EP3811159A2

EP3811159A2 - Wake-up mechanism and timepiece comprising such a mechanism

Info

Publication number: EP3811159A2
Application number: EP19744847.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pascal HUMAIR; Julien Giacobino
Original assignee: Patek Philippe SA Geneve
Current assignee: Patek Philippe SA Geneve
Priority date: 2018-06-20
Filing date: 2019-06-07
Publication date: 2021-04-28
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-07
Also published as: WO2019243942A2; WO2019243942A3; EP3811159B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a wake-up mechanism for a timepiece, which can be either in an activated state or in a deactivated state, and which comprises a striking mechanism, a barrel (14) having a mainspring and a rotary input/output member (79, 17), the mainspring being arranged so as to disarm by driving the striking mechanism as a result of a trigger of the latter, a manually controlled mechanism arranged to alternately activate and deactivate the wake-up mechanism, a trigger system arranged to control the triggering of the striking mechanism at a preprogrammed time, if the wake-up mechanism is in the activated state, and a winding of the striking mechanism comprising a control rod (117) and a disengageable kinematic link (119, 121, 125, 127, 129, 131) connecting the control rod to the input/output member (79, 17) of the barrel (14). The wake-up mechanism is characterized in that it further comprises means (59A, 133, 139, 143) for keeping the kinematic link disengaged when the wake-up mechanism is in the activated state.

Description

Alarm mechanism and timepiece comprising

such a mechanism

The present invention relates to a wake-up mechanism for a mechanical timepiece, and more particularly to such a wake-up mechanism that can be selectively set to the “activated” (ON) state or to the “disabled” (OFF) state, the ringing mechanism being arranged so as not to be triggered at the preprogrammed time when the alarm mechanism is in the deactivated state, the alarm mechanism comprising:

- a striking mechanism;

a barrel comprising a drum, a barrel shaft and a mainspring housed in the drum, the mainspring being secured to the drum by a first end and secured to the barrel shaft by its second end, the barrel comprising a rotary input / output member secured either to the drum or to the barrel shaft, and the mainspring being arranged to disarm, following the triggering of the striking mechanism, by driving the striking mechanism via the rotary input / output member;

- a manually controlled mechanism arranged to alternately activate and deactivate the alarm mechanism;

- a trigger system arranged to control the triggering of the ringing mechanism at a preprogrammed time, if the alarm mechanism is in the activated state;

- a ring winder comprising a rotary control rod and a disengageable kinematic link connecting the control rod to the rotary input / output member of the barrel to allow the control rod to arm the mainspring of the barrel.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such an alarm mechanism. PRIOR ART

Users of complicated timepieces in general, and more specifically users of timepieces that meet the definition given in the preamble, do not always have a good understanding of how they work. It often happens that inadvisable handling is carried out despite the warnings. For example, if the striking mechanism of a timepiece comprising a wake-up mechanism is actuated while the striking mechanism has just been triggered, this manipulation is liable to deteriorate elements, either of the striking mechanism, or of the winding mechanism.

Patent document EP 1 933 212 proposes to remedy the above problem by providing a timepiece comprising a striking mechanism and an isolation lever arranged to prevent any operation of reassembling the barrel during striking. A disadvantage of this prior solution is that the isolation lever does not prevent the ringing from being triggered when the control rod of the ringing winder is already kinematically connected to the rotary input / output member of the barrel. However, in such a case, the ringing cannot take place normally. It may even freeze completely.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art which have just been explained. The present invention achieves this and other objects by providing a wake-up mechanism according to claim 1 appended hereto.

In accordance with the invention, the alarm mechanism includes means for disengaging the kinematic connection between the control rod and the rotary input / output member of the barrel when the alarm mechanism is in the activated state. In addition, the striking mechanism is arranged so as not to activate at the preprogrammed time when the alarm mechanism is in the deactivated state. It will therefore be understood that, thanks to the characteristics of the invention, the ringing does not risk being triggered while the control rod of the ringing winder is kinematically connected to the rotary input / output member of the barrel, and therefore in particular that there is no risk of it triggering when the reassembly of the ring barrel is in progress.

According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the alarm mechanism includes an automatic device arranged to stop the ringing and to deactivate the alarm mechanism, when the driving of the ringing mechanism causes the disarming of the mainspring until below a first predefined threshold value. It will be understood that, thanks to this characteristic, the striking mechanism is always stopped when the alarm mechanism is in the deactivated state. It is therefore not possible to use the alarm clock while the alarm rings.

