ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR LOADING PARTS TO BE TREATMENT INTO A SINGLE-SIDED OR DOUBLE-SIDED TREATMENT MACHINE

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of single-sided or double-sided processing machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to the loading step of these single-sided or double-sided processing machines.

[0002] Single-sided or double-sided processing machines allow various processing operations to be carried out on the flat surface of a part, whether metallic or not, in particular to rectify the flatness, surface condition and / or the dimension of the part. These techniques include: polishing, namely reducing the roughness of a surface, lapping, namely finishing a part by abrasion so that it has a smooth, polished surface and a precise shape, grinding, namely the removal of material by a large number of abrasive grains, sometimes agglomerated, which act as a cutting tool, rectification, namely a machining operation carried out using fine abrasives, which makes it possible to bring a part or part of a part to a precise dimension within a tight tolerance and to obtain an excellent surface condition which will have a low coefficient of friction, thickness adjustment, ....

[0003] The invention therefore relates in particular, but not exclusively, to grinding or rectification, lapping and polishing machines.

[0004] The invention therefore relates to the treatment of parts, in particular, but not limited to, the treatment of metal parts, in particular parts made of steel (stainless steel or not), copper alloys, titanium, aluminum alloys, tungsten carbides, precious metals, glass, crystals, ceramics, composites, synthetic materials, natural materials, etc. State of the art

[0005] Most of the time, the loading of parts is carried out directly on the processing machine, by placing the part holder (forming plate-shaped tooling) on ​​the lower plate of the machine, then placing the parts in the openings (cells) of the part holder so that the underside of the parts rests on the lower plate of the machine. It is understood that this loading technique takes a significant amount of time during a complete cycle of the processing machine which includes the following steps: loading - processing - unloading.

[0006] There is already a solution for loading the parts outside the processing machine: all the part holders (satellites) intended to come onto the lower plate of the machine (for example a lower polisher) are placed on a rigid and smooth support (for example a loading pallet), and then the parts are placed in the openings of the part holders (individually or several parts per opening). Then, the support is positioned next to the lower plate of the machine and finally each part holder loaded with its parts to be processed is slid from the support onto the plate. This process requires adaptations on the processing machine (loading shelf, rail, etc.) and the aforementioned sliding operation is not very easy to implement, especially in the case of thin parts: risk of the part holder bending during loading and loss of parts, partial adhesion of parts to the plate, etc.This solution saves time but therefore has a significant number of drawbacks.

[0007] Document JP2000135672 describes a technique for filling the workpiece holder windows with a rotary loader mounted above the workpiece holder and comprising vertical part storage housings, these housings being distributed so as to come in line with the windows. Such a technique requires sufficient space in the machine above the workpiece holder and is not suitable for all part and workpiece holder geometries. In addition, the geometry of a particular loader is only suitable for a given pair of parts and workpiece holders...

[0008] Document JP2012076191 describes a technique for filling the workpiece holder windows with a specific workpiece holder, formed by two superimposed plates, attached by pivot in their center, and having the same geometry and distribution of the openings for housing the parts. In a first loading position, the relative angular position between the plates is chosen so that the openings of the upper plate do not coincide with the openings of the lower plate so that a surface portion of the lower plate closes each opening of the upper plate. In this way, the parts placed in the openings of the upper plate are retained by the portion of the lower plate. The workpiece holder is placed in this configuration in the processing machine and then a rotation is carried out between the plates so that their relative angular position makes the openings of the upper plate and the lower plate coincide.In this way, the parts descend onto the lower plate of the processing machine. This solution has the disadvantage of using an articulated part holder, which can hinder the smooth operation of certain processing machines. In addition, due to the presence of two superimposed plates, this solution cannot be used for thin parts to be processed. Brief summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for loading parts into a parts processing machine, as defined in claims 1 and 4, free from the limitations of known techniques.

[0010] In particular, we are looking for a solution that reduces the time it takes to load parts into the machine.

