Patent Publication Number: US-11640143-B2

Title: Receptacle for horological assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 20166294.7 filed Mar. 27, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a receptacle for receiving a horological assembly and the handling thereof on a setting machine. 
     The invention relates to the field of timepiece setting mechanisms. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In watchmaking, some fine settings, particularly the frequency setting of an oscillator, or the rate setting of a watch, are operations subject to little automation, entrusted to highly qualified staff, and which often require several successive basic settings. 
     Obtaining a high chronometric quality is, thus, a costly operation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention proposes to automate fine settings on horological movements, or on watch heads or “WH”, which are completed assemblies, and to carry out this automation at a compact workstation, which can for example be set up on a watchmakers bench. 
     The means used are envisaged to ensure the cleanliness of this workstation, which is important due to the handling of completed watch heads or completed movements. 
     This installation should guarantee the expected performances in terms of setting sensitivity, precision, digitisation, flexibility and reproducibility. The digitisation thereof should help guarantee short cycle times, and attaining high precisions, with a workstation that is ergonomic and easy to use. 
     While numerous applications of the invention are possible in the field of watchmaking, the invention is particularly well-suited for the fine setting of an oscillator, particularly by actuating setting screws, directly in the movement or watch head. 
     The aim is reliable setting during a single operation. 
     For this purpose, the invention relates to a receptacle for receiving a horological assembly and the handling thereof on a setting machine, according to claim  1 . 
     This receptacle is designed to receive a movement or a watch head, to hold same during the setting and/or adjustment operation on a setting machine. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features and advantages of the present invention will emerge on reading the following detailed description, with reference to the appended figures, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    represents, schematically, in a perspective view, without the casing thereof, a setting machine, which includes, on a frame, various modules which are represented independently of one another in the following figures, and of which a positioning module is attached directly to the frame and includes a carriage with cross movements bearing a table in turn bearing a receptacle of a horological assembly, and of which an acquisition module can move relative to a vertical member not shown, in the form of an overhanging column, and includes viewing means and laser means for determining the position of the receptacle and the contents thereof; the frame directly bears a setting and/or adjustment module, which includes a clamp arranged to handle a mobile component or a component of an assembly disposed on the receptacle; a drive module includes a driver arranged to drive this mobile component or component; a holding and/or bearing module includes a bearing finger arranged to press on this mobile component or component; 
         FIG.  2    represents, similarly to  FIG.  1   , a setting and/or adjustment module, arranged to make a setting and/or an adjustment on a mobile component or a component of an assembly borne by a receptacle disposed on the table of the positioning module, this setting and/or adjustment module includes herein a monolithic clamp, the opening and closure whereof are motorised, and which can be moved in rotation and/or in translation; 
         FIG.  3    represents, schematically, and in a plane view, the clamp in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    shows, similarly to  FIG.  2   , a drive module arranged to drive, at least in rotation by means of a rotary driver, such a component or mobile component; 
         FIG.  5    represents, similarly to  FIG.  2   , a holding and/or bearing module, including a bearing finger arranged to exert a substantially axial pressure on this mobile component or component; 
         FIG.  6    represents, schematically, and in a perspective view, a receptacle which is a support, bearing herein a watch head disposed in position for the setting thereof on the setting machine; 
         FIG.  7    represents, schematically, partially and in a perspective view, another receptacle which is a support, bearing herein a horological movement disposed in position for the setting thereof on the setting machine; 
         FIGS.  8  to  10    successively illustrate, schematically, and in a perspective view:
         in  FIG.  8   , the preparation of the support in  FIG.  6    to receive a watch head, with two clamps or locking wedges which are forks arranged to bear on horns of the watch head;       

       in  FIG.  9   , the deposition of the watch head on a spring mechanism and bearing on a bearing surface in an angular position where the horns are outside the arms of the forks;
         in  FIG.  10   , the attachment of the watch head on the receptacle thereof, after a rotation of the watch head to an angular stop bearing position of one of the horns on a pin;       

         FIG.  11    represents, schematically, and in a perspective view, the cooperation of the drive module in  FIG.  4   , and of the holding and/or support module in  FIG.  5   , with a balance included in the watch head mounted on the receptacle according to  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a similar view to  FIG.  11   , where only the bearing finger cooperates in bearing with the balance, while the driver is in the released position relative to the watch head; 
         FIG.  13    is a similar view to  FIG.  11   , where the bearing finger cooperates in bearing with the balance, while the clamp is in the setting position of a setting screw; 
         FIG.  14    is a schematic diagram, in an elevation view, of an alternative embodiment of the setting machine in  FIG.  1   , cased and mounted on a watchmakers bench, and including a plurality of optical modules; 
         FIG.  15    is a schematic diagram, in elevation, of a detail of an alternative embodiment of the setting machine in  FIG.  1  or  14   , including a palletiser for replacing a receptacle between the table of the positioning module, on one hand, and of a frequency analyser, or of a device for testing the rate not shown, on the other; 
         FIG.  16    is a logic diagram of the steps of setting the setting screws of a balance included in a sprung-balance oscillator, on the setting machine, in a first alternative embodiment in an open loop; 
         FIG.  17    is a logic diagram of the steps of setting the setting screws of a balance included in a sprung-balance oscillator, on a setting machine including a frequency analyser and/or a device for testing the rate, in an alternative embodiment in a closed loop. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention relates to a receptacle  10 , arranged to bear at least one horological assembly  1  on a horological setting machine  1000 , which is designed to make at least one setting and/or adjustment on at least one such horological assembly  1 . This receptacle  10  is more specifically a support, which is arranged to receive such an assembly  1  which is a watch, or a watch head, or a horological movement, or a setting organ, or a balance, or a balance bridge, or similar. 
