Support system for a timepiece component

Abstract

A support system (1) for a timepiece component (9), in particular for a timepiece component comprising a surface (91) formed by rotation and / or an axis (A9), the support system (1) comprising: - means (2) for positioning, in particular centering, the timepiece component (9) relative to an axis (A) of the system, and - support means (3) for the timepiece component (9), the positioning means and the support means being independent and / or distinct and / or differentiated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a support system for a timepiece component. The present invention also relates to a control system for such a support system. The present invention also relates to a support structure comprising such a support system and / or such a control system. Finally, the present invention relates to a method of operation for a control system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Ceramic materials, glass, natural stone, sapphire, nacre and amorphous materials (metallic glasses) are fragile materials that break without any prior plastic deformation if the stress exceeds the material limit. Unlike metals, which can be plastically deformed, these materials are extremely fragile if the constraint force is concentrated in a certain area, in particular an area where there is a material defect, for example associated with injection. This becomes even more significant with violent breakage or bursting of the component.

[0003] For a rotating body component made of ceramic material, for example a bezel, the manufacturing method by injection has the drawback of poor concentricity in the blank and of a certain dispersion of the dimensions within a batch. Therefore, in order to obtain a workpiece that complies with the tolerances, a finishing machining is performed on these blanks. In this step for achieving the final dimensions of the component, the constraint force exerted by the clamps controlled in terms of position in order to retain the workpiece on the machining unit can be locally concentrated, causing the workpiece to locally exceed the maximum constraint force allowed, thereby causing the workpiece to break during machining.

[0004] In order to turn, mill or grind rings, flanges or other workpieces having thin walls, conventional clamping mandrels and plates have limitations, for example:

[0005] • the workpiece can be deformed or cracked during the clamping procedure, depending on the force exerted by the movement of the elements of the clamp;

[0006] • the interference profile of the clamping device limits the accessibility of the tool and can become unclippable;

[0007] • the change in geometry of the workpiece being machined can cause the mandrel to lose support thereon.

[0008] Many alternatives are known for avoiding some of these problems. Depending on the type of workpiece to be machined, the tolerances, etc., different clamping devices have been developed that are very specialized.

[0009] For example, the workpiece to be machined can be held in a spindle fixedly engaged with the spindle headstock by means of movable jaws, which can be internal and / or external and also ensure centering of the workpiece. The positioning of the jaws can be controlled in terms of position or force. Such spindles are specific to the workpiece geometry and must be newly developed for each specific workpiece geometry.

[0010] Known mandrels have been developed for holding workpieces that are susceptible to deformation, such as tubes. An example of a jaw-type mandrel is described in DE 202005019887. The torque transmission between the jaws and the workpiece to be machined is essentially a form adjustment. The clamping force of the jaws is controlled by a servo motor. The servo motor comprises an angle sensor and optionally a force sensor. The jaws hold the workpiece while in contact with the lateral edges of the workpiece to be machined (axial support). If the workpiece has concentricity defects, it cannot be ensured that the held workpiece does not undergo any plastic deformation. The jaws ensure both support and centering of the workpiece. The force applied for centering and the force applied for support are identical.

[0011] Constraining spindles utilizing mechanical clamping are also known. Constraining fingers are rotatably mounted and can constrain the workpiece being machined on the spindle's support surface. Stops can position the workpiece being machined. However, these stops are fixed and cannot adapt to changes in the workpiece geometry. The workpiece centering is static, and the force cannot be adjusted to any geometric changes in the workpiece. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a support system for a watch component that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and improves the support systems known in the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a support system that prevents breakage of the watch component and allows tests to be performed to check the strength of the watch component.

[0013] The support system according to the invention is defined by claim 1 .

[0014] Different embodiments of the support system are defined by claims 2 to 10 .

[0015] The control system according to the invention is defined by claim 11 .

[0016] Different embodiments of the control system are defined by claims 12 to 13 .

[0017] The support structure according to the invention is defined by claim 14 .

[0018] The method for operating the control system according to the invention is defined by claim 15 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings show, by way of example, embodiments of a support structure according to the application.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a support structure.

