FR2925473A1 - DEVICE FOR DELIVERY OF PARTS TO BE OPENED - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for conveying workpieces (1) or at least one workpiece blank, comprising a plurality of modular links (2-2a) hinged to one another in a chain. invention, each link (2) comprises a bottom element (I) and a cover element (II), at least one of said elements (I or II) forming a support frame (4) having a recessed central zone (5). ') to receive a corresponding part or blank (1), the link (2) having an anterior edge (4a) having first hinge means (A, 56-57) and a rear edge (4b) having second means hinge (B, 50-53), the link (2) comprising means (65/55) for securing the cover element (II) on the bottom element (I) in the closed position in which said part or blank (1) is retained between said elements (I / II).

Description

DEVICE FOR DELIVERY OF PARTS TO BE OPENED

The present invention relates to the field of chain transport means parts to work and more specifically a device for packaging, routing and positioning parts or blanks workpiece, intended in particular to transport blanks parts watchmaking. EP-B0 570 128, EP-0 660 655 and EP-0 950 620 disclose chain-transport devices for electrical or electronic miniature components, in particular integrated circuit chips (ICs). Yes c). Each chain is composed of a series of flexible plastic modular trays or cradles joined together in an articulated manner. Each cradle comprises a hollow bed at the bottom of which rests a component, ie a Cl / IC chip, generally held laterally by vertical tabs or plastic clips, the cradle chain being driven by indexing pins engaging in two sets of side holes of the soft cradle band. Also known, in particular from documents DE-198 56 102 or EP-0773 711, similar devices for transporting larger electrical components, such as relays or round cells, composed of a frame containing an empty cavity or a hollow receptacle corresponding to the three-dimensional shape of the component. The receptacle can switch between a retracted position in the heart of the frame and an outward position, projected upwards to remove the component. The frame is hinged in a chain by means of hinges in which a pivot pin is engaged or hinge joints formed by studs with hemispherical ends which are clipped into concave orbits or assembled into a rigid chain by embedding clips. attachment.

Such devices make it possible to route a series of components from one place to another, in particular to transport finished components to manufacturers (equipment suppliers). These devices are provided so that the components are easily removed from their housing before being mounted on an electrical or electronic circuit without any other operation or intervention on it. Such routing devices do not allow to perform shaping work on the components, their development is already complete. In general, however, the industry, in particular that of watchmaking, feels the necessity of transporting parts, or more precisely blanks, of workpieces being worked from one workstation to another, in order to perform successively specific operations, such as machining operations (drilling, tapping, milling, turning, bar turning, etc.) or shaping (polishing, depositing layers, finishing, etc.) that are often carried out on machine tools. These are generally precision, roughing or finishing operations which require delicate handling and setting operations (positioning and positioning) to achieve ultra-precise positioning before starting operations. In the case of watchmaking, blanks of parts are generally flat metal parts: plates, metal plates, plates, bridges, barrel platforms, possibly dial bases, dies of needles or gears, exhaust parts etc. Such parts or blanks must be handled with particular care during machining or shaping operations. Small and fragile, such parts must not escape and must be routed smoothly (25) or damage (s). The applicant has analyzed and identified a need to improve the usual mode of transport of parts or blanks, which is usually done in bulk in baskets or in specific packaging boxes, from station to station, to replace it with a larger system. rational, to protect these fine delicate parts, even to automate the power of the workstations. Grip, handling and setting operations (precision positioning steps) of workpiece blanks or blanks on each workstation should be shortened, as well as subsequent unloading and transfer operations of basket or workpieces. in boxes to another workstation. The object of the present invention is to provide a means and a method for conveying workpieces or blanks for the purpose of automatically transporting the blank or the post part in position, to condition it and to allow ultra positioning. -precise on each workstation, but if possible automatically, while protecting it permanently from falls, blows, clashes, scratches, clumsiness ... and possibly allowing to store it permanently for an indefinite time in a practical way, always protecting it. In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for conveying workpieces or blanks of parts allowing ultra-precise positioning of a workpiece or blank on a workstation without manipulation operation or as few manipulations as possible. Another objective is to allow the routing of pieces of variable thickness. For this purpose, it is provided according to the invention to provide a device for conveying pieces or at least one piece of workpiece blank, formed of a plurality of modular links articulated to each other in a chain each link comprising a bottom member and a cover member, one or preferably each, of the two members forming a support frame having a recessed central area (vertically) for receiving a corresponding part or blank, the link comprising an anterior edge comprising first hinge means and a posterior edge comprising second hinge means, the link comprising means for securing the cover member to the bottom member in a closed position in which said part or blank is retained between the frames formed by the bottom and cover elements of said link. It is provided according to the invention that the part or blank is held captive between retaining means arranged on the inner edge of the frames, in particular, an indentation in which the piece is housed, bearing surfaces similar to a rebate or moldings, or just a few support pads protruding horizontally in the recessed area vertically of each frame. In a particularly advantageous manner, the part or blank is simply housed and oriented with a certain clearance inside the recessed area between the frames, the part comprising indexing holes and / or the link comprising indexing forms. recessed or protruding, flared and / or cylindrical, in particular a funnel-shaped cavity having a conical hollow neck connected to an opening cylindrical hole. Such indexing means make it possible firstly to orient the workpiece in the link, secondly to pre-center the link on a workstation and thirdly to bring about an ultra-precise positioning of the workpiece relative to the workstation. , the piece can thus remain locked in the link during all the work operations that take place through the vertically recessed areas of the frames of the link. It is expected that each link has shapes or surfaces arranged to cooperate with drive means, including side splines drive. The chain linkage means of the link are preferably carried by the bottom member. According to an alternative, the first articulation means of a link are able to cooperate with the second articulation means of another link. According to another alternative, the device for conveying pieces enclosed in chain links, further comprises an intermediate piece or at least one hinge intermediate element inserted between two links, the element comprising two hinge means of parallel axes which articulate respectively with the first and second means of articulation of a link and another link.

Various embodiments of the articulation means are provided according to the invention, at the level of the chain link of the link elements and at the level of the cover which is advantageously pivotally articulated and closed by means of a clasp or clasp. other means of closure, on the bottom element. The lid may be pivotally articulated directly to the first or second hinge means, or alternatively pivotally open on a third hinge means of the link. The lid can even be immobilized in the closed position by means of attachment means on one of the hinge means carried by the bottom element of the link. The hinge means are preferably formed by one or more quasi-cylindrical hinge shafts 15 of revolution and one or more gutters having a groove with an extruded profile, such complementary hinge means of the male and female types being carried by the hinge. bottom element and / or by the cover element, or by interposing elements of articulation between the links. Incidentally the link comprises means for recentering the lid on the bottom (complementary forms of centering) and / or at least one form of keying to place the piece in the right direction. It is provided especially according to the invention that the perimeter of the recessed area of at least one element of the link comprises means for retaining said workpiece or blank, in particular at least one bearing surface or studs projecting horizontally inwardly from the recessed area and / or indentation for housing and / or retaining captive said workpiece or blank. In addition, advantageously, the link comprises elastic means for holding the part in the immobilized position, in particular leaf springs adapted to elastically hold said piece or blank in suspension in the median recessed area of the link allowing to maintain pieces of different thicknesses. The device according to the invention can be implemented in a method of manufacturing at least one workpiece made from at least one workpiece blank, in which: - the blank or the workpiece is arranged at the inside the median area recessed from a modular link, on the support frame of the bottom element of said link and the cover member is closed; the modular link containing said blank or piece is conveyed in a chain, assembled in an articulated manner to other links, to a work station; with the particularity that said part or blank remains enclosed in the corresponding link during work operations of the workpiece on the workstation through the vertically recessed areas in the frame or frames of the base elements and / or cover of said link . Advantageously, during this manufacturing process, precise positioning of the workpiece can be obtained directly between the workstation and the workpiece which is provided with positioning indexing means cooperating with a positioning system of the workstation. The invention thus makes it possible to obtain engineered parts by implementing this method of manufacture with such a device. The invention also relates to a method for producing one or more pieces of work from at least one workpiece blank, comprising the steps of: arranging each blank or workpiece inside the workpiece; a modular link comprising a bottom element and a cover element forming at least one support frame comprising a recessed central zone, said blank or part being disposed in the recessed central zone and retained between the base and cover elements of the modular link - maintain the piece housed in the link by closing the lid and securing it in closed position on the bottom element; - Chaining the modular link containing the part or blank with other modular link chain articulated, each link having an anterior edge provided with a first hinge means and a rear edge provided with a second hinge means; routing the modular link containing said part or blank to a work station in a chain; and, - positioning said modular link on the workstation; method in which said part or blank remains enclosed in the corresponding link during work operations, including shaping, control and / or washing of the workpiece on the workstation. Advantageously, the chain of articulated modular links is conveyed by means of drive means, each link comprising forms capable of cooperating with said drive means, in particular drive splines. It is further provided that the modular link containing said part or blank is extracted from the chain by pushing means, in particular by actuators, resting on one of the elements of the link or against a surface of the workpiece, the means articulation being able to disengage from the complementary articulation means, under the effect of a vertical thrust. The modular link can then be pre-positioned with respect to the workstation by cooperation of complementary shapes, a first flared shape, a second cylindrical shape, one protruding, the other recessed, arranged, on the one hand, on at least one surface of the link, and, secondly, on the workstation in particular by engagement of at least one index piece in a recessed hollow recess, in particular conical or in a bowl or funnel, arranged in an outer surface of at least one of said link members, in particular by insertion of at least one index peg, comprising a cylindrical portion and / or a pointed end portion, into a respective hollow recess arranged in the frame of at least one element of the link, the cavity comprising an outwardly flared hollow portion and / or a cylindrical hole portion opening, in particular funnel-shaped. At this moment, the part enclosed in the link may be brought and / or immobilized in position precisely with respect to the work station, by insertion of one or index pegs comprising at least one cylindrical portion and / or one pointed end portion, in particular a conical tip, in one or more indexing holes drilled in said part or blank. Thus, advantageously, a precise positioning of the workpiece or blank enclosed in the link is obtained directly between the workstation and the workpiece which is provided with precise positioning indexing means cooperating with a positioning system of the workstation. job. It is also advantageous to precisely position said workpiece or blank to be enclosed in the corresponding link, by directly locating one or more positioning indexes of the workpiece relative to the workstation through a recess or indentations provided between the central zone. recessed and the frame of at least one element of said link. The invention also relates to an engineered part obtained by such a method. Other advantages, features and objectives of the present invention will become apparent in the description of various embodiments detailed hereinafter, by way of non-limiting examples, in relation to the appended drawing figures. On the attached drawing plates: FIG. 1 represents an articulated chain of five links, according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 2A-2B are cavalier views from below and from above of a link, according to the first embodiment of the invention; - Figures 2C-D show the link of Figures 2A-B open, empty / with part; FIG. 4 is a side view of the chain of links of FIG. 1 folded accordionally, thanks to hinge spacers, according to the invention; FIG. 3 shows in detail an embodiment of intermediate element carrying articulation means, according to the invention; FIGS. 5A to 9B show a second embodiment of the link and constituent elements of said link according to the invention; - Figures 5A-5B-6A-6B-6C are views, in perspective, from above, side and longitudinal section of two assembled links, according to the invention; - Figure 6D is a detailed sectional view of the direct connection between the male and female articulation means of the two links of Figures 5-6A-B-C; Figure 6 E is a chain of roll-wound links according to the invention; Figs. 7A-7B-7C are conventional top, bottom and front plan views of a link cover member according to the embodiment of Figs. 5A-5B and 6A-6D; Figs. 7D-7E-7F-7G are planar side, bottom, back and front views of a link bottom member completing Figs. 7A-7C; FIGS. 8A-8B-8C-8D-8E show exemplary embodiments of articulating spacer elements intended to be inserted between two links, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5B, 6A-6D and 7A-7G. ; Figs. 9A and 9B show an accordion folded chain of links according to the embodiment of Figs. 5A / B, 6A-D, 7A-G and 8A-E; - Figures 10A and 10B show, seen in perspective and from above, another embodiment of the link and its elements, according to the invention; FIG. 11 shows yet another embodiment according to the invention, of an asymmetrical modular element of a link, such a modular element possibly constituting both the bottom and the cover of the link; and, - Figure 12 shows the assembly and chain linkage of two links from modular elements according to the embodiment of Figure 11.

