Support system for watch components

Abstract

To prevent damage to a timepiece component to enable a test for checking strength of the timepiece component to be executed.SOLUTION: A support system for a timepiece component 9, particularly a timepiece component that comprises a surface 91 and / or an axis A9 generated by rotation, comprises a positioning device 2 for the timepiece component 9 with respect to the axis A of the system, particularly a centering device, and a holding device for the timepiece component 9. The positioning device and the holding device are independent and / or different and / or separate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support system for a timepiece component. The invention also relates to a control system for said support system. The invention also relates to a support installation comprising said support system and / or said control system. Finally, the invention relates to a method for operating said control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Ceramic materials, glass, natural stone, sapphire, mother-of-pearl, and amorphous materials (glassy alloys) are brittle materials that, when stressed beyond their limits, break without any prior plastic deformation. Unlike metals, which are plastically deformable, these materials are more likely to break when stress is concentrated in certain areas, especially in areas where there are defects in the material, for example related to injection. This is manifested by severe fracture or the rupture of the part.

[0003] For turned parts made from ceramic material, such as small watch bezels, the injection manufacturing method involves the risk of poor concentricity within the blank and certain dimensional variations within the batch. These blanks are then precision machined to obtain workpieces that meet tolerances. In this step, which aims to obtain the final dimensions of the part, the pressure applied by the positionally controlled clamps to hold the workpiece in the machining unit can be concentrated locally, which can cause the maximum permissible pressure in the workpiece to be locally exceeded, leading to breakage during machining.

[0004] For lathing, rolling, or grinding rings, flanges, and other workpieces with fine walls, conventional clamping mandrels and plates have limitations, such as: - Depending on the forces applied by the movement of the clamping elements, the workpiece may be deformed or chipped during the clamping process. - Interference contours of the clamping device may limit the accessibility of the tool and make gripping impossible. - Changes in the shape of the workpiece being machined can result in loss of retention of the workpiece by the mandrel.

[0005] A number of alternatives are known to avoid some of these problems, and a variety of very specialized clamping devices have been developed depending on the type of workpiece being machined, the tolerances, etc.

[0006] For example, the workpiece to be machined, whether internal and / or external, may be held by a mandrel fixedly joined to the mandrel of the headstock with movable jaws that allow centering. The positioning of the jaws is controlled by position or force. Such mandrels are workpiece shape specific and must be redeveloped for each particular workpiece shape.

[0007] There are known mandrels developed to hold easily deformable workpieces, such as tubes. An example of a claw-type mandrel is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,623,999. Torque transmission between the claws and the workpiece to be machined is essentially shape control. The clamping force of the claws is controlled by a servomotor. The servomotor includes an angle sensor and, optionally, a force sensor. The claws maintain the workpiece to be machined in contact with the outer edge of the workpiece (axial retention). It cannot be guaranteed that the held workpiece will not be plastically deformed if the workpiece has concentricity defects. The claws ensure both holding and centering of the workpiece. The force applied for centering and for holding are identical.

[0008] There are also known restraining mandrels with mechanical clamps. The restraining fingers are rotatably mounted and allow the workpiece to be machined to be restrained and secured on the support surface of the mandrel. Stops allow the positioning of the workpiece to be machined. The stops are fixed and cannot accommodate variations in the shape of the workpiece. The centering of the workpiece is static and does not allow the force to adapt to any changes in the shape of the workpiece. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 202005019887 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a support system for timepiece components that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks and makes it possible to improve on the support systems known from the prior art. In particular, the present invention designs a support system that prevents breakage of the timepiece components and makes it possible to carry out tests to verify their strength. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The support system according to the invention is defined in claim 1.

[0012] Various embodiments of the support system are defined in claims 2 to 13 is defined as follows.

[0013] The control system according to the present invention is as defined in claim 14 is defined as follows.

[0014] Various embodiments of the control system are described in the claims 15 from 16 is defined as follows.

[0015] The support equipment according to the present invention is as follows: 17 is defined as follows.

[0016] The method for operating a control system according to the present invention is as defined in claim 1. 18 is defined as follows.