     This setting machine  1000  includes control means  3000 , for coordinating in an automated manner the movements and/or operation of at least one module, in particular at least one positioning module  100 . 
     The invention will be described more specifically for the use of this setting machine  1000  for setting a mechanical watch oscillator, of the sprung-balance type, by actuating setting screws conventionally included in the balance of this oscillator. These setting screws are generally differential-step, to compensate for the play; thus they remain in position once set. This application is no way restrictive. 
     The figures illustrate a specific, non-restrictive, alternative embodiment, where the axes are defined conventionally 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 seen in  FIG.  1    which represents a setting machine  1000 , equipped with all the basic modules and all the setting modules described hereinafter. 
     This positioning module  100  includes handling means, which are arranged to move a receptacle  10  according to the invention spatially, on command from the control means  3000 , to convey it below an at least one module of the setting machine  100 , particularly below a setting and/or adjustment module  400  described hereinafter, to a setting and/or adjustment position relative to a frame  2000  included in the setting machine  1000 , and to convey it below an acquisition module  200 . This frame  2000  can be a base belonging to the setting machine  1000  which is then easy to move, or consist of a watchmakers bench  4000 , which is then integrated in the setting machine  1000 . 
     The frame  2000  bears directly or indirectly at least one setting module, and the control means  3000  are arranged to coordinate in an automated manner the movements and/or the operation of each setting module, included in the setting machine  1000 . 
     The setting machine  1000  preferably includes a casing  5000 , encompassing all of the component modules thereof, and which can be placed under negative pressure or positive pressure to ensure the cleanliness of the equipment. This casing  5000  particularly bears the control means  3000 , conventionally included in a user interface  3001  such as a screen/keyboard or similar, and a link with a production management system and/or a quality management system. More specifically, the user interface  3001  can be used for the high-magnification visualisation of the work zone during the intervention of the various modules, when the setting machine  1000  includes an optical module  700  equipped with a digital microscope or similar, which facilitates the settings and validations. 
     The study shows that the work steps and movements in an assisted manual version require at least 29 functional steps, 37 movements, and 9 axes. The choice of a fully digital machine makes it possible to ensure perfect control of the process, with reproducible operations, and readily configurable settings; in addition, a digital version is solely able to reduce the cycle time; in the non-restrictive alternative embodiment illustrated by the figures, these control means  3000  control 13 digital axes, which makes it possible to reduce the number of functional steps and movements. 
     Naturally, the number and arrangement of the axes are dependent on the configuration selected for the machine, which includes herein an overhanging column that can be moved along Z; however, the mobility along Z could also be at the level of the positioning module  100 . The vertical movements can also be associated with a gantry instead of a column. The advantage of the overhanging column is that of freeing up the space in front of the column relatively largely, for the various drivers and grippers, and to facilitate vision or passage of laser beams. 
     More specifically, the positioning module  100  can move relative to the frame  2000  at least along the longitudinal direction X. The movement of a table  109  bearing a receptacle  10  along the longitudinal direction X is carried out in at least three remarkable positions: rest position, laser measurement position, setting screw correction position. This positioning module  100  advantageously includes a rotary axis Θ 0  for rotating the table  109 . In an alternative embodiment as illustrated, this positioning module  100  can move relative to the frame  2000  both along the longitudinal direction X and along the transverse direction Y, which makes it possible to go beyond the eccentric travel permitted by the rotary axis Θ 0 . 
     The acquisition module  200  includes measuring and/or testing means, which are arranged to identify and determine the spatial position of a receptacle  10 , and/or of an at least one horological assembly  1  attached to a receptacle  10 , relative to the frame  2000 , and to communicate to the control means  3000  the information for the control and/or correction of position of the positioning module  100 . 
     The acquisition module  200  particularly includes a carriage  209  that can move along the vertical direction Z. This carriage  209  bears viewing means and a laser beam oriented herein along the vertical direction Z. This module is designed for the automatic adjustment of the viewing and laser focal positions, relative to the various assemblies  1 , movements or watch heads, borne by a receptacle  10  according to the invention. This focal adjustment of the viewing system and the laser measuring system is performed according to a setting cycle which includes: balance centring position, cleared zone position, laser measurement position along Z, setting screw orientation position. 
