MACHINE FOR SETTING A CLOCK MOVEMENT AND SETTING PROCEDURES

Description

Scope of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a watchmaking regulating machine for performing at least one adjustment and / or setting on at least one watch assembly fixed to a receptacle, said regulating machine comprising control means for automatically coordinating the movements and / or operation of at least one positioning module, which includes operating means arranged to move said receptacle in space on command of said control means to bring it into a setting and / or setting position relative to a frame comprising said regulating machine, under at least one acquisition module, which includes measurement and / or control means arranged for the identification and determination of the position in space of said receptacle, and / or of said at least one watch assembly fixed to said receptacle,with respect to the building audit and to communicate to the said control systems the information for the command and / or correction of the position of said positioning module.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method of using such a regulating machine for the setting and / or adjustment of at least one watch component.

[0003] The invention relates to the field of adjustment mechanisms for watch parts. Background of the invention

[0004] In watchmaking, certain fine adjustments, such as the frequency adjustment of an oscillator or the rate adjustment of a watch, are operations that are not very automated, entrusted to highly qualified personnel, and which often require several successive elementary adjustments.

[0005] Achieving high chronometric quality is, therefore, a costly operation.

[0006] The article "Swatch SISTEM 51" by Thierry CONUS, dated 16.09.2015, published on the Internet XP055733993, describes a watch rate adjustment using a laser ablation method on a machine to perform a setting or adjustment of a resonator component.

[0007] Documents EP3572887A1 and EP3422119A2 on behalf of THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Ltd each describe a setting machine for performing time setting, and a rotating drive module, allowing each watch worn by the machine to be successively brought in front of a vision system or a microphone.

[0008] EP 0 076 231 A2 refers to an industrial robot comprising a manipulator with a gripper that can be replaced by other tools. Servo motors control the gripper's position and the manipulator's height. The unit is mounted on a frame. A component support mechanism, consisting of a circular table and a motor, controls components below the manipulator and processing units. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention aims to automate fine adjustments on watch movements, or on watch heads, commonly called "watch head" or "WH", which are finished assemblies, and to carry out this automation at the level of a compact workstation, which can for example be installed on a watchmaker's workbench.

[0010] The measures implemented are designed to ensure the cleanliness of this workstation, which is important due to the handling of finished watch heads or finished movements.

[0011] This installation must guarantee the expected performance in terms of sensitivity, precision, digitization, flexibility, and reproducibility of settings. Its digitization must ensure short cycle times and the achievement of high precision, with an ergonomic and user-friendly workstation.

[0012] While many applications of the invention are possible in the field of watchmaking, the invention is particularly well suited to the fine adjustment of an oscillator, in particular by action on regulating screws, directly in the movement or the watch head.

[0013] The goal is a reliable setting during a single operation.

[0014] For this purpose, the invention relates to a regulating machine according to claim 1. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, with reference to the attached drawings, where: there figure 1represents, schematically and in perspective, without its casing, a regulating machine according to the invention, which comprises, on a frame, different modules which are represented independently of each other in the following figures, and of which a positioning module is fixed directly on the frame and comprises a cross-movement carriage carrying a table which itself carries a receptacle for a watch assembly, and of which an acquisition module is movable relative to a vertical post not shown, in the form of a cantilevered column, and comprises vision means and laser means for determining the position of the receptacle and its contents; the frame directly carries a setting and / or adjustment module, which comprises a gripper arranged to maneuver a moving part or a component of an assembly disposed on the receptacle; a drive module comprises a driver arranged to drive this moving part or component;a holding and / or support module includes a support finger arranged to press on this mobile or component; the; figure 2 represents, in a similar way to the figure 1 , a setting and / or adjustment module, arranged to perform a setting and / or adjustment on a moving part or component of an assembly carried by a receptacle placed on the table of the positioning module, this setting and / or adjustment module includes a clamp, here monolithic, whose opening and closing are motorized, and which is maneuverable in rotation and / or translation; the figure 3 represents, schematically and in plan view, the clamp of the figure 2 ; there figure 4 represents, in a similar way to the figure 2 , a drive module arranged to drive, at least one rotation by means of a rotary drive, such a component or moving part; the figure 5 represents, in a similar way to the figure 2, a holding and / or support module, comprising a support finger arranged to exert substantially axial pressure on this moving part or component; the figure 6 represents, schematically and in perspective, a receptacle which is a mounting, here holding a watch head positioned for its adjustment on the regulating machine; the figure 7 represents, schematically, partially and in perspective, another receptacle which is a fixture, here carrying a clockwork movement positioned for its adjustment on the regulating machine; figures 8 to 10 ill they successively demonstrate, schematically, and in perspective: in figure 8 , the preparation for the application of the figure 6 for receiving a watch head, with two clamps or locking wedges which are forks arranged to bear against the lugs of the watch head; figure 9, the placement of the watch head on a spring mechanism and resting on a support surface in an angular position where the lugs are outside the arms of the forks 102; in Figure 10 , the fixing of the watch head onto its receptacle, after the rotation of the watch head until one of the lugs reaches an angular stop position on a pin; the figure 11 represents, schematically and in perspective, the cooperation of the training module of the figure 4 , and the support and / or maintenance module of the figure 5 , with a balance wheel that includes the watch head mounted on the receptacle according to the Figure 10 ; there figure 12 is a view similar to the figure 11 where only the supporting finger cooperates in support with the balance wheel, while the driver is in a clear position relative to the watch head; the figure 13 is a view similar to the figure 11, where the clamp is introduced into the movement and cooperates with a regulating screw of the balance wheel, and where the support finger holds the balance wheel; the figure 14 is a schematic diagram, in elevation, of a variant of the regulating machine of the figure 1 , encased and mounted on a watchmaker's workbench, and comprising a plurality of optical modules; the figure 15 is a schematic diagram, in elevation, of a detail of a variant of the regulating machine of the figure 1 Or 14 , comprising a palletizer allowing the exchange of a receptacle between the positioning module table on the one hand, and a frequency analyzer, or a glide control device not shown, on the other hand; the figure 16 is a flowchart of the steps for adjusting the regulating screws of a balance wheel comprising a balance-spring oscillator, on the regulating machine according to the invention, in a first open-loop variant; the figure 17is a logic diagram of the adjustment steps of the regulating screws of a balance wheel which includes a balance-spring oscillator, on a regulating machine according to the invention comprising a frequency analyzer and / or a rate control device, in a closed loop variant. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0016] The invention relates to a watchmaking regulating machine 1000, which is designed to perform at least one setting and / or adjustment on at least one watch assembly 1 fixed on a receptacle 10.

