阅读说明：本技术 用于转移表构件的装置 (Device for transferring a watch component ) 是由 亚恩·博菲斯 阿德里安·诺埃尔 于 2019-09-03 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于将布置在第一支撑部(10)上的多个表构件(2)转移到它们在第二支撑部(20)上的布局的装置(30,40),其中该装置包括入口表面(31,41),其包括布置成对应于表构件(2)在第一支撑部(10)上的第一布局的入口孔(33,43),出口表面(32,42),其包括布置成对应于表构件(2)在第二支撑部(20)上的第二布局的出口孔(34,44),以及引导元件(35,45),其适于将表构件(2)从入口孔(33,43)自动地引导到出口孔(34,44)。(A device (30, 40) for transferring a plurality of watch components (2) arranged on a first support (10) to their layout on a second support (20), wherein the device comprises an inlet surface (31, 41) comprising an inlet aperture (33, 43) arranged to correspond to the first layout of the watch components (2) on the first support (10), an outlet surface (32, 42) comprising an outlet aperture (34, 44) arranged to correspond to the second layout of the watch components (2) on the second support (20), and a guiding element (35, 45) adapted to automatically guide the watch components (2) from the inlet aperture (33, 43) to the outlet aperture (34, 44).)

1. A device (30, 40) for transferring a plurality of watch components (2) arranged on a first support (10) to their layout on a second support (20), wherein said device (30, 40) comprises: an inlet surface (31, 41) comprising inlet apertures (33, 43) arranged to correspond to a first layout of the watch member (2) on the first support (10); an outlet surface (32, 42) comprising outlet holes (34, 44) arranged to correspond to a second layout of the watch member (2) on the second support (20); and a guiding element (35, 45) adapted to automatically guide the watch member (2) from the inlet aperture (33, 43) to the outlet aperture (34, 44).

2. Device (30, 40) for transferring a watch member (2) according to claim 1, wherein the guide elements (35, 45) are in the form of channels each connecting the inlet hole (33, 43) on the inlet surface (31, 41) to the outlet hole (34, 44) on the outlet surface (32, 42), respectively, at least one guide element (35, 45) sliding the watch member (2) on the wall of the at least one guide element (35, 45) from inlet hole (33, 43) to outlet hole (34, 44).

3. Device (30, 40) for transferring a watch component (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one guide element (35, 45) comprises all or some of the following features:

-a curved guide surface; and/or

-a guide surface comprising at least one sharp bend; and/or

-a guide surface adapted to displace the watch member (2) according to a translational movement and/or according to a rotational movement; and/or

-a guide surface adapted to cause or not cause a change of orientation of said watch member (2); and/or

-a guide surface adapted to cause the change of orientation of the watch member (2) in such a way that the surface thereof in contact with the first support (10) is different from the surface thereof in contact with the second support (20).

4. Device (30, 40) for transferring a watch component (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device is made of a polymer or is at least partially coated with a surface made of a polymer or ceramic or metal, in particular a metal alloy, in order to avoid rattling the watch component (2).

5. Device (30) for transferring a watch element (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a removable grid (50) comprising grid holes (51) arranged in the same or compatible manner with the inlet holes (33) of the inlet surface (31) so as to be able to be superimposed on these inlet holes (33) of the inlet surface (31) and allow the watch element (2) to pass continuously through the grid holes (51) and the inlet holes (33).

6. Device (30) for transferring a watch component (2) according to claim 5, wherein the grid (50) and the inlet surface (31) comprise indexing means (38, 54) for correctly positioning the grid (50) with respect to the inlet surface (31).

7. Device (30) for transferring a watch member (2) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein it comprises a plate arranged in a removable manner between an inlet surface (31) of the first transfer device (30) and the grid (50), so as to allow temporary retention of the watch member (2) on the inlet surface before the transfer through the inlet aperture (33) following the retraction or displacement of the plate.