By convention herein, a directional axis and directional referential is defined by referring to the natural directions of a chain of routing device links according to the invention, particularly with respect to a natural direction of travel. conveyance of the chain and to a surface of laying on the plan of a workstation, considered as horizontal, so that is called: - horizontal plane, a plane parallel to that of the link or to a flat part which is usually parallel to the landing surface on the working plane of the workstation, considered horizontal; Vertical direction, a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane; - longitudinal direction, the horizontal direction of the chain; - transverse direction, a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the transverse direction generally corresponds to the direction of the hinge axes of the chain, subject to other less conventional arrangements of the hinge pins (see, for example, Fig. 10: cover and bottom articulated laterally along an axis longitudinal); - Anterior side, the side of one of the transverse edges of a link, considered as oriented forward in the direction of longitudinal advance of the chain; - Posterior side, the opposite side of the other transverse edge of the link 25 considered to be back from the direction of advance of the chain; side sides, the sides of the link on either side of its median longitudinal axis, right and left, with respect to the longitudinal direction of advance of the chain; 2925473 It - up and up, a vertical direction oriented towards the external face of the lid which is considered as its upper face; the piece is supposed to rest in the link with its upper face facing the cover; - Bottom and bottom, the other vertical direction oriented to the outer face, bottom 5 of the bottom and defined in a complementary manner to 'above'.

FIG. 1 represents an overview and of a principle of a piece conveying device 1, according to the invention, which is in the form of a chain 1000, here linear, composed of a plurality of elementary modules 2, hereinafter called links and intended to each contain a part 1 or part blank. The modular links 2 are assembled together, each 2a with two other links 2-2b, one immediately preceding it in the direction of advance of the chain (front link 2), the other (rear link 2b) following by This is the direction of advance of the chain 1. The modular links 2-2a-2b-2c-2d of the chain 1000 are assembled in an articulated manner by means of articulation means A and B carried by the edges 4a. 4b links 2 and whose TA-TA and TB-TB articulation axes extend transversely to the longitudinal direction LL followed by the chain 1000. As a result, the chain 1000 is articulated 20 in a vertical plane V and the links 2,2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are free to pivot one with respect to the other 2a in the two vertical directions VB, VH. The chain 1000 thus has a degree of freedom in a vertical direction of at least VB, VH, which will allow, as shown in FIG. 6E, to wind the chain 1000 of links 2-2a-2b-2c-2d in a roll. 60 or fold it in zig-zag as shown in FIG 9A, and even close the links 2-2a-2b wallet (see Fig. 9B), or even store all or part of the chain 1000 links 2-2a-2b-2c-2d folded accordion 99 (see Fig. 4 / 9B). More precisely, as shown in more detail in FIGS. 2A-2B and following, each link 2 is provided with several articulation means A and B: The link 2 considered comprises first articulation means A and second means articulation B which connect it articulated respectively to the anterior link and the posterior link. The first and second articulation means A and B are carried by the edges of the link 2 and preferably project, respectively towards the front and towards the rear of the link in question, towards the corresponding link 2 or 2b corresponding with which said first and second means A and B are articulated. Because the chain 1000 extends longitudinally LL, is articulated along transverse axes TT and folds vertically VB-VH, each link 2 preferably has a generally rectangular shape, where appropriate square 4. As a result, first and second articulation means A and B are carried respectively by the front edges 4a and posterior 4b of each link 2, the articulation means A and B preferably projecting respectively in front of the front edge 4a and towards the rear of the posterior edge 4b, towards the corresponding link 2, 2a or 2b with which said means A and B articulate. According to the invention, each modular link 2 is composed of distinct elements, also modular, namely a bottom element I and a cover element II, other elements, in particular interposing elements III of articulation between the links, can be added as detailed later. The first and second articulation means A and B of each link 2 may be carried by the bottom element I or by the cover element II, possibly be distributed over the two elements. In a first step, for simplicity, it will be considered that the bottom element I carries the first articulation means A and the second articulation means B respectively at its front edge 4a and at its posterior edge 4b. It is preferable that the various means of articulation of the chain 1000 are carried by one and the same link element, here the base element I, in order to prevent the elements I-II of the links 2 from separating under the forces pulling chain 1000.

The elements I-II-III of each link 2 and the chain 1000 in general, can be made in all types of materials. As a purely indicative and non-limiting example of embodiment, each element I-II or III of link 2 can be made from materials considered as 'plastics' and in particular polymerized polymeric materials, for example d one or of materials selected from the family of polyamides (abbreviated to PA) or the polyacetal family, in particular polyoxymethylene (POM). Now, each link 2 is intended to carry a workpiece 1 or a workpiece blank, including a flat part, a wafer or just a sample of material, objects sometimes called trays in the present as in the field of the invention. The trays 1 are generally flat and often rectangular. They can be considered, for simplification at first, as two-dimensional. According to the invention, it is provided that the two elements of each modular link 2, that is to say the bottom element I and the cover element II are secured in the closed position, in which the tray 1 will be locked. At least one of the elements I of the link 2, and preferably each of the two bottom elements I and II cover, forms a hollow frame 4. Each frame 4 can take all kinds of forms adapted to the general shape of the tray to carry. The frame 4 may have a rectangular, polygonal, circular, oval or other shape, its perimeter edge can be closed on itself or open. Each frame 4 therefore comprises at least one edge 4a and generally several edges 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d delimiting an interior zone 5 recessed in the vertical direction V, that is to say perpendicular to the horizontal link 2. Such a recessed area 5 is intended to receive the tray 1 and to be able to access vertically from above and / or below the horizontal link 2, the bottom elements I and lid I recessed being closed.

The recessed area 5 -surface or space- is preferably centered and concentric in the middle of the edges 4a-4d of the frame 4, according to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 12. The inner edge of the frame 4 defines the recessed central area 5 which will form a space for housing and positioning in which will be housed all or part of the tray 1. The inner edge of each frame 4 preferably comprises retaining means 6,7 for vertically retaining the piece 1 captive to the 2. Such retention means 6, 7, 8 may take various forms as detailed below with reference to the description of the embodiments of the figures. Such arrangements make it possible to retain the part or blank 1, enclosed in the link 2 on a workstation, the vertically recessed zones VB-VH allowing access to the workpiece 1 from above and / or from below the link 2, especially for shaping operations with machining tools or finish passing vertically. In addition, such provisions and other positioning and indexing will facilitate the operations of placing the workpiece or blank on the workstation, to obtain an ultra-precise positioning, as explained later. Preferably, as illustrated in the various embodiments of Figures 1 to 12, each frame 4 constituting the elements of the link 2 has a generally flat and rectangular shape, possibly square, that is to say it is formed of edges 4a // 4b and 4c // 4d parallel in pairs and having substantially planar bearing surfaces. The edges 4a-4d or 4a'-4d 'of each frame 4 delimit a median zone 5 hollowed out vertically, each recessed area 5 or 5' being located here in the center and concentric with the borders 4a-4d or 4a'-4d 'of the frame corresponding element I or II. Each frame 4 has a priori four edges generally rectilinear and at right angles: an anterior edge 4a, a posterior edge 4b and two lateral edges 4c, 4d.

The rectangular frame 4 of the bottom element I here carries the first and second articulation means A and B which project from the parallel transverse edges 4a and 4b. The first articulation means A are carried by the front edge 4a of the bottom frame 4 from which they protrude forward AV and at which their hinge axis TA-TA is parallel. The rear edge 4b of the bottom frame 4 carries the second articulation means B which are parallel to it and which they project rearward AR. The base element I thus forms a support frame 4, that is to say a frame constituting a relatively rigid edge, surrounding and limiting an inner vertical recess 5, generally median. The frame 4 has an outer perimeter greater than that of the tray 1, i.e. the part or blank, plate or sample material, which it offers support. Preferably, the median recessed area 5 inside the frame 4 has an area smaller than the surface of the tray 1 to support. The inner perimeter of the support frame 4 is then smaller or included in the perimeter of the tray 1. However, the inner periphery of the edges 4a-4d of the frame 4 delimiting the recessed area 5 may have a perimeter and / or a surface greater than those of the tray 1, provided that the frame 4 has 6,7,8 means of support or retaining projecting horizontally towards the inside of the recessed area 5 and come to provide a retaining support for the target part. The support and retaining means may, by way of indication, be formed by a retaining surface 7 or bearing portions 66-67 (see FIG. 5A and s) which define an impression of the part 1, analogously to a rabbet or moldings; alternatively and / or cumulatively the support and retaining means can simply form abutment studs 6 and provide at least two or three planar supports, in particular be formed by four or six support pads 6 or blades 8 or tabs elastic holding, as illustrated in Figures 2A and following. The support means 6, 7, 8 protrude from the frame 4, horizontally, towards the inside of the recessed area 5, and have a range Q smaller than the corresponding dimension X of the part 1. FIG. for example, that the inner periphery of the frame 4 delimiting the inner recessed area 5 preferably has a bearing surface 7 protruding horizontally inwardly 5 but notched by a vertical recess V to form an angle or dihedral recess, which forms a sort of impression similar to a rabbet or an inner molding, for accommodating and retaining the piece 1, in which it is housed (ie fit or fit). Preferably, the frames 4 of the elements I-II of the link 2 are obtained by molding which makes it easy to arrange and obtain such recesses, horizontal projecting portions and vertical recesses similar to moldings as well as the various other salient forms. or recessed, provided according to the invention, in particular the complex cylindrical shapes of the articulation means A, B and C. The materials, such as the above-mentioned plastics, in particular polymerizable polymers, such as polyamides (PA), polyacetal, and in particular polyoxymethylene (POM), can advantageously be molded to the desired shapes for each element I, II, III of the link 2, which is particularly advantageous for producing the recesses, the various recessed or protruding shapes and complex shapes joints provided according to the invention. In addition, such embodiments make it possible to obtain relatively stiff, non-brittle, light-weight, resistant to mechanical stress, chemical products (cutting lubricant, laundry etc.), thermal stress (temperature variation, high temperature), are reusable, protect the parts 1 well and have relatively little friction and wear.

