Abstract:
A timepiece includes a chime mechanism ( 1 ) having an hours component ( 2 ), a quarters component ( 4 ) and a minutes component ( 6 ), the hours ( 2 ), quarters ( 4 ) and minutes ( 6 ) components being pivot-mounted about one and the same spindle ( 3 ), the quarters component ( 4 ) and the minutes component ( 6 ) being kinematically linked by a first driving member collaborating with a first driving toothset ( 34 ). Out of the hours component ( 2 ) and the quarters component ( 4 ), one includes a second driving toothset ( 21 ) and the other includes a second driving member designed to be capable of collaborating with the second driving toothset ( 21 ) and of kinematically linking the hours component ( 2 ) and the quarters component ( 4 ), thereby eliminating the dead time between the chimes for the hours and those for the quarters, or between those for the hours and those for the minutes when there isn&#39;t a quarter to chime.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to the field of horology. It more particularly relates to a timepiece, in particular a timepiece having a striking mechanism comprising a strike-train, at least two strike-hammers arranged to produce sounds of different timbres, an hour lift and a first quarter lift to actuate one of the hammers, a minute lift and a second quarter lift to actuate the other hammer, an hours component comprising a toothed sector arranged to cooperate with said strike-train, an hour-rack arranged to actuate the hour lift and an hour feeler-spindle arranged to cooperate with an hour cam, a quarters component comprising a quarter-rack having a first toothing arranged to actuate the first quarter lift and a second toothing arranged to actuate the second quarter lift, and a quarter feeler-spindle arranged to cooperate with a quarter cam, and a minutes component comprising a minute-rack arranged to actuate the minute lift and a minute feeler-spindle arranged to cooperate with a minute cam, said hours, quarters and minutes components being pivotably mounted around a same staff, the quarters component and the minutes component being kinematically connected using a first driving organ cooperating with a first driving toothing. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Such timepieces have been known for some time, in particular in the field of so-called complicated watches, such as repeaters or watches with a grand-strike mechanism. These watches have more or less complex striking mechanisms with the aim of striking on demand or automatically at regular time intervals. 
     Such a timepiece is for example described in application EP 1760553. In that document, the timepiece comprises an hours component, a quarters component, and a minutes component respectively comprising a rack and a feeler-spindle secured to one another. Said components are pivotably mounted around a same staff. The driving of the quarters component by the hours component is done using a pin provided on the hours component, engaged with an opening provided on the quarters component. 
     During operation of the striking-mechanism, the respective initial positions of the pin and the opening vary as a function of the position of the hours component and the quarters component, respectively, depending on the current time. As a result, the time necessary for the pin of the hours component to come into contact with the opening of the quarters component varies. That is why there may be a dead time of variable length between the striking of the hours and that of the quarters, or between that of the hours and that of the minutes when there is no quarter to strike. 
     Another traditional type of striking-mechanism, comprising an hour-ratchet, is described in patent CH 9700. An additional piece called a “vertical rack” is provided placed between the quarters component and the minutes component, and having an inner toothing meshing with the toothed sector of the staff of the fusee. This piece makes it possible to regularize the interval between the striking of the hours and minutes, the toothed sector of the staff of the fusee meshing by its first tooth with the appropriate tooth of the toothing of said vertical rack. However, such a mechanism requires an additional part in a mechanism that is already complex. Furthermore, this construction leads to a break in meshing, which could cause critical situations to arise, such as butting causing a loss of efficiency. 
     Furthermore, the strike driving mechanisms are generally complex and provide for a superposition of various elements making it possible to prepare for striking, then allowing striking in cooperation with the strike-train. 
     One aim of the present invention is therefore to offset these drawbacks by proposing a timepiece with a strike-mechanism making it possible to eliminate the dead time between the striking of the hours and that of the quarters, or between that of the hours and that of the minutes when there is no quarter to strike. 