[0017] The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of the support arrangement according to the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a support facility. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the plane AA shown in FIG. 6 of an embodiment of a support system in a holding configuration for a watch component. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along plane BB shown in FIG. 6 of an embodiment of a support system in a holding configuration for a watch component. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along plane AA of an embodiment of a support system for a watch part in an open configuration. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along plane BB of an embodiment of a support system for a watch part in an open configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a support system for a watch component in an open configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] One embodiment of the support arrangement 5 is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6 .

[0020] The support facility 5 is intended to ensure the correct positioning of the timepiece part 9, in particular the timepiece part 9 including the surface 91 and / or axis A9 generated by rotation.

[0021] The watch part has, for example, an annular shape. In particular, the watch part may have a large diameter / thickness ratio (measured radially at and / or along axis A9), for example, greater than 10 or greater than 15. The watch part may be, for example, a case, a bezel, a bezel ring, a bezel decoration disc and / or a display disc, a flange, a dial, a back cover, a casing ring, or a crystal.

[0022] Such positioning is necessary in order to position and maintain the timepiece component during its processing steps. The term "processing" is understood to mean any operation that modifies the timepiece component by removing material, in particular by grinding, dressing, polishing, machining (cutting tools, laser, spark erosion), and / or adding material, in particular by surface coating or surface decoration.

[0023] The support arrangement 5 preferably comprises a support system 1 (or a set of holding clamps) and / or a control system 4 (or clamping pot) for the support system 1. The support system 1 and the control system 4 cooperate to ensure the retention of the watch part 9, in particular during modifications or changes to its external dimensions.

[0024] The support system 1 for the watch component 9 comprises: - a positioning device 2, in particular a centering device, for the watch part 9 relative to the axis A of the system, and - 3 holding devices for watch parts 9 , wherein the positioning device 2 and the holding device 3 are independent and / or different and / or separate.

[0025] As a result of the independent and / or separate nature of the positioning device 2 and the holding device 3, the positioning device 2 can be operated while the holding device 3 is not in operation. In other words, when the holding device 3 is not configured to act on the watch part 9, the positioning device 2 may be configured to act on the watch part 9, in particular by contact, in particular by contact with the surface 91, in order to position the watch part 9 relative to the support fixture 5 and / or relative to the support system.

[0026] However, the independent and / or separate nature of the positioning device 2 and the holding device 3 is such that when the holding device 3 is operated, the positioning device 2 may also be operated.

[0027] Similarly, the independent and / or separate nature of the positioning device 2 and the holding device 3 is such that when the holding device 3 is stopped, the positioning device 2 may also be stopped.

[0028] Although not preferred, the positioning device 2 may be stopped when the holding device 3 is activated.

[0029] The positioning device 2 serves to position the watch part 9 relative to the support facility 5 and / or the support system 1. In other words, the positioning device 2 makes it possible to ensure that the watch part 9 is in a predetermined position relative to a reference system connected to the support facility 5 and / or connected to the support system 1. For example, the positioning device 2 serves to center the watch part 9 on the support system 1, i.e. to align the axes A and A9. However, if a force, even of moderate or weak strength, is applied to the watch part 9, the watch part 9 can be displaced relative to said reference system, regardless of the action of the positioning device 2. In particular, any obstacle cannot act against the displacement of the watch part in one direction, in the direction of the axis A or A9, relative to the support facility 5 and / or the support system 1.

[0030] The holding device 3 serves to hold or fix the watch part 9 on the support facility 5 and / or support system 1. In other words, the holding device makes it possible to ensure that the watch part 9 remains fixed in position and stationary relative to a reference system connected to the support facility 5 and / or connected to the support system 1. Preferably, an obstacle is provided to counteract a displacement of the watch part 9 in one direction in the direction of axis A or A9 relative to the support facility 5 and / or support system 1.

[0031] Forces of considerable magnitude exerted on the watch part 9 (e.g. during machining operations) can displace the watch part 9 relative to the reference frame in question, despite the action of the positioning device. In particular, the holding device 3 provides an obstacle which acts in opposition to the displacement of the watch part 9 relative to the support facility 5 and / or support system 1 in the direction of the axis A or A9.

