FR2503803A1 - Machine for fixing ends to flexible loose-leaf file fixing cords - has automatic riveting device with feed mechanism below table - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine is used to fix the ends of flexible cords to a thin sheet of card used for loose leaf files. The machine consists of a work table (1) with card clamps. Two pairs of rivet punches (25,26,27,28) operate above the table and an automatic cable feed mechanism (54) is located below the table. The machine inserts a hollow rivet into the hole (6,7) in the plate (3) and the cable is threaded through the plate and pulled over the hole (10) where it is held in place by the clamps. A second hollow rivet is inserted into the hole (10) after the end of the cable has been threaded through the hole. The cable is thus anchored to the plate.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a machine for fixing at least one extrilite zone of a resilient flexible link in tension on a sheet or plate support
In particular, and not exclusively, the invention finds its application in the laying of flexible elastic links in tension on cardboard filing folders having such flexible elastic links to maintain them in the closed state; however, it could also be applied whenever it is necessary to fix at least one end zone of a flexible, elastic or non-elastic link, with or without tension, on a sheet or plate, whatever the destination. of the product obtained.

 One type of cardboard filing file particularly common is made from a lustrous map sheet or Lyon card having in particular two substantially rectangular flaps connected along one of their sides by a folding zone so as to be able to be superimposed when the file is closed; along one side opposite to its connecting side with another flap, in a central zone of this opposite side, one of the flaps is provided with two through holes for slidingly receiving a central zone of the flexible elastic link; along its two other sides, approximately half-length of the latter, the same flap has a fixing orifice for receiving and immobilizing relative to the cardboard sheet an end zone of the link.

 Traditionally, the assembly of the link on the cardboard sheet is done by hand, after the two holes have been provided with hollow rivets intended to reinforce them by successively presenting each of these orifices on a machine placing the rivets one by one. a.

 Generally, by unrolling the link of a reel on which it is stored in great length, one first introduces free end into one of the fastening holes, by one of the sides of the cardboard sheet, then resumes the end of the link facing the second face of the sheet to introduce it through this face in the nearest passage opening i then resumes the end of the link facing the first face to introduce it by this same face in the second passage opening, beyond which the end of the link is taken up opposite the second face of the sheet to be brought opposite the second fixing hole; all these operations are done by hand; always by hand, the end of the link is then introduced into the second fixing orifice, through the second face of the support, until this end of the link forms a projection on the first face of the support 3, and then folds down to the hand, on the first face of the support, this protruding part and the cardboard sheet is presented, through this fixing hole, on a machine which places a hollow rivet pinching the zone of the link, close to the end thereof , overlapping the periphery of the orifice, which ensures the joining of this end zone of the link and the cardboard sheet 3 naturally, during this operation, it is necessary to manually hold the zone of the link folded on the first the face of the cardboard sheet, and preferably also the area of the adjacent link of the orifice on the second face of the sheet, which is delicate and dangerous insofar as the installation of the rivet must be carried out so close imm ediate of the fingers of the ope, rateur; indeed, the portion of the link folded on the first face of the cardboard sheet has a small length because only the area pinched by the rivet has a utility.

 Always ir'anuellement, the link is then tensioned by pulling on its outgoing area by the second fixing hole, opposite the first face of the cardboard sheet; Naturally, the tension thus communicated manually to the link is quite random, since it is closely related to the sensitivity of the operator.

 After having made this tensioning, it is folded on the first face of the cardboard sheet, in a position directly opposite that occupied by the link in the immediate vicinity of the same fixing hole but facing the other face of the cardboard sheet, and, applying with the finger a pressure on the area of the link thus folded on the first face of the cardboard sheet in the immediate vicinity of the second fixing hole and if necessary on the area of the link also close to the orifice fixing but placed next to the second face of the sheet, we put a fastening rivet in the same way as above; Naturally, this operation is even more inconvenient and more dangerous than above, since it is essential to effectively maintain the voltage link.

The link is then cut close to the second
rivet placed, facing the first face of the cardboard support.

 A second way to proceed manually is to cut in advance predetermined lengths of elastic flexible link, which is known after installation, that is to say after a predetermined extension, that they will present a uniform predetermined tension of a product to another.

 This advantage of obtaining a regular voltage is, however, accompanied by an even greater difficulty in manually maintaining the tensioning link during the installation of the second fastening rivet, since it must then be applied to an end zone. link, folded on the first side of the cardboard sheet, having a reduced length a significant pressure to the cardboard sheet.

 In addition to these disadvantages, in either case, the manual application of the flexible elastic links on the cardboard sheets intended to form folders, or more generally on any support in sheet or plate, has the drawback of 'require a lot of time, for a tedious job.

 In practice, it is difficult for a skilled operator to manually perform more than fifty files per hour.

 The object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks and, for this purpose, the present invention proposes a method of fixing at least one end zone of a flexible elastic link in tension on a sheet support or Plate both much simpler and much less dangerous for the operator than the current method, serious at a link introduction mode in the fixing holes and maintaining this tension during fixation especially judicious.

 Thus simpler and less dangerous than the processes currently practiced, the method according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing time of each product, and all the more so that it lends itself to mechanization and automation more or less incompatible with the implementation of the traditional process, much too complex.

 The present invention also proposes a machine for carrying out the method, a machine whose prototype has made it possible to place flexible elastic links on folders of the type mentioned above at a rate of about 2,000 files per hour, figure being given as a non-limiting example.

 The method according to the invention, for fixing at least one end zone of a resilient flexible tensioning link on a sheet or plate support having two faces, consisting in arranging at least one fixing orifice in the support, to cross the support through, through the orifice, by a zone of the link close to said end, and to pinch this zone against the periphery of the orifice by means of a hollow rivet, comprising a barrel hollow and an annular head, ee characterized in that, to pass through the support through, through the orifice, a first zone of the link adjacent said end, is immobilized relative to the support a second zone of the link in a voltage located beyond the first relative to said end, leaving the free link of its second zone at said end, in a position of the link relative to the support such that the link overlaps the orifice by its first zone, in that the 'we then engaging said first zone of the link in the orifice by applying to this zone a thrust towards the inside of the orifice by means of an end zone of a punch around which the rivet is retained and which is penetrated in the orifice, in a direction from said face of the support towards the second face thereof, until the punch, the rivet barrel and the end of the link form a protrusion with respect to this second face and that the head of the rivet rests against said first face of the support, in part with interposition of the link, in that it clamps the link against the periphery of the orifice by folding on the second face of the support the end of the link projecting from the to this one and by folding the barrel of the rivet on this second face, partly with the interposition of the link, and in that one releases the punch of the rivet and releases the second zone of the link with respect to the support.

 According to a preferred embodiment of the method, for fixing two end zones of a resiliently flexible tensioning link on a sheet or plate support having two faces, the method then consisting in arranging at least two fixing holes in the support 3 go through the support from one side to the other! via these orifices, by adjacent zones of the connection respectvernent one and the other ends thereof, and to pinch these areas against the periphery of the orifices by means of hollow rivets, this process is implemented simultaneously to both ends of the link.

The machine according to the invention, for the implementation of the method according to this preferred variant, is characterized in that it comprises
a substantially or approximately plane table adapted to receive and immobilize the support flat, in a predetermined position in which its second face is in contact with the table, said table having at least two riveting orifices facing the positions; occupied by the fixing orifices when the support occupies said predetermined position, these riveting orifices having transverse dimensions greater than those of the fixing orifices,
means for immobilizing, at will, zones of a flexible link in tension with respect to the table, in immobilization zones situated near said riveting orifices and in orientations such that the link has a free zone opposite. of said position of each fixing orifice,
two hollow rivet installation punches, each of which is placed facing one of the riveting orifices in a direction perpendicular to the table, and means for retaining a hollow rivet around an area of end of each punch,
- Means for moving at will each pcdnçoi by Z table table in a direction perpendicular thereto, as desired to enter said end zone into the corresponding riveting hole or to disengage,
two riveting rivets, inside the riveting orifices, respectivemellt in the extension of the one and the other punch beyond the table si. lion refers to a direction perpendicular thereto, each riveting rivet being complementary to the corresponding punch to cooperate therewith in the direction of crimping the rivet retained by the punch during said penetration.

 Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description below, relating to a non-limiting embodiment, and the accompanying drawings which form an integral part of this description.

 Figure 1 shows an exploded schematic perspective view of a machine according to the invention.

 Figures 2 to 4 illustrate, in partial sectional views through a plane perpendicular to that of the table of the machine illustrated in Figure 1, along the line II-II thereof, three successive steps of the implementation of the process.

 Figures 5 to 10 illustrate, in analogous views, six other successive steps of the implementation of the method.

 The machine for implementing the illustrated method is intended for the laying of elastic flexible links on supports constituted by cardboard sheets to produce files of the type described in the preamble, and it is with reference to the manufacture of such files that the method according to the invention will be described; however, this is only an example of implementation of this method and of a machine according to the invention, and the adaptation of the process and machinedecitits to the manufacture of other products would not go beyond the scope of the invention. 'invention.

 In its illustrated embodiment, the machine according to the invention comprises a table 1, consisting of the upper, horizontal, flat face of a plate 2; the table 1 is adapted to receive and immobilize by means known in themselves to those skilled in the art, in a predetermined position, a support 3 for receiving a flexible elastic link according to the invention.

 In FIG. 1, this support3 has been limited to the rectangular shutter receiving the link, connected along one of its long sides 4 to a second shutter, not shown, along a central zone of its large side parallel to its long side 4, the support 3 has two circular orifices juxtaposed 6, 7 passage for the flexible link and, along each of its other two parallel sides 8, 9, approximately mid-length of the latter, the support 3 presents an orifice, respectively 1O, 11, of attachment for an end zone of the link 12.

 Generally, these orifices 6, 7, 10, 11 are arranged in the support 7 before placing and immobilizing it on the table 1, but it would not be outside the scope of the invention to realize them after this implementation. place and immobilization.

 If one refers to the position occupied by the orifices 6, 7, 10, it when the support 3 occupies on the table 1 the predetermined position in which it is immobilized on it, in contact with it by a first 13 of these two faces 13, 14, the table 1 has opposite opposite positions of the attachment orifices 10 and 11 two riveting orifices, of which only is visible that which corresponds to the fixing hole 10 and that -on 5 to 10 by reference numeral 15, each of these riveting orifices having transverse to a mean direction such that 16 perpendicular to the table 1 of dimensions greater than the transverse dimensions of the fastening orifice corresponding such as 10; in addition, facing the positions occupied by the through holes 6, 7 when the support 3 occupies said predetermined position on the table 1, the latter has an opening 17 common to the two through holes 6, 7 (see FIGS. at 4).

 The riveting orifices such as 15 and the opening 17 pass through the plate 2 from one side to the other.

 To allow the installation of a hollow rivet in each of the orifices 6 7, 10, 11 of the support 3 when the latter occupies said predetermined position on the table 1, the illustrated machine comprises, opposite the respective positions which then occupy the various orifices 6, 7, 10, 11, with reference to a direction perpendicular to the table 1, four hollow rivet laying punches 18, 19, 20, 21; appropriate means, in the field of knowledge of the art, allow to move at will, relative to the table, each of the punches 18, 19, 20, 21 in a direction perpendicular to the table 1 and constituting an axis mean orifices 6, 7, 10, 11, respectively 22, 23, 16, 24; in a manner known to those skilled in the art, these means act on a punch holder, respectively 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, inside which the punch, respectively 18, 19, 20, 21, is slidably mounted according to said direction, so as to retract inside the punch holder in this direction, against elastically compressible means, when it undergoes forces exceeding a predetermined threshold in the direction of this retraction, and each punch holder defines at its end, around the corresponding punch, a riveting rivet; thus, it is possible to enter into each of the orifices 6, 7, ir, 11 an end zone, respectively 25, 20, 27, 28, of the corresponding punch which, passing through the support 3 from one side to the other, penetrates also in the opening 17 (in the case of the zones of extreme 25 and 26 of the punches 18 and 19) or in the riveting orifices such as 15 (in the case of the end zones 27 and 28 of the punches 2 (and 21); these means enable each of the punches to be moved so as to disengage the end zone from the opening 17 or the riveting orifices such as 15 from the table 1, and through orifices 6, 7 and attachment holes e, 11 of the support 3.

 On its passage between a limit position 'in which its only ex-tremite, respectively 3r 26, 2', 28 is located eb compared to Table 1, at a distance from it (case of Figures 2 and 5) and a position of penetration into the through holes 6, 7 or attachment 10, 11, each of the punches 18, 19, 20, 21 is adapted to support by its end zone a hollow rivet that appropriate means, in the field of knowledge of the skilled person, bring to a position where its axis coincides with the average direction, respectively 22, 23, 1fi, 2, of the corresponding orifice, respectively 6, 7, 10, 11, support 3.

 As is more particularly apparent from FIGS. 2 and 6, these hollow rivet feeding means of each of the punches 18, 19, 20, 21 bring the rivets into a position where their ring-shaped head (30 in the case of rivet 31 shown in Figure 2 and 32 in the case of the rivet 33 shown in Figure 6) is substantially parallel to the table 1 and where their barrel generally cylindrical (34 in the case of the rivet 31 and 35 in the case of the rivet 33 ) is of revolution about the mean direction of the corresponding orifice (22 with respect to the orifice 6 in FIG. 2 and 16 with regard to the orifice 10 in FIG. 6), between the test of the rivet and the second face 14 of the support 3 immobilized in a predetermined position on the table 1.

 The end zone 25, 26, 27, 28 of each punch 18, 19, 20, 21 is located outside the corresponding punch holder when the punch is not retracted into it; it tapers progressively towards the corresponding end thereof, from an area where it has transversely to the corresponding mean direction, respectively 22, 23, 16 24, dimensions greater than the internal transverse dimensions of the rivet to an area where it has, transversely with respect to the same respective mean direction, di <nensions smaller than the inner transverse dimensions of the rivet so as to retain the latter by emmanclsement after taking charge; at least as regards the respective end regions 27 and 28 of the punches 20 and 21 corresponding to the riveting orifices such as 15, this thinning is effected over a length, measured in the respective mean direction 16 or 24, such as that the end of the punch protrudes from the barrel such as 35 of the rivet thus retained by fitting on the end zone such as 27.

 In addition to the punches 18, 19, 20, 21, and more specifically the end zones 25, 26, 27, 28 and punch holders isba, 19a, 2osa, 21a thereof, it is provided under table 1, FIG. interior of the opening 17 and each of the riveting orifices such as 15 riveting rivets each of which is placed or adapted to be placed in the extension of the corresponding punch if one refers to a direction perpendicular to the table, each rivet being complementary to the corresponding punch to cooperate with it in the direction of a crimping of the rivet retained on its end zone during the penetration of the latter in the opening 17 or the riveting orifice such as 15, after crossing the support 3 via the passage hole 6, 7 or 10, 11 corresponding attachment.

Only are visible in the figures the snap
135 corresponding to the riveting orifice 15 to cooperate with the punch 20 in the installation of a rivet in the attachment hole 10 of the support 3, a rivet in all analogous points being naturally provided to cooperate with the punch 21 in the installation of a rivet in the fixing hole 11 of the support 3, and the two snaps 36 and 37 disposed in the opening 17 to cooperate with the punches 18 and 19, respectively, in the installation of rivets in the orifices passage 6 and 7 of the support 3.

 As is apparent from the examination of FIGS. 5 to 1P, the rivet 135 is capable of being moved at will, under the action of appropriate means of the field of salacious knowledge of those skilled in the art, in a direction perpendicular to the table and materialized by the average direction 16 which is also the mean direction of the rivet135, between a waiting position (Figures 5 to 8 and Figure 10) and a riveting position (Figure 9) in which it is respectively set back relative to the table 1, beneath it, at a distance d thereof determined as a function of a possibility of disengagement of an end zone of the link projecting from the face 13 of the support 3 to the during a step of the implementation of the method which will be described later (Figure 7), and flush with this table to ensure the pegging of the barrel 35 of the rivet 33 carried by the end zone 27 of the punch 20 on the face 13 of the support 3 when the rivet rests by its head 32 on the face 14 of the latter; in view of the protrusion that forms beyond the barrel 35 of the rivet 33 the end zone 27 of the punch 20, the rivet 35 has in the mean direction 16 a bore 38 adapted to receive this projection.

