Engagement and disengagement device for a clockwork mechanism intended to be mounted in a timekeeping device.

Abstract

The invention relates to an engagement and disengagement device (1) for a clockwork mechanism comprising an actuating member (2), a mechanical part (3) having a locking portion (30), and a locking device (4) from which a stop (40) projects; the actuating member (2) and the mechanical part (3) each being a substantially planar, flexible-guided mechanism; the member (2) being configured to move from the first to the second position to engage the clockwork mechanism by pushing the mechanical part (3) configured to push the locking device (4) so ​​as to flex it until the locking portion (30) abuts against the stop (40); the member (2) being configured to move from the second to the first position so as to disengage the clockwork mechanism by pushing the locking device (4) so ​​that it flexes until the locking portion (30) is released. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for engaging and disengaging a clockwork mechanism intended to be mounted in a timekeeping device. technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking and more particularly to the field of watch mechanisms intended to be mounted in a timekeeping device, in particular a watch. The invention relates, in particular, to a device for engaging and disengaging a watch mechanism, for example a chronograph mechanism, from a timepiece. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] It is known from the prior art of watch mechanisms, particularly chronograph mechanisms, coupled to an engagement and disengagement device for activating and stopping the watch mechanism by means of an actuating member, a mechanical part, and a locking device. The actuating member is movable between a first position and a second position. Moving from the first to the second position engages or disengages the watch mechanism.

[0003] When the watch mechanism is engaged, the actuating member pushes the mechanical part, generally arrow-shaped, which will come to rest against corresponding stops on each side of the arrow in the locking device. In particular, the locking device comprises two flexible rods, and the stops of the locking device protrude from said flexible rods. The mechanical part translates between the two flexible rods until it comes to rest against said stops of the locking device.

[0004] When the watch mechanism is disengaged, two lugs of the actuating member are configured to spread apart the two flexible rods of the locking device and allow the mechanical part to be released, returning the actuating member to its initial position.

[0005] However, this type of device for engaging and disengaging a watch mechanism is relatively complex and bulky. In any case, it comprises several elements articulated together by means of fasteners and joints. There is a need for a less bulky, more reliable device for engaging and disengaging a watch mechanism with fewer parts. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] More specifically, the invention relates to a device for engaging and disengaging a clockwork mechanism intended to be mounted in a timekeeping device. The device comprises at least one actuating member configured to be actuated by a push button, said at least one actuating member being connected to the timekeeping device and movable between a first position and a second position; at least one mechanical part connected to the timekeeping device, comprising a locking portion; and a locking device connected to the timekeeping device and comprising a flexible element from which a retaining stop protrudes. The locking portion is configured to cooperate with the retaining stop.The actuating member and the mechanical part are each substantially planar, flexible-guided mechanisms. The actuating member comprises a flexible portion and a partially rigid body, and the mechanical part comprises a flexible portion and a rigid body. The actuating member is configured to move from the first position to the second position by displacing the body through flexing the flexible portion, thus engaging the clockwork mechanism by pushing the rigid body of the mechanical part to move it from a passive to an active position. The mechanical part is itself configured to push the locking device, thereby flexing the flexible element until the locking portion of the mechanical part abuts against the retaining stop of the locking device. The mechanical part, in its active position, is then configured to actuate the clockwork mechanism.The actuating member is further configured to move from the second position to the first position by moving the body by flexing the flexible part, so as to disengage the clockwork mechanism by pushing the locking device so that the flexible element flexes until it releases the locking portion of the mechanical part which moves towards the actuating member so as to return to its initial passive position, the mechanical part, in passive position, being then configured to stop said clockwork mechanism.

[0007] The engagement and disengagement device is configured to move from an engagement position, allowing the clockwork mechanism to be actuated, to a disengagement position, allowing the clockwork mechanism to be stopped, and vice versa. For the actuating member to move from the first position to the second position, the actuating member is actuated, notably by means of a push button, so that it pushes the mechanical part, which in turn pushes the locking device until the mechanical part is held against the locking device, thus maintaining the actuating member in the second position and therefore holding the device in its engagement position. The clockwork mechanism is thus actuated. Conversely, for the actuating member to move from the second position to the first position, the member The actuation mechanism is activated, notably by means of the push button, so that it translates to push and flex the locking device until the mechanical part is released, thus returning the actuation member to its initial position and the device to its disengaged position. The clockwork mechanism is then stopped.