8. Device (30) for transferring a watch element (2) according to claim 7, wherein the plate comprises openings based on a layout identical or compatible with the inlet holes (33) of the inlet surface (31), and is movable with respect to the inlet surface so as to be able to occupy two positions, a first position in which the openings of the plate do not completely overlap the inlet holes (33) of the inlet surface (31) so that the watch element (2) is adapted to remain continuously above the inlet surface (31), and a second position in which the openings of the plate overlap the inlet holes (33) of the inlet surface (31) so that the watch element (2) is adapted to be transferred through the openings in the plate and the inlet holes (33) of the inlet surface (31).

9. Device (30, 40) for transferring a watch component (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device is suitable for transferring a movement blank such as a plate or a bridge, a wheel component of a watch movement such as an escape wheel, or a watch-making component such as a chainlink or a dial hand.

10. Device (30) for transferring a watch component (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is adapted to be mounted in series with at least one second transfer device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, and in particular wherein the device comprises, in the region of its inlet surface (41) and/or in the region of its outlet surface (32), indexing means (36, 46) and/or retaining means for the second transfer device (40).

11. An assembly (3) in which at least two devices (30, 40) for transferring a watch component (2) according to any one of the preceding claims are arranged in series, so that the respective guide elements (35, 45) of the at least two transfer devices (30, 40) are connected to form a continuous guide element (35, 45) on the assembly of the at least two transfer devices (30, 40).

12. Method of manufacturing a device (30, 40) for transferring a watch component (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the method comprises a stage of additive manufacturing by in particular according to one of the following techniques:

i. shaping by depositing molten material; or

Layer-by-layer polymerization or reticulation of polymers, in particular stereolithography; or

Adhesive film (LOM, i.e. layered solid form) with an adhesive; or

Coalescence of the powder layer by laser sintering, i.e. SLS (selective laser sintering); or

Melting the powder by means of a laser (SLM, i.e. selective laser melting).

13. A system (1) for handling watch parts (2) comprises a first support (10), the first support comprises a first receptacle (11) for conveying the watch member (2) and/or performing at least one first operation on the watch member (2), wherein the system comprises a second, different support (20) comprising a second housing (21) for conveying the same watch element (2) and/or performing at least one second operation on the same watch element (2), and wherein the system comprises a transfer device (30, 40) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and/or an assembly (3) according to claim 11, for transferring the watch member (2) from the first housing (11) of the first support (10) to the second housing (21) of the second support (20).

14. System (1) for handling watch components (2) according to claim 13, wherein the first support (10) is a tray or a reservoir and/or wherein the second support (20) is a tray or a reservoir or a container, in particular a liquid or medium filled container.

15. A method of treating a watch member (2) comprising a phase of conveying the watch member (2) arranged on a first support (10) and/or performing at least one first operation on the watch member (2) arranged on the first support (10), and wherein the method comprises a phase of automatic transfer of the watch member (2) from the first support (10) onto the second support (20) by means of a transfer device (30, 40) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and/or by means of an assembly (3) according to claim 11, and wherein the method comprises a phase of conveying the watch member (2) arranged on the second support (20) and/or of performing at least one second operation on the watch member (2) arranged on the second support (20).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for transferring a watch member from a first regulating or supporting portion to a second regulating or supporting portion, the transfer device being used as part of a manufacturing method of the watchmaking industry. The invention also relates to an assembly of transfer devices mounted in series. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a device for transferring a watch component and to a method for processing a watch component.

Background

In the field of watch making, it is known, for example, to position watch components, such as chain links or blanks, in a conditioning portion or on a support, in order to enter a manufacturing phase, for example a phase of machining, polishing, electrodeposition, cleaning, etc., and/or in order to transfer watch components between different stations to carry out a manufacturing method. According to each stage, the adjustment or support portion has a different shape and layout of the watch member, so as to adapt to the corresponding preparation table, for example to the type of manipulation or to the type of machine tool used by the manufacturing process. Different machine tools have specific constraints that require specific positioning or possibly specific orientation of the surface member. These watch components may be positioned in an adjustment or on a support specially adapted to a given machine tool. For different machine tools used in the manufacturing method, it is generally not possible to keep the same adjustment portion unchanged, and it is generally necessary to re-shape the watch member to adapt the adjustment portion to the specific constraint of a given machine tool.

