Clamp comprising a multi-part guide path

Device for assisting with the working of mechanical parts, comprising:

• a flange (5) having at least two parts (13A, 13B, 13C) joined together with the ability to move relative to one another in a common plane, up to a closed position of the flange (5) in which the parts are joined together;
• a locking device that can be actuated in the closed position of the flange to bring the said parts (13A, 13B, 13C) into mutual abutment;
• at least two rails (49);
• characterised in that it further comprises a set of resilient supports (57) by means of which each rail (49) is connected to at least one respective part (13A, 13B, 13C) of the flange with limited scope for relative movement;
• the adjacent end faces of two rails (49) have mating surfaces forming a connection by positive locking, this connection being active in the vicinity of the closed position;
• each connection is arranged so as to guide the adjacent end faces relative to one another in a movement relative to said parts (13A, 13B, 13C), to a working position in which the rails (49) form a guide path for one or more tools, and in order to help keep these rails (49) in mutual abutment, in this working position, when the locking device is actuated.