressort de manière distribuée tout au long du spiral, ou sur une partie du spiral, ce qui permet de le voir dans la pénombre. Le spiral conduit et diffuse cette lumière. L'injection de lumière peut être faite plus facilement à une des extrémités du spiral, et en particulier à son extrémité externe, par une source lumineuse telle qu'une diode électro-luminescente, ou un composant revêtu d'une couche phosphorescente passive, ces sources lumineuses n'étant pas limitatives.In particular, it is a question of making this spiral light, using for its manufacture a particular material allowing the diffusion of the light. In particular, monocrystalline quartz and glass can be used as light guides. The light, coming from an active or passive light source, injected into a part of the hairspring, springs in a distributed manner throughout the hairspring, or on a part of the hairspring, which makes it possible to see it in the dim light. The spiral leads and diffuses this light. The injection of light can be made more easily at one of the ends of the hairspring, and in particular at its outer end, by a light source such as an electroluminescent diode, or a component coated with a passive phosphorescent layer. light sources not being limiting.

Le ressort-spiral est, si nécessaire, revêtu d'une couche permettant la diffusion d'une partie seulement de la lumière vers l'extérieur, tout en guidant la plupart de la lumière le long du spiral, une telle couche superficielle peut être aussi phosphorescente ou fluorescente. Le matériau du ressort-spiral, quartz, verre, verre photo-structurable, ou similaire, peut être élaboré de façon à inclure une phosphorescence ou une fluorescence, soit dans la masse du matériau, soit par implantation. Le ressort-spiral selon l'invention se comporte comme une fibre optique, pour guider et diffuser la lumière.The spiral spring is, if necessary, coated with a layer allowing the diffusion of only a portion of the light outwards, while guiding most of the light along the spiral, such a surface layer may also be phosphorescent or fluorescent. The material of the spiral spring, quartz, glass, photo-structuring glass, or the like may be designed to include phosphorescence or fluorescence either in the mass of the material or by implantation. The spiral spring according to the invention behaves like an optical fiber for guiding and diffusing light.

Ainsi l'invention concerne un organe régulateur 1 de montre ou de pièce d'horlogerie comportant un balancier 2, un coq 3 et au moins un ressort-spiral 4 fixé entre le balancier 2 et le coq 3.L'appellation « coq » couvre également les réalisations où une platine ou un pont porte une des extrémités du ressort-spiral 4.Thus, the invention relates to a regulator member 1 of a watch or a timepiece comprising a rocker 2, a cock 3 and at least one spiral spring 4 fixed between the rocker 2 and the cock 3.The name "rooster" covers also the embodiments where a plate or a bridge carries one of the ends of the spiral spring 4.

L'invention est ici décrite, non limitativement, dans le cas d'un ressort-spiral sensiblement plan, c'est-à-dire dont toutes les spires actives s'étendent, en contraction et en élongation du ressort-spiral 4, entre deux plans parallèles P1 et P2. Seules une spire interne à l'extrémité interne 7 du ressort-spiral 4, et une spire externe, à l'extrémité externe 6 du ressort-spiral 4, peuvent, de façon connue, se déployer dans l'espace hors de l'intervalle entre ces deux plans, notamment dans le cas de spires Breguet ou de spires Grossmann, ou autres.The invention is here described, without limitation, in the case of a substantially plane spiral spring, that is to say which all the active turns extend, in contraction and elongation of the spiral spring 4, between two parallel planes P1 and P2. Only an internal turn at the inner end 7 of the spiral spring 4, and an outer turn, at the outer end 6 of the spiral spring 4, can, in known manner, be deployed in the space outside the gap between these two planes, in particular in the case of Breguet turns or Grossmann turns, or others.

Selon l'invention, le au moins un ressort-spiral 4 transmet et diffuse de la lumière émise par au moins une source d'énergie lumineuse 5. De façon préférée, cet au moins un ressort-spiral 4 est en quartz ou en verre ou en céramique, ou partiellement transparent aux longueurs d'ondes visible et/ou ultra-violet ou en matériau au moins partiellement amorphe.According to the invention, the at least one spiral spring 4 transmits and diffuses light emitted by at least one light energy source 5. Preferably, this at least one spiral spring 4 is made of quartz or glass or ceramic, or partially transparent at visible and / or ultraviolet wavelengths or at least partially amorphous material.

Cette source d'énergie lumineuse 5 peut être une source primaire, qui emmagasine de l'énergie, puis la restitue par émission lumineuse, ou une source secondaire, qu'on appelle ici relais lumineux 50, reliée par un chemin optique constitué par un guide de lumière 51 ou une fibre optique ou similaire, à une telle source primaire 5. Le ressort-spiral 4 est alors, soit en contact, soit en proximité immédiate, ou bien d'une source primaire, ou bien d'un relais lumineux 50, le choix se faisant selon l'espace disponible dans la montre et le volume de la source 5 ou du relais 50.This source of light energy 5 can be a primary source, which stores energy, then restores it by light emission, or a secondary source, here called light relay 50, connected by an optical path constituted by a guide light 51 or an optical fiber or the like, to such a primary source 5. The spiral spring 4 is then in contact or in immediate proximity, or a primary source, or a light relay 50 , the choice being made according to the space available in the watch and the volume of the source 5 or the relay 50.

Dans une réalisation particulière illustrée par les figures 1 et 6, le coq 3 porte la source d'énergie lumineuse 5 à proximité d'une extrémité externe 6 du ressort-spiral 4. On comprend que le coq 3 porte indifféremment une source primaire 5, ou un tel relais lumineux 50, le choix se faisant là encore selon l'espace disponible dans la montre et le volume de la source 5 ou du relais 50.In a particular embodiment illustrated by the figures 1 and 6 , the cock 3 carries the source of light energy 5 near an outer end 6 of the spiral spring 4. It is understood that the cock 3 door indifferently a primary source 5, or such a light relay 50, the choice being made again according to the space available in the watch and the volume of the source 5 or the relay 50.