Typically, the watch component is manually transferred from one adjustment portion to another, so as to maintain the integrity of its surface, in particular the functional surface or decorative portion of the watch component.

Manual transfer requires a stage of grasping, manipulating and positioning each watch component. The watch member must be handled with particular care during the manufacturing operation. In fact, the face members are delicate and their appearance must be free of any imperfections, such as bumps, scratches or smudges. On the other hand, the watch components are small, which makes their handling particularly troublesome: the watch member can therefore be easily disengaged from the operator's hand and/or difficult to manipulate. Furthermore, the watch components must be positioned on the different work stations with sufficient precision to correctly perform the manufacturing operations.

Thus, manual transfer of watch components is a slow and not very ergonomic method. The care required to accurately position the watch component without causing damage thereto is often incompatible with the speed at which such positioning is performed.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a transfer device and a method of handling watch components which solve the above-mentioned disadvantages and improve upon the methods of handling watch components known from the prior art.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a device that allows an efficient transfer of a watch member from a first regulating portion or support to a second regulating portion or support, while ensuring protection of the watch member during the transfer.

The present invention relates to a device for transferring a plurality of watch components arranged on a first support to their layout on a second support, the transfer device comprising: an inlet surface comprising inlet apertures arranged to correspond to a first layout of the watch member on the first support; an outlet surface comprising outlet holes arranged to correspond to a second layout of the watch components on the second support; and a guiding element adapted to automatically guide the watch member from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture.

Advantageously, a plurality of watch components are transferred substantially simultaneously.

The guide elements may be in the form of channels each connecting an inlet aperture on the inlet surface to an outlet aperture on the outlet surface, respectively, at least one guide element sliding the watch member on a wall of the at least one guide element from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture.

The at least one guide element may comprise all or some of the following features:

-a curved guide surface; and/or

-a guide surface comprising at least one sharp bend; and/or

-a guide surface adapted to displace the watch member according to a translational movement and/or according to a rotational movement; and/or

-a guide surface adapted to cause or not cause a change of orientation of the watch member; and/or

-a guide surface adapted to cause the change of orientation of the watch member such that its surface in contact with the first support is different from its surface in contact with the second support.

The means for transferring the watch component may be made of a polymer or at least partially coated with a surface made of a polymer or a ceramic or a metal, in particular a metal alloy, in order to avoid rattling the watch component.

The means for transferring the watch element may comprise a removable grid comprising grid holes arranged in the same or compatible manner with the inlet holes of the inlet surface so as to be able to overlie these inlet holes of the inlet surface and allow the watch element to pass continuously through the grid holes and the inlet holes.

The grille and the inlet surface may include an indexing mechanism for properly positioning the grille relative to the inlet surface.

The means for transferring the watch member may comprise a plate arranged in a removable manner between the inlet surface of the first transferring means and the grid, allowing the watch member to be temporarily held on the inlet surface before the watch member is transferred through the inlet aperture after retraction or displacement of the plate.

The plate may comprise openings based on a layout identical or compatible with the inlet apertures of the inlet surface, and the plate may be movable relative to the inlet surface so as to be able to occupy two positions, a first position in which the openings of the plate do not completely overlap the inlet apertures of the inlet surface so that the watch member remains above the inlet surface, and a second position in which the openings of the plate overlap the inlet apertures of the inlet surface so as to allow the watch member to be transferred through the openings in the plate and the inlet apertures of the inlet surface.

The device for transferring a watch component may be adapted to transfer a movement blank such as a plate or a bridge, a wheel component of a watch movement such as an escape wheel, or a watch-making component such as a chainbelt link or a dial hand.

The means for transferring the watch member may be adapted to be mounted in series with at least one second transfer means as defined above. It may comprise in its inlet surface area and/or outlet surface area a mechanism for the guidance and/or retention of the second transfer device.

