Device for engaging and disengaging a timepiece mechanism intended to be mounted in a time measuring device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for engaging and disengaging a timepiece mechanism, comprising an actuating member (2), a mechanical part (3) comprising a blocking portion (30), and a blocking device (4) from which a stop (40) projects; the actuating member (2) and the mechanical part (3) each being a substantially planar flexible guiding mechanism; the member (2) being configured to pass from the first to the second position in order to engage the timepiece mechanism by pushing the mechanical part (3) which is configured to push the blocking device (4) so as to bend it until the blocking portion (30) abuts against the stop (40); the member (2) being configured to pass from the second to the first position, so as to disengage the timepiece mechanism by pushing the blocking device (4) so that it bends until the blocking portion (30) is released.

Description

Device for engaging and disengaging a clockwork mechanism intended to be mounted in a time measuring device.

[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 time measuring 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, of a timepiece. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Known in the prior art are watch mechanisms, in particular chronograph mechanisms, coupled with an engagement and disengagement device for actuating and stopping the watch mechanism by means of an actuating member, a mechanical part and a blocking device. The actuating member is movable between a first position and a second position. Moving from the first to the second position allows the watch mechanism to be engaged or disengaged.

[0003] When the watch mechanism is engaged, the actuating member pushes the mechanical part, generally having the shape of an arrow, which will come into abutment, on each side of the arrow, against corresponding stops of the blocking device. In particular, the blocking device comprises two flexible rods, the stops of the blocking device projecting from said flexible rods. The mechanical part translates between the two flexible rods until it comes into abutment against said stops of the blocking device.

[0004] When disengaging the watch mechanism, two legs of the actuating member are configured to spread the two flexible rods of the locking device and allow the mechanical part to be released, causing the actuating member to return 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 hinged together by means of fixing and articulation parts. There is a need for a device for engaging and disengaging a watch mechanism that is less bulky, more reliable and has a reduced number of parts. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] More specifically, the invention relates to a device for engaging and disengaging a timepiece mechanism intended to be mounted in a time measuring 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 time measuring device and movable between a first position and a second position; at least one mechanical part connected to the time measuring device, comprising a locking portion; a locking device connected to the time measuring device and comprising a flexible element from which a holding stop projects. The locking portion is configured to cooperate with the holding stop.The actuating member and the mechanical part are each a substantially planar flexible guide mechanism, the actuating member comprising a flexible portion and a partially rigid body, the mechanical part comprising a flexible portion and a rigid body, and the actuating member being configured to move from the first position to the second position by moving the body by flexing the flexible portion, so as to engage the timepiece mechanism by pushing the rigid body of the mechanical part to move it from a passive position to an active position. The mechanical part is itself configured to push the locking device so as to flex the flexible element until the locking portion of the mechanical part abuts against the holding stop of the locking device, the mechanical part, in the active position, then being configured to actuate said timepiece 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 portion, so as to disengage the watch mechanism by pushing the blocking device so that the flexible element flexes until the blocking portion of the mechanical part is released, which moves towards the actuating member so as to return to its initial passive position, the mechanical part, in the passive position, then being configured to stop said watch 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. In order for the actuating member to move from the first position to the second position, the actuating member is actuated, in particular by means of a push button, so that it pushes the mechanical part which itself pushes the locking device until the mechanical part is held in position against the locking device so as to hold the actuating member in the second position and therefore hold the device in its engagement position. The clockwork mechanism is actuated here.Conversely, for the actuating member to move from the second position to the first position, the actuating member is actuated, in particular by means of the push button, so that it translates to push and flex the locking device until the mechanical part is released so that the actuating member returns to its first position and therefore the device moves to its disengaged position. The watch mechanism is then stopped.

