EP3339975B1 - Timepiece component, timepiece and method of manufacturing this timepiece component - Google Patents

Timepiece component, timepiece and method of manufacturing this timepiece component Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3339975B1
EP3339975B1 EP17208171.3A EP17208171A EP3339975B1 EP 3339975 B1 EP3339975 B1 EP 3339975B1 EP 17208171 A EP17208171 A EP 17208171A EP 3339975 B1 EP3339975 B1 EP 3339975B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gallery
timepiece component
glass
component according
timepiece
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
EP17208171.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3339975A1 (en
Inventor
Stéphane von Gunten
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.)
Manufacture et Fabrique de Montres et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle SA
Original Assignee
Manufacture et Fabrique de Montres et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle 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
Application filed by Manufacture et Fabrique de Montres et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle SA filed Critical Manufacture et Fabrique de Montres et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle SA
Publication of EP3339975A1 publication Critical patent/EP3339975A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3339975B1 publication Critical patent/EP3339975B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/30—Illumination of dials or hands
    • G04B19/32—Illumination of dials or hands by luminescent substances
    • 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
    • G04B45/0015—Light-, colour-, line- or spot-effects caused by or on stationary parts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of watchmaking. More specifically, it relates to a component of a timepiece and a timepiece such as a watch. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing this timepiece component.
  • luminescent material which is generally available on the hour hand and on the minute hand, as well as at the time scale marks of the dial, so to allow a reading of the time in the dark.
  • the luminescent material When it is part of a scale mark equipping a dial, the luminescent material may be housed in a hollow delimited by an at least partially transparent element. This is the case in the devices offered by patents or patent applications CH 680 403 , CH 640 685 , BE 547 252 , WO 94/22062 and CH 697 210 .
  • the manufacture of time scale marks proposed in these patents or patent applications include several operations including filling the hollow in the transparent element with luminescent material and scraping the excess luminescent material.
  • CH 697 210 , CH 701 885 , WO 2014/033151 , WO 2016/038446 and US 2007/287028 also relate to light elements.
  • the placement of the luminescent material in the hollow may be imperfectly achieved.
  • the object of the invention is at least to enable the lining operation of a support which is at least partially transparent or translucent with a luminescent material to be more efficient and clean.
  • a timepiece component comprising an element made of at least a first material, which is a non-opaque material.
  • the timepiece component further comprises at least one second material inside at least one gallery formed in the element so as to comprise at least one input for this second material and at least one output of evacuation, and to be hermetically closed by the first material of the element, over at least a part of its length.
  • the second material is luminescent.
  • the gallery is devoid of substance which, by radioactive decomposition, emits excitation radiation from the luminescent properties of the luminescent material.
  • the second material i.e. the luminescent material
  • the second material can be set up in the liquid or pasty state and it can be in an efficient and clean way, through the entrance of the gallery, while the discharge outlet allows air or other fluid initially present in this gallery so as to free up space.
  • the timepiece component defined above may incorporate one or more other advantageous features, alone or in combination, in particular among those specified below.
  • the element is a tranparent ice having two opposite major surfaces and a constant thickness or not between these two opposite major surfaces.
  • the luminescent material may be at a distance from the opaque functional parts of the watch, once the timepiece component in place in this watch.
  • there is then a great freedom of choice as to the positioning of the luminescent material which can be remote from visible elements through the ice and which can even be placed so as to illuminate these elements in the light. 'darkness.
  • the element is an ice, a particular visual effect can be obtained since the luminescent material appears suspended in transparent material and diffuses its light all around it.
  • the second material carried by the ice is located at one or more regions.
  • each of the two opposite major surfaces of the crystal is at least partially devoid of an opaque screen, preferably entirely or predominantly without an opaque screen.
  • the second material carried by the ice is located at one or more regions whose total area as viewed from one of the two opposite major surfaces of the ice is less than half of the average area. of these opposite major surfaces. When this is the case, the luminescent material does not mask or weakly what is behind the ice.
  • the element is in one piece.
  • the second material is a phosphorescent material.
  • the second material is a material having hardened inside the gallery.
  • the gallery is filled by the second material over at least part of its length.
  • the second material is a material having hardened inside the gallery, this second material is held in place in a particularly robust manner.
  • the first material is glass.
  • the gallery comprises several different sections of curvature, which succeed one another. Even when this is the case, the placement of the luminescent material in this gallery does not pose any particular difficulties insofar as the curing of the luminescent material takes place after this setting up.
  • the second material present in the gallery is in contact with the atmosphere, in the absence of hermetic closure between the atmosphere and this second material present in the gallery.
  • the average hydraulic diameter of the gallery is between 25 microns and 2500 microns.
  • the invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a timepiece component as defined above.
  • the subject of the invention is also a method for manufacturing a timepiece component as defined above, comprising steps in which: b) at least partially filling the gallery of the element with the second material, by introducing the second material in liquid or pasty form through said entrance of the gallery and leaving the discharge outlet of the gallery open so that fluid, for example air, initially present in the gallery can exit the gallery through the exhaust outlet.
  • the manufacturing process comprises a step which follows step b) and in which: c) the second material is made or allowed to harden in place in the gallery.
  • step b) the second material is sucked into the gallery from the exhaust outlet connected to a suction.
  • the figure 1 represents a timepiece which is in accordance with the invention and which is more precisely a watch 1.
  • this watch 1 comprises a hand of hours 2 and a minute hand 3 , including a frame 5 carries a part of a mechanical clockwork movement 4 counting time and moving the needles 2 and 3 to the required speed.
  • the watch movement 4 can be entirely carried by a fixed plate, without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • it may be a watch movement of any type, for example an electronic movement, the invention is not limited to the case where the watch movement 4 is a mechanical movement.
  • the frame 5 of the minute hand 3 defines a through opening and carries a timepiece component 10, which closes the through opening and which is more precisely a watch component in the first embodiment.
  • the timepiece component 10 is according to a first embodiment of the invention. He is represented alone Figures 2 and 3 . It comprises a lens 11, which is an integral element made of a first material. In the example shown, this first material is glass. However, it could be another transparent or translucent material.
  • the lens 11 For attachment to the frame 5 or another support, the lens 11 comprises two lateral wings 12, each of which is pierced with two holes 13 for the passage of unrepresented immobilizing members such as screws or pins. Between the lateral fins 12, the ice 11 has two surfaces opposite main, which is a front main surface 14 and a rear main surface 15.