[0021] Figure 2 is a cross-section along the plane A-A of an embodiment of a support system in a configuration for supporting a watch component. Figure 6

[0022] Figure 3 is a cross-section along the plane B-B of an embodiment of a support system in a configuration for supporting a watch component. Figure 6

[0023] Figure 4 is a cross-section along the plane A-A of an embodiment of a support system in a configuration for releasing a watch component.

[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-section along the plane B-B of an embodiment of a support system in a configuration for releasing a watch component.

[0025] Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a support system in a configuration for releasing a watch component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] An embodiment of a support structure 5 is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6

[0027] The support structure 5 serves to ensure correct positioning of a watch component 9, in particular of a watch component 9 comprising a surface 91 formed by rotation and / or an axis A9.

[0028] The watch component has for example an annular shape. In particular, the watch component has a large diameter / thickness ratio (measured radially at the axis A9 and / or along the axis A9), for example greater than 10 or greater than 15. The watch component can for example be a middle, bezel, bezel ring, bezel and / or display disc, flange, dial, back cover, case gasket or mirror component.

[0029] Such positioning is necessary for positioning and holding the watch component during processing steps of the watch component. The term "processing" is to be understood as meaning any operation for changing the watch component, in particular by means of removing material, for example grinding, correcting, polishing, machining (cutting tool, laser, electro-erosion), and / or by means of adding material, in particular surface coating or finishing.

[0030] ​​​The support structure 5 preferably comprises the support system 1 (or a set of support jigs) and / or the control system 4 of the support system 1 (or a clamping pot). The support system 1 and the control system 4 cooperate so as to ensure support of the timepiece component 9, in particular during a phase of correction or modification of the external dimensions.

[0031] The support system 1 for the timepiece component 9 comprises:

[0032] - means 2 for positioning, in particular centering, of the timepiece component 9 relative to the axis A of the system; and

[0033] - support means 3 for the timepiece component 9,

[0034] The positioning means 2 and the support means 3 are independent and / or distinct and / or differentiated.

[0035] Thanks to the independent and / or differentiated nature of the positioning means 2 and the support means 3, it is possible to activate the positioning means 2 while simultaneously deactivating the support means 3. In other words, the positioning means 2 can be in a configuration in which they act on the timepiece component 9, in particular by contact, in particular by contact at the surface 91, so as to position it relative to the support structure 5 and / or relative to the support system, while the support means 3 can be in a configuration in which they do not act on the timepiece component 9.

[0036] However, the independent and / or differentiated nature of the positioning means 2 and the support means 3 makes it possible to activate the positioning means 2 while also activating the support means 3.

[0037] Similarly, the independent and / or differentiated nature of the positioning means 2 and the support means 3 makes it possible to deactivate the positioning means 2 while also deactivating the support means 3.

[0038] Although not preferred, it is possible to deactivate the positioning means 2 while activating the support means 3.

[0039] The positioning means 2 are used to position the timepiece component 9 on the support structure 5 and / or the support system 1. In other words, they can ensure that the timepiece component 9 is in a predetermined position relative to a reference frame associated with the support structure 5 and / or the support system 1. For example, the positioning means 2 are used to center the timepiece component 9 on the support system 1, i.e. to align the axes A and A9. However, the forces exerted on the timepiece component 9, even of moderate or weak intensity, can displace it relative to this reference frame while the positioning means 2 are acting. In particular, no obstacle can act in opposition to a certain degree of displacement of the timepiece component in the direction of the axis A or A9 relative to the support structure 5 and / or the support system 1.

[0040] The support device 3 serves to hold or fix the timepiece component 9 on the support structure 5 and / or the support system 1. In other words, it makes it possible to ensure that the timepiece component 9 remains fixed and stationary in a predetermined position relative to a reference frame associated with the support structure 5 and / or the support system 1. Preferably, an obstacle is provided that acts against a certain degree of displacement of the timepiece component 9 in the direction of the axis A or A9 relative to the support structure 5 and / or the support system 1.

[0041] Although the positioning device acts, the forces that have considerable intensity and that are exerted on the timepiece component 9, for example during machining operations, can still displace it relative to this reference frame. In particular, the support device 3 provides an obstacle that acts against the displacement of the timepiece component 9 in the direction of the axis A or A9 relative to the support structure 5 and / or the support system 1.

