Method for engaging two gear elements and driving device implementing such a method

A method for engaging a first gear element with a second gear element, at least the second gear element being mounted to be mobile between a meshing position and a position of disengagement using an actuator, the method comprising the step of driving at least one of the first gear element and the second gear element in rotation to form a non-zero rotation speed difference between the first gear element and the second gear element and a step of controlling the actuator to successively:

• displace at least the second gear element towards the meshing position,
• when an intermediate position of the second gear element in proximity to the first gear element is detected, in which the second gear element remains sufficiently far away from the first gear element to prevent any contact between them, stop the displacement of said second gear element,
• when an angular position of mutual engagement of the first gear element and the second gear element is detected in which the second gear element is substantially in phase with the first gear element to mesh the latter, displace said second gear element to the meshing position.