The invention also relates to an assembly of at least two devices for transferring watch components as defined above arranged in series, such that the respective guide elements of at least two transferring devices are connected to form a continuous guide element on the assembly of at least two transferring devices.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a device for transferring a watch member as defined above, comprising a stage of additive manufacturing by in particular according to one of the following techniques:

i. shaping by depositing molten material; or

Layer-by-layer polymerization or reticulation of polymers, in particular stereolithography; or

Adhesive film (LOM, i.e. layered solid form) with an adhesive; or

Coalescence of the powder layer by laser sintering, i.e. SLS (selective laser sintering); or

Melting the powder by means of a laser (SLM, i.e. selective laser melting).

The invention also relates to a system for processing a watch component, comprising: a first support portion including a first accommodating portion for conveying the watch member and/or performing at least one first operation on the watch member; a different second support comprising a second housing for conveying and/or carrying out at least one second operation on the same watch member; and a transfer device of the type defined above and/or an assembly of transfer devices of the type defined above for transferring a watch member from a first housing of the first support to a second housing of the second support.

The first support may be a tray or a reservoir and/or the second support may be a tray or a reservoir or a container, in particular a container filled with a liquid or a medium.

The invention also relates to a method of handling watch components, comprising a phase of conveying and/or performing at least one first operation on a watch component arranged on a first support, a phase of automatic transfer of the watch component from the first support to a second support by means of a device of the type defined above and/or by means of an assembly of transfer devices of the type defined above, and a phase of conveying and/or performing at least one second operation on a watch component arranged on the second support.

Drawings

These objects, features and advantages of the present invention are explained in detail in the following description of particular embodiments, provided for non-limiting purposes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic view of a system for handling watch components equipped with an assembly of two transfer devices according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of an assembly including two transfer devices according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of an assembly including two transfer devices according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a top view of a first transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of a second transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly including two transfer devices according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is an isometric view of an assembly including two transfer devices and a grate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In all the figures and description, the device for transferring watch components is considered to rest on a horizontal surface. The expressions "top" and "bottom" are defined with respect to a vertical axis.

Fig. 1 schematically depicts a system 1 for processing a watch component 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. The processing system 1 comprises a first support 10 comprising a first accommodation 11, and a second support 20, different from the first support 10, comprising a second accommodation 21. The first accommodation portions 11 of the first support are arranged on the first support according to a first layout, and the second accommodation portions 21 of the second support are arranged on the second support according to a second layout different from the first layout. The handling system 1 comprises an assembly 3 of two transfer devices 30, 40 for transferring a watch member 2 from a first housing 11 of a first support 10 to a second housing 21 of a second support 20.

The watch member 2 may be an integral part of a watch or a clock. For example, the watch member may be a blank, in particular a blank of a movement such as a plate or a bridge, a wheel of a movement such as an escape wheel, or a watch-making member such as a bracelet link or a dial pointer or a winding crown. According to the present embodiment, the watch member 2 is a substantially parallelepiped-shaped chain link. The chain links are identical to each other, but as a variant the transfer device can be used to adjust different components and components of any shape.

Fig. 2 depicts an embodiment of an assembly 3 according to the invention comprising two means 30, 40 for transferring a watch component 2. The two transfer devices 30, 40 are arranged in series, that is to say one above the other, so as to be able to cooperate. The invention equally relates to a single transfer device used alone or also to an assembly 3 comprising any number of transfer devices arranged in series. As a variant, the two transfer devices 30, 40 described now can constitute one and the same piece.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the assembly 3, wherein the first transfer device 30 (at the top) and the second transfer device 40 (at the bottom) can be more clearly identified. Each of the two transfer devices 30, 40 has generally the shape of a box and comprises an inlet surface 31, 41 or upper surface oriented towards the top and an outlet surface 32, 42 or lower surface oriented towards the bottom. When the first transfer device 30 is arranged in series with the second transfer device 40, the outlet surface 32 of the first transfer device 30 is in contact with the inlet surface 41 of the second transfer device 40 or at least positioned facing the inlet surface 41 of the second transfer device 40.