[0032] The support system 1 thus ensures both the positioning, in particular the centering, of the timepiece part 9 and the retention of the timepiece part 9 in said position.

[0033] The support system 1 preferably has a generally cylindrical shape centered about an axis A. The support system 1 includes a frame including a first cap 51 and a second cap 52. The first cap 51 and the second cap 52 are preferably mounted such that they are fixedly joined to one another. The first and second caps form a casing.

[0034] The positioning device 2 is, for example, pneumatically or hydraulically controlled, i.e. the control system 4 comprises pneumatic or hydraulic controls acting on the elements of the positioning device 2.

[0035] The positioning device 2 comprises positioning elements 21, in particular rollers 21, which are displaceable in a first direction 28, in particular in a first radial direction 28 with respect to the axis A of the support system 1. Each of the positioning elements is movable or displaceable in a particular direction 28. The particular direction 28 may be different for each of the positioning elements. Advantageously, each of the particular directions 28 is radial with respect to the axis A. Advantageously, the particular directions 28 are arranged with a constant angular offset around the axis A (angular offset α between two adjacent particular directions, α=360° / n, where n is the number of positioning elements 21).

[0036] The positioning elements 21, in particular the rollers 21, may or may not be deformable and may, for example, comprise portions of elastomeric material. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning elements 21, in particular the rollers 21, may be capable of providing a gap. The positioning elements 21, in particular the rollers 21, are preferably made of metal. The positioning elements 21, in particular the rollers 21, are positioned or arranged so as to exert a radial force on the watch part 9 to be positioned and maintained. The positioning elements 21, in particular the rollers 21, may have a shape that allows a force to be placed across the contact surface 91 of the watch part 9 to be treated. For example, the positioning elements 21, in particular the rollers 21, are conical, frustoconical, or otherwise conform to the shape of the watch part 9 to be treated.

[0037] In the case of a positioning device 2 having gap-able rollers or laterally displaceable rollers, the positioning device 2 comprises a centering head 22 having a surface 23, in particular a frustoconical surface 23 and / or a surface displaceable according to the axis A of the support system 1, and the positioning element 21 can be displaced by contact with said surface 23.

[0038] The centering head 22, and therefore the frustoconical surface 23, is displaced in translation along the axis A by the action of an actuator, which mainly comprises a cylinder 25 and a piston 24. The piston 24 is fixedly connected to the centering head 22. The actuator is supplied with liquid via pipes 26, 27 and 29. The cylinder 25, in turn, is fixedly connected to the frame of the support system 1. Thus, when the actuator is actuated, the centering head 22 is displaced in translation along the axis A relative to the frame.

[0039] Advantageously, the support system optionally comprises a resilient return element for the positioning element 21 in contact with said surface 23 .

[0040] Preferably, the support system comprises at least three, in particular three, four, five or six positioning elements 21 .

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the positioning elements 21 are evenly distributed around the axis A of the support system 1 .

[0042] The positioning element 21 may be fixed in place by means of a cap 51 which includes a stop 231 and an opening suitable for ensuring the retention of the positioning element 21 between the centering head 22 and the cap 51. When the centering head 22 activates the positioning element 21, the positioning element 21 is compressed against the watch part 9 to be processed by tilting and / or sliding and / or deforming in order to ensure the positioning function.

[0043] In certain variations (not shown), for example with deformable rollers made of elastomeric material, the centering head may include an upper portion that moves against and abuts the upper portion of the roller. The centering head may be cylindrical.

[0044] To carry out the positioning of the watch part 9, a radial force is exerted by the positioning element 21 on the watch part 9. Such a radial force is preferably controlled pneumatically or hydraulically.

[0045] In the operating configuration of the actuator shown in Figures 2 and 3, liquid is introduced into the actuator in order to displace the piston 24 and return the centering head 22 into the first cap 51. This causes the operating of the positioning device 2, i.e. an outward radial displacement relative to the axis A and / or a deformation of the positioning element 21 to act on the watch part 9. In this way, the positioning element 21 moves into contact with the inner surface 91 of the watch part 9 in order to be positioned by a force controlled by the actuator. This configuration allows the positioning of the part; in particular, it allows the centering of the watch part 9.