[0042] The support system 1 thus ensures the positioning, in particular the centring, of the timepiece component 9 and the support of the timepiece component 9 in this position.

[0043] The support system 1 preferably has a generally cylindrical shape centred on the axis A. The support system 1 comprises a frame comprising a first cover 51 and a second cover 52. The first cover 51 and the second cover 52 are preferably mounted in fixedly engaged manner with each other. The first cover and the second cover form a housing.

[0044] The positioning device 2 is controlled, for example by pneumatic or hydraulic means, i.e. the control system 4 comprises pneumatic or hydraulic control means acting on the elements of the positioning device 2.

[0045] The positioning device 2 comprises positioning elements 21, in particular rollers 21, which can be displaced in a first direction 28, in particular in a first direction 28 that is radial relative to the axis A of the support system 1. Each positioning element is movable or displaceable in a specific direction 28. The specific directions 28 can differ for each positioning element. Advantageously, the specific directions 28 are each radial directions relative to the axis A. Advantageously, the specific directions 28 are arranged with a constant angular offset (angular offset a between two adjacent specific directions: a = 360° / n, with n being the number of positioning elements 21) around the axis A.

[0046] For example, the positioning elements 21, in particular the rollers 21, can or can not be deformable, although they comprise a portion of elastomer material. Alternatively or in addition, the positioning elements 21, in particular the rollers 21, can be split. The positioning elements 21, in particular the rollers 21, are preferably made of metal. The positioning elements 21, in particular the rollers 21, are arranged or provided to exert a radial force on the timepiece component 9 to be positioned and held. The positioning elements 21, in particular the rollers 21, can have a shape that enables the force to be distributed over the contact surface 91 of the timepiece component 9 to be treated. For example, the positioning elements 21, in particular the rollers 21, are conical or frustoconical, or conform to the shape of the timepiece component 9 to be treated.

[0047] In the case where the positioning device 2 has rollers that can be split or rollers that can be laterally deformed, the positioning device 2 comprises a centring head 22 comprising a surface 23, in particular a frustoconical surface 23, and / or a surface that can be displaced according to the axis A of the support system 1, the positioning elements 21 being able to be displaced by contact with the surface 23.

[0048] The centring head 22, and therefore the frustoconical surface 23, is displaced in translation along the axis A under the action of an actuator mainly comprising a cylinder 25 and a piston 24. The piston 24 is fixedly engaged to the centring head 22. The actuator is supplied with fluid by means of pipes 26, 27 and 29. The cylinder 25 is in turn fixedly engaged to the frame of the support system 1. Thus, when the actuator is actuated, the centring head 22 is displaced in translation along the axis A relative to the frame.

[0049] Advantageously, the support system optionally comprises elastic return elements for bringing the positioning elements 21 into contact with said surface 23.

[0050] Preferably, the support system comprises at least three positioning elements 21, in particular three, four, five or six.

[0051] Alternatively or in addition, the positioning elements 21 are distributed uniformly around the axis A of the support system 1.

[0052] The positioning elements 21 can be fixed in place by means of a cover 51 comprising openings suitable for ensuring the support of the positioning elements 21 between the stops 231, the centring head 22 and the cover 51. When the centring head 22 drives the positioning elements 21, they are pressed against the timepiece component 9 to be treated by tilting and / or sliding and / or deforming to ensure the positioning function.

[0053] For a particular variant (not shown) having deformable rollers, for example made of elastomer material, the centring head can comprise an upper part that moves so as to bear against the upper part of the rollers. The centring head can be cylindrical.

[0054] For the positioning of the watch component 9, radial forces are applied to the watch component 9 by the positioning elements 21. These radial forces are preferably controlled by means of pneumatic or hydraulic control.

[0055] In the configuration shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the fluid is introduced into the actuator to displace the piston 24 and to withdraw the centering head 22 from the first cover 51. This results in the positioning device 2 being activated, i.e. the positioning elements 21 are displaced radially outwards with respect to the axis A and / or are deformed, so that they act on the watch component 9. Thus, the positioning elements 21 are moved by the force controlled by the actuator to come into contact with the inner surface 91 of the watch component 9 to be positioned. This configuration enables the component to be positioned. This configuration in particular enables the watch component 9 to be centered.

