CA2057568A1 - Processes and devices for the automatic production of arborescent wire bundles - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The object of this invention is processes and devices for the automatic production of bypasses for conductor wire or optical fiber bundle comprising several branches and bypasses.
This invention enables bypasses through which each wire section of the bundle must pass to be made:
- By identifying the points associated with these bypasses for each wire section (7f) by their abscissas on each wire (7f) when they are unwound, and by placing them in bypass clips (3'f);
- By forming these bypasses by grouping all of the intermediary points associated with the same bypass into bypass clips (3'f), taking them from the clips in which they have been arranged.
Branches (7) of bundle (7a, 7b, ..., 7f) are separate and formed by moving bypass clips (3'a, 3'b, ..., 3'f) apart.
An application is the automatic production of conductor wire bundles.

Description

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Processes and devices for the automatic production of arborescent wire bundles.

The object of this invention is processes and devices for the automatic production ~f arborescent wire bundles.
The invention i5 in the technical sector of automatic wiring machine construction.
10Patent application FR 90 13137 (Claude Ricard) filed on ; October 17, 1990 describes processes and devices to make cable bundles which allow the automatic interconnection of several terminals of di~ferent electrical components and several sockets of different connector housings with conductor wire or optical fiber sectiolls.
French Patent Application FR 2,619,258 (Claude.Ricard) filed on August 7, 1987 and U.S. Patent 4,715~099 tYOSHIDA) of Decem-ber 2g, 1987 describe wiring machines wherein several conductor ; wires are transported by clips which are placed on a conveyor 20incorporated into an automatic wiring machine, said clips each holding one end of a wire section. Said Ricard patent also describes the making of conveyors and clips.
Said machines are controlled ~y a programmable central computer. They automatically cut sections of wires whose length is 25determined by the program. Said machines strip said section ends and automatically perform crimping operations.
French Patent FR-A-2,555,397 describes another type of automatic machine and a connection device for simple bundles shown in Figures 7 to 11.
30The above patents, and, in particular, Patent Application 90 13137 (Claude Ricard) recommend methods for preparing bundles.
However, automatic wiring machines made according to these patents produce burldles in which only the interconnection opera~
tions have been completed.
35Although these patents have made it possible to automate part of the production which was previously performed largely by hand, - . : : , -: ; . ::

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2~7~g the bundles made using this method must be taken manually in order to separate the branches, create bypasses or nodes, and to interconnect wires from different branches.
The bundles produced by these machines are difficult to st~re 5because the wires from the different branches tend to become tangled with each other and with the connectors.
Bundles produced in this manner must be packed separately, and care must be taken to prevent them from becoming entangled and to reduce the quality defects generated by manual follow-up manipula-tions.
Even if the automatic machines recommended by these patents are cost-effective nonetheless, this does li~it their cost-effectiveness and reliability. These problems are aggravated by the complexity of the bundle.
; 15The forming of a bundle composed of several branches with bypasses o~ten requires that the bundles be run ~n a nail board which simulates the form of the bundle.
Said nail ~oard, which is speclally-made, interferes with the flexibility o~ the automatic machines describ d in the preceding 20patents.
An object of this invention is to provide means making it possible to build automatic wiring machines for the automatic ; production of conductor wire or optical fiber bundles having formed branches.
25Another object of the present invention is to create mechan-isms making it possible to build automatic wiring machines as above which produce bundles in which the wires in the same branch are interconnected.
Another object of the in~ention is to ma~e flexible machines 30which allow the different hypasses to be made automatically.
A process according to the invention is of the known type whereby the ends of wire sections and components are transported in different clips.
The objects of the invention are reached through the use of a 35process wherein:

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, ' ' - Said components and said section ends corresponding to different branches of the hundle are placed in different clips;
- Some of said different clips are moved apart to form the bundle into different branches;
- The wires in the same branch are fastened together.
The objects of the invention are reached through the use of a process wherein:
- The wire sections are grasped and held in bypass clips at other intermediary points of the ends associated with the bundle bypasses;
- Several of said intermediary points associated with the same bypass are grouped together in the same bypass clip.
Advantageously, some of said dif~erent clips are moved apart to form the bundle into different branches.
According to a particular embodiment, the branches at the highest level are strung first.
According to a preferential embodimentl the clips are moved apart using one or more second conveyors of the same type as said first conveyor, and, advantageously, at least one of said second conveyors is placed in the extension of said ~irst conveyor.
A device for the automatic production of conductor wire or optical fiber bundles is of the known type which comprises a conveyor endowed with clips which grasp and transport wire section ends and a loading unit which positions the wire section ends in the clips transferred by said conveyor.
Advantageously, a device according to the invention comprises:
- A first conveyor endowed at least with component clips making it possible to transport components to which some ends are connected;
- Mechanisms to move said clips apart and to string the bundle branches;
- Mechanisms to connect the wires in the same branch.
According to a preferential embodiment, said mechanism to move said clips apart comprises at least one second conveyor of the same type as said first conveyor and, advantayeously, at least one of ~, , ,~

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said second conveyors is positioned in the extension of said first conveyor.
A device according to the invention advantageously comprises means to unwind wire sections of predetermined lengths associated with control mechanisms which order that the wire be unwound and which stop the wire at predetermined intermediary points corxe-spondiny to bypasses. Said control mechanisms are advantageously included in the computer in the form of software.
Some objects of the invention are reached with a loading unit, which, according to the invention, comprises mechanisms which also position intermediary points of said section in said clips of said conveyor.
Advantageously, said mechanisms also designed to position intermediary points of said section [in~ some of said clips of said conveyor are the same mechanisms as are used to position the ends, the command cycle is different, and the computer does not order that the wire be sectioned during said cycle.
A result of this invention is the construction of wiring machines, primarily an au~omatic wiring machine, allowing the automatic production of conductor wire or optical fiber bundles comprising several branches and bypasses.
Said first result allows the automatic production o~ bundles and the automation of part of the production which in the past has been performed essentially by hand: separation of branches, creation of bypasses and interconnection of wires in the same branch.
This initial result also makes it possible to produce bundles which are easier to store because the wires of different branches no longer have the same tendency to become tangled together and with the connectors, and this result enables an economîcal improve-ment to be made in the quality and cost-effectiveness of automatic wiring machines.
Another result of the invention is to allow bundles made of several branches and having bypasses to be formed without having to run said bundles on a nail board simulating the form of the bundle.

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r Another result o the invention is the creation of flexible wiring machines which form bypass~s and automatically place them in the proper positions.
The invention makas it possible to produce modular and flexible devices for forming bundles.
This invention pertains to processes and devices for the automatic production of arborescent wire bundles.
Bundle branches or portions of branches ending in components are prepared:
- By applying the appropriate treatments to the different ends;
- By placing only components from the same branch end on the same component clip.
BundIe branches or portions of branches composed of one or more ends are prepared by grouping unconnected ends together in end clips, and by only placing the ends of the same branch in th~. same end clip.
~undle branches are separated and formed:
By grasping the points neighboring the bypasses in bypass clips;
- By arranging and placing said bypass clips, said component clips, and sai~ end clips in a preferential order;
- By combining said clips while moving them apart to form bundle branches;
- By ~astening the wires in the same branch together.
The following de~cription refers to the accompanying drawings, which provide strictly non-limitative sample embodiments of devices according to the invention.
Figure 1 shows a wire bundle comprising different branches and a bypass.
Figure 2 and 3 are partial schematic plane views, from the top and elevation, of an overall device according to the invention in the process of makiny bundles such as the one described in Figure 1.