     Another aim is to propose a timepiece making it possible to use a simplified strike driving mechanism. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     To that end, and according to the present invention, a timepiece is proposed having a striking mechanism comprising a strike-train, at least two strike-hammers arranged to produce sounds of different timbres, an hour lift and a first quarter lift to actuate one of the hammers, a minute lift and a second quarter lift to actuate the other hammer, an hours component comprising a toothed sector arranged to cooperate with the strike-train, an hour-rack arranged to actuate the hour lift and an hour feeler-spindle arranged to cooperate with an hour cam, a quarters component comprising a quarter-rack having a first toothing arranged to actuate the first quarter lift and a second toothing arranged to actuate the second quarter lift, and a quarter feeler-spindle arranged to cooperate with a quarter cam, and a minutes component comprising a minute-rack arranged to actuate the minute lift and a minute feeler-spindle arranged to cooperate with a minute cam, said hours, quarters and minutes components being pivotably mounted around a same staff, the quarters component and the minutes component being kinematically connected using a first driving organ cooperating with a first driving toothing. According to the invention, one of the hours and quarters components comprises a second driving toothing and the other of the hours and quarters components comprises a second driving organ arranged to be able to cooperate directly with said second driving toothing and kinematically connect the hours component and the quarters component, while eliminating the dead time between the striking of the hours and that of the quarters, or between that of the hours and that of the minutes when there is no quarter to strike. 
     Advantageously, the first driving organ may comprise a first hook pivotably mounted on the quarters component, the first driving toothing being provided on the minutes component across from said first hook. Preferably, a first banking is provided mounted stationary on the frame of the timepiece, the first hook being arranged to cooperate with said first banking so as to pivot to cooperate with one of the teeth of said first driving toothing as a function of the position of the minutes component. 
     Advantageously, a second banking is provided mounted stationary on the frame of said timepiece, the second driving organ being arranged to cooperate with said second banking so as to be able to cooperate with one of the teeth of said second driving toothing as a function of the position of said second driving toothing and eliminate the dead times. Preferably, the second driving organ may comprise a second hook. Advantageously, said second hook is pivotably mounted on the hours component and the second driving toothing is provided on the quarters component across from said second hook. 
     Advantageously, the strike-train comprises a strike driving wheel that may comprise, arranged coaxially, a strike-wheel cooperating with an energy source, a first pinion cooperating with the hours component, and a coupling system arranged to move between a coupled position, in which said strike-wheel is kinematically connected to said first pinion to allow striking, and a disconnected position, in which said first pinion is disconnected from said strike-wheel to allow preparation for striking. 
     Preferably, the coupling system comprises a click secured to the strike-wheel and having a beak and a second pinion secured to the first pinion and arranged to be able to cooperate with the beak of the click, said click being arranged to move between the coupled position, in which the beak cooperates with said second pinion, said first and second pinions being rotated by the strike-wheel, and the disconnected position, in which the beak of the click is freed from said second pinion, said first and second pinions then being freely rotating relative to the strike-wheel. 
     According to a first embodiment, the coupling system may comprise a first plate secured to the strike-wheel, the click being supported by said first plate, said click comprising a first end pivotably mounted on said first plate and a second free end having the beak. 
     Preferably, the click may bear a pin cooperating with a detent ratchet mounted freely rotating coaxially to the strike-wheel and controlled by a control organ, part of the click between the pin and the beak being arranged eccentrically relative to the axis of the strike driving wheel. 
     Advantageously, to reach the disconnected position, said detent ratchet is arranged to be driven by said control organ, and to move the second end of the click by driving the pin such that the beak of the click is freed from the second pinion. To reach the coupled position, said detent ratchet is arranged to be blocked by said control organ, so as to retain the pin, and the strike-wheel is arranged to be rotated and to take the first plate and the first end of the click such that said click tips while returning its beak into cooperation with the second pinion. 