The inner edge of each frame 4 thus comprises support means 6,7 for vertically retaining the captive part 1 inside the link 2. Such retaining means can be very diverse and can be combined as illustrated on the various Embodiments of Figures 1 to 12: horizontally projecting portions, notches grooves or moldings on the inner edge of the recessed area 5 of each frame 4, span 7 or support bearing portions, support pads 6, 6 ', stops In general, the retaining means 6, 7, 8 protrude horizontally towards the interior of the recessed area 5, are cut vertically with a recess V or V '. and have a spacing distance Q (horizontal distance between two holding means 6 of an edge 4c at the opposite edge 4d) less than the corresponding dimension X or Y of the wafer or the expected piece. Advantageously, among these means, resilient tongues or tabs 8 hold the vertically pinched piece 1 in a position in suspension between the retaining means 6 and 7, so that the piece 1 is held elastically immobilized with a certain horizontal clearance and vertical between the retaining means 6 and 7 which keep the piece captive. Thus, it already appears that at least one of the elements of the link and in practice, as illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 12, each of the two base elements I and of cover II forms a hollow frame 4 which is shaped to support the piece 1 and hold it prisoner, without necessarily keep it immobilized, but preferably with a certain game Jv-Jh, as detailed later. Now the embodiments of Figures 1 to 12 will be described in more detail. FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of a modular link 2 of the routing device 1000, according to the invention, in which each link 2 is composed of distinct elements, namely a cover element II and an element bottom I, to which are added intermediate elements III of articulation between the links 2-2a-2b-2c-2d. Each base element I and cover II has, here, a form of recessed frame 4 of rectangular or almost square shape, as shown.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show side views, seen from below and top view of a link 2, the two base elements I and II of which are assembled, the two frames I and II hollowed out from the bottom and the cover being 1 in this first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, the link 2 has a first articulation means A formed by an axis or rather by a shaft 10, carried by an anterior edge 4a of the link and a second articulation means B, also formed by a shaft 10 'carried by a rear edge 4b of the link 2. These first and second means of articulation A and B of the link 2 which make it possible to assemble it into an articulated chain 1000 are carried by one and the same element of the link, as previously stated, here the base element I. The front edge 4a of the rectangular frame 4a 4d formed by the element of fon Thus, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A-2D and 3, there is a first hinge shaft 10 extending horizontally in the transverse direction TA-TA, ie parallel to the front edge 4a of the I frame and projecting. said front edge 4a forward AV. For its part, the posterior edge 4b of the frame of the bottom element I comprises a second articulation shaft 10 'of transverse axis TB-TB, ie parallel to the posterior edge 4b of the base frame I and projecting from that behind AR. The hinge shafts 10 are cylindrical, of revolution, and are carried by material bridges 12 which attach them to the corresponding edge 4a or 4b of the frame 4 of the element I. Here, two material bridges 12 respectively connect the two ends of each shaft 10 at the edge of the frame 4 which carries it. Alternatively, each tree could be attached by a piece of material, for example a pan extended along a director of the tree that would connect it continuously to the corresponding edge of the frame. In this case, the tree would not be entirely of revolution. According to another alternative, each shaft may be formed of several portions 11-13 of shaft of the same axis, but partitioned and connected by other material bridges 12 and 14 interposed along the axis C-C of the shaft. In this case, the shaft 11-13 or C is not completely cylindrical, the cylinder being interrupted by the intermediate bridges 12. In general, the shafts 11-13 or 10 will therefore be considered quasi-cylindrical and, or , almost revolution. Such hinge shafts 10, 10 'or 11-13 are considered herein as male-type hinge means. To assemble in chain 1000 links 2, according to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, it is provided according to the invention to insert a spacer element III (also called intermediate piece) which comprises first and second means of articulation 31 and 31 'or A' and B 'complementary to the articulation means A and B links 2, as shown in detail in Figure 3. According to the embodiment of Figure 3, the intermediate element III comprises a first means female-type hinge 31 and a second female-type hinge means 31 '(axes TA'-TA' and TB'-TB 'parallel) adapted to come together respectively with the hinge means 10 and 10 '(A and B) of the male type carried by each link 2. Advantageously, according to this embodiment, according to the invention, the female-type articulation means A' and B 'are formed by one or more 'gutters' 31 adapted to assemble on a shaft 10, that is to say di re able to come hang on, to fit and snap elastically, so disengageable and re-stackable at will, on a shaft 10 of almost cylindrical articulation of revolution.

Each channel 31 of the intermediate element III is preferably made, like the elements I and II of the link 2, in one or more materials considered as plastics, that is to say generally polymerized polymers, which have the property, among others being elastic and not brittle.

The female-type articulation means A 'and B' are therefore preferably formed by elastic gutters 31 and 31 ', that is to say by a portion of material 31 hollowed out of a groove or channel 30 , of generally cylindrical geometry to form an arc or sector of tube 31 (cylinder of partly circular section). The gutter 31, at first glance hemi-cylindrical, more precisely has a section of material 32, 33, 34 in an arc of an arc covering an angle substantially equal to or preferably greater than 180 °. Generally, an angle significantly less than 180 ° does not allow a secure attachment of the gutter on the shaft and an angle has significantly greater than 270 ° or greater than 315 ° and close to 360 ° has 32-34 edges returned to the interior (reentrant tangents) which may hinder an extraction of the shaft 10 (hangs during the extraction of the shaft 10 or requires too much elasticity to the material of the channel 31, at the risk of breaking or to no longer be able to separate the joints from elements I and III). An angle greater than 270 ° or 315 ° is possible if the material of the channel 31 is particularly flexible, i.e. elastic 20 without reaching its breaking limits. As can be seen in the side view of the element III of FIG. 3 associated with the profile view of FIG. 4, a female type articulation means A 'may be formed of a recessed gutter 31 or several portions of axis gutter TA'-TA '. According to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first female articulation means 31 comprises two transverse walls 32 and 34 each corresponding to a sector of cylindrical tube made of solid material, of constant section in an arc of an angle covering an angle significantly less than 180 ° (especially R <135 ° or even R <90 °). The two cylindrical walls 32 and 34 are joined by a bridge 33 of median material of width (d) reduced with respect to the axial dimension (D) of the walls 32-34 of the gutter 31. The material bridge 33 has a cross section. arc of angle circle complementing the two circular arcs of angle R of the walls 32 and 34 (of the same diameter), to obtain the total angle sought 180 ° <_ a = (3 + y + (3 for said recessed gutter 31.

According to the embodiment of Figure 3, the second articulation means B 'of female type parallel axis TB'-TB' which compose the intermediate element III, are formed by another recessed gutter 31 '. This second channel 31 'is formed of two walls 36 and 38 of axially extending tubular sector TB'-TB' and covering a section of circular arc of the same diameter and angle R, but here connected by two material bridges 37 and 39 implanted at both ends of the walls 36 and 38, on either side of the median plane MV and the median bridge 33 of the other gutter 31. The two material bridges 37 and 39 have a section covering an arc of complementary circle y angles R of the edge walls 36 and 38 axial, so that the recessed gutter 31 'covers the total angle sought: 180 ° <_a = 13 + y + 13. The width d or bridges of material 33, 37 and 39, their angle y, the axial dimension D of the walls 32,34,36,38 and their angle R are calculated as a function of the elasticity and the breaking limits materials, conventionally. Advantageously, thanks to this embodiment, according to the invention, the links 2,2a, 2b... Can be assembled in an articulated chain 1000, as illustrated in FIG. 1, by inserting and assembling between two successive links. 2 / 2a or 2a / 2b, an intermediate element III (or intermediate part) comprising two articulation means 31 and 31 'of parallel axes TA'-TA' // TB'-TB ", here of female type. one of the female-type articulation means 31 is assembled (that is to say, disengagably fitted, clipped or latched) onto the first articulation means 10 (A) of one of the successive links (2) The other female-type articulation means 31 'of the intermediate element III are assembled (idem) on the second articulation means 10' (B) of the other successive link (2b). such a joint makes it possible to fold the links 2.2a etc., one against the other, upside down, euille, as shown in Figure 3, and the entire articulated chain 1000 of links 2-2a-2b-2c-2d can advantageously be stored folded accordion.

This thanks to the insertion of the intermediate elements III (or intermediate parts) which carry two articulation means 31 and 31 'having parallel axes TA'-TA' and TB'-TB '(typically spaced by a distance d distance TA'-TB 'approximately equal to the thickness of a link 2, ie at the height H overall of the cover elements II and base I assembled one on the other). However, it appears in FIGS. 2A-2B and following, that the posterior edge 4b of the link 2 further comprises another axis of articulation CC, transverse, here, but distinct from the axis TB-TB of the second means of articulation B or 10 'carried by said posterior edge 4b. Indeed, it is provided according to the invention, that the cover element II of the link 2 can be secured in closed position on the bottom element I of the link 2, the two frames II / I being plated one on the other so that the tray 1 is maintained at the interface between the two frames I and II in the closed position. Advantageously, it is provided that the lid member II pivots on the bottom member I between the closed position and an open position, as illustrated in Figures 2A-2D. Preferably, the means for pivoting the lid II relative to the bottom element I consist of a hinge similar to those of the first and second articulation means A and B, and then form third articulation means C For this purpose, according to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the bottom element I of the link 2 carries at its rear edge 4b, a third shaft 11, substantially cylindrical of revolution, which thus forms a third means of rotation. Male type C joint. Here, this third articulation shaft 11 of transverse axis C-C, therefore parallel to the posterior edge 4b, is taken and hollowed out in said posterior edge 4b. More precisely, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2D, the third articulation shaft C is composed of three portions 13-11-13 of shaft (s) coincident (s) C-C. The three portions 11 and 13 are attached to the posterior edge 4b by four longitudinal bridges 12-14 of material which subdivide the shaft C into a middle shaft portion 11 and two distal portions 13. Two bridges 14 are located at the lateral ends of the shaft. posterior edge 4b and two other bridges 12 are located on either side of the median plane MV; these last bridges 12 extend longitudinally L-L to connect the ends of the second hinge shaft 10 or B which protrudes rearward AR. The cover element II carries respectively at its posterior edge 4b 'three portions of gutters 23-21-23 of coinciding axes CC: a central portion 21 separated and spaced apart (spaced apart) from two distal portions 23 forming a sort of hook 21 and two counter-hooks 23, respectively. Specifically, each portion 21 or 23 has a tubular sector shape of arcuate section covering an angle b significantly less than 270 ° (hook 21), in particular b <180 ° or even b <90 ° (counter-hooks) 23). These portions 21 and 23 complementary gutter functions hook 21 and hooking stop 23 and cooperate to allow to assemble the cover II pivotally on the shaft 11-13 (C) of the element bottom I of the link 2. On the opposite side (AV), the front edge 4a of the link 2 comprises means 25/15 for closing or locking the cover II on the base element I, more specifically means for immobilizing the closed position of the lid II against the bottom element I. The first exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2A to 2D show that the front edge 4a 'of the cover element II bears on these left and right sides two clasps 25, each formed by a curved blade in the form of a letter U connected by a branch of the U to the front edge 4a 'of the cover II and comprising on the other branch of the U, a ratchet portion 25', a tooth or a protruding rib 24 longitudinally. The front edge 4a of the frame of the bottom element I comprises, near the left and right corners, two corresponding lateral portions 15 each having a complementary shape (notch, groove or flat or even transverse rib in which the tooth snaps or the protruding rib 25 'of this system 15/25 clasp or ratchet). Thus, advantageously according to the invention, the cover member II can be closed by pivoting CC and remain immobilized in the closed position on the bottom element I, by enclosing the part 1 embedded or nested in the recessed area (s) 5 / 5 'between the frames of the bottom elements I and lid II. Additionally, a centering system 29/19 of the lid II with respect to the bottom I can be arranged at the interface between the bottom elements I and the lid II. The inner surfaces of the frames 4 of the bottom I and the cover II which will be found pressed against each other once the link 2 closed, may comprise, as shown in FIGS. 2C-2D, complementary shapes 19 15 and 29 centering or recentering the lid II relative to the bottom member 1. The centering system 29/19 may be composed in particular of one or more forms of lug 29 protruding from a frame II and a or corresponding cavities 19 hollowed out in the edges of the other frame I, preferably in the front edge 4a or in the side edges 4c and 4d, near the front corner or corners of the frames I-II, ie ie opposite the pivot axis CC, near the closing means 25/15 of the cover II on the bottom element I. Now, for the purposes of the invention, the link 2 is intended to house and carrying a workpiece 1 or blank of workpiece, including a sample of flat material such as a pla quette, of rectangular shape or other, denominated container in the present. To this end, the two frames 4 formed by the bottom element I and lid II of the link 2, have a large median recessed area 5 delimited by the edges 4a-4b-4c-4d of each frame 4. Each of the zones medians 5 or 5 'of the bottom I or lid II is vertically hollowed VHNB. As can be seen in FIGS. 2A-2D, the recessed central zone 5 'of the cover II coincides vertically VH or roughly corresponds to the recessed central zone 5 of the base element I. Thus, the part 1, retained captive between the two base elements I and II, can have a maximum accessible area (or at least relatively extended) through said recessed areas 5 and 5 'vertically. The surface areas of the part 1 can be accessible both from below VB, from the outer side of the bottom I (lower face), and from above VH, from the outer, upper side of the cover II. The recessed areas 5/5 'can be arranged according to the surface and the geometry of the trays 1 to clear the largest horizontal surface access to both sides of the part 1 while preserving only a few protruding portions 6 and 7 to inside the recessed area 5 of each bottom frame I and lid II. Referring to FIG. 2C, there are in particular different protruding portions 6, 7 and 8 having different functions, namely: wide support pads 6 whose function is to retain the part 1, one or more narrow bearing surfaces 7 of the edge of the piece, - blades 8 elastic curves which function to pinch the piece 1 and keep it immobilized, regardless of the thickness Z of the piece and incidentally, - one or 16-26 keying shapes, here protruding inwards. The bearing surface 7 or the bearing portions run horizontally along the inner periphery of the edges 4a-4d of the frame, and therefore to the inner edge between the frame 4 and the recessed area 5. They have a relatively narrow transverse width P of the span 7 relative to the support pads 6-6 '. The bearing pads 6 protrude inwardly from the recessed area 5 over a width R greater than the width P of the bearing surface 7 and extend transversely inwardly therefrom as well as from the transverse edges. 4c and 4d to which they are attached. Other bearing pads 6 or 6 'extend longitudinally L-L towards the inside of the recessed area 5 or 5' from the transverse edges 4a and 4b (front and rear resp.) To which they are attached.