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Figures 4 and 5 are also partial schematic plane views, from the top and elevation, of an overall device in the process of making bundles such as the one described in Figure 1 using bypass clips, according to other characteristics of the invention.
Figures 6 to 12 are partial and schematic plane and top views of different stages of the formation of branches.
Figure 13 shows an elementary bundle of three wires.
Figure 14 is a schematic, partial, and perspective view of a device according to the invention showing the placement of the intermediary points of the ends, which are associated with bundle bypasses or nodes in end clips, then their grouping together in bypass clips.
Figure 14 also shows a particular embodiment of the invention wherein the branches are only connected near the bypass clips.
Figures 15 and 16 show a gripping clip for positioning one or more wires in a clip, in the process of positioning a wire in a clip, from a side view and along a partial cut in elevation.
Figure 17 is a detail view o~ the base with which the clip5 shown in Figures 15 to 19 are endowed.
Figures 18 and 19 show a clip of the known type, which can be a bypass clip as well as an and clip, from a side view and along a partial elevation cut.
Figure 20 shows a perspective view and a partial transverse section of a set of three conveyors and a carriage holding mechanisms making it possible to position the stops and clips.
Figures 2 and 3 show a device according to the invention in the process of producing bundles o~ the type shown in Figure 1.
According to the example in these figures, a first conveyor (1) transports, along the (Y'Y) axis, or in the downstream direction, interconnected components held by component clips ~3) such as (3a), and unconnected ends held in end clips (3'), such as (3'f).
Said first conveyor (1) is only partially shown. The upstream part made as recommended by patents (C. Ricard) FR 90 13137 and FR 2619258 performs the following functions:

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- Connection of the ends in adapted receptacles of components held by clips (3g~, (3a), (3c), (3b); and - Grouping together of several ends in end or group clips (3'f), (3le), (3'd)-Said part, which is upstream, delivers said clips according to reference (I) and receives unloaded clips according to reference (II) to recycle them as recommended in Patent F~ 90 13137.
First conveyor (1) is endowed with end clips (3') making it possible to transport said ends (2S), and component clips (3) making it possible to transport components (24) to which some ends are connected.
The object of this invention is to provide means making it possible to build automatic wiring machines for the automatic production of conductor wire or optical fiber bundles whose branches are formed. Thls mea~s that the branches are separated and the wires in one branch are interconnected.
Patent FR 90 13137 describes processes and devices for the automatic connection of ends of conductor wire or optical fiber sections to adapted component receptacles. This patent makes it possible to interconnect the components of a bundle, but does not recommend how to form the branches o~ said bundle.
Patent FR 2619258 describes a device ~or grouping several wires together in one end clip. It does not recommend how to make the gripping clip which allows several wires to be present in the same end clip. An embodiment of such a clip is shown in Figures 15 and 16.
According to the invention, the components are held by component clips (3) and the unconnected ends are held in end clips (3') according to a special distribution: said components (24) and said section ends (25) corresponding to different branches of the bundle are placed in different clips.
In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, each end (5a) to (5y) is on an individual clip (3g), (3'f), (3'e), (3'd), ~3a), (3c), and (3b). However, for other types of bundles, it can be ax [sic~ to fix several connectors on the same component clip (3). The same ' ~ ., , ~ ', ' '' ' ' '. ' ' 8 ~ 3~3 branch can end with several connectors placed on different clips, or can also compri~e an end group clip (3').
Figure 2 shows that a device according to the invention comprises:
- A first conveyor (1) endowed with end clips (3f), (3e~, and (3d) making it possible to transport some endsl and component clips making it possible to transport components to which other rends are connected;
- Mechanisms (2) to move said clips apart and to string the bundle branches;
- Mechanisms ~9), (10), and (11) to connect the wires of ~he same branch.
Figure 1 shows an example of a bundle which comprises several branches (7a), (7b), ..., (7h) having three nodes or bypasses (6a~, (6b), and (6c), and different ends (5a), (5b), .. , (5g).
: According to the example in Figure 2, there are end units (5d), (5e), and (5f) which respectively correspond to the di~ferent branches of the bundle, (7d), (7h), and (7f), in different clips, respectively (3d), (3e), and (3f). Conveyor (1) brings said clips to mechanisms (2) used to move said different clips apart to form the bundle into different branches.
In the device shown by Figures 2 and 3, ~aid mechanisms comprise a set of second conveyors ~2) which are parallel and of the same type as first conveyor (1).
Advantageously, as shown in Figure 2, at least one of said second conveyors (2a) is located in the extension of said first conveyor ~1).
According to the particular embodiment in Figure 2, the bundle is run over the set of conveyors (2~ so that the different branches are simultaneously strung between the clips, and through the use of rods or stops (4) which become and arrange the branches of the bundle.
Stops such as (4c), (4'c), or such as (4b), (4'b) are placed at predefined locations which correspond to bypasses (6c~ and (6b).
In association with clips such as (3g), (3'f), and (3'e), also , 3) .. . .
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For example, stop (4c) placed on slide (2"a) and group clip (3'f) placed on se~ond conveyor (2b) have predetermined posi~ions so that branch (7f) is strung. Rod (4c) is in contact with branch (7f~ at the curved abscissa on said branch corresponding to the length of said branch (7d).
Other stops such as (4x), (4y), and (4z) do not correspond to bypasses. They are advantageously placed at predetermined locations to fold branches (7d), (7a), and (7j). For example, predetermined positions of component clip (3a) of rod (4y) and rods (4d), (4'd) are such that rods (4d) and (4'd) are in contact with branch (7j) at the curved abscissa on said branch which corresponds to the length of said branch (7j). Said branch is folded by stop (4Z)-According to an advantageous embodiment in the case of thisparticular sample embodiment, said mechanisms to move said clips apart comprise multiple stops (4) which become and arrange branches (7) of the bundle.
According to Figure ~, different clips and stops are arranged on second conveyor (~a) and slide (2"a) at predetermined locations.
From upstream to downstream, we note in the following order:
component clip (3g), pairs of stops (4c) and (4'c), (4b) and (4'b), (4a) and (4'a), (4d) and (4'd), and component clip (3b). Said stops and clips are placed along parallel and neighboring conveyors in approximately the same direction.
As shown in Figure 2, branches (7g), (7e), (7c)l ~7b), and (7i) are strung by the unit composed of second conveyor (2a) and slide (2"a). Advantageously, in this manner, one of the sets of branches composed of the greatest numb~r of contiguous branches is strung along the same second conveyor or in approximately the same direction.
For the bundle shown in Figure 1, such a set of branches composed of the greatest number of contiguous branches is shown on conveyor (2a): (7g), (7e), (7c), (7b), and (7i).