In accordance with a preferred variant of the invention, the alarm mechanism includes an isolator arranged to neutralize the activation function of the alarm mechanism by the manual control mechanism, when the degree of winding of the mainspring is less than a second predefined threshold value, the second threshold value being higher than the first threshold value. It will be understood that, thanks to this characteristic, it is always possible to reassemble the striking barrel when necessary, since the alarm mechanism is never in the activated state when the mainspring is disarmed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a plan view on the dial side of a wristwatch comprising an alarm mechanism according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2A is a partial plan view of the alarm mechanism of the wristwatch of Figure 1, showing more particularly the shaft and the mainspring which form part of the striking barrel, as well as the stopping and logical system;

- Figure 2B is a block diagram of the operation of the stopping of the alarm mechanism of the wristwatch of Figure 1;

- Figures 3A and 3B are schematic top plan views showing the trigger system of the alarm mechanism of the wristwatch of Figure 1, the alarm mechanism being in the activated state; and the two figures respectively illustrating the system before triggering and just after triggering;

- Figure 4A is a schematic bottom plan view showing the ringing mechanism of the alarm mechanism of the wristwatch of Figure 1, the alarm mechanism being in the deactivated state and the control rod of the ringing mechanism being shown kinematically connected to the rotary input / output member of the barrel;

- Figure 4B is a schematic bottom plan view similar to that of Figure 4A, the alarm mechanism being in the activated state and the kinematic connection between the winding control rod and the input / output member rotary barrel being shown while it is disengaged;

- Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic top plan views illustrating three phases of the operation of the automatic mechanism arranged to deactivate the alarm mechanism of the wristwatch of Figure 1 when the mainspring has disarmed until 'below a first predefined threshold value; - Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are schematic bottom plan views showing the manual control mechanism arranged to alternately switch the alarm mechanism of the wristwatch of Figure 1 from the activated state to the deactivated state and vice versa, and further showing the isolator arranged to neutralize the activation function of the alarm mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 attached is a plan view on the dial side of an alarm watch according to a particular embodiment of the invention. The alarm watch shown will now be described by limiting itself to the essential aspects of the invention and leaving aside a large number of details which do not directly concern the invention. The watch in Figure 1 has a winding crown (referenced 11) which protrudes from the middle of the watch approximately at 4 o'clock. The crown 11 is arranged so as to allow the striking barrel to be raised by rotating it, in the pushed-back position, clockwise. In the pulled position, the winding crown 11 also makes it possible to correct the alarm time. The alarm time is displayed, in digital form, in two counters (referenced 3 and 5) which are arranged side by side in the dial at 12 o'clock. The alarm watch illustrated in FIG. 1 also includes a push-piece (referenced 13) which protrudes from the middle approximately 2 hours. This pusher is provided to allow manual actuation of a mechanism arranged to alternately activate and deactivate the watch's awakening mechanism. This manual control mechanism preferably further comprises an activation indicator member which is designed to indicate whether the alarm mechanism is in the "activated" state or in the "deactivated" state. In the present example, an indicator member of this type is arranged to appear in a third small window of the dial (referenced 7). Window 7 is set up at 12 noon between the first two windows 3 and 5 and the hour turn.

According to the invention, the alarm mechanism includes a striking mechanism (not shown) and a motor spring 15 (FIG. 2A) arranged to disarm by driving the striking mechanism following a triggering of the latter. Conventionally, the mainspring 15 which is exclusively dedicated to the actuation of the bell is arranged in a barrel 14 which also includes a rotary input / output member. When the mainspring 15 disarms, it drives the striking mechanism via the rotary input / output member and a gear train. In the embodiment shown, the rotary input / output member is constituted by a barrel shaft 79 which is integral with one of the ends of the mainspring and by a toothed wheel 17, the toothed wheel being rigidly fixed on the barrel tree. The barrel 14 also drives an inertia brake (not shown) which is designed to regulate its unwinding and therefore the frequency of the "ringing" blows. The cog that connects the barrel to the inertia brake is called the "little cog." This type of arrangement is known as such. It will therefore not be described further in the present description which voluntarily leaves out a large number of details which can be taken from the state of the art and which do not directly relate to the invention. With regard to the striking mechanisms in particular, a relevant description can be found, for example in the book "Clock Theory" (pages 222-224).

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 2A, the striking barrel 14 of the alarm mechanism which is the subject of the present description is equipped with a stop. Stoppers are devices which are known to those skilled in the art as such. In a timepiece, stopping serves on the one hand to limit the number of winding turns of the barrel during reassembly, and it also serves to prevent the motor spring from disarming completely. FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the operation of the shutdown of the awakening mechanism of the present example. The operating principle of the stop shown is similar to that of a traditional Maltese cross stop. However, the illustrated stop has the distinction of being staged on two levels. The arrangement on two levels has the advantage of saving space in width. FIG. 2B shows a portion of disc 81 and a finger 83 which are both fixed on the barrel shaft (not shown in FIG. 2B, but visible and referenced 79 in FIG. 2A). FIG. 2B also shows a partially toothed mobile 85 at two levels which is pivoted on a fixed shaft mounted on a bridge (not shown) near the barrel. The first level of the mobile 85 is constituted by a partial star 87 which is arranged to cooperate with the finger 83, and the second level is constituted by a cam 89 arranged to cooperate with the disc portion 81. It can be seen that the cam 89 has a circular portion 91 and two concave portions 93a and 93b.