[0011] Another aim of the invention is to provide a simple solution to implement, without modifying the pre-existing tools and installations. Finally, we wish to propose a solution that does not degrade the quality of the treatment carried out by the treatment machine.

[0012] According to the invention, these aims are achieved in particular by means of a unit for loading parts to be treated in a single or double-sided treatment machine comprising: a plate-shaped workpiece holder for holding at least one workpiece to be treated, comprising a second face and a first face, said first face being flat, and said workpiece holder delimiting at least one through opening forming a cell for housing at least one workpiece to be treated, and a film mounted on the first face of the workpiece holder opposite said through opening and allowing said workpiece to be treated to be held in said opening at least during the loading step, said film being capable of being destroyed during treatment by the treatment machine.

[0013] It is understood that this solution lies in the use of a temporary support film, used to hold the parts placed in the windows of the part holder during loading. In fact, said film is capable of being destroyed by dissolution or by friction.

[0014] Indeed, at the start of the treatment, the lower plate and / or the upper plate is set in motion. This generates, in the case where the film is in contact with the plate, friction between the film and the plate of the machine in contact with the film, which allows the film to be worn and destroyed, the constituent(s) of which are naturally evacuated from the treatment machine. Thus, during the rest of the treatment, the film has disappeared and the parts are in direct contact with the working plate (lower plate or upper plate) according to the usual treatment procedures.

[0015] Thus, the loading time, and therefore the time taken to stop processing operations, is significantly reduced. In fact, the loading time is reduced to the time taken to load the workpiece holders into the machine, the parts already being loaded into the workpiece holder. The applicant company has tested that this solution makes it possible in certain cases to reduce the machine loading time by around six, for example from six seconds to approximately one second.

[0016] This solution also has the major advantage over the prior art of not having to modify the tooling, namely the workpiece holder, already in use, nor of having to adapt the single-sided or double-sided processing machine.

[0017] The invention also relates to a method for loading parts to be processed into a single-sided or double-sided parts processing machine which comprises at least one lower plate intended to come into contact with the lower face of said parts, comprising the following steps: the provision of a plate-shaped workpiece holder, comprising a second face and a first face, said first face being flat, and said workpiece holder delimiting at least one through opening forming a cell for housing one or more workpieces to be processed, the mounting of a film on the first face of the workpiece holder opposite said through opening, whereby the film remains attached to the workpiece holder, said film being capable of being destroyed during processing by the processing machine, the placement of the workpieces to be processed in said opening(s), on said film (each workpiece comes against the film, in contact with the film), whereby a loading assembly loaded with workpieces is formed, and the mounting of said loading assembly loaded with workpieces directly on the lower plate of the processing machine.

[0018] It is understood from the above that the solution according to the present invention allows the placement of the parts on the part holder outside the processing machine, a loading assembly loaded with autonomous parts (self-supported) is formed outside the processing machine which then only needs to be placed in the processing machine according to the same procedure as an empty part holder, without having to spend any more time filling the part holder with parts.

[0019] It is therefore a particularly simple, economical and easy to implement solution.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a method for processing parts in a single-sided or double-sided machine, comprising the loading method as described in the present text, in which during the step of mounting said loading assembly loaded with parts directly on the lower plate of the processing machine, the first face of the part holder is placed on the lower plate so that the film is in contact with the lower plate, and further comprising the step of processing said parts with said processing machine, whereby during the start of the processing the film disappears and the parts come into direct contact with the lower plate during the end of the processing.