[0056] In the configuration shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the fluid is introduced into the actuator to displace the piston 24 and to withdraw the centering head 22 from the first cover 51. This results in the positioning device 2 being activated, i.e. the positioning elements 21 are displaced radially outwards with respect to the axis A and / or are deformed, so that they act on the watch component 9. Thus, the positioning elements 21 are moved by the force controlled by the actuator to come into contact with the inner surface 91 of the watch component 9 to be positioned. This configuration enables the component to be positioned. This configuration in particular enables the watch component 9 to be centered.

[0057] By varying the fluid pressure on one side and the other of the piston 24, the centering head 22 is displaced and acts on the positioning elements 21 by separating them from one another or compressing them to a greater or lesser extent. Thus, radial forces are applied to the watch component 9 to be treated in a manner proportional to the pressure in the actuator.

[0058] The support device 3 is controlled by means of pneumatic or hydraulic control, i.e. the support system comprises pneumatic or hydraulic control means acting on the elements of the support device 3.

[0059] The support device 3 preferably comprises support elements 31, in particular rocker levers 31, which can be displaced by rotating about an axis 36 extending in a second direction, in particular in a second direction which is radially orthogonal to the axis A of the support system 1. The support elements 31 are mounted, for example, by means of a pivoting connection about the axis 36 on a first member 34.

[0060] The support device 3 comprises, for example, at least three support elements 31, in particular three, four, five or six.

[0061] Alternatively or in addition, the support elements 31 are distributed uniformly about the axis A of the support system 1.

[0062] Preferably, the second member 35 is mounted by sliding connection with respect to the first member 34 along the axis A, and the support element 31 is pivoted on the first member 34 and is mounted by mechanical connection to the second member 35 via the cam system 32, 33, in particular a desmodromic cam system.

[0063] The helical spring 39 is received in compression between the first member 34 and the second member 35. The first and second members are thus connected to each other by the spring 39 and the support element 31.

[0064] The pull rod 53 is movable by translation in the frame along the axis A. The pull rod 53 is fixed to the second member 35, for example by a screw 54. The pull rod 53 is thus able to displace the second member 35 with respect to the first member 34 by pushing it towards the first member 34 against the action of the spring 39. The pull rod is also able to displace the second member 35 with respect to the first member 34 by pulling it away from the first member 34 and activating the support element 31.

[0065] The cam system comprises, for example:

[0066] - an elliptical recess 32 in the support element 31 and the second member 35, respectively, which extends in a direction 321 forming an angle a with the axis A of the support system 1; and

[0067] - a pin 33 cooperating with the recess and provided on the second member 35 and the support element 31, respectively.

[0068] In particular in the configuration of Figure 2 and Figure 3 the value of the angle a is for example between 10° and 30°.

[0069] The support system 1 thus also comprises a support mechanism 31 which ensures that the timepiece component 9 to be processed is mounted by a flange, for example in the form of a flange finger at the end of a rocker or a flange finger movable by rotation.

[0070] In summary, the support system 1 positions and holds the timepiece component 9 to be processed in a centred manner and ensures its axial and radial support throughout the processing operation by appropriate forces which prevent the timepiece component 9 to be processed from being subjected to excessive forces. The introduction and removal of the timepiece component 9 and the different adjustment operations of the support system 1 are made easier. The robustness of known support systems is improved.

[0071] The timepiece component 9 can be positioned or centred by the rollers 21 and can be held on the support system 1 by the fingers or flanges 31. The force applied is chosen to ensure that the centring device 2 does not deform the timepiece component 9 and at the same time to ensure that the device holds the timepiece component 9 completely during the handling operations, in particular machining operations.

[0072] The support system 1 is assembled on the control system, for example, by a bayonet system.

[0073] In the active configuration of the support device 3 in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the pull rod 53 releases the second member 35, causing the second member 35 to move away from the first member 34 under the action of the spring 39. The action of the pin 33 in the groove 32 causes the support element 31 to rotate about the axis 36 and the support element 31 to press on the timepiece component 9. The support device 3 is thus activated. In this position, the timepiece component 9 to be handled is held on the support system 1. The support element 31 exerts a radial force on the surface 91 of the timepiece component 9 and / or an axial force (relative to the axis A) on the upper surface of the timepiece component 9 opposite the surface in contact with the cover 51.