Dans une autre variante non illustrée par les figures, le balancier 2 porte la source d'énergie lumineuse 5, ou un relais lumineux 50, à proximité d'une extrémité interne 7 du ressort-spiral 4. Ce peut notamment être le cas avec un ensemble balancier-spiral monobloc en quartz ou en verre ou en matériau au moins partiellement amorphe, et la lumière peut être collectée et ramenée en une zone de convergence, par exemple au niveau de l'arbre de balancier ou similaire.In another variant not illustrated in the figures, the rocker 2 carries the source of light energy 5, or a light relay 50, near an inner end 7 of the spiral spring 4. This may in particular be the case with a monobloc balance-spring balance assembly made of quartz or glass or at least partially amorphous material, and the light can be collected and brought back into a convergence zone, for example at the balance shaft or the like.

Dans une autre variante encore, la source lumineuse 5 ou le relais 50 est à proximité du ressort-spiral 4, au-dessus ou au-dessous des spires de ce spiral. Dans une exécution particulière de cette variante, plusieurs telles sources sont disposées à proximité du spiral 4. La figure 8 montre ainsi deux sources de lumière 5A et 5B, disposées sous le spiral 4, l'une à proximité de la virole 21 du balancier 2, et l'autre à proximité du piton 31 de fixation du spiral 4 au coq 3. Leur disposition est telle que, la première source 5A vient à proximité immédiate d'au moins une spire externe 86, et de préférence de plusieurs spires externes consécutives 84, 85, 86, lors de l'élongation maximale du spiral 4 et transmet de la lumière à la fois à ces trois spires 84, 85, 86 ensemble, uniquement dans cette configuration d'élongation, alors que cette source 5A ne transmet de la lumière qu'à une seule des spires 86 en configuration de contraction du spiral. De façon analogue, une deuxième source 5B vient à proximité immédiate d'au moins une spire interne 87 et de préférence de plusieurs spires internes consécutives 87, 82, 83, lors de la contraction maximale du spiral 4 et transmette de la lumière à la fois à ces trois spires 87, 81, 82 ensemble, uniquement dans cette configuration de contraction, alors que cette source 5B ne transmet de la lumière qu'à une seule des spires 87 en configuration de contraction du spiral. Il est, alors, possible de visualiser la contraction ou l'élongation du spiral 4, soit par l'emploi de filtres colorés différents sur la première source 5A et la deuxième source 5B, soit en colorant différemment le spiral 4 au niveau de sa spire externe 86 (et des spires voisines 84 et 85) et de sa spire interne 87 (et des spires voisines 81 et 82), soit dans la masse du matériau composant le spiral, soit plus simplement par une couche superficielle 40 sur une au moins des faces latérales du spiral 4.In another variant, the light source 5 or the relay 50 is in the vicinity of the spiral spring 4, above or below the turns of this spiral. In a particular embodiment of this variant, several such sources are arranged near the spiral 4. figure 8 thus shows two light sources 5A and 5B, arranged under the hairspring 4, one near the ferrule 21 of the balance 2, and the other near the stud 31 fixing the hairspring 4 to the rooster 3. Their arrangement is such that the first source 5A comes in close proximity to at least one outer turn 86, and preferably several consecutive outer turns 84, 85, 86, during the maximum elongation of the hairspring 4 and transmits light to the Once at these three turns 84, 85, 86 together, only in this elongation configuration, while this source 5A transmits light only to one of the turns 86 in the spiral contraction configuration. Similarly, a second source 5B comes in close proximity to at least one internal coil 87 and preferably several consecutive internal turns 87, 82, 83, during the maximum contraction of the spiral 4 and transmits light at a time. to these three turns 87, 81, 82 together only in this contraction configuration, while this source 5B transmits light only to one of the turns 87 in the spiral contraction configuration. It is then possible to visualize the contraction or the elongation of the hairspring 4, either by the use of different colored filters on the first source 5A and the second source 5B, either by differently dyeing the hairspring 4 at its outer turn 86 (and neighboring turns 84 and 85) and its inner turn 87 (and neighboring turns 81 and 82), either in the mass of the material constituting the spiral, or more simply by a surface layer 40 on at least one of the lateral faces of the spiral 4.

Du fait du choix des matériaux particuliers pour sa réalisation, le spiral 4 est de préférence confectionné en grappes sur un même wafer. Chaque spiral 4 comporte une attache relativement étendue, et dont les dimensions sont importantes devant la section S des spires 8 du spiral 4. Cette attache constitue une surface de réception bien adaptée pour la lumière émanant de la source 5 ou du relais 50, en même temps qu'elle autorise une bonne fixation mécanique du spiral 4 sur le coq 3.Due to the choice of particular materials for its realization, the spiral 4 is preferably made in clusters on the same wafer. Each hairspring 4 has a relatively wide attachment, and the dimensions of which are large in front of the section S of the turns 8 of the hairspring 4. This fastener constitutes a reception surface that is well adapted for the light emanating from the source 5 or the relay 50, at the same time time that it allows a good mechanical attachment of the spiral 4 on the cock 3.

Le au moins un ressort-spiral 4 diffuse de la lumière sur au moins une partie de sa section. De préférence ce ressort-spiral comporte, outre deux faces d'extrémité externe 43 et interne des faces dites latérales, supérieure 41, inférieure 42, transversale interne 46, transversale externe 47, qui se développent selon la longueur du ressort-spiral 4. La lumière est alors diffusée au niveau d'au moins une de ses faces latérales.The at least one spiral spring 4 diffuses light on at least a portion of its section. Preferably this spiral spring comprises, besides two outer end faces 43 and inner side faces, upper 41, lower 42, transverse inner 46, transverse outer 47, which develop along the length of the spiral spring 4. The light is then diffused at at least one of its lateral faces.