     According to another embodiment, the coupling system may comprise a second plate comprising a first toothed sector and pivotably mounted on the strike-wheel, the click being secured to said second plate. The coupling system may also comprise a central tube having a second toothed sector arranged to cooperate with the first toothed sector of the second plate and secured to a control ratchet controlled by a control organ. Advantageously, to reach the disconnected position, said control ratchet is arranged to be driven by said control organ, and to move the click by driving the first toothed sector of the second plate such that the beak of the click is freed from the second pinion. To reach the coupled position, said control ratchet is arranged to be blocked by said control organ, so as to retain the first toothed sector of the second plate and the strike-wheel is arranged to be rotated and to take the second plate and the click such that said click tips while returning its beak into cooperation with the second pinion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features of the present invention will appear more clearly upon reading the following description, done in reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view, on the bar side, of three hours, quarters, and minutes components according to the invention, ready to strike, 
         FIG. 2  is a view, on the dial side, of the hours and quarters components according to the invention, ready to strike, 
         FIG. 3  is a side view, on the bar side, of the hours and quarters components according to the invention, in their position before and after striking, 
         FIG. 4  is a side view, on the bar side, of the quarters and minutes components according to the invention, before and after striking, 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a strike driving wheel according to the invention, the coupling system being in the coupled position, 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 5 , 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of part of the strike driving wheel of  FIG. 5 , the coupling system being in the disconnected position, 
         FIGS. 8 to 10  are perspective views of a second embodiment of a strike driving wheel according to the invention, and 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The figures show only the parts of the strike-mechanism that are essential to understand the invention. For clarification purposes, the common elements known by those skilled in the art have not been shown in the drawings. 
     In reference to  FIG. 1 , a strike-mechanism  1  used in a timepiece according to the invention is shown. 
     The mechanism comprises an hours component  2 , a quarters component  4 , and a minutes component  6 , which are, in a known manner, designed to cooperate with an hour lift  7   a  and a first quarter lift  7   b , mounted on the same staff, to actuate a first hammer, and with a minute lift  8   a  and a second quarter lift  8   b , mounted on the same staff, to actuate a second hammer arranged to produce sounds of a different timbre from the first hammer. 
     In reference more particularly to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the hours component  2  is in the general shape of an arc of circle and is pivotably mounted around a staff  3  passing through the center of that circle. It includes an open inner space having, along one rim thereof, a circular toothed sector  9 , concentric to the hours component  2 , and arranged to cooperate with the pinion  10  of the strike driving wheel, as will be described hereafter. The hours component  2  also comprises, on the outer rim thereof, an hour-rack  11  arranged to actuate the hour lift  7   a  and, on the opposite side, an hour feeler-spindle  12  arranged to cooperate with an hour cam  13 , supported by a starwheel  14 , and traditionally driven by a basic movement (not shown), so as to acquire information relative to the current time. The hour feeler-spindle  12  may be made in a single piece with the hours component  2  or may be an attached element securely mounted to said hours component  2 . These elements are known by those skilled in the art and do not require a detailed description. 
     The quarters component  4  is in the general shape of an arc of circle, concentric to the arc of circle of the hours component  2 , and is pivotably mounted around the staff  3 . It has a first circular open inner space, concentric, allowing the passage of the staff  15  of the strike driving wheel. In a known manner, the quarters component  4  comprises, on the outer rim thereof, a quarter-rack having a first toothing  16   a , with three teeth, arranged to actuate the first quarter lift  7   b , and a second toothing  16   b , with three teeth, arranged to actuate the second quarter lift  8   b , so as to strike the quarters on two timbres. On the side opposite the rack, the quarters component  4  comprises a quarter feeler-spindle  17  arranged to cooperate with a quarter cam  5 , traditionally driven by a basic movement (not shown), so as to acquire information relative to the current time. The quarter feeler-spindle  17  may be made in a single piece with the quarters component  4  or may be an attached element securely mounted to said quarters component  4 . A spring (not shown) is arranged so as to exert a force on the quarters component  4  tending to bring the quarter feeler-spindle  17  into contact with the quarter cam  5 . These elements are known by those skilled in the art and do not require a detailed description. 
     According to the invention, the hours component  2  and the quarters component  4  are kinematically connected using a drive organ cooperating with a drive toothing, said drive organ and said drive toothing being arranged to eliminate the dead times between the striking of the hours and that of the quarters, or between that of the hours and that of the minutes when there is no quarter to strike. 