[0074] The force applied on the pull rod 53 is adjusted according to the force of the spring, the reference frame of the timepiece component 9 to be handled and the table values or based on dimensional measurements performed directly on the machine comprising the support system 1 and allowing the handling operations to be performed. Advantageously, the force is controlled in terms of compression and traction. It allows a more gradual linear movement of the pull rod, i.e. less jerky movements.

[0075] In the inactive configuration of the support device 3 in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the pull rod is activated to compress the spring 39 between the first member 34 and the second member 35. The action of the pin 33 in the groove 32 causes the support element 31 to rotate about the axis 36 to release the timepiece component 9. The support device 3 is thus deactivated. In this configuration, the timepiece component 9 can be placed on the support system 1 or removed from the support system 1.

[0076] In the example illustrated in Figure 6 , six positioning elements 21 and six support elements 31 are provided to ensure a good distribution of the positioning and support forces.

[0077] Advantageously, the number of support elements 31 is the same as the number of positioning elements 21.

[0078] Advantageously, the positioning elements 21 are interposed between the support elements 31.

[0079] The control system 4 is able to control the support system 1. The control system 4 comprises:

[0080] - a first control device 42 for the positioning device 2 of the timepiece component 9; and

[0081] - a second control device 43 for the support device 3 of the timepiece component 9.

[0082] The first control device and the second control device are independent and / or distinct.

[0083] As mentioned above, thanks to the independent and / or distinct nature of the control devices, the positioning device 2 and the support device 3 can be activated independently.

[0084] The first control device 42 comprises a pressurized fluid supply connected to the conduits 26, 27 and 29. This supply comprises a control element for the fluid pressure and a commutation mechanism of the fluid supply, to enable the actuator to be activated in both of its operating directions.

[0085] The second control device 43 comprises an electromechanical actuator comprising a motor 63 and a transmission device 83, in particular a ball screw unit 83. The transmission device 83 enables the motor 63 to be connected to the drawbar 53. The motor 63 is thus able to drive the drawbar 53 via the transmission device 83.

[0086] The ball screw unit 83, advantageously positioned between the motor 63 and the sensor 73, enables the conversion of the rotational movement of the motor 63 into the translational movement of the drawbar 53 to be optimized. The accelerations and decelerations of the motor 63 are thus transmitted by better controlled means, the support force being transmitted by fewer jerky movements. This ensures the reversibility of the control and better control of the force transmitted by the control system. The construction of the control system enables good control of the linear movement of the drawbar 53. Its position, travel, speed, and accelerations and decelerations can be controlled.

[0087] The first control device 42 comprises a first control element for the force exerted by the positioning device 2. The first control element for the force exerted by the positioning device 2 can comprise a first force sensor, in particular a fluid pressure sensor, to control the force exerted by the positioning device 2.

[0088] The second control device 43 comprises a second control element for the force exerted by the support device 3.

[0089] Advantageously, the second control element for the force exerted by the support device 3 comprises a second force sensor 73 positioned between the motor 63 and the drawbar 53. This second force sensor 73 can control the force exerted by the support device 3.

[0090] A second force sensor 73 (for example in the range 0 to 500 N) is placed between the motor 63 and the pull rod 53 to measure the force F applied to the pull rod 53, so as to keep the constraint force applied to the watch component 9 within the tolerance limits. The particular geometry of the support system 1 is able to distribute the force on different support positions according to the geometry of the watch component, so as to prevent exceeding the maximum constraint force locally allowed thereby. The force F can be controlled in compression and traction.

[0091] The force sensor 73 is able to measure forces of approximately from 0 to 500 N and operates in compression and traction. The force sensor 73 can be a piezoelectric sensor. In a variant, the sensor 73 is replaced by a force limiter, for example a spring able to limit the force of the pull rod 53 to a predetermined value (for example 250 N).

[0092] The translational movement of the pull rod 53 makes it possible to control precisely the support force of the support elements of the watch component 9.