The holding surface 7 or the bearing portions and the holding studs 6 have abutment surfaces inscribed in the same horizontal plane and corresponding to the generally flat surface (or less than / above the surface) of a flat part 1. . In FIG. 2C, it appears that this horizontal bearing plane of the bottom element I is recessed V with respect to the horizontal upper surface of the bottom element I (inner face of the bottom of the closed link). . Such withdrawals V or V 'can be arranged (hollowed or notched or preferably molded) in each of the bottom elements I and lid II. Alternatively a single withdrawal V or V 'is arranged in only one of the two elements I / II, either the bottom or the cover. Since the elements I and II are preferably made from so-called plastic materials, ie from polymerized polymers, the protruding forms 6-7-8-16 in the recessed area 5 of each frame 4 or the grooves and their recesses V and that the other forms similar to moldings, rabbet or impression, can advantageously be obtained by molding, or by machining (countersinking). The vertical dimension of total shrinkage W between these moldings (cumulative vertical shrinkage V of the bottom + shrinkage V 'of the cover, if any, W = V + V'), that is to say the vertical gap W separating the horizontal plane of the bearing surfaces of the studs 6 and the bearing surface 7 of the bottom element I with respect to the horizontal bearing plane of the studs 6 'and the corresponding bearing surface 7' of the cover II may correspond to the thickness Z of the part 1 that is intended to be housed in the link 2. Preferably according to the invention, this total shrinkage dimension W (or vertical distance between the support pads 6 and 6 'or between the holding surfaces 7 and 7 'of the bottom element I and those of the cover II) are greater than the thickness Z of the part 1 envisaged, so that the part 1 will be arranged floating, with a certain clearance Jv or vertical degree of freedom between these retaining means 6,7 bottom frame I and lid II. Furthermore, in a similar way, the piece 1 will be arranged floating horizontally with a certain horizontal clearance Jh, that is to say one or degrees of freedom Jt / Jl in the transverse directions TT and / or longitudinal L-L, between the opposite inner edges 4a and 4b or 4c and 4d of the frame 4 (ie the distance T separating the inner edges of the lateral edges 4c and 4d of the frame 4 - excluding the holding means 6 and 7 - is slightly greater than the width X of the piece 1 and the longitudinal distance U separating the inner edges - excluding projecting portions 6- between the front edges 4a and 4b of the rear frame 4 is slightly greater than the length Y of the piece 1). Therefore, according to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the part 1 is not kept immobilized but simply held captive between the respective bearing surfaces of the pads 6 and bearing surfaces 7 for retaining the bottom element I and the cover II of the link 2 when in the closed position. The function of these bearing surfaces 7 and support pads 6 is thus to retain the captive part 1 inside the link 2. The holding means 6 and 7 simply prevent the piece 1 from slipping and escaping outwards. of link 2 closed. Advantageously, such an arrangement according to the invention makes it possible to house parts or trays 1 of variable thickness. In addition, the retaining means 6 and 7 provide a safety abutment with respect to the thin and fragile holding resilient blades 8 shown below. The holding function of the workpiece 1 is ensured, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, by four pairs of thin curved, elastic and matched thin blades 8 ', which protrude longitudinally LL inwards. the recessed area 5 from the front edges 4a / 4a 'and rear 4b / 4b' of the two frames I / II of the link 2, respectively. Each frame 4 carries four resilient blades 8 protruding near its four inner corners. The resilient blades 8 and 8 'of the bottom elements I and II cover are matched and symmetrical with respect to the horizontal plane of interface between the bottom and the cover.

Each thin blade 8, curved and elastic, is attached by its base to the corresponding transverse edge 4a or 4b of the frame 4 (attachment of the outer side of the bottom I and the outer side of the lid II). The two blades 8 and 8 'of a pair are bent in the opposite direction and their free end 8 is directed on the inner side 5 of the link 2 and tends to join the free end of the symmetrical blade 8' at the interface between the bottom element I and lid II. In this way, when a tray 1, in particular a wafer or sample of material, a piece or flat blank is inserted, it is pinched between the pairs of blades 8-8 'which act as a spring and keep it immobilized vertically VB-VH suspended between the two horizontal support planes formed by the pads 6 and the bearing surfaces 7. Incidentally, the inner border of the frames I and / or II may comprise, as can be seen in FIGS. 2C and 2D, a form of coding 16/26, in particular one or more lugs 16/26 projecting horizontally towards the inside of the the recessed area 5/5 'and corresponding to a notch in the edge of the workpiece 1 to have a unique positioning thereof. In use, as illustrated by the sequence of FIGS. 2C, 2D, 2B and 1, the bottom elements I and of the lid II are secured by fitting the gutter 21-23 for pivoting CC of the cover II on the shaft 11-13 of FIG. the bottom element I 20 for making the third joint C and assembling the link 2. At least one intermediate element III is assembled at the front or rear of the link 2 by fitting one of its gutters 31 or 31 'on the front or rear shaft 10 'of the bottom element I to form another joint A or B of the chain. This then makes it possible to attach the chain link 2 1000 with another link 2a by assembling the other gutter 31 'or 31 of the intermediate element III on a rear shaft 10' or anterior 10 of the base element I the other link 2a. The link 2 is then opened by releasing the closing means 25/15, here by pressing the two front lateral claws 25 and pivoting the lid II. A tray 1, ie a wafer, a piece or flat blank, can then be placed flat in the middle of the recessed area 5 of the bottom element I, resting on the protruding tongues 8 and in a centered position between the borders 4a-4d of the horizontal support frame of the bottom I. Accessorily, a form of keying 16, formed here by a protruding lateral lug 16, engages in an ad hoc notch arranged in an edge of the tray 1, which avoid placing the tray 1 upside down, upside down or in a wrong way, eg right-hand side. The lid II is closed by pivoting, and the clasps 25 snap onto the protrusion 15 of the corresponding portions of the front edge 4a of the bottom element I. Accessorily, the centering pin 29 or 29 constrain the frame of the lid II to be superimposed vertically exactly on the frame 4 bottom I and avoid a decentering of the lid II with respect to the bottom I. The tray 1 is now enclosed and held captive between the pads 6-6 'and between the staves 7-7 supporting the bottom I and the cover II of the link 2, taken between the inner projecting moldings 6, 7 and 6 ', 7' of the frames I and II of the link 2, like a painting cloth in a picture frame. More specifically, here, the four corners of the tray 1 are pinched between the four pairs of elastic blades 8-8 'of the bottom I and the lid II, which keeps the piece 1 suspended, in a stationary position, at an equal distance between the bearing surfaces 6, 7 and 6 ', 7' of the bottom element I and the lid II. However, in the event of vertical pressure or horizontal displacement of the wafer 1, the support pads 6/6 ', holding surfaces 7/7' and the inner circumference perimeter of the frames I and II of the link retain the wafer 1 captive and prevent it from slipping and escaping out of the link 2, while avoiding a rupture among the elastic blades 8-8 '. The link 2 containing the part 1, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, can then be assembled into an articulated chain 1000, as represented in FIG. 1. For this purpose, the intermediate elements III are inserted between the successive links 2-2a. 2b-2c-2d, and assembled to each other, the two parallel gutters 31 and 31 'of each intermediate element III being fitted respectively on the front and rear shafts 10' of a link 2 and another link 2a. Thus, the links 2b, 2c, 2d ... are attached in chain 1000 in an articulated manner. This results in a chain of articulated links 1 2 that can be routed from one workstation to another. The chain 1000 may for example be transported manually or automatically, as described below. Advantageously, the link, just like the chain of links is reversible, so that the parts or blanks are accessible and can be machined on their two upper and lower faces. The links can be alternatively chain-tied alternately, one cover up, the other bottom up. Another advantage of the invention, the shaping operations can be performed without leaving the piece of the link and possibly without even detaching the links of the chain. In addition, it should be noted that one or more pieces can be taken from the chain being conveyed at any time for any useful purpose, in particular for control purposes, for example quality control. It is sufficient, after the chain has been stopped or not, either to extract a link and to reattach the two ends of the chain, or to open the link and take the part for these purposes. After checking, the part or link containing said part can easily be reinserted into the chain. At each workstation, one or more links 2 or 2a-2b-2c can be detached from the chain 1000 and laid flat on the work surface before machining and / or shaping operations of each 1. The 25 operations can be performed by opening the link 2, removing the piece 1 and positioning it precisely relative to the workstation - manually. Preferably, thanks to the invention, these operations can advantageously be performed automatically or semi-automatically, or possibly manually but quickly, without leaving the parts 1 of their link 2.

Indeed, according to the invention, as visible in Figures 2B and 2D, it is provided that the trays 1 have holes 0 or other forms or indexing means arranged in areas of the tray 1 accessible from above or from below through the recessed areas 5 and 5 'vertically VB-VH in the middle of the frames I and II which form the bottom and cover elements of the link 2. Advantageously, it is sufficient then that index pawns, in particular cylindrical pins and / or tapered positioning pins (not shown) are engaged in the indexing holes 0 to bring the piece 1 in position and precisely position the workpiece relative to the workstation.