[0008] In particular, the actuating member and the mechanical part are thus substantially planar compliant mechanisms. In general, in mechanical engineering, such "compliant mechanisms" are also referred to as "compliant mechanisms" in English, a term familiar to those skilled in the art. These are called compliant mechanisms in that they are capable of transforming an input force and / or displacement into an output force and / or displacement by elastic deformation of a portion of the body of said mechanism. In other words, such flexibly guided mechanisms are generally monolithic and comprise at least one rigid part and one flexible part. It is therefore the deformation of at least one flexible part of the flexibly guided mechanism, and not the implementation of connecting elements between parts of the mechanism, that enables the transmission of force and / or displacement. To this end, the flexibly guided mechanism is, in principle, configured to be substantially stiff in some directions and substantially flexible in others, with the ratio between the stiffness in the substantially stiff directions and the stiffness in the substantially flexible directions being as high as possible.

[0009] Advantageously, a fixing part of the actuating member is rigidly connected to the time measuring device, the flexible part extending from the fixing part and the body being connected to the flexible part, the flexible part being configured to flex so as to allow the passage from the first position to the second position of the actuating member, and vice versa, under the actuation of the latter, by rectilinear translation of the body of the actuating member.

[0010] The actuating member is rigidly connected to the time measuring device. The flexible part of the actuating member allows it to move while remaining connected to the time measuring device. This flexible part flexes when the actuating member moves from its first to its second position and returns to its straight initial shape when moving from the second to the first position. Furthermore, the rigidity of the flexible part assists its return to its original position when moving from the second to the first position.

[0011] Advantageously, the mechanical part comprises a rigidly attached portion connected to the time-measuring device, from which extends the flexible part and the rigid body connected to the flexible part, the protruding locking portion of said rigid body, so that to cooperate with the retaining stop of the locking device when moving from the first position to the second position of the actuating member and vice versa, said flexible part of the mechanical part being configured to flex so as to allow the movement of the mechanical part when moving from the first position to the second position of the actuating member, and vice versa, when actuation of said actuating member.

[0012] The mechanical part is also rigidly connected to the time measuring device. Thus, the flexible part of the mechanical part allows its movement while maintaining its connection to the time measuring device. This flexible part flexes when the actuating member moves from the first to the second position and returns to its initial straight shape when moving from the second to the first position. Furthermore, the rigidity of the flexible part assists its return to its original position when moving from the second to the first position.

[0013] Advantageously, the locking device includes a fixing portion connected to the time measuring device and from which the flexible element and the retaining stop extend.

[0014] The locking device is also rigidly connected to the time measuring device. Thus, the flexible part of the locking device allows movement of said locking device while maintaining its connection to said time measuring device. This flexible part flexes when the actuating member moves from the first to the second position and returns to its initial straight shape when moving from the second to the first position. Furthermore, the rigidity of the flexible part assists its return to its original position when moving from the second to the first position.

[0015] Advantageously, the flexible part of the actuating member comprises two parallel flexible beams rigidly connected at one end, each to a respective anchor point of a frame of the time measuring device, forming the fixing part, and, at their other respective ends, to the body of the actuating member.

[0016] Advantageously still, the flexible part of the mechanical part comprises two parallel flexible beams rigidly connected at one of their ends, each to a respective anchor point of a frame of the time measuring device, and, at their other respective ends, to the rigid body of the mechanical part.

[0017] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the body of the actuating member comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected on the one hand to the flexible part and on the other hand to the second portion, and is configured to push the rigid body of the mechanical part and thus allow passage the mechanical part from its passive position to its active position. The second portion is flexible and configured to flex, when the actuating member moves from the first position to the second position, so as to allow the mechanical part to come to a stop with the locking device, the second portion being further configured to push the locking device so that the flexible element flexes until it releases the locking portion of the mechanical part when the actuating member moves from the second position to the first position.

[0018] Advantageously, the second portion has an inclined end configured to cooperate with the locking device when moving from the second position to the first position of the actuating member.

[0019] The inclined end cooperates with the locking device during the passage from the second position to the first position of the actuating member, so that said locking device, during the rectilinear translation of the actuating member, runs along the inclined end allowing its bending.

[0020] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the body of the actuating member comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected on the one hand to the flexible part and on the other hand flexibly connected to the second portion. The second portion is configured to push the rigid body of the mechanical part and thus move the mechanical part from its passive position to its active position, and to push the locking device, during the transition from the second position to the first position of the actuating member, so that the flexible element flexes until it releases the locking portion of the mechanical part during the transition from the second position to the first position of the actuating member.