     This acquisition module  200  can further bear a secondary carriage, that can also move along the vertical direction Z and borne by the carriage  209 , to separate, for some specific applications, the movements of the viewing system and the laser system. In a specific alternative embodiment not illustrated, this acquisition module  200  can include another laser source, not attributed to measurement, but to ablation operations on the balance and on the balance-spring. 
     In the application of the setting machine  1000  to the setting of a sprung-balance oscillator, the acquisition module  200  serves essentially to detect the centre of the balance to ensure the reliability of the setting screw correction process, to ensure the correct centring of a setting clamp  600 , disclosed hereinafter, on the balance setting screw axis. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  includes at least one setting module which is a setting and/or adjustment mechanism  400 . This setting and/or adjustment mechanism includes a setting and/or adjustment module  400 , which includes setting and/or adjustment means, which are arranged to make a setting and/or an adjustment on at least one assembly  1  borne by a receptacle  10 , and/or on at least one component or a mobile component included in an assembly  1 , on command from the control means  3000 . 
     More specifically, this setting and/or adjustment means  400  is an angular correction module, the setting and/or adjustment means whereof include a plurality of motorised axes which are arranged to move, open and close, in a clamp plane, preferably but not restrictively in a vertical plane through the vertical of the location, this clamp plane being perpendicular to a clamp rotation direction DF, DG, a clamp  600 , which is arranged to actuate or deform a mobile component or a component including an assembly  1  borne by a receptacle  10 . 
     More specifically, this clamp  600  is arranged to enable the gripping/loosening of any type of screw head profile: “Torx®”, hexagonal, slotted, headless, “Imbus”, conical, with shoulder, or other. 
     More specifically, the setting and/or adjustment module  400  can move relative to the frame  2000  of the setting machine  1000  at least along the vertical direction Z. 
     More specifically, in the non-restrictive arrangement illustrated in particular by  FIG.  2   , the setting and/or adjustment module  400  includes a clamp-holder body  401 , which is arranged to bear a clamp  600 , and which can rotate about a clamp rotation axis DH, parallel with the clamp rotation direction DF, DG, along a rotary clamp setting axis Θ 2 , relative to a clamp carriage  403 . This clamp carriage  403  can move along a vertical direction Z parallel with the vertical of the location 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 of the location, or along a vertical direction Z parallel with the vertical of the location, relative to a clamp base  405  attached to the frame  2000 . 
     Specifically and advantageously, the clamp  600  is monolithic, in an elastic material. More specifically, the clamp  600  is made of silicon and/or silicon oxide, spring steel, or similar. Indeed, in the preferred applications thereof, the clamp  600  is very small in size, the volume thereof is similar to that of a movement, and this constraint is hardly compatible with an articulated mechanism for operation without play, and with a repetitive value of low-intensity pressure forces to protect the components in question. 
     More specifically, this setting and/or adjustment module  400  includes a clamp control body  406  including a spindle  407 , particularly a spindle  407  forming a cam, which is arranged to exert a force on a surface of the clamp  600  and deform the clamp in an opening or closing movement. This clamp control body  406  is particularly free to move in rotation, along a rotary clamp opening/closing control axis Θ 1 , 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 of the location 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 of the location relative to a clamp base  405  attached to the frame  2000 . 
     More specifically, the clamp control body  406  is arranged to move the spindle  407  over 360° for the opening or closing control of the clamp  600 . 
     More specifically, the clamp control body  406  can rotate about the clamp rotation axis DH, so as to be able, in certain angular positions, to offset pressure relative to a plane of symmetry PS of the clamp  600 . 
     The clamp  600  includes clamp arms  601  for handling a component or mobile component of the assembly  1 , particularly a balance setting screw. In the non-restrictive method of use illustrated by the figures, each clamp arm  601  can move in a clamp plane, particularly a vertical plane through the vertical of the location, this clamp plane being perpendicular to a clamp rotation axis DH or to a spindle axis DF parallel with a clamp rotation axis DH. Obviously, for other applications, the common plane of the clamp arms  601  can be moved spatially. 
     The clamp arms  601  are designed to grip the outer diameter of the setting screws of all balance types, even the smallest. 
     More specifically, the clamp  600  is elastic, and includes at least one bearing portion  602  which is subject to the action of an actuator or a spindle  407  or an eccentric and/or a push-piece, included in the setting and/or adjustment module  400 , and wherein any deformation of this at least one bearing portion  602  modifies the relative mutual position of the arms  601 , and deforms the clamp  600 , which makes it possible to use the clamp  600  as a tool for making a setting. 
     More specifically, the clamp  600  is symmetrical relative to a plane of symmetry PS, and includes first elastic arms  607  and/or second elastic arms  604 . 
     More specifically, the clamp  600  includes an attachment zone  603  which is more rigid than the first elastic arms  607  and the second elastic arms  604 , for attaching the clamp  600  to a clamp-holder body  401  included in the setting and/or adjustment module  400 ; this attachment can be carried out by combining at least one positioning pin driven into a pin hole  6030  seen in  FIG.  3   , and at least one screw or similar attached at the level of a mounting  608 . 