Dans le cas fréquent où l'une des faces latérales n'est pas visible par l'utilisateur, car faisant face à un composant non transparent, platine, ou pont, d'un mouvement, cette face non visible peut avantageusement comporter au moins une couche mince 40 superficielle de métallisation pour constituer une surface miroir réflectrice et empêcher la diffusion lumineuse par la face non visible considérée. Ce peut notamment être le cas de la face inférieure 42, ou/et des faces transversales 46, 47. Le revêtement local de la totalité des surfaces latérales par une telle couche 40 réflectrice permet de canaliser la lumière dans le spiral sur une certaine distance sans déperdition notable. Il est ainsi possible de choisir, sur la longueur du spiral 4, les zones par lesquelles on souhaite avoir une diffusion de lumière, et l'orientation des faces concernées, en général la face supérieure 41 et l'une ou/et l'autre des faces transversales 46, 47.In the frequent case where one of the lateral faces is not visible to the user, because facing a non-transparent component, platinum, or bridge, a movement, this non-visible face may advantageously comprise at least one superficial metallization thin layer to form a reflective mirror surface and prevent light scattering by the non-visible face considered. This can especially be the case of the lower face 42, and / or the transverse faces 46, 47. The local coating of all of the lateral surfaces by such a reflective layer 40 can channel the light in the spiral over a certain distance without notable loss. It is thus possible to choose, over the length of the hairspring 4, the zones through which it is desired to have a light diffusion, and the orientation of the faces concerned, in general the upper face 41 and the one or / and the other transverse faces 46, 47.

Dans une réalisation particulière, le au moins un ressort-spiral 4 diffuse de la lumière sur la totalité de sa longueur entre ledit coq 3 et ledit balancier 2.In a particular embodiment, the at least one spiral spring 4 diffuses light over its entire length between said cock 3 and said rocker 2.

De préférence, le au moins un ressort-spiral 4 est de section rectangulaire et est composé d'un seul matériau, quartz ou verre ou matériau au moins partiellement amorphe, selon la figure 2.Preferably, the at least one spiral spring 4 is of rectangular section and is composed of a single material, quartz or glass or at least partially amorphous material, according to the figure 2 .

De préférence, les dimensions de cette section sont inférieures à 100 micromètres sur l'épaisseur du spiral, et 1000 micromètres sur sa hauteur.Preferably, the dimensions of this section are less than 100 micrometers over the thickness of the spiral, and 1000 micrometers over its height.

Dans une variante de l'invention, le au moins un ressort-spiral 4 est de section rectangulaire et est composé d'une part par un premier matériau qui est du quartz ou du verre ou en céramique, ou partiellement transparent aux longueurs d'ondes visible et/ou ultra-violet ou un matériau au moins partiellement amorphe, et d'autre part par un dopant phosphorescent ou fluorescent, ce dopant étant incorporé dans la masse du premier matériau. On peut doper dans la masse le matériau, quartz ou verre ou similaire, (par exemple par implantation) avec un tel dopant phosphorescent ou fluorescent.In a variant of the invention, the at least one spiral spring 4 is of rectangular section and is composed firstly of a first material which is quartz or glass or ceramic, or partially transparent at wavelengths. visible and / or ultraviolet or at least partially amorphous material, and secondly by a phosphorescent or fluorescent dopant, this dopant being incorporated into the mass of the first material. The material, quartz or glass or the like (for example by implantation) can be doped in the mass with such a phosphorescent or fluorescent dopant.

Dans une autre variante, le au moins un ressort-spiral 4 est de section rectangulaire et est composé d'une part par un premier matériau qui est du quartz ou du verre ou en céramique, ou partiellement transparent aux longueurs d'ondes visible et/ou ultra-violet ou un matériau au moins partiellement amorphe, et d'autre part par au moins un deuxième matériau phosphorescent ou fluorescent appliqué en couche mince 40 sur au moins une des surfaces latérales du ressort-spiral 4.In another variant, the at least one spiral spring 4 is of rectangular section and is composed on the one hand by a first material which is quartz or glass or ceramic, or partially transparent at visible wavelengths and / or ultraviolet or at least partially amorphous material, and secondly by at least a second phosphorescent or fluorescent material applied in a thin layer 40 on at least one of the lateral surfaces of the spiral spring 4.

Dans une autre variante, le au moins un ressort-spiral 4 est de section rectangulaire et est composé d'une part par un premier matériau qui est du quartz ou du verre ou en céramique, ou partiellement transparent aux longueurs d'ondes visible et/ou ultra-violet ou un matériau au moins partiellement amorphe, d'autre part par au moins un deuxième matériau coloré appliqué en couche mince (40) sur au moins une des surfaces latérales dudit ressort-spiral (4).In another variant, the at least one spiral spring 4 is of rectangular section and is composed on the one hand by a first material which is quartz or glass or ceramic, or partially transparent at visible wavelengths and / or ultraviolet or at least partially amorphous material, on the other hand by at least a second colored material applied in a thin layer (40) on at least one of the lateral surfaces of said spiral spring (4).

Dans la variante visible sur la figure 3, le deuxième matériau phosphorescent ou fluorescent est appliqué en couche mince 40 sur les quatre surfaces latérales du ressort-spiral 4.In the variant visible on the figure 3 , the second phosphorescent or fluorescent material is applied in a thin layer 40 on the four lateral surfaces of the spiral spring 4.