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Such a unit is not unique. Another such set is (7h), (7e), (7c), (7b), and (7j).
Among several units composed of the greatest number of contiguous branches, it is advantageous to choose the one which comprises the greatest number of wire sections, counting the number of wire sections in each branch and totalling all of these subtotals for all branches.
As shown in Figure 2, the bundle includes a base trunk which is composed of branches (7g~, (7e), (7c), (7b), and (7i~ and a set of branches at level 1 ~7f), (7h), (7d), (7a), and (7j).
A bundle run on conveyors (2~ and formed according to the geometric configuration shown in Figure 1 would inclucle a base trunk composed of branches (7a), (7b~, and (5b); two level 1 branches (7c), and (7j); two level 2 branches ~7d) and (7e); and three level 3 branches (7f~, (7g), and ~7h).
Figures 2 and 3 show the device which fastens the wires in the same branch together. It comprises a commercial robot (9) endowed with an arm (11) which under the control of computer (8) can deliver link installation clip (10) to any point on the second conveyors (2) and attach said wires in the same branch together.
The link installation clip, a commercial madel, is positioned over the point of the branch to be linked. It is guided by motor (lOb) depending on the direction of the branch to be linked. It is then lowered so as to placs the set of wires of the branch in jaws (lOa) which connect the wires of the branch together when they close.
The linking clip installs the link, the jaws are reopened, and the clip is withdrawn. Al~ of these operations are performed under the control of computer (8) which executes a predetermined program.
When the bundle is entirely formed and linked, the computer suspends the operation of the device. An operator withdraws the components held by component clips (3g), (3a~, (3c), (3b), and the ends grouped in the end clips or group clips (3'f), (3'e), (3'd)~
He thus has a b~ndle of conductor wires or optical fibers whose branches are formed and connected. He then presses on push button ,: . '' :
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(12) which informs computer (~) that the clips are empty and computer (8) resumes the execution of the predetermined program.
Computer ~8) then orders conveyor (2e) to transfer component clip (3c) in the direction of axis (Y'Y) to the downstream end of said conveyor. It then orders the system for removing clips (13) to return conveyor (~4). Said devices (13), (14) are made according to the recommendations of patent FR 90 13137 (Claude Ricard) or using a commercially-available manipulator. They send this clip back to the upstream part of the device. Conveyor (1) is incorporated int~ said upstream device, which is shown only partially in Figures 2 and 3.
The computer successively orders the following.
- Movement of conveyor (2'd) to bring carriage (15d) opposite stop (4z).
_ Emergence of jack (16) which unlocks said stop from the synchronous belt through the action of wedge (17), which, penetrat-i~g opening (18), raises the foot and disengages it from the`
synchronous belt. The insertion of the wedge also enables carriage ~15d) to move stop (4z) along conveyor (2"d).
_ Displacement of conveyor (2"d) which returns stop (4z) with other stops stored at the upstream end of said conveyor. The stops are stored in this way, in a regular step which is a multiple of the step of the synchronous belt to which they are locked at the upstream end of conveyors (2"~.
_ The reentry of jack (16) which disengages wedge (17) and which locks the stop on conveyor (2"d) in said storage position.
Similarly, computer (8) orders a~l stops present on the dif~erent conveyors (2") to be transferred to storage position.
Computer (8) orders conveyor (2d) to bring foot (21), Figure 20, of component clip opposite slot (22) located immediately downstream. The computer orders conveyor (2'c) to bring carriage (15c) opposite component clip (3a) and activates jack (73) held by said carriage which pushes the component clip on the synchronous belt of conveyor (2e). The teeth of said belt are in alignment with those of conveyor belt (2d) and in alignment with the belts of ~ ~ s , , ,:

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different conveyors ~2) and (2') when they are stopped. Tha teeth of the clip base slide thereon. The course of jack ~23) is such that the clip is pushed into the axis o~ conveyor ~2e~ through openings (59) cut out regularly in all sections forming conveyors (2~ and (2'). Conveyors (2") are located at a lower level so as not to impede the movement of the clips along the (XX') axis. In the same way as it ejected clip (3c) from conveyor (2e), the computer orders the ejection of clip ~3a) carriad on conveyor (2e).
The device to move said clips apart and to string the bundle lo branches is advantageously made by juxtaposition of devices of the same type (2), (2'), (2"), shown in Figure 20, placed under the control of computer (8). In this way, conveyors (2e), (2dj, (~c), (2b), and (2a) are of the same type. Conveyors (2"d), (2"c), (2"b), and (2"a) are of the same type. Conveyors ~2'e~, (2'd), (2Ic)~ (2'b), and (2'a), made in the same way as conveyor (2a), are of the same type, and transport the same type of carriages.
Conveyor (2"'a) is of the same type as, for example, conveyor (2'a). Considering its position and actions, it is not necessary to juxtapose a stop conveyor thereon, and carriage (15"'a) does not require a jack (23).
This method of maXing the mechanism to form the bundles is advantageous because of its modularity and flexibility.
In the same way as it ordered clip ~3a) to be trans~erred to conveyor (2e), then that it be ejected to return conveyor (14~
using mechanisms of the same type, computer (8) orders that all clips be transferred to conveyor (2e) in a succession of transfers from conveyor to conveyor, and finally that they be ejected to return conveyor (14).
At this phase of sequential bundle production, conveyors ~2) are free of all clips, the stops are stored at the upstream end of conveyors (2") according to a regular step and carriages (15) are placed at the upstream end of conveyors (2').
On conveyor (1), all components and section ends correspondin(3 to different bundle branches held in different clips are ready.
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Said clips are advantageously arranged on the first conveyor according to thQ abscissa measured on ths trunk of the bypass in which the branch connecting said clip to the trunk ends.
When there is a subset of branches at least one of which is of an ordPr greater than one at a point of attachment, it is advanta-geous to repeat the same treatment for said subset. This involves placing the longest trunk in said set along the same axis. The constituent clips are arranged on conveyor (1) according to the same rule.
19 The branches of this set are advantageously treated by defining a secondary base trunk and by stringing one of the sets of branches composed of the greatest number of contiguous branches along a same second conveyor or approximately in the same direc-tion.
If computer (8) centralizes the monitoring and control of the upstxeam part (not shown) and conveyor (1), it dir~ctly controls conveyor (1). Otherwise, it performs this operation through the intermediary o~ the computer which monitors and controls this upstream part. This control also sets conveyor (2a) into motion synchronously with conveyor (l) so that the two belts o~ the same type with which they are equipped transfer the first clip of bundle (3b) of conveyor (1) to conveyor (2a). It is advantageous for one computer to supervise the overall operation and to have decentral-ized automatons on different units.
The computer controls conveyor (2'b) which moves carriage (15b) and jack (16) to transport and lock:
- A first stop (4'd) at an abscissa, measured along the (Y'Y) axis and from the (X'X) axisj slightly greater than the width of component clip (3c) along the (Y'Y) axis;
- A second stop at abscissa O upstream from conveyor (2"a) so that component clip (3c) can slide along the (XX') axis betweeri sai.d two stops.
Conveyor (2a) is activated and moves clip (3b) downstream 1:l~r a distance equal to the length of branch (7i).