[0021] It is understood from the above that the present solution does not require any adaptation of the part treatment step, and in particular no additional step to remove or remove the film, which generally deteriorates during the treatment step as will be explained in more detail below. In particular, it is for example the friction between the film of the loading assembly and the plate of the treatment machine in contact with this film which allows the natural and automatic removal. Also, in the case of a treatment machine / process using a liquid abrasive suspension, a film soluble in said liquid can be chosen. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which: There Figure 1 (Fig. 1A, 1B, and 1C ) illustrates the formation of the loading assembly according to a first embodiment, The Figure 2Arepresents in section the loading assembly and the Figures 2B to 2E illustrate the steps of implementing a loading method and the treatment method according to the invention in a double-sided machine, The Figure 3A represents in section the loading assembly and the Figures 3B to 3E illustrate the steps of implementing a loading method and the treatment method according to the invention in a double-sided machine using a liquid abrasive suspension, The Figure 4A represents in section the loading assembly and the Figures 4B to 4D illustrate the steps of implementing a loading method and the treatment method according to the invention in a single-sided machine, The Figure 5A represents in section the loading assembly and the Figures 5B to 5D illustrate the steps of implementing a loading method and the treatment method according to the invention in a single-sided machine using a liquid abrasive suspension, The figure 6represents a variant of the initial position of the loading assembly loaded with parts, for the purpose of implementing the loading method, The figure 7 represents a variant of mounting the loading assembly loaded with parts on the lower plate of a single-sided or double-sided machine, The figure 8 represents a variant of mounting the loading assembly loaded with parts between the plates of a double-sided machine, The figure 9 illustrates a loading assembly according to a second embodiment, and The figure 10 illustrates a loading assembly according to a third embodiment. Example(s) of embodiment of the invention

[0023] We refer to the Figures 1A to 1C illustrating a first embodiment of the loading assembly 10 according to the invention. On the Figure 1Ais illustrated in perspective the mounting of a film 20 on a workpiece holder 12 shown in a vertical position: the film 20 is attached to the first face 12a of the workpiece holder 12 (lower face or upper face during processing). It is recalled that in general, the workpiece holder constitutes a plate for holding the parts in position during their processing in a single-sided or double-sided processing machine, and for this purpose delimits at least one window in the form of a through opening called a "cell". The workpiece holder illustrated has the shape of a disc with a central opening 13 in the center of the workpiece holder 12 and openings 14 distributed around this central opening, here eight openings 14 placed every 45°.

[0024] Thus, in this non-limiting example, the workpiece holder 12 has a circular contour and a center. Such a workpiece holder is for example a satellite comprising a contour with a toothing (not shown), so as to mesh with a corresponding toothing of the drive system of the workpiece holder(s) of the lower plate of the processing machine. According to the invention, at least the first face 12a is flat, in order to facilitate the placement and holding of the film 20 against this first face 12a. Furthermore, in many cases, the first face 12a of the workpiece holder 12 will come flat on the upper face, also flat, of the lower plate 40 of the processing machine. In most cases, the second face 12b (often intended to be turned in the opposite direction to the lower plate, and to be turned in the direction of and placed against the upper plate in the case of double-sided processing) and the first face 12a of the workpiece holder are parallel to each other.Also, in this example illustrated in the figures, the part holder 12 comprises cells 14 distributed regularly around the center, but other arrangements of the cells 14 on the part holder 12 can be designed, as can other shapes for the outline of the part holder, and the presence of the central opening 13 is not systematic.

[0025] The film 20 can be formed in advance and attached to the first face 12a of the workpiece holder 12 or can be formed directly on the first face 12a of the workpiece holder 12.

[0026] In the case illustrated on the Figures 1A, 1B, 1C And 6 , film 20 is formed in advance, then brought back ( Figure 1A ) against the first face 12a of the workpiece holder 12 and held against this first face 12a ( Figure 1B). Depending on the respective materials used for the workpiece holder 12 and for the film 20, different methods can be used for this adhesion and this maintenance of the film 20 fixed against the first face 12a of the workpiece holder 12, for example by gluing, welding, or even by static electricity, molecular adhesion, capillarity, etc.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the film 20 is made of a water-soluble material, and in this case simple moistening with water of the first face 12a of the part holder 12 and / or of the face of the film 20 intended to come against the first face 12a of the part holder 12, then allows, during contact between the film 20 and the first face 12a of the part holder 12, sufficient adhesion and subsequent retention of the film 20.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the film is soluble, preferably water-soluble or fat-soluble. An example of a water-soluble film is polyvinyl acetate (PVA) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL), or other water-soluble resin, or a mixture of these water-soluble materials.