  • the ice 11 has a thickness e between the main surfaces 14 and 15. In the example shown, this thickness e is constant. It may however be otherwise without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the term "ice” is given its general meaning, which includes the particular meaning that this term has in the field of watchmaking.
  • the term “ice” refers to the transparent element that is attached to the housing of a watch or a clock so as to close the housing at its face before and through which can be read the time indicated by the watch or the pendulum.
  • the ice mentioned in the present description and in the appended claims may be ice in the sense that it is understood in the field of watchmaking.
  • the ice mentioned in the present description and in the appended claims may also not correspond to the meaning given to it in the field of horology.
  • the lens 11 of the first embodiment is not intended to be fixed to the case of a watch so as to close the case at its front face. Ice 11 of the first embodiment is indeed not intended to allow reading, through it, the time indicated by the watch 1.
  • the figure 4 is a sectional view where only the ice 11 is shown and where the luminescent material 23 is omitted for the sake of clarity. As can be seen from this figure 4 , an inner gallery 18 is formed in the ice 11, so as to extend along a line l , between the opposite major surfaces 14 and 15.
  • the gallery 18 comprises an inlet 19 and a discharge outlet 20, between which it is closed laterally hermetically by the glass of the window 11.
  • the inlet 19 and the exhaust outlet 20 are the only two passages through which the gallery 18 communicates with the outside.
  • the inlet 19 opens at an edge of the window 11, while the discharge outlet 20 opens at the rear main face 15. It could however be otherwise.
  • Line l can form any type of pattern. It can even extend according to the three dimensions of space, that is to say, not to remain in a plane. In the example shown, the line l extends in a plane and runs generally along the edge of the ice 11. As a result, the gallery 18 comprises several sections, including straight sections and curved sections that can form elbows, such as this is the case in the example shown. The line l thus has several different curvatures along its length.
  • the gallery 18 has a constant diameter D.
  • This diameter D may not be constant over the length of the gallery 18.
  • the gallery 18 may not have a circular section.
  • the hydraulic diameter is therefore a notion that can be used regardless of the shape of the cross section of the gallery 18. It is equal to the actual diameter of the gallery 18 when the cross section of the latter is circular.
  • the average hydraulic diameter of the gallery 18 is advantageously between 25 ⁇ m and 2500 ⁇ m, and preferably between 300 ⁇ m and 450 ⁇ m. In the example shown, the average hydraulic diameter of the gallery 18 is equal to its actual diameter, which is equal to 375 microns.
  • the timepiece component 10 comprises an interior cord 22, made of a second hardened material in the gallery 18, as can be seen at FIG. Figures 2 and 3 .
  • This second material that is to say the material of the bead 22, is luminescent.
  • it may be the luminescent material marketed under the trademark Super-LumiNova (registered trademark) by the company Superluminova.
  • the luminescent material 23 cord 22 fills and fills the gallery 18 over all or part of its length, from the entrance 19.
  • the timepiece component 10 is manufactured using a manufacturing method according to the invention. This manufacturing process will now be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8 and in the case where it is used to manufacture a timepiece component according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • a glass element, such as ice-cream 111 represented alone at figure 6 is made by removal of material, in this blank 30.
  • the removal of material to obtain the ice 111 from the blank 30 is performed by a laser engraving, by means of which an inner gallery 118 is made similar to the gallery 18 and the outer surface of the ice 111 is shaped.
  • the laser etching comprises an alteration of the glass by a laser, then a chemical etching by which the glass which has been altered with the aid of the laser is removed.
  • the beam of parallel rays of the laser is transformed into a convergent beam so as to obtain a convergence zone where the energy of the laser is concentrated.
  • the region where the glass is to be altered is scanned so that it is subsequently removed by chemical etching.
  • ice 111 was made to the desired shape by laser engraving. It has a front main face 114 and a rear main face 115.
  • the gallery 118 has an inlet 119 and a discharge outlet 120 which put it in communication with the outside.
  • the gallery 118 is arranged to be hermetically closed by the glass of ice 111 over at least part of its length from its inlet 119.
  • FIG. figure 7 The step following the laser engraving by which the ice 111 has been shaped to the desired shape is illustrated in FIG. figure 7 .
  • luminescent material 123 in the liquid or pasty state such as that marketed under the Super-LumiNova commercial denomination, is introduced into the gallery 118, through the inlet 119.
  • atmospheric air, or any other fluid initially present in the gallery 118 and leaving room for the luminescent material 123 escapes from this gallery 118 through the discharge outlet 120.
  • the luminescent material is more precisely sucked from the discharge outlet 120.
  • the discharge outlet 120 is connected to an enclosure 150 put under vacuum by means of a vacuum pump 151.
  • the inlet 122 is connected to a reserve 152 of luminescent material 123.
  • the arrow P symbolizes the progression of the luminescent material front 123 in the gallery 118, away from the inlet 119 and towards the discharge outlet 120.
  • a component timepiece 110 according to a second embodiment of the invention is completed and comprises the ice 111 and a bead 122 of luminescent material 123 cured in the gallery 118.
  • the component timepiece 110 is then such that illustrated at figure 8 . Its inlet 119 and discharge outlet 120 may not be sealed and the luminescent material 123 cured in the gallery 118 may then be in contact with the atmospheric air, which is the case in the room component. 110 as in the timepiece component 10.
  • none of the galleries 18 and 118 contain radioactive gas, such as tritium, or another substance which, by radioactive decomposition, emits radiation exciting the luminescent material 123 so as to cause it to emit light by luminescence. Therefore, no hermetic seal between the atmosphere and the luminescent material 23 or 123 is necessary and the inlets 19 and 119 as the discharge outlets 20 and 120 may not be sealed.
  • luminescent materials 23 and 123 may be more specifically phosphorescent materials and emit visible light in the dark after being exposed to daylight or artificial light.
  • the luminescent material 23 or 123 may be injected into the gallery 18 or 118, through the inlet 19 or 119, instead of being sucked from the discharge outlet 20 or 120.
  • the gallery 18 or 118 may comprise several branches, for example several branches arranged in a star or so as to form a cross.
  • the gallery 18 or 118 may open in more than two places, instead of only one entry and a single exit. This may especially be the case when the gallery 18 or 118 has several branches arranged in a star or so as to form a cross.
  • the timepiece component may comprise a plurality of independent galleries filled with luminescent material.
  • several different luminescent materials for example a fluorescent material and a phosphorescent material, may be present in a timepiece component according to the invention. When this is the case, these different luminescent materials may be in the same galleries or galleries, for example following each other, with or without contact between them, or each in one of several independently independent galleries.
  • the luminescent material 23 or 123 may be uncured in the gallery 18 or 118 and, for example, be retained there by means of a hermetic closure of the entry (s) and exit (s) of this gallery 18 or 118.
  • the luminescent material 23 or 123 may be liquid or pasty in the gallery 18 or 118, without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the timepiece component 10 and 110 may constitute the ice of a watch, that is to say the ice which is fixed to the watch case and through which the time indicated by this watch can be read.
  • at least one gallery 18 or 118 may form an index or a number of hourly scale, such index or such hour scale being normally present on the watch face.
  • the element made of a first material is an ice 11 or 111 in the two embodiments of the invention proposed above. Still within the scope of the invention, this element may however have a shape other than that of an ice cream.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)