 The possibilities of displacement, relative to the table 1, of the rivet corresponding to the punch 21 are identical.

The two snaps 36 and 37 are carried by a wafer 39, common to these two snaps,
and are recessed in a planar face 40 that the plate 39 has co-planar with the table 1 or parallel and recessed relative thereto, parallel to it (illustrated case in Figures 2 to 4).

 As is more particularly apparent from the examination of FIGS. 2 to 4, the wafer 39 can slide relative to the table 1, inside the opening 17, under the action of means of the field of knowledge of the skilled in the art, between two positions retaining in the mean plane of the face 40 the position of position relative to that of the table 1.

 In a first position, illustrated in FIG. 29, the plate 39 has bouterolles 36 and 37 facing respectively punches 18 and 19 to allow, by means of these, the installation of rivets respectively in the passage opening 6 and in the passage opening 7; to this end, each of the snaps 36 and 37 has, revolution nutour axes perpendicular to the face 40 and then respectively merged respectively with the mean direction 22 and with the mean direction 23, on the one hand an approximately toric impression (designated by the reference 41 with respect to the rivet 36) intended to ensure the riveting of a rivet on the face 13 of the support 3 when the head of the rivet rests on the face 14 of the latter, and secondly a central orifice (designated by reference 42 with respect to the rivet 36) for then receiving the projection that the end zone 25 or 26 of the punch 18 or 19 generally forms beyond the rivet.

 In a second position, illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the wafer 39 has a song 43 substantially or approximately coincident with a plane defined by the two mean directions 22 and 23; in this edge 43 are dug two impressions open towards this edge, towards the face 40 of the wafer 39 and to an interface 44 thereof, parallel to the face 40 and facing downwards, each of these fingerprints having a perpendicular mean direction faces 40 and 44 with a cross section relative to this mean direction decreasing from the face 44 to the face 40; for example, each of these indentations has the shape of a half-truncated cone whose 11 axis coincides respectively with the mean direction 22 or with the mean direction 23 when the edge 43 is substantially or approximately: ent coincides with the defined plane by these two mean directions 22 and 23.

 Only the footprint 45, whose axis coincides with the mean direction 22 when the edge 43 of the plate 39 coincides substantially or approximately with the plane defined by the direetir, ns means 22 and 23 Figures 3 and 4) is clearly visible in the figures (Figures 2 to 5X); the second indentation formed hollow in the stomach 43 is in all respects comparable.

 In addition to the wafer 39, there is provided in the opening 17 a second wafer 46 having a co-planar face 47 of the face 40 and a coplanar face 48 of the face 44, this second wafer 4G being capable of being displaced at will, by means of the field of knowledge of the person skilled in the art, a movement similar to that of the plate 39, independently of it or jointly with it, the two plates 39 and 46 being able to occupy two relative positions.

 In a first relative position of the two plates 39 and 46, the latter presents in contact with the edge 43 of the plate 39 a edge 49 adjacent the edge 43 outside the footprints such as 45 and in particular at the junction of the latter with the edge 43 In addition to the cavities 45, the edge 49 of the wafer 46 has two impressions, of which only the impression 50 complementary to the impression 45 is visible in FIGS. 2 to 4, each of these impressions such that 50 being open to the edge 49 and to the faces 47 and 48 of the wafer 46, with a shape converging from the face 48 to the face 47 in the manner of the impressions such as 45.

 Thus, in this first relative position of the plates 39 and 46, the indentations 45 and 50 complement each other and define the periphery of a channel 51 of average direction perpendicular to the faces 4n, 42, 47, 48, that is to say at the table 1, with a cross section of the channel 51 converging in the direction of a connection relative to the table 1, and two other indentations, respectively similar to the imprint 45 on the edge 43 of the plate 39 and similar to the impression 50 on the edge 219 of the plate 6, define a second channel 52 in all respects similar to the channel 51; these two channels 51 and 52 converge towards the table 1, in respective mean directions perpendicular thereto and with a frustoconical shape of revolu- tion around these respective mean directions in the example illustrated, their transverse dimensions in their area the closest to the table 1, that is to say dalls the common plane of the faces 40 and 47, being at most égeRiameter inner barrel such as 34 of a rivet such as 31.

 When the songs 49 and 43 are contiguous and occupy a position in which they coincide substantially or approximately with the plane defined by the mean directions 22 and 23, the mean-respective sayetions of the convergent channels 51 and 52 thus delimited at their periphery by the imprints such that 45 and 50 respectively coincide with these mean directions 22 and 23 (the case of FIG. 3).

 From this position illustrated in FIG. 3, the two plates 39 and 46 can be mutually mutually open to open the periphery of the two channels 51 and 52, as illustrated in FIG. interior of the opening 17, downwards, at least the area of the face 13 of the support 3 situated between the two through-openings 6, 7; it will be possible to give to the zone of the edge 43 of the plate 39 situated between the two cavities such that any shape facilitating the coming into contact with the face 13, between the two orifices 6 and 7, of a loop of the flexible link formed before facing the faces 44 and 48 of the plates 39 and 46 then joined by their edge 43 and 49, during a step of the process which will be described below with reference to Figure 4, the second plate 46 having between imprints such as 50 complementary shape so as to close peripherally the two channels 51 and 52 when the two plates 39 and 46 are joined by the edges 43 and 49.

 Under Table 1, under the action of the means of the field of knowledge of thousands of thousands, the gripping means 53 for two end zones of a section of flexible elastic link of predetermined length, provided by means of feeding in such sections, which will be described later in detail, and which are adapted to bring the ends 55a and 56a of each section 12a in a predetermined position relative to the table 1, under it, maintaining this section 12á to Rectilinear condition; in a first position, the 2 :: gripping means 53 support, by means of two clamps 57 and 58, two end zones, respectivelzent 59a and 6Oa, d link 12a located between the ends 55a and 56a thereof occupying with respect to table 1 the predetermined positions defined above, the zone 59a being located near the end 55a and the zone 60a near the end 56a.

 From this gripping position 59a and 60a respectively, the grippers 57 and 58 can be brought into a position of introduction of the end zones of the link thus supported in the passage orifices 6 and 7 of the support 3, via the channels 51 and 52 then closed periplzerically and placed respectively in the mean direction 22 and in the mean direction 23 (Figure 3).

 This position is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, where a link section 12b has been represented, designating respectively by 55b and 56b its ends respectively corresponding to the ends 55a and 56a of the link 12a, and by 59b and 60b its zones of ends respectively corresponding to the end zones 59a and 60a of the link 12a these references are retained for all of Figures 2 to 10 which illustrate the evolution of the link 12b as the implementation of the method.

 In their position of introduction the zones. end of the link section 12b in the through holes 6 and 7 of the support 3, the grippers 57 and 58 of the gripping means 53 are placed facing the opening 17 (as in the example illustrated) or inside thereof (variant not shown) recessed with respect to the table 1, in the respective mean directions 23 and 22 of the punches 19 and 18, that is to say opposite the positions of the orifices of passage 7 and 6, respectively, in a direction perpendicular to the table 1; this position is illustrated in Figure 3.

 From this insertion position illus tred in Figure 3, the clamps 57 and 58 can be brought by a movement of approximation to the table 1 respectively in the direction 23 and in the direction 22, to a position of through the orifices 7 and 6, respectively, by the link, this position being illustrated in Figure 4 after opening the clamps and channels 51 and 52.

 The passage of the clamps 57 and 58 from the introduction position to the traversing position is accompanied by an injection of gas or gas mixture, and for example air, inside each of the channels 51 and 52. in the direction of convergence of the latter, nozzles such as 159 connected to suitable pressurized gas supply means being mounted for this purpose preferably directly on the clamps such as 58 (only detailed in Figures 3 to 4, the clamp 57 carrying similar nozzles).