     And, more specifically, the clamp  600  includes at least one bearing portion  602 , which is more rigid than the first elastic arms  607  and the second elastic arms  604 . 
     Advantageously, the first elastic arms  607  are substantially aligned with the clamp arms  601 . 
     The system can operate without abutment on complementary surfaces. Where applicable, the design of the spindle  407 , particularly a cam, enables risk-free 360° rotation for the clamp  600 . 
     In a specific alternative embodiment, the attachment zone  603  includes limiting surfaces  605 , which are arranged to cooperate in abutment pressure with complementary limiting surfaces  606  included in the bearing portion  602 , so as to limit the deformation of the clamp  600 . 
     In a specific execution corresponding to  FIGS.  1  to  3   , the clamp  600  is held in reference by two pins and a gripping screw. The shape of the clamp  600  is optimised so as not exceed the elastic limit stress of the material as well as the maximum value of the force exerted by the spindle  407 , particularly a cam. In the specific application of the adjustment of a setting organ, particularly the action on a balance setting screw, the profile (thickness, angular position) of the arms  601  and  604  is defined to be compatible with space available to grip the setting screw in the balance, to enable angular pivoting of the clamp  600  to perform the setting process thereof, without touching the watch case, and, in a specific and non-restrictive execution, to make it possible to have a gripping force of up to 40 N per arm at the end of cam travel (about 0.6 mm). 
     In sum, the vertical axis Z makes it possible to manage the lowering in position of the clamp  600  at the level of a setting screw, the control of the rotary clamp opening/closing axis Θ 1  triggers the opening of the clamp  600  to grip a setting screw, then the closure of the clamp  600  around this setting screw. The handling of the rotary clamp setting axis Θ 2  actuates the screwing or unscrewing of the setting screw, as a watchmaker would. 
     For applications other than setting screws, the clamp  600  can be used both as a rotation setting tool and as a linear movement tool such as a riveting head, a peg, a pin-punch, a chisel, a mandrel, or other. The clamp  600  can then be used as a deformation or engraving tool. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  further includes at least one further setting 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 a component or a mobile component, included in such a horological assembly  1  borne by a receptacle  10 , on command from the control means  3000 . 
     More specifically, this drive module  300  is a balance drive module, illustrated by  FIG.  4   . This drive module  300  includes a body  310  that can move at least along a vertical direction Z parallel with the vertical of the location, and relative to which a motorised driver  301  can move in an articulated fashion, which rotates about a driver axis DC parallel with the vertical direction Z, or substantially parallel with the vertical direction Z. 
     More specifically, in the non-restrictive arrangement illustrated by  FIG.  4   , this body  310  includes positioning means  340 , which are arranged to position in rotation, about an axis DN parallel with the vertical direction Z, at least one return arm  303 ,  304 , relative to which a driver arm  302  bearing the driver  301  is pivotally mounted, about an intermediate axis DB parallel with the driver axis DC. 
     And this body  310  bears drive means  330  for driving the driver  301  in rotation, via belt, or chain, or gear, or cardan joint transmission means  320 , or similar. 
     More specifically, the positioning means  340  are arranged to angularly position at least one return arm  304 , to which a return arm is connected, which is the driver arm  302 , or a forearm  303  to which the driver arm  302  is connected. 
       FIG.  4    thus illustrates, on one hand, a first motor  310  which rotates the belts  320  which drive the driver shaft  301  in rotation, and, on the other, a second motor  340 , which rotates about the axis thereof DN the complete assembly  310 ,  304 - 303 - 302 ,  301 - 320 - 330 . 
     The arm can be retracted using the body around the motor axis thereof. This arm is manually adjustable about the 2 axes DA and DB. This setting is defined according to the calibre to be set. 
     More specifically, the body  340  is borne by a cross XZ movement table in a vertical plane through the vertical of the location, including a carriage  350  which is borne by a carriage  360  that can move relative to a table base  370  attached to the frame  2000 . 
     The drive module  300  advantageously includes a rotary axis Θ 40  for rotating the transmission means  320 , and the driver  301  can be rotated along a rotary axis Θ 4 . 
     This arrangement enables optimal positioning of the rotation driver finger  301  relative to the balance. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  further includes at least one further setting module which is a holding and/or bearing module  500 , particularly a bearing finger module, and which includes holding and/or bearing means  501 . 
     These holding and/or bearing means  501  are arranged to exert a substantially axial pressure on a mobile component or a component of an assembly  1  during or after a setting and/or an adjustment made on an assembly  1  by the setting and/or adjustment module  400 , or indeed to keep the mobile component or component contact-free by the action of a magnetic or electrostatic field, along a direction DE which, in a specific application is parallel with the vertical of the location, or which forms an angle of less than 10° with the vertical direction of the location. 