[0029] In the case illustrated on the Figures 1A, 1B and 1C , the workpiece holder 12 comprises several cells 14 and the film 20 covers all the cells 14 in the loading assembly 10. As a variant of this loading assembly 10, according to the figure 9 , the workpiece holder 12 comprises several cells 14 and separate films cover the cells 14. In the example illustrated in the figure 9 , a restricted film 21 covers two cells 14 and two isolated films 22 and 23 each completely cover a different cell 14, in order to form a loading assembly 10'.

[0030] In these examples, the films 20, 21, 22 or 23 are continuous, namely solid. In other possible examples not illustrated, these films 20, 21, 22 or 23 are perforated, or discontinuous, provided that they allow, once fixed on the first face 12a of the part holder 12, to support the weight of the part 30 housed in the cell 14 of the part holder 12, which the presence of the film 20 allows to be maintained during the various handling operations preceding the treatment in the machine. This can be an open network structure, with openings, woven or other.

[0031] In the case of the 10" loading assembly shown in the figure 10, the film is formed directly on the first face 12a of the part holder 12: for this purpose, a projection of a liquid solution onto the first face 12a of the part holder 12, followed by drying, these operations possibly being repeated several times, lead to the formation of a 20" openwork film in the form of an interlacing or a network of filaments. The aforementioned water-soluble materials can be used as well as other aqueous or non-aqueous-based solutions: for example and in a non-limiting manner, a solution of sugar, salt, milk, organic matter (garlic, etc.) can be used which makes it possible to form such a film after drying.

[0032] We turn to the figures 2 to 5 representing the steps of loading methods and treatment methods according to the invention. For these methods, a loading assembly 10, 10' or 10" as described above or several of them is used.

[0033] In the case of Figures 2A to 2E, the situation of a double-sided machine with dry destruction of the film 20 during the start of processing is symbolized. For the loading process, we provide ( Figure 2A ) the loading assembly 10 (film 20 mounted under the first face of the workpiece holder 12). Then, as it appears on the Figure 2B , we place the pieces 30 in the cells 14. On this Figure 2B , one part 30 has been shown per cell 14 but it is possible to envisage placing two or more parts 30 per cell 14. This gives a loading assembly 10 loaded with parts which can be stored and put on hold until the time of loading and processing in the machine.

[0034] These parts 30 are arranged on the film 20 which forms a support for the parts: it is therefore possible to take or grasp the part holder 12 without losing the parts 30. According to a first possibility corresponding to the figures 2 to 5, the parts 30 have been placed on the film 20 located below the first face 12a of the part holder which in this case constitutes a lower face of the part holder 12. The storage and handling of the part holders loaded with part 30 must maintain this position with film 20 underneath, and the parts can move in the cell 14 by sliding on the film. According to a second possibility, corresponding to the figures 6 to 8 , one face of the part 30 is fixed with the film 20, for example by gluing, and handling the part holder does not risk causing the parts to fall. In the case of using a water-soluble film, a fixing solution consists of moistening one face of the part which will “stick” to the film 20. In this case, the parts 30 are (temporarily) fixed to the part holder 12 by means of the film 20 and, in this case, the part holder assembly with film and parts can be loaded onto the machine, with the film 20 placed at the top or bottom of this assembly.

[0035] In the case of the figure 2 , then, the loading assembly 10 (the part holder 12 covered with the film 20) loaded with parts 30 ( Figure 2B ) is placed directly on the lower plate 40 of a double-sided processing machine ( Figure 2C ). In this configuration, the parts 30 always rest on the film 20, itself resting on the upper face of the lower plate 40 of the machine. The loading process is finished, it can be completed to carry out a complete treatment process.