Next to the table 1, that is to say above it, are provided other gripping means 61 for two end zones of the link, these means 61 being intended to take care of the end zones of the link brought into the passage holes 6 and 7 by the clamps 57 and 58 when they occupy their so-called crossing position
The means 61 comprise two electro-magnetic grippers 62 and 63 that appropriate means, of the field of the knowledge of the trade, move between a position of engagement of the link illustrated in Figure 3 with respect to the clamp 63 and a position of implementation of the link illustrated in Figure 1 with respect to the two clamps 62 and 63 and aiix Figures 5 to 10en with respect to the clamp 63; Figure 4 illustrates an intermediate position.

 In their gripping position, the grippers 62 and 63 are placed opposite the positions occupied by the landscape openings 7 and 6 when the support 3 is immobilized in the predetermined position: on the table 1, if we are referring to a direction perpendicular to this table; in other words, the clamps 62 and (> 3 are placed facing these orifices 7 and 6 in directions 23 and 22, respectively, near the face 14 of the support 3 resting by its face 13 on the table g thus, the clamps 62 and 63 can take over the end zones of the link section 12b introduced into the orifices 7 and 6, respectively, by the clamps 57 and 58 of the gripping means 53 during the passage of these clamps of the introduction position to the crossing position (Figures 3 and 4).

 In their position of introduction of the link, gained by a displacement as direct as possible of the position of the orifice 7 at the position of the orifice 11 and the position of the orifice 6 at the position of the orifice 10, respectively, in the immediate vicinity of the face 14 of the sup port 3, that is to say equal to the table 1, the clamps 62 and 63 are respectively placed in the immediate vicinity of the orifice 11, opposite of it or beyond it with respect to the orifice 7, and in the immediate vicinity of the orifice 10 facing it or beyond it with respect to the orifice 6 ;; the passage of the clamps 62 and 63 from the setting position of the link to the setting position thereof is accompanied by a predetermined tensioning of the link, which then has a rectilinear zone joining the orifice 7 to the orifice 11 and a rectilinear zone that adjusts the orifice 6 to the orifice 10, in contact with or in the immediate vicinity of the face 14 of the support 3, and a rectilinear zone joining the orifices 6 and 7 in contact with or in the immediate vicinity of the face 13 of the support 3, as will be apparent from the example of implementation of the method according to the invelltion described further.

 In addition, there are provided, in relation to the table 1, cores for immobilizing with respect thereto, and with respect to the support 3 in the predetermined position, zones of the link thus put in tension when the clamps 62 and 63 occupy their position of placing. in place of the link, this immobilization taking place in immobilization zones located near the riveting orifices such that 15 and in such a way that the link has a free zone facing the respective positions of the fixing orifices 10 and 11.

 According to one embodiment of the invention not illustrated, these means could be constituted by the clamps 62 and 63 which would take charge of the link by end zones thereof located near its ends but at a distance of these, and whose position of implementation of the link would be located between the respective positions of the orifices 7 and 11 and the respective positions of the orifices 6 and 10, respectively, so that a free end zone of the tie shevauche respectively the orifice 11 and the orifice 10.

 In the preferred embodiment illustrated, and taking into account the positions of the clamps 62 and 63 described above with respect to the establishment of the link> the means for immobilizing with respect to the table of the zones of the flexible link voltage are different from the gripping means constituted by the clamps 62 and 63 and consist of two pressure members 164 and 165 disposed opposite the table 1, respectively in the vicinity of the riveting orifice corresponding to the position of the orifice 11 of the support 3, between this riveting orifice and the opening 17, in the alignment of the respective positions of the orifices 11 and 7, and in the vicinity of the riveting orifice 15r between the latter and the opening 17 , in the alignment of the respective positions of the orifices 6 and 10 3 of the non-illustrated means, the field of knowledge of the skilled person, are intended to apply to the pressure members 164 and 165 a thrust to the table 1, to press the l it is flexible on the latter through the support 3, and thus immobilize this flexible link in tension relative to the support 3 and the table 1, in a position and in a perfectly determinable state by appropriate adjustment of the machine.

 Naturally, the arrangements which have just been described constitute a non-limiting example of a machine according to the invention, and this one is capable of numerous variants of execution not departing from the scope of the invention.

 In particular, the means 54 for supplying flexible link sections of predetermined length illustrated in FIG. 1 could be replaced by other equivalent means, bringing end zones such as 59a and 60a of a flexible link such that 12a in predetermined setting positions, wherein the grippers 57 and 58 gripping means 53 come to support these areas of the link section.

 In the illustrated example, the means 54 comprise a cruciform turnstile 64, horizontal, defined by four identical horizontal arms 65, 66, 67, 68, arranged at 900 in pairs; the turnstile 64 is arranged at a distance from the table 1, under the plate 2, and rotatably mounted about an axis 69 perpendicular to the table 1, appropriate means, in the field of knowledge of the skilled person, being provided to provoke at will such a rotation in steps of 900, corresponding to the supply of successive sections of flexible link in the position illustrated with reference to the section 12a, in which this section is ready to be supported by the clamps 57 and 58 gripping means 53 and occupies an orientation both parallel to the table 1 and the plane defined by the two mean directions 22 and 23.

 At its end farthest from the axis 69, each arm 65, 66, 67, 68 of the turnstile 64 is slotted right through a plane perpendicular to the axis 69, the corresponding slots being designated respectively by the references 70 , 71, 72, 73, and in a plane including the axis 69, the corresponding slots being designated by the references 74, 75, 76, 77; each of these slots is open in the direction of a distance relative to the axis 69; the extension of the slots 74 to 77 towards this axis is greater than that of the slots 70 to 73.

 Respectively on each side of each of the slots 74 to 77, the corresponding arm, respectively 65 to 68, is pierced with a mean direction orifice parallel to the axis 69, and which opens into the interior of the another slot of the same arm, respectively 70 to 73, on the one hand, and at least above (as in the example shown) or below the turnstile 64, parallel to the axis 69; these orifices have been designated by the references 78 and 79, 80 and 81, 82 and 83, 84 and 85 respectively with regard to the arms 65, 66, 67, 68.

 Each of these orifices 78 to 85 is intended to receive a tooth (not visible in the figures) that carries at one of its ends, in a direction approximately parallel to the axis 69, a lever, respectively 86 to 93, suitable for this purpose. orifice and articulated on the corresponding arm of the turnstile 64 about an axis common to the two levers of the same arm and situated approximately in the mean plane of the slots 70 to 73, between these respective slots and the axis 69.

 Each of the levers 86 to 93 can thus switch between two positions; in one of these positions, the tooth which it carries penetrates, via the corresponding orifice respectively 78 to 85, in the slot, respectively 70 to 73, of the same arm of the turnstile; in the other position, the lever tooth is disengaged from slot 70 to 73 respectively.

 This tilting movement of the lever is con: randé by rudder acting simultaneously on two neighboring levers respectively carried by two adjacent arms of the turnstile 64, independently of a set of levers thus defined to mn other.

 It is thus provided a first spreader 95, for example electromagnetically controlled, to apply at will to the end of the levers bearing the teeth a thrust in the direction of engagement of these teeth within the slots of the arms of the turnstile 64 disposed in a mean plane perpendicular to the axis 69; this spreader 95 is arranged to act simultaneously on the two levers, here 89 and 90, neighbors respectively carried by two neighboring branches, here 66 and 67, the turnstile 64 whose free ends are at a given instant 900 upstream respective predetermined positions of 55a and 56a of the ends of a section 12a of flexible link occupying at this time the predetermined position to allow its recovery by the clamps 57 and 58 of the gripping means 53, it refers to a predetermined, constant direction of rotation 94 of turnstile 64.

 In the direct extension, upstream in view of the direction of rotation 94, the segment thus defined by the free ends of the arms, here 66 and 67, being at the given moment 909 upstream of the predetermined positions 55a and 56a free tensioning means are provided, without tension, of flexible link, including in particular unwinding stop means 96 unwinding consist for example by a clamp occupying a fixed position relative to the table 1, and able to pinch the link .

 In addition to the rudder 95, there is provided a rudder 97 for its own action at will on the two adjacent levers, here 91 and 92, respectively carried by two adjacent arms, here 67 and 68, the turnstile 64 whose ends free occupy at a given time respectively the predetermined positions 56a and 55a; the spreader 97, similar in design to that of the spreader 95 and, like this one, in the field of knowledge of the skilled person, acts for example on the end of the levers opposite to that which carries the tooth, the opposite of the latter relative to a plane parallel to the axis 69 and including the axis of rotation of the lever; Thus, the spreader 97 allows to freely release the teeth of the levers, here 91 and 92, the slots here 72 and 73, the arms of the turnstile 64 located in a mean plane perpendicular to the axis 69.