Description

Domaine technique de l'inventionTechnical field of the invention

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine de l'horlogerie. Plus précisément, elle concerne un composant de pièce d'horlogerie et une pièce d'horlogerie telle qu'une montre. L'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication de ce composant de pièce d'horlogerie.The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking. More specifically, it relates to a component of a timepiece and a timepiece such as a watch. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing this timepiece component.

État de la techniqueState of the art

Dans le domaine de l'horlogerie, il est courant d'utiliser du matériau luminescent, que l'on dispose généralement sur l'aiguille des heures et sur celle des minutes, ainsi qu'au niveau des marques de graduation horaire du cadran, afin de permettre une lecture de l'heure dans l'obscurité.In the field of watchmaking, it is common practice to use luminescent material, which is generally available on the hour hand and on the minute hand, as well as at the time scale marks of the dial, so to allow a reading of the time in the dark.

Lorsqu'il fait partie d'une marque de graduation horaire équipant un cadran, le matériau luminescent peut être logé dans un creux délimité par un élément au moins partiellement transparent. Tel est le cas dans les dispositifs que proposent les brevets ou demandes de brevet CH 680 403 , CH 640 685 , BE 547 252 , WO 94/22062 et CH 697 210 . La fabrication des marques de graduation horaire proposées dans ces brevets ou demandes de brevet comprennent plusieurs opérations dont le comblement du creux dans l'élément transparent par du matériau luminescent et le raclage du matériau luminescent en excès. CH 697 210 , CH 701 885 , WO 2014/033151 , WO 2016/038446 et US 2007/287028 concernent aussi des éléments lumineux.When it is part of a scale mark equipping a dial, the luminescent material may be housed in a hollow delimited by an at least partially transparent element. This is the case in the devices offered by patents or patent applications CH 680 403 , CH 640 685 , BE 547 252 , WO 94/22062 and CH 697 210 . The manufacture of time scale marks proposed in these patents or patent applications include several operations including filling the hollow in the transparent element with luminescent material and scraping the excess luminescent material. CH 697 210 , CH 701 885 , WO 2014/033151 , WO 2016/038446 and US 2007/287028 also relate to light elements.

La mise en place du matériau luminescent dans le creux peut être imparfaitement réalisée.The placement of the luminescent material in the hollow may be imperfectly achieved.

En outre, le raclage du matériau luminescent en excès est également une opération qui requiert précision et qui est délicate à réaliser.In addition, the scraping of the excess luminescent material is also an operation which requires precision and which is difficult to achieve.

A l'issue de l'opération de mise en place du matériau luminescent, il y a donc lieu de prendre garde à ce qu'aucune portion du creux de réception du matériau luminescent dans l'élément transparent ne soit mal remplie. Il y a également lieu de prendre garde à ce qu'il ne demeure pas de bavures de matériau luminescent ou d'autres salissures par le matériau luminescent, en dehors du creux destiné à recevoir ce matériau luminescent.At the end of the operation of placing the luminescent material, it is therefore necessary to be careful that no portion of the receiving hollow of the luminescent material in the transparent element is poorly filled. It should also be taken care that there is no smudge of luminescent material or other fouling by the luminescent material, outside the hollow for receiving the luminescent material.

Par ailleurs, d'autres opérations peuvent s'ajouter à celles exécutées pour mettre en place le matériau luminescent dans l'élément transparent. Par exemple, une opération d'assemblage de l'élément transparent par exemple à un support et/ou une opération d'abrasion peuvent être requises, en plus des opérations exécutées pour mettre en place le matériau luminescent dans l'élément transparent.In addition, other operations may be added to those performed to place the luminescent material in the transparent element. For example, an assembly operation of the transparent element for example a support and / or an abrasion operation may be required, in addition to the operations performed to set up the luminescent material in the transparent element.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention a au moins pour but de permettre que l'opération de garnissage d'un support au moins partiellement transparent ou translucide avec un matériau luminescent puisse être plus efficace et propre.The object of the invention is at least to enable the lining operation of a support which is at least partially transparent or translucent with a luminescent material to be more efficient and clean.

Selon l'invention, ce but est atteint grâce à un composant de pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un élément réalisé en au moins un premier matériau, qui est un matériau non opaque. Le composant de pièce d'horlogerie comprend en outre au moins un deuxième matériau à l'intérieur d'au moins une galerie ménagée dans l'élément de manière à comporter au moins une entrée pour ce deuxième matériau ainsi qu'au moins une sortie d'évacuation, et à être fermée de manière hermétique par le premier matériau de l'élément, sur au moins une partie de sa longueur. Le deuxième matériau est luminescent. La galerie est dépourvue de substance qui, par décomposition radioactive, émet un rayonnement d'excitation des propriétés luminescentes du matériau luminescent.According to the invention, this object is achieved thanks to a timepiece component comprising an element made of at least a first material, which is a non-opaque material. The timepiece component further comprises at least one second material inside at least one gallery formed in the element so as to comprise at least one input for this second material and at least one output of evacuation, and to be hermetically closed by the first material of the element, over at least a part of its length. The second material is luminescent. The gallery is devoid of substance which, by radioactive decomposition, emits excitation radiation from the luminescent properties of the luminescent material.

Lorsque le composant de pièce d'horlogerie est tel que défini ci-dessus, le deuxième matériau, c'est-à-dire le matériau luminescent, peut être mis en place à l'état liquide ou pâteux et il peut l'être d'une manière efficace et propre, par l'entrée de la galerie, tandis que la sortie d'évacuation permet que de l'air ou un autre fluide initialement présent dans cette galerie en sorte pour libérer de la place.When the timepiece component is as defined above, the second material, i.e. the luminescent material, can be set up in the liquid or pasty state and it can be in an efficient and clean way, through the entrance of the gallery, while the discharge outlet allows air or other fluid initially present in this gallery so as to free up space.

Le composant de pièce d'horlogerie défini ci-dessus peut incorporer une ou plusieurs autres caractéristiques avantageuses, isolément ou en combinaison, en particulier parmi celles précisées ci-après.The timepiece component defined above may incorporate one or more other advantageous features, alone or in combination, in particular among those specified below.

Avantageusement, l'élément est une glace tranparente ayant deux surfaces principales opposées et une épaisseur constante ou non entre ces deux surfaces principales opposées. Lorsqu'il en est ainsi, le matériau luminescent peut se trouver à distance des pièces fonctionnelles opaques de la montre, une fois le composant de pièce d'horlogerie en place dans cette montre. En d'autres termes, on dispose alors d'une grande liberté de choix quant au positionnement du matériau luminescent, qui peut être à distance d'éléments visibles à travers la glace et qui peut même être placé de manière à éclairer ces éléments dans l'obscurité. Toujours lorsque l'élément est une glace, un effet visuel particulier peut être obtenu puisque le matériau luminescent paraît comme suspendu dans du matériau transparent et diffuse sa lumière tout autour de lui.Advantageously, the element is a tranparent ice having two opposite major surfaces and a constant thickness or not between these two opposite major surfaces. When this is so, the luminescent material may be at a distance from the opaque functional parts of the watch, once the timepiece component in place in this watch. In other words, there is then a great freedom of choice as to the positioning of the luminescent material, which can be remote from visible elements through the ice and which can even be placed so as to illuminate these elements in the light. 'darkness. Still when the element is an ice, a particular visual effect can be obtained since the luminescent material appears suspended in transparent material and diffuses its light all around it.

Avantageusement, le deuxième matériau porté par la glace est localisé au niveau d'une ou plusieurs régions.Advantageously, the second material carried by the ice is located at one or more regions.

Avantageusement, chacune des deux surfaces principales opposées de la glace est au moins partiellement dépourvue d'écran opaque, de préférence entièrement ou majoritairement dépourvue d'écran opaque. En outre, le deuxième matériau porté par la glace est localisé au niveau d'une ou plusieurs régions dont l'aire totale telle que vue depuis l'une des deux surfaces principales opposées de la glace est inférieure à la moitié de l'aire moyenne de ces surfaces principales opposées. Lorsque tel est le cas, le matériau luminescent ne masque pas ou que faiblement ce qui se trouve derrière la glace.Advantageously, each of the two opposite major surfaces of the crystal is at least partially devoid of an opaque screen, preferably entirely or predominantly without an opaque screen. In addition, the second material carried by the ice is located at one or more regions whose total area as viewed from one of the two opposite major surfaces of the ice is less than half of the average area. of these opposite major surfaces. When this is the case, the luminescent material does not mask or weakly what is behind the ice.

Avantageusement, l'élément est d'un seul tenant.Advantageously, the element is in one piece.

Avantageusement, le deuxième matériau est un matériau phosphorescent.Advantageously, the second material is a phosphorescent material.