Seen from above, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the direction in which the shaft 79 must be rotated in order to raise the barrel is clockwise, and therefore conversely, the barrel disarms by rotating the barrel shaft counterclockwise. It will therefore be understood that the angular position of the stopping mobile 85 in FIGS. 2A and 2B corresponds to the situation where the mainspring 15 is fully armed. As can be seen, in this configuration, the stop blocks the rotation of the barrel shaft clockwise by bracing on the straight side of the disc portion 81 against the cam 89 at the end of the circular portion 91 which adjoins the concave portion 93a. In this configuration, the barrel is however free to disarm by driving the shaft 79 counterclockwise.

When the mainspring 15 disarms by driving the barrel shaft, it drives the finger 83 in rotation, so that the latter advances the star 87 by one step at each revolution. When the stopping mobile 85 has pivoted by 60 °, the mainspring 15 having caused the barrel shaft 79 to complete two full turns by disarming, the latter locks again due, this time to the straight side bracing of the disc portion 81 against the end of the circular portion 91 which adjoins the concave portion 93b. The stop thus prevents the barrel from disarming further. It will also be understood that the angular position of the stopping mobile 85 is a function of the degree of winding of the mainspring 15 and that, in the example illustrated, an angle of 60 ° separates the maximum winding position from the position minimum armament.

According to the invention, the alarm mechanism comprises a triggering system provided for controlling the triggering of the striking mechanism at a programmed time, provided that the alarm mechanism is activated. FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic plan views of the triggering system of the alarm mechanism of the watch in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the alarm mechanism is in the "activated" state, then that it is in the “deactivated” state in FIG. 3C, the triggering system then being locked. The first of these three figures shows the system before the preprogrammed trigger time, and the second shows it just after the trigger. Finally, the third figure shows the trigger system just after the programmed time, the alarm mechanism being in the "deactivated" state. In the three figures, we can see an alarm blocking lever 33 rotatably mounted on a pivot 34 and provided with a first arm arranged to cooperate with a toothed mobile 18 which is part of the small train, a trigger cam 21 provided a notch 23, and a trigger lever 25 pivoted about an axis 27 and provided with a spout 29 which is biased against the cam 21 by a return spring 31. It can also be seen that the distal end of the rocker 25 carries a pin 32 arranged to cooperate with a second arm of the alarm locking lever 33. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first arm of the lever 33 is inserted into the teeth of a four-star branches 19 of the mobile 18. The mobile 18 is therefore blocked so that the entry / exit member of the barrel 14 cannot rotate. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3B, the first arm of the lever 33 is held separated from the teeth of the star 19, so that the mobile 18 is free to rotate, the barrel then being free to disarm by driving the striking mechanism.

The cam 21 is connected to the finishing train (not shown) of the watch so as to be driven to rotate counterclockwise (the cam being seen from the angle shown in the figures). In accordance with the embodiment which is the subject of this example, the cam 21 performs one revolution in twenty-four hours. According to the invention, the alarm mechanism also includes an adjustment system, which may be of a known type, and which makes it possible to adjust the angular position of the cam 21 so that the notch 23 is in face of the spout 29 at a programmed wake-up time.

The operating principle of the trigger mechanism of the striking mechanism is as follows. At the programmed wake-up time, the spout 29 suddenly drops into the notch 23, which causes the trigger rocker 25 to rotate about its axis 27 counterclockwise. Driven by the rocker, the pin 32 rotates the locking lever of the alarm 33 clockwise, which has the effect of releasing the mobile 18. The barrel is then free to rotate by driving the striking mechanism.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C also show a column wheel 41 and a control lever 35. The column wheel of the present example is double. It is very close to the back-to-back assembly of two column wheels of classic design. The column wheel 41 essentially consists of a ratchet wheel 57, a first batch of six teeth or columns 59 carried edged by the ratchet on the upper face of its board, and a second batch of six teeth or columns 59A carried on edge by the ratchet on the underside of its board (only the first batch of columns is visible in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C). The columns have a cross section substantially in the shape of a truncated triangle. We can also see that the ratchet has 12 teeth (two teeth for each column of a batch). It is indeed a two-stroke column wheel. When not actuated, the wheel columns 41 is held in a stable angular position by a jumper spring 58, the end of which presses against the ratchet wheel. The control lever 35, for its part, is pivoted about an axis 37. It can also be seen that it is provided with a spout 39 and a pin 45. The spout 39 is biased against the columns 59 of the column wheel 41 by a return spring 43, and the pin 45 is arranged to cooperate with a foot 47 which is provided with the trigger lever 25, so as to allow locking or unlocking the trigger system.