 The means 54 for supplying sections of predetermined length of the flexible link finally comprise, opposite the position occupied by the slot, here 72, located along a mean plane including the axis 69, of an arm, here 67, whose free end occ.upe occ.upe at a given instant the predetermined position 56a, a knife 98 that appropriate means, the field of knowledge of the skilled person, can engage at will in this slot such as 76 to cooperate with the end of the arm such as 67 to cut a flexible link engaged in the other slot, such as 72, the same arm.

 Other characteristics of the machine which has just been described will emerge from the description below of the operation thereof, according to the method according to the invention.

 This operation is cyclic, automatically controlled by means whose realization is in the field of knowledge of the skilled person.

At the beginning of an operating cycle, the state of the various elements of the machine is as follows
the turnstile 64 of the feed means 54
occupies a position in which he is carrying a stretch
flexible elastic link, in the rectilinear state, in
the predetermined position 12a allowing its gripping
by the clamps 57 and 58 of the means 53; the ends 55a and 56a of the section 12a are immobilized at the end of two arms, here 68 and 67 respectively, of the turnstile 64 by engagement of the teeth of two neighboring levers, here 92 and 91, carried respectively by the one and the other of these arms, in the end slot, respectively 73 and 72, of these arms oriented next
a mean plane perpendicular to the axis 69 and in the ends 55a and 56a of the link t a link section 12c is itself engaged by its ends, in the stretched state, on the one hand in the slot 72 of the arm 67 located immediately upstream of the arm 68 in view of the direction of rotation 94, and secondly in the slot 71 of the arm 66 located immediately upstream of the arm 67 in view of this direction of rotation, the sectionl6c is connected on the one hand downstream, taking account of the direction of rotation 94, to the section 12a and on the other hand upstream, taking into account the same direction of rotation, by means of flexible wire feed, and more specifically to the clamp 96 of it then closed; with the exception of the levers 91 and 92, all the levers of the turnstile are in a position in which the teeth are disengaged from the corresponding slots 70 to 73; the knife 98 is in turn in a waiting position, clear of the slot 72.

grippers 57 and 58 gripping means 53 occupy an indifferent position, and are for example in the open state in the immediate vicinity of the gripping zones 59a and 60a of the section 12a.

the punches 18 to 21 occupy the position illustrated in Figures 2 to 5 with regard to the punches 20 and 18, namely a position in which they are arranged further from the table 1 in the respective mean directions 22, 23, 16 , 24 and released to the maximum of the corresponding punch holders.

Between the end of each of the punches 18 to 21
and the table 1 is arranged, in the waiting position, a
rivet such as 31 with regard to punch 18 and 33
as regards punch 20.

riveting rivets such as 135 corresponding
to the two riveting holes such as 15 and to both
punches 20 and 21 are in their most distant position
Table 1, illustrated in Figure 5 with respect to
relates to the rivet 135, and the plate 39 presents
under the table 1 the two snaps 36 and 37 following
the respective mean directions 22 and 23 of the points
we have 18 and 19 (Figure 2).

the pressing members 164 and 165 occupy their position
the farthest from Table 1, shown in Figure 5
as regards organel65.

the clamps 62 and 63 occupy the position of setting
place of the link illustrate Figure 1 and the figures
5 to 10 with respect to the gripper 63.

 The machine is in this initial state, a lustrous card sheet, constituting the support 3, pre-cut and provided with perforations defining the through holes 6, 7 and the fixing orifices 10, 11 is fed to the table 1 by a feeder conventional type; this feed can advantageously be carried out astatomically; a suitable sensor, constituted for example by a photoelectric cell, notes the arrival of the support 3 in the required predetermined position relative to the table 1, and for example electronically triggers the operating cycle which comn? ence by the immobilization of the support 3 on the table 1 pa exerlie by a not shown electromagnetic blank greenhouse.

 at the same time, the rudder 95 acts on the levers 8o and 90 to engage the teeth that i.sub.o respectively bear in the orifice 81 and in the orifice 82 and in the corresponding ends of the link section 12c, which causes the immobilizing these ends respectively on the branch 66 and on the branch 67 of the turnstile 64.

 Then, the two punches 18 and 19 approach the table 1, displacement in their respective mean direction 22, 23, together with the corresponding punch holders 18a and 19a, until penetrating respectively inside the orifice 6 and the orifice 7 by their end zone, which has during this movement supported a rivet; the penetration of the respective end zones 25 and 26 of the punches 18 and 19 in the orifices 6 and 7 and in the central orifices 42 of the snaps 36 and 37 of the wafer 39, occupying the position illustrated in FIG. penetrator rivets such as 31 in the two orifices 6 and 7 by their barrel such as 34; when the latter comes into contact with the rivet 36 or 37 and thus offers resistance to the penetration that is transmitted to the punch, the corresponding punch holder continues nevertheless its movement towards the table by causing the progressive retraction of the punch, then comes to apply to the head such as the rivet, towards the table, a thrust which results in the penetration of the barrel such as 34 on the face 13 of the support 3 under the action of the two snaps 36 and 37, until the two rivets rest by their head such as 30 on the face 14 of the support 3; punches 18 and 19 are then released by a movement of the punch doors in the opposite direction; the final position of the rivet 31 corresponding to the orifice 6 appears in FIGS. 3 and 4.

At the same time, the knife 98 stops in the slot 76 of the arm 67 and cuts off the flexible elastic link between the sections 12a and 12c thereof, and the grippers 57 and 58 of the gripping means 53 come to occupy the gripping position. end zones 59a and
60a of the section 12a of flexible link, pinch these areas and, after the spreader 97 has acted on the levers 91 and 92 in the direction of a clearance of the ends 55a and 56a of the section 12a, the clamps 57 and 58 bring the section 12a in the position shown in 12b in Figure 1 and Figure 3, position referred to above insertion position, after communicating to the link section the shape of a large U, with a loop at mid-length.

 During this movement, the two plates 39 and 46 move inside the opening 17 of the plate 2, so as to bring along the mean directions 22 and 23, respectively, the convergent channels 51 and 52 they then close on their periphery.

 also during this movement, the clamps 62 and 63 come to occupy their position of taking the link, respectively in the average direction 23 and in the mean direction 22.

 At the end of these different movements combined, the assembly occupies the position illustrated in Figure 3 with respect to the clamp 58, the channel 51 delimited by the plates 39 and 48, the passage hole 6 provided with the rivet 31 , and the clip 63.

 It can be seen that then, the clamp 58 maintains the end zone of the link section 12b situated between the gripping zone 60b and the neighboring end 56b (corresponding to the zone 60a and the end 56a of the section illustrated in FIG. 12a) in the free state in the mean direction 22 then common of the through hole 6, the convergent channel 51 and the clamp 63; the end 56b of the section 12b is then located immediately below the channel 51 and turned towards it; likewise, the clamp 57 maintains under the channel 52, in the mean direction 23, the zone of the flexible link 12b situated between the gripping zone 59b and the nearest end 55b (respectively corresponding to 59a and 55a of the section illustrated in FIG. '2a); the end 55b is turned towards the channel 52, under it.

 The two clamps 57 and 58 are then brought, by a movement of approaching the table 1, in the closed state, from the position of introduction to the traversing position defined above, which brings the ends 55b and 56b, then the link zones 12b located between these ends and respectively the gripping zones 59b and 60b, to successively enter the channels 52 and 51, respectively, converging in the direction of this penetration, then into the orifices 7 and 6, respectively, reinforced by the hollow rivets then forming eyelets, then finally respectively in the clamp 62 and the clamp 63, open; during this movement, the nozzles such as 59 fitted to the clamps 57 and 58 inject a gas or a gaseous mixture under pressure into the channels 51 and 52, in the direction of convergence thereof, which has the effect of to float the end zones of the free section 12b beyond gripping areas 59b and 60b by the clamps 57 and 58 and to avoid any friction with the periphery of the channels 51 and 52 and with the inner periphery of the eyelets defined by the rivets lining the through holes 6 and 7, which facilitates the introduction of the link in them.