Other indexing and positioning means may be implemented, in particular other equivalent indexing forms or visual or optical identification means, such as registration marks deposited in the accessible surface areas of the part 1 Such and other indexing and positioning arrangements will be detailed below, with regard to the improved means of positioning supply which appear on the second embodiment below. FIGS. 5A to 9B show a second embodiment of link 2 intended to form an articulated chain of device 1000 for moving parts according to the invention.

In this second embodiment, unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, each link 2 no longer comprises three, but two axes of articulation TA-TA and TB-TB. The articulation means 61 pivoting the cover II are assembled directly on the TB-TB axis of the second articulation means B of the bottom element I. The shaft 50 which forms these second linkage means of the link serves both axis to the pivoting of the cover II, the assembly and the articulation of the link 2 in chain with the next link 2a. The cover II is closed here with the aid of a single clasp 65 in the median position (between two lateral gutter portions 56 and 57 which will form the first articulation means A carried by the front edge 4a of the background I). Another variant, the link 2 comprises, at the front, first hinge means A of the female type (here in the form of two hooks or two portions of gutter 56 and 57) and, at the rear, second means of articulation 50 or B of male type, complementary to the first A. Each link 2 can then be articulated directly in 1000 chain with other identical links 2a, 2b etc., without intermediate element. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8E, the links can be chained indirectly by inserting spacer elements 80 or an intermediate piece 90 this time comprising complementary articulation means 82 and 86 or 83 and 87, ie first means. hinge 82 or 83 and second hinge means 86 or 87 having parallel axes TA'-TA '// TB'-TB', the first hinge means 82 or 83 being of the male type, the second 86 or 87 being of female type. In addition, it appears that the side edges 4c and 4d of the bottom I and the cover II elements of the link 2 are laterally hollowed out from series 59-69 of vertical projections or splines intended to cooperate with drive means of FIG. chain of links (not shown). Indeed, it is advantageously provided, according to the invention, the chain of 20 links cooperates with drive means, in particular to be routed from one workstation to another. Each link 2 comprises arranged forms 59-69 to cooperate with such drive means. It is preferably provided that each link 2 comprises lateral splines 59 and 69 for cooperating with toothed belts, toothed gears or side drive gears of the link chain 1000 of links 2, 2a etc. Two series lateral 59 and 69 of vertical splines are preferably arranged (laterally hollowed) in the two lateral edges 4c-4c 'and 4d-4d' of each rectangular frame I and II forming the elements of each link 2,2a etc. 33 FIGS. 7A to 7H show a conventional representation of the dissociated elements of a modular link 2, showing various top, side and bottom views of the modular elements of the cover II and the base I of a disassembled link 2.

As previously, in accordance with the invention, each modular link 2 consists of a base element I and a cover element II, each of these elements being formed of a frame, of generally rectangular shape, almost square here. . Interposing elements 80 or 90 of articulation between the links 2-2a-2b-2c-2d can be added, as explained hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8E. The rectangular support frame of the bottom element I here carries the first and second articulation means A and B, which project from the transverse edges 4a and 4b. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 7A and 7D, each frame I or II comprises and delimits a median zone 5 or 5 'hollowed out vertically, this recessed area 5 being concentric here at the borders of the frame 4. The support frame 4 formed by the bottom element I of the link (FIG 7D) has four straight edges: an anterior edge 4a, a rear edge 4b and two side edges 4c and 4d. The front edge 4a bears on the anterior side, the first means 20 of articulation A of female type, formed here by two short portions of gutters 56 and 57, round, protruding forward, attached to the front edge 4a by a section of material, and forming, so to speak, two hooks 56 and 57. Each portion of gutter 56 has a hollow inner channel of revolution and an opening, here oriented downwards VB. The channels of the gutters 56 and 57 (or hollow of the hooks) are aligned and arranged along a transverse axis TA-TA, parallel to the front edge 4a of the bottom element I. The solid part of the gutter 56 or the hook forms a solid tubular sector, having an arcuate section covering an angle greater than 180 °, thus greater than a semicircle, so that the opening has a width (longitudinal dimension) smaller than the inside diameter of the trough 56. As the gutter 56 is made of elastic material, in particular chosen from materials classified as plastics, the hooks or portions of gutters 56 and 57 can come together (hook, snap and snap) on a corresponding cylindrical shaft 50-53 or 10, while being able to be disassembled (unclipped) at will by exerting a vertical force VH from bottom to top. On the other hand, these gutters or hooks 56 and 57 do not separate from the shaft 50-53 under the effect of a horizontal force such as a traction force AV-AR on the chain 1000 of links 2-2a ... in its longitudinal direction LL io routing. As is shown in detail in FIGS. 6A, 7D, 7F, 7H as well as in other FIGS. 5A, 5B to 9A, 9B, the posterior edge 4b of the bottom frame I carries second articulation means B formed by a shaft 50. or more precisely by three shaft portions 53-51-53 aligned along a transverse axis TB-TB 15 transverse, parallel to the rear edge 4b of the bottom I, to which the shaft portions 51 and 53 are attached by bridges of material 52 and 54, here the number of four (at least one or two bridges 52 or 54), so that the hinge shaft 50 projects rearwardly relative to the rear edge 4b which it is parallel. The three shaft portions 53-51-53 are cylindrical and of revolution, the first shaft portion 53 disposed at one lateral end, and the other shaft portion 53 at the other end having a diameter corresponding to the inside diameter of the gutter channels or hooks 56 and 57 which form the first articulation means A. Thus, the female-type front articulation means A or 56/57 of the same female type of another identical modular link 2a may come cling and fasten directly to the rear linkage means B or 50 of the male type of the link 2 considered, while allowing a free articulation free play VB-VH of the chain 1000 of links 2,2a ,. .. The links 2-2a are thus connected without being detached by horizontal traction but can be detached by a vertical thrust force VH from bottom to top. FIG. 7A as well as FIGS. 5A-6A-8A-9A / B show that the cover element II is also formed by a rectangular frame, almost square, having an anterior edge 4a ', a posterior edge 4b' and two side edges 4c '// 4d', generally rectilinear. The rear edge 4b 'of the cover II carries a channel 61 constituting a third articulation means C and more specifically a pivoting means of the cover II. The channel 61 covers a relatively long median portion of the posterior edge 4b 'of the cover II to which its axis C-C is parallel. The gutter portion 61 projects from the rear edge 4b 'of the cover towards the rear, to which it is attached by a continuous section of material 62, between a generatrix of the cylindrical channel 61 and the corresponding median portion of the posterior edge 4b. . The gutter portion 61 has an empty inner channel of diameter revolution corresponding to the diameter of the middle portion 51 of the cylindrical shaft 50 which forms one of the rear hinge means B, of the bottom element 15 This cylindrical channel 61 has a downward opening of longitudinal width smaller than the diameter of the empty channel. The posterior groove 61 of the lid II has an axial dimension (transverse length) which corresponds to the axial dimension of the middle portion 51 of the rear shaft 50 of the bottom element I. The middle channel 61 at the back of the lid It can thus be assembled (interlocking or dismountable and can be remounted at will) on the middle portion 51 of the rear shaft 50 of the bottom frame I, which makes it possible to secure the two elements I and II of the link 2, while allowing the lid II to pivot with respect to the bottom I. The lid II can thus pivot vertically VHNB in opening and closing with respect to the bottom element I of which it is integral, while being able to be detached and attached at will of the bottom element I. The cover member II carries at the opposite edge 4a ', a closing mechanism 65 cooperating with the corresponding edge 55 of the bottom element I.

According to the illustration of FIG. 7E, the front edge 4a 'of the cover II is provided here with a clasp 65 formed by a vertical elastic blade attached in the upper part to the frame of the cover II, projecting towards the bottom, ie the bottom VB , and provided with a tooth 65 'or horizontal rib forming a pawl 65' shouldered by a horizontal plate 65 "protruding opposite to the front.This support plate 65" allows to manually release the snap and to open the clasp 65. The toothed or ribbed blade 65 'ratchet clasp 65 cooperates with a complementary shape such as a groove, a projecting rib, a flat or, here a notch palm 55 dug down the front edge 4a of the bottom element I, the notch 55 (like the clasp 65) being disposed in a median position between the two portions of gutters or hooks 56 and 57 which form the first articulation means A of the element of bottom I of the link 2. The ratchet 65 'of the clasp 65 of the element lid II which pivots on the bottom element I makes it possible to maintain, in the closed position, the lid II pressed against the bottom I. As detailed in FIGS. 5A / B to 9A / B, in particular FIGS. 7E and 7F, the two lateral edges 4c and 4d of each frame forming the bottom elements I and of the cover II of the link 2 carry projections 59, 59 'and 69, 69' which run along each lateral edge 4c, 4d and 4c ', 4d. The teeth 59 of each side edge 4c or 4d of the base member I coincide with the teeth 69 of the corresponding lateral edge 4c 'or 4d' of the cover II to form vertical grooves (teeth and slots coinciding to form light-emitting slots). vertical axis VB-VH) which run along the two lateral edges 4c-4c 'and 4d-4d' of the closed link 2. These two lateral series 59-69 and 59'-69 'of vertical splines of the link 2 may mesh with toothed gears, gears or preferably with toothed belts driven by drive rollers or rotary pulleys. (not shown) Such means, system and drive mode advantageously avoid a direct contact between the pinions, gears or metal pulleys and plastic links. In addition, such drive means simultaneously pull on both the opposite side edges 4c / 4d and 4c '/ 4d' of the bottom I and the cover II of each link 2,2a etc. of the chain 1000, which harmoniously distributes the transmission of efforts. As previously discussed and illustrated in particular in Figures 5A and 5B, the hollow frames formed the bottom elements I and lid II of the link 2 open and close like a frame that will trap the tray 1 (part or blank) to route to a workstation. The two zones 5 and 5 'vertically recessed in the two frames formed by the bottom element I and the cover II are superimposed and, preferably, coincide exactly, so as to be able to completely engage a vertical machining tool VB / VH through the entire height H of the link 2. As before, each of the two bottom elements I and II cover forms a frame which is shaped to support the piece 1 and hold captive, without necessarily keep it immobilized, but preferably 15 with a certain clearance. In this second embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A / B to 9A / B, in particular FIGS. 7A and 7D, the recessed area 5 of each frame 4 of the link comprises this time simply two bearings 66 and 67 opposed, relatively wide R and long S, respectively extending along the inner edge of each inner edge 4c and 4d of the frame forming the bottom member I or lid II. The two pairs of longitudinally extending longitudinal bearing surfaces 66-67 and 66'-67 'LL are only interrupted S / U before reaching the transverse edges 4a and 4b to leave vertically recessed corners VB / VH to provide zones clearance to the resilient blades 8-8 'for holding the workpiece 1, at the four corners of the inner recess 5 and 5' of the frames I and II of the link 2. The four pairs of curved 8/8 'resilient blades make protruding longitudinally LL from the front edges 4a-4a 'and posterior 4b-4b' of each frame I or II, towards the corresponding lateral bearing surfaces 66 or 67. The narrow lateral bearing surfaces 7 running all along the inner perimeter of each frame may be omises like here. Thus advantageously, a maximum surface of the tray 1 or in any case a relatively large area of the two faces of the workpiece or blank to be worked, is vertically accessible VB / VH to a machining or forming tool, the workpiece 1 being advantageously retained and held stationary only by its two lateral edges. All the figures, in particular FIG. 5A, show that the inner periphery of the frame 4 delimiting the recessed inner zone 5 thus advantageously has lateral surfaces 7 and / or long contact pads 6, 66, 67 which define flat surfaces or a support plane and retaining the workpiece, vertically recessed by a depth V. The inner periphery of the frame 4 is preferably notched hollow (in the thickness and the transverse dimension or dimensions of the edges 4c and 4d of the frame 4) to form a groove 7 having a re-entrant angle or more precisely a vertical / horizontal dihedron axis along the edge (continuously or discontinuously). The notch is arranged in the edges 4c and 4d of the frame 4 so as to obtain a VxR range of withdrawal adequate to accommodate the room while providing a sufficient support surface 2xRxS to retain the piece 1. The dimensions of the notch , in vertical depth V and in transverse width R respectively in the thickness and the width of the edge 4c or 4d of the frame 4, may be adjusted to the dimensions Z and X of the part 1. Preferably, the dimensions of the notch V and R are oversized, so that the part 1 is housed in a floating manner between the retaining means of the frames of the bottom I and the cover II with a certain clearance, ie one or degrees of freedom in the direction Vertically Jv and / or in the horizontal plane Jh = {Jt, JI}. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A to 9B, the inner periphery of each frame 4 is cut to leave two lateral flat surfaces 66 and 67, arranged face-to-face, on either side transversely of the recessed inner zone 5. , and extending over a portion S of the respective length U of the two lateral edges 4c and 4d of the frame 4. The notch or the vertical withdrawal V of each lateral bearing 66 or 67 with respect to the surface of the corresponding edge 4c or 4d may have a depth V and a width R or a total transverse spacing T between the two opposite surfaces 66 and 67, which are adjusted to the dimensions of the part 1 (thickness Z and width X). Alternatively and preferably, the dimensions V, V ', R, T, U of the lateral notches (imprint) are oversized with respect to the corresponding dimensions Z, X, Y of the part 1 provided, so as to accommodate this piece with a certain clearance vertically Jv and horizontally Jh between the frames of the bottom elements I and lid II of the link 2. According to the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the lateral edges 4a-4d of each frame 4 are recessed. to form a recessed groove or recess of a depth V or V '. The total withdrawal W is here distributed between the bottom frame I and the frame of the cover II. this total shrinkage W can correspond to the thickness of the part: V + V '= WZ Alternatively, a single frame I or II can carry such a withdrawal V or V' Z. Preferably according to the invention, the cumulative depth total withdrawal W is significantly greater than the thickness Z of the part 1 envisaged. Thus, the recess depth V or V 'of each notch groove 20 above the two pairs of lateral bearing surfaces 66, 67 arranged in the two inner lateral edges of the two frames I and II may correspond to a portion of the Z thickness of the part 1, typically between half Z / 2 and the entire thickness Z of the part 1; or V and / or V 'may be greater than half Z / 2, or even the entire thickness Z of the part 1. In the latter case, the part 25 is arranged in a floating position (in suspension) between the bearing surfaces 66,67 and 66 ', 67' of the frames 4 of the bottom elements I and lid II closed, with a vertical clearance Jv of approximately: Jv = WZ V + V'-Z 2V-Z if it is assumed that the two frames I and II have the same depth of withdrawal V = V '= W / 2 and have internal faces perfectly contiguous, without interstice. The transverse width R of the lateral bearing surfaces 66, 67, ie notched grooves above it, and the distance distance T consecutive between the two lateral edges 4c and 4d of each frame 4 (I or II), apart from said bearings, can be adjusted to the transverse dimension X of the part 1. Similarly, the distance U between the opposite transverse edges 4a and 4b of each frame 4 (I or II) can be adjusted to the longitudinal dimension Y of the piece 1. In this case the piece 1 is immobilized between the frame edges 4, without horizontal clearance Jh: JhO: {Jt = T-X0 Jl = U-Y0}: JhO