[0008] In particular, the actuating member and the mechanical part are thus substantially planar flexible guidance mechanisms. Very generally, in mechanical engineering, such "flexible guidance mechanisms" are also referred to as "compliant mechanisms" according to the English expression known to those skilled in the art. These are so-called flexible guidance mechanisms, in the sense 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 flexible guidance mechanisms are generally monolithic and comprise at least one rigid part and one flexible part. It is consequently the deformation of at least one flexible part of the flexible guidance mechanism, and not the implementation of members connecting parts of the mechanism together, which allows the transmission of a force and / or a displacement.For this purpose, the flexibly guided mechanism is in principle configured to be substantially stiff in some directions and substantially soft in other directions, with the ratio between the stiffnesses in the substantially stiff directions and the stiffnesses in the substantially soft 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. Thus, the flexible portion of the actuating member allows the movement of said actuating member while keeping it connected to said time measuring device. Said flexible portion flexes when the actuating member moves from the first position to the second position and it returns to its initial straight shape when moving from the second position to the first position. Furthermore, the stiffness of the flexible portion allows assistance in returning said flexible portion to its position when moving from the second position to the first position.

[0011] Advantageously, the mechanical part comprises a fixing portion rigidly connected to the time measuring device, from which extends the flexible part and the rigid body connected to the flexible part, the blocking portion projecting from said rigid body, so as to cooperate with the holding stop of the blocking device when the actuating member moves from the first position to the second position and vice versa, said flexible part of the mechanical part being configured to flex so as to allow the mechanical part to move when the actuating member moves from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, when said actuating member is actuated.

[0012] The mechanical part is also rigidly connected to the time measuring device. Thus, the flexible part of the mechanical part allows the movement of said mechanical part while keeping it connected to said time measuring device. Said flexible part flexes when the actuating member moves from the first position to the second position and it returns to its initial straight shape when moving from the second position to the first position. Furthermore, the stiffness of the flexible part helps said flexible part return to position when moving from the second position to the first position.

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

[0014] The locking device is also rigidly connected to the time measuring device. Thus, the flexible part of the locking device allows the movement of said locking device while keeping it connected to said time measuring device. Said flexible part flexes when the actuating member moves from the first position to the second position and it returns to its initial straight shape when moving from the second position to the first position. Furthermore, the stiffness of the flexible part helps said flexible part return to position when moving from the second position to the first position.

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

[0016] Advantageously, the flexible part of the mechanical part comprises two parallel flexible beams rigidly connected by one of their ends, each to a respective anchoring point of a chassis of the time measuring device, and, by their other respective end, 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 move the mechanical part from its passive position to its active position. The second portion is flexible and configured to flex, when moving from the first position to the second position of the actuating member, so as to allow the mechanical part to come into abutment with the locking device, the second portion being further configured to push the locking device so that the flexible element flexes until the locking portion of the mechanical part is released when moving from the second position to the first position of the actuating member.

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

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

[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 on the one hand connected 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, when moving from the second position to the first position of the actuating member, so that the flexible element flexes until the locking portion of the mechanical part is released when moving 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 actuating member to move from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

[0022] The opening has the shape of a semicircle and cooperates with the pivoting portion having the same shape. The pivoting portion is configured to pivot in 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 respectively make it possible to move from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position.

[0023] Advantageously, said actuating member further comprises a first guide wedge configured to guide the second portion towards the mechanical part when moving 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 moving from the second position to the first position of the actuating member.

[0024] The first and second guide wedges make it possible to orient the pivoting of the pivoting portion in the opening, so as to orient the second portion of the actuating member according to the position to be adopted.

[0025] Advantageously, a stop projects 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 hold it in position against the rigid body of the mechanical part when the actuating member moves from the first position to the second position.