The inlet surface 31 of the first transfer device 30 is planar and has a substantially circular shape. The outlet surface 32 is likewise planar and includes a generally square shape. Of course, these surfaces 31, 32 may comprise any other geometric shape and may for example be curved or discontinuous and may optionally comprise directing means. The entrance surface 31 comprises an entrance aperture 33 arranged to correspond to a first layout of the watch member 2 on the first support 10. More specifically, as is particularly clear in fig. 4, the first layout comprises a layout in which the inlet apertures 33 are based on five concentric circles. The outlet surface 32 includes outlet apertures 34 arranged according to a third arrangement. Each inlet hole 33 corresponds to a watch element 2 to be transferred. Each of the inlet holes 33 may also correspond to one of the first receiving portions 11 of the first support 10. Each first receiving portion 11 of the first support part 10 corresponds to one inlet hole 33 of the inlet surface 31. Each first housing 11 of the first support 10 advantageously also corresponds to only one watch member 2 to be transferred. Likewise, each outlet hole 34 may also correspond to one second receiving portion 21 of the second support portion 20. Each second housing 21 of the second support 20 advantageously corresponds to one outlet hole 34 of the outlet surface 32. Each second receiving portion 21 of the second support portion 20 also corresponds to only one watch member 2 to be transferred. The inlet surface 31, 41 and the outlet surface 32, 42 of each transfer device may be parallel to each other. Each inlet aperture 33 of the inlet surface 31 is advantageously positioned facing one first accommodation 11 of the first support 10 for transferring one watch element 2. Likewise, each outlet hole 34 of the outlet surface 32 is advantageously positioned facing one second housing 21 of the second support 20.

The inlet surface 41 of the second transfer device 40 is likewise planar and comprises a substantially square shape, having the same dimensions as the outlet surface 32 of the first transfer device 30. The outlet surface 42 of the second transfer device 40 is likewise planar and comprises a generally square shape. The inlet surface 41 comprises inlet apertures 43 which are arranged in a layout corresponding to the third layout, that is to say to the layout of the outlet apertures 34 of the outlet surface 32 of the first transfer device 30. More specifically, the third layout includes a layout in which the inlet holes 43 are based on five concentric circles having a diameter larger than the five concentric circles defining the first layout. It should be noted that the inlet apertures 43 of the second transfer means are more widely spaced apart than the inlet apertures 33 of the first transfer means. The outlet surface 42 comprises outlet holes 44 which are arranged to correspond to a second layout of the watch member 2 on the second support.

Fig. 5 depicts the layout of the outlet holes 44. They are distributed according to a rectangular pattern, comprising nine rows of twelve holes and one row of eleven holes. Regardless of the surface considered by the inlet surface 31, 41 or the outlet surface 32, 42, the inlet holes 33, 43 and the outlet holes 34, 44 present a shape corresponding to the shape of the watch member 2 according to its predetermined orientation. According to the present embodiment, the shape is substantially rectangular, but may take any other shape as a variant. The number of inlet holes 33 of the inlet surface 31 of the first transfer device 30 is equal to the number of outlet holes 34 of the outlet surface 32 of the first transfer device 30 and likewise equal to the number of inlet holes 43 of the inlet surface 41 and the number of outlet holes 44 of the outlet surface 42 of the second transfer device 40. In the embodiment proposed, this number is equal to one hundred and nineteen, but as a variant, this number may be different. The inlet holes 33, 43 and/or the outlet holes 34, 44 may be rounded, in particular to improve the transfer of the watch member 2 and in particular to avoid any risk of jamming the watch member 2.