Avantageusement, le deuxième matériau est un matériau ayant durci à l'intérieur de la galerie.Advantageously, the second material is a material having hardened inside the gallery.

Avantageusement, la galerie est comblée par le deuxième matériau sur au moins une partie de sa longueur. Lorsqu'il en est ainsi et lorsque le deuxième matériau est un matériau ayant durci à l'intérieur de la galerie, ce deuxième matériau est maintenu en place d'une manière particulièrement robuste.Advantageously, the gallery is filled by the second material over at least part of its length. When this is so and when the second material is a material having hardened inside the gallery, this second material is held in place in a particularly robust manner.

Avantageusement, le premier matériau est du verre.Advantageously, the first material is glass.

Avantageusement, la galerie comporte plusieurs tronçons de courbures différentes, qui se succèdent. Même lorsqu'il en est ainsi, le mise en place du matériau luminescent dans cette galerie ne pose pas de difficultés particulières dans la mesure où le durcissement du matériau luminescent a lieu après cette mise en place.Advantageously, the gallery comprises several different sections of curvature, which succeed one another. Even when this is the case, the placement of the luminescent material in this gallery does not pose any particular difficulties insofar as the curing of the luminescent material takes place after this setting up.

Avantageusement, le deuxième matériau présent dans la galerie est en contact avec l'atmosphère, en l'absence de fermeture hermétique entre l'atmosphère et ce deuxième matériau présent dans la galerie.Advantageously, the second material present in the gallery is in contact with the atmosphere, in the absence of hermetic closure between the atmosphere and this second material present in the gallery.

Avantageusement, le diamètre hydraulique moyen de la galerie est compris entre 25 µm et 2500 µm.Advantageously, the average hydraulic diameter of the gallery is between 25 microns and 2500 microns.

L'invention a également pour objet une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un composant de pièce d'horlogerie tel que défini précédemment.The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a timepiece component as defined above.

L'invention a encore pour objet un procédé de fabrication d'un composant de pièce d'horlogerie tel que défini précédemment, comprenant des étapes dans lesquelles :
b) on remplit au moins partiellement la galerie de l'élément avec le deuxième matériau, en faisant entrer ce deuxième matériau sous forme liquide ou pâteuse par ladite entrée de la galerie et en laissant la sortie d'évacuation de la galerie ouverte de manière que du fluide, par exemple de l'air, initialement présent dans la galerie puisse sortir de cette galerie par la sortie d'évacuation.The subject of the invention is also a method for manufacturing a timepiece component as defined above, comprising steps in which:
b) at least partially filling the gallery of the element with the second material, by introducing the second material in liquid or pasty form through said entrance of the gallery and leaving the discharge outlet of the gallery open so that fluid, for example air, initially present in the gallery can exit the gallery through the exhaust outlet.

Le procédé défini ci-dessus peut incorporer une ou plusieurs autres caractéristiques avantageuses, isolément ou en combinaison, en particulier parmi celles précisées ci-après.The process defined above may incorporate one or more other advantageous characteristics, alone or in combination, in particular from those specified hereinafter.

Avantageusement, l'élément est fait de verre, le procédé de fabrication comprenant une étape qui précède l'étape b) et dans laquelle :

  • a) on réalise la galerie dans le verre par gravure laser comprenant une altération du verre de l'élément, par un laser, au niveau d'une zone correspondant à la galerie, puis une gravure chimique retirant le verre altéré par le laser.
Advantageously, the element is made of glass, the manufacturing method comprising a step which precedes step b) and in which:
  • a) the gallery is made in the glass by laser etching comprising an alteration of the lens of the element, by a laser, at a zone corresponding to the gallery, then a chemical etching removing the glass altered by the laser.

Avantageusement, le procéde de fabrication comprend une étape qui suit l'étape b) et dans laquelle :
c) on fait ou laisse durcir le deuxième matériau en place dans la galerie.Advantageously, the manufacturing process comprises a step which follows step b) and in which:
c) the second material is made or allowed to harden in place in the gallery.

Avantageusement, dans l'étape b), on aspire le deuxième matériau dans la galerie, depuis la sortie d'évacuation raccordée à une aspiration.Advantageously, in step b), the second material is sucked into the gallery from the exhaust outlet connected to a suction.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques ressortiront plus clairement de la description qui va suivre de modes particuliers de réalisation de l'invention donnés à titre d'exemple non limitatifs et représentés aux dessins annexés, parmi lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue partielle, en perspective, d'une montre conforme à l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'un composant de pièce d'horlogerie qui fait partie de la montre représentée à la figure 1 et qui est selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 3 est une vue de dessus du composant de pièce d'horlogerie représenté à la figure 2,
  • la figure 4 est une vue qui est une vue en coupe selon le plan IV de la figure 2 et sur laquelle, parmi une glace du composant de pièce d'horlogerie visible sur cette figure 2 et un cordon de matériau luminescent présent dans une galerie de cette glace, est représenté seulement la glace, c'est-à-dire que cette glace est représentée sans le cordon de matériau luminescent, dans un souci de clarté,
  • la figure 5 est une vue schématique, en perspective, et représente une ébauche en verre à partir de laquelle, en mettant en oeuvre un procédé de fabrication conforme à l'invention, on réalise un composant de pièce d'horlogerie selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 6 est une vue analogue à la figure 5 et représente une glace de pièce d'horlogerie qui a été réalisée à partir de l'ébauche visible sur cette figure 5, au cours du procédé de fabrication conforme à l'invention,
  • la figure 7 est une vue également analogue à la figure 5 et illustre une étape qui fait partie du procédé de fabrication conforme à l'invention et qu'on effectue sur la glace de pièce d'horlogerie de la figure 6, après que cette glace de pièce d'horlogerie a été réalisée à partir de l'ébauche visible à la figure 5,
  • la figure 8 est une vue qui est analogue aux figures 5 à 7 et sur laquelle le composant de pièce d'horlogerie selon le deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention est achevé.
Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and represented in the accompanying drawings, among which:
  • the figure 1 is a partial view, in perspective, of a watch according to the invention,
  • the figure 2 is a perspective view of a timepiece component that is part of the watch shown in FIG. figure 1 and which is according to a first embodiment of the invention,
  • the figure 3 is a top view of the timepiece component shown in FIG. figure 2 ,
  • the figure 4 is a view that is a sectional view along the IV plane of the figure 2 and on which, among an ice of the timepiece component visible on this figure 2 and a bead of luminescent material present in a gallery of this ice, is represented only the ice, that is to say that this ice is represented without the string of luminescent material, for the sake of clarity,
  • the figure 5 is a schematic view, in perspective, and shows a glass blank from which, by implementing a manufacturing method according to the invention, a timepiece component is produced according to a second embodiment of the invention. 'invention,
  • the figure 6 is a view similar to the figure 5 and represents a timepiece ice cream which has been made from the visible blank on this figure 5 , during the manufacturing process according to the invention,
  • the figure 7 is a view also analogous to the figure 5 and illustrates a step which is part of the manufacturing method according to the invention and which is carried out on the watch-hour glass of the figure 6 , after this timepiece ice cream was made from the visible blank to the figure 5 ,
  • the figure 8 is a view that is analogous to Figures 5 to 7 and on which the timepiece component according to the second mode of embodiment of the invention is completed.