[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 alloy NiP, the actuating 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 a LiGA process, a process known per se, particularly in the field of watchmaking. The LiGA process (for Lithography and Galvanization) is used, particularly in watchmaking, to precisely manufacture very small parts, such as watch movement parts, by electroforming metallic material. The use of NiP obtained by the LiGA process makes it possible to obtain excellent surface finishes, particularly on the sides of the parts used. This is advantageous because the device according to the invention involves a lot of friction at various stages. The smooth surfaces of the parts used, actuating member, 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 FIGURES

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

[0030] 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 blocking device, the actuating member being in the first position and the clockwork mechanism being disengaged;

[0031] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of the, the actuating member passing from the first position to the second position, the actuating member being bent and pushing the mechanical part, itself pushing the locking device;

[0032] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of the, in the engaged position and in which the actuating member is bent and the mechanical part has come into abutment against the locking device;

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

[0034] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of the, in which the actuating member passes from the second position to the first position and being in contact with the blocking device so as to release the mechanical part and disengage said device and stop the watch mechanism;

[0035] 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 blocking device, the actuating member being in the first position and the clockwork mechanism being disengaged;

[0036] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of the, in which the actuating member is remote from the mechanical part and the locking device;

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

[0038] is a schematic representation of the device for engaging and disengaging the, the actuating member pushing the mechanical part, itself pushing the locking device;

[0039] is a schematic representation of the device for engaging and disengaging the, in the engaged position and in which the actuating member is bent and the mechanical part is in abutment against the locking device;

[0040] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of the, in which the actuating member has returned away from the mechanical part and the locking device;

[0041] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of the, in which the actuating member passes from the second position to the first position and being in contact with the blocking device so as to release the mechanical part and disengage the watch mechanism; and

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

[0043] is a schematic representation of the engagement and disengagement device of the, in which, after the release of the mechanical part, as shown in the, 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 the invention to be implemented; 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 a device 1 for engaging and disengaging a watch mechanism intended to be mounted in a time measuring device, such as a watch, a chronometer or even a timer for example. The watch 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 4.

[0048] The actuating 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 actuating member 2 is connected to the time measuring device and is movable between a first position and a second position.

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

[0050] The actuating 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 bending the flexible part 21.

[0052] In addition, a fixing portion 20 of the actuating member 2 is rigidly connected to the time measuring device. The flexible portion 21 extends from this fixing portion 20 and the body 22 is connected to this flexible portion 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 by one of their ends, each to a respective anchoring point of a chassis of the time measuring device, thus forming the fixing part 20. By their other respective end, 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 comprises a blocking portion 30.

[0056] Just like the actuating member 2, the mechanical part 3 is a substantially flat flexible guide 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 fixing portion 31 rigidly connected 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 projects from the rigid body 33.

[0059] The flexible portion 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 moving from the first position to the second position of the actuating member 2, and vice versa, when actuating the actuating member 2.

[0060] In particular, the flexible portion 32 of the mechanical part 3 comprises two parallel flexible beams rigidly connected by one of their ends, each to a respective anchoring point of the chassis of the time measuring device. By their other respective end, 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 comprises a flexible element 41 from which a holding stop 40 projects.

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

[0064] The locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is configured to cooperate with the holding 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 portion 21 makes it possible to engage the watch mechanism by pushing the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3, itself configured to push the blocking device 4 so as to bend the flexible element 41 until the blocking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 comes into abutment against the holding stop 40 of the blocking device 4. The mechanical part 3, in the active position, is then configured to actuate the watch mechanism.

[0066] To move from the second position to the first position of the actuating member 2, the movement of the body 22 by bending the flexible part 21 makes it possible to disengage the watch mechanism by pushing the blocking device 4 so that the element 41 of the blocking device 4 bends until the blocking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is released, which moves towards the actuating member 2, so as to return to its initial passive position. The mechanical part 3, in the 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 passes from its passive position to its active position, when passing from the first position to the second position of the actuating member 2. The second portion 24 is, for its part, flexible and configured to flex when passing from the first position to the second position of the actuating member 2, so as to allow the mechanical part 3 to come into abutment 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 the locking portion 30 is released from 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 comprise an inclined end 25, configured to cooperate with the locking device 4 when the actuating member 2 moves from the second position to the first position.

[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 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 the, to the second position, shown in the.

[0073] As shown in the, 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, that is to say an initial position, where they are not bent. In addition, the flexible beams of the flexible part 32 of the mechanical part 3 are also parallel to each other and in a straight position, that is to say an initial position, where they are not bent. 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 stressed.