[0017] This regulating machine 1000 includes control means 3000, to coordinate in an automated manner the movements and / or operation of at least one module, in particular at least one positioning module 100.

[0018] The invention will be described more particularly with regard to the use of this regulating machine 1000 for regulating a mechanical watch oscillator, of the balance-spring type, by acting on regulating screws conventionally present on the balance wheel of this oscillator. These regulating screws generally have a differential pitch to compensate for backlash; thus, they remain in position once adjusted. This application is in no way limiting.

[0019] The figures illustrate a particular, non-limiting variant, where the axes are classically defined by an orthogonal system: the Z-axis is the vertical of the location, the X-axis corresponds to a longitudinal direction, the Y-axis corresponds to a transverse direction, as visible on the figure 1 which represents a regulating machine 1000 according to the invention, equipped with all the basic modules and all the regulating modules which will be described below.

[0020] This positioning module 100 includes maneuvering means arranged to move a receptacle 10 in space, under the control of the piloting means 3000, to bring it into a setting and / or adjustment position relative to a frame 2000 of the regulating machine 1000, and to bring it under at least one acquisition module 200, or under another module of the regulating machine 1000, in particular a setting and / or adjustment module 400 which will be described later. This frame 2000 can be a base specific to the regulating machine 1000, which is then easily movable, or it can be a watchmaker's workbench 4000, which is then integrated into the regulating machine 1000.

[0021] The frame 2000 directly or indirectly carries at least one regulating module, and the control means 3000 are arranged to automatically coordinate the movements and / or operation of each regulating module, which comprises the regulating machine 1000.

[0022] The 1000 regulating machine preferably includes a 5000 housing, encompassing all its component modules, which can be pressurized or depressurized to ensure equipment cleanliness. This 5000 housing notably contains the 3000 control elements, which typically include a 3001 user interface such as a screen / keyboard or similar, and a connection to a production management system and / or a quality management system. More specifically, the 3001 user interface can be used for high-magnification visualization of the work area during the operation of the various modules when the 1000 regulating machine includes an optical module 700 equipped with a digital microscope or similar device, thus facilitating adjustments and validations.

[0023] The study shows that the work steps and movements in a manually assisted version require at least 29 functional steps, 37 movements, and 9 axes. Choosing a fully digital machine ensures perfect process control, with reproducible operations and easily configurable settings; moreover, only a digital version can reduce cycle time; in the specific, non-limiting variant illustrated in the figures, these 3000 control systems control 13 digital axes, thus reducing the number of functional steps and movements.

[0024] Naturally, the number and arrangement of the axes depend on the chosen machine configuration, which here features a cantilevered column with Z-axis mobility; however, Z-axis mobility could also be achieved at the level of the positioning module 100. Vertical movements can also be linked to a gantry instead of a column. The advantage of the cantilevered column is that it provides ample space in front of it for the various drives and grippers, and to facilitate vision or the passage of laser beams.

[0025] More specifically, the positioning module 100 is movable relative to the frame 2000 at least along the longitudinal X direction. The movement of a table 109 carrying a receptacle 10 along the longitudinal X direction occurs in at least three notable positions: rest position, laser measurement position, and adjustment screw position. This positioning module 100 advantageously includes a rotary axis Θ0 for rotating the table 109. In a variant as illustrated, this positioning module 100 is movable relative to the frame 2000 in both the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions, which allows it to go beyond the eccentric stroke permitted by the rotary axis Θ0.

[0026] The acquisition module 200 includes measurement and / or control means, which are arranged for the identification and determination of the position in space of a receptacle 10, and / or of at least one clock assembly 1 fixed on a receptacle 10, relative to the frame 2000, and for communicating to the control means 3000 the information for the control and / or correction of the position of the positioning module 100.

[0027] The acquisition module 200 includes, in particular, a carriage 209 that moves along the vertical Z direction. This carriage 209 carries vision means and a laser beam oriented here along the vertical Z direction. This module is designed for the automatic adjustment of the focal positions of vision and laser, with respect to the different assemblies 1, movements or watch heads, carried by a receptacle 10. This focal adjustment of the vision system and the laser measurement system is carried out according to an adjustment cycle which includes: balance wheel centering position, clear zone position, laser measurement position in Z, and orientation position of the adjusting screws.

[0028] This acquisition module 200 can also carry a secondary carriage, also mobile along the vertical Z-axis and mounted on the carriage 209, to separate, for certain specific applications, the movements of the vision system and the laser system. In a particular variant not shown, this acquisition module 200 can include another laser source, not dedicated to measurement, but to ablation operations on the balance wheel or the balance spring.

[0029] In the application of the regulating machine 1000 to the regulation of a balance wheel-spring oscillator, the acquisition module 200 is used essentially to detect the center of the balance wheel to guarantee the reliability of the process of retouching the regulating screws, to guarantee the correct centering of a regulating clamp 600, shown below, on the axis of the regulating screws of the balance wheel.

[0030] According to the invention, the regulating machine 1000 comprises at least one regulating module which is a setting and / or adjustment mechanism 400. This setting and / or adjustment mechanism comprises a setting and / or adjustment module 400, which includes setting and / or adjustment means, which are arranged to perform a setting and / or adjustment on at least one assembly 1 carried by a receptacle 10, and / or on at least one component or moving part that comprises an assembly 1, on command of the control means 3000.