     More specifically, the hours component  2  comprises, on the rim of its open inner space, opposite the rim supporting the toothed sector, a hook  18  pivotably mounted around a staff  19  and its return-spring  20 . At the hook  18 , the hours component  2  comprises a recess forming a housing for said hook  18  allowing it to pivot. 
     The quarters component  4  comprises, approaching its center, a second circular open inner space, concentric, arranged relative to the hours component  2  such that the hook  18  of the hours component appears in said second open inner space of the quarters component  4 . Furthermore, said second open inner space of the quarters component  4  has, along the rim thereof, across from the hook  18 , a drive toothing  21 , with three teeth sized so that the four flanks present correspond to the number of quarters to be struck (flank  1 =0 quarters to be struck, flank  2 =1 quarter to be struck, flank  3 =2 quarters to be struck, flank  4 =3 quarters to be struck). 
     Furthermore, a second banking  22  is provided mounted stationary on the frame of said component, the second hook  18  being arranged to cooperate with said second banking  22  so as to pivot to cooperate with one of the teeth of the second drive toothing  21  as a function of the position of the quarters component  4  and eliminate the dead times. 
     More specifically, a banking  22 , such as a pin, is provided mounted stationary on the frame of the timepiece, cooperating with the hook  18 , which has a shape such that, when the hours component  2  pivots around its staff  3  and falls while driving the hook  18 , the latter encounters the banking  22  and is lifted to be freed from the drive toothing  21 , and when the hours component pivots around its staff  3  during striking while driving the hook  18 , said hook  18  is no longer retained by the banking  22  and pivots to cooperate with the tooth of the drive toothing  21  of the quarters component  4 , as will be described later. 
     In reference to  FIG. 4 , the minutes component  6  is generally in the shape of an arc of circle, concentric to the arc of circle of the hours component  2  and the quarters component  4 , and is pivotably mounted around the staff  3 . In this way, the three hours  2 , quarters  4  and minutes  6  components are generally concentric and pivot around a same staff  3 . 
     The minutes component  6  has a circular open inner space, concentric, allowing the passage of the staff  15  of the strike driving wheel. In a known manner, it comprises a minute-rack  25  on its outer rim arranged to actuate the minute lift  8   a , and a minute feeler-spindle  26  on the opposite side arranged to cooperate with a minute cam  27  traditionally driven by the basic movement (not shown), so as to acquire information relative to the current time. In a known manner, the minute cam  27  and the quarter cam  5  are coaxial and comprise a surprise-piece  29 . The minute feeler-spindle  26  may be made in a single piece with the minutes component  6  or may be an attached element securely mounted to said minutes component  6 . A spring (not shown) is arranged so as to exert a force on the minutes component  6  tending to bring the minute feeler-spindle  26  into contact with the minute cam  27 . These elements are known by those skilled in the art and do not require a detailed description. 
     In a known manner, the quarters component  4  and the minutes component  6  are kinematically connected using a drive organ cooperating with a first toothing. 
     More specifically, the quarters component  4  also has, on the outer perimeter thereof, in the extension of the quarter feeler-spindle  17 , a hook  30 , pivotably mounted around a staff  31  and its return-spring  32 . These elements are not shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  so as to avoid complicating the drawings. The minutes component  6  comprises, at the hook  30 , a concentric circular opening, arranged relative to the quarters component  4  such that the hook  30  of the quarters component appears in said opening of the minutes component  6 . Furthermore, said opening of the minutes component  6  has, along its rim, across from the hook  30 , a drive toothing  34 , with 14 teeth sized so that the 15 flanks correspond to the number of minutes to be struck (flank  1 =0 minutes to be struck, flank  2  equals=1 minute to be struck, flank  15 =14 minutes to be struck). 
     Furthermore, a banking  36 , such as a pin, is provided, mounted stationary on the frame of the timepiece, cooperating with the hook  30 , which has a shape such that, when the quarters component  4  pivots around its staff  3  and falls while driving the hook  30 , said hook  30  encounters the banking  36  and is lifted to free the drive toothing  34 , and when the quarters component  4  pivots around its arbor  3  during striking while driving the hook  30 , said hook  30  is no longer retained by the banking  36 , and pivots to cooperate with the tooth of the drive toothing  34  of the minutes component  6 , as will be described later. 