     More specifically, in the alternative embodiment illustrated by  FIG.  1    which is particularly compact, this at least one holding and/or bearing module  500 , particularly a bearing finger module, is borne by the at least one positioning module  100 . It can however be independent thereof, and attached directly to the frame  2000  of the setting machine  1000 , or on a movable carriage included in this setting machine  1000 . 
     More specifically, in the non-restrictive arrangement illustrated by  FIG.  5   , this at least one holding and/or bearing module  500  includes a body  520 , which rotates along a rotary axis Θ 3  for the rotation relative to a vertical direction DD parallel with the vertical of the location and which drives a carrier arm  502  which bears, in a fixed or articulated manner, the holding and/or bearing means  501 . 
     The design of this pressure uses a similar principle to the setting clamp  600 , i.e. the use of material elasticity. In the application of the setting machine  1000  to setting a sprung-balance oscillator, it is essential, in order to prevent stress on the balance shock-proof devices, to exert the lowest and most controlled pressure force possible. 
     A first alternative embodiment of pressure includes a shaft with bronze bearing-block guidance, which presses by its own weight on the balance to lock it in rotation, and requires a perfect setting of the guidance play to ensure that the shaft falls from its own weight, while preventing any locking of the balance, or harmful axial stress on the balance. 
     An alternative embodiment, corresponding to the figures, applies a bearing principle by elastic guidance which meets these requirements. Preferably, this bearing system is slightly inclined so as not to generate a shadow zone on the balance, which can disrupt the detection of the setting screw by the optical means included in the setting machine  1000 , which explains the benefit of a slightly inclined direction DE. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the holding and/or bearing means  501  include a bearing finger which is a mass, kept guided by elastic guidance means  503 , attached to the carrier arm  502  and which are arranged to keep the mass bearing on a mobile component or component by applying a substantially vertical force. These elastic guidance means  503  can particularly consist, as seen in  FIG.  5   , of two flexible strips substantially parallel with one another and slightly inclined relative to the horizontal, and which form a deformable parallelogram with the bearing finger  501  and the structure bearing same. 
     In a further alternative embodiment not illustrated, the holding and/or bearing means  501  include a bearing finger which is a mass guided in a housing of the carrier arm  502  and which is arranged to hold by its own weight a mobile component or component. 
     Advantageously during the use of measuring and/or testing means of the acquisition module  200  which are optical means, the holding and/or bearing module  500  is arranged to orient said holding and/or bearing means  501  along a direction DE slightly inclined relative to the vertical, so as to clear the field of view of these apparatuses. 
     More specifically, the body  520  can rotate relative to a body  510 , which can move along a vertical direction Z parallel with the vertical of the location, relative to a structure  590  which is, either attached to the frame  2000 , or attached to a carriage  530 ,  570 , that can move relative to a base  580  attached to the frame  2000 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, this body  510  can move along the vertical direction Z relative to a carriage borne 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 location, relative to a base  580  attached to the frame  2000 . 
     In a further alternative embodiment illustrated by  FIG.  5   , the body  510  can move relative to a structure  590  which is, either attached to the frame  2000 , or attached to a carriage  530 ,  570  that can move relative to a base  580  attached to the frame  2000 , under the joint action of a rolling spindle  560  borne by the body  510  and a ramp  550  included in a ramp carriage  540  that can move relative to a base carriage  570  along a horizontal direction X in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical of the location. 
     In sum, the holding and/or bearing module  500  is arranged to hold in a substantially axial position, along the vertical direction Z or along such a direction DE, a mobile component or component of an assembly  1  during or after the driving of the mobile component or component by the drive means of this at least one drive module  300 . This holding in axial position is suitable at the end of the driving of this mobile component or this component. 
     The holding and/or bearing module  500  provides a safe alternative to conventional stop-second type mechanisms, the strips whereof are liable to damage the balance. The axis Z enables the descent of the bearing finger  501 , and the axis Θ 3  enables the rotation of the arm  502 . 
     More specifically, the acquisition module  200  includes viewing means to scan the work zone. In particular, in the application of the setting machine  1000  to setting a spring-balance oscillator, the viewing means are arranged to detect the entire surface of the balance, or any zone required for setting the setting screws. These viewing means furthermore enable the detection of the number or type of a setting screw, or the reading of an engraving made on the felloe of the balance to determine the number and type of the setting screws. 
     More specifically, the acquisition module  200  can move at least along a vertical direction Z parallel with the vertical of the location, and includes viewing means arranged to determine the position of a surface of a mobile component or component, and/or to determine the nature and the position of at least one setting organ included in an assembly  1 , such as a setting screw, inertia-block, balance-spring stud, index, or similar. 