[0021] Advantageously, the first portion has a body in which an opening is provided configured to cooperate with a pivoting portion of the second portion, so as to allow the passage from the first position to the second position of the actuating member and vice versa.

[0022] The opening is semicircular in shape and cooperates with the pivoting portion, which has the same shape. The pivoting portion is configured to pivot within the opening so that the second portion of the actuating member is oriented either towards the mechanical part or towards the locking device. These two orientations allow movement from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position, respectively.

[0023] Advantageously, said actuating member further comprises a first guide wedge configured to guide the second portion towards the mechanical part during the transition from the first position to the second position of the actuating member, and a second guide wedge configured to guide the second portion towards the locking device when switching from the second position to the first position of the actuating member.

[0024] The first and second guide wedges allow the pivoting portion of the pivoting portion to be oriented in the opening, so as to orient the second portion of the actuation member according to the position to be adopted.

[0025] Advantageously, a stop protrudes from the rigid body of the mechanical part, said stop being configured to cooperate with the second portion of the body of the actuating member so as to maintain it in position against the rigid body of the mechanical part during the passage from the first position to the second position of the actuating member.

[0026] Advantageously, the actuating member, the mechanical part and the locking device are made of the same material.

[0027] In particular, said material is a nickel-phosphorus NiP alloy, the actuation member, the mechanical part and the locking device in NiP being in particular obtained by a LiGA process.

[0028] Nickel-phosphorus (NiP) is obtained, in particular, by implementing the LiGA process, a process known in itself, especially in the watchmaking industry. The LiGA process (for Lithography and Electroplating) is used, particularly in watchmaking, to precisely manufacture very small parts, such as watch movement components, by electroforming metallic material. The use of NiP obtained by the LiGA process makes it possible to obtain excellent surface finishes, especially on the sides of the parts used. This is advantageous because the device according to the invention involves a great deal of friction at various stages. The smooth surfaces of the parts used, actuating element, mechanical part, locking device in particular, combined with low coefficients of friction, ensure, on the one hand, the proper functioning of the engagement and disengagement device and, on the other hand, limit wear and damage. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects and on which:

[0030] [Fig.1] is a schematic representation of an engagement and disengagement device according to a first embodiment of the invention comprising an actuating member, a mechanical part and a locking device, the actuating member being in the first position and the clockwork mechanism being disengaged;

[0031] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of [Fig.1], the actuating member moving from the first position to the second position, the actuating member being flexed and pushing the mechanical part, which in turn pushes the locking device;

[0032] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of [Fig.2], in the engaged position and in which the actuating member is flexed and the mechanical part has come to a stop against the locking device;

[0033] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of [Fig.3], in which the actuating member has returned to its initial position, the device being in the engaged position;

[0034] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of [Fig.4], in which the actuating member moves from the second position to the first position and is in contact with the locking device so as to release the mechanical part and disengage said device and stop the clockwork mechanism;

[0035] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of an engagement and disengagement device according to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising an actuating member, a mechanical part and a locking device, the actuating member being in the first position and the clockwork mechanism being disengaged;

[0036] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of [Fig.6], in which the actuating member is at a distance from the mechanical part and the locking device;

[0037] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of [Fig.6], the actuating member moving from the first position to the second position, the actuating member flexing;

[0038] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of [Fig.8], the actuating member pushing the mechanical part, which in turn pushes the locking device;

[0039] [Fig. 10] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of [Fig. 9], in the engaged position and in which the actuating member is flexed and the mechanical part has come to a stop against the locking device;

[0040] [Fig. 1 1] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of [Fig. 10], in which the actuating member has returned to a distance from the mechanical part and the locking device;

[0041] [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement of the [Fig. 11], in which the actuating member moves from the second position to the first position and is in contact with the locking device so as to release the mechanical part and disengage the clockwork mechanism; and

[0042] [Fig. 13] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of [Fig. 12], the mechanical part being released and the clockwork mechanism being disengaged;

[0043] [Fig. 14] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of [Fig. 12], in which, after the release of the mechanical part, as shown in [Fig. 13], the mechanical part returns to its initial passive position.

[0044] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to enable implementation of the invention; although not limiting, said figures serve in particular to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The invention relates to an engagement and disengagement device 1 for a clockwork mechanism intended to be mounted in a timekeeping device, such as a watch, a chronometer, or a timer, for example. The clockwork mechanism is, for example, a chronograph mechanism.