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, 14 2 ~ 8 Stop ~4z) is transported and locked on the belt of conveyor (2"d) at abscissa 0 upstream there~rom through using carriage (15e) and conveyor (2'e~ as previously for stop (4d).
The computer synchronously orders conveyors (ll and (2a) to transfer clip (3c) to conveyor ~2a) and to bring it between the two stops (4d) and (4'd). Clip (3c) is thus placed between stops (4d) and (4'd) and the foot of said clip is opposite one of openings (22).
The computer orders the different conveyors (2'a), (2'b), (2'c), (2'd) and the different carriages (15) and jacks (23l to transfer clip (3g) along the (XX') axis on conveyor (2e).
All conveyors (2a), (2b), (2c), and (2d) are moved simulta-neously downstream in order to string branch (7j). The relative positions of clips (3c), (3b), and stops (4z), (4d) with respect to each other are as shown in Figure 2 within one translation and with the exception of stop (4'd) which is offset.
The computer then orders conveyor (2'a~ and jack (23) of carriage (15a) to move stop (4'd) upstream and to bring it closer to stop (4d) as shown in Figure (2).
At said stage of bundle formation, i.e., its geometric shaping, component clips (3b) and (4z), stops (4d), (4'd), and (4z) are in the same positions as in Figure 2 within one translation along the (Y'Y) axis.
The computer then synchronously offsets all conveyors (2), (2'), and (2"), to offset the portion of the bundle which has already been formed in the downstream direction and so that the abscissa o~ stop (4d~ is equal to the distance between stops (4a) and (4d) in Figure 2. The unused stops are returned upstream using carriages (15) and conveyoxs (2'~.
According to a process identical to those described above, stops (4a) and (4'a) are positioned while ].eaving space for clip (3a) to slide between them. Stop (4y) and clip (3a) are posi-tioned. The computer then synchronously offsets all conveyors (2), (2'), and (2") with the exception of conveyor (2d) which holds clip (3a), which is held immobile, in order to offset the portion of the '~

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~ C3 bundle which is already formed in the downstream direction and so as to string branch (7a). Stop (4'a) is returned upstream as above for stop (4'd).
At this stage, these diferent elements and those already positioned are arranged on conveyors (2) as shown in Figure 2.
Clip (3'd) and the corresponding stops are positioned in exactly the same way.
Clips (3'f) and (3'e) could be positioned in the same was as the preceding clips by placing each of said clips on new conveyors (2). According to another advantageous method for forming the branches which reduces the number of conveyors (2) needed, it is preferable to arrange them as shown in Figure 2. For this purpose, the computer issues the following sequence of commands:
- Synchronous movement of all conveyors (2), (2'), and (2") in order to transfer clips (3'f) and (3'e), moved apart as shown in Figure 2l on conveyor (2a). Thi~ movement simultaneously of~sets the portion of the bundle already formed in the downstream direction. The movement is such that the abscissa of stop (4b) is greater than the distance between the extre~e ends of clips ~3'f) and (3'e) as shown in Figure 2.
- The positioning of stop ~4'c) immediately upstream from stop (4b), and of stop (4c) immediately upstream from abscissa 0 on conveyor (2"a). In this way, the spacing of these two stops is greater than the space requirement of clips (3'f) and (3'e).
_ The transfer of clips (3'f) and (3'e) on conveyor ~2b).
- The synchronous transfer of all conveyors (2), (2') and (2") with the exception of conveyor (2b) carrying clips (3'f) and (3'e) which are held immobile, in order to offset the portion o~
the bundle already formed in the downstream direction and to string branch (7e). The conveyor is also controlled synchronously during this transfer. It transfers clip (3g) to conveyor (2a~ so that the distance between clip (3g) and stop (4b) is as shown in Figure 2.
- The transfer of stops (4c) and ~4'c) to their relative locations as shown in Figure 2.

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At this stage, all elements are arranged on conveyors (2) in the same manner as shown in Figure 20 According to the description provided above for the position-ing of clips (3'f) and (3'e), another method for the geometric shaping of the bundle consists of the following:
- Positioning all of the stops 50 that they maintain their relative positions, and leaving room to transfer some clips, among themselves, if necessary, which must be transferred to another conveyor, but while bringing them together as much as possible lo without taking into account the distances required for applying tension to the bundles;
- Transferring said clips to conveyor (2a), then, if applicable, to other conveyors and among said stops;
- Then moving the appropriate stops together to bypass the branches as shown in Figure 2;
- And, finally, moving the conveyors in order to string the branches and obtain the arrangement shown in Figure 2.
Figures 4 and 5 provide partial, schematic, plane views, from the top and elevation, of a device similar to the one shown in 20 Figures 2 and 3. This device is shown in the process of making bundles such as the one described in Figure 1. This device is a special embodiment o~ the invention which uses bypass clips.
These ~igures show that all components in the bundle are held as previously by clips (3g), (3'f), (3'e), (3'd), (3a), and (3c).
The branches are held either by group clips (3'), by component clips (3), or, finally, by bypass clips ~3"): branch (7g~ between (3g) and (3"c'), branch ~7e) between (3"c') and (3"e~, etc.
Bypass clips (3"), end clips, and group clips ~3') are advantageously identical and are made according to the sample embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 17.
According to the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, bypass clips (3"), designed to grasp and hold several wires, hold the set:
o~ wires of a branch at intermediary points whi.ch are associai-.c~d with bypasses.

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According to the advantageous embodiment shown, the branch wires of a bypass are held separately, branch by bra~ch, in several contiguously-arranged bypass clips ~3") such as [3"c), (3"c'), ~3"c"). Said clips have a given space requirement and there is a minimum length of wire inside or between their jaws. Within this space requirement, said bypass clips grasp the wires at the same points as those which were in contact with the stops as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
According to a variation of the invention, said contiguous clips can be grouped together into a single device, and, in particular, clips can be used for this purpose to enable the grasping and holding of several wires in a given ordex in a limited space. The clips of this type described in Patent Application FR 90 13137 (Claude RICA~D) are particularly advantageous.
The unusable lengths inherent in said space requirement depend on the embodiment and arrangement of said clips.:
Nithin these unusable lengths, said intermediary points, which are associated with bypasses and which are held by said bypass clips, there are also bypass points designated with reference (6) in Figure 1.
The upstream part which delivers said clips according to reference (I) and which receives the unloaded clips according to reference (II) to recycle them is shown in Figure 14.
Advantageously, according to this particular embodiment of the process, it is no longer necessary to run the entire bundle in a configuration which strings all of the branches simultaneously.
According to the embodiment in Figure 4l only said bypass clips with the different other clips are moved apart to shape the bundle, and advantageously ths different branches are strung and if applicable linked one after the other.
Advantageously, as for the device shown in Figures 2 and 3, and in the same manner, one of the sets of branches composed of the greatest number of contiguous branches is strung along the same second conveyor or approximately in the same direction.