Dans une variante avantageuse, le au moins un ressort-spiral 4 comporte, sur ses faces supérieure 41 et inférieure 42 définissant deux plans parallèles P1, P2, une rugosité de surface Rt comprise entre 10 nanomètres et 20 micromètres, et de préférence voisine de un micromètre ou légèrement supérieure à cette valeur. Cette légère rugosité conférant un aspect dépoli au spiral 4 peut être obtenue lors de la fabrication d'un spiral 4 en quartz, par exemple, les paramètres de pilotage du procédé permettant d'obtenir un état de surface plus ou moins lisse. La présence, selon certains angles, d'un surplomb le long des faces transversales 46, 47, peut conférer un effet analogue. Le spiral 4 peut aussi être retravaillé de façon à comporter des micro-alvéoles lui conférant localement la rugosité recherchée.In an advantageous variant, the at least one spiral spring 4 comprises, on its upper 41 and lower 42 faces defining two parallel planes P1, P2, a surface roughness Rt of between 10 nanometers and 20 micrometers, and preferably close to one micrometer or slightly higher than this value. This slight roughness giving a frosted appearance to the hairspring 4 can be obtained during the manufacture of a quartz hairspring 4, for example, the process control parameters making it possible to obtain a more or less smooth surface state. The presence, at certain angles, of an overhang along the transverse faces 46, 47, may confer a similar effect. The spiral 4 can also be reworked so as to include micro-cells giving it locally the desired roughness.

L'ajout de dépôts en couches minces 40 selon la figure 3, par exemple, permet d'augmenter ou d'atténuer la diffusion ou le guidage de la lumière dans le spiral 4, le cas d'une couche 40 fluorescente ou phosphorescente permet, soit de modifier le spectre d'émission (par exemple si on utilise une diode électro-luminescente UV comme source lumineuse 5), soit pour stocker et émettre de la lumière dans la couche (par analogie avec l'aluminate de strontium SrAl2O4 dopé par de l'europium, dont une variété est connue sous le nom de « Super-LumiNova »).The addition of thin film deposits 40 according to the figure 3 , for example, makes it possible to increase or attenuate the diffusion or the guiding of the light in the spiral 4, the case of a fluorescent or phosphorescent layer 40 makes it possible either to modify the emission spectrum (for example if uses a UV light-emitting diode as the light source 5), either to store and emit light in the layer (by analogy with europium-doped SrAl2O4 strontium aluminate, a variety of which is known as "Super-LumiNova").

Un tel dépôt en couches minces 40 peut être utilisé pour colorer au moins une face latérale lors de la réémission de lumière par diffusion à travers au moins une spire du spiral 4.Such a thin film deposition 40 may be used to color at least one lateral face during light re-emission by diffusion through at least one turn of the hairspring 4.

Le dépôt de couche peut aussi assurer la rugosité superficielle recherchée pour une bonne diffusion.The layer deposition can also ensure the desired surface roughness for good diffusion.

L'épaisseur d'une telle couche 40 est, de préférence, comprise entre 10 nanomètres et 1 micromètre, et, de préférence, voisine de 100 nanomètres.The thickness of such a layer 40 is preferably between 10 nanometers and 1 micrometer, and preferably close to 100 nanometers.

Il est possible d'utiliser des couches 40 de différentes natures : métaux, oxydes, par exemple TiO2, Tr2O5, SiO2, Si3N4, Al2O3, ou encore des intermétalliques à base d'aluminium et d'or, cette liste n'étant nullement limitative. Et aussi de revêtir les différentes faces latérales de couches 40 de nature différente.It is possible to use layers 40 of different kinds: metals, oxides, for example TiO 2, Tr 2 O 5, SiO 2, Si 3 N 4, Al 2 O 3, or alternates based on aluminum and gold, this list being in no way limiting. . And also to coat the different lateral faces of layers 40 of different nature.

Une couche 40 peut être colorée selon une longueur d'onde particulière. L'interaction avec la lumière issue de la source 5 produit un effet particulier, surtout si la source 5 ou le relais 50 comporte un filtre monochromatique, ou est pulsée sur une longueur d'onde unique.A layer 40 may be colored at a particular wavelength. The interaction with the light from the source 5 produces a particular effect, especially if the source 5 or the relay 50 has a monochromatic filter, or is pulsed over a single wavelength.

La structuration des faces latérales du spiral 4 est réalisable, notamment en photolithographie.The structuring of the lateral faces of the spiral 4 is feasible, in particular in photolithography.

Le cheminement de la lumière au sein du spiral 4 peut être modifié par la présence d'obstacles particuliers ou de changements de milieux lumineux, par exemple par la présence d'encoches, de perçages, de chanfreins, ou similaire.The path of the light in the spiral 4 may be modified by the presence of particular obstacles or changes of light environment, for example by the presence of notches, holes, chamfers, or the like.

Une structuration au niveau des masques, lors de la réalisation du spiral 4, permet de réaliser des surfaces transversales 46, 47 particulières, pour deux spires voisines du spiral 4, notamment une complémentarité, de crans ou de polarisation optique par exemple, de façon à ce qu'une surface transversale interne 46 de la plus externe de deux spires coopère de façon particulière lors de sa plus grande proximité avec la surface transversale externe 47 de la plus interne des deux spires en contraction du spiral 4, et que l'effet optique produit lors de cette plus grande proximité soit différent de l'effet optique que présentent, ensemble, ces deux spires voisines quand elles sont à la plus grande distance l'une de l'autre en élongation du spiral 4. Notamment ces deux surfaces transversales antagonistes peuvent recevoir un traitement monochrome différent, par exemple bleu sur l'une, jaune sur l'autre, ces deux couleurs étant distinctement visibles en élongation, alors que la diffusion se fait en vert en position de contraction.Structuring at the level of the masks, during the production of the hairspring 4, makes it possible to produce particular transverse surfaces 46, 47 for two adjacent turns of the hairspring 4, in particular a complementarity, notches or optical polarization, for example, so as to an inner transverse surface 46 of the outermost of two turns cooperates in a particular way when it is closer to the outer transverse surface 47 of the innermost of the two contraction turns of the spiral 4, and the optical effect produced during this greater proximity is different from the optical effect that present, together, these two adjacent turns when they are at the greatest distance from each other in elongation of the spiral 4. In particular these two transverse surfaces antagonistic can receive a different monochrome treatment, for example blue on one, yellow on the other, these two colors being distinctly visible in elongation, whereas e the diffusion is done in green in contraction position.