[0036] For this purpose, as can be seen on the 2D figure, the upper plate 50 is lowered onto the workpiece holder(s) 12 in order to close the processing machine. Then the processing begins by setting into motion the lower plate 40 or the upper plate 50 or both the lower plate 40 and the upper plate 50, and this relative to the frame of the machine (not shown). Such a movement is symbolized by the arrows 41 (lower plate) and 52 (upper plate), and remains in the plane of the plate considered. This movement can be for example an alternating back and forth movement according to a rectilinear translation, or a rotational movement of the plate, or a combination of these movements. This movement of the plate(s) 40 and 50 is possibly accompanied by a movement of the parts 30 in their cell 14: either the part holders 12 (and therefore the parts 30) are immobile relative to the plate 40 (or 50), or the part holders 12 (and therefore the parts 30) are mobile relative to the plate 40 (or 50).

[0037] Two phases occur during this treatment: in a first stage corresponding to the start of the treatment, the friction of the lower plate 40 against the film 20 placed on it disintegrates the film 20 which transforms into particles, in principle non-abrasive, which are naturally evacuated from the machine during the rest of the treatment. This is in particular a friction between the lower plate 40 and the film 20 without any other addition of material or lubricant, in particular a dry friction (unless the film, while disintegrating, produces lubricating particles). Note that during this first stage, there is normal contact between the lower face of the upper plate 50 and the upper face of the parts 30. After the disappearance of the film (see Figure 2E), the treatment continues in a second step, still under the influence of the aforementioned movement, and the parts 30 now in contact by their lower face directly against the upper face of the lower plate 40, undergo the treatment provided on the machine, due to the two plates 40 and 50.

[0038] During these two times of the processing stage, the speeds of the movements of the plates 40 and 50 and their pressure, and all other machine parameters are adjusted as needed.

[0039] The unloading of the parts from the processing machine is not illustrated, but it is carried out as in the prior art. For example, once the processing machine is opened by lifting the upper plate 50, the part holder(s) 12 are removed by hand and the processed parts are slid out of the lower plate 40, into a storage bin for example awaiting another operation on these parts (another processing operation within the meaning of the present invention, or another machining, cutting, assembly operation, etc.).

[0040] On these Figures 2C to 2E , the lower plate 40 is shown as coinciding with the size of the workpiece holder but in reality and in most cases, it is possible that several workpiece holders 12 rest simultaneously on a lower plate of the processing machine.

[0041] We now turn to the Figures 3A to 3E: in this case is symbolized the situation of a double-sided machine with destruction by dissolution of the film 20 during the beginning of the treatment, via a liquid in the form of an abrasive suspension (aqueous or lipid based). This is a double-sided machine with treatment of the parts by liquid. In this case, the Figures 3A to 3D correspond respectively to situations similar to those described previously with regard to the Figures 2A to 2D . Then, as illustrated in the Figure 3E , the treatment begins with the supply of a liquid 61 between the plates 40 and 50 (working space), in particular in the form of an abrasive suspension, which may in particular be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. As a non-limiting example, a nozzle 61 serves as a liquid supply means.

[0042] Two phases occur during this treatment illustrated in the Figure 3E: in a first stage corresponding to the start of the treatment, the presence of the liquid 61 allows the dissolution of the film 20 which transforms into particles, in principle non-abrasive, which are naturally evacuated from the machine with the liquid during the rest of the treatment. Note that during this first stage, there is normal contact between the lower face of the upper plate 50 and the upper face of the parts 30. After the disappearance of the film (see Figure 3E ), the treatment continues in a second step, still under the influence of the aforementioned movement and the liquid 61, and the parts 30 now in contact by their lower face directly against the upper face of the lower plate 40, undergo the treatment provided on the machine, due to the two plates 40 and 50.