.. . . ..
- :, According to the first phase of the example in which the bundle is formed ~hown in Figure 1, stop (4w) is positioned as shown above using carriage (15a) and conveyor (2la). Conveyors (1) and (2a~ are driven synchronously in order to transfer the set o~
clips and to make the configuration shown in Figure 6 out of the distribution as shown in Figure 4.
As shown in Fi~ure 7 and in the same way as above for the device in Figure 2:
- Clip (3b) is transferred to conveyor (2b) using a carriage (15"'a) which is moved by conveyor (2"'a);
- Branch (7i) is bypassed by stop (4w). It is strung by moving clip (3b) downstream using conveyor (2b);
- Three links (7'i), (7"i), and (7"'i) are positioned by the manipulator endowed with linking clip (9).~, (11), and (10).
Depending on the length of branch (7i), the computer orders stop (4w) to move downstream in order to allow clip (3b) to be transferred to conveyor (2a).
Clip (3b) is then returned on conveyor (2a) using carriage (15l"a) moved by conveyor (2"'a). In this case and according to the sample embodiment in Figure 2G, jack (23~ pulls clip (3b) using device (23a).
If necessary, stop (4w) can be returned to the position shown in Figure 6. The arrangement of the overall bundle and the different clips is then as shown in said Pigure 6 with three linXs (7'i), (7"i), (7"'i~, which interconnect the wires o~ branch (7i).
According to the ~econd phase of the example for ~orming the bundle shown in Figure 1, conveyors (1) and (2a) are driven synchronously in order to transfer the set of clips and to make ~he geometric configuration shown in Figure 8 out of the one shown in Figure 6. Three l.inks (7'j), (7"j), (7"'j) are installed.
Branch (7b) is struny, then endowed with three links (7'b), (7"b), (7"'b), like branch (7i).
Conveyors (2a) and (2b) are then driven synchronously in order to transfer the set of clips they carry, and to produce the configuration shown in Figure 9.

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As above, clip (3c~ is taken back on conveyor (2a), conveyors (2a) and (2b~ are transferred upstream, and, if necessary, stop (4w) is returned to the position shown in Figure 8. The arrange ment of the overall bundle and the different clips is then as shown in Figure 8 with three links (7'b), (7"b), (7"'b), which fasten the wires of branch (7b) together and with three links ~7'j), (7"j), (7"';) which interconnect the wires of branch (7j).
According to the third phase in the example for forming the bundle shown in Figure 1, conveyors (1) and t2a) are driven synchronously to transfer the set of clips and to make the geometric distribution in Figure 8 into the distribution in Figure lO. Tension is applied to branches (7a) and (7c) and the links are installed on said branches as above.
~igure 11 shows a method of stringing and linking branches (7g), (7f), and (7h) through the use of three conveyors (2a~, (2b), and (2c) as above.
Figure 12 shows the finished bundle delivered to the operator, who must disengage the housings from clips ~3) and the branches from clips (3'~, and (3"). The computer, which had suspended the operation of the set of conveyors (2), orders that the empty clips be removed as soon as the operator presses on button (12) to indicate that he has completed the bundle unloading operation.
According to the above-described process, different branches are strung one after the other, and in the order in which the different clips are arranged on the conveyor.
According to another embodiment which does not comprise conveyors to string the branches, the clip5 are moved by a manipulator. Advantageously, in this case, said manipulator can be the same as the one holding the linking clip. Advantageously, in this case, the clips are arranged on a table which comprises multiple mechanisms to attach the clips. Said attachment mecha--nisms can be made of sockets into which the bases of said clips are inserted, or of male-female complementary form details distributc~(!
among the bases o~ said table.

.

20 ~7~&8 According to another embodiment of the invention using a manipulator, said table and said clips advantageously comprise magnetic elements, ~or example, a soft iron plate or a set of magnets. The clips are attached by magnetic attraction.
Figure 13 shows an elementary bundle of three wires: (24), (25~, (26). Said bundle comprises three ends: (A), (B), (C~ and a bypass or node (A'), and is made of three branches t27), (28)/
and (29).
According to the example in Figure 13, branch (27) comprises, between end zone (A) and bypass zone (A'), a part of wire sections (26) and (24). The end of the wire (26) of end zone (A) is labelled (24A).
Figure 14 shows a device according to the invention in the process of making bundles of the type shown in Figure 13.
Downstream from said device, we note two of these bundles.
Their ands (A), (B), and (C) as well as the intermediary points associated with bypass (A') are held in clips.
Conveyor (1') is only shown partially. The sequence of clips (3"a), (3l'b) to (3"m) continue until (3"t.) in the part of said conveyor which is not shown. This part which is not shown also comprises empty clips (3"a'), ~3"b'), and (3"c') which are followed by clips (3"d) to (3'lt'). It can also comprise several sequences o clips such as (3"a) to (3"t). The sequence of clips (3"al) to (3'~t') which is farthest upstream i5 the same type of sequence being positioned in clips.
Figure 14 is truncated in the downstream direction and comprises two references, I and II. The part which is not shown can be one of the devices partially shown in Figures 4 and 5, which also comprise references I and II. In this case, link installation unit (55) is optional because the links are installed by these devices.
According a special and advantageous embodiment, the branches are fastened near the bypass clips by the link installation unit ; (55) placed along the clip transfer path. The downstream part tnot shown) in this case is limited to the mechanism to recycle the . , , 21 2~:~7~
clips defined in Patent Application FR 9o 13137 (Claude Ricard) filed on October 17, 1990, and to the bundle unloading mechanisms.
These mechanisms defi~ed in other respects in the present patent advantageously comprise an electrical button (12), as in the device in Figure 2, which allows the operator to indicate that he has removed the bundle. The computer, which had suspended the operation of conveyor (1"), is connected to this button. It orders that the empty clips be removed as soon as it receives the signal emitted when the operator presses said button (12).
The loading unit shown in Figure 14 is of the known type which makes it possible to position ends (A), (B), ~C) of wire sections (24), (25), (26) in end clips (3"). However, according to the invention, this device is endowed with complementary mecha~isms used to grasp and hold the wire section in the bypass clips and at other intermediary points of the ends which are associated with bundle bypasses.
Said end clips and said bypass clips are advantageously i~entical.
Said loading unit (30) is a part of a device for the automatic production of conductor wire or optical fiber bundles which is shown only partially and schematically in Figure 14. Said device comprises a conveyor ~1') mada according to a known method, endowed with clips (3") which grasp and transport the wire section ends.
The dif~erent clips are distinguished by an index, for example (3"a3 and (3"a').
Said loading unit positions wire section ends in said clips transferred by said conveyor, and it comprises means which also position intermediary points of said section in some of said clips.
According to the nonrestrictive sample embodiment in Figure 14, wire (31) is taXen between rollers (33) which are driven in rotation by motors (34) so as to unwind spool (32) and to inject it into telescopic tube (35).
The telescopic tube can be retracted to position (35a) to allow scissors (37) to cut the wire flush with the tube or to allow gripping clip (38) to grasp it.