 When the clamps 57 and 58 reach their so-called crossing position, zones of the section 12b adjacent to the two ends 55b and 56b thereof form above. the face 14 of the support 3, respectively in the mean directions 23 and 22, a sufficient projection to penetrate between the clamps 62 and 63, open, respectively, these two clamps then close, the injection of gas or mixture gaseous by the nozzles 599 is interrupted and the clamps 57 and 58 pick up.

 The two clamps 62 and 63, in the closed state, then gain the positioning position of the illustrated link, particularly in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 5, by applying to the link a traction which results in a bringing together of its zone into loop relative to the face 13 of the support 3; during this movement, as shown in Figure 4, the two plates 39 and 48 deviate here by movement of the wafer 48, so as to open the two channels 51 and 52 peripherally at least between the respective mean directions 22 and 23 of the orifices 6 and 7, which allows the loop area of the link to come into contact with the face 13 of the support 3 during an intermediate phase of the path of the clamps 62 and 63 to the position of implementation the link, after which it is put in tension gradually due to the continued movement of the clamps 62 and 63 to the position of implementation.

 Subsequently, the plates 39 and 48 are again connected by their respective points 43 and 49, then return to the position illustrated in FIG. 2, where the snaps 36 and 37 are arranged in the mean directions 22 and 23, respectively, and the clamps 57 and 58 return to the open state in the engagement positions of a link section, respectively at 59a and 60a, for completion of the next cycle.

 The remainder of the cycle will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10 and to the zones of the link section 12b connected to the end 56b thereof, it being understood that the same operations take place simultaneously for zones of the link close to its other. end 55h, for the attachment of such areas in the fixing port 11 of sport 3 Ù using the clamp 62, the punch 21 and the correspoildante rivet, and 1 pressure member 164.

 FIG. 5 illustrates the final phase of the movement illustrated in FIG. 4, during which the clamp 63 has brought the end 56b of the link section 12b by a displacement in the immediate vicinity of the face 14 of the support 3, beyond the fixing orifice 10 if one refers to the passage opening 6; it is then the clamps 62 and 63 which, acting on the link 12b at the ends 55b and 56b thereof, ensure its tensioning; it will be noted that the respective positions of the punch 20 and the pressure member 165 during this movement of the clamp 63, as well as the respective positions of the punch 21 and the pressure member 164 during the corresponding movement of the clamp 62, are sufficiently far from the table 1 to not be an obstacle to the passage of the clamp and the link which thus takes a rectilinear conformation between the orifices 6 and 10 and between the orifices 7 and 11 in particular.

 During a next step, illustrated in FIG. 6, the pressure member 165 descends towards the table 1 and presses firmly against the face 14 of the support 3, itself resting on the table 1, zone 99 of the link between the end 56b of the latter then still immobilisiedens the gripper 63 in the position of introduction of the link and the zone of this link passing through the orifice 6; likewise, the pressure member 164 descends to immobilize under pressure against the face 14 of the support 3, supported by its face 13 on the table 1, an area of the link between its end 55b still immobilized in the clamp 62 in position setting up the link and the orifice 7.

 The two clamps 62 and 63 then open to release each end zone of the link then lying between its immobilization zone such as 99 and the nearest end such as 56b, the pressure members 164 and 165 taking then the relay clamps 62 and 63 to maintain tension areas of the link between the immobilization areas such as 99.

 Each end zone of the link located between the immobilization zone such as 99 and the end of the closest link such as 56b then undergoes an easily detachable withdrawal, according to which is determined the positioning position of the link of the links. clips 62 and 63; this withdrawal is such that, after it has been carried out, there remains a zone 100 of the link, situated between the immobilization zone 99 and the end 56b, overlapping the fixing orifice 10, as well as a similar zone overlapping the other fixing hole in either case freely.

 After this establishment of free end zones of the link, such as 100, above each of the fixing orifices 10 and 11, the two punches 20 and 21, and the corresponding door noincons 20a and 21a, initiate a movement down to the table 1, to the riveting orifice as such thereof and the riveting rivet such as 135, movement in which the respective end zones 27 and 28 of the punches support a rivet such 33, which is fixed by fitting on these end zones, as can be seen from the examination of FIGS. 6 and 7.

 This movement is also accompanied by a thrust applied towards the inside of each of the fixing orifices 10 and 11, to the zone of the link such as 100 overlapping this orifice freely; this is particularly apparent from Figure 7 with regard to the area 100 near the end '56b of the link; this zone 100 is pushed towards the inside of the fixing orifice 10 and the riveting orifice 15 by the end 101 of the punch 20, rounded for this purpose.

 As is apparent from FIG. 7, the distance d separating the rivet 135 from the table 1 in the position of the rivet farthest from this table is greater than the maximum projection formed by the link, in the immediate vicinity of its end 56b. under the face 13 of the support 3 during this movement; this condition is also met with respect to the rivet rivet (not shown) corresponding to the fastening orifice 11.

 For the subsequent fixing of a rivet in the fixing hole 10 and in the fixing hole 11 to pinch the zones of the bond placed on the periphery of the latter, it is preferable to fold down towards the face 13. of the support 3, close to or against the latter, opposite the position occupied by the zone of the link contiguous to the other face 14 of the support 3 in the immediate vicinity of the fixing orifice 10 or 11 corresponding, the projecting end 56b or 55b of the link.

 For this purpose, there may be provided between each of the riveting orifices, such as a blowing nozzle (not shown) directed towards the zone of the periphery of this orifice which is closest to the corresponding immobilization zone of the flexible link. relative to the table levers the latter, this nozzle being supplied with gas or gas mixture under pressure by appropriate means in the field of knowledge of the skilled person.

 According to another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 10, the folding of the end of the link on the face 13 of the support inside each of the riveting orifices, such as is done mechanically, as soon as the end such that punch 101 such as 20 has caused the fastening hole 10 to pass through the free zone of the tie closest to its end 56b, by means of a crimping plunger such as 102 disposed at inside each riveting orifice such as 15; means of the field of knowledge of those skilled in the art are provided to animate this pusher such as 102 of a movement parallel to the table 1, inside the riveting orifice such as 15 corresponding, between a position d FIGS. 5 to 7 and in FIG. 10, where it is located beyond the obligatory passage of the end zone such as 27 of the punch such as 20 during the penetration thereof into the riveting orifice. corresponding as 15 with respect to the corresponding immobilization zone such that 99 of the link with respect to the table 1, that is to say in particular beyond the average direction such as 16 of the punch such as 20 relative to to this immobilization zone such as 99, and a service position illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 where this pusher is shifted towards the immobilization zone of the link such as 99, of the same side of the obligatory passage of the end such that 19 punch, such as the zone corresponds to linkage, such as 99.

 Naturally, the passage of the pusher 102 from its retracted position to its service position is synchronized with the penetration of the punch such as into the corresponding riveting cup so that the punch does not constitute a obstacle to this movement; Generally, the flexible link has an elastic stiffness which means that it has to remain rectilinearly shaped, which makes it possible to place the pulling plunger such as 102 at a certain distance behind the table 1, inside the orifice. corresponding riveting such as 15, and therefore to operate the folding when the end such as 101 of the punch such as 20 has already entered the riveting orifice such as after having passed through the support 3 through.

 It should be noted that this folding step illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 is optional, since the folding could take place by itself during rivet pegging, which will be described later, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

 The movement of penetration of the respective end zones 27 and 28 of the punches 20 and 21 in the corresponding riveting orifices such as 15, after taking care of the rivets such as 33, brings them into a position where their barrel as 35 passes through. from one side to the other via the fixing orifice such as 10 or 11, respectively, and where their head such as 32 is located in the immediate vicinity of the face 14 of the support 3, with intercalation of the link in a limited area of the periphery of the fixing orifice on the face 13 and inside this orifice, as shown in FIG. 8; the barrel as 35 then protrudes under the face 13 of the support 3, as well as the end such as 101 of the punch.