Dans une exécution particulière, au moins une des extrémités 6, 7, du ressort-spiral 4 comporte une face de bout 43 recevant directement de la lumière de la source lumineuse 5 ou d'un relais lumineux 50 de cette dernière. La figure 4 illustre une telle réalisation, où toutes les spires du spiral 4 sont parallèles.In a particular embodiment, at least one of the ends 6, 7 of the spiral spring 4 comprises an end face 43 receiving directly from the light of the light source 5 or a light relay 50 thereof. The figure 4 illustrates such an embodiment, where all the turns of the spiral 4 are parallel.

Dans une autre exécution particulière visible sur la figure 5, et notamment dans le cas où le ressort-spiral 4 comporte un vrillage 45 proche d'une de ses extrémités 6, 7, cette extrémité comporte au moins un biseau 44 pour la réception de lumière selon une direction D sensiblement perpendiculaire à un plan parallèle à deux plans parallèles P1, P2, que définissent les faces supérieure 41 et inférieure 42 du ressort-spiral 4.La direction D est avantageusement parallèle à l'axe A de pivotement du balancier 2. Cette disposition permet de disposer une source lumineuse 5 ou un relais lumineux 50 au-dessus ou en-dessous du ressort-spiral 4, juste au-dessus ou en-dessous du coq 3, ce qui peut être avantageux en termes d'encombrement.In another particular embodiment visible on the figure 5 , and especially in the case where the spiral spring 4 comprises a twist 45 near one of its ends 6, 7, this end comprises at least one bevel 44 for receiving light in a direction D substantially perpendicular to a parallel plane in two parallel planes P1, P2, defined by the upper 41 and lower 42 faces of the spiral spring 4.The direction D is advantageously parallel to the axis A pivoting of the balance 2. This arrangement allows to have a light source 5 or a light relay 50 above or below the spiral spring 4, just above or below the cock 3, which can be advantageous in terms of space.

L'invention permet de réaliser le spiral 4 comme guide de lumière avec des pertes contrôlées tout au long du spiral.The invention makes it possible to produce the hairspring 4 as a light guide with controlled losses throughout the hairspring.

L'illumination du spiral 4 ne se fait pas nécessairement selon une direction privilégiée, en effet, elle peut se faire par une face supérieure 41 (plan P1 des figures), ou/et par les faces transversales 46 et 47 du spiral 4.The illumination of the spiral 4 is not necessarily in a preferred direction, in fact, it can be done by an upper face 41 (plane P1 of the figures), or / and by the transverse faces 46 and 47 of the spiral 4.

Selon la conception de la source lumineuse 5 et celle du spiral 4, on peut obtenir plusieurs types d'illumination. On citera notamment :

  • une illumination constante, malgré le mouvement du spiral ;
  • une illumination variable, selon le mouvement du spiral, par exemple pour simuler le battement d'un coeur humain : notamment on peut illuminer le spiral sur toute sa longueur lorsque les spires sont proches les unes des autres, et réduire cette illumination au minimum (effet d'extinction) lorsque les spires sont éloignées les unes des autres ; ou encore l'inverse. Le contrôle des pertes se fait alors selon la position des spires ;
  • une illumination colorée, avec des couleurs différentes aux deux extrémités du spiral, ce qui peut être obtenu avec un spiral 4 revêtu de couches minces 40 ad hoc.
According to the design of the light source 5 and the spiral 4, one can obtain several types of illumination. These include:
  • a constant illumination, despite the movement of the spiral;
  • a variable illumination, according to the movement of the spiral, for example to simulate the beat of a human heart: in particular we can illuminate the spiral over its entire length when the turns are close to each other, and reduce this illumination to a minimum (effect extinguishing) when the turns are distant from each other; or the opposite. Loss control is then done according to the position of the turns;
  • a colored illumination, with different colors at both ends of the hairspring, which can be obtained with a hairspring 4 coated with thin layers 40 ad hoc.

Le couplage entre la source lumineuse 5, ou le relais 50, et le spiral 4, peut résulter de leur proximité : la source 5 ou le relais 50 émet de la lumière avec un niveau énergétique suffisant pour que le spiral 4 puisse capter cette lumière, avant de la réémettre par diffusion.The coupling between the light source 5, or the relay 50, and the hairspring 4 may result from their proximity: the source 5 or the relay 50 emits light with a sufficient energy level so that the hairspring 4 can pick up this light, before reissuing it by broadcast.

Le couplage peut aussi être avantageusement et préférentiellement réalisé par contact direct, surface contre surface, ou par enfichage, ou par toute technologie connue dans les guides de lumière et dans les fibres optiques.The coupling may also be advantageously and preferably carried out by direct contact, surface-to-surface contact, or by plug-in, or by any known technology in the light guides and in the optical fibers.

De façon préférée, la lumière est concentrée en amont de son envoi au spiral, ou lors de l'entrée dans le spiral 4. Dans une réalisation particulière et avantageuse, le concentrateur est intégré au spiral 4 lors de sa fabrication.Preferably, the light is concentrated upstream of its transmission to the hairspring, or upon entry into the hairspring 4. In a particular and advantageous embodiment, the concentrator is integrated with the hairspring 4 during its manufacture.

La répartition des contraintes dans le ressort spiral 4 varie, lors de la contraction ou de l'élongation de ce spiral pour un réglage donné. Elle varie, aussi, lors d'un changement de caractéristiques de l'organe régulateur, et en particulier en fonction de l'amplitude d'oscillation du balancier 2. Une variation de l'illumination du spiral 4 peut, ainsi, permettre de mettre en évidence une modification de l'amplitude.The distribution of the stresses in the spiral spring 4 varies during the contraction or elongation of this hairspring for a given adjustment. It also varies with a change in the characteristics of the regulating organ, and in particular with the amplitude of oscillation of the balance 2. A variation of the illumination of the spiral 4 can thus make it possible to highlight a change in amplitude.