[0043] In the situations presented in relation to the figures 2 And 3, the processing machine is of the double-sided type and comprises a lower plate 40 and an upper plate 50 intended to come into contact respectively with the lower face and with the upper face of said parts 30, at least one of said plates being movable in its plane, and the method according to the invention further comprises the following step: bringing the upper plate 50 into contact with said parts 30 after mounting the loading assembly.

[0044] We now refer to the Figures 4A to 4D And 5A has 5D , in which the situation of a single-sided machine and the stages of the loading process and the processing process with this machine are symbolized.

[0045] In the case of the loading and processing methods illustrated in the Figures 4A to 4D , as in the case of Figures 2A to 2E, no liquid is used for the treatment: it is a dry destruction of the film 20 during the start of the treatment. In this case, the Figures 4A to 4C correspond respectively to situations similar to those described previously with regard to the Figures 2A to 2C . On the Figure 4C , the loading of the loading assembly 10 loaded with parts 30 is completed: the parts 30 still rest on the film 20, itself resting on the upper face of the lower platen 40 of the machine. In this case, as it is a single-sided processing machine, an upper platen is not used. Then, as illustrated in the figure 4D, the treatment begins by moving the lower plate 40 relative to the machine frame (not shown). Such a movement is symbolized by the arrow 41, and remains in the plane of the lower plate 40. This movement may be, for example, an alternating back and forth movement in a rectilinear translation, or a rotational movement of the plate, or a combination of these movements. This movement of the plate(s) 40 and 50 is possibly accompanied by a movement of the workpiece holders 12 in their cell 14.

[0046] Two phases occur during this treatment: initially, corresponding to the start of the treatment, the friction of the lower plate 40 against the film 20 placed on it disintegrates the film 20, which is transformed into particles, in principle non-abrasive, which are naturally evacuated from the machine during the rest of the treatment. This is in particular a friction between the lower plate 40 and the film 20 without any other addition of material or lubricant, in particular dry friction (unless the film, when disintegrating, produces lubricating particles). After the disappearance of the film (see figure 4D ), the treatment continues in a second step, still under the influence of the aforementioned movement, and the parts 30 now in contact by their lower face directly against the upper face of the lower plate 40, undergo the treatment provided on the machine, due to the contact of these parts with the lower plate 40.

[0047] We now turn to the Figures 5A to 5D : in this case is symbolized the situation of a single-sided machine with destruction by dissolution of the film 20 during the start of the treatment, via a liquid in the form of an abrasive suspension (aqueous or lipid based). This is a single-sided machine with treatment of the parts by liquid, in particular an abrasive suspension. In this case, the Figures 5A to 5C correspond respectively to situations similar to those described previously with regard to the Figures 2A to 2C . Then, as illustrated in the Figure 5D , the treatment begins with the supply of a liquid 61 above the plate 40 (working space), in particular in the form of an abrasive suspension, which may in particular be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. By way of non-limiting example, a nozzle 61 serves as a means of supplying liquid.

[0048] Two phases occur during this treatment illustrated in the Figure 5D: initially corresponding to the start of the treatment, the presence of the liquid 61 allows the dissolution of the film 20 which transforms into particles, in principle non-abrasive, which are naturally evacuated from the machine with the liquid during the rest of the treatment. After the disappearance of the film (see Figure 5D ), the treatment continues in a second step, still under the influence of the aforementioned movement and the liquid 61, and the parts 30 now in contact by their lower face directly against the upper face of the lower plate 40, undergo the treatment provided on the machine, due to the contact and the movement of the plate 40.

[0049] We now refer to the figures 6 to 8, representing variants of mounting the loading assembly 10 loaded with parts 30 on the processing machine. This is the situation described previously in which not only the film 20 adheres to the part holder 12 but also the parts 30 are fixed on the film 20. As a result, the loading assembly 10, 10' or 10" can be handled and loaded on the processing machine with the film 20 facing upwards. The corresponding loading and processing methods are those already described and illustrated in relation to the figures 2 to 5 , except for the differences described below. On the figure 6 , we represent the loading set 10 with the parts 30, therefore filled (as in the Figures 2B , 3B , 4B , 5B ).