[0031] According to the invention as claimed, this adjustment and / or setting module 400 is an angular retouching module, the setting and / or setting means of which comprise a plurality of motorized axes which are arranged to move, open and close in a clamp plane, preferably but not limited to a vertical plane passing through the vertical of the place, this clamp plane being perpendicular to a direction of rotation of clamp DF, DG, a clamp 600, which is arranged to drive or deform a moving part or component which comprises an assembly 1 carried by a receptacle 10.

[0032] More specifically, this 600 pliers is designed to allow tightening / loosening of any type of screw head profile: "Torx ®<", hexagonal, slotted, headless, "Imbus", conical, with seat, or other.

[0033] More specifically, the adjustment module 400 is movable relative to the frame 2000 of the adjusting machine 1000 at least in the vertical direction Z.

[0034] More specifically, in the non-exhaustive arrangement illustrated in particular by the figure 2The adjustment module 400 includes a clamp body 401, which is arranged to carry a clamp 600, and which is movable in rotation about a clamp rotation axis DH, parallel to the direction of clamp rotation DF, DG, along a clamp operating rotary axis Θ2, relative to a clamp carriage 403. This clamp carriage 403 is movable along a vertical direction Z parallel to the vertical of the location relative to a structure 404 which is either fixed to the frame 2000, or movable along a horizontal direction X perpendicular to the vertical of the location, or along a vertical direction Z parallel to the vertical of the location, relative to a clamp base 405 fixed to the frame 2000.

[0035] A unique and advantageous feature of the 600 gripper is its monolithic construction, made from an elastic material. More specifically, the 600 gripper is constructed from silicon and / or silicon oxide, spring steel, or a similar material. Indeed, in its preferred applications, the 600 gripper is very small, its volume comparable to that of a moving part, and this constraint makes it difficult to reconcile an articulated mechanism with backlash-free operation and low repetitive pressure values ​​to protect the components involved.

[0036] More specifically, this adjustment module 400 comprises a gripper control body 406 having a roller 407, in particular a cam-forming roller 407, which is arranged to exert a force on a surface of the gripper 600 and deform the gripper in an opening or closing movement. This gripper control body 406 is notably rotatable about a gripper opening / closing control rotary axis Θ1, either about a gripper rotation axis DH, or about a roller axis DF parallel to a gripper rotation axis DH, relative to a gripper carriage 403 which is movable in a vertical direction Z parallel to the vertical of the location relative to a structure 404 which is either fixed to the frame 2000, or movable in a horizontal direction X perpendicular to the vertical of the location relative to a gripper base 405 fixed to the frame 2000.

[0037] More specifically, the gripper control body 406 is arranged to move the roller 407 through 360° for the opening or closing control of the gripper 600.

[0038] More specifically, the gripper control body 406 is mobile in rotation around the gripper rotation axis DH, so as to be able to exert, in certain angular positions, a support offset with respect to a plane of symmetry PS that the gripper 600 comprises.

[0039] The gripper 600 includes gripper arms 601 for operating a component or moving part of the assembly 1, in particular a rocker arm adjusting screw. In the non-limiting operating mode illustrated in the figures, each gripper arm 601 is movable within a gripper plane, in particular a vertical plane passing through the vertical at the location, the gripper plane being perpendicular to a gripper rotation axis DH or to a roller axis DF parallel to a gripper rotation axis DH. Of course, for other applications, the plane common to the gripper arms 601 can be moved in space.

[0040] The 601 clamp arms are designed to clamp the outside diameter of the adjusting screws of all types of balance wheels, even the smallest.

[0041] More specifically, the clamp 600 is elastic, and includes at least one support portion 602 which is subjected to the action of an actuator or a roller 407 or an eccentric and / or a pusher, which includes the adjustment and / or setting module 400, and any deformation of this at least one support portion 602 modifies the relative position of the arms 601 with respect to each other, and deforms the clamp 600, which allows the clamp 600 to be used as a tool to make an adjustment.

[0042] More specifically, the clamp 600 is symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry PS, and includes first elastic arms 607 and / or second elastic arms 604.

[0043] More specifically, the gripper 600 has a mounting area 603 which is more rigid than the elastic arms and the second elastic arms 604, for attaching the gripper 600 to a gripper body 401 included in the adjustment module 400; this attachment can be achieved by combining at least one positioning pin driven into a pin hole 6030 visible on the figure 3 , and at least one screw or similar fixed at the level of a 608 implantation.

[0044] And, more specifically, the clamp 600 includes at least one such support portion 602, which is more rigid than the first elastic arms 607 and the second elastic arms 604.

[0045] Advantageously, the first elastic arms 607 are substantially aligned with the gripper arms 601.

[0046] The system can operate without a stop on additional surfaces. If necessary, the design of the 407 roller, including a cam, allows for 360° rotation without risk to the 600 clamp.

[0047] In a particular variant, the fixing zone 603 includes limiting surfaces 605, which are arranged to cooperate in abutment support with complementary limiting surfaces 606 that comprise the support portion 602, so as to limit the deformation of the clamp 600.

[0048] In a particular execution corresponding to figures 1 to 3The clamp 600 is held in reference by two pins and a clamping screw. The shape of the clamp 600 is optimized to avoid exceeding the elastic limit of the material as well as the maximum value of the force exerted by the roller 407, in particular a cam. In the specific application of adjusting a regulating organ, particularly the action on a balance wheel regulating screw, the profile (thickness, angular position) of the arms 601 and 604 is defined to be compatible with the space available for tightening the regulating screw in the balance wheel, to allow angular pivoting of the clamp 600 to perform its adjustment process without contacting the watch case, and, in a specific and non-limiting embodiment, to allow a clamping force of up to 40 N per arm at the end of the cam stroke (approximately 0.6 mm).