The two transfer devices 30, 40 each comprise a guide element 35, 45 which allows the watch member 2 to be automatically guided from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture, that is to say without requiring additional manipulation by the operator. The guide elements 35, 45 are in the form of channels, each connecting an inlet aperture on the inlet surface of the transfer device to an outlet aperture on the outlet surface of the transfer device, respectively. The guiding elements 35, 45 comprise walls allowing to guide the watch member 2 from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture. The displacement of each watch member 2 in the guide elements 35, 45 is controlled to maintain the integrity of the different surfaces of the watch member 2 during transfer. Since the outlet aperture 34 of the first transfer device 30 coincides with the inlet aperture 43 of the second transfer device 40, the guide elements 35, 45 are connected, forming a continuous guide element on the assembly of the two transfer devices. This continuity is particularly depicted in fig. 6. Advantageously, not only does the outlet opening 34 coincide with the inlet opening 43, but the orientation of the guide element 35 in the region of the separation plane between the two transfer devices likewise coincides with the orientation of the guide element 45. More specifically, each guiding element may be oriented perpendicular to the inlet surface or the outlet surface in the region of the inlet opening and in the region of the outlet opening, respectively. Thus, watch member 2 can easily slide from guide element 35 to guide element 45 without the risk of being blocked at the interface between the two transfer devices.

The guide elements 35, 45 may include all or some of the following features:

-a curved guide surface; and/or

-a guide surface comprising at least one sharp bend; and/or

A guide surface allowing to displace the watch member 2 according to a translational movement and/or according to a rotational movement; and/or

A guide surface allowing to cause or not to cause a change of orientation of the watch member 2; and/or

A guide surface allowing to cause a change in the orientation of the watch member 2 so that its surface in contact with the first support is different from its surface in contact with the second support.

Thus, the shape and configuration of the guide elements can define a transformation of the layout of the watch member 2. As can be determined from a comparison between the first and second layouts of fig. 4 and 5, the watch components 2 have been displaced in that their relative positions have changed from a shape enclosing a defined circle to a shape enclosing a defined rectangle. Between the first and second layouts, the watch members 2 have also undergone a change of their orientation, since their orientation has changed from an orientation along a circle to an orientation in which all watch members 2 are parallel to each other. In general, each guide element 35, 45 may be defined to produce a displacement of the watch member 2 according to one or more axes, in particular to produce a rotational movement of the watch member 2 around one or more axes. Therefore, the surface of the watch member 2 resting in the first support 10 may be different from the surface of the part of the second support 20 on which the member rests. Such a rotational movement of the watch member 2 can be achieved by sharp bends arranged in the respective guide elements.

The assembly 3 may comprise any number of transfer devices, for example a single transfer device, only the first transfer device 30 or only the second transfer device 40. Advantageously, the transfer devices defining the different elementary variations of the layout of the watch member 2 can be combined in series in one and the same assembly 3, thus obtaining more complex variations of the layout of the watch member 2. Thus, a wide variety of transformations may be achieved by combining a limited number of adapted transfer devices. Furthermore, mounting a plurality of transfer devices in series may limit the length of each guide element and aid in the recovery of the watch component 2 which may be inadvertently jammed in the transfer device during transfer.

According to a variant embodiment, the transfer means can be used to change only the orientation of the watch members 2 without changing their relative position. According to another variant, the transfer device can be used to change or reverse the position of the different watch components without changing the pattern determined by their layout. Advantageously, the same transfer means can be reversibly utilized, that is to say for passing from the first to the second configuration and for passing from the second to the first configuration. In this case, the transfer device is inverted, with the outlet aperture serving as the inlet aperture and the inlet aperture serving as the outlet aperture.

According to another variant, the transfer device may be arranged to bind or detach the watch member 2 and have a number of inlet holes 33, 43 different from the number of outlet holes 34, 44. For example, such a transfer device may be used to bind two watch members 2 in the same area of the second support 20. Alternatively, when the watch element 2 is disassembled, certain areas of the second support 20 may be left empty, for example, to receive a different watch element. For this purpose, depending on the desired variant, two guide elements of the same transfer device can be connected to one another by branches, or the same guide element can be divided into two different branches.

According to another variant, the first support 10 and/or the second support 20 may be a set of supports. For example, in order to split the component part to at least two second supports, parts of each of these second supports are provided, for example for performing different surface treatments.