[0093] The support force is thus controlled as a function of the force applied to the pull rod 53. Alternatively, it is also possible to correlate the measurement of the position of the pull rod 53 with the measurement of the force, so as to be able to control the support force more reliably.

[0094] The control system can have a substantially cylindrical shape. It can for example control the rotational and translational movements of the support system 1 in a machining bed.

[0095] Advantageously, the control system also comprises a rotary joint which allows the supply of fluid to the actuators driving the positioning functions of the support system 1.

[0096] An embodiment of the method of operation of the control system 4 for controlling the support system 1 is described below.

[0097] The method comprises:

[0098] - a step of applying a first specification of force applied by the positioning device 2, which varies for example as a function of the dimensions of the component machined or of the variation of the tabulated values or varies linearly over time; and / or

[0099] - a step of applying a second specification of force applied by the support device 3, which varies for example as a function of the dimensions of the component machined or of the variation of the tabulated values or varies linearly over time; and / or

[0100] - a step of applying a third specification of force applied by the support means 3, which allows a resistance test to be carried out on the watch component 9. This is because the support structure 5 can also be used to carry out the test. The positioning means 2 can allow the test to be carried out by applying a radial force. The support means 3 can allow the test to be carried out by applying a compression force. If the watch component is able to withstand the test, it is shown that it meets the requirements. Otherwise, the watch component 9 is destroyed, given the fragile nature of the preferred material of the watch component 9.

[0101] The positioning force and / or the support force applied can be adjusted during machining in order to take into account the variations in the geometry of the watch component 9 during the machining operations and to remain below the material limits of the watch component 9. Thus, the forces can vary, for example, as a function of the variations in the dimensions or the surface values of the component being machined.

[0102] Preferably, the intensity of the force applied by the positioning means to the watch component increases linearly over time during the positioning of the watch component on the support structure until a first force specification target is reached. Preferably, the intensity of the force applied by the support means to the watch component increases linearly over time during the positioning of the watch component on the support structure until a second force specification target is reached. Thus, for example, the forces can vary linearly over time.

[0103] In other words, the solution according to the application can involve a clamping system for machining a watch component 9 having a geometry formed by rotation, comprising a set of clamps provided with centering means for the watch component, controlled in terms of force by pneumatic actuators associated with support means 3 of the watch component 9, controlled in terms of force by the clamping pot. The centering and support of the watch component can be carried out from the inside of the watch component. Alternatively, the watch component can be centered and held from the outside. In a variant, the centering can be carried out from the inside and the support can be carried out from the outside, and vice versa.

[0104] Thus, in the above-described solution, a clamping mechanism for a watch component is provided, which is controlled in terms of force rather than in terms of position, thus being able to clamp watch components that are not perfect in terms of initial roundness and / or concentricity, preventing them from breaking during machining.

[0105] Advantageously, the control in terms of force of the above-described set of clamping clamps also allows tests in situ by breaking before starting the machining of a watch component that can contain too many defects at the end of a previous manufacturing step.

[0106] Thanks to this solution, the support forces can be better controlled, whatever the size of the timepiece to be processed, and therefore the rejection rate (breakage and / or roundness defects) can be reduced. The centering mechanism of the set of clamps itself allows reducing the number of timepiece components with concentricity and / or roundness defects after the processing step.

[0107] Support is achieved by controlling the elements of the set of clamps using force rather than position control. This allows for improved gripping of the bezel disc during the correction step. This solution is particularly suitable for holding fragile workpieces with rotationally shaped geometries, such as ceramic watch components, during the correction step.

[0108] By means of a specific control of the forces of the control elements of the above-mentioned set of clamps (clamping pot and actuator), it is possible to adjust the support and positioning forces according to the variations in the dimensions of the watch component, either by calculating the restraining forces according to the thickness or by using values ​​tabulated using pre-calculated data or by in-situ measurements of the watch component, so as not to subject the watch component to excessive forces. As the geometry of the watch component changes during the machining operation, the forces applied can be varied in order to keep the stress constant during the machining operation.