[0050] On the figure 7 , we represent the case of this variant with film 20 at the top, once the loading assembly 10 loaded with parts 30 mounted on the lower plate 40 (as in the Figures 2C , 3BC , 4C , 5C ), in this case the parts 30 are directly in contact with the lower plate 40 of the machine: thus, if it is a single-sided machine, only the lower face of the parts is treated and without friction between the film 20 and the machine plates, the film may not be destroyed: in this case, it will be possible to remove the part holder 12 from the machine with the parts still attached to the loading assembly. It is then sufficient to separate each part 30 from the film after treatment.

[0051] On the figure 8 , we represent the case of this variant with film 20 at the top, once the loading assembly 10 loaded with parts 30 mounted on the lower plate 40 and the machine closed with an upper plate 50 (as in the 2D figures And 3D), in this case the parts 30 are directly in contact with the lower plate 40 of the machine and the film 20 is in contact with the upper plate 50. Thus, if it is a double-sided machine and in this case it is the friction between the film 20 and the upper plate of the machine (with or without the addition of liquid) which will destroy the film.

[0052] In the situations presented in relation to the figures 2 , 3 , 4 And 5 , when starting the processing of the parts 30, the lower plate is moved in the processing machine parallel to its plane, whereby the friction of the lower plate on the film causes the film to disappear.

[0053] Thus, in the cases set out above (except the case of the figure 7 ), when starting the processing of said parts the friction between the lower plate (upper for the figure 8) of the machine and the film causes the destruction of the film.

[0054] In the cases set out above in relation to the figures 3 And 5 , the film 20 is soluble and when starting the treatment of the parts 30, a liquid 61 is further supplied to the treatment zone, whereby the soluble film 20 is dissolved by the liquid 61 and the parts 30 come into direct contact with the lower plate 40.

[0055] In particular, the liquid may be only water, hot or cold, or an abrasive suspension. The abrasive particles may be diverse and are those conventionally used, including diamond powders, silicon carbide (SiC), alumina (Al2O3), cerium oxide, alone or in a mixture.

[0056] It is understood that thanks to the association of the film 20 and the part holder 12, a loading assembly 10 is formed which allows the parts 30 to be held in the part holder 12. It is therefore possible to prepare in advance and store the loading assemblies 10 loaded with parts 30, then place them in the processing machine. The loading time of the machine is thus greatly reduced.

[0057] In a non-limiting manner, the 30 parts are intended for watchmaking, optics, micromechanics, automobiles, aeronautics, etc.

[0058] In general, and in particular for the double-sided machine processing method, the parts 30 extend essentially in two dimensions, in particular with two plane faces parallel to each other. In this text, "plane" is understood in the general geometric sense, roughnesses that may exist. In this text, "parallel" is understood in the general geometric sense, within the limit of a maximum possible relative inclination of the order of 5° between the two faces considered. Reference numbers used in the figures

[0059] 10Loading assembly 10'Loading assembly 10"Loading assembly 12Part holder (satellite) 12aFirst face of the part holder 12bSecond face of the part holder 13Central opening 14Opening (cell) 16contour 18center 20Film (continuous) 20"Film (perforated) 21Film (restricted) 22Film (point) 23Film (point) 30parts 40Lower platen 41Arrow (lower platen movement) 50Upper platen 52Arrow (upper platen movement) 60Nozzle or liquid supply 61Liquid

Claims

1. An assembly (10) for loading parts (30) to be treated in a single-side or double-side treatment machine which has a work plate, comprising: - a part holder (12) in the form of a plate for holding at least one part to be treated, comprising a second side and a first side, said first side being flat, and said part holder (12) defining at least one through-hole forming a cell (14) for accommodating at least one part (30) to be treated, and - a film (20) mounted on the first side of the part holder (12) opposite said through-hole (14), on which rests a lower side of said part (30) to be treated at least during the loading step, said film (20) forming a temporary supporting film and being suitable for being destroyed by dissolving or by friction during the treatment by the treatment machine, allowing thereby, after the film has been eliminated, the treatment of the lower side of the part (30) by direct contact with the work plate.