[0046] 4 and 5, liquid is introduced into the actuator in order to displace the piston 24 and withdraw the centering head 22 from the first cap 51. This brings about the stopping of the positioning device 2, i.e. the release of the positioning element 21.

[0047] By varying the fluid pressure on one side of the piston 24 and the other, the centering head 22 is displaced and acts on the positioning element 21 by moving it more or less apart or compressing it, thus exerting a radial force on the watch part 9 to be treated in a manner proportional to the pressure in the actuator.

[0048] For example, the holding device 3 is pneumatically or hydraulically controlled, i.e. the holding system comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic control device acting on the elements of the holding device 3.

[0049] The holding device 3 preferably comprises a holding element 31, in particular a rocker 31, which is rotationally displaceable in the second direction, in particular about an axis 36 extending in a second direction normal to the axis A of the support system 1. The holding element 31 is mounted, for example, on the first member 34 by a pivot connection about the axis 36.

[0050] The holding device 3 comprises, for example, at least three, in particular three, four, five or six holding elements 31 .

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the holding elements 31 are evenly distributed around the axis A of the support system 1 .

[0052] Preferably, the second member 35 is mounted in sliding connection along the axis A relative to the first member 34, and the holding element 31 is pivoted on the first member 34 and is mounted in mechanical connection relative to the second member 35 via a cam-type system 32, 33, in particular a desmodromic cam-type system.

[0053] The helical spring 39 is received in a compressed manner between the first member 34 and the second member 35. The first and second members are thus connected to one another by the spring 39 and by the retaining element 31.

[0054] The tie rod 53 is translatable within the frame along axis A. The tie rod 53 is fixed to the second member 35, for example by a screw 54. The tie rod 53 thus allows the second member 35 to be displaced relative to the first member 34 by pushing the second member 35 towards the first member 34 against the action of the spring 39. The tie rod also allows the second member 35 to be displaced relative to the first member 34 by pulling to move the second member 35 away from the first member 34 and to operate the retaining element 31.

[0055] Cam-type systems include, for example: - an elliptical groove 32 in each of the retaining element 31 and the second member 35, the groove extending in a direction 321 that forms an angle α with the axis A of the support system 1; a pin 33, which cooperates with the groove and is provided on each of the second member 35 and the retaining element 31; Includes:

[0056] In particular in the configurations of Figures 2 and 3, the angle α has a value between 10° and 30°, for example.

[0057] For this purpose, the support system 1 also comprises holding means 31, for example in the form of flange fingers or rotatable flange fingers located at the ends of the rockers, which make it possible to ensure flange mounting of the watch part 9 intended to be processed.

[0058] In conclusion, the support system 1 positions and maintains the treated watch part 9 in a centered manner and ensures its axial and radial retention during the treatment operation with an appropriate force to prevent overstressing of the treated watch part 9. The introduction and removal of the watch part 9 is easy, as are the various adjustment operations of the support system 1. The robustness of known support systems is improved.

[0059] The watch part 9 is positioned or centered by rollers 21 and maintained in the support system 1 using fingers or flanges 31. The force applied is selected to ensure that the watch part 9 is not deformed by the centering device 2, while the device maintains the integrity of the watch part 9 during processing operations, in particular machining operations.

[0060] The support system 1 is mounted on the control system, for example, by a bayonet type system.

[0061] In the operating configuration of the holding device 3 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tie rod 53 releases the second member 35 in order to move it away from the first member 34 under the influence of the spring 39. The action of the pin 33 in the groove 32 causes the holding element 31 to rotate about the axis 36 and to press the holding element 31 against the watch part 9. In this way, the holding device 3 is operated. In this position, the watch part 9 to be processed is held on the support system 1. The holding element 31 exerts a radial force on the surface 91 of the watch part 9 and / or a radial force (relative to the axis A) on the upper surface of the watch part 9 opposite to the surface of the watch part 9 in contact with the cap 51.

[0062] The force applied to the tie rod 53 is adapted according to the spring force, the reference system of the watch part 9 to be processed, and dimensional measurements made according to tabulated values ​​or directly on the machine that contains the support system 1 and enables the processing operation. The force is advantageously controlled in compression and traction, which allows for a gentler, i.e. less jerky, linear movement of the tie rod.