     To make the timepiece according to the invention strike, the hours component  2  must be driven by the pinion  10 , which may be kinematically connected to any appropriate strike driving wheel. A first embodiment of such a strike driving wheel is described more particularly in reference to  FIGS. 5 to 7 . This strike driving wheel  40  comprises, arranged coaxially relative to the staff  15 , a strike-wheel  41  secured to the staff  15 , the pinion  10  mounted freely rotating around said staff  15 , and a coupling system  43  arranged to go between a coupled position, in which the strike-wheel  41  is kinematically connected to the pinion  10  to allow striking, and a disconnected position, in which the pinion  10  is disconnected from the strike-wheel  41  to allow preparation for striking. 
     The strike-wheel  41  cooperates with the other elements of the strike-train, powered by an energy source such as a strike barrel (not shown). As described above, the pinion  10  cooperates with the toothed sector  9  of the hours component  2 . 
     The coupling system  43  comprises a plate  44  secured to the strike-wheel  41 , a click  45  supported by said plate  44  and arranged to go between the coupled position and the disconnected position, and a pinion  46  mounted freely rotating around the staff  15  and secured to the pinion  10 . The click  45  comprises a first end  45   a  pivotably mounted on the plate  44  around a staff  47  secured on said plate  44 , and a second end  45   b  freely resting on the plate  44  and ending with a beak  49  arranged to cooperate with the pinion  46  in the coupled position as shown in  FIG. 5 . Furthermore, the click  45  supports a pin  50  mounted passing through a corresponding oblong orifice provided on a ratchet  52 . The detent ratchet  52  is mounted freely rotating around the staff  15 , above the click  45 , and is driven by a control organ, such as a release lever (not shown). The part of the click  45  between the pin  50  and the beak  49  is arranged eccentrically in relation to the staff  15  such that that portion moves away from the staff  15  when the detent ratchet  52  is actuated by the control organ so as to release the beak  49  from the pinion  46 , so as to disconnect said pinion  46  from the plate  44  and therefore the strike-wheel  41  in order to reach the disconnected position. 
     Another alternative embodiment of a strike driving wheel is described more particularly in reference to  FIGS. 8 to 11 . The parts that are identical to the previous embodiment are shown using the same references. 
     This strike driving wheel  60  comprises, arranged coaxially to the staff  15 , a strike-wheel  61  mounted freely rotating around said staff  15 , the pinion  10  secured to the staff  15 , and a coupling system  63  arranged to go between a coupled position, in which the strike-wheel  61  is kinematically connected to the pinion  10  to allow striking, and a disconnected position, in which the pinion  10  is disconnected from the strike-wheel  61  to allow preparation for striking. 
     The strike-wheel  61  cooperates with the other elements of the strike-train, powered by an energy source such as a strike barrel (not shown). As described above, the pinion  10  cooperates with the toothed sector  9  of the hours component  2 . 
     In this alternative, the coupling system  63  comprises a rack  64  coaxial to the staff  15 , and having a toothing  65  arranged to cooperate with a control organ such as a release lever (not shown). The rack  64  includes a control click  66  and a spring  67 . 
     The coupling system also comprises a drive ratchet  68  secured to a central tube  69  mounted freely rotating around the staff  15 . The drive ratchet  68  comprises a toothing arranged to cooperate with the control click  66  of the rack  64 . The central tube  69  comprises a toothed sector  70 , the role of which will be described below. 
     A disconnecting ratchet  72  is also provided secured to the staff  15 . 
     Furthermore, the coupling system  63  comprises a disconnecting click  74  secured to a plate  75  pivotably mounted on a support  76  around a pivot  77  fastened on said support  76 . The support  76  is secured to the strike-wheel  61 . 
     The disconnecting click  74  and the support  76  are arranged around the disconnecting ratchet  72 , corresponding to the second pinion secured to the first pinion  10 . The disconnecting click  74  comprises a beak  78  arranged to cooperate with the toothing of the disconnecting ratchet  72 . 