Preferably, the spacings T and U spacing between the opposite edges 4c-4d and 4a-4b of the frame 4 (excluding protruding portions) are oversized relative to the transverse dimensions X and longitudinal Y of the part 1, so that the The piece has a certain clearance Jh in the horizontal plane and is housed with degrees of freedom both transverse and longitudinal JI in the recessed area 5 of each frame 4 (I or II). More precisely, in this case: ## EQU1 ## Thus, the workpiece 1 is preferably retained, but not necessarily held firmly, inside the workpiece. footprint of the bottom elements I and lid II of the closed link 2a. To prevent the part 1 from being tossed and damaged or escaping during the transport of the links 2-2a etc., it is expected that the part is held vertically pinched between elastic strips 8-8 'which protrude towards the inside of the recessed area 5 of the support frames 4 of the base elements I and of the cover II. Such resilient tongues 8 or tongues are preferably formed of a curved portion of the substance forming frame 4 of elements I or II, which is preferably a material chosen from materials considered as plastics, in particular a polymer ( eg PA or POM). The portions 8 of resilient blades can then advantageously be isolated and formed by molding. According to the embodiments of FIGS. 5A to 9B, the elastic tongues 8-8 'are arranged at the four corners of each of the bottom frame I and the cover frame II. The four pairs of tabs 8-8 'protrude perpendicularly to the front edges 4a-4a' and rear 4b-4b 'of the support frames I-II, thus longitudinally inwardly of the recessed area 5-5'.

Each tongue 8/8 ', attached to the frame I or II on the outer side of the frame (top of the cover II or bottom of the bottom I) is bent inwards, so towards the interface between the underside of the cover II and the upper face of the bottom I, which area is intended to be occupied by the tray 1. Thus the tabs 8 have a free end which tangents the inner surface of their support frame 4 and will come to bear on the corresponding surface of the wafer or flat part 1. Each corner of the part 1 will thus be clamped between a pair of elastic holding blades 8-8 'respectively belonging to the bottom elements I and II cover. The curvature of the elastic strips 8-8 'and their attachment in the outer portion of the support frames I and II, advantageously makes it possible to accept and hold pinch flat parts or wafers 1 of different thickness Z between: 0 <ZW = V + V'2V Alternatively, a single frame (the cover II or the bottom I) may comprise tabs 8 or elastic holding blades of the workpiece 1. The workpiece is then pressed and resiliently held in the intaglio imprint of the other frame (bottom I or cover II) which has no leaf, against the retaining means 6,7 or 66-67 of this frame 4, which are formed by bearing surfaces 7 or bearing pads 6, 66, 67, or a print similar to moldings or rabbets. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, it is provided that the tray 1 or material plate has one or more indexing holes 0 arranged near the lateral edges of the part 1. The indexing holes 0 are preferably number of two or three holes 0 distributed along and near the side edges of the part 1. These are cylindrical holes 0 drilled vertically VB-VH at locations covered by the bearing surfaces of the lateral surfaces 66 or 67 which protrude transversely TT inwardly from the side edges 4c and 4d of the bottom frame I and cover II of the link 2. Precisely, at vertically corresponding locations, as a first approximation, to these indexing holes 0 of the piece 1, the outer wall of the bearing surfaces 66 and 67 is hollowed out by as many cavities 70 which take a specific shape, here similar to a funnel shape. As shown in the arrangement of FIGS. 5A-5B-6A-7A-7D and 8A, cavities 70 and the corresponding indexing holes 0 in part 1 are distributed along the opposite edges of part 1. They are of preferably the number of two or three sets of holes 0 and corresponding cavities 70. Here, the three series 0-70 of holes and cavities are arranged in a triangle in the opposite side edges of the piece 1 and in the two pairs of corresponding bearing surfaces 66-66 'and 67-67' which project from lateral edges 4c and 4d of the two frames I and II and cover the lateral edges of the part 1. More precisely, each cavity 70 has a profile comprising two portions: a portion 71 having an outwardly flared profile, in particular hollowed out in a bowl or cone, and continuously connected to - another portion 72 in the form of a cylindrical hole opening, so that a profile similar to a funnel is obtained. The profile of the cavity 70 is preferably of revolution about a vertical axis VB-VH like a conventional funnel. Otherwise, the flared portion 71 may simply have oblique flanks (tapered portion), for example have a pyramidal shape, the opening hole 72 remaining cylindrical but may for example have a square section or another degree of symmetry.

It is provided according to the invention that during the extraction of one or more links 2 or 2a-2b-2c ..., the chain 1000, for example under the pressure of one or more actuators such as hydraulic jacks with vertical action, protruding shapes such as pins or index pins are respectively engaged in the cavities 70 dug in the large lateral support pads 66 and 67 of the frame 4 of the link 2. The protruding shapes may be cylindrical or tapered pins. Preferably, these are index pegs comprising a cylindrical base portion and a pointed end portion, in particular cut in a conical (or pyramidal) tip, which is therefore similar in shape to a pointed pencil (non-indexed pions). 15 illustrated). Such arrangements are intended to allow an approximate pre-positioning of the link 2 containing the part 1 and then gradually to bring an increasingly precise positioning of the link 2 and the part 1 to obtain an ultra-precise position of the part 1 relative to the workstation, which corresponds to so-called placing operations of the piece 1 in successive steps. Here is how it is done in stages, this process of setting, i.e. bringing in position until obtaining an ultra-precise positioning. The link 2 containing the part 1 or a series of several links 25 2a, 2b, 2c etc., is first extracted from the chain 1000. This is preferably done automatically (or semi-automatically), in particular by means of jacks Hydraulic actuators with vertical movement. Such actuators may in particular be supported on the outer face of the bottom element I of the link 2, in particular the outer surface of the bearing surfaces 66 and 67 projecting towards the inside 5 of the frame I. Index pins, here three in number (eg carried by the actuators or protruding support surfaces or the worktop) are engaged respectively in the flared portion 71 of the cavities 70 dug in the bearing surfaces 66 and 67 of the link 2. The index pegs preferably comprise a cylindrical base portion and a tip-shaped, particularly conical, end portion. The pointed portion of the index peg engages in the widest part of the flared cavity 71. As it is inserted into the cavity 71, funnel-shaped or bowl-shaped, the narrowing of the cavity 71 constrains the link 2 to move horizontally relative to the vertical axis of the indexing pin, until the tip of the indexing pin falls into the cylindrical hole 72 which forms the second portion 72 of the cavity 70. oblique slope (tapered 15 portion) of the pointed portion of the index peg further constrains the link 2 to move horizontally with respect to the indexing axis until the entire cylindrical portion of the index peg can engage in the portion 72 of cylindrical hole opening, at the bottom of the cavity 70. This is preferably done in at least two cavities 70, here three, simultaneously or successively, which allows to subjugate (more and more) precisely) the position of the maillo n 2 according to two horizontal dimensions T-T and L-L, at least. The diameter of the cylindrical hole or holes 72 formed in the bearing surfaces 66 and 67 of the link 2 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the index piece or pins. From this stage, in which the link 2 is secured, that is to say immobilized horizontally TT / LL in position by the index marker (s) and thus with respect to the workstation, the process provides for invention, that each index piece continues to progress.

The tip of the index peg passes through the opening cylindrical hole 72, opens on the inner side of the bearing surface 66 or 67 inside the link 2 and can engage in the corresponding indexing hole 0 pierced in piece 1 (near the side edge of the piece).