     More specifically, the acquisition module  200  can move along a vertical direction Z parallel with the vertical of the location, and includes viewing means and laser measuring means, and an automatic adjustment device of the viewing and laser focal positions relative to a mobile component or component of an assembly  1  borne by a receptacle  10 , for the exact determination of the position of the top surface of the mobile component or component along the vertical direction. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  includes at least one optical module  700 , which is borne directly or indirectly by the frame  2000 , or by the positioning module  100 , or the acquisition module  200 , or one of the setting modules  300 ,  400 ,  500 , included in the setting machine  1000 . This optical module  700  is interfaced with the control means  3000 , for the optical testing of a component or a mobile component during the setting thereof or during an oscillation to which it is subjected. 
     More specifically, the positioning module  100 , and/or the acquisition module  200 , includes identification means for identifying a receptacle  10  according to the invention, which advantageously includes a receptacle identification marking or index or component  11 , and for identifying each assembly  1  borne by the receptacle  10 , said assembly  1  advantageously includes a product identification marking or index or component. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  includes at least one such optical module  700  borne directly or indirectly by the frame  2000 , and interfaced with the control means  3000 , for the optical testing of a mobile component or component during the setting thereof or during an oscillation to which it is subjected, and/or to form means for identifying a receptacle  10  and for identifying each assembly  1  borne by the receptacle  10 . 
     More specifically, each receptacle  10  according to the invention includes, for receiving an assembly  1 , a bearing surface  190 , which, in a horizontal operating position extends in a substantially planar manner along a horizontal plane perpendicular to a vertical direction Z parallel with the vertical of the location. 
     Naturally, the setting machine  1000  can include a manipulator to move such a receptacle  10  spatially, which then makes it possible, in the case where the assembly  1  includes an oscillator for which it is sought to test the chronometric properties, to present this assembly  1  in standardised chronometric testing positions, in a static position in the different angles, or for dynamic testing via the standardised positions and orientations, particularly as described in the document EP3486734 held by MONTRES BREGUET. 
     The receptacle  10  according to the invention includes positioning and orientation means relative to the table  109  of the positioning module  100 . 
     More specifically, the receptacle  10  is a support which includes, below the bearing surface  190  thereof, a spring mechanism  180  for receiving an assembly  1 , and, above the bearing surface  190 , locking wedges  102  of an assembly  1 . This receptacle  10  further includes, between the bearing surface and the locking wedges  102 , angular orientation means  103  for the angular orientation in abutment pressure of an edge of the assembly  1  on the support. 
       FIGS.  8  to  10    successively illustrate the preparation of the support for receiving a watch head, with two clamps or locking wedges  102  which are forks arranged to bear on horns  101  of the watch head, the deposition of the watch head  1  on the spring mechanism  180  and bearing on the bearing surface  190  and in an angular position where the horns  101  are outside the arms of the forks of the locking wedges  102 , then finally the rotation of the watch head  1  to an angular abutment pressure position of one of the horns  101  on a pin  103  forming the angular orientation means, guided in a pin housing  105 , the abutment pressure position wherein the spring mechanism  180  ensures a good hold. The watch head is held along the vertical direction Z by the locking wedges  102 , the bottom surface  104  whereof bears on the horns  101  of the watch head. The watch head bears herein on the watch crystal, a centring is performed at the level of the bezel or the watch case. The spring mechanism  180  ensures a controlled bearing force. More specifically, the receptacle  10  includes interchangeable units  110  bearing locking wedges  102  and pin housings  105 , and which are, each, adapted to a specific type of movement or watch head. 
     It is understood that such a receptacle can then be handled like a machining centre pallet, and be moved between an input station, an optional store, and an output station, via a setting and/or adjustment position on the setting machine  1000 . For this purpose, the receptacle  10  can, in an alternative embodiment, include, particularly on the bottom face thereof, gripping means  12  similar to those included in machining centre pallets: Jaw or ISO or SA cone, T groove, dovetail, or similar, and also similar positioning means: bores, pins, grooves, or others. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  includes a palletising mechanism, for the automatic replacement of receptacles  10  on the positioning module  100 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, simple palletisation, for example a palletiser  900 , transfers the receptacle  10  to a frequency analyser  800 , without modifying the position of the positioning module, and an optional return of the receptacle  10  to fine-tune the correction of the balance, is performed after redepositing the receptacle  10  on the table of the station whose position has not changed. 
     In a further alternative embodiment, the setting machine  1000  is directly equipped with a device for starting oscillation, and includes optical means  700  with a camera and a watch, for optical testing of the frequency. 
     Advantageously, the setting machine  1000  is equipped with a device for testing the rate after setting. Such a palletiser  900  can also be used to transport the receptacle  10  onto such a device. 
     More specifically, and when the assembly  1  includes an oscillator, the setting machine  1000  includes a frequency analyser  800  and/or a chronometric testing apparatus coupled with the 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. 