[0063] In the stopped configuration of the holding device 3 in Figures 4 and 5, the tie rod is actuated 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 holding element 31 to rotate about the axis 36 to release the watch part 9. In this way, the holding device 3 is stopped. In this configuration, the watch part 9 may be placed on or removed from the support system 1.

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 6, six positioning elements 21 and six holding elements 31 are arranged to ensure good alignment of the positioning and holding forces.

[0065] Advantageously, the number of holding elements 21 is the same as the number of positioning elements 31 .

[0066] Advantageously, the positioning elements 21 are placed between the holding elements 31 .

[0067] The control system 4 allows for the control of the support system 1. The control system 4 - a first control device 42 for the positioning device 2 for the watch part 9, - a second control device 43 for the holding device 3 for the watch part 9, Includes:

[0068] The first and second controllers are independent and / or separate.

[0069] As a result of the independent and / or separate nature of the control devices, the positioning device 2 and the holding device 3 can be operated independently as described above.

[0070] The first control device 42 comprises a pressurised fluid supply connected to the pipes 26, 27, 29. The supply comprises a control element for the pressure of the fluid and a means for transmitting the fluid supply to enable the actuator to be operated in both directions of its actuation.

[0071] The second control device 43 comprises an electromechanical actuator, which comprises a motor 63 and a transmission device 83, in particular a ball screw unit 83. The transmission device 83 makes it possible to connect the motor 63 to the tie rod 53. Thus, the motor 63, via the transmission device 83, makes it possible to move the tie rod 53.

[0072] The ball screw unit 83, advantageously located between the motor 63 and the sensor 73, makes it possible to optimize the conversion of the rotational movement of the motor 63 into a translational movement of the tie rod 53. The acceleration and deceleration of the motor 63 are thus transmitted in a better controlled manner and the holding forces are transmitted with less jerky movements. This ensures both reversibility of the control and better control of the forces transmitted by the control system. The configuration of the control system allows good control of the linear movement of the tie rod 53. The position, movement, speed, as well as acceleration and deceleration of the tie rod can be controlled.

[0073] The first control device 42 comprises a first control element for the force applied by the positioning device 2. The first control element for the force applied by the positioning device 2 may comprise a first force sensor, in particular a fluid pressure sensor, for controlling the force applied by the positioning device 2.

[0074] The second control device 43 comprises a second control device for the force exerted by the holding device 3 .

[0075] Advantageously, the second control of the force exerted by the holding device 3 comprises a second force sensor 73 between the motor 63 and the tie rod 53. This second force sensor 73 allows the force exerted by the holding device 3 to be controlled.

[0076] A second force sensor 73 (for example in the range 0 to 500 N) is positioned between the motor 63 and the tie rod 53 to measure the force F exerted on the tie rod 53 so as to keep the compression exerted on the watch part 9 within tolerance limits. The particular shape of the support system 1 allows for the distribution of the force over the various support locations according to the shape of the watch part so as to avoid the maximum allowable compression being exceeded locally. The force F is controllable both in compression and in traction.

[0077] The force sensor 73 allows the measurement of forces in the range of 0 to 500 N and acts in compression and traction. The force sensor 73 may be a piezoelectric sensor. Alternatively, the sensor 73 may be replaced by a force limiter, for example a spring, which makes it possible to limit the force of the tie rod 53 to a predetermined value, for example 250 N.

[0078] The translational movement of the tie rod 53 allows precise control of the holding force of the holding element of the watch part 9 .

[0079] Thus, the holding force is controlled according to the force applied to the tie rod 53. Alternatively, the measurement of the position of the tie rod 53 may be correlated with the force measurement to make the control of the holding force more reliable.

[0080] The control system may have a substantially cylindrical shape, for example the control system allows the control of the rotational and translational movements of the support system 1 in a machining lathe.

[0081] The control system advantageously further comprises a rotary joint allowing the provision of fluid to actuators that operate positioning functions on the support system 1 .

[0082] An embodiment of the method of operation of the control system 4 for controlling the support system 1 is described below.