As explained above, the piece 1 knows a certain clearance Jv and Jh or vertical degrees of freedom Jv and horizontal Jt / Jl within the link 2 in which it is held captive. It can now be specified that the horizontal clearance Jh of the part in the link (transverse and longitudinal JI) is preferably smaller than the diameter and even the radius of the cylindrical portion of the index piece or, by extension, less than diameter or the radius of the cylindrical hole 0 arranged in the tray 1 or the diameter / radius of the portion 72 of cylindrical hole opening from each cavity 70 (by transposition, if the index piece or the hole 0 or 72 is not circular of revolution, take the horizontal dimension of the index peg or the transverse and longitudinal half-dimensions of the peg / indexing hole 0 or 72). Consecutively, despite the play or the uncertainty of placement of the workpiece 1 with respect to the link 2, there always appears a light in the axis of the open cavities 70 arranged in the support bearing surfaces 66 and 67 of the link 2 and through the indexing holes 0 of the workpiece 1. As a result, the tip of each index finger engages the corresponding light. As the pointed part of the index peg is inserted into the corresponding indexing hole 0, part 1 is forced to move horizontally, thanks to the horizontal clearance Jh (Jt and / or JI) provided in the part. 1 in the link 2, until the positioning of the vertical axis of each cylindrical indexing hole of the coin 1 coincides with the vertical axis of the corresponding index pin. The cylindrical portion of the index pin can then engage in the cylindrical hole 0 for indexing the part 1. And the part 1 is maintained, perfectly positioned, with respect to the station.

Of course, such operations are performed for all holes 0/70 arranged in the room 1 and in the link 2, simultaneously or successively (the number of sets of holes or lights can be established, possibly a single series 70/0/70, or preferably more than one, ie at least two series or three series, as here). Consecutively, the part 1 is secured relative to the workstation in at least one or both horizontal dimensions T-T and / or L-L. Preferably, the diameter (or horizontal dimension) of the cylindrical holes 0 of the part 1 is only slightly greater or substantially equal, and preferably adjusted, to the diameter of the indexing pins (or their transverse dimension). In this way, the piece 1 ends up being subject to the accuracy near this adjustment, relative to the workstation. Consequently, the positioning operations of the workpiece 1 make it possible to position it ultra-precisely with respect to the workstation at the uncertainty around the machining accuracy of the cylindrical surface of each index piece and the accuracy. of drilling each indexing hole 0 in the part 1. Thus, particularly advantageously, the routing device 1000 of workpiece part (s) or blank (s) to work, in which each piece 1 is enclosed in one of the links 2-2a ... chained 1000, according to the invention, allows to obtain a direct positioning between the workpiece 1 and the workstation, 20 without leaving the workpiece 1 of the link 2, while being able to work, especially the shaping or machining, through the VB-VH 5-5 'vertically recessed area or zones of the link 2. The steps of the setting process can lead to an increasingly precise positioning of the workpiece 1 compared to the workstation, 25 from a location a first approximation of the known link 2 with an inaccuracy (uncertainty) of the order of the diameter or radius (horizontal dimension or half-dimension) of the widest part of the flared portion 71 of the cavities 70 hollowed out at the outer surface of the link 2, to reach an ultra-precise position, defined with a precision corresponding to the drilling accuracy of the indexing holes 0 of the workpiece 1 and machining of the index pegs. As a non-limiting example of numerical values, the widest part of the cavities may have a size or diameter of six millimeters (6 mm), so that the link can be deposited with a starting inaccuracy of six millimeters (3 mm) and it is finally possible to achieve an accuracy of arrival within a micrometer (<1 m), corresponding to the precision machining surface of the cylindrical periphery of the pins or holes. It therefore clearly appears that the system for packaging, routing and laying of parts 1 according to the invention makes it possible to obtain advantageously automatically or semi-automatically or possibly manually but quickly, a subjection of the part 1 or rough to work, with ultra-precise positioning of the part 1 prior to any operation. This, though, and thanks to the fact that the piece 1 knows a certain clearance Jv / Jh, ie degrees of freedom vertically Jv and horizontally Jt, JI in the link 2 inside which it is enclosed - and the rest during its shaping. In addition, even if the link 2 has some play or positioning inaccuracy, including a lateral positioning uncertainty between the chain drive timing belts 1000 (belt deflection) or longitudinal positioning uncertainty (groove wear). sideways, play of meshing teeth or notches of side drive belts). In particular, when the edges and the lateral splines of driving the links 2 experience some wear, that the notched drive belts become loose (arrow), that the gear teeth wear or move, such games are advantageously caught by the positioning system and supply in ultra-precise positioning obtained through the invention. It should be noted that the portions of positioning supply forms can be dissociated or partially made or else be made in other equivalent forms.

For example, the hollow cavities 70 in the lateral surfaces 66 and 67 of the link 2 which comprise a flared portion 71 (funnel cone or cone) and a cylindrical hole portion 72 opening can be dissociated into a cavity 71 simply flared (blind or opening) on the one hand and possibly a cylindrical hole 72 opening on the other hand. The flared cavities 71 may be arranged at any location on the outer surfaces of the link 2 (lower face of the bottom and / or upper face of the cover). Such cavities 71 can cooperate with indexing means of the workstation, such as cylindrical pins or indexing pins (pointed or not), for the sole purpose of moving the link horizontally and to bring the link 2 in position (pre-positioning or pre-centering of the link 2). Alternatively, the outer surface of the link 2 may comprise one or more protruding-shaped forms, in particular protruding cones engaging in corresponding holes arranged on the work station, for example holes 15 arranged in the work plane, for bring the link 2 into position and obtain such pre-positioning of the link. As for the positioning of the workpiece 1, the pointed-end indexing pins can engage in the corresponding cylindrical holes 0 of the workpiece, indirectly, after passing through holes of equal or larger size arranged in the lateral surfaces 66 / 67 of the link 2 or directly without crossing 66-67 range or other wall of the link 2. Such an alternative appears on the embodiments of Figures 2B-2D, 10A / B and 12, on which we see that the piece 1 carries indexing cylindrical holes 0 arranged at the four corners of the piece 1, closer to its edges, but outside the reach of the bearing surfaces 7 and the lateral support pads 6 of the link 2. Once the link brought into position relative to the station or the work plane, pointed end index pins can engage directly in these indexing holes 0 of the part 1. Alternatively, the indexing holes arranged in the room It may be flared (i.e., tapered holes) and co-operated with index pins or cylindrical pins of the workstation, until ultra-precise positioning is achieved, as previously stated. It therefore appears that the means for pre-positioning the link and those for bringing the workpiece into position can be the subject of multiple embodiments, variants, equivalents and improvements which can not be described extensively herein, and remain within the reach of those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another embodiment of the link 2 according to the invention, in which, unlike the previous embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 9B, the cover II is pivotally articulated laterally on the element bottom I according to a longitudinal axis of articulation CC. The first and second chain linkage means A and B of the link 100 are carried by the front edges 4a and posterior 4b of the bottom of the link 100 and have transverse axes TA-TA and TB-TB. The third means C of articulation or pivoting of the lid II with respect to the bottom I are borne here by a lateral edge 4c of the link 2. The lateral edge 4c of the bottom element I carries a shaft 101 protruding laterally (transversely .) of the lateral edge 4c and longitudinal axis CC parallel to this side edge 4c to which the shaft 101 is connected by one or more panels 104 and / or bridges 107. The corresponding lateral edge 4c 'of the cover II 20 carries a gutter 105 (see Fig. 10B) or several portions of gutters 105 and 106 separated and spaced apart (Fig. 10A), of longitudinal axis CC coincident (s): a median portion 105 shaped hook and two distal portions 106 curved in the form of a letter U or C and acting as counter-brackets. The opposite lateral side 4d of the link 2 carries a system 108-109 for closing or immobilizing the lid II in the closed position relative to the bottom I, which comprises a medial clasp 108 cooperating with a projecting rib 109 of the other 4d corresponding lateral edge of the bottom element I. The clasp 108 is formed here two distant vertical blades connected longitudinally by a horizontal bridge 108 'having, on one side, a tooth or a protruding rib serving as a pawl and, on the other side, outside, a dish of manual release of the clasp. In the recessed area 5 and 5 'of the frames I and II of the link 100, there appear four pairs of bearing seats 6-6' carried respectively by the four edges 4a-4b-4c-4d of the two frames I and II and four pairs of 8/8 'elastic blades extending transversely TT from the side edges 4c / 4c' and 4d / 4d 'inwardly at the four corners of the recessed area 5/5'. Advantageously, the lid II opens here perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction LL for conveying the chain 1000 of links 100 and the elastic strips 8/8 'are oriented in a transverse direction, parallel to the plane of opening ( perpendicular to the pivot axis CC). Note also that in this embodiment of Figures 10A-10B, the cover member II does not have a vertical recessed groove, or recessed notch, on the inner edge of the frame II defining the recessed area 5 'which does not prevent the presence of retaining means: support surfaces 15 and support pads 6' have plane bearing surfaces merged with the plane of the underside of the lid II. A vertical indentation V, Z or V> Z is arranged only on the inner edge perimeter of the frame 4a-4d of the bottom element I of the link. Such a unique footprint is intended to house and contain the entire piece 1 and hold captive. FIGS. 11 and 12 further describe another embodiment having the particularity that the two frames respectively forming the bottom element and the cover element of the modular link 2a or 2b, here advantageously consist of identical and symmetrical frames 110a. , 110a ', 110b, 110b' etc. The base and cover elements of the links can therefore advantageously be obtained in series from a single modular frame mold 110. Such a modular frame 110 intended to form therefore one or the other of the two elements of the link 2 is symmetrical along longitudinal MVL and transverse MVT median planes, and therefore has a central axial symmetry of axis VB-VH, with the exception of the articulation means 111 and 112 - which are complementary types - and centering forms 116-117 and 118-119 protruding and recessed - which are antisymmetric. Such a modular frame 110 has the particularity of comprising a first male type articulation means 111 projecting from the transverse edge 4a and a second female type articulation means 112 projecting from the opposite transverse edge 4b. The first articulation means 111 is formed of a projecting shaft portion of the front edge 4a, to which its TA-TA axis is parallel, but laterally offset from one side of the longitudinal median MVL plane of the frame 110, here disposed on the side right, in a lateral portion of the front edge 4a, ie the right half of the frame 110. The second hinge means 112 is formed here by a recessed gutter portion protruding from the rear edge 4b and TB-TB axis parallel. The gutter portion 112 is offset laterally on the other side of the MVL mediating plane of the frame 110, here the left side, in the other lateral half of the frame 110.

To assemble the link 2 and the chain 1000, as shown in Figure 12, two identical modular frames 110a and 110a 'are superimposed one above the other, one 110a returned upside down and head-to-tail with respect to the other 110a '(they overlap like a handshake - handshake). Before being applied against each other, the lower and upper frames 110a-110a 'are connected in series with modular frames 110b-110b' placed in the vicinity of identical manner by translation. The first male articulation means 111a (shaft) of the bottom 110a of a link 2a assembles with the second hinge means 112b 'female (gutter) of the cover 110b' of the adjacent link 2b. The trough 112a 'of the female hinge means of the cover 110a' of the link considered 2a assembles with the shaft 111b which constitutes the complementary male articulation means of the bottom 110b of the adjacent link 2b. The bottom 110a and the cover 110a 'of the link 2a are thus assembled together and with the lids 110b' and funds 110b of the adjacent links 2b, 2, etc., in a chain 1000.

It should be noted that the first and second hinge means 111 and 112 of each frame 110 cover or bottom play here at the same time a role of articulation means A, B link chain, articulation means C in pivoting of the lid 110a 'relative to the bottom 110a and also means for closing or immobilizing the lid 110a' in the closed position relative to the bottom 110a. It thus clearly appears that the various means of articulation, pivoting and closing of the frames of the links which make it possible to assemble them together, in pairs and in chains can be the object, not only of a multitude of forms. embodiments, variants, equivalents and improvements, but also change of function or inversion of features that can not be identified herein, but remain within the reach of the art without departing from the scope of the present invention . Among the alternatives, it will be simply indicated that, in general, the cover element can be secured to the bottom element without pivoting and / or without a clasp. Other means for securing the cover on the bottom element in the closed position can be implemented in an equivalent manner. In addition, the cover can form an open frame, or even not form a frame. The cover may simply have three edges or even two edges 20 which may be sufficient to immobilize the workpiece on the bottom frame of the link. In particular, the piece can be held by two blades or two parallel bars that are solidariser on the bottom. These elements do not constitute a frame, but are considered, for the purpose of this, as cover elements.