2. The loading assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, in which the film (20) is soluble, preferably water-soluble.

3. The loading assembly (10) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 2, in which the part holder (12) has a circular outline and a center, and in which the part holder (12) is a planet gear comprising a toothed outline.

4. A method for loading parts (30) to be treated in a single-side or double-side machine for treating parts (30) that includes at least one lower plate intended to come into contact with the lower side of said parts (30), comprising the following steps: - providing a part holder (12) in the form of a plate, comprising a second side and a first side, said first side being flat, and said part holder (12) defining at least one through-hole forming a cell (14) for accommodating one or more part(s) to be treated, - mounting a film (20) on the first side of the part holder (12) opposite said through-hole, by which the film (20) remains affixed to the part holder (12), said film (20) forming a temporary supporting film and being suitable for being destroyed by dissolving or by friction during the treatment by the treatment machine, - placing the parts (30) to be treated in said opening or openings, said parts (30) resting on said film (20), by which a loading assembly loaded with parts (30) is formed, and - mounting said loading assembly loaded with parts (30) directly on the lower plate of the treatment machine.

5. The loading method as claimed in claim 4, in which the part holder (12) includes several cells (14) and in which said film (20) covers all of the cells (14).

6. The loading method as claimed in one of claims 4 and 5, in which said film (20) is soluble, preferably water-soluble.

7. The loading method as claimed in one of claims 4 to 6, in which the part holder (12) has a circular outline and a center, and in which the part holder (12) is a planet gear comprising a toothed outline.

8. A method for treating parts (30) in a single-side or double-side treatment machine, comprising the loading method as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, in which, during the step of mounting said loading assembly loaded with parts (30) directly on the lower plate of the treatment machine, the first side (12a) of the part holder (12) is placed on the lower plate (40) so that the film is in contact with the lower plate (40), and further comprising the step of treatment of said parts (30) with said treatment machine, by which, during the starting of the treatment, the film (20) is eliminated by the friction between the lower of the machine and the film (20), and the parts (30) directly come into contact with the lower plate during the end of the treatment.

9. The treatment method as claimed in claim 8, in which the treatment machine is a double-side treatment machine and comprises a lower plate (40) and an upper plate (50) intended to come into contact respectively with the lower side and the upper side of said parts (30), and after the mounting of said loading assembly loaded with parts (30) on the lower plate of the treatment machine, the upper plate is brought into contact with said parts (30), at least one of said plates being mobile in the plane thereof during the treatment, and in which, when the treatment of said parts (30) is started, the friction between the lower plate of the machine and the film (20) causes the destruction of the film (20), whereby the parts (30) directly come into contact with the lower plate during the end of the treatment.

10. The treatment method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9 in which said film (20) is soluble and in which, when the treatment of the parts (30) is started, a liquid is also supplied in the treatment zone, by which the soluble film (20) is dissolved by the liquid and the parts (30) directly come into contact with the lower plate.

11. The treatment method as claimed in claim 10, in which said liquid is an abrasive suspension.

12. The treatment method as claimed in claim 10 or 11, in which the liquid is water-based and the film (20) is water-soluble.

13. The treatment method as claimed in claim 10 or 11, in which the liquid is oil-based and the film (20) is oil-soluble.

14. The treatment method as claimed in one of claims 8 to 13, in which said parts (30) are intended for clockmaking, optics, microengineering, the automotive industry, or the aviation industry.