By first referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, it can be seen that they both show the column wheel 41 oriented so as to allow the spout 39 of the lever 35 to lower between two columns 59 under the action of the spring 43. If now, the ratchet wheel 57 of the column wheel 41 is pivoted by a tooth, one of the columns pushes the spout 39 so that it lifts and comes to rest against the column as shown in Figure 3C. It will be understood that the raising of the spout 39 causes the pivoting of the rocker 35 in a counterclockwise direction. The column wheel 41 is a two-stroke column wheel. Thus, if the column wheel is then further pivoted by an additional step, the column 59 against which the spout 39 rests is released, and the spout again descends between two columns actuated by the spring 43. This new movement causes the pivoting of the rocker 35 in the other direction, clockwise.

As already mentioned, the control lever 35 includes a pin 45 which is arranged to cooperate with a foot 47 of the trigger lever 25. However, when the lever 35 is lowered between two columns as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the pin 45 is kept away from the path of the foot 47, and therefore cannot prevent the pivoting of the trigger lever 25 in one direction or the other. It will be understood that the trigger system is then unlocked. On the other hand, when subsequently, the column wheel 41 is incremented by one step, the pivoting of the control lever 35 counterclockwise is accompanied by a displacement of the pin 45 in the direction of the foot 47. In this new position illustrated in FIG. 3C, the pin 45 is in the path of the foot 47, so that 'it blocks the pivoting of the trigger lever 25 counterclockwise. It will be understood that the trigger system is then locked so that the spout 29 of the trigger lever 25 is unable to lower itself into the notch 23 of the trigger cam 21 when the programmed time arrives. The striking mechanism therefore cannot simply be triggered when the column wheel 41 is in the angular position illustrated in FIG. 3C.

It will be understood from the above that the angular position of the control lever 35 determines whether the wake-up mechanism is in the "activated" state or in the "deactivated" state. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the alarm mechanism of the present example also comprises an activation indicator member arranged to indicate whether the alarm mechanism is in the "activated" state or in the "deactivated state ". In the present example, the activation indicator member is controlled by the control lever 35 and, as already mentioned, it is arranged to appear in a window referenced 7 (FIG. 1).

It will also be noted that, if the position of the column wheel 41 is incremented by one step in order to switch the alarm mechanism from the “activated” state to the “deactivated” state while the beak 29 of the rocker 25 is lowered into the notch 23 of the cam 21, the mainspring 15 being disarmed by driving the striking mechanism, the pin 45 of the control lever 35 is advanced in the direction of the foot 47 of the trigger flip-flop 25. The striking mechanism being triggered, flip-flop 25 is at this point in the position shown in FIG. 3B. In this position, the foot 47 is on the path of the pin 45. The pin 45 therefore pushes the trigger lever 25 which thus returns to the position shown in FIG. 3C by causing the buzzer to stop.

According to the invention, the alarm mechanism also includes a striking winder comprising a rotary control rod and a disengageable kinematic link which connects the control rod to the rotary input / output member of the barrel so as to allow the control rod to arm the mainspring of the barrel. FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic partial plan views of the alarm mechanism which is the subject of the present example. These figures show more particularly the striking winder. It can be seen that the latter conventionally comprises a control rod (referenced 117) movable axially between a winding position and a position for correcting the alarm time. It should be noted, however, that, according to a variant, the control rod could only be movable in rotation, without the possibility of sliding axially. One is the other of these two arrangements are known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in more detail.

The winder of the present example also comprises a winding pinion 119, a crown mobile 121 arranged in the axis of the rod 117 so as to be driven by the latter, an intermediate ratchet gear 127 arranged to be driven by the mobile of crown, and a winding lever 125 arranged to pivot around an axis (not referenced). As shown in the figures, the intermediate gear 127 is mounted idly on the rocker 125 in the eccentric position, and the crown mobile 121 is arranged concentrically with the pivot axis of the rocker 125. This arrangement allows the intermediate ratchet gear 127 permanently mesh with the crown mobile 121, so that the latter can kinematically connect the control rod 117 to the intermediate gear 127 independently of the pivoting of the lever. This is the reason why the crown mobile 121 and the intermediate gear 127 will also be called hereafter the driving mobile and the driven mobile. FIGS. 4A and 4B also show the rotary input / output mobile of the striking barrel 14, which is constituted by the toothed wheel 17 and the barrel shaft 79. It can also be seen that the toothed wheel 17 is engaged with a gear train formed by two references 129 and 131 which are intended to allow the barrel 14 to be raised. As already mentioned, the winding lever 125 is pivotally mounted around a axis (not referenced) which coincides with the axis of the crown mobile 121. The winding lever is thus capable of moving between a first extreme angular position illustrated in FIG. 4A and a second extreme angular position illustrated in FIG. 4B. We can see that when the rocker 125 is in the first extreme position, the intermediate gear 127 meshes with the gear 129, while when it is in the second position, the gear 127 and 129 are disengaged one of the 'other. It will be understood from the above that when the lever is in the first extreme position, the control rod 1 17 is kinematically connected to the rotary input / output member of the barrel 14, so that it is possible to arm the mainspring 15 of the barrel (FIG. 2A) by rotating the rod 11, and it will be understood that, on the other hand, when the lever is in the second extreme position, the kinematic connection between the winding control rod and the rotary input / output member of barrel 14 is disengaged.