Le spiral 4 selon l'invention peut ne pas être homogène, ce qui permet alors de créer des fonctionnalités techniques particulières, et des zones de diffusion lumineuse différenciées.The hairspring 4 according to the invention may not be homogeneous, which then makes it possible to create particular technical functionalities, and differentiated light diffusion zones.

On entend ici par « amorphiser » le fait de changer la structure de façon à modifier l'indice de réfraction. On peut amorphiser localement une spire, notamment grâce à un traitement laser. Le spiral 4 peut aussi être entièrement amorphisé.The term "amorphize" is used here to mean changing the structure so as to modify the refractive index. A coil can be locally amorphized, in particular by laser treatment. The hairspring 4 can also be fully amorphized.

Le spiral 4 peut être, au moins localement, poli. Une structuration mécanique particulière permet de créer des surfaces de fuite de lumière choisies avec des orientations particulières sur certaines faces et en des localisations particulières.The hairspring 4 can be, at least locally, polished. A particular mechanical structuring makes it possible to create chosen light leakage surfaces with particular orientations on certain faces and in particular locations.

La problématique du guidage et de la diffusion de lumière sur toute la longueur d'un spiral 4 qui peut avoir une longueur développée importante peut amener à neutraliser certaines spires, ou certaines portions de spires, en empêchant la lumière de s'en échapper, par exemple par des dépôts de couches réflectrices ou des épargnes de fonctionnalité similaire. Ceci permet alors une économie de lumière, et le guidage de lumière jusqu'aux extrémités 6 et 7 du spiral 4.The problem of light guiding and diffusion over the entire length of a hairspring 4 which may have a large developed length may lead to neutralizing certain turns, or portions of turns, by preventing light from escaping, for example by reflective layers of deposits or savings of similar functionality. This then allows a saving of light, and the light guide to the ends 6 and 7 of the spiral 4.

La source lumineuse 5 peut prendre diverses formes. De préférence, cette source 5 est une diode électro-luminescente ou un composant phosphorescent ou fluorescent.The light source 5 can take various forms. Preferably, this source 5 is an electroluminescent diode or a phosphorescent or fluorescent component.

Avantageusement la source 5 est phosphorescente ou/et fluorescente, de préférence phosphorescente en raison de la plus longue durée de rémanence, qui peut atteindre plusieurs heures, et est compatible avec une possibilité d'illumination du ressort-spiral à tout moment pendant la durée d'une nuit.Advantageously, the source 5 is phosphorescent and / or fluorescent, preferably phosphorescent because of the longer period of remanence, which can reach several hours, and is compatible with a possibility of illumination of the spiral spring at any time during the period of time. 'a night.

On qualifiera, par simplification, de « phosphorescente » la source de lumière dans la suite de l'exposé. Une telle source phosphorescente comporte avantageusement des aluminates de terres rares, bien connues des physiciens, par exemple de l'aluminate de strontium SrAl2O4 dopé par de l'europium, dont une variété est connue sous le nom de « Super-LumiNova », ou encore des silicates de terres rares, ou un mélange d'aluminates et de silicates de terres rares. D'autres matériaux du négoce tels que le « Lumibrite » conviennent également. Des matériaux comme le tritium 3H, le prométhium 147, ou le radium 226, présentent d'excellentes propriétés phosphorescentes, mais leur forte radioactivité bêta ou/et gamma limite fortement leur emploi, et ils ne peuvent être utilisés qu'en quantités infimes, de préférence en conjugaison avec des aluminates de terres rares, pour certaines applications très particulières, militaires, astronautiques, utilisation aux grandes profondeurs, ou similaire, et avec une protection augmentant notablement le volume de la pièce d'horlogerie, on parle alors de radioluminescence ou d'autoluminescence en cas d'emploi de ces matériaux. On connaît encore des capsules en verre borosilicate contenant des gaz dites « GTLS » de la société « MB Microtech », contenant du tritium 3H, et qui, comme le radium, ne nécessitent aucune excitation externe pour émettre de la lumière, de telles capsules sont utilisées notamment pour la visualisation d'aiguilles ou d'appliques de montres, essentiellement militaires.For the sake of simplicity, the source of light will be "phosphorescent" in the rest of the presentation. Such a phosphorescent source advantageously comprises rare earth aluminates, which are well known to physicists, for example europium doped strontium aluminate SrAl2O4, a variety of which is known under the name "Super-LumiNova", or rare earth silicates, or a mixture of aluminates and rare earth silicates. Other trading materials such as "Lumibrite" are also suitable. Materials such as tritium 3H, promethium 147, or radium 226 have excellent phosphorescent properties, but their high radioactivity beta and / or gamma strongly limits their use, and they can be used only in minute amounts, preferably in conjunction with rare earth aluminates, for some very specific applications, military, astronautics, use at great depths, or the like, and with a protection significantly increasing the volume of the timepiece, it is called radioluminescence or autoluminescence when using these materials. Borosilicate glass capsules containing gases known as "GTLS" from the company "MB Microtech" containing tritium 3H, and which, like radium, do not require any external excitation to emit light, such capsules are used in particular for the visualization of needles or watch appliques, essentially military.