[0049] In summary, the vertical Z-axis controls the descent of the 600 clamp to the position of an adjusting screw. The rotary axis Θ1, which controls the opening / closing of the clamp, triggers the opening of the 600 clamp to grip the adjusting screw, and then the closing of the 600 clamp around this adjusting screw. The rotary axis Θ2 controls the tightening or loosening of the adjusting screw, much like a watchmaker would do.

[0050] For applications other than adjusting screws, the 600 collet can be used both as a rotary tool and as a linear motion tool such as a set punch, dowel, pin punch, chisel, chuck, or other similar tool. The 600 collet can then be used as a deformation or engraving tool.

[0051] More specifically, the regulating machine 1000 includes at least one other regulating module which is a drive module 300. This drive module 300 includes drive means 301, which are arranged to drive, at least in rotation, at least one component or moving part, which comprises such a watch assembly 1 carried by a receptacle 10, on the control of the piloting means 3000.

[0052] More specifically, this 300 training module is a pendulum training module, illustrated by the figure 4 . This drive module 300 includes a body 310 movable at least along a vertical direction Z parallel to the vertical of the location, and relative to which is movable in an articulated manner a motorized driver 301, which is rotatable about a DC driver axis parallel to the vertical direction Z, or substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z.

[0053] More specifically, in the non-exhaustive arrangement illustrated by the figure 4 , this body 310 includes positioning means 340, which are arranged to position in rotation, around an axis DN parallel to the vertical direction Z, at least one return arm 303, 304, relative to which is mounted pivoting, around an intermediate axis DB parallel to the drive axis DC, a drive arm 302 carrying the drive 301.

[0054] And this body 310 carries drive means 330 for the rotational drive of the driver 301, via transmission means 320 with belt, or chain, or gear, or cardan, or similar.

[0055] More specifically, the positioning means 340 are arranged to angularly position at least one return arm 304, to which is articulated a return arm, which is the driver arm 302, or a forearm 303 to which is articulated the driver arm 302.

[0056] There figure 4 This illustrates, on the one hand, a first motor 310 which turns belts 320 which drive the drive shaft 301 in rotation, and on the other hand, a second motor 340, which rotates around its axis DN the complete assembly 310, 304-303-302, 301-320-330.

[0057] The arm can be retracted using the body around its motor axis. This arm is manually adjustable around the two axes DA and DB. The adjustment is defined according to the caliber to be adjusted.

[0058] More specifically, the body 340 is supported by a cross-movement table XZ in a vertical plane passing through the vertical of the place, comprising a carriage 350 which is supported by a carriage 360 ​​mobile relative to a table base 370 fixed to the frame 2000.

[0059] The drive module 300 advantageously includes a rotating axis Θ40 for the rotation of the transmission means 320, and the driver 301 is mobile in rotation about a rotating axis Θ4.

[0060] This arrangement allows optimal positioning of the rotation driving finger 301 relative to the rocker arm.

[0061] More specifically, the adjusting machine 1000 includes at least one other adjusting module which is a holding and / or support module 500, in particular a support finger module, and which includes holding and / or support means 501.

[0062] These holding and / or support means 501 are arranged to exert substantially axial support on a moving part or component of an assembly 1 during or after an adjustment and / or fitting carried out on an assembly 1 by the adjustment and / or fitting module 400, or to hold the moving part or component without contact by the action of a magnetic or electrostatic field, along a direction DE which, in a particular application, is parallel to the vertical of the location, or which makes an angle of less than 10° with the vertical direction of the location.

[0063] More specifically, in the variant illustrated by the figure 1and which is particularly compact, this at least one support and / or holding module 500, in particular a support finger module, is carried by at least one positioning module 100. It can however be independent of it, and fixed directly on the frame 2000 of the adjusting machine 1000, or on a mobile carriage which is included in this adjusting machine 1000.

[0064] More specifically, in the non-exhaustive arrangement illustrated by the figure 5 , this at least one support and / or holding module 500 comprises a body 520, which is rotatable about a rotating axis Θ3 for rotation about a vertical direction DD parallel to the vertical of the place and which drives a carrying arm 502 which carries, in a fixed or articulated manner, the support and / or holding means 501.

[0065] The design of this support uses a principle similar to that of the 600 adjusting clamp, namely the use of the material's elasticity. In the application of the 1000 adjusting machine according to the invention to the adjustment of a balance wheel and hairspring oscillator, it is imperative, in order to avoid stressing the balance wheel's shock absorbers, to apply the lowest and most controlled support force possible.

[0066] A first variant of the support includes a shaft with bronze bearing guidance, which presses by its own weight on the balance wheel to block it from rotating, and requires perfect adjustment of the guide clearance to ensure that the shaft falls by its own weight, while avoiding any blocking of the balance wheel, or any harmful axial stress on the balance wheel.

[0067] A variant, corresponding to the figures, applies a support principle using elastic guidance that meets these requirements. Preferably, this support system is slightly inclined so as not to generate a shadow zone on the rocker arm, which could interfere with the detection of the adjusting screw by the optical means of the regulating machine 1000, which explains the advantage of a slightly inclined direction DE.

[0068] In one variant, the holding and / or supporting means 501 include a support finger which is a mass, held guided by elastic guiding means 503, fixed to the supporting arm 502 and arranged to hold the mass in contact with a moving part or component by applying a substantially vertical force. These elastic guiding means 503 may, in particular, consist of, as shown in the figure 5, by two flexible blades substantially parallel to each other and slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal, and which constitute a deformable parallelogram with the support finger 501 and the structure which supports it.

[0069] In another variant not shown, the holding and / or support means 501 include a support finger which is a mass guided in a housing of the support arm 502 and which is arranged to hold by its own weight a mobile or component.

[0070] Advantageously, when using optical means for measuring and / or controlling the acquisition module 200, the holding and / or support module 500 is arranged to orient said holding and / or support means 501 in a direction DE slightly inclined with respect to the vertical, in order to clear the field of vision of these devices.

[0071] More specifically, the body 520 is mobile in rotation relative to a body 510, which is mobile along a vertical direction Z parallel to the vertical of the place, relative to a structure 590 which is either fixed to the frame 2000, or fixed to a trolley 530, 570, mobile relative to a base 580 fixed to the frame 2000.