 In the next step, illustrated in FIG. 9, the punch continues its movement until the text such as 32 of the rivet such as 33 comes into intimate contact with the face 14 of the support 3 at the periphery of the fixing hole 10 or 11, by pinching the link between this face 14, then only the punch holder continues this movement until 3 to come into contact with the head such as 32 of the rivet such as 33, the corresponding punch retreating as and as a result of this movement because of the resistance that opposes the rivet, in support against the support 3 itself in support on the table 1 ;; the riveting rivet such as 135 then approaches the table 1, and therefore the face 13 of the support 3, in the mean direction, respectively 16 or 24, of the corresponding punch, to fold to the intimate contact of the face 13 of the support 3, with intercalation and pinching of the link, the portion of the barrel such as 35 of the rivet 33 protruding from this face 13; during this fixing phase of the rivet inside the corresponding fixing hole, the flexible link crashes elastically due to the pinching applied by the rivet, which ensures its immobilization.

 It is during this movement of the riveting rivet such as 135 that the folding of the zone of the link near its end protruding from the face 13 of the support 3 during the implementation phase of the method illustrated in Figure 7 can be folded automatically, first in contact with the rivet 135, then the barrel as 35 of the rivet as 33 falling back under the action of this rivet.

 Advantageously, during the approximation of the riveting rivet such as 135 relative to the table, the end such as 101 of the corresponding punch comes into contact with the bottom of the bore such as 38 of this rivet, then realized in the form of a blind hole, so that, during the continuation of the movement of this rivet, the punch dissociates from the rivet accompanying this movement and retracting further inside the punch holder (this variant1 of the field of knowledge of the skilled person, is not illustrated).

 In a final step, illustrated in FIG. 10, the snaps such as 135, the punch holders 20a and 21a and the two punches 20 and 21 perform a movement in the opposite direction, the punches 20 and 21 being released from the corresponding punch punches during of a first phase of this movement, to regain the initial position shown in Figure 5 and thus disengage rivets placed respectively in the fixing holes 10 and 11; finally, the pressure members 164 and 165 deviate from the table 1 to also regain their position shown in Figure 5 with respect to the member 165, and the means for immobilizing the support 3 on the table 1 release the support 3, which can advantageously be ejected towards recovery means (not shown) ensuring for example a folding and / or packaging.

 In general, the assembly returns to the cycle start position described above.

 During the steps of the process following the taking of a link section between the arms 67 and 68 of the turnstile 64 by the grippers 57 and 58 of the gripping means 53, the turnstile 64 turns one step, that is to say say 900, in the direction 94 to bring the section 12c in the position occupied by the section 12a; it is recalled that the section 12c is then immobilized by its ends at the respective ends of the arms 67 and 66 of the turnstile 64, by the play of the teeth carried by the levers 90 and 89, respectively.

 This rotation respectively brings the arm 66 into the position previously occupied by the arm 67 and the arm 65 in the position previously occupied by the arm 66 and is accompanied by the introduction into the slots 75 and 74 between the two arms. 66 and 65, a link section which, at the end of this rotation, occupies the position previously occupied by the section 12c; during a first phase of the rotation, the clamp 96 is opened and the flexible link is freely unwound via the clamp 96, because, connected to the section 12c immobilized in particular at the lever 89, it is pulled; in a second phase of the rotation, the clamp 96 is closed, which ensures a tensioning of the link section located between the end of the arm 66 and the clamp 96, that is to say also the section between the arms 66 and 65 and occupying at the end of rotation the illustrated position of the section 12c; the synchronization of the rotation of the turnstile 64 and the closing of the clamp 96 makes it possible to adjust in a predetermined manner the tension thus applied to each link section introduced and immobilized successively between the respective ends of two arms immediately adjacent to the turnstile 64, that is to say the tension of the link when it is fixed to the support 3 at the end of the cycle, taking into account that the variations in apparent length that each section of link undergoes until it is fixed on the support 3 s perform under perfectly determined conditions.

 The opening of the clamp 96 can be advantageously synchronized with the operation of the spreader 95 in the direction of immobilization of the ends of a link by the levers placed at a given time with respect to this lifter.

 Naturally, the method according to the invention is capable of many different modes of implementation of that which has just been described, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (21)