' 22 2~7~
Wire (31) can be positioned in double fork (36) by moving said tube forward, then by moving tha wire into position (35b~. They move through double fork-shaped guide ~36) and the wire remains in this ~ork when the tube is retracted.
5According to the example in Figure 14, the loading unit also comprises a gripping clip (38) shown in detail in Figures 15 and 16, which is moved by mechanisms comprising:
- A rotating jack (41) which makes it possible to deliver gripping clip (38) moved rotationally by motor (39~ above:
10~ Either bypass clip (3'!t) to engage a wire therein, the gripping clip in this case being as shown as (38) and the motor, in ~39);
Or double fork (36) to take the wire therefrom; gripping clip in this case being as (38a) and the motor, (39);
15- An indexed motor ~39) which makes it possible to rotate gripping clip ~381 and to deliver it, as shown, ovex bypass clip (3"t) and over double fork (36). The rotation takes place in the cl~ckwise or the rounterclockwise direction around the axis of ~ertical shaft (40), paxallel to the Z'Z axis. Under the ef~ects : 20of said first two mechanisms, the final result of the movements of gripping clip (38) from double fork (36) to the clip is either a . simple translation or said translation associated with a 180 rotation of said clip around axis ~40').
~ A jack (40~ which enables the following to occur during :~: 25vertical displacements parallel to the Z'Z axis.
Either in taking position (38a): to take part of the wire by moving gripping clip (38) downward, jaws open, between the teeth of double fork ~36), closing said jaws on the wire guided in said double fork and moving said gripping clip holding said part of 30the wire back upward;
Or in transfer position (38): to transfer said part o~
the wire held in said bypass clip (3"t) by moving clip (38) placed over clip (3"t) downward, which engages the wire between the bea];s of said end clip, then by moving it back upward, jaws open.

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As a non-restrictive exam~le, the device in Figure 14 positions wire (24) by performing the following sequence of actions ordered in succession by computer (42~:
- Initially, the device is in the following state:
Tube (35) is retracted in position (35a);
The wire is cut flush with end (35a);
~ Gripping clip ~38) is place~ in loading position perpendicular to double ~ork (36) with its jaws aligned in order to grasp along the X'X axis.
- Production of a new bundle begins with the positioning of nine empty bypass clips (3"a'), (3"b'), ..., (3"i') on conveyor ( 1 ' ) ;
- Positioning of downstream end (26"C) begins.
- An end clip ~3"j') is placed on conveyor (li) which is moved one step forwaxd and which delivers it in loading position;
The tube is brought out to position (35b). ~otors (34) are ordered to unwind the wire to ~aid position ~35b). The tube is then retracted to position (35a). It exposes the end of the wire which is now guided in double fork (36).
- The gripping clip is moved downward, jaws open, between the teeth of fork (36). The jaws are closed on the wire. The gripping clip is moved back up with the wire.
- Gripping clip (38) is moved to transfer position over end clip (3";') in a translation movement coupled with a 180 rotation.
25 The end which was directed along the X'X axis at the outlet of tube ; (35) is thus returned and held along the XX' axis. Gripping clip (38) transfers said end directed along the XX' axis into end clip (3";'). During all of these movements of the gripping clip, the wire is delivered by motors (34~ as needed for movements.
- Gripping clip (38) is returned empty to taking position.
- The new bypass clip (3"k') is placed on conveyor (1') which is advanced one step.

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- The wire is unwound by motors (35) until it places said first predetermined intermediary point of said section to be positioned in bypass clip (3"k') in double fork (36).
- Gripping clip (38) moves downwaxd in open position, grasps the wire, and moves back upward. It is moved to transfer position, while motors (34) si~ultaneously deliver the wire necessary for this movement. This movement is generally a transla-tion movement: the end of the wire which was directed along the X'X axis at the outlet of tube (35) is still held along the X'X
axisu Gripping clip (38) transfers this end directed along the X'X
axis into bypass clip (3"k').
- Gripping clip (38) returns empty to taking position.
- The positioning of the ~irst intermediary point of wire (26') corresponding to bypass (A') ends, and the positioning of the second intermediary point of wire ~26') corresponding to bypass (A') begins.
- The wire is unwound by motors (35) until the second predetermined intermediary point of said section to be positianed in bypass clip (3"1') is placed in double fork ~36).
- Gripping clip (38) moves downward in open position, grasps the wixe, moves back upward and displaces toward the transfer position, while motors (34) simultaneously deliver the wire needed for this movement. This movement is generally a translation movement coupled with a 180 rotation: the end of the wire which was directed along the X'X axis at the outlet of tube ; (3S) is thus returned and held along the XX' axis.
- The new bypass clip (3"1') is placed on conveyor (l') which is advanced one step.
- Gripping clip (38) transfers said end dir~cted along the XX' axis into bypass clip (3"1l).
- Gripping clip (38) returns empty to taking position.
- The positioning of the second intermediary point of wi~
(26') corresponding to bypass (A') ends and the positioning c~i upstream end (26"A) begins.

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- The new clip (3"m') is placed on conveyor (1') which is advanced one step.
- The wire is unwound by motors (35) until the second end of wire section (~6') is placed in the axis of scissors (37).
5- Gripping clip (38) moves downward in open position, grasps the wire and holds it.
- Scissors (37) cut the wire at level t35a).
- Gripping clip (38) moves back upward and displaces to transfer position~ This movement is generally a translation 10movament; the end which was directed along the X'X axis at the outlet of tube (35) is held along the X'X axis.
- Gripping clip (38) transfers this end directed along the X'X axis into end clip (3"u).
- Gripping clip (38) returns empty to taking position~
; 15~ The positioning of the upstream end (26"C) of wire (26') is completed.
- Downstream end (25"A) of intermediary points (25"A') and downstream end (25"C) of wire (25') are positioned in the same way as wire (26') described in detail above.
20- Downstream end (24"B) of intermediary points (24"A') and upstream end (24"A) of wire (24') are po~itioned in the samP way.
The positioning o~ the ends in end clips and the predetermined intermediary points in bypass clips is completed.
The production of a new bundle is resumed with the positioning 25on the conveyor of nine empty bypass clips which will advanta-geously be the same type as the preceding ones.
Advantageously and as described above and shown in Figure 14, an intermediary point of a wire associated with a bypass is held at two points using two bypass clipsD clips (3"k) and (3"1) for wire 30(26).
The device, shown in Figure 14, thus advantageously comprises mechanisms to unwind wire sections of predetermined lengths as welt as control mechanisms which order the wire to be unwound, and which stop the wire at predetermined intermediary points corresponding to 35bypasses. In the nonrestrictive case in this example, said control ' ~i7P~8 mechanisms are advantageously included in the form of software in computer (42). Another advantageous solution consists of placing a programmable automaton or a secondary computer (42'~ on the loading unit and connecting it by a link to main computer (42).
5 Said automaton specifically controls said unit and orders the o~erall actions, whose definitions it receives through said link, to be performed.
Figure 14 shows end clips such as (3";') and ~3"m'), holding ends such as (26'C) and (26'A). It also shows bypass clips such as (3"k') and (3"1'), holding intermediary points associated with bypasses such as (26'A'). Said figure shows that wire sections are grasped and held in bypass clips at other intermediary points of the ends which are associated with bundle bypasses.
According to Figure 14, said clips are transferred by conveyor (1') to grouping unit (43) which makes it possible to group several of said intermediary points which are associated with the same bypass into the same ~ypass clip.
According to the sample em~odiment in Figure 14, conveyor (1') has transferred clips (3"k) and (3"j) and nine empty clips (3'la) to (3"i) into the field of action of transfer unit (43).
The transfer unit is advantageously placed astride two independently-motorized conveyors. According to the example in Figure 14, synchronous belt (1l) conveyor ends between clips (3"j) and (3"i). It drives the clips to clip (3"j). It is followed by conveyor (1') which drives the clips beginning with clip (3"i~.
Two corresponding clip opening systems are placed in front of the clips located in the last two positions of conveyor (1'~, clips (3"k) and (3"j) in Figure 14. Such a system, which is shown in Figure 15 according to reference (56), is knownO
The transfer unit is advantageously endowed with gripping mechanisms which can simultaneously grasp two intermediary points, and the field of action of said transfer unit (43) encompasses at least two clips on upstream conveyor (1') in order to transfer the two intermediary points of a wire associated with the same bypass J