[0046] The engagement and disengagement device 1 of the invention is shown in figures 1 to 13 and is movable between an engagement position and a disengagement position.

[0047] With reference to figures 1 and 6, the engagement and disengagement device 1 comprises at least one actuating member 2, at least one mechanical part 3 and at least one locking device 3.

[0048] The actuation member 2 is configured to be actuated, for example, by means of a push button (not shown), or, in particular, to form at least part of a push button. The actuation member 2 is connected to the time measuring device and is movable between a first position and a second position.

[0049] The actuation member 2 is a flexible, substantially planar guiding mechanism, as defined previously.

[0050] The actuation member 2 comprises a flexible part 21 and a partially rigid body 22.

[0051] In particular, the actuating member 2 is configured to move from the first position to the second position by moving the body 22 by flexing the flexible part 21.

[0052] Furthermore, a fixing part 20 of the actuating member 2 is rigidly connected to the time measuring device. The flexible part 21 extends from this fixing part 20 and the body 22 is connected to this flexible part 21.

[0053] The flexible part 21 is configured to flex so as to allow the passage from the first position to the second position of the actuating member 2, and vice versa, under the actuation of said actuating member 2, by rectilinear translation of the body 22 of the actuating member 2.

[0054] In particular, the flexible part 21 of the actuating member 2 comprises two parallel flexible beams rigidly connected at one of their ends, each to a respective anchor point of a frame of the time measuring device, thus forming the fixing part 20. At their other respective ends, the flexible beams are each connected to the body 22 of the actuating member 2.

[0055] The mechanical part 3 is connected to the time measuring device and includes a locking portion 30.

[0056] Just like the actuating member 2, the mechanical part 3 is a substantially planar flexible guiding mechanism, as defined previously.

[0057] The mechanical part 3 comprises a flexible part 32 and a rigid body 33.

[0058] The mechanical part 3 further comprises a rigidly connected fastening portion 31 to the time measuring device. The flexible part 32 extends from this fixing portion 31 and the rigid body is connected to the flexible part 32. The locking portion 30 protrudes from the rigid body 33.

[0059] The flexible part 32 of the mechanical part 3 is configured to flex so as to allow the movement of the mechanical part 3 between a passive position and an active position, when the actuating member 2 moves from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, when the actuating member 2 is actuation.

[0060] In particular, the flexible part 32 of the mechanical part 3 comprises two parallel flexible beams rigidly connected at one of their ends, each to a respective anchor point of the chassis of the time-measuring device. At their other respective ends, the flexible beams are each connected to the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the mechanical part 3 is a hammer device of a watch movement.

[0062] The locking device 4 is connected to the time measuring device and includes a flexible element 41 from which a retaining stop 40 protrudes.

[0063] The locking device 4 further comprises a fastening portion 42 connected to the time-measuring device. The flexible element 41 and the retaining stop 40 extend from this fastening portion 42.

[0064] The locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is configured to cooperate with the retaining stop 40 of the locking device 4.

[0065] In particular, to move from the first position to the second position of the actuating member 2, the movement of the body 22 by bending the flexible part 21 allows the watch mechanism to be engaged by pushing the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3, itself configured to push the locking device 4 so as to bend the flexible element 41 until the locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 comes into contact with the retaining stop 40 of the locking device 4. The mechanical part 3, in the active position, is then configured to actuate the watch mechanism.

[0066] To move the actuating member 2 from the second position to the first position, the movement of the body 22 by flexing the flexible part 21 disengages the watch mechanism by pushing the locking device 4 so that the element 41 of the locking device 4 flexes until it releases the locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3, which moves towards the actuating member 2, thus returning to its initial passive position. The mechanical part 3, in its passive position, is then configured to stop the watch mechanism.

[0067] According to a first embodiment of the invention, shown in figures 1 to 5, the body 22 of the actuating member 2 comprises a first portion 23 and a second portion 24.

[0068] The first portion 23 is connected on the one hand to the flexible part 21, and on the other hand to the second portion 24. This first portion 23 is configured to push the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3, so that the latter moves from its passive position to its active position, when the actuating member 2 moves from the first position to the second position. The second portion 24 is, for its part, flexible and configured to flex when the actuating member 2 moves from the first position to the second position, so as to allow the mechanical part 3 to come to rest with the locking device 4.