 1. Method for fixing at least one end zone of a resilient flexible tensioning link on a sheet or plate support having two faces, consisting of arranging at least one fixing orifice in the support, to be traversed the support completely through the orifice, by a zone of the link close to said end, and to pinch this zone against the periphery of the orifice by means of a hollow rivet, comprising a hollow barrel and an annular head , characterized in that, to pass through the support (3) from one side, via the fastening orifice (10, 11), by a first zone of the link (12b) adjacent said end (55b, 56b, one immo bilise (164, 165) relative to the support (3) a second zone (99) of the link (12b) in tension located beyond the first relative to said end (55b, 56b) leaving the free link of its second zone (99) at said end (55b, 56b), in a position of the link (12b) relative to the support (3) such that the li in (12b) overlaps the orifice (10, 11) by its first zone opposite a first face (14) of the support (3) in that the first zone of the link (12b) is then engaged in the orifice (10, 11) by applying to this zone a thrust towards the inside of the orifice (10, 11) by means of an end zone (27, 28) of a punch (20, 21) around which the rivet (33) is retained and that is made to penetrate into the orifice (10, 11> in a direction from said face (14> of the support (3) to the second face (13) of this- ci, until the punch (20, 21), the barrel (35) of the rivet (33> and the end (55b, 56b) of the link (12b) form a projection relative to this second face (13). ) and that the head (32) of the rivet (33) rests against said first face 14) of the support (3) partially with interposition of the link (12b), in that the link (12b) is clamped against the periphery of the orifice (10, 11) by folding on the second face (13) of the support (3) at the end (55b, 56b) of the link (12b) projecting relative to the latter and by folding the barrel (35) of the rivet (33) on this second face (13), partly with interposition of the link (12b), and in that the punch (20, 21) is released. ) of the rivet (33) and releases the second zone (99) of the link (12b) relative to the support (3).  2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that one mechanically performs said folding of the end (55b, 5fob) of the link (12b) on the second face (13) of the support (3).  3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it is carried out by directed blowing of a gas or gas mixture said folding of the end (55b, 56b) of the link (12b) on the second face (13) of support (3).  4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, for fixing two end zones of a resilient flexible tensioning tie on a sheet or plate support having two faces, consisting of arranging at least two orifices. fixing in the support, to cross the support through, through these orifices, respectively by two adjacent zones of the link respectively of the one and the other end thereof, and to pinch these areas against the periphery orifices by means of hollow rivets, comprising a hollow barrel and an annular head, characterized in that it is implemented simultaneously at both ends (55b, 56b) of the link (12b).  5. A method according to claim 4, consisting, prior to said traversing of the support from one side through said fixing holes, in a direction from the first face of the support to the second face thereof, to develop two orifices of passage through the support and through the support through, through said passage orifices, in a direction from the second face of the support to the first face thereof, characterized in that it crosses the support (3) by the link (12b) via said through holes (6, 7) by introducing the ends (55b, 56b) of the link (12b) simultaneously into the latter by the second face (13) of the support (3) , then simultaneously taking up end zones of the link (12b), facing the first face (14) of the support (3), and then bringing them, by displacement opposite this first face (14) relative to the support (3) with bet  in tension of the link (12b) between them, in a corresponding position for each second zone (99) of the link (12b) to said position (99) of immobilization relative to the support (3).  6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that, to introduce the ends (55b 56b) of the link (12b) in said orifices of the passage (6, 7), one arranges with regard to each of these, the side of the second face (13) of the support (3), a channel (51, 52) closes peripherally and converging towards the passage opening (6, 7) opposite, in that one introduces said ends (55b, 56b ) in the passage orifices (6, 7) via said channels (51, 52) by acting mechanically on adjacent zones of the link (12b) to leave these ends (55b, 56b) free and by blowing a gaseous flow towards these orifices passage (6, 7) along the channels (51, 52) and in that, after taking up end zones of the link (12b) opposite the first face (14) of the support (3), opens the channels (51, 52) peripherally.  7. Method according to any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the end zones of the link 12b by lesUeson takes again it opposite the first face (14) of the support (3) are different from said second areas and respectiver.lent between each of them and the end (55b, 56b) corresponding or at this end (55b, 56b), and in that, after bringing these end zones in a corresponding position for each second zone of the link (12b) to said position (99) of immobilization with respect to the support (3), said immobilization (164, 165) is implemented and said end zones are released by which the link (12b) facing the first face (14) of the support (3), before engaging each first zone of the link (12b) in the corresponding fixing hole (10, 11).  8. Machine for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that it comprises  a table (1) substantially or approximately flat, adapted to receive and immobilize the support (3) i flat, in a predetermined position in which its second face (13) is in contact with the table (1), said table (1 ) having at least two riveting orifices (15) opposite the positions respectively occupied by the fixing orifices (10, 11) when the support (3) occupies said predetermined position, the riveting orifices (15) presenting transversely to each other at a direction (16, 21) perpendicular to the table-of dimensions greater than those of the fixing holes (10, 11),  means (164, 165) for immobilizing zones of a flexible elastic link (12b) in tension with respect to the table (1), in immobilization zones (99) located near said riveting orifices (1v); ) and in such a way that the link (12b) has a free zone opposite each of said respective positions of the fixing holes (1D, 11),  - two hollow rivet punching punches (20, 21), each of which is placed facing one of the riveting orifices (15) if one refers to a direction (16, 24) perpendicular to the table ( 1), and means for retaining a hollow rivet (33) around an end region (27, 28) of each punch (20, 21),  means for moving at will each punch (20, 21) with respect to the table (1) in a direction (16, 24) perpendicular thereto so as to make it penetrate said end zone (27, 28) in or out of the corresponding riveting hole (15),  - two riveting rivets (135), inside the riveting orifices (15), respectively in the extension of the one and the other punches (2o 21) beyond the table (1) if the one refers to a direction (16, 24) perpendicular thereto, each rivet (35) being complementary to the corresponding punch (20, 21) for cooperating with it in the direction of a cambering of the barrel (35) a rivet (33) retained by the end zone (27, 28) of the punch (20, 21) during said penetration.  9. Machine according to claim 8, characterized in that said end zone (27, 28) of each punch (20, 21) tapers progressively towards the corresponding end (101) thereof, an area where it has transverse to said direction (16, 24) dimensions greater than the inner dimensions of a rivet (33) to an area where it has transverse to said direction (16, 24) dimensions smaller than the internal dimensions d a rivet (33), so as to retain such a hollow rivet by fitting, and over such a length, in said direction (16, 2s), that the end (101) of a punch (2D, 21) forms a projection relative to a rivet (33) thus retained on the end region (27, 28) of this punch (20, 21) by fitting.  1o. Machine according to any one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that it comprises means for moving at will each riveting rivet (135) in a direction (16, 24) perpendicular to the table (1), between a waiting position and a riveting position, where it is respectively more distant and closer to the table.  11. Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the means (164, 165) for immobilizing at will areas of a flexible link (12b) relative to the table (9) comprise organs pressure (164, 165) facing the table (1), near the riveting orifices (i5), and means for applying a thrust to the table 'i) e these bodies (164,165).  12. Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a folding pusher 1102) within each riveting orifice (15), and means for animating the pusher (102). a movement in a direction substantially or approximately parallel to the table (i), between a retracted position where it is placed beyond the obligatory passage of the end zone (27, 28) of the punch (20, 21) during said penetration thereof into the corresponding riveting orifice (15) relative to the corresponding immobilization zone (99) of the flexible link (12b) with respect to the table (1), and a position in service where it is shifted to this immobilization zone (99), on the same side of said passage as the latter.  13. Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that it comprises, inside each riveting orifice (15), a blowing nozzle directed towards the zone of the periphery of the oriifce riveting (15) closest to the corresponding zone (99) immobilizing the link (12b) relative to the table (1) and to the latter, and means for supplying the nozzle with pressurized gas.  14. Machine according llune any of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the table (1) further comprises, facing the positions occupied by the orifices (6, 7) when the support (3) occupies said position predetermined, an opening (17) common to these two through holes (6, 7), in that said mobilization zones (99) are located between the opening (17) and respectively each of the riveting orifices (li), and in that it comprises first gripping means (53, 57, 58) for two end zones (59a, 60a, 59b, 60b) of the link (12a, 12b), set back from the table (1 ), means for moving these first gripping means (53, 57, 58) of the link (12a, 12b) between a position of engagement of the link * a position of introduction of said end zones into the passage orifices (6 , 7) where the first gripping means (53, 57, 58) are located opposite the opening (17) or inside thereof withdrawal with respect to the table (1), facing said positions of the passage orifices (6, 7) in a direction (22, 23) perpendicular to the table (1), and, by a movement towards the table (1) in this direction, at a traversing position of the link (12b) where these first gripping means (53, 57, 58) are closer to the table, second gripping means (62, 63) for two end zones link (12b), facing the table (1), and means for moving these second gripping means (62, 63) of the link (12b) between a setting position of the link (12b) where each of them is placed in the extension of said position of one of the passage holes (6 7) in a direction (22, 23) perpendicular to the table (1), and a position of implementation of the link (12b) where each is placed in close proximity to the table (1) respectively in the immediate vicinity of said respective positions of the orifices (1O 11) for fixing the link (12b).  15. Machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the means (164, 165) for immobilizing relative to the table (1) areas of a flexible link (12b) in tension are different from said second gripping means (62). 63) and that, in their position of placing the link (12b), the second gripping means (62, 63) are located beyond the immobilization zones (99) relative to the position of the through-openings (6, 7) and the opening (17), opposite the position of the fixing orifices (10, 11) or beyond this position with respect to the position of the through orifices ( 6, 7) and at the opening (17).  16. Machine according to any one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that it comprises inside the opening (17) or opposite thereof, set back from the table (1). means (39, 46) for respectively defining, opposite each of said positions of the passage orifices (6, 7), a channel (51, 52) closed peripherally and converging towards said position, and in that it comprises means for peripherally opening each of said channels (51, 52), at least one nozzle (59) for injecting gas or gas mixture into each of the channels (51, 52) in the direction of convergence thereof , and means for supplying said nozzle (59) with gas or gas mixture under pressure.  17. ilachine according to claim 16, characterized in that the nozzle (59) is carried by the first gripping means (53, 57, 58).  18. Machine according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the means (39, 46) for defining the channels (51, 52) and the means for opening the periphery of the latter comprise, inside or next to the opening (17), two members (39, 48) mounted relative to a transition in a direction substantially or approximately parallel to the table (1), and each of which defines a portion (45, 50) of the periphery of each channel (51, 52), and means for inducing at will said relative translation of said members (39, 46) between a closed position where they cooperate to close the channels (51 52) and an open position where they are cleared relative to each other to open these channels (51, 52).  19. Machine according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that it comprises means (18, 19, 36, 37) for fitting hollow rivets (31) in the through holes (6, 7). , opposite said respective positions of the latter.  20. Machine according to claims 18 and 19 in combination, characterized in that the means (18, 19, 36, 37) for installing hollow rivets (31) in the through holes (6, 7) comprise two punches (18). , 19) of hollow rivets (31) each of which is placed facing the table (1) and said position of the through-holes (6, 7) in a direction (22, 23) perpendicular to the table (1). ), and means for retaining at will a hollow rivet (31) around an end zone (25, 26) of each punch (18, 19), means for moving at will each punch (18, 19) with respect to the table (1) in a direction (22, 23) perpendicular thereto, for at will to make it penetrate said end zone (25, 26) into the opening (17) or to disengage therefrom , two rivet rivets (36, 37) each of which is carried by one of said members (39, 46), and means for further moving at least said member (39, 46) between a position where each uterolle (36, 37) is in the extension of a punch (18, 19) in a direction (22, 23) perpendicular to the table (1) and a position where said member (39, 46) has said portion (45 ) of the periphery of each channel (51, 52) in said open or closed positions thereof.  21. Machine according to any one of claims 8 to 20, characterized in that it comprises means (54) for supplying sections (12a, 12c) of predetermined length of elastic flexible link.  22. Machine according to claim 21 in combination with any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the supply means comprise means for bringing the ends (55a, 5 "a) of each section (12a). in predetermined positions with respect to each other and with respect to the table (1), maintaining this section (12a) in the rectilinear state, and in that said positions (59a, 60a) of link are located between these predetermined positions (55a, 56a) of the ends of the section (12a)> in close proximity to each other.