The operation of the disengageable kinematic link which connects the control rod 1 17 to the rotary input / output member 79, 17 of the barrel is as follows. According to the direction of rotation of the control rod 1 17, the crown mobile 121 (or driving mobile) is driven in one direction or the other. The driving mobile itself drives the intermediate gear 127 (or driven mobile) in rotation. In a manner known per se, the frictions occurring between the rocker 125 and the driven mobile 127 have the effect of rotating the rocker 125 towards one or the other of its two extreme positions according to the direction of rotation of the mobile leading 121. Thus, a user who rotates the control rod in a first direction brings the rocker 125 to the first position extreme angular. If the user then continues to rotate the control rod in the same direction, it causes the intermediate gear 127 to mesh with the gear 129. If the user then continues to rotate the control rod in the same direction, it raises the striking barrel 14 by arming the mainspring 15. If on the contrary, the user turns the control rod in the opposite direction, the intermediate gear 127 moves away from the gear 129 while the rocker pivots in the direction from its second extreme angular position.

In accordance with the invention, the alarm mechanism includes means for keeping the kinematic connection between the control rod 1 17 and the rotary input / output member 79, 17 of the barrel disengaged when the alarm mechanism is in the state activated. These declutching means which are controlled by the column wheel 41 are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. These figures indeed show a locking lever 133 mounted to pivot about an axis 135, and a stop lever 139 itself pivoted about an axis 141. The locking lever 133 comprises a first arm which ends in a spout which is biased against the column wheel 41, and a second arm which carries a pin 137 intended to cooperate with a first end of the stop lever 139. The lever 139 also has a second end which is arranged to cooperate with a finger 143 which has the winding lever 125.

When the beak of the locking lever 133 is lowered between two columns 59A of the column wheel 41 (as illustrated in FIG. 4A), and the column wheel is then incremented by one step, the locking lever pivots in clockwise. The pivoting of the rocker 133 causes the displacement of the pin 137 which pushes the stop lever 139 by making it rotate counterclockwise. The pivoting of the lever 139 itself has the effect of pushing the finger 143 of the winding lever, so that the lever 125 pivots clockwise in the direction of the second extreme angular position. By pivoting, the rocker 125 separates the intermediate gear 127 from the gear 129 which causes the disengagement of the kinematic link between the control rod 1 17 and the rotary input / output member of the barrel 14. It will further be understood that the kinematic connection is then kept disengaged as long as the column wheel 41 is not incremented. It is therefore not possible to reassemble the ringer when the alarm mechanism is in the activated state.

When the beak of the locking lever 133 is in abutment against one of the columns 59A of the column wheel 41 (as illustrated in FIG. 4B), and the column wheel is incremented by one step, the column against which rests the beak of the blocking lever is released, and the beak then descends between two columns making the rocker rotate counterclockwise. The pivoting of the lever 133 counterclockwise causes the pin 137 to recede and the release of the stop lever 139. In this situation, a user who rotates the control rod 1 17 in the corresponding direction can rotate the rocks 125 counterclockwise, so as to bring it back to the first extreme angular position. By pivoting counterclockwise, the winding lever 125 causes the stop lever 139 to pivot clockwise in the direction of the pin 137.

In accordance with the advantageous embodiment of the invention which is the subject of the present description, the alarm mechanism comprises an automatic system arranged to deactivate it when the mainspring has disarmed up to a first predefined threshold value. Referring again to FIG. 2A, it can be seen that the stopping mobile 85 shown has four different levels. The two lower levels are, as we have seen, a star 87 and a cam 89 which together constitute the actual stopper (Fig. 2B). The third level of the mobile 85 is constituted by a first logic cam 61 which is rigidly fixed on the first two levels in the coaxial position. Finally, the stopping mobile 85 also comprises a fourth level formed mainly by a second logic cam 95 which is pivotally mounted in a coaxial position over the first logic cam 61. Always referring in FIG. 2A, it can be seen that the board of the second logic cam is pierced with an oblong 97 which defines an arc of a circle concentric with the pivot axis of the cam. It can also be seen that the first logic cam 61 carries a pin 99 which is arranged to slide in the oblong 97. The presence of this oblong allows the second logic cam 95 to pivot relative to the rest of the stopper 85 to l inside an angular sector the extent of which is limited by the two ends of the oblong 97. FIG. 2A also shows a latching pin 101 which is arranged in an opening of the first logic cam 61 so as to press against the underside of the second logic cam 95 to maintain the latter in friction in one of its two extreme angular positions.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic plan views illustrating three phases of the operation of the above-mentioned automatic system. Referring to the three above-mentioned figures, it can be seen that the second logic cam 95, which is mounted on the stopping mobile 85, comprises a first profile portion 111 with constant radius and a second profile portion 115 which is hollow . The three figures also show the column wheel 41 with its ratchet 57 immobilized by the jumper 58, and a rocker 103 with instantaneous triggering which is pivoted by one end around an axis 105. We can see more than the rocker with triggering instantaneous carries a pawl 109 which is provided to actuate the ratchet 57 of the column wheel 41, and which is fixed to the end of the rocker 103 farthest from the pivot axis 105. Finally, the rocker with instantaneous release is also provided with a roller 107 which is biased against the second logic cam 95 by a return spring 113.