Referring to fig. 3, the two transfer devices 30, 40 include indexing mechanisms 36, 46 that allow for unitary positioning of the two transfer devices one with respect to the other. On the first transfer means, the indexing means 36 are constituted by four circular holes 37 arranged at the four corners of the outlet surface 32. On the second transfer device, the guide mechanism 46 is constituted by four cylindrical columns 47 arranged at four corners of the inlet surface 41. Four posts 47 are adapted to mate with four holes 37. Advantageously, the indexing mechanism is arranged so that the two transfer devices 30, 40 can be associated with each other according to a single orientation. Thus, one of the four holes 37 has a smaller diameter than the other three holes to prevent them from only mating with one of the four posts 47 that also has a smaller diameter. In this way, the two transfer devices are prevented from engaging in the event of an improper rotational movement of a quarter turn.

As shown in fig. 7, the diversion device 30 can include a removable grate 50 that includes grate holes 51 arranged in the same or compatible manner as the inlet holes 33 of the inlet surface 31. The grid holes 51 may be superimposed on the inlet holes 33 of the inlet surface 31 to allow the watch member 2 to pass continuously through the grid holes 51 and the inlet holes 33. The grid has a substantially planar shape. It has a first portion arranged in a circular arc 52, which is extended by a sleeve pad 53. The grid apertures 51 may be rounded.

Advantageously, the inlet surface 31 and/or the grille of the first transfer device 30 comprises an indexing mechanism 38, 54 for correctly positioning the grille 50 with respect to the inlet surface 31. On the inlet surface 31, the indexing means 38 are constituted by vertical projections 39A, 39B which define receptacles in which the grille 50 can be engaged. On the grid 50, the guide 54 is formed on the one hand by a sleeve pad 53 which can be received between two first projections 39A on both sides of the sleeve pad 53. On the other hand, the indexing mechanism 54 likewise comprises two appendixes 55 connected by a second portion disposed in a circular arc 56. The two additional portions 55 are adapted to abut against the two second projections 39B. In this position, the second portion provided in the circular arc 56 likewise abuts against the combined abutment means 39C provided on the inlet surface 31 of the first transfer device 30. Thus, the grid can be put in place in a unique way with respect to the first transfer means by sliding it in the plane of the inlet surface 31, to ensure that the sleeve pad 53 enters between the two first projections 39A and until the two first projections 39A abut against the first portion provided in the circular arc 52. In this position, the grid holes 51 coincide with the inlet holes 33 of the first transfer device. One end of the sleeve pad 53 may protrude beyond the transfer device so that the operator can easily grasp the grid to displace it.

The grid may be made of the same material as the inlet surface 31 or of a different material which is both wear resistant and maintains the integrity of the surface of the watch member 2. Repeated use of a transfer device equipped with a grid may result in wear of the grid surface. Advantageously, the grid 50 is easy to manufacture and can be easily replaced by a new identical grid. Thus, it is not necessary to manufacture a new transfer device due to wear associated with intensive use.

In an alternative way, the first transfer means may comprise a plate (not shown here) arranged in a removable manner between the inlet surface 31 of the first transfer means 30 and the grid 50 to allow temporary holding of the watch member 2 above the inlet surface 31 before the watch member 2 is transferred through the inlet aperture 33. Retraction of the plate exposes the access aperture allowing the watch element 2 to pass through the transfer device.

As a variant, the plate may comprise openings based on the same or compatible layout as the inlet holes 33 and may be movable with respect to the inlet surface 31 so as to be able to occupy two positions. In the first position, the opening of the plate does not completely overlap the inlet hole 33, so that the watch member 2 can continue to be held on the plate. In the second position, the opening of the plate overlaps the inlet hole 33, so that the watch member 2 can be transferred through the opening of the plate and the inlet hole 33. The displacement of the plate from the first position to the second position displaces all the watch elements 2 directly below the inlet aperture 33, after which the watch elements 2 can pass through the transfer device.