[0083] The method is: - applying a first specification of the force to be applied by the positioning device 2, the first specification being varied, for example, according to the change in dimensions of the part to be machined or according to tabulated values ​​or linearly over time; and / or - applying a second specification of the force to be applied by the holding device 3, the second specification being varied, for example, according to the change in dimensions of the part to be machined or according to tabulated values ​​or linearly over time; and / or - applying a third specification of the force exerted by the holding device 3, which third specification makes it possible to carry out a resistance test on the timepiece part 9, Includes: This is because the support facility 5 can also be used to carry out the test. The positioning device 2 may allow the test by applying a radial force. The holding device 3 may allow the test by applying a compressive force. If the watch component withstands the test, it is a watch component that complies with the specification; otherwise, given the brittle properties of the preferred material of the watch component 9, it would be destroyed.

[0084] The applied positioning and / or holding force can be adapted during machining to take into account changes in the shape of the watch part 9 during the machining operation and to stay below the limits of the material of the watch part 9. To this end, the force may vary, for example, according to changes in the dimensions of the part to be machined or according to tabulated values.

[0085] Preferably, the strength of the force of the positioning device applied to the watch part during positioning of the watch part on the support fixture increases linearly over time until a first force specification target is reached. Preferably, the strength of the force of the holding device applied to the watch part during positioning of the watch part on the support fixture increases linearly over time until a second force specification target is reached. Thus, for example, the force may vary linearly over time.

[0086] In other words, the solution according to the invention may comprise a gripping system for machining a watch part 9 having a shape generated by rotation, comprising a pair of clamps provided with a centering device for the watch part 9, the force of which is controlled by a pneumatic actuator associated with a holding device 3 for the watch part 9, the force of which is controlled by a clamping pot. The centering and holding of the watch part may be performed from inside the watch part. Alternatively, the watch part may be centered and held from outside. As a variant, the centering may be performed from inside and the holding from outside, or vice versa.

[0087] In the above solution, a gripping device for watch parts is provided that is controlled by force rather than position, which prevents the watch parts from being destroyed during machining and allows gripping of watch parts that are not perfectly initially round and / or concentric.

[0088] Advantageously, by controlling the force of the pair of gripping clamps, watch parts that contain an excessive amount of defects at the end of the previous manufacturing step are crushed before machining begins, thereby making it possible to carry out testing in situ.

[0089] As a result of the above solution, whatever the dimensions of the watch parts to be processed, the holding force is better controlled, making it possible to reduce the rejection rate (breakage and / or roundness defects). The centering means of the pair of clamps also makes it possible to reduce the number of watch parts with concentricity and / or roundness defects after the processing step.

[0090] The holding is performed by force control, rather than position control, of the elements of the pair of clamps, which allows for an improved grip of the bezel disc during the correction step.The above solution is particularly suitable for holding fragile workpieces, the shape of which is generated by rotation, such as watch parts made of ceramic material, during the correction step.

[0091] By controlling the specific force of the control elements of the pair of clamps (clamping pot and actuator), the gripping and positioning force can be adapted according to the changing dimensions of the watch part, in such a way that the watch part is never subjected to excessive force, by calculating the compression as a function of thickness or using values ​​from pre-calculated tables of data or by in situ measurements of the watch part. For watch part geometries that change during the machining operation, the force applied may be variable so as to keep the stress constant during the progress of the machining operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Support System 2 Positioning device 3 Holding device 4. Control System 9. Watch parts 21 Positioning Elements 23 Surface 31 Retention element 32 Groove 33 pin 34 First member 35 Second member 42 First control device 43 Second control device 53 tie rod 63 Motor 73 Second force sensor 83 Transmission Device 91 Surface

Claims

1. A support system (1) for supporting a watch component (9), comprising: The support system (1) comprises: a positioning device (2) for positioning the watch part (9) relative to the axis (A) of the support system; A holding device (3) for holding the timepiece component (9); Including, the positioning device and the holding device are independent and / or separate; the positioning device (2) comprises a positioning element (21) displaceable in a first radial direction (28) relative to the axis (A) of the support system (1), the first direction (28); Support system.