Description de modes de réalisations préférés de l'inventionDescription of preferred embodiments of the invention

La figure 1 représente une pièce d'horlogerie qui est conforme à l'invention et qui est plus précisément une montre 1. Pour l'affichage de l'heure qu'il est, cette montre 1 comporte une aiguille des heures 2 et une aiguille des minutes 3, dont un châssis 5 porte une partie d'un mouvement d'horlogerie mécanique 4 effectuant le comptage du temps et déplaçant les aiguilles 2 et 3 à la vitesse requise.The figure 1 represents a timepiece which is in accordance with the invention and which is more precisely a watch 1. For the display of the time that it is, this watch 1 comprises a hand of hours 2 and a minute hand 3 , including a frame 5 carries a part of a mechanical clockwork movement 4 counting time and moving the needles 2 and 3 to the required speed.

Au lieu que l'aiguille des minutes 3 en porte une partie, le mouvement d'horlogerie 4 peut être entièrement porté par une platine fixe, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. De plus, il peut s'agir d'un mouvement d'horlogerie de tout type, par exemple d'un mouvement électronique, l'invention n'étant pas limitée au cas où le mouvement d'horlogerie 4 est un mouvement mécanique.Instead of the minute hand 3 carries a part, the watch movement 4 can be entirely carried by a fixed plate, without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it may be a watch movement of any type, for example an electronic movement, the invention is not limited to the case where the watch movement 4 is a mechanical movement.

Le châssis 5 de l'aiguille des minutes 3 délimite une ouverture traversante et porte un composant de pièce d'horlogerie 10, qui ferme cette ouverture traversante et qui est plus précisément un composant de montre dans le premier mode de réalisation.The frame 5 of the minute hand 3 defines a through opening and carries a timepiece component 10, which closes the through opening and which is more precisely a watch component in the first embodiment.

Le composant de pièce d'horlogerie 10 est selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention. Il est représenté seul aux figures 2 et 3. Il comporte une glace 11, qui est un élément d'un seul tenant réalisé en un premier matériau. Dans l'exemple représenté, ce premier matériau est du verre. Toutefois, ce pourrait être un autre matériau transparent ou translucide.The timepiece component 10 is according to a first embodiment of the invention. He is represented alone Figures 2 and 3 . It comprises a lens 11, which is an integral element made of a first material. In the example shown, this first material is glass. However, it could be another transparent or translucent material.

Pour sa fixation au châssis 5 ou à un autre support, la glace 11 comprend deux ailettes latérales 12, dont chacune est percée de deux trous 13 pour le passage d'organes d'immobilisation non représentés tels que des vis ou des goupilles. Entre les ailettes latérales 12, la glace 11 possède deux surfaces principales opposées, qui sont une surface principale avant 14 et une surface principale arrière 15.For attachment to the frame 5 or another support, the lens 11 comprises two lateral wings 12, each of which is pierced with two holes 13 for the passage of unrepresented immobilizing members such as screws or pins. Between the lateral fins 12, the ice 11 has two surfaces opposite main, which is a front main surface 14 and a rear main surface 15.

Dans la présente description et le cas échéant dans les revendications annexées, les termes « avant » et « arrière », ainsi que les termes analogues, considèrent la glace 11 en place dans une montre et se réfèrent à la position de cette glace 11 vis-à-vis d'un observateur regardant, par transparence, ce qui se trouve derrière la glace 11.In the present description and, where appropriate, in the appended claims, the terms "front" and "rear", as well as similar terms, consider ice 11 in place in a watch and refer to the position of this mirror 11 vis- to an observer looking, by transparency, what is behind the ice 11.

La glace 11 a une épaisseur e entre les surfaces principales 14 et 15. Dans l'exemple représenté, cette épaisseur e est constante. Il peut toutefois en être autrement sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.The ice 11 has a thickness e between the main surfaces 14 and 15. In the example shown, this thickness e is constant. It may however be otherwise without departing from the scope of the invention.

Dans la présente description et dans les revendications annexées, on donne au terme « glace » son sens général, qui englobe le sens particulier que ce terme a dans le domaine de l'horlogerie. Au sens où on l'entend dans le domaine de l'horlogerie, le terme « glace » désigne l'élément transparent qui est fixé au boîtier d'une montre ou d'une horloge de manière à fermer ce boîtier au niveau de sa face avant et à travers lequel peut être lue l'heure indiquée par la montre ou la pendule. La glace mentionnée dans la présente description et dans les revendications annexées peut être une glace au sens où on l'entend dans le domaine de l'horlogerie. La glace mentionnée dans la présente description et dans les revendications annexées peut également ne pas correspondre au sens qu'on lui donne dans le domaine de l'horlogerie. Par exemple, la glace 11 du premier mode de réalisation n'est pas destinée à être fixée au boîtier d'une montre de manière à fermer ce boîtier au niveau de sa face avant. La glace 11 du premier mode de réalisation n'est en effet pas destinée à permettre une lecture, à travers elle, de l'heure indiquée par la montre 1.In the present description and in the appended claims, the term "ice" is given its general meaning, which includes the particular meaning that this term has in the field of watchmaking. As used in the field of watchmaking, the term "ice" refers to the transparent element that is attached to the housing of a watch or a clock so as to close the housing at its face before and through which can be read the time indicated by the watch or the pendulum. The ice mentioned in the present description and in the appended claims may be ice in the sense that it is understood in the field of watchmaking. The ice mentioned in the present description and in the appended claims may also not correspond to the meaning given to it in the field of horology. For example, the lens 11 of the first embodiment is not intended to be fixed to the case of a watch so as to close the case at its front face. Ice 11 of the first embodiment is indeed not intended to allow reading, through it, the time indicated by the watch 1.

La figure 4 est une vue en coupe où seule la glace 11 est représentée et où le matériau luminescent 23 est omis dans un souci de clarté. Ainsi qu'on peut bien le voir sur cette figure 4, une galerie 18 intérieure est ménagée dans la glace 11, de manière à s'étendre selon une ligne ℓ, entre les surfaces principales opposées 14 et 15.The figure 4 is a sectional view where only the ice 11 is shown and where the luminescent material 23 is omitted for the sake of clarity. As can be seen from this figure 4 , an inner gallery 18 is formed in the ice 11, so as to extend along a line ℓ , between the opposite major surfaces 14 and 15.

La galerie 18 comporte une entrée 19 et une sortie d'évacuation 20, entre lesquelles elle est fermée latéralement de manière hermétique par le verre de la glace 11. En effet, l'entrée 19 et la sortie d'évacuation 20 sont les seuls deux passages par où la galerie 18 communique avec l'extérieur. Dans l'exemple représenté, l'entrée 19 débouche au niveau d'un bord de la glace 11, tandis que la sortie d'évacuation 20 débouche au niveau de la face principale arrière 15. Il pourrait toutefois en être autrement.The gallery 18 comprises an inlet 19 and a discharge outlet 20, between which it is closed laterally hermetically by the glass of the window 11. In fact, the inlet 19 and the exhaust outlet 20 are the only two passages through which the gallery 18 communicates with the outside. In the example shown, the inlet 19 opens at an edge of the window 11, while the discharge outlet 20 opens at the rear main face 15. It could however be otherwise.

La ligne ℓ peut former tout type de motifs. Elle peut même s'étendre selon les trois dimensions de l'espace, c'est-à-dire ne pas rester dans un plan. Dans l'exemple représenté, la ligne ℓ s'étend dans un plan et longe globalement le bord de la glace 11. De ce fait, la galerie 18 comprend plusieurs tronçons, dont des tronçons rectilignes et des tronçons courbes pouvant former des coudes, comme c'est le cas dans l'exemple représenté. La ligne ℓ possède donc plusieurs courbures différentes sur sa longueur.Line ℓ can form any type of pattern. It can even extend according to the three dimensions of space, that is to say, not to remain in a plane. In the example shown, the line ℓ extends in a plane and runs generally along the edge of the ice 11. As a result, the gallery 18 comprises several sections, including straight sections and curved sections that can form elbows, such as this is the case in the example shown. The line ℓ thus has several different curvatures along its length.