[0074] La represents the engagement and disengagement device 1 whose actuating member 2 passes from the first position to the second position. The flexible beams of the flexible part 21 of the actuating member 2 are bent, allowing the rectilinear translation in the direction of the mechanical part 3 of the actuating member 2. 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 part 32 of the mechanical part 3 to bend. 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 41 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 blocking portion 30 comes into abutment against the holding stop 40 of the blocking device 4, as shown in the. The actuating member 2 has then moved from the first position to the second position, the engagement and disengagement device 1 is in its engagement position allowing the actuation of the watch mechanism.

[0076] With reference to the, 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 bent. The first portion 23 of the actuating member 2 is at a distance from the mechanical part 3. The locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is in abutment against the holding stop 40 of the locking device 4. The actuating member 2 is in the second position, the engagement and disengagement device 1 is in its engagement position and the watch mechanism is actuated.

[0077] To stop the clockwork 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 the, to the first position, shown in the.

[0078] La represents the passage 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 bend, until the locking portion 30 is released from the mechanical part 3.

[0079] When the locking portion 30 is released, the rigid body 33 translates rectilinearly 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 bent. By translating, the rigid body 33 pushes the first portion 23 of the actuating member 2 so as to make it translate rectilinearly 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 bent. The translation of the first portion 23 of the actuating member 2 allows the locking device 4 to also return to its initial shape, straight so as to extend at a distance from the actuating member 2 and the mechanical part 3, as shown in the figure.Mechanical part 3 returns to its initial passive position.

[0080] The actuating member 2 is in the first position, the engagement and disengagement device 1 is in its disengagement position and the clockwork 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 on the one hand connected to the flexible part 21 of the actuating 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 may for example take the form of a flexible zigzag beam 231, configured to allow a substantially rotary movement 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 when the actuating member 2 moves from the first position to the second position, and to push the locking device 4 so that the flexible element 41 flexes until the locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is released when the actuating member 2 moves from the second position to the first position.

[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 actuating member 2 to move from the first position to the second position, and vice versa.

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

[0086] The actuating 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 when the actuating member 2 moves from the first position to the second position.

[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 hold it in position against the rigid body 33 of the mechanical part 3, when the actuating member 2 moves from the first position to the second position.

[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 operate 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 the, to the second position, shown in the.

[0093] As shown in the, 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 bent. In addition, 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 bent. 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 stressed.

[0094] La 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] On the, the movement of the actuating member 2 to move from the first position to the second position is engaged. The flexible beams of the flexible part 21 of the actuating member 2 begin to flex.

[0096] The represents the engagement and disengagement device 1 of the, the actuating member 2 of which passes from the first position to the second position. The flexible beams of the flexible part 21 of the actuating member 2 are bent, allowing rectilinear translation in the direction of the mechanical part 3 of the actuating member 2.

[0097] In particular, the second portion 24 comprises 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 to pivot in the opening made in the body of the first portion 23. This pivoting allows the second portion 24 to be oriented in the direction of 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 arrived at 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, that is to say in the direction of the locking device, until the second portion 24 comes into abutment against the stop 34.

[0100] When the second portion 24 has come into abutment 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 so that it translates and causes the flexible beams of the flexible part 32 of the mechanical part 3 to bend. 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 the figure.

[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, causing the flexible element 41 to bend.

[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 into abutment against the holding stop 40 of the blocking device 4, as shown in the. The actuating member 2 has then moved from the first position to the second position, the engagement and disengagement device 1 is in its engagement position allowing the actuation of the watch mechanism.

[0103] With reference to the, the actuating member 2 translates in the direction opposite to the mechanical part 3 after having passed into its second position, until the stud 28 cooperates with the second guide wedge 27. The flexible beams of the flexible part 21 are still in the bent position. The second portion 24 is at a distance from the mechanical part 3. The blocking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is in abutment against the holding stop 40 of the blocking device 4. The mechanical part 3 is in the active position. The actuating member 2 is in the second position, the engagement and disengagement device 1 is in its engagement position and the watch mechanism is actuated.