The configuration illustrated in FIG. 5A corresponds to the situation where the barrel spring is fully armed. We can see that in this configuration, the caster 107 is in abutment against the profile portion 111 at constant radius of the cam 95. Then, when the striking mechanism is triggered and the barrel spring disarms, the stopping mobile 85 successively takes two steps of 30 ° clockwise. The second logic cam 95 remains integral in rotation with the rest of the stopping mobile 85 during the first step of 30 °. Indeed, the pin 99 is then located at one end of the oblong 97, and it prevents the second logic cam 95 from pivoting relative to the rest of the stopper 85 in a counterclockwise direction. Under these conditions, the roller 107 rolls against the profile portion 1 1 1.

At a certain point during the second 30 ° step, the caster 107 arrives at the end of the profile portion 1 1 1 at constant radius (this situation is shown in FIG. 5B). Referring more particularly to this figure, it can be understood that at the moment when the point of contact between the wheel 107 and the cam 95 leaves the profile portion at constant radius, the force with which the wheel 107 presses against the edge of the second logic cam 95 ceases to be oriented radially, but turns on the contrary so as to exert on the cam 95 a force which tends to rotate it clockwise. Provided that the return spring 11 has been chosen strong enough, the tangential component of the force ejects the second logic cam, causing the profile portion to be erased at constant radius. The roller 107 then suddenly plunges into the hollow profile portion 1 15 by rotating the rocker 103 with instantaneous release counterclockwise. When the rocker 103 pivots, the pawl 109 is taken with it in a direction tangent to the ratchet wheel 57, so that the pawl 109 engages with a tooth of the ratchet and increments the column wheel by one step 41 . The result of this incrementation is to deactivate the wake-up mechanism.

According to the invention, the alarm mechanism includes a manually controlled mechanism arranged to change it alternately from the activated state to the deactivated state and vice versa. Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are schematic bottom plan views of this mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the manually operated mechanism operates by advancing one step the column wheel 41 each time the wearer of the watch actuates a push button (referenced 13 in Figure 1). It can be seen in FIG. 6A that the column wheel 41 is under the action of a pawl 55 arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 57. The pawl 55 is pivotally mounted on one of the ends of a lever 51. When the push-button 13 (not shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C) is actuated, its front end moves along a rectilinear path (indicated by arrow A) by pushing the control lever 51, so that the latter pivots around an axis 53. A return spring (not shown) is also provided to return the control lever 51 backwards, as soon as the wearer of the watch releases his pressure on the push button 13 It can therefore be understood that each pressure exerted on the pusher has the effect of displacing the pawl 55 so as to advance the column wheel 41 by the angular value of a ratchet tooth (30 °), and that the successive pressures on the push button 13 have the effect of gradually increment the angular position of the column wheel 41.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wake-up mechanism comprises an isolator arranged to neutralize the activation function of the wake-up mechanism by the manual control mechanism when the degree of winding of the mainspring is less than a second predefined threshold value. Referring again to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, a first logic cam 61 and an isolator 63 can be seen. The first logic cam 61 is mounted coaxially on the stop mobile 85 (visible in FIGS. 2A and 2B) so that it pivots together with the latter. It can also be seen that the first logic cam has several circular sectors separated from each other by shoulders. The insulator 63 is in the form of a rocker which is pivoted about an axis 65 and which is provided with a cam follower spout 67 which is biased against the profile of the first logic cam 61 by a spring which is integrated in the isolator. The insulator 63 is also provided with a second spout 69 intended to cooperate with the columns 59A of the second batch of columns of the column wheel 41. Finally, the insulator 63 carries a pin 71 at its end furthest from the axis 65. It can also be specified that the insulator 63 is arranged, with respect to to the column wheel 41, such that the spout 69 is in abutment against one of the columns 59A (FIGS. 6A and 6B) when the alarm mechanism is in the activated state. And conversely, the spout 69 is located opposite the space between two columns 59A (FIG. 6C) when the alarm mechanism is in the deactivated state.