Sauf au niveau de son entrée 19 et de sa sortie d'évacuation 20, la galerie 18 possède un diamètre D constant. Ce diamètre D pourrait ne pas être constant sur la longueur de la galerie 18. En outre, la galerie 18 pourrait ne pas avoir une section circulaire. Le diamètre hydraulique Dh est défini par la relation suivante : Dh = 4 A / P, où A est l'aire de la section de passage de la galerie et P est le périmètre de cette section. Le diamètre hydraulique constitue donc une notion pouvant être utilisée quelle que soit la forme de la section droite de la galerie 18. Il est égal au diamètre réel de la galerie 18 lorsque la section droite de celle-ci est circulaire. Le diamètre hydraulique moyen de la galerie 18 est avantageusement compris entre 25 µm et 2500 µm, et de préférence compris entre 300 µm et 450 µm. Dans l'exemple représenté, le diamètre hydraulique moyen de la galerie 18 est égal à son diamètre réel, qui est égal à 375 µm.Except at its inlet 19 and its discharge outlet 20, the gallery 18 has a constant diameter D. This diameter D may not be constant over the length of the gallery 18. In addition, the gallery 18 may not have a circular section. The hydraulic diameter D h is defined by the following relation: D h = 4 A / P, where A is the area of the passage section of the gallery and P is the perimeter of this section. The hydraulic diameter is therefore a notion that can be used regardless of the shape of the cross section of the gallery 18. It is equal to the actual diameter of the gallery 18 when the cross section of the latter is circular. The average hydraulic diameter of the gallery 18 is advantageously between 25 μm and 2500 μm, and preferably between 300 μm and 450 μm. In the example shown, the average hydraulic diameter of the gallery 18 is equal to its actual diameter, which is equal to 375 microns.

Outre la glace 11, le composant de pièce d'horlogerie 10 comporte un cordon 22 intérieur, fait d'un deuxième matériau durci dans la galerie 18, ainsi qu'on peut le voir aux figures 2 et 3. Ce deuxième matériau, c'est-à-dire le matériau du cordon 22, est luminescent. Par exemple, il peut s'agir du matériau luminescent commercialisé sous la marque commerciale Super-LumiNova (marque déposée), par la société Superluminova. Le matériau luminescent 23 du cordon 22 remplit et comble la galerie 18 sur tout ou partie de sa longueur, à partir de l'entrée 19.In addition to the lens 11, the timepiece component 10 comprises an interior cord 22, made of a second hardened material in the gallery 18, as can be seen at FIG. Figures 2 and 3 . This second material, that is to say the material of the bead 22, is luminescent. For example, it may be the luminescent material marketed under the trademark Super-LumiNova (registered trademark) by the company Superluminova. The luminescent material 23 cord 22 fills and fills the gallery 18 over all or part of its length, from the entrance 19.

Le composant de pièce d'horlogerie 10 est fabriqué en mettant en oeuvre un procédé de fabrication conforme à l'invention. Ce procédé de fabrication va maintenant être décrit en se référant aux figures 5 à 8 et dans le cas où il est utilisé pour fabriquer un composant de pièce d'horlogerie selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.The timepiece component 10 is manufactured using a manufacturing method according to the invention. This manufacturing process will now be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8 and in the case where it is used to manufacture a timepiece component according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Une ébauche 30 d'un seul tenant, faite de verre, est représentée seule à la figure 5. Un élément de verre, tel que la glace 111 représenté seul à la figure 6, est réalisé par enlèvement de matière, dans cette ébauche 30.A one-piece blank, made of glass, is shown alone at figure 5 . A glass element, such as ice-cream 111 represented alone at figure 6 , is made by removal of material, in this blank 30.

L'enlèvement de matière pour obtenir la glace 111 à partir de l'ébauche 30 est réalisé par une gravure laser, au moyen de laquelle on ménage une galerie intérieure 118 analogue à la galerie 18 et on façonne la surface extérieure de la glace 111. De manière connue en soi, la gravure laser comprend une altération du verre par un laser, puis une gravure chimique par laquelle est retiré le verre ayant été altéré à l'aide du laser. Toujours de manière connue, on transforme le faisceau de rayons parallèles du laser en un faisceau convergent de manière à obtenir une zone de convergence où l'énergie du laser est concentrée. A la zone de convergence du laser, on fait parcourir la région où l'on veut altérer le verre de manière qu'il soit ensuite retiré par la gravure chimique.The removal of material to obtain the ice 111 from the blank 30 is performed by a laser engraving, by means of which an inner gallery 118 is made similar to the gallery 18 and the outer surface of the ice 111 is shaped. In a manner known per se, the laser etching comprises an alteration of the glass by a laser, then a chemical etching by which the glass which has been altered with the aid of the laser is removed. Still in a known manner, the beam of parallel rays of the laser is transformed into a convergent beam so as to obtain a convergence zone where the energy of the laser is concentrated. At the laser convergence zone, the region where the glass is to be altered is scanned so that it is subsequently removed by chemical etching.

Sur la figure 6, la glace 111 a été réalisée à la forme voulue, par gravure laser. Elle possède une face principale avant 114 et une face principale arrière 115. La galerie 118 comporte une entrée 119 et une sortie d'évacuation 120 qui la mettent en communication avec l'extérieur. La galerie 118 est ménagée de manière à être fermée de manière hermétique par le verre de la glace 111 sur au moins une partie de sa longueur à partir de son entrée 119.On the figure 6 ice 111 was made to the desired shape by laser engraving. It has a front main face 114 and a rear main face 115. The gallery 118 has an inlet 119 and a discharge outlet 120 which put it in communication with the outside. The gallery 118 is arranged to be hermetically closed by the glass of ice 111 over at least part of its length from its inlet 119.

L'étape qui suit la gravure laser grâce à laquelle la glace 111 a été mise à la forme voulue est illustrée à la figure 7. Dans cette étape, du matériau luminescent 123 à l'état liquide ou pâteux, tel que celui commercialisé sous la dénommination commerciale Super-LumiNova, est introduit dans la galerie 118, par l'entrée 119. Lors de cela, de l'air atmosphérique, ou n'importe quel autre fluide initialement présent dans la galerie 118 et laissant place au matériau luminescent 123, s'échappe de cette galerie 118 par la sortie d'évacuation 120.The step following the laser engraving by which the ice 111 has been shaped to the desired shape is illustrated in FIG. figure 7 . In this step, luminescent material 123 in the liquid or pasty state, such as that marketed under the Super-LumiNova commercial denomination, is introduced into the gallery 118, through the inlet 119. In this, atmospheric air, or any other fluid initially present in the gallery 118 and leaving room for the luminescent material 123, escapes from this gallery 118 through the discharge outlet 120.