[0072] In one variant, this body 510 is mobile along the vertical direction Z relative to a carriage carried by a base carriage 570 with horizontal movement Y, or X, or with cross movements XY in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical of the place, relative to a base 580 fixed to the frame 2000.

[0073] In another variant illustrated by the figure 5, the body 510 is mobile relative to a structure 590 which is either fixed to the frame 2000, or fixed to a trolley 530, 570 mobile relative to a base 580 fixed to the frame 2000, under the combined action of a rolling roller 560 carried by the body 510 and a ramp 550 which comprises a ramp trolley 540 mobile relative to a base trolley 570 in a horizontal direction X in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical of the place.

[0074] In summary, the holding and / or support module 500 is arranged to hold in substantially axial position, in the vertical direction Z or in such direction DE, a moving part or component of an assembly 1 during or after the driving of the moving part or component by the driving means of this at least one driving module 300. This holding in axial position is appropriate at the end of the driving of this moving part or component.

[0075] The 500 support and / or holding module provides a safe alternative to traditional stop-seconds mechanisms, whose blades can damage the balance wheel. The Z-axis allows the 501 support finger to descend, and the Θ3 axis allows the 502 arm to rotate.

[0076] More specifically, the acquisition module 200 includes vision means arranged to scan the work area. In particular, when the regulating machine 1000 is used to regulate a balance wheel and hairspring oscillator, the vision means are arranged to detect the entire surface of the balance wheel, or any area necessary for adjusting the regulating screws. These vision means also allow for the detection of the number or type of a regulating screw, or the reading of an engraving on the rim of the balance wheel to determine the number and type of regulating screws.

[0077] More specifically, the acquisition module 200 is movable at least along a vertical direction Z parallel to the vertical of the location, and includes vision means arranged to determine the position of a surface of a moving part or component, and / or to determine the nature and position of at least one adjustment element included in an assembly 1, such as an adjustment screw, weight, pin, lever, or similar.

[0078] More specifically, the acquisition module 200 is mobile at least along a vertical direction Z parallel to the vertical of the location, and includes vision means and laser measurement means, and a device for automatically adjusting the focal vision and laser positions relative to a mobile or component of an assembly 1 carried by a receptacle 10, for the exact determination of the position of the upper surface of the mobile or component along the vertical direction.

[0079] More specifically, the regulating machine 1000 includes at least one optical module 700, which is carried directly or indirectly by the frame 2000, or by the positioning module 100, or the acquisition module 200, or one of the regulating modules 300, 400, 500, which comprise the regulating machine 1000. This optical module 700 is interfaced with the control means 3000, for the optical control of a component or a moving part during its adjustment or during an oscillation to which it is subjected.

[0080] More particularly, the positioning module 100, and / or the acquisition module 200, includes identification means for the identification of a receptacle 10 which advantageously includes a marking or a marking or a component for receptacle identification, and for the identification of each assembly 1 which the receptacle 10 carries, which assembly 1 advantageously includes a marking or a marking or a component for product identification.

[0081] More particularly, the regulating machine 1000 includes at least one such optical module 700 carried directly or indirectly by the frame 2000, and interfaced with the control means 3000, for the optical control of a moving part or component during its adjustment or during an oscillation to which it is subjected, and / or to constitute means of identification of a receptacle 10 and for the identification of each assembly 1 carried by the receptacle 10.

[0082] More particularly, each receptacle 10 comprises, for receiving an assembly 1, a substantially flat bearing surface 190, which, in a particular horizontal service position, extends substantially flatly along a horizontal plane perpendicular to a vertical direction Z parallel to the vertical of the location.

[0083] Naturally, the regulating machine 1000 can include a manipulator to move such a receptacle 10 in space, which then allows, in the case where the assembly 1 includes an oscillator whose chronometric properties we want to test, to present this assembly 1 in the standardized chronometric control positions, in static position in the different angles, or during a dynamic control passing through the standardized positions and orientations, notably as described in document EP3486734 on behalf of MONTRES BREGUET.

[0084] The receptacle 10 includes means for positioning and orientation relative to the table 109 of the positioning module 100.

[0085] More particularly, this receptacle 10 is a support which includes, under its bearing surface 190, a spring mechanism 180 for receiving an assembly 1, and, above the bearing surface 190, locking wedges 102 for an assembly 1. This receptacle 10 also includes, between the bearing surface and the locking wedges 102, angular orientation means 103 for the angular orientation in butt support of an edge of the assembly 1 on the support.

[0086] THE figures 8 to 10successively illustrate the preparation of the mounting for the reception of a watch head, with two clamps or locking wedges 102 which are forks arranged to bear on lugs 101 of the watch head, the placement of the watch head 1 on the spring mechanism 180 and in support on the support surface 190 and in an angular position where the lugs 101 are outside the arms of the forks of the locking wedges 102, then finally the rotation of the watch head 1 until an angular stop support position of one of the lugs 101 on a pin 103 forming the angular orientation means, guided in a pin housing 105, stop support position in which the spring mechanism 180 ensures good support. The retention of the watch head in the vertical direction Z is ensured by the locking wedges 102, the lower surface 104 of which bears against the lugs 101 of the watch head.The watch head rests on the watch crystal, and is centered on the bezel or watch case. The spring mechanism 180 ensures controlled pressure. Specifically, the receptacle 10 contains interchangeable blocks 110 that hold the locking wedges 102 and pin housings 105, each adapted to a particular type of movement or watch head.

[0087] It is understood that such a receptacle can then be managed like a pallet of a machining center, and be moved between an input station, a possible magazine, and an output station, passing through a setting and / or adjustment position on the setting machine 1000. For this purpose, the receptacle 10 can, in a variant not illustrated by the figures, include, in particular on its lower face, gripping means similar to those included in machining center pallets: Mors or ISO or SA cone, T-slot, dovetail, or similar, and similar positioning means: bores, pins, grooves, or others.