[0069] The second portion 24 is further configured to push the locking device 4, so that the flexible element 41 flexes until it releases the locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3, when the actuating member 2 moves from the second position to the first position. The mechanical part 3 then returns to its initial passive position.

[0070] In addition, the second portion 24 may include an inclined end 25, configured to cooperate with the locking device 4 when moving from the second position to the first position of the actuating member 2.

[0071] We will now describe the transition of the engagement and disengagement device 1, according to the first embodiment, from the engagement position to the disengagement position, and vice versa, with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0072] To operate the clock mechanism, the engagement and disengagement device 1 must move into its engagement position and the actuating member 2 must move from the first position, shown in [Fig.1], to the second position, shown in [Fig.4].

[0073] As shown in [Fig. 1], the first portion 23 of the actuating member 2 is in contact with the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3. The flexible beams of the flexible part 21 are parallel to each other and in a straight position, i.e., an initial position, where they are not flexed. Furthermore, the flexible beams of the flexible part 32 of the mechanical part 3 are also parallel to each other and in a straight position, i.e., an initial position, where they are not flexed. The mechanical part 3 is itself in a passive position. The locking device 4 is at a distance from the actuating member 2 and the mechanical part 3, in a straight position, in which it is not under load.

[0074] Figure 2 represents the engagement and disengagement device 1, in which the actuating member 2 moves from the first position to the second position. The flexible beams of the flexible portion 21 of the actuating member 2 are flexed, allowing the actuating member 2 to translate rectilinearly towards the mechanical part 3. The first portion 23 of the actuating member 2 pushes the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3 so that it translates and causes the flexible beams of the flexible portion 32 of the mechanical part 3 to flex. The locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is in contact with the locking device 4. In particular, the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3 has an inclined portion configured to cooperate with an inclined portion of the locking device 4.The rectilinear translation of the rigid body 33 causes, along the inclined portion of the mechanical part 3, the displacement of the locking device 4, causing the flexible element 4L to bend.

[0075] The first portion 23 of the actuating member 2 is configured to push the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3 until the locking portion 30 comes to rest against the retaining stop 40 of the locking device 4, as shown in [Fig. 3]. The actuating member 2 has then moved from the first position to the second position, and the engagement and disengagement device 1 is in its engaged position, allowing the actuating of the clockwork mechanism.

[0076] With reference to [Fig. 4], the actuating member 2 has returned to its initial position. In other words, the flexible beams of the flexible part 21 return to a straight position, parallel to each other, in a position where they are not flexed. The first portion 23 of the actuating member 2 is, for its part, at a distance from the mechanical part 3. The locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is abutted against the retaining stop 40 of the locking device 4. The member actuation 2 is in the second position, the engagement and disengagement device 1 is in its engagement position and the clockwork mechanism is actuated.

[0077] To stop the clock mechanism, the engagement and disengagement device 1 must move into its disengagement position and the actuating member 2 must move from the second position, shown in [Fig.4], to the first position, shown in [Fig.1].

[0078] Figure 5 shows the movement of the actuating member 2 from the second position to the first position. In particular, the inclined end 25 of the second portion 24 cooperates with the inclined portion of the locking device 4, allowing the flexible element 41 of said locking device 4 to flex until the locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is released.

[0079] When the locking portion 30 is released, the rigid body 33 translates in a straight line towards the actuating member 2 until the flexible beams of the flexible part 32 return to their initial position, namely straight, parallel to each other, in a position where they are not flexed. During this translation, the rigid body 33 pushes the first portion 23 of the actuating member 2 so as to translate it in a straight line in the same direction, until the flexible beams of the flexible part 21 return to their initial position, namely straight, parallel to each other, in a position where they are not flexed. The translation of the first portion 23 of the actuating member 2 allows the locking device 4 to also resume its initial shape, straight so as to extend at a distance from the actuating member 2 and the mechanical part 3, as shown in [Fig.1].Mechanical part 3 returns to its initial passive position.

[0080] The actuation member 2 is in the first position, the engagement and disengagement device 1 is in its disengagement position and the clock mechanism is stopped.

[0081] According to a second embodiment of the invention, shown in figures 6 to 14, the body 22 of the actuating member 2 comprises a first portion 23 and a second portion 24.