Dans l'exemple représenté, le matériau luminescent est plus précisément aspiré à partir de la sortie d'évacuation 120. Pour ce faire, la sortie d'évacuation 120 est raccordée à une enceinte 150 mise en dépression au moyen d'une pompe à vide 151. L'entrée 122 est raccordée à une réserve 152 de matériau luminescent 123. Toujours sur la figure 7, la flèche P symbolise la progression du front de matériau luminescent 123 dans la galerie 118, à l'écart de l'entrée 119 et vers la sortie d'évacuation 120.In the example shown, the luminescent material is more precisely sucked from the discharge outlet 120. To do this, the discharge outlet 120 is connected to an enclosure 150 put under vacuum by means of a vacuum pump 151. The inlet 122 is connected to a reserve 152 of luminescent material 123. Still on the figure 7 the arrow P symbolizes the progression of the luminescent material front 123 in the gallery 118, away from the inlet 119 and towards the discharge outlet 120.

Une fois que la galerie 118 a été comblée par du matériau luminescent 123 sur tout ou partie de sa longueur à partir de l'entrée 119, on fait ou on laisse durcir ce matériau luminescent 123 présent dans la galerie 118. Après cela, un composant de pièce d'horlogerie 110 selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention est achevé et comporte la glace 111 et un cordon 122 de matériau luminescent 123 durci dans la galerie 118. Le composant de pièce d'horlogerie 110 est alors tel qu'illustré à la figure 8. Son entrée 119 et sa sortie d'évacuation 120 peuvent ne pas être obturées de manière hermétique et le matériau luminescent 123 durci dans la galerie 118 peut alors être en contact avec l'air atmosphérique, ce qui est le cas dans le composant de pièce d'horlogerie 110 comme dans le composant de pièce d'horlogerie 10.Once the gallery 118 has been filled with luminescent material 123 over all or part of its length from the entrance 119, the luminescent material 123 is made or allowed to harden in the gallery 118. After that, a component timepiece 110 according to a second embodiment of the invention is completed and comprises the ice 111 and a bead 122 of luminescent material 123 cured in the gallery 118. The component timepiece 110 is then such that illustrated at figure 8 . Its inlet 119 and discharge outlet 120 may not be sealed and the luminescent material 123 cured in the gallery 118 may then be in contact with the atmospheric air, which is the case in the room component. 110 as in the timepiece component 10.

En particulier, aucune des galeries 18 et 118 ne renferme de gaz radioactif, tel que du tritium, ou une autre substance qui, par décomposition radioactive, émetrait un rayonnement excitant le matériau luminescent 123 de manière à lui faire émettre de la lumière par luminescence. Dès lors, aucune fermeture hermétique entre l'atmosphère et le matériau luminescent 23 ou 123 n'est nécessaire et les entrées 19 et 119 comme les sorties d'évacuation 20 et 120 peuvent ne pas être obturées hermétiquement. Par exemple, les matériaux luminescents 23 et 123 peuvent être plus précisément des matériaux phosphorescents et émettre un rayonnement visible dans l'obscurité après avoir été exposés à la lumière du jour ou bien à une lumière artificielle.In particular, none of the galleries 18 and 118 contain radioactive gas, such as tritium, or another substance which, by radioactive decomposition, emits radiation exciting the luminescent material 123 so as to cause it to emit light by luminescence. Therefore, no hermetic seal between the atmosphere and the luminescent material 23 or 123 is necessary and the inlets 19 and 119 as the discharge outlets 20 and 120 may not be sealed. For example, luminescent materials 23 and 123 may be more specifically phosphorescent materials and emit visible light in the dark after being exposed to daylight or artificial light.

L'invention ne se limite pas aux modes de réalisation décrits précédemment. En particulier, le matériau luminescent 23 ou 123 peut être injecté dans la galerie 18 ou 118, par l'entrée 19 ou 119, au lieu d'être aspiré depuis la sortie d'évacuation 20 ou 120.The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In particular, the luminescent material 23 or 123 may be injected into the gallery 18 or 118, through the inlet 19 or 119, instead of being sucked from the discharge outlet 20 or 120.

Par ailleurs, la galerie 18 ou 118 peut comprendre plusieurs branches, par exemple plusieurs branches disposées en étoile ou de manière à former une croix. En outre, la galerie 18 ou 118 peut déboucher en plus de deux endroits, au lieu de ne déboucher qu'au niveau d'une seule entrée et au niveau d'une seule sortie. Tel peut notamment être le cas lorsque la galerie 18 ou 118 comporte plusieurs branches disposées en étoile ou de manière à former une croix. De plus, toujours sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, le composant de pièce d'horlogerie peut comporter plusieurs galeries indépendantes remplies de matériau luminescent. Egalement, plusieurs matériaux luminescents différents, par exemple un matériau fluorescent et un matériau phosphorescent, peuvent être présents dans un composant de pièce d'horlogerie conforme à l'invention. Lorsque tel est le cas, ces matériaux luminescents différents peuvent se trouver dans la ou les mêmes galeries, par exemple à la suite les uns des autres, avec ou sans contact entre eux, ou chacun dans l'une de plusieurs galeries indépendantes entre elles.Furthermore, the gallery 18 or 118 may comprise several branches, for example several branches arranged in a star or so as to form a cross. In addition, the gallery 18 or 118 may open in more than two places, instead of only one entry and a single exit. This may especially be the case when the gallery 18 or 118 has several branches arranged in a star or so as to form a cross. In addition, still within the scope of the invention, the timepiece component may comprise a plurality of independent galleries filled with luminescent material. Also, several different luminescent materials, for example a fluorescent material and a phosphorescent material, may be present in a timepiece component according to the invention. When this is the case, these different luminescent materials may be in the same galleries or galleries, for example following each other, with or without contact between them, or each in one of several independently independent galleries.

Par ailleurs, le matériau luminescent 23 ou 123 peut être non durci dans la galerie 18 ou 118 et, par exemple, y être retenu moyennant une fermeture hermétique des entrée(s) et sortie(s) de cette galerie 18 ou 118. Par exemple, le matériau luminescent 23 ou 123 peut être liquide ou pâteux dans la galerie 18 ou 118, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.Furthermore, the luminescent material 23 or 123 may be uncured in the gallery 18 or 118 and, for example, be retained there by means of a hermetic closure of the entry (s) and exit (s) of this gallery 18 or 118. For example , the luminescent material 23 or 123 may be liquid or pasty in the gallery 18 or 118, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Par ailleurs, le composant de pièce d'horlogerie 10 et 110 peut constituer la glace d'une montre, c'est-à-dire la glace qui est fixée au boîtier de la montre et à travers laquelle l'heure indiquée par cette montre peut être lue. Lorsque c'est le cas, au moins une galerie 18 ou 118 peut former un index ou un chiffre de graduation horaire, un tel index ou un tel chiffre de graduation horaire étant normalement présent sur le cadran de montre.Furthermore, the timepiece component 10 and 110 may constitute the ice of a watch, that is to say the ice which is fixed to the watch case and through which the time indicated by this watch can be read. When this is the case, at least one gallery 18 or 118 may form an index or a number of hourly scale, such index or such hour scale being normally present on the watch face.

Par ailleurs, l'élément en un premier matériau est une glace 11 ou 111 dans les deux modes de réalisation de l'invention proposés précédemment. Toujours dans le cadre de l'invention, cet élément peut toutefois présenter une forme autre que celle d'une glace.Moreover, the element made of a first material is an ice 11 or 111 in the two embodiments of the invention proposed above. Still within the scope of the invention, this element may however have a shape other than that of an ice cream.