[0088] In particular, the regulating machine 1000 includes a palletizing mechanism, for the automatic exchange of receptacles 10 at the level of the positioning module 100.

[0089] In one variant, a simple palletizing, for example a palletizer 900, transfers the receptacle 10 to a frequency analyzer 800, without changing the position of the positioning module, and a possible return of the receptacle 10 for fine-tuning the correction of the pendulum, is carried out after redepositing the receptacle 10 on the table of the station whose position has not changed.

[0090] In another variant, the regulating machine 1000 is directly equipped with an oscillation starting device, and includes optical means 700 with a camera and a clock, for optical frequency control.

[0091] Advantageously, the adjusting machine 1000 is equipped with a device for monitoring the operation after adjustment. Such a palletizer 900 can also be used to transport the receptacle 10 on such a device.

[0092] More specifically, and when assembly 1 includes an oscillator, the regulating machine 1000 includes a frequency analyzer 800 and / or a timing control device coupled to the control means 3000, which are programmed to trigger a setting iteration on a regulating element until entry into a required frequency and / or rate tolerance.

[0093] Using the adjusting machine 1000 to adjust balance wheel regulating screws is straightforward; simply remove any oscillating weight from the work area beforehand. The receptacle 10 is positioned under the vision system of the acquisition module 200, which defines the XY position of the balance wheel axis and controls an XY displacement of the receptacle 10 if necessary, or, alternatively, an angular displacement of this receptacle, or even a more complex displacement combining rotation(s) and translation(s). The regulating screw is located by friction drive of the balance wheel rim by the drive unit 301. A Z-axis descent follows. Once the adjusting screw is in the adjustment position in the plane, its vertical position is measured: the Z position measurement of a laser adjusting screw can be done on a span or on a flat of an adjusting screw, whose geometric parameters are known and managed by the 3000 control means.The aim is to precisely position the arms 601 of the gripper 600 symmetrically with respect to the axis of the adjusting screw, so as not to create any torque on the screw other than the tightening or loosening torque. The balance wheel is then locked in position with the support finger 501, to maintain its position and because closing the gripper generates a slight stress on the balance wheel, which can result in a Z-shaped movement of approximately 30 micrometers at most; the driver 301 is then disengaged. The adjustment is then made by tightening or loosening the adjusting screw.

[0094] The invention further relates to a method of using such a regulating machine 1000 for regulating and / or adjusting at least one watch component. This method involves relative movements between the different modules of the regulating machine 1000. It is described here for the regulating machine illustrated in the figures; those skilled in the art will be able to extrapolate it to similar designs, depending on whether or not each module is mobile and the arrangement of the working axes for the different units. All these movements are therefore relative movements.

[0095] According to this process: at least one receptacle 10 is equipped with at least one assembly 1 which is a clockwork movement or a watch with axial direction A, and of which at least one moving part or component of this assembly 1 is to be regulated and / or adjusted; its axial direction A is aligned with the vertical of the location, the acquisition module 200, the regulation and / or adjustment module 400, and each regulating module 300, 500, which comprises the regulating machine 1000, are cleared at the end of the stroke, so as to clear a working area for the measurement, regulation and / or adjustment; a receptacle 10 is loaded onto the positioning module 100; the position of the receptacle 10 is made to coincide with that of the work area, and to do this, according to the configuration of the regulating machine 1000, either the receptacle 10 is brought into the work area, or all or part of the modules constituting this regulating machine 1000 are brought above the receptacle 10;The positioning module 100 is brought below the acquisition module 200; a target setting value is determined for at least one parameter; the value of the at least parameter measured on this at least one assembly 1 is transmitted to the control means 3000; a programming cycle of the acquisition module 200 is chosen to measure at least the position of the upper surface of the moving part or component along the vertical direction of the location; the position and any measurement taken according to the programming cycle are transmitted to the control means 3000, which generate, according to the programming cycle chosen, positioning movements of the positioning module 100 to put assembly 1 in a given position, and / or movement and operating commands to each adjusting module 300, 400, 500, which comprises the adjusting machine 1000, according to a sequence programmed at the level of the working area.

[0096] More specifically, the adjusting machine 1000 is equipped with at least one holding and / or support module 500, which is arranged to exert pressure on a moving part or component of an assembly 1 during or after an adjustment performed on an assembly 1 by another adjusting module 300, 400, or 500, or to hold the moving part or component without contact by the action of a magnetic or electrostatic field, particularly along a vertical direction DE parallel to the vertical of the location. This support is appropriate at the end of the drive of this moving part or component.

[0097] In particular, the regulating machine 1000 is equipped with at least one drive module 300, which includes a motorized driver 301 rotating around a DC drive axis parallel to the vertical direction Z for driving the moving part or component.

[0098] In particular, the regulating machine 1000 is equipped with at least one adjustment and / or setting module 400, which includes a clamp 600 for driving or deforming the moving part or component, and the parameter is set by action of the clamp 600 on at least one moving part or component of the assembly 1.

[0099] In particular, the regulating machine 1000 is equipped with at least one optical module 700 for the optical control of the moving part or component during its adjustment or during an oscillation to which it is subjected.

[0100] More specifically, the regulating machine 1000 is equipped with at least one means of measuring the parameter, interfaced with the control means 3000, and the parameter adjustment cycle is repeated until a parameter value compatible with the target value is obtained.

[0101] In particular, the adjusting machine 1000 is equipped with at least one palletizer 900 to take the receptacle 10 out of the adjusting machine 1000 into an exit position which is memorized, the palletizer is used to subject the receptacle 10 to the means of measuring the parameter, then to bring the receptacle 10 back into the exit position to resume the adjustment and / or setting cycle of the assembly 1.

[0102] In particular, the regulating machine 1000 is equipped with at least one means of measuring the parameter, in order to measure the value of the parameter before resuming the adjustment and / or setting cycle of assembly 1.