Referring first to FIG. 6A, it can be seen that the logic cam 61 is shown in an angular position such that the spout 67 of the insulator 63 is in abutment against a portion of circular profile 61a of the cam. Recall that the angular position of the logic cam 61 is representative of the degree of winding of the mainspring. In addition, if the logic cam is rotated so that the spout 67 of the insulator 63 is opposite the portion of circular profile 61 a, this is because the degree of winding of the mainspring is greater than the second predefined threshold value. Still referring to FIG. 6A, it can still be seen that the second spout 69 of the insulator 63 is in abutment against one of the six columns 59A of the column wheel 41. If we now refer to FIG. 6B, we can see that the mainspring has at least partially disarmed by rotating the logic cam 61 counterclockwise. It can be understood that the degree of winding of the mainspring is now less than the second predefined threshold value, since the spout 67 is no longer located opposite the portion of circular profile 61 a. The spout 67 of the insulator 63 is now located opposite another circular portion (referenced 61 b) of profile of the cam 61, the radius of the portion of circular profile 61 b being substantially smaller than that of the portion of circular profile 61 a. It can however be observed that the spout 67 is not in abutment against the circular profile 61 b, but that it is on the contrary suspended above the profile 61 b. Indeed, the second spout 69 of the insulator 63 is always in abutment against the same column 59A of the column wheel 41, because the alarm mechanism is always activated, the ringing being in progress.

Referring now to FIG. 6C, it can be seen that the spout 69 of the insulator 63 is lowered between two columns 59A of the column wheel 41. It will therefore be understood that the alarm mechanism is now deactivated. As already mentioned, the insulator 63 carries a pin 71 at its end furthest from the axis 65. Still referring to FIG. 6C, it can be seen that the pin 71 is arranged to hold the pawl 55 of the mechanism manual control away from the ratchet wheel 57 from the column wheel 41. Thus, it can be understood that, when the insulator 63 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 6C, the wearer of the watch has plus the possibility of incrementing the column wheel by actuating the push button 13. In the position illustrated, the insulator 63 in fact prevents the pawl 55 from coming into engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 57.

FIG. 6A represents the first logic cam 61 in the same angular position as in FIG. 2A. In this position corresponding to the situation where the barrel is armed to the maximum, the spout 67 of the insulator 63 is in abutment against the portion of circular profile 61 a. As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, the first logic cam 61, which is secured to the cocking wheel 85 (FIG. 2A and 2B), is arranged to rotate counterclockwise when the barrel disarms. Under these conditions, when, following the triggering of the ringing, the first logic cam 61 starts to rotate, the spout 67 of the insulator 63 slides over the portion of circular profile 61a up to the shoulder 62 separating this portion profile of the profile portion 61 b. Once the shoulder 62 has been crossed, the spout 67 is located opposite the portion of circular profile 61 b whose radius is substantially less than that of the circular profile 61 a. When the alarm mechanism is in the activated state, the other spout (the spout 69) of the insulator 63 is in abutment against one of the columns 59A of the column wheel 41. Under these conditions, the insulator 63 does not tip over when spout 67 passes from the profile portion 61 a to the profile portion 61 b since it is still supported by its other spout which is in abutment against one of the columns of the column wheel. It will be understood from the above that the isolator 63 does not interfere with the operation of the manual control mechanism when the wake-up mechanism is in the activated state. On the other hand, if the wearer of the wristwatch deactivates the alarm during ringing, after the cam follower spout 67 has crossed the shoulder 62, the column 59A is erased. Under these conditions, the spout 69 is free to lower between two columns, so that the isolator 63 swings counterclockwise and that the spout 67 comes to bear against the profile portion 61 b. According to what has been explained above, in this situation, the wearer of the watch no longer has the possibility of incrementing the column wheel 41 by actuating the push button 13. The activation function of the mechanism awakening by the manually controlled mechanism is therefore neutralized.

It will also be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the embodiment which is the subject of the present description without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Wake-up mechanism for a mechanical timepiece which can be either in an activated state or in a deactivated state, and comprising:

a striking mechanism;

a barrel (14) comprising a motor spring (15) and a rotary input / output member (79, 17), the motor spring being arranged to disarm, following the triggering of the striking mechanism, by driving the mechanism ringing through the rotary input / output device;

a manually operated mechanism (13, 51, 55, 41) arranged to alternately activate and deactivate the alarm mechanism;

a trigger system (21, 25, 29, 33, 35) arranged to control the triggering of the striking mechanism at a preprogrammed time, if the alarm mechanism is in the activated state;

a ring winder comprising a rotary control rod (117) and a disengageable kinematic link (119, 121, 125, 127, 129, 131) connecting the control rod to the rotary input / output member (79, 17 ) of the barrel (14) to allow the control rod to arm the mainspring (15) of the barrel;

characterized in that the alarm mechanism comprises means (59A, 133, 139, 143) for keeping the kinematic connection (119, 121, 125, 127, 129, 131) disengaged between the control rod (117) and the rotary input / output member (79, 17) of the barrel (14) when the alarm mechanism is in the activated state.