[0082] The first portion 23 is connected on the one hand to the flexible part 21 of the actuation member 2 and on the other hand flexibly connected to the second portion 24. The flexible connection between the first portion 23 and the second portion 24 can for example take the form of a zigzag flexible beam 231, configured to allow a substantially rotational displacement of the second portion 24 to be initiated in a direction orthogonal to the movement which gave rise to it.

[0083] The second portion 24 is configured to push the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3 from its passive position to its active position during the passage of the first position to the second position of the actuating member 2, and to push the locking device 4 so that the flexible element 41 flexes until it releases the locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 when passing from the second position to the first position of the actuating member 2.

[0084] In particular, the first portion 23 has a body in which an opening is provided configured to cooperate with a pivoting portion 250 of the second portion 24. The cooperation of the opening of the body of the first portion 24 with the pivoting portion 250 of the second portion 24 allows the passage from the first position to the second position of the actuating member 2, and vice versa.

[0085] In particular, the opening has a semi-circular shape and cooperates with the pivoting portion 250, which has a similar shape but reduced dimensions, particularly in length, so as to allow its movement within said opening. The pivoting portion 250 is configured to pivot within the opening such that the second portion 24 of the actuating member 2 is oriented either towards the mechanical part 3 or towards the locking device 4. These two orientations allow, respectively, movement from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position.

[0086] The actuation member 2 further comprises a first guide wedge 26 and a second guide wedge 27.

[0087] The first guide wedge 26 is configured to guide the second portion 24 towards the mechanical part 3 during the passage from the first position to the second position of the actuating member 2.

[0088] The second wedge 27 is configured to guide the second portion 24 towards the locking device 4, when moving from the second position to the first position of the actuating member.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a stop 34 can protrude from the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3.

[0090] The stop 34 is configured to cooperate with the second portion 24 of the body 22 of the actuating member 2, so as to maintain it in position against the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3, during the passage from the first position to the second position of the actuating member 2.

[0091] We will now describe the transition of the engagement and disengagement device 1 from the engagement position to the disengagement position, and vice versa, with reference to Figures 6 to 14.

[0092] To actuate the clockwork mechanism, the engagement and disengagement device 1 must move into its engagement position and the actuating member 2 must move from the first position, shown in [Fig. 6], to the second position, represented in [Fig. 10].

[0093] As shown in [Fig. 6], the flexible beams of the flexible part 21 are pa The flexible beams of the flexible part 32 of the mechanical part 3 are parallel to each other and in a straight position, i.e., an initial position, where they are not flexed. Furthermore, the flexible beams of the flexible part 32 of the mechanical part 3 are also parallel to each other and in a straight position, i.e., an initial position, where they are not flexed. The mechanical part 3 is itself in an initial passive position. The locking device 4 is at a distance from the second portion 24 of the actuating member 2 and from the mechanical part 3, in a straight position, in which it is not under load.

[0094] Fig. 6 represents the engagement and disengagement device 1 whose actuating member 2 is at a distance from the mechanical part 3 and the locking device 4. This is its first position, before any engagement or disengagement of the device 1.

[0095] In [Fig. 7], the movement of the actuating member 2 from the first position to the second position is initiated. The flexible beams of the flexible part 21 of the actuating member 2 begin to flex.

[0096] Figure 8 represents the engagement and disengagement device 1 of Figure 7, in which the actuating member 2 moves from the first position to the second position. The flexible beams of the flexible part 21 of the actuating member 2 are flexed, allowing rectilinear translation of the actuating member 2 towards the mechanical part 3.

[0097] In particular, the second portion 24 includes a stud 28 configured to cooperate with the first guide wedge 26 and with the second guide wedge 27, so as to guide the second portion 24.

[0098] With reference to figures 7 and 8, the stud 28 cooperates with the first guide wedge 26, so as to allow the pivoting portion 250 in the opening provided in the body of the first portion 23. This pivoting allows the second portion 24 to be oriented towards the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3.

[0099] The actuating member 2 translates until the second portion 24 comes into contact with the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3. In addition, once the stud 28 has reached one end of the first guide wedge 26, the second portion 24 pivots in the opposite direction in the opening provided in the body of the first portion 23, i.e. in the direction of the locking device, until the second portion 24 comes to rest against the stop 34.

[0100] When the second portion 24 comes to rest against the stop 34, the actuating member 2 continues to translate in the direction of the mechanical part 3, so that the second portion 24 pushes the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3, causing it to translate and resulting in the deflection of the flexible beams of the part flexible 32 of the mechanical part 3. The locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is in contact with the locking device 4. In particular, the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3 has an inclined portion configured to cooperate with an inclined part of the locking device 4, as shown in [Fig.9].