     The use of the setting machine  1000  for setting balance setting screws is simple, it is simply necessary to clear any oscillating mass beforehand from the work zone. The receptacle  10  is positioned below the viewing means of the acquisition module  200 , which defines the position of the balance axis along XY, and which controls an XY movement of the receptacle  10  if required, or, in an alternative embodiment, an angular movement of this receptacle, or a more complex movement combining rotation(s) and translation(s). The setting screw search is carried out by driving by friction the felloe of the balance by the driver  301 . A descent along Z follows. Once the setting screw is in the setting position in the plane, the vertical position thereof is measured: the laser position measurement along Z of a setting screw can be carried out on a shoulder or on a flat area of a setting screw, the geometric parameters whereof are known and managed by the control means  3000 . This indeed consists of positioning the arms  601  of the clamp  600  precisely in symmetry relative to the axis of the setting screw, so as not to create another torque on the screw than the screwing or unscrewing torque. The balance is then locked in position with the bearing finger  501 , to hold the position of the balance and as closing the clamp generates a slight strain on the balance which can result in a maximum movement along Z of the order of 30 micrometres; the driver  301  is then released. The setting is then performed by screwing or unscrewing the setting screw. 
     The invention enables the easy implementation of a method for using such a setting machine  1000 . This method includes relative movements between the different modules of the setting machine  1000 , it is described herein for the setting machine illustrated by the figures, those skilled in the art will be able to extrapolate it to similar architectures, according to the mobility or not of each module, and the arrangement of the work axes for the different units. All these movements are therefore relative movements. 
     According to this method: 
     at least one receptacle  10  is equipped with at least one assembly  1  which is a horological movement or a watch of axial direction A, and for which it is sought to set and/or adjust at least a mobile component or a component of this assembly  1 ; 
     the axial direction A thereof is aligned with the vertical of the location, 
     the acquisition module  200 , the setting and/or adjustment module  400 , and each setting module  300 ,  500 , included in the setting machine  1000  are cleared to the end of travel, so as to clear a work zone for the measurement, setting and/or adjustment; 
     a receptacle  10  is loaded onto the positioning module  100 ; 
     the position of the receptacle  10  is made coincident with that of the work zone, and to do this, according to the configuration of the setting machine  1000 , either the receptacle  10  is conveyed into the work zone, or all or some of the modules forming this setting machine  1000  are conveyed above the receptacle  10 ; 
     the positioning module  100  is conveyed below the acquisition module  200 ; 
     a target setting value of at least one parameter is determined; 
     the value of the at least parameter measured on this at least one assembly  1  is sent to the control means  3000 ; 
     a programming cycle of the acquisition module  200  is selected to measure at least the position of the top surface of the mobile component or component along the vertical direction of the location; 
     the position and any measurement made according to the programming cycle is sent to the control means  3000  which generate, according to the programming cycle selected, positioning movements of the positioning module  100  to place the assembly  1  in a set position, and/or movement and operating orders to each setting module  300 ,  400 ,  500 , included in the setting machine  1000 , according to a programmed sequence at the work zone. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  is equipped with at least one holding and/or bearing module  500 , which is arranged to exert pressure on a mobile component or component of an assembly  1  during or after a setting and/or an adjustment made on an assembly  1  by another setting module  300 ,  400 ,  500 , or indeed to keep the mobile component or component contact-free by the action of a magnetic or electrostatic field, particularly along a vertical direction DE parallel with the vertical of the location. This holding of pressure is suitable at the end of the driving of this mobile component or this component. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  is equipped with at least one drive module  300 , which includes a motorised driver  301  rotating about a driver axis DC parallel with the vertical direction Z for driving the mobile component or component. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  is equipped with at least one setting and/or adjustment module  400 , which includes a clamp  600  for driving or deforming the mobile component or component, and the parameter is set by actuating the clamp  600  on at least one mobile component or component of the assembly  1 . 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  is equipped with at least one optical module  700  for the optical testing of the mobile component or component during the setting thereof or during an oscillation to which it is subjected. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  is equipped with at least one means for measuring the parameter, interfaced with the control means  3000 , and the setting cycle is repeated until a value of the parameter compatible with the target value is obtained. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  is equipped with at least one palletiser  900  to remove the receptacle  10  from the setting machine  1000  into an output position that is stored in memory, the palletiser is used to submit the receptacle  10  to the means for measuring the parameter, then to return the receptacle  10  to the output position to resume the setting and/or adjustment cycle of the assembly  1 . 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  is equipped with at least one means for measuring the parameter, to measure the value of the parameter before resuming the setting and/or adjustment cycle of the assembly  1 . 
     In the application to setting a sprung-balance oscillator, the simplest implementation of the method is in open loop: a previously measured assembly  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 of the setting screws is then performed on the machine, and the assembly  1  returned without testing. 