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simultaneously to two bypass clips held by downstream conveyor ( 1 ' ) .
Figure 14 shows a sample embodiment of said transfer unit (43). A manipulator is endowed with two gripping clips (44) and (44'), of the same type as gripping clip ~38). Said manipulator is also endowed with mechanisms making it possible to move them from one point to another on said conveyor.
A first part of said displacement mechanism consists of two jacks (45~, (45') similar to jack (41) which make it possible to lower gripping mechanism (44), ~44') independently to the level of clips (3"a) to (3"j).
; The second part of said mechanisms is of the fastening lug type. Motor (46) drives endless screw (47) in rotation, said ~; endless screw cooperating with the nut attached to mobile unit (48). Said nut drives said unit (48) in translatio~, guided by slides (49) along the conveyor so that the gripping components move perpendicularly to clips (3'~a) to (3"j).
To enable said first manipulator (44) to grasp the end held by clip (3"j) which is then opened by opening mechanisms associated therewith, to disengage said end from said clip, which is closed again after it has been emptied, to move and engage said end in another predetermined clip (3"a~ to (3"i~ [sic]. Clip (3"j) is then ejected to the return conveyor according to an embodiment recommended in Patent FR 90 13137 (Claude Ricard). Mechanisms (19) for ejecting the empty clips from conveyor (1') to the return conveyor are located at the level of clips (3"k) and (3"j) as shown in Figure 14.
Said gripping components comprise clips (38') and (38") made according to the example in Figures 15 and 16. To engage the wire, clip (38') forces the beaks (50) of clip (3"j) to open.
According to Figure 16, the beaks are moved apart by the action of said wire which acts as a wedge on part (50a) of said beaks. The 1'V" shape facilitates the opening of said beaks pivoting around axes (52b) and held closed by springs (51).

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According to the embodiment in Figures 15 and 16, the gripping clip advantageously comprises a push finger (53~ which can become engaged between the beaks of the clip and which supports the wire when it becomes engaged in a clip and which holds it temporarily during the retraction phase.
According to this figure, the wire is held by gripping clip (38') made according to the example in Figures 15 to 19. When the wire is inserted into a clip, said wire is held, among other things, by finger (53) which supports the wire which repels piston (52). At the end of the downward course, the lower part of finger (53~ is at the same level as the internal form detail (50b) of the beaks.
Advantageously, said finger comprises a form detail (69) in its lower part in contact with the wire in order to hold the wire, and whose profile is V-shaped or concave.
If the clip is made by interlocking beaks or if the clip comprises form details which impede the use of a finger as shown, said finger will advantageously be cut out in order to slide between said beaks or to avoid said form details.
Tn this way, the wire or different wires present in the clip are held temporarily and especially when the beaks are forced to open by the wire positioned by compression between piston ~52~
pushed toward the finger by spring (54) and finger (53). Said wires are also compressed and held by shearing b~tween the edges of piston t52) and the edges of fingers (S0) closed by springs (51).
Even if the gripping clip engages a wire in an empty clip at this stage of action of the device, we note that the positioning action is performed in the same way no matter how many wires have already been tak~n in the clip.
The cavity composed of profile (50b) of the beaks and profile (52a) of the piston is adapted to the volume of the wire it holds compressed. Moreover, as when a wire is inserted, the wire itse1.
forces the beaks to open; the beaks open only enough to allow it tc, pass, and the wires it already holds cannot escape.

-, , ' :

2~ 7~6 According to the example shown in Figure 14, after having ordered the downstream end of wire t26) to b~ taken, end (26C) in clip (3-1j), the computer moves mobile unit (48) to bring component (44) in perpendicular position to clip (3"a). It engages said end in said empty clip of said conveyor by moving the gripping mechanism to the lower position as described above.
The computer also orders:
- The simultaneous transfer of intermediary points (26A') of wire (26) held by clips (3"k) and t3"1) to clips (3"c) and (3"d~
arranged in the field of unit (43);
~ The transfer of end (26A) held by clip (3"m) into clip (3"h);
- The transfer of downstream end (25C) of wire (25) held by clip (3"n) to clip (3"b);
- The simultaneous transfer of intermediary points (25A') of wire (25) held by clips (3"o) and (3"p) to cli~s (3"c) and (3"e).
- The transfer of upstream end (25B) of wire (25) held by clip (3"q) to clip (3"f);
- The transfer of downstream end (24B) of wire (24) held by clip (3"r) to clip (3"g).
- The simultaneous transfer of intermediary points (24A') of wire (24) held ~y clips (3"s) and t3"t) to clips (3"e) and (3"~)i _ The transfer of upstream end (24A) to clip r3"i).
Advantageously, as described above and shown in Figure 14, the wires of the branches of a bypass are arranged and held separately, branch by branch, in several contiguously-arranged bypass clips (3").
Figure 14 also shows a particular embodiment of the invention wherein the branches are attached near the bypass clips by link installation unit (55).
According to Figure 14, said link installation unit is located downstream from transfer unit (43). It is composed of a jack 156), controlled by computer (42), which lowers the linking clip of the .

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known type (lo) so that its beaks (lOa) grasp the set of wires of a branch held in the bypass clip which conveyor (1") delivers to it. The computer then orders the linking clip to fasten together the set of wires of said branch, to open beaks (lOa), and to return the linking clip to the position above said bypass clip.
According to the embodiment shown in Figure 14 and described above:
- A first conveyor endowed with end clips to grasp and hold said ends is transferred by intermittence.
- Said ends are grasped, held, and transferred by intermit-tence along a specific transfer path using said end clips of said first conveyor.
- Said end clips are used to deliver some of said ends to - end processing units arranged laterally along said transfer path.
~ 5aid ends are modified using said end processing units.
- Said ends are delivered to a coupling unit which groups several ends together in the same end clip.
- Said ends are delivered to an interchange unit which changes the order of some of said e~ds on said first conveyor.
- Several of said ends are delivered to a connection unit which connects some of said ends to components attached to a component clip.
- Said component clip is positioned on said first conveyor when all of the ends are connected.
- Several of said intermediary points associated with the same bypass are grouped together in the same bypass clip.
- Said bypass clips are moved apart with said different clips in order to form the bundle.
Figure 20 is a partial perspective transverse section view of the detailed embodiment of:
- A set of three conveyor belts: (2), (2'), and (2");
- A stop (4); and - A carriage (15) transportiny means to position the stops and clips, and especially jacks (23~ and (16).
.