La lumière d'excitation provient de l'environnement de l'utilisateur, lumière solaire, lumière ambiante. La source lumineuse est logée dans le volume intérieur de la boîte de la pièce d'horlogerie ou de la montre. L'énergie ambiante peut être collectée au niveau d'une carrure partiellement ou totalement transparente, ou translucide ou/et au niveau d'un cadran partiellement ou totalement transparent, ou translucide, ou/et encore au niveau d'un guichet d'affichage, notamment pour un quantième ou similaire. L'énergie ambiante peut, encore, être collectée par un accessoire contigu à la pièce d'horlogerie, tel un bracelet de montre, et être transmise par un guide d'onde ou une fibre optique, ou similaire. De la même façon, la captation d'énergie ambiante peut être exécutée au niveau d'autres éléments d'habillage tels que le fond, la lunette, le rehaut, ou autres.The excitation light comes from the user's environment, solar light, ambient light. The light source is housed in the interior volume of the timepiece box or the watch. The ambient energy can be collected at a partially or completely transparent, or translucent middle and / or at a partially or totally transparent, or translucent dial, or / and still at a display window , especially for a calendar or the like. The ambient energy may, again, be collected by an adjoining accessory to the timepiece, such as a watchband, and be transmitted by a waveguide or an optical fiber, or the like. In the same way, the capture of ambient energy can be performed at the level of other elements of dressing such as the bottom, the telescope, the flange, or others.

L'invention concerne encore un mouvement mécanique 10 horloger comportant au moins un tel organe régulateur 1, où la source de lumière 5 est, ou bien située au niveau de l'organe régulateur 1, ou bien est déportée hors de l'organe régulateur 1 et à l'intérieur du mouvement 10 auquel cas elle est reliée par au moins un guide de lumière 51 ou une fibre optique à un relais lumineux 50 lequel est situé au niveau de l'organe régulateur 1 à proximité du ressort-spiral 4.The invention also relates to a watchmaking mechanical movement comprising at least one such regulator member 1, where the light source 5 is either located at the level of the regulator member 1 or is deported out of the regulator member 1 and within the movement 10 in which case it is connected by at least one light guide 51 or an optical fiber to a light relay 50 which is located at the level of the regulating member 1 near the spiral spring 4.

L'invention concerne encore une pièce d'horlogerie 100 comportant un tel mouvement mécanique, ou/et au moins un tel organe régulateur 1. Selon l'invention, la source de lumière 5 est, ou bien située au niveau de l'organe régulateur 1, ou bien est déportée hors de l'organe régulateur 1 et à l'intérieur du mouvement 10 auquel cas elle est reliée par au moins un guide de lumière 51 ou une fibre optique à un relais lumineux 50 lequel est situé au niveau de l'organe régulateur 1 à proximité du ressort-spiral 4, ou bien est déportée hors du mouvement 10 et à l'intérieur de la pièce d'horlogerie 100 auquel cas elle est reliée par au moins un guide de lumière 51 ou une fibre optique à un relais lumineux 50 lequel est situé au niveau de l'organe régulateur 1 à proximité du ressort-spiral 4.The invention also relates to a timepiece 100 comprising such a mechanical movement, and / or at least one such regulator member 1. According to the invention, the light source 5 is, or is located at the regulating member 1, or is deported out of the regulating member 1 and inside the movement 10 in which case it is connected by at least one light guide 51 or an optical fiber to a light relay 50 which is located at the level of the regulating member 1 near the spiral spring 4, or is deported out of the movement 10 and inside the room timepiece 100 in which case it is connected by at least one light guide 51 or an optical fiber to a light relay 50 which is located at the level of the regulating member 1 near the spiral spring 4.

De préférence, cette pièce d'horlogerie 100 est une montre, et le ressort-spiral 4 est du type dit « plat » décrit ci-dessus.Preferably, this timepiece 100 is a watch, and the spiral spring 4 is of the so-called "flat" type described above.

Dans une variante non illustrée par les figures, l'invention peut être couplée avec un dispositif stroboscopique intercalé sur la trajectoire lumineuse entre la source lumineuse et le ressort-spiral, de façon à effectuer des éclairages particuliers.In a variant not illustrated by the figures, the invention may be coupled with a stroboscopic device interposed on the light path between the light source and the spiral spring, so as to perform particular lighting.

Une structuration avec effet stroboscopique, selon la fréquence et la longueur d'onde de la lumière diffusée par la source 5 ou le relais 50, permet d'effectuer un marquage anti-contrefaçon ou une signature secrète, par structuration ou masquage, et qui n'est révélée que sous certaines conditions d'éclairage.Structuring with stroboscopic effect, according to the frequency and the wavelength of the light diffused by the source 5 or the relay 50, makes it possible to carry out an anti-counterfeiting marking or a secret signature, by structuration or masking, and which n is revealed only under certain lighting conditions.

Le ralentissement de la lumière, du fait de la variation de l'indice de réfraction qui est liée à la variation des contraintes à coeur lors de la contraction ou l'élongation du spiral, permet aussi une authentification particulière.The slowing down of the light, because of the variation of the refractive index which is linked to the variation of the stresses at the heart during the contraction or the elongation of the hairspring, also allows a particular authentication.

La diffusion, par un spiral 4 traité et coloré selon une première longueur d'onde, d'une lumière pulsée monochrome d'une autre longueur d'onde, permet une visualisation particulière.The diffusion, by a spiral 4 treated and colored at a first wavelength, of a pulsed monochrome light of another wavelength, allows a particular visualization.

Une variante de l'invention, plutôt applicable aux pendules et pièces d'horlogerie statiques, consiste dans son application à un ressort d'organe régulateur, qui n'est pas un ressort-spiral sensiblement plat comme ci-dessus, mais qui est un ressort hélicoïdal.A variant of the invention, rather applicable to the clocks and timepieces static, consists in its application to a regulator member spring, which is not a substantially flat spiral spring as above, but which is a coil spring.

En somme, le dispositif de visualisation du ressort-spiral offert par l'invention est peu encombrant, et peu consommateur d'énergie. Il attire le regard de l'utilisateur sur le coeur visible de sa montre ou de sa pièce d'horlogerie, et met en évidence le caractère particulièrement vivant d'une pièce d'horlogerie mécanique.In sum, the display device of the spiral spring offered by the invention is compact and low energy consumption. It attracts the eye of the user on the visible heart of his watch or his timepiece, and highlights the particularly lively character of a mechanical timepiece.