Claims

1. A support system (1) for a timepiece component (9), the support system (1) comprising: - positioning means (2) for positioning the timepiece component (9) relative to the axis (A) of the support system; as well as - a supporting device (3) for said timepiece component (9), The positioning device and the supporting device are independent and / or distinct, The positioning device (2) comprises a positioning element (21) which is displaceable in a first radial direction (28) relative to the axis (A) of the support system (1), the clock component being annular in shape with a through hole, the positioning element being arranged inside the through hole when positioning the clock component.

2. The support system according to claim 1, wherein: The positioning device (2) is controlled pneumatically or hydraulically.

3. The support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The positioning element is a roller.

4. The support system according to claim 1, wherein: The support system (1) is for a timepiece component comprising a face formed by rotation about an axis (A).

5. The support system according to claim 1, wherein: The positioning device (2) is a centering device.

6. The support system according to claim 3, wherein: The positioning device (2) comprises a surface (23) and / or a surface displaceable according to the axis (A) of the support system (1), the positioning element (21) being displaceable by coming into contact with the surface (23).

7. The support system according to claim 6, wherein: The support system comprises an elastic return element for bringing the positioning element (21) into contact with the surface (23).

8. The support system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The positioning device (2) comprises a frusto-conical surface (23).

9. The support system according to claim 3, wherein: The support system comprises at least three positioning elements (21), and / or wherein the positioning elements (21) are evenly distributed around the axis (A) of the support system (1).

10. The support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The supporting device (3) is controlled pneumatically or hydraulically.

11. The support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support device (3) comprises support elements (31) which can be displaced by rotating around an axis extending in the second direction.

12. The support system according to claim 11, wherein: The supporting element is a rocker.

13. The support system according to claim 11, wherein: The support element (31) is displaceable by rotating about an axis (36) extending in a second direction radially orthogonal to the axis (A) of the support system (1).

14. The support system according to claim 11, wherein: The supporting means (3) comprises at least three said supporting elements, and / or wherein said supporting elements are evenly distributed around said axis (A) of said support system (1).

15. The support system according to claim 11, wherein: The support system (1) comprises a first member (34) and a second member (35) which are mounted by sliding connection relative to each other along the axis (A) of the support system (1), and wherein the support element (31) pivots on the first member and is mounted by being mechanically connected to the second member via a cam system.

16. The support system according to claim 15, wherein: The cam system is a continuous control track cam system.

17. The support system according to claim 15, wherein: The cam system includes: - an elliptical groove (32) in the support element and in the second member, respectively, extending in a direction (321) forming an angle (α) with the axis (A) of the support system (1); and - a pin (33) cooperating with the groove and provided on the second member and the supporting element, respectively.

18. A control system (4) for controlling a support system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The control system includes: - a first control device (42) for the positioning device (2) of the timepiece component (9); and - a second control device (43) for the support device (3) of the timepiece component (9), The first control device and the second control device are independent and / or different and / or distinct.

19. The control system of claim 18, wherein: - the first control means (42) comprises a first control element for the force exerted by the positioning device (2); and / or - said second control means (43) comprising a second control element for the force exerted by said supporting means (3).

20. The control system of claim 19, wherein: - the first control element for the force exerted by the positioning device (2) comprises a first force sensor for controlling the force exerted by the positioning device (2); and / or -The second control element for the force applied by the support device (3) comprises a second force sensor (73) for controlling the force applied by the support device (3), the second control device (43) comprises a motor (63) and a transmission device (83) for driving the pull rod (53) and the second control element for the force applied by the support device (3) comprises a second force sensor (73) located between the motor and the pull rod (53).

21. The control system according to claim 20, wherein: The first force sensor is a first pressure sensor.

22. A support structure (5) comprising a support system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and / or a control system (4) according to any one of claims 18 to 21.

23. An operating method for a control system (4) according to any one of claims 18 to 21 for controlling a support system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The operation method includes: - a step of applying a first dimension of force applied by the positioning device (2), said first dimension varying as a function of a dimension or a tabulated value of said timepiece component (9) or varying linearly over time; and / or - a step of applying a second dimension of force applied by the supporting means (3), said second dimension varying as a function of the size or tabulated value of the timepiece component (9) or varying linearly over time; and / or - a step of applying a third specification of force applied by said supporting means (3), said third specification allowing a resistance test of said timepiece component (9).

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