[0103] In the application to the adjustment of a balance-spring oscillator, the simplest implementation of the process is in open loop: a previously measured set 1 is received, the value of the corrections to be made is known, the target value and the actual value of the watch or movement are entered; the correction is then made on the machine of the regulating screws, and the set 1 is returned without control.

[0104] For example, the following sequence describes the operations performed on a watch head 1, comprising a balance wheel equipped with two regulating screws, in an application where only the balance wheel and its regulating screws are acted upon: Step A1: Loading of the watch head 1 into the receptacle 10; Step A2 (Station 01): Detection of the balance wheel center axis, position correction to obtain the machine origin; Step A3 (Station 01): Rotation of the balance wheel; Step A4 (Station 01): Detection of the first regulating screw by camera system; Step A5 (Station 01): Locking of the balance wheel in position; Step A6 (Station 02): Movement under laser sensor, measurement of the balance wheel's Z-position; Step A7 (Station 03): Tightening and adjustment of the screw; Step A8 (Station 01): Return to position, regulating screw detection; Step A9 (Station 01): Rotation of the balance wheel for detection of the regulating screw by camera system; Step A10 (Station 01): Locking of the balance wheel in position; Step A11 (Station 02): Movement under laser sensor, measurement of the Z position of the balance wheel; Step A12 (Station 03): Tightening of the screw and adjustment of the screw; Step A13: Unloading of the watch head from the fixture.

[0105] Naturally this sequence needs to be adapted according to the number of adjusting screws.

[0106] In the example above, the 600 clamp acts solely on the adjusting screws: tightening or loosening the screw modifies the inertia of the balance wheel. The opening / closing of the 600 clamp utilizes the elasticity of the material, as the 600 clamp is preferably a monolithic part. A roller 407, particularly one with a cam profile, driven by a motor, performs the opening / closing of the 600 clamp.

[0107] The acquisition module 200 includes a laser that detects the position of the adjusting screw. The laser determines the Z-coordinate of the balance wheel to align the gripper 600 with the adjusting screw, as the goal is to tighten / loosen the screw along its axis to avoid applying unwanted torque. The target value (e.g., 2.5 s / day) is managed by the control unit 3000. The current rate is entered via software. The system allows for a reduced cycle time, on the order of 50 to 70 seconds, depending on the number of screws to be adjusted.

[0108] Closed-loop operation requires equipping the control machine with an analyzer, which makes it more complex and requires more space, but allows verification of whether the target value has been reached to be carried out on the workstation.

[0109] It is then possible to perform the following cycle: Phase B1: Input of the target value and the actual value of the watch; Phase B2: Correction of the regulating screws on the machine according to steps A1 to A12; Phase B3: Release of the movement / watch head after correction of the regulating screws; Phase B4: Checking the accuracy of the movement or watch head on an analyzer; Phase B5: Verification of the difference between the target value and the actual value; Phase B6: If the difference is zero, validation of the correction performed, unloading according to A13; if the difference is positive, further correction is required, with iteration of the process: Phase B7: Input of the target value and the measured value of the watch; Phase B8: Correction of the regulating screws on the machine; Phase B9: Release of the movement / watch head after correction of the regulating screws; Phase B10: Checking the accuracy of the movement or watch head on an analyzer; Phase B11: Verification of the difference between the target value and the actual value;Phase B12: if zero deviation, validation of the correction carried out and of assembly 1, unloading according to A13; if positive deviation, exit of assembly 1 without validation at control station B13.

[0110] The regulating machine 1000 can also be equipped with a camera coupled to a clock, for optical frequency control.

[0111] The regulating machine according to the invention is usable for many watchmaking applications.

[0112] In particular, the 1000 regulating machine is used for adjusting a regulating screw which is a balance weight or a balance bridge adjusting screw or a balance spring stud adjusting screw, or a splitting adjusting screw, or an alignment adjusting screw, or for adjusting a regulator.

[0113] More specifically, the 1000 adjusting machine is used to perform a sharing adjustment by Z-axis adjustment and action on a screw or a pointer, or an alignment adjustment, or a position adjustment in an oblong, or other.

[0114] In particular, the regulating machine 1000 is used for the local deformation of a bridge or a spiral or a balance arm or a balance rim.

[0115] In summary, the invention offers several advantages: The implementation of an active clamp to tighten the adjusting screw is carried out with a backlash-free clamp, as it is a monolithic clamp, operating in the elastic zone of the material, which guarantees the accuracy of the adjustment value; a clamp such as the one illustrated is capable of a clamping force of 40 N, in practice, 20 N is sufficient to safely handle an adjusting screw without risk of breaking it; there is no limitation on the correction value, and it is possible to perform several tightening or loosening cycles of the adjusting screw without loss of accuracy; the digital control system for the adjusting screw adjustment process guarantees the accuracy of the adjustment value, with a specific backlash compensation cycle, and adjustment flexibility, since it is possible to choose the adjusting screw(s) to be corrected;The adjustment is performed in a single step, allowing for values ​​on the order of + / - 1 second per day regardless of the caliber; the detection of the regulating screw positions is automatic, enabling the adjustment of both or four regulating screws in typical cases in a single step; no stress is exerted on the movement, thanks to the digital axes and the automatic process of detecting the balance wheel center, the balance wheel's Z-position, and the regulating screw positions; no manual tools are used, guaranteeing that no watch component will be damaged or altered; the balance wheel is not subjected to stress during adjustment thanks to the support finger; the fully digital process eliminates any need for comparison with a standard balance wheel;The machine is compatible with all calibers, even the smallest, because the clamp allows for manipulations that are impossible to perform safely with tweezers, a wrench, or a special adjusting tool.

[0116] The workstation equipped with such a compact setting machine is simple to use and boasts excellent ergonomics. The small dimensions of the 1000 setting machine make it easy to combine with a classic 4000 watchmaker's workbench, as the 1000 setting machine occupies only about half the length.