2. The positioning device (2) includes a surface (23), and the positioning element (21) is displaceable by contact with the surface (23). The support system of claim 1 .

3. A support system (1) for supporting a watch component (9), comprising: The support system (1) comprises: a positioning device (2) for positioning the watch part (9) relative to the axis (A) of the support system; A holding device (3) for holding the timepiece component (9); Including, the positioning device and the holding device are independent and / or separate; The positioning device (2) comprises positioning elements (21), each of which is displaceable in different directions or in its own specific direction, The positioning device (2) comprises a surface (23), and the positioning element (21) is displaceable by contact with the surface (23). Support system.

4. The holding device (3) includes a holding element (31) that is rotationally displaceable around an axis (36) extending in a second direction, A support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A support system (1) for supporting a watch component (9), comprising: The support system (1) comprises: a positioning device (2) for positioning the watch part (9) relative to the axis (A) of the support system; A holding device (3) for holding the timepiece component (9); Including, the positioning device and the holding device are independent and / or separate; The positioning device (2) comprises positioning elements (21), each of which is displaceable in different directions or in its own specific direction, The holding device (3) comprises a holding element (31) which is rotationally displaceable about an axis (36) extending in the second direction; Support system.

6. The positioning element (21) is a roller (21). A support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A support system (1) for supporting a watch component (9), comprising: The support system (1) comprises: a positioning device (2) for positioning the watch part (9) relative to the axis (A) of the support system; A holding device (3) for holding the timepiece component (9); Including, the positioning device and the holding device are independent and / or separate; The positioning device (2) comprises positioning elements (21), each of which is displaceable in different directions or in its own specific direction, The positioning element (21) is a roller (21). Support system.

8. The positioning device (2) is controlled pneumatically or hydraulically. A support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The support system includes at least three positioning elements (21), and / or the positioning elements (21) are evenly arranged around the axis (A) of the support system (1). A support system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The holding device (3) is controlled pneumatically and / or hydraulically. A support system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The holding device (3) comprises at least three holding elements, and / or the holding elements are evenly arranged around the axis (A) of the support system (1).

6. A support system according to claim 4 or 5.

12. The support system (1) comprises a first member (34) and a second member (35), the second member (35) being mounted to the first member (34) in a sliding connection along the axis (A) of the support system (1), the holding element (31) pivoting on the first member and being mounted to the second member in a mechanical connection via a cam-type system (32, 33).

12. A support system according to any one of claims 4, 5 and 11.

13. The cam type system an elliptical groove (32) in each of the retaining element and the second member, the groove extending in a direction (321) that forms an angle (α) with the axis (A) of the support system (1); a pin (33) provided on each of the second member and the retaining element, the pin cooperating with the groove; Including, 13. The support system of claim 12.

14. A control system (4) for controlling a support system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: a first control device (42) for a positioning device (2) for a watch part (9); a second control device (43) for the holding device (3) for the watch part (9); Including, the first and second control devices are independent and / or different and / or separate; Control system.

15. The first control device (42) includes a first control element for the positioning force applied by the positioning device (2) to the timepiece part; and / or the second control device (43) comprises a second control element for the holding force exerted by the holding device (3) on the timepiece part; 15. The control system of claim 14.

16. The first control element includes a first force sensor used to control the positioning force applied by the positioning device (2) to the timepiece part; and / or The second control element includes a second force sensor (73) used to control the holding force applied by the holding device (3) to the timepiece part.

16. The control system of claim 15.

17. A support facility (5) comprising a support system (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 13 or a control system (4) described in any one of claims 14 to 16.

18. A control system (4) for controlling a support system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a method for operating a control system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, comprising: and / or applying a first specification of the positioning force that the positioning device (2) applies to the timepiece part, said first specification varying linearly over time or according to a change in the dimensions of the timepiece part (9) or a tabulated value; Applying a second specification of the holding force exerted by the holding device (3) on the timepiece part, said second specification varying linearly with time or according to the change in dimensions of the timepiece part (9) or tabulated values, and / or applying a third specification of the holding force exerted by the holding device (3) on the timepiece part, said third specification making it possible to carry out a resistance test on the timepiece part (9); A method of operation comprising:

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