     The plate  75  includes a central inner opening  80  allowing the passage of the central tube  69  and its toothed sector  70 . 
     Furthermore, provided on the perimeter of the central opening  80  is a toothed sector  82  arranged to cooperate with the toothed sector  70  of the central tube  69 . 
     To improve the compactness of the strike driving wheel  60 , the drive ratchet  68  has an opening allowing the passage of the upper portion of the support  76 . 
     The operation of the elements described above is as follows. When idle, the elements are in the position shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the hooks  18  and  30  being engaged with the toothings  21  and  34 , respectively, such that the hours, quarters, and minutes components are kinematically connected. These components are positioned such that the pinion  10  of the strike driving wheel meshes with the first teeth of the toothed sector  9  of the hours component  2  (on the right in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The strike driving wheel is in the coupled position. In reference to the driving wheel  40  shown in the coupled position in  FIG. 5 , when the strike control organ is actuated, it drives the detent ratchet  52  counterclockwise such that the second end  45   b  of the click  45  is also moved counterclockwise by means of the pins  50 . In moving, the second end  45   b  moves away from the pinion  46  such that the beak  49  is released from said pinion  46 . The strike driving wheel  40  is then in the disconnected position, as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     It will be understood that in this disconnected position, the pinions  10  and  46 , secured to one another, are no longer kinematically connected to the strike-wheel  41 , such that they are free to pivot around the staff  15 . 
     In reference to the driving wheel  60 , when the strike control organ is actuated, it drives the rack  64  by its toothing  65  counterclockwise over a predetermined angle. The control click  66  then drives the drive ratchet  68 , which in turn drives the central tube  69 , which is integral therewith, and its toothed sector  70 . All of these parts rotating together, the central tube  69  forms one long single bearing for the assembly, which improves the operating quality. In rotating, the toothed sector  70  of the central tube  69  pushes the toothed sector  82  of the plate  75 , thereby causing said plate  75  and the disconnecting click  74  secured therewith to rotate counterclockwise around its pivot  77 . Said pivot  77  being offset relative to the staff  15 , the movement of the disconnecting click  74  is not concentric to the staff  15 . In this way, the beak  78  of the disconnecting click  74  is freed from its disconnecting ratchet  72 , to reach the disconnected position. It will be understood that in this disconnected position, the disconnecting ratchet  72  being secured to the staff  15  and the pinion  10 , and the disconnecting click  74  being connected to the strike-wheel  61  by the plate  75  and its pivot  77 , said pinion  10  is no longer kinematically connected to the strike-wheel  61 , such that they are free to pivot around the staff  15 . 
     The hours component  2  is thereby also free to pivot around its staff  3 , its toothed sector  9  rotating the released pinion  10 . Under the action of its return-spring, the hours component  2  then rotates clockwise until the hour feeler-spindle  12  reaches the hour cam  13  positioned as a function of the current time. The pinion  10  is then positioned in a corresponding manner on the toothed sector  9  (on the left in  FIG. 1 ). 
     When the hours component  2  is rotated, the hook  18  encounters the banking  22  such that the latter pivots and is released from the toothing  21 . The quarters component  4  is thus released. Under the thrust from its spring, the quarters component  4  pivots clockwise and falls on the quarter cam  5  positioned as a function of the current time. Likewise, during rotation of the quarters component  4 , the hook  30  encounters the banking  36  such that the latter pivots and is released from the toothing  34 . The minutes component  6  is thus released. Under the thrust from its spring, the minutes component  6  pivots clockwise and falls on the minute-cam  27  positioned as a function of the current time. The pieces thus placed, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , act to strike, powered by the energy source of the strike-train. 
     In reference to the strike driving wheel  40 , the control organ driving the detent ratchet  52  is returned to the rest position by a spring and blocks the detent ratchet  52 . During striking, it will then be used as a jumper for the detent ratchet  52 . 