Furthermore, in the embodiments shown the support frame formed by the bottom element advantageously comprises four rectangular edges. One of the edges could possibly be omitted, the frame then having three edges or less. More generally, the frame can have any shape adapted to the shape of the workpiece or blank to be worked, in particular rectangular, polygonal, circular, oval or other and as seen above, the perimeter of the border of the frame can be closed on itself or open. It is therefore clear that other variants, embodiments, equivalents and improvements may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention, the scope of protection being defined by the claims below . 20

Claims (40)

A device for conveying workpieces (1) or at least one workpiece blank, comprising a plurality of modular links (2-2a-2b-2c-2d) hinged to one another in a chain (1000), characterized in that each link (2) comprises a base element (I) and a cover element (II), at least one of said elements (I / II) forming a support frame (4) comprising a recessed central area (5) for receiving a corresponding part or blank (1), the link (2) having an anterior edge (4a) having first articulation means (A, 10, 56- 57) and a posterior edge (4b) having second hinge means (B, 10 ', 50), the link (2) comprising means (25/15, 65/55) for securing the lid member (II) to the element bottom (I) in the closed position in which said part or blank (1) is retained between said elements (I-II). 2. A conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that each link (2) comprises surfaces and / or forms (59,69) arranged to cooperate with drive means. 3. A conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that the link (2) comprises lateral splines (59,69-59'-69 ') for driving. 25 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means (A, B, 10,10 ') chain linkage of the link (2) are carried by the bottom element (I) . 20 25 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first hinge means (A, 10,56 / 57) of the modular link (2a) are adapted to cooperate with the second hinge means ( B, 10 ') of another identical modular link (2). 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises, at least one element (III, 80,90) interposed articulation between a link (2a) and another link (2 ), each intermediate element (III, 80, 90) comprising two articulation means (31-31 ', 82-86, 83-87) of parallel axes io (TA'-TA', TB'-TB ') , able to cooperate, respectively, with the first articulation means (A, 10, 56/57) of one of the said links (2a) and with the second articulation means (B, 10 ') of the other said links (2). 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lid member (II) pivots in opening on the bottom member (I). 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cover member (I) is pivotally articulated (CC) on a third hinge means (C, 11-13,21-23,101- 103,105-106) of the link (2). 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cover member (II) is pivotally articulated directly on the first means (A, 111-112) or the second means (B, 50- 51-61, 111-112) of chain link of the link (2). 10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises means (25-25 '/ 15, 65/55, 108/109, 111/112) immobilization in the closed position of the cover element (II) against the bottom element (I), in particular at least one locking or clasp pawl mechanism. 11. Device according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the cover member (II) comprises fastening means (112) in the closed position on one of the hinge means (A, B). , C, 111) carried by the bottom element (I). 12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one of said articulation means (A, B, C) is formed by a shaft (10,10 ') or at least a portion shaft (11,13 / 50,51,53), at least partly cylindrical and of revolution about an axis (TA-TA, TB-TB, CC). 13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one of said articulation means (A, B, C) is formed by a channel 15 (21,31,31 ', 61,112) or at least one portion (21-23,32-34,36-39,56 / 57,86 / 87) of cylindrical gutter along an axis (CC, TA'-TA ', TB'TB') and of section in part circular, each gutter or portion of gutter being preferably formed of one or more tubular sectors (21,23; 32,33,34,37,38,39; 56,57; 61; 86-87) covering a section at less semicircular (a) or between a semicircle and a circle. 14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the link comprises centering means (19,29) or complementary forms of refocusing of the cover member (II) on the element 25 background (I). 15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the link (2) comprises elastic means (8,8 ') for holding in position 57 of said part or blank (1) for holding parts or blanks of different thicknesses. 16. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least one of said bottom elements (I) and cover (II) comprises leaf springs (8,8 ') adapted to maintain elastically said piece or blank (1) suspended in the recessed central zone (5,5 ') of the link (2). 17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the periphery of the recessed area (5) of at least one element (I or II) of the link (2) comprises retaining means (6). 7, 66, 67) of said part or blank (1). 18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the periphery of the recessed area (5,5 ') of at least one element (I, II) of the link (2) comprises at least one bearing (7,66 / 67) or studs (6,66,67) protruding horizontally inwardly from the recessed area (5) and / or a recessed recess for housing and / or holding captive said piece or blank ( 1). 19. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the frame (4) formed by the or the bottom elements (I) and / or cover (II) has an overall size, height or in width and / or in length, greater than the dimensions of the housing of the part (1) in the recessed area (5), so that the part (1) is protected by the envelope of the link (2). 25 20. Device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the periphery of the recessed area (5,5 ') of at least one element (I / II) of the link (2) comprises at least one form keying key (16,26) for placing said workpiece or blank (1) in a single direction. 21. Device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that at least one outer surface of a member (I, II) of the link (2) comprises at least one cavity (70) funnel-shaped (71). , 72), or a cavity having an outwardly flared portion (71) and / or an opening cylindrical hole portion (72), to cause pre-positioning of the link (2) relative to a work station. 22. Device according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that at least one of said pads, bearings and / or retaining means (6,66,67) comprise at least one recess or notch for passage of one or positioning index pegs (0) of the part or blank (1) relative to the workstation. 23. Device according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the two bottom and lid elements form two frames each comprising a vertically recessed central zone, respectively, accessible from below and from above the link, so that the chain of links is reversible. 20 24. A method of manufacturing at least one piece from at least one part blank (1) to be worked using the device according to one of the preceding claims, in which: the blank or part ( 1) is disposed within the recessed central zone (5,5 ') of a modular link (2) on the support frame (4) of the bottom element (I) of said link (2). ) and the cover member (II) is closed; the modular link (2) containing said blank or workpiece (1) is conveyed in a chain (1000), assembled in an articulated manner to other links (2a-2b-2c-2d), to a work station; Characterized in that said workpiece or blank (1) remains enclosed in the corresponding link (2) during work operations of the workpiece (1) on the workstation through the vertically recessed areas (5,5 ') in the frame or frames of the base elements (I) and / or cover (II) of said link (2). 25. Manufacturing process according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a precise positioning of the workpiece (1) is obtained directly between the workstation and the workpiece (1) which is provided with means (0) for indexing the workpiece. positioning cooperating with a positioning system of the workstation. 26. Workpiece obtained according to the manufacturing method according to claim 24 or 25. 27. A method of manufacturing one or more workpieces from at least one blank of a workpiece, comprising the steps of: arranging each blank or workpiece (1) to be worked inside a workpiece; modular link (2) comprising a base element (I) and a cover element (II) forming at least one support frame (4) comprising a recessed central zone (5), said blank or workpiece (1) being arranged in the recessed central zone (5) and retained between the base (I) and cover (II) elements of the modular link (2), - keep the part accommodated in the link (2) by closing the cover (II) and by securing it in a closed position on the bottom element (I); 25 - chaining the modular link (2) containing the part or blank with other modular links (2a-2b-2c-2d) chain articulated (1000), each link (2) having an anterior edge (4a) provided with a first articulation means (A, 10, 56/57, 111) and a posterior lug (4b) provided with a second articulation means (B, 10 ', 50-51-53, 112); routing in chain (1000) the modular link (2) containing said part or blank (1) to a workstation; and, positioning said modular link (2) on the workstation; method in which said part or blank (1) remains enclosed in the corresponding link (2) during work operations, including shaping, control and / or finishing of the workpiece (1) on the workstation. i0 28. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the chain (1000) of links (2-2a-2b-2c-2c-2d) articulated is conveyed by means of drive means, each link (2-2a) comprising shapes (59-69) adapted to cooperate with said drive means, in particular driving splines (59-69, 59'-69 '). 29. The method of claim 27 or 28, wherein the links (2-2a-2b-2c-2d) are chained directly to each other, the first hinge means (A, 10,56 / 57,111). ) of one of the links (2a) being hingedly connected with the second hinge means (B, 10 ', 50/53, 112) of another link (2). 30. Method according to one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the links (2-2a-2b-2c-2d) are chained (1000) to each other via at least one intermediate element (III, 80,90) or an intermediate hinge piece comprising two means (31/31 ', 82 / 86,83 / 87) for articulation of parallel axes (TA'-TA' / TB'-TB '), assembled in an articulated manner, respectively, with the first articulation means (10, A) of a link (2) and with the second articulation means (10 ', B) of another link (2a). 31. Method according to one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the cover member (II) of a link (2) is pivotally mounted in opening on one of the means (A / B, 10 ', 50, 111). / 112) chain link of the link (2), carried by the bottom member (I). 32. Method according to one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the piece (1) is clamped and / or elastically maintained in suspension (8-8 '), in the recessed area (5,5') between each frame of base elements (I) and cover (II) of the link (2). 33. Method according to one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the modular link (2) containing said part or blank (1) is extracted from the chain (1000) by pushing means, in particular by actuators, taking support on one of the elements (I / II) of the link (2) or against a surface of the workpiece (1), the articulation means (NB, 10/10 ', III, 31/31', 50-53 / 56-57,80,82 / 83, 86 / 87,90) being able to separate from the complementary articulation means (B / A, 31/31 ', III, 10/10', 56-57 / 50 -53), under the effect of a vertical thrust. 34. Method according to one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the modular link (2) containing said part or blank (1) is pre-positioned relative to the work station by cooperation of complementary shapes, a first flared shape ( 70), a second cylindrical shape, one protruding, the other hollow, arranged, on the one hand, on at least one surface of the link (2), and, secondly, on the workstation. 35. Method according to one of claims 27 to 34, wherein the modular link (2) containing said part or blank (1) is pre-positioned relative to the work station by engaging at least one index piece in a hollow recess (70), respectively recessed (71), in particular conical or in a bowl or funnel, arranged in an outer surface of at least one of said elements (I, II) of the link (2). 36. Method according to one of claims 27 to 35, wherein the modular link (2) containing said piece or blank (1) is pre-positioned by insertion of at least one index piece, comprising a cylindrical portion and / or a pointed end portion, in a recess (70) respectively recessed arranged in the frame (4) of at least one element (I, II) of the link (2), the cavity (70) comprising a portion (71) hollow flared outwardly and / or a portion (72) of cylindrical hole opening, in particular in the form of funnel. 37. The method according to one or more of claims 27 to 36, wherein said part or blank (1) enclosed in the link (2) is brought and / or immobilized in position precisely with respect to the work station, by insertion. of one or index pegs comprising at least one cylindrical portion and / or a pointed end portion, in particular a conical point, in one or more indexing holes (0) drilled in said part or blank (1) . 20 38. Method according to one of claims 27 to 37, wherein a precise positioning of the part or blank (1) enclosed in the link (2) is obtained directly between the workstation and the part (1) which is provided means (0) of positioning indexing cooperating with a positioning system of the workstation. 39. A method according to one of claims 27 to 38, comprising a step of: 5 - precisely position said workpiece or blank (1) to be enclosed in the corresponding link (2), directly identifying one or more indexing (0 ) of positioning the workpiece (1) relative to the workstation through a recess or indentations arranged between the recessed central zone (5,5 ') and the frame (4) of at least one element (I, II ) of said link (2). 40. Worked part (1) obtained according to the manufacturing method according to one of claims 27 to 39. i0