[0104] To stop the clockwork 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 the, to the first position, shown in the.

[0105] Figures 12, 13 and 14 show the passage of the actuating member 2 from the second position to the first position. In particular, the stud 28 cooperates with the second guide wedge 27, so as to allow the pivoting portion 250 to pivot in the opening provided in the body of the first portion 23. This pivoting makes it possible to orient the second portion 24 in the direction of 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 bend, until the locking portion 30 of the mechanical part 3 is released. When the locking portion 30 is released (), the rigid body 33 translates in a rectilinear manner in the direction of 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 bent.

[0107] Thus, the clockwork mechanism is stopped.

[0108] The mechanical part 3 returns to its initial passive position, as seen in the. 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 thus more reliable and has a reduced number of parts.

[0110] It will also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed appear to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in light of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

Claims

Device for engaging and disengaging (1) a timepiece mechanism intended to be mounted in a time measuring 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 blocking portion (30);a blocking device (4) connected to the time measuring device and comprising a flexible element (41) from which a holding stop (40) projects;the blocking portion (30) being configured to cooperate with the holding 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 part (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 moving the body (22) by bending the flexible portion (21), so as to engage the watch 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 bend the flexible element (41) until the locking portion (30) of the mechanical part (3) comes into abutment against the holding stop (40) of the locking device (4), the mechanical part (3), in the active position, then being configured to actuate said watch mechanism; the actuating member (2) being further configured to move from the second position to the first position by moving the body (22) by bending the flexible portion (21),so as to disengage the watch mechanism by pushing the blocking device (4) so ​​that the flexible element (41) flexes until it releases the blocking portion (30) of the mechanical part (3) which moves towards the actuating member (2) so as to return to its initial passive position, the mechanical part (3), in the passive position, then being configured to stop said watch mechanism., An engagement and disengagement device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a fixing portion (20) of the actuating member (2) is rigidly connected to the time measuring device, the flexible portion (21) extending from the fixing portion (20) and the body (22) being connected to the flexible portion (21), the flexible portion (21) being configured to flex so as to allow the actuating member (2) to move from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, under the actuation of the latter, by rectilinear translation of the body (22) of the actuating member (2). An 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 holding 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 mechanical part (3) to move when the actuating member (2) moves from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, when said actuating member (2) is actuated. An 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 the flexible element (41) and the holding stop (40) extend. An engagement and disengagement device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible portion (21) of the actuating member (2) comprises two parallel flexible beams rigidly connected by one of their ends, each to a respective anchoring point of a frame of the time measuring device, forming the fixing portion (20), and, by their respective other end, to the body (22) of the actuating member (2). An engagement and disengagement device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 combined with claim 3, wherein the flexible portion (32) of the mechanical part (3) comprises two parallel flexible beams rigidly connected by one of their ends, each to a respective anchoring point of a chassis of the time measuring device, and, by their respective other end, to the rigid body (33) of the mechanical part (3). 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 to the second portion (24), and being configured to push the rigid body (33) of the mechanical part (3) and thus cause the mechanical part (3) to move from its passive position to its active position, the second portion (24) being 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 into abutment 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 the locking portion (30) is released from the mechanical part (3) when the actuating member (2) moves from the second position to the first position. An engagement and disengagement device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the second portion (24) comprises an inclined end (25) configured to cooperate with the locking device (4) when the actuating member (2) moves from the second position to the first position. 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 on the one hand connected 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), when the actuating member (2) moves from the second position to the first position, so that the flexible element (41) flexes until the locking portion (30) of the mechanical part (3) is released when the actuating member (2) moves from the second position to the first position. An 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 actuating member (2) to move from the first position to the second position and vice versa. An 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). An engagement and disengagement device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 combined with claim 3, wherein a stop (34) projects 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 hold it in position against the rigid body (33) of the mechanical part (3) when the actuating member (2) moves from the first position to the second position. An 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. Engaging and disengaging 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) made of NiP being in particular obtained by a LiGA process.

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