     The strike-wheel  41  is driven counterclockwise by the other elements of the strike-train such that the plate  44 , the staff  47  and the first end  45   a  of the click  45  also advance in the counterclockwise direction. The pin  50  being engaged in the detent ratchet  52 , locked in rotation by its control organ, retains the click  45  such that said click  45  tilts around the staff  47  while returning the beak  49  toward the pinion  46  until the beak  49  cooperates with said pinion  46  to reach the coupled position shown in  FIG. 5 . In that position, the pinions  46  and  10  are kinematically connected to the strike-wheel  41  by means of the click  45 , such that the pinion  10  pivots counterclockwise. 
     In reference to the strike driving wheel  60 , the control organ is returned to the rest position by a spring and blocks the toothing  65  of the rack  64 . Its control click  66  then retains the drive ratchet  68  through the force of the spring  67 . The drive ratchet being retained, the central tube  69  and its toothed sector  70  are also retained. The toothed sector  70  of the central tube  69  then retains the toothed sector  82  of the plate  75 . 
     The strike-wheel  61  is driven by the other elements of the strike-train in the counterclockwise direction. The pivot  77  of the plate  75  being secured to the strike-wheel, it also advances counterclockwise. The combination of the movement of the pivot  77  of the plate  75  and the force of its toothed sector  82  causes a movement of the disconnecting click  74 , its beak  78  tilting toward its disconnecting ratchet  72 . The beak  78  of the disconnecting click  74  reaches the disconnecting ratchet  72  and then begins to push it to reach the coupled position. In that position, the disconnecting ratchet  72  being secured to the staff  15  and therefore the pinion  10 , said pinion  10  is then kinematically connected to the strike-wheel  61  by means of the disconnecting click  74 , such that the pinion  10  pivots counterclockwise. 
     Once coupled, it is the disconnecting click  74  which, via the toothed sector  82  of the plate  75 , drives the central tube  69  and therefore the drive ratchet  68  secured therewith. The rack  64  being retained by its control organ, it cannot move in that direction, its control click  66  then being arranged to allow the drive ratchet  68  to pass. 
     The pinion  10 , pivoting counterclockwise, drives a rotational movement of the hours component  2  in the counterclockwise direction. The hour-rack  11  cooperates with the hour lift  7   a  to raise the first hammer as a function of the current time. When the hours have struck, the hours component  2  continues to rotate by driving the hook  18  with it. The hook  18  is arranged such that it leaves the banking  22 , pivots and comes into contact with one of the teeth of the drive toothing  21  as a function of the position of the quarters component  4  dependent on the current time. 
     The driving of the quarters component by the hours component using a hook and a toothing respectively provided on one or the other of said components according to the invention makes it possible to eliminate the dead times. In fact, the hook  18  and the drive toothing  21  are sized and positioned such that the hook  18  directly penetrates the tooth of the drive toothing  21  that corresponds to the number of quarters to be struck. 
     When the hours have finished striking, the hook  18  is still in the same place irrespective of the number of hours struck. As a result, it falls on the tooth of the quarters component that is positioned across from the hook by means of the quarter feeler-spindle as a function of the number of quarters to be struck. 
     The quarters component  4  driven by the hours component  2  using the hook  18  pivots counterclockwise, its toothings  16   a ,  16   b  cooperating with the quarter lifts  7   b ,  8   b  to raise the first hammer and the second hammer as a function of the current time. 
     When the quarters have struck, the quarters component  4  continues to rotate, driving the hook  30  with it. The hook  30  is arranged such that it leaves the banking  36 , pivots, and comes into contact with one of the teeth of the drive toothing  34  as a function of the position of the minutes component  6  dependent on the current time. 
     The minutes component  6  driven by the quarters component  4  using the hook  30  pivots counterclockwise, the minute-rack  25  cooperating with the minute-lift  8   a  to raise the second hammer as a function of the current time. 
     In addition to eliminating the dead times, the driving of the quarters component by the hours component using a hook and a toothing respectively provided on one or the other of said components according to the invention makes it possible to simplify the strike driving wheel as compared with a traditional strike driving wheel that comprises an hour-ratchet, a quarter-pinion and its driving mechanism, such as a finger cooperating with a pin.