2. Alarm mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the manually controlled mechanism (13, 51, 55, 41) comprises a column wheel (41) in two stages, and a pawl (55) arranged to be actuated by an external control member (13) so as to increment the wheel columns (41) step by step, and in that the release system (21, 25, 29, 33, 35) comprises a control rocker (35) arranged to cooperate with the columns (59) of the wheel columns (41) so as to alternately lock or unlock the trigger system when the column wheel (41) advances by one step, the alarm mechanism being in the deactivated state when the trigger system is locked and being in the state activated when the release system is unlocked.

3. Alarm mechanism for a mechanical timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that the means (59A, 133, 139, 143) for maintaining the kinematic connection (119, 121, 125, 127, 129, 131) disengaged comprise a locking lever (133) arranged to cooperate with the columns (59A) of the column wheel (41) so as to switch alternately between one and the other from a first and from a second position when the column wheel is incremented step by step, the kinematic connection between the control rod (117) and the rotary input / output member (79, 17) of the barrel (14) being disengaged, and the alarm mechanism being in the activated state, when the locking lever (133) is in the first position.

4. Alarm mechanism for a mechanical timepiece according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that the striking winder comprises a winding rocker (125) capable of changing between a first and a second extreme position by pivoting about an axis, a driving wheel (121) mounted idly on the axis of the rocker and arranged to be kinematically connected to the control rod (117) in at least one axial position of the latter, and a driven wheel (127) pivotally mounted on the rocker (125) so as to permanently mesh with the driving wheel, the rocker being arranged to be brought into the first or into the second extreme position according to the direction of rotation of the wheel driving (121), and the driven wheel (127) being arranged to mesh with a toothing (130) kinematically connected to the rotary input / output member (79, 17) when the lever is brought into its first extreme position by turning the driving wheel in the corresponding direction using the control rod (117).

5. Alarm mechanism for a mechanical timepiece according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the means (59A, 133, 139, 143) for maintaining the kinematic connection (119, 121, 125, 127, 129, 131 ) disengaged include a stop lever (139) arranged to pivot about an axis (141) and to be controlled from the column wheel (41) so as to cooperate with a finger (143) that has the rocker to rewind (125) to hold the latter away from its first extreme position when the alarm mechanism is in the activated state.

6. Alarm mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an automatic device (103, 107, 109) arranged to deactivate the alarm mechanism and to stop the ringing, when the drive of the striking mechanism disarms the mainspring (15) below a first predefined threshold value.

7. Alarm mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a mobile (85) arranged to be driven by the rotary input / output member (79, 17) of the striking barrel (14) of so that the angular position of the mobile (85) is representative of the degree of winding of the mainspring (15), and in that the automatic device (103, 107, 109) is arranged to deactivate the alarm mechanism and to stop the ringing when the mobile (85) exceeds a first predefined angular position during the disarming of the mainspring (15).

8. Alarm mechanism according to claims 2 and 7, characterized in that the automatic device (95, 103, 107, 109) comprises a second logic cam (95) carried by the mobile (85) in the coaxial position, a rocker (103), a cam follower (107) arranged to cooperate with the second logic cam (95), and a pawl (109), the follower cam (107) and the pawl (109) being carried by the rocker (103) and arranged so that the pawl (109) cooperates with the ratchet (57) of the column wheel (41) to advance this last one step when the second logic cam (95) moves the cam follower (107) and the rocker (103) from a first to a second angular position.

9. Wake-up mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes an isolator (63) arranged to neutralize the activation function of the wake-up mechanism by the manually controlled mechanism (13, 51, 55, 41), when the degree of winding of the mainspring (15) is less than a second predefined threshold value, the second threshold value being higher than the first threshold value.

10. Alarm mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a mobile (85) arranged to be driven by the rotary input / output member (79, 17) of the barrel (14) to pivot between two angular positions representing respectively the maximum and minimum degrees of winding of the mainspring (15), and in that the isolator (63) is arranged to neutralize the activation function of the wake-up mechanism by the manual control mechanism (13, 51, 55, 41) when the angle made by the mobile (85) with the angular position representative of the maximum degree of winding exceeds a predefined angle value.

11. Wake-up mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a first logic cam (61) integral in rotation with the mobile (85), in that the isolator (63) consists of a rocker movable between a withdrawn position and an active position, the rocker (63) being arranged to cooperate with the first logic cam (61), and in that the first logic cam (61) is arranged to tilt the insulator (63) in the active position when the degree of winding of the mainspring (15) drops below the second predefined threshold value, the isolator (63) being arranged to neutralize the activation function when it is in the active position.