[0101] The rectilinear translation of the rigid body 33 causes, along the inclined portion of the mechanical part 3, the displacement of the locking device 4, resulting in the deflection of the flexible element 4L

[0102] The second portion 24 of the actuating member 2 is configured to push the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3 until the blocking portion 30 comes to rest against the retaining stop 40 of the blocking device 4, as shown in [Fig. 10]. The actuating member 2 has then moved from the first position to the second position, and the engagement and disengagement device 1 is in its engaged position, allowing the actuating of the clock mechanism.

[0103] With reference to [Fig. 11], the actuating member 2 translates in the opposite direction to the mechanical part 3 after passing into its second position, until the pin 28 cooperates with the second guide wedge 27. The flexible beams of the flexible part 21 are always in the flexed position. The second portion 24 is at a distance from the mechanical part 3. The locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is abutted against the retaining stop 40 of the locking device 4. The mechanical part 3 is in the active position. The actuating member 2 is in the second position, the engagement / disengagement device 1 is in its engaged position, and the clockwork mechanism is actuated.

[0104] To stop the clock mechanism, the engagement and disengagement device 1 must move into its disengagement position and the actuating member 2 must move from the second position, shown in [Fig. 11], to the first position, shown in [Fig. 6].

[0105] Figures 12, 13, and 14 illustrate the transition of the actuating member 2 from the second position to the first position. In particular, the pin 28 cooperates with the second guide wedge 27, so as to allow the pivoting portion 250 to pivot within the opening provided in the body of the first portion 23. This pivoting allows the second portion 24 to be oriented towards the locking device 4.

[0106] The actuating member 2 translates in the direction of the locking device 4, until the second portion 24 cooperates with the inclined portion of the locking device 4, allowing the flexible element 41 of said locking device 4 to flex, until the locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is released. When the locking portion 30 is released ([Fig. 13]), the rigid body 33 translates in a straight line in the direction of the actuating member 2 until the flexible beams of the part flexible 32 return to their initial position, namely straight, parallel to each other, in a position where they are not bent.

[0107] Thus, the clockwork mechanism is stopped.

[0108] The mechanical part 3 returns to its initial passive position, as can be seen in [Fig. 14]. The actuating member 2 then returns to its first position. The engagement and disengagement device 1 is in its disengaged position.

[0109] Thus, the engagement and disengagement device 1 according to the invention is simpler and more ergonomic than known devices, it is therefore more reliable and has a reduced number of parts.

[0110] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in light of the information just disclosed to them.

Claims

Demands

1. An engagement and disengagement device (1) for a clockwork mechanism intended to be mounted in a timekeeping device and comprising: • at least one actuating member (2) configured to be actuated by a push button, said at least one actuating member (2) being connected to the time measuring device and movable between a first position and a second position; • at least one mechanical part (3) connected to the time measuring device, comprising a locking portion (30); • a locking device (4) connected to the time measuring device and comprising a flexible element (41) from which a retaining stop (40) protrudes; the blocking portion (30) being configured to cooperate with the retaining stop (40); the actuating member (2) and the mechanical part (3) each being a substantially planar flexible guide mechanism, the actuating member (2) comprising a flexible portion (21) and a partially rigid body (22), the mechanical part (3) comprising a flexible portion (32) and a rigid body (33), and the actuating member (2) being configured to move from the first position to the second position by displacing the body (22) by flexing the flexible portion (21), so as to engage the clockwork mechanism by pushing the rigid body (33) of the mechanical part (3) to move it from a passive position to an active position, the mechanical part (3) itself being configured to push the locking device (4) so ​​as to flex the flexible element (41) until the locking portion (30) of the mechanical part (3) abuts against the retaining stop (40) of the locking device (4), the mechanical part (3), in the active position,being then configured to operate said clockwork mechanism; the actuating member (2) being further configured to move from the second position to the first position by moving the body (22) by flexing the flexible part (21), so as to disengage the clock mechanism by pushing the locking device (4) so ​​as to that the flexible element (41) flexes until it releases the blocking portion (30) of the mechanical part (3) which moves in the direction of the actuating member (2) so as to resume its initial passive position, the mechanical part (3), in passive position, being then configured to stop said clockwork mechanism.