Il est également possible d'appliquer les diverses propositions ci-dessus pour un ressort-spiral de même matériau qui aurait d'autres fonctions que celle dans un organe réglant.It is also possible to apply the various proposals above for a spiral spring of the same material which would have other functions than that in a regulating member.

Claims (17)

  1. Regulator element (1) for a watch or timepiece comprising a balance (2), a balance-cock (3), at least one light energy source (5) and at least one spiral spring (4) fixed between said balance (2) and said balance-cock (3), wherein said at least one spiral spring (4) is arranged to transmit and diffuse light emitted by said at least one light energy source (5) of said regulator element (1).
  2. Regulator element (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that said at least one spiral spring (4) is made from quartz or glass or ceramic, or is partially transparent to visible and/or ultraviolet wavelengths or is made from an at least partially amorphous material.
  3. Regulator element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said balance-cock (3) bears said light energy source (5) close to an outer end (6) of said spiral spring (4).
  4. Regulator element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said balance (2) bears said light energy source (5) close to an inner end (7) of said spiral spring (4).
  5. Regulator element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said at least one spiral spring (4) diffuses light over at least a part of its section.
  6. Regulator element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said at least one spiral spring (4) diffuses light over the whole of its length between said balance-cock (3) and said balance (2).
  7. Regulator element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said at least one spiral spring (4) is rectangular in section and is composed of a single material.
  8. Regulator element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said at least one spiral spring (4) is rectangular in section and is composed, on the one hand, of a first material, which is quartz or glass or a ceramic, or a material that is partially transparent to visible and/or ultraviolet wavelengths or an at least partially amorphous material and, on the other hand, of at least one phosphorescent or fluorescent dopant, wherein said dopant is incorporated into the mass of said first material.
  9. Regulator element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said at least one spiral spring (4) is rectangular in section and is composed, on the one hand, of a first material, which is quartz or glass or a ceramic, or a material that is partially transparent to visible and/or ultraviolet wavelengths or an at least partially amorphous material and, on the other hand, of at least a second phosphorescent or fluorescent material applied in a thin layer (40) onto at least one of the lateral surfaces of said spiral spring (4).
  10. Regulator element (1) according to the previous claim, characterised in that said second phosphorescent or fluorescent material is applied in a thin layer (40) onto the four lateral surfaces of said spiral spring (4).
  11. Regulator element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said at least one spiral spring (4) is rectangular in section and is composed, on the one hand, of a first material, which is quartz or glass or a ceramic, or a material that is partially transparent to visible and/or ultraviolet wavelengths or an at least partially amorphous material and, on the other hand, of at least a second coloured material applied in a thin layer (40) onto at least one of the lateral surfaces of said spiral spring (4).
  12. Regulator element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that on one of its upper (41) and lower (42) faces defining two parallel planes (P1; P2), said at least one spiral spring (4) has a surface roughness Rt in the range of between 10 nanometres and 20 micrometres.
  13. Regulator element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the ends (6; 7) of said spiral spring (4) has an end face (43), which directly receives the light of said light source (5) or of a light relay (50) of said light source (5).
  14. Regulator element (1) according to the previous claim, characterised in that said end (6; 7) comprises at least one bevel edge (44) to receive light in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane parallel to two parallel planes (P1; P2) that the upper (41) and lower (42) faces of said spiral spring (4) define.
  15. Regulator element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said light source (5) is a light-emitting diode or a phosphorescent or fluorescent component.
  16. Mechanical timepiece movement (10) comprising at least one watch or timepiece regulator element (1) comprising a balance (2), a balance-cock (3) and at least one spiral spring (4) fixed between said balance (2) and said balance-cock (3), wherein said at least one spiral spring (4) is arranged to transmit and diffuse light, characterised in that said at least one spiral spring (4) is arranged to transmit and diffuse the light emitted by at least one light energy source (5), which is displaced outside said regulator element (1) and inside said movement (10), to which it is connected by at least one light guide (51) or an optical fibre to a light relay (50), which is located at the level of said regulator element (1) close to said spiral spring (4).
  17. Timepiece (100) comprising a mechanical movement (10) according to the previous claim, and/or at least one mechanical movement comprising at least one regulator element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15.
EP12187216.2A 2012-10-04 2012-10-04 Luminour hairspring Active EP2717103B1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12187216.2A EP2717103B1 (en) 2012-10-04 2012-10-04 Luminour hairspring
US14/430,646 US9188958B2 (en) 2012-10-04 2013-09-20 Illuminated balance spring
RU2015116873/12A RU2596097C1 (en) 2012-10-04 2013-09-20 Illuminated balancing spring
JP2015534954A JP5918449B2 (en) 2012-10-04 2013-09-20 Balance spring illuminated
PCT/EP2013/069560 WO2014053336A1 (en) 2012-10-04 2013-09-20 Illuminated hairspring
CN201380052006.7A CN104704431B (en) 2012-10-04 2013-09-20 Luminous hairspring
HK15111368.4A HK1210637A1 (en) 2012-10-04 2015-11-18 Illuminated hairspring

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EP12187216.2A EP2717103B1 (en) 2012-10-04 2012-10-04 Luminour hairspring

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EP2717103B1 true EP2717103B1 (en) 2017-01-11

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US (1) US9188958B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2717103B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5918449B2 (en)
CN (1) CN104704431B (en)
HK (1) HK1210637A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2596097C1 (en)
WO (1) WO2014053336A1 (en)

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JP5918449B2 (en) 2016-05-18
EP2717103A1 (en) 2014-04-09
CN104704431A (en) 2015-06-10
US9188958B2 (en) 2015-11-17
US20150261187A1 (en) 2015-09-17
RU2596097C1 (en) 2016-08-27
CN104704431B (en) 2017-03-01
JP2015534071A (en) 2015-11-26
WO2014053336A1 (en) 2014-04-10
HK1210637A1 (en) 2016-04-29

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