Claims

1. Horological setting machine (1000) for making at least one setting and / or adjustment on at least one horological assembly (1) attached to a receptacle (10), said setting machine (1000) including control means (3000), for coordinating in an automated manner the movements and / or operation of at least one positioning module (100) which includes handling means arranged to spatially move a said receptacle (10) on command from said control means (3000) to convey it into a setting and / or adjustment position relative to a frame (2000) included in said setting machine (1000), below at least one acquisition module (200), which includes measuring and / or testing means arranged to identify and determine the spatial position of a said receptacle (10), and / or a said at least one horological assembly (1) attached to a said receptacle (10), relative to said frame (2000) and to communicate to said control means (3000) the information for the control or / and correction of position of said positioning module (100), said setting machine (1000) including at least one setting and / or adjustment module (400) including setting and / or adjustment means arranged to make a setting and / or an adjustment on at least one said assembly (1) borne by a said receptacle (10), and / or on at least one component or a mobile component included in a said assembly (1), on command from said control means (3000), characterised in that said setting and / or adjustment means include a plurality of motorised axes which are arranged to move, open and close, in a clamp plane perpendicular to a clamp rotation direction (DF, DG), a clamp (600) which is arranged to drive or deform a mobile component or a component included in said assembly (1) borne by a said receptacle (10).

2. Setting machine (1000) according to claim 1, characterised in that said setting and / or adjustment module (400) includes a clamp-holder body (401) arranged to bear a said clamp (600) and which can rotate about a clamp rotation axis (DH) along a rotary clamp axis Θ2, relative to a clamp carriage (403) which can move along a vertical direction Z parallel with the vertical relative to a structure (404) which is, either attached to the frame (2000), or free to move along a horizontal direction X perpendicular to the vertical, or along a vertical direction Z parallel with the vertical, relative to a clamp base (405) attached to said frame (2000).

3. Setting machine (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said setting and / or adjustment module (400) includes a clamp control body (406) including a spindle (407) which is arranged to exert a force on a surface of said clamp (600) and deform said clamp in an opening or closing movement, said clamp control body (406) being free to rotate, along a rotary clamp opening / closing control axis Θ1, either about a clamp rotation axis (DH), or about a spindle axis (DF) parallel with a clamp rotation axis (DH), relative to a clamp carriage (403) which can move along a vertical direction Z parallel with the vertical relative to a structure (404) which is, either attached to said frame (2000), or free to move along a horizontal direction X perpendicular to the vertical relative to a clamp base (405) attached to said frame (2000).

4. Setting machine (1000) according to claims 2 and 3, characterised in that said clamp control body (406) is arranged to move said spindle (407) over 360° for the opening or closing control of said clamp (600).

5. Setting machine (1000) according to claims 2 and 3, characterised in that said clamp control body (406) can rotate about said clamp rotation axis (DH), so as to be able, in certain angular positions, to exert offset pressure relative to a plane of symmetry PS included in said clamp (600).

6. Setting machine (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that said setting machine (1000) includes at least one drive module (300) including drive means (301) arranged to drive at least one component or a mobile component included in a said assembly (1) borne by a said receptacle (10), on command from said control means (3000).

7. Setting machine (1000) according to claim 6, characterised in that said at least one drive module (300) includes a body (310) which can move at least along a vertical direction Z parallel with the vertical, and relative to which a rotary motorised driver (301) can move in an articulated fashion about a driver axis (DC) parallel with the vertical direction Z.

8. Setting machine (1000) according to claim 7, characterised in that said body (310) includes positioning means (340) which are arranged to position in rotation, about an axis (DN) parallel with said vertical direction Z, at least one return arm (303, 304) relative to which is pivotally mounted, about an intermediate axis (DB) parallel with said driver axis (DC), a driver arm (302) bearing said driver (301), and in that said body (310) bears drive means (330) for rotating said driver (301) via belt, chain, gear, or cardan joint transmission means (320).

9. Setting machine (1000) according to claim 8, characterised in that said positioning means (340) are arranged to angularly position at least one said return arm (303, 304), to which a return arm is connected which is said driver arm (302) or to which said driver arm (302) is connected.

10. Setting machine (1000) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that said body (340) is borne by a cross XZ movement table in a vertical plane through the vertical, including a carriage (350) borne by a carriage (360) which can move relative to a table base (370) attached to said frame (2000).

11. Setting machine (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that said setting machine (1000) includes at least one holding and / or bearing module (500) including holding and / or bearing means (501), which are arranged to exert a substantially axial pressure on a mobile component or a component of a said assembly (1) during or after a setting and / or an adjustment made on a said assembly (1) by said setting and / or adjustment module (400), or indeed to keep said mobile component or component contact-free by the action of a magnetic or electrostatic field, along a direction (DE) parallel with the vertical, or along a direction forming an angle of less than 10° with said vertical direction.

12. Setting machine (1000) according to claim 11, characterised in that said at least one holding and / or bearing module (500) is borne by said at least one positioning module (100).

13. Setting machine (1000) according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that said at least one holding and / or bearing module (500) includes a rotary body (520) relative to a vertical direction (DD) parallel with the vertical and which drives a carrier arm (502) which bears, in a fixed or articulated manner, the holding and / or bearing means (501).

14. Setting machine (1000) according to claim 13, characterised in that said holding and / or bearing means (501) include a mass held by elastic guidance means (503) attached to said carrier arm (502) and arranged to keep said mass bearing on a said mobile component or component by applying a substantially vertical force.

15. Setting machine (1000) according to one of claims 6 to 10, and one of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that said holding and / or bearing module (500) is arranged to hold in a substantially axial position, along said vertical direction Z or along a direction forming an angle less than 10° with said vertical direction Z, a said mobile component or component of a said assembly (1) during or after the driving of said mobile component or component by said drive means of at least one drive module (300).

16. Setting machine (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that said setting machine (1000) includes a frequency analyser and / or a chronometric testing apparatus coupled with said control means (3000), which are programmed to trigger a setting iteration on a setting organ until entry into a required frequency and / or rate tolerance.