Claims (17)

  1. Timepiece component, comprising an element (11 ; 111) made of at least a first material, which is a non-opaque material, characterized in that it comprises at least a second material (23 ; 123) inside at least one gallery (18 ; 118) formed in the element (11 ; 111) so as to comprise at least one entrance (19 ; 119) for this second material (23 ; 123) as well as at least one discharge outlet (20 ; 120), and to be hermetically sealed by the first material of the element (11 ; 111) over at least a part of its length, the second material (23 ; 123) being luminescent, the gallery (18 ; 118) being devoid of any substance which, by radioactive decomposition, emits radiation for exciting the luminescent properties of the luminescent material (23 ; 123).
  2. Timepiece component according to claim 1, characterized in that the element is a transparent glass (11 ; 111) having two opposite main surfaces (14, 15 ; 114 ; 115) and a constant or non-constant thickness (e) between these two opposite main surfaces (14, 15 ; 114, 115).
  3. Timepiece component according to claim 2, characterized in that the second material (23 ; 123) borne by the glass (11 ; 111) is located at one or more regions.
  4. Timepiece component according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the two opposite main surfaces (14, 15 ; 114, 115) of the glass (11 ; 111) is at least partially devoid of any opaque screen, the second material (23 ; 123) borne by the glass (11 ; 111) being located at one or more regions whose total area as seen from one of the two opposite main surfaces (14, 15 ; 114, 115) of the glass (11 ; 111) is less than half of the average area of these two opposite main surfaces (14, 15 ; 114, 115).
  5. Timepiece component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (11 ; 111) is a one-piece element.
  6. Timepiece component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material is a phosphorescent material (23 ; 123).
  7. Timepiece component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material (23 ; 123) is a material having hardened inside the gallery (18 ; 118).
  8. Timepiece component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gallery (18 ; 118) is filled by the second material (23 ; 123) over at least part of its length.
  9. Timepiece component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first material is of glass.
  10. Timepiece component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gallery (18 ; 118) comprises a plurality of successive sections of different curvatures.
  11. Timepiece component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material (23 ; 123) present in the gallery (18 ; 118) is in contact with the atmosphere, in the absence of hermetic sealing between the atmosphere and this second material (23 ; 123) present in the gallery (18 ; 118).
  12. Timepiece component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the average hydraulic diameter of the gallery (18 ; 118) ranges between 25 µm and 2500 µm.
  13. Timepiece, characterized in that it comprises a timepiece component (10 ; 110) according to at least one of the preceding claims.
  14. Method of manufacturing a timepiece component (10 ; 110) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 12, comprising at least the step in which :
    b) one fills at least partially the gallery (18 ; 118) of the element (11 ; 111) with the second material (23 ; 123), by making this second material (23 ; 123) enter in liquid or paste form through the said entrance (19 ; 119) of the gallery (18 ; 118) and by leaving the discharge outlet (20 ; 120) of the gallery open in such a way that fluid, for example air, initially present in the gallery (18 ; 118), can exit from this gallery through the discharge outlet (20 ; 120).
  15. Manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein the element (11 ; 111) is made of glass, the manufacturing method comprising a step which precedes step b) and in which :
    a) one creates the gallery (18 ; 118) in the glass by means of laser engraving, including alteration of the glass of the element (11 ; 111), by a laser, at a zone corresponding to the gallery, then a chemical etching removing the glass altered by the laser.
  16. Manufacturing method according to at least one of the claims 14 and 15, comprising a step which follows step b) and in which :
    c) one hardens, or allows to harden, in place the second material (23 ; 123) in the gallery (18 ; 118).
  17. Manufacturing method according to at least one of the claims 14 to 16, in step b) of which one suctions the second material (23 ; 123) in the gallery (18 ; 118), from the discharge outlet (20 ; 120) connected to a suction device (150, 151).
EP17208171.3A 2016-12-22 2017-12-18 Timepiece component, timepiece and method of manufacturing this timepiece component Active EP3339975B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH01710/16A CH713275A1 (en) 2016-12-22 2016-12-22 Non-opaque timepiece component with luminescent effect and its manufacturing process.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3339975A1 EP3339975A1 (en) 2018-06-27
EP3339975B1 true EP3339975B1 (en) 2019-05-15

Family

ID=58744930

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17208171.3A Active EP3339975B1 (en) 2016-12-22 2017-12-18 Timepiece component, timepiece and method of manufacturing this timepiece component

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3339975B1 (en)
CH (1) CH713275A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH697210A5 (en) * 2003-04-01 2008-06-25 Artecad Sa Dial.
US20070287028A1 (en) * 2006-06-09 2007-12-13 Wilfried Hedderich Self-illuminating glazing panels
CH701885B1 (en) * 2009-09-18 2016-03-15 Preciflex Sa Wristwatch.
AT513324B1 (en) * 2012-08-28 2015-01-15 Mb Microtec Ag Method for producing a self-luminous body and self-luminous body
WO2016038446A1 (en) * 2014-09-11 2016-03-17 Preciflex Sa System for providing an indication using a meniscus mobilizer and elastic reservoirs, and methods, indicators and timepieces related thereto

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH713275A1 (en) 2018-06-29
EP3339975A1 (en) 2018-06-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3114534B1 (en) Watch with decorative element
EP2084585B1 (en) Timepiece with an illumination system comprising an ultraviolet light emitting diode
EP2549340B1 (en) Method for attaching a trim to a clock casing element and casing element manufactured according to said method
EP2145237A2 (en) Timepiece component and method for making same
EP0098240B1 (en) Watch case
EP2271232A1 (en) Portable object with decorative effect
EP1862873A1 (en) Display unit for a portable instrument, such as a watch
CH705944A2 (en) Method for manufacturing component e.g. anchor pallet, of timepiece, involves modifying structure of zone of substrate by laser so as to make zone more selective, and chemically engraving zone to selectively manufacture component
CH707326B1 (en) Mobile watchmaker for mysterious watch.
EP2653939A1 (en) Dial for a clock piece
EP3339975B1 (en) Timepiece component, timepiece and method of manufacturing this timepiece component
EP2392977B1 (en) Timepiece with special aesthetic effects
EP3220207B1 (en) Display system for a timepiece
EP1862874A2 (en) Display unit for a portable instrument, such as a watch
EP1566687B1 (en) Backlight device for display element
EP3570118A1 (en) Pin for attaching a hairspring of a clockwork movement and method for manufacturing such a pin
CH694351A5 (en) A method of manufacturing electroluminescent lamps and apparatus produced by this method.
CH714643B1 (en) Decorated component integrating at least one ornamental element for timepieces or jewellery.
CH716692B1 (en) Process for manufacturing a component, typically watchmaking, in silicon.
EP2360537A1 (en) Method and device for fixing a sheet of glass with counter-blade
CH715440A2 (en) Illuminated display device.
CH716645B1 (en) Process for manufacturing a clothing component for a timepiece or piece of jewelery and clothing component made of a coated material of natural origin.
CH701328A2 (en) Timepiece e.g. electronic wristwatch, has light source housed in interior volume of watch case, and producing light that passes through transparent or translucent portion such as middle, of casing element
CH713123B1 (en) A method of manufacturing a watch component and a watch component obtained by such processes.
CH717409B1 (en) Silicon part for watchmaking and process for manufacturing such a part.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20180810

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: G04B 45/00 20060101ALI20181130BHEP

Ipc: G04B 19/32 20060101AFI20181130BHEP

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20190124

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602017003980

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20190515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190915

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190815

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190816

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190815

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1134175

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190515

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602017003980

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20200218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602017003980

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20191231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191218

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191218

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191231

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200701

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190915

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20171218

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190515

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20211218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20211218

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20240101

Year of fee payment: 7