     For example, the following sequence describes the operations performed on a watch head  1 , including a balance equipped with two setting screws, in an application where only the balance and the setting screws thereof are actuated: 
     Step A1: Loading of the watch head  1  in the support of the receptacle  10 ; 
     Step A2 (Station 01): Detection of the balance axis centre, position correction to obtain the machine origin; 
     Step A3 (Station 01): Rotation of the balance; 
     Step A4 (Station 01): Detection of the first setting screw by camera system; 
     Step A5 (Station 01): Locking of the balance in position; 
     Step A6 (Station 02): Movement under laser sensor, measurement of the balance position along Z; 
     Step A7 (Station 03): Tightening of the screw and setting of the screw; 
     Step A8 (Station 01): Return to setting screw detection position; 
     Step A9 (Station 01): Rotation of the balance for setting screw detection by camera system; 
     Step A10 (Station 01): Locking of the balance in position; 
     Step A11 (Station 02): Movement under laser sensor, measurement of the balance position along Z; 
     Step A12 (Station 03): Tightening of the screw and setting of the screw; 
     Step A13: Unloading of the watch head from the support, 
     Naturally, this sequence is to be adapted according to the number of setting screws. 
     In the example above, the clamp  600  only acts upon the setting screws: the screw is tightened or loosened to modify the inertia of the balance. Opening/closing the clamp  600  uses the elasticity of the material, as the clamp  600  is preferably a monolithic part. A spindle  407 , particularly with a cam profile, controlled by a motor opens/closes the clamp  600 . 
     The acquisition module  200  includes a laser, which detects the block wherein the setting screw is placed. The laser makes it possible to define the position along Z of the balance to convey the clamp  600  in the same axis as the setting screw, as the objective is to tighten/loosen the screw in the axis so as not to exert a parasitic torque. The target value (for example 2.5 s/day) is handled at the level of the control means  3000 . The current rate value is entered by software. The system allows a reduced complete cycle time, of the order of 50 to 70 seconds, according to the number of screws to be set. 
     Use in closed loop requires that the setting machine be equipped with an analyser, which renders it complex and requires more space, but makes it possible to check the attainment of the target value on the station. 
     It is then possible to perform the following cycle: 
     Phase B1: Entry of the target value and the actual value of the watch; 
     Phase B2: Correction of the setting screws on the machine according to steps A1 to A12; 
     Phase B3: Release of the movement/watch head after correcting the setting screws; 
     Phase B4: Rate testing on movement or on watch head on analysing apparatus; 
     Phase B5: Check of the deviation between the target value and actual value; 
     Phase B6:
         if the deviation is zero, validation of the correction made, unloading according to A13;   if the deviation is positive, an additional correction is needed, with then iteration of the process:       

     Phase B7: Entry of the target value and the measured value of the watch; 
     Phase B8: Correction of the setting screws on the machine; 
     Phase B9: Release of the movement/watch head after correcting the setting screws; 
     Phase B10: Rate testing on movement or on watch head on analyser; 
     Phase B11: Check of the deviation between the target value and actual value; 
     Phase B12:
         if the deviation is zero, validation of the correction made and of the assembly  1 , unloading according to A13;   if the deviation is positive, removal of the assembly  1  without validation at testing station B13.       

     The setting machine  1000  can, furthermore, be equipped with a camera coupled with a clock, for optical frequency testing. 
     The setting machine can be used for numerous horological applications. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  is used for setting a setting screw which is a balance inertia-block or a balance bridge setting screw or a balance-spring stud setting screw, or a division setting screw, or an alignment setting screw, or for setting an index. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  is used to make a division setting by adjusting along Z and actuating a screw or a centre-punch, or an alignment setting, or a position setting in a slot, or other. 
     More specifically, the setting machine  1000  is used for the local deformation of a bridge or a balance-spring or an arm or a felloe of a balance. 
     In sum, the invention offers various advantages: 
     the use of an active clamp to tighten the setting screw is carried out with a play-free clamp, as it consists of a monolithic clamp, with operation in the elastic zone of the material, which ensures the precision of the setting value; a clamp as illustrated is capable of a gripping force of 40 N, in practice, 20 N is sufficient to handle a setting screw safely without risking breaking it; 
     there is no limitation of the correction value, and it is possible to perform several screwing and unscrewing cycles of the setting screw without loss of precision; 
     the digital control system of the setting screw setting process ensures the precision of the setting value, with a specific cycle to make up for the play, and a setting flexibility, since it is possible to select the setting screw(s) to be corrected; 
     the setting is performed in one go, and makes it possible to attain values of the order of 1/− 1 second per day regardless of the calibre; 
     the detection of the position of the setting screws is automatic, and enables the setting in one go of the two or four setting screws in usual cases; 
     no stress is exerted on the movement, thanks to the digital axes and the automatic process for detecting the centre of the balance, the position along Z of the balance, and the position of the setting screws; 
     no manual tool is used, which ensures the lack of deterioration or damage of a component of the watch; 
     no stress on the balance during the setting thanks to the bearing finger; 
     the fully digital process avoids any need for comparison with a standard balance; 
     the machine is compatible with all calibres, even the smallest, as the clamp allows operations that are impossible to carry out properly in complete safety with tweezers, a key, or a special setting tool. 
     The workstation equipped with such a highly compact setting machine is easy to use, with excellent ergonomics. Indeed, the limited dimensions of the setting machine  1000  facilitate the combination thereof with a conventional watchmakers bench  4000 , wherein the setting machine  1000  only occupies about half of the length.