2. Engagement and disengagement device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a fixing part (20) of the actuating member (2) is rigidly connected to the time measuring device, the flexible part (21) extending from the fixing part (20) and the body (22) being connected to the flexible part (21), the flexible part (21) being configured to flex so as to allow the passage from the first position to the second position of the actuating member (2), and vice versa, under the actuation of the latter, by rectilinear translation of the body (22) of the actuating member (2).

3. Engagement and disengagement device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the mechanical part (3) comprises a fixing portion (31) rigidly connected to the time measuring device, from which extends the flexible part (32) and the rigid body (33) connected to the flexible part (32), the locking portion (30) projecting from said rigid body (33), so as to cooperate with the retaining stop (40) of the locking device (4) when the actuating member (2) moves from the first position to the second position and vice versa, said flexible part (32) of the mechanical part (3) being configured to flex so as to allow the movement of the mechanical part (3) when the actuating member (2) moves from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, when said actuating member (2) is actuation.

4. Engagement and disengagement device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking device (4) comprises a fixing portion (42) connected to the time measuring device and from which extend the flexible element (41) and the retaining stop (40).

5. Engagement and disengagement device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible part (21) of the actuating member (2) comprises two parallel flexible beams rigidly connected at one end of each to a respective anchor point of a frame of the time-measuring device, forming the fastening part (20), and, at their respective other ends, to the body (22) of the actuation organ (2).

6. Engagement and disengagement device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 combined with claim 3, wherein the flexible part (32) of the mechanical part (3) comprises two parallel flexible beams rigidly connected at one end, each to a respective anchor point of a frame of the time measuring device, and, at their other respective end, to the rigid body (33) of the mechanical part (3).

7. Engagement and disengagement device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 combined with claim 2, wherein the body (22) of the actuating member (2) comprises a first portion (23) and a second portion (24), the first portion (23) being connected on the one hand to the flexible part (21) and on the other hand to the second portion (24), and being configured to push the rigid body (33) of the mechanical part (3) and thus move the mechanical part (3) from its passive position to its active position, the second portion (24) being flexible and configured to flex, during the transition from the first position to the second position of the actuating member (2), so as to allow the mechanical part (3) to come to rest with the locking device (4),the second portion (24) being further configured to push the locking device (4) so ​​that the flexible element (41) flexes until it releases the locking portion (30) from the mechanical part (3) when the actuating member (2) moves from the second position to the first position.

8. Engagement and disengagement device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the second portion (24) has an inclined end (25) configured to cooperate with the locking device (4) when moving from the second position to the first position of the actuating member (2).

9. An engagement and disengagement device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 combined with claim 2, wherein the body (22) of the actuating member (2) comprises a first portion (23) and a second portion (24), the first portion (23) being connected on the one hand to the flexible part (21) and on the other hand flexibly connected to the second portion (24), the second portion (24) being configured to push the rigid body (33) of the mechanical part (3) and thus move the mechanical part (3) from its passive position to its active position, and to push the locking device (4), during the passage from the second position to the first position of the actuating member (2), so that the flexible element (41) flexes until it releases the locking portion (30) of the mechanical part (3) during the passage from the second position to the first position of the actuating member (2).

10. Engagement and disengagement device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first portion (23) has a body in which an opening is provided configured to cooperate with a pivoting portion (250) of the second portion (24), so as to allow the passage from the first position to the second position of the actuating member (2) and vice versa.

11. Engagement and disengagement device (1) according to claim 10, wherein said actuating member (2) further comprises a first guide wedge (26) configured to guide the second portion (24) towards the mechanical part (3) when moving from the first position to the second position of the actuating member (2), and a second guide wedge (27) configured to guide the second portion (24) towards the locking device (4) when moving from the second position to the first position of the actuating member (2).

12. Engagement and disengagement device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 combined with claim 3, wherein a stop (34) protrudes from the rigid body (33) of the mechanical part (3), said stop (34) being configured to cooperate with the second portion (24) of the body (22) of the actuating member (2) so as to maintain it in position against the rigid body (33) of the mechanical part (3) during the transition from the first position to the second position of the actuating member (2).

13. Engagement and disengagement device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the actuating member (2), the mechanical part (3) and the locking device (4) are made of the same material.

14. Engagement and disengagement device (1) according to claim 13, wherein said material is a nickel-phosphorus alloy NiP, the actuating member (2), the mechanical part (3) and the locking device (4) in NiP being in particular obtained by a LiGA process.

Images