The first support 10 may be a tray or a reservoir. The second support 20 may be a tray or a reservoir or a container, in particular a container filled with a liquid or a medium. The first support and the second support are adjustment portions adapted to perform a stage of a method of manufacturing a watch. Advantageously, the presence of the liquid or medium cushions the fall of the watch member 2 inside the second support 20 and/or through the guide elements 35, 45. The watch member 2 reaches the second support portion 20 gently and does not collide with each other. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer device may be immersed in or filled with a medium.

The first transfer device 30 comprises a substantially cylindrical side and is provided with reinforcing ribs. The second transfer device 40 comprises substantially rectangular sides and is likewise provided with stiffening ribs. As a result, each transfer device is rigid and robust, which is suitable for use in a production plant.

Each transfer device may be unitary and compact. It may be made of a polymer or at least partially coated with a surface made of a polymer or ceramic or metal, in particular a metal alloy, to maintain the integrity of the watch member 2, in particular to avoid deforming them or scratching them or to facilitate their transfer. Advantageously, it is made of a material compatible with 3D printing by additive manufacturing, also called additive synthesis, also called three-dimensional printing. Additive synthesis can produce a real object by using a specific installation of layer-by-layer deposited and/or solidified materials to obtain a volume. In particular, the transfer device can be manufactured by means of one of the following techniques:

i. shaped by Deposition of molten material, also called "FDM", with the initials of "Fuse Deposition molding"; or

Layer-by-layer polymerization or reticulation of polymers, in particular stereolithography, in particular by photopolymerization or SLA; or

Adhering a film with an adhesive, also known as "LOM", with the initials "dyed Object Manufacturing"; or

The powder layer is agglomerated by Laser Sintering, also called "SLS", initials like "Selective Laser Sintering" or Selective Laser Sintering; or

Melting of powders by means of a Laser, also called "SLM", together with the initials "Selective Laser Melting".

These manufacturing techniques allow to design transfer devices comprising guide elements 35, 45 having complex shapes, in particular curved or bent shapes. These manufacturing techniques also have very good reproducibility and allow for a highly automated manufacturing process. In this way, therefore, manufacturing constraints imposed in particular by forming or drilling are avoided.

The invention also relates to a method of processing a watch component 2. The treatment method comprises a phase of conveying the watch member 2 and/or of performing at least one first operation on the watch member 2. The first operation may be a machining operation, such as, inter alia, drilling, tapping, milling, turning or undercutting. The first operation can likewise be a cleaning operation or a finishing operation, such as in particular a polishing operation, the deposition of a finishing layer, in particular of a galvanic coating or a decorative layer. This first operation may be performed by a machine tool. During this operation, or at least at the end of this first operation, the watch member 2 is arranged on the first support 10 according to a first layout.

The processing sequence then comprises a stage of automatic transfer of the watch member 2 from the first support 10 onto the second support 20 by means of the assembly 3 comprising the two transfer devices 30, 40. The watch member 2 is inserted from the first support part into the inlet hole 33 whose layout corresponds to the layout of the watch member 2 in the first support part. Then, the watch member 2 slides along the walls of the guide elements 35, 45 to the outlet hole 44. Thus, the watch member 2 is simply transferred by gravity through the first layout to the second layout, advantageously reasonably without operator intervention at the same time. It will therefore be appreciated that the transfer device preferably rests on a horizontal or almost completely horizontal plane. Between the first layout and the second layout, at the boundary between the first transfer device 30 and the second transfer device 40, the watch component 2 passes through the third layout, which is thus a temporary layout.

The treatment process then comprises a phase of conveying and/or performing at least one second operation on the watch member 2 arranged on the second support 20 according to the second layout. This second operation may be a machining operation, such as, in particular, drilling, tapping, milling, turning or undercutting. The second operation can likewise be a cleaning operation or a finishing operation, in particular a polishing operation, the deposition of a finishing layer, in particular a galvanic coating or a decorative layer. This second operation may be performed by a machine tool and requires accurate positioning of the watch member 2 according to the second layout.

Thanks to the invention, the transfer device can be used to facilitate the transformation of the layout of the watch member 2, thus simplifying the method of manufacturing the watch or clock. Thus, watch member 2 is quickly reset without handling and without the risk of damaging watch member 2.