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Clip conveyor (2) transports a clip (3) (only one foot of which is shown) through the use of belt ~60). Said foot comprises a sole plate (57) whose width ~57a) is slightly smaller than the width (58) of the section so that the base can be guided effective-ly in the section.
Length (57b) is slightly shorter than the length o~ a notch (58) to allow the clip to be transferred along the (X7X) axîs.
Said transfer is per~ormed by slidinq the clip by pulling or pushing. The teeth of the base then slide on the teeth of belts (60) and ~61), and on the teeth of racks (62) and (63) cut in the section. The teeth of the belts, in clip transfer position, and the teeth of said racksl are aligned.
Said clip is pushed using jack (23), or is pulled with said jack and elastic component (23a). Said device (23a) is made of a hollow elastic rubber component. Said component may be pressurized and inflated like a balloon by injecting compres~ed air into it through hollow axis (23b). Said component can also be left at rest by placement in open aix. At rest, said device (23a) freeiy enters the corresponding hole (64) with which clip ~3a) is endowed. After having engaged in said hole~ it is inflated and expanded by ~injection of compressed air, which allows jack (23) to pull clip (3).
Carriage (15) is made according to Figure 20. It comprises teeth (68) meshed with the teeth of synchronous belt (61) of conveyor (2'). Said belt, which forms a motor-driven loop, makes it possible to move carriage (15) and to bring the axis of the jack it holds in correspondence with the axis of hole (64).
The displacement of conveyor (2') also makes it possible to bring carriage (15d) opposite stop ~4z) so as to align wedge (17) with opening (18).
Foot ~19) is held in contact with the synchronous belt through the use of friction washer ~66) and elastic component (67).
The emergence of jack (16) engages said wedge (17) in opening (18)~ Wedge (17) raises rod (65) and foot (19~ while compressing the elastic piece or spring (67). Teeth (66a) of foot ~19) , ,~
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2~7~8 disengage from ~omplementary teeth ~66b) of synchrvnous belt (20).
After these teeth have disengaged, carriage ~15) allows stop (4) to ~ove along conveyor (2").

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Claims (23)

1. Process for the automatic production of conductor wire or optical fiber bundles which may comprise several branches and bypasses, of the type in which ends of wire sections and components are transported in different clips wherein:
- Said components (24) and said ends (25) of sections corresponding to different bundle branches are placed in different clips;
- Some of said different clips are moved apart to form the bundle into different branches;
- The wires in the same branch are fastened together.

2. Process according to claim 1 wherein one of the sets of branches composed of the greatest number of contiguous branches is strung along the same second conveyor, or approximately in the same direction.

3. Process according to claim 1 wherein one of the sets of branches, composed of contiguous branches, which comprises the greatest number of wire sections, a number calculated by counting the number of wire sections in each branch and by totalling all of said subtotals for all branches of the set of continuous branches under consideration, is strung along the same second conveyor, or approximately in the same direction.

4. Process according to any one of the above claims wherein some of the following operations are also performed - A first conveyor endowed with end clips to grasp and hold said ends is transferred by intermittence.
- Said ends are grasped, held, and transferred by intermit-tence along a given transfer path using said end clips of the first conveyor.
- Said end clips are used to deliver some of said ends to end processing units places laterally along said transfer path.
- Said ends are modified using said end processing units.
- Said ends are delivered to a coupling unit which groups several ends in the same end clip.

- Said ends are delivered to an interchange unit which changes the order of some of said ends on said first conveyor.
- Several of said ends are delivered to a connection unit which connects some of said ends to components attached to a component clip.
- Said component clip is positioned on said first conveyor when all ends are connected.
- Wire sections are grasped and held in bypass clips, at other intermediary points of the ends, which are associated with bundle bypasses.
- Several of said intermediary points associated with the same bypass are grouped in the same bypass clip.

5. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein:
- Wire sections are grasped and held in bypass clips at other intermediary points of the ends, which are associated with bundle bypasses.
- Several of said intermediary points associated with the same bypass are grouped in the same bypass clip.
- Said different clips are used to move said bypass clips apart to form the bundle.

6. Process according to any one of the above claims wherein several branches are strung one after the other.

7. Process according to any one of the above claims wherein the clips are moved apart using one or more second conveyors of the same type as said first conveyor.

8. Process for the automatic production of conductor wire or optical fiber bundles which may comprise several branches and bypasses, of the type in which ends of wire sections and components are transported in different clips wherein:
- A first conveyor endowed at least with component clips (3) making it possible to transport components (24) to which some of the ends are connected;
- Mechanisms to move said clips (2) apart and to string the bundle branches;

- Mechanisms (9), (10) to join the wires in the same branch.

9. Device according to claim 8 wherein said mechanism to move said clips apart comprises at least one second conveyor of the same type as said first conveyor.

10. Device according to claim 8 wherein said mechanism to move said clips apart comprises multiple stops (4) which become and arrange the branches (7) of the bundle.

11. Device according to claim 8, said device comprising mechanisms to unwind wire sections of predetermined lengths wherein it comprises control mechanisms which order the wire to be unwound and which stop the wire at predetermined intermediary points corresponding to bypasses.

12. Process for the automatic production of conductor wire or optical fiber bundles which can comprise several branches and bypasses, of the type in which wire section ends and components are transported in different clips wherein:
- Wire sections are grasped and held in bypass clips at other intermediary points of the ends, which are associated with bundle bypasses;
- Several of said intermediary points, which are associated with the same bypass, are grouped in the same bypass clip;

13. Process according to claim 1 wherein some of said clips are also moved apart to form the bundle into several branches.

14. Process according to claim 12 wherein the wires of the branches of a bypass are held separately, branch by branch, in several contiguously-placed bypass clips (3").

15. Process according to claim 12 wherein an intermediary point associated with a bypass is held at two points.

16. Process according to claim 12 wherein the branches are attached near the bypass clips.

17. Device comprising mechanisms to unwind wire sections of predetermined lengths wherein it comprises control mechanisms which order the unwinding of the wire and which stop the wire at predetermined intermediary points corresponding to bypasses.

18. Device according to claim 17 wherein said control mechanism is included in the computer in the form of software.

19. Device according to claim 17, for the automatic produc-tion of conductor wire or optical fiber bundles of the type which comprises a conveyor endowed with clips which grasp and transport wire section ends and a loading unit which positions the wire section ends in said clips transferred by said conveyor wherein said loading unit comprises a mechanism also to position intermedi-ary points of said section in some of the clips of said conveyor.

20. Device according to claim 19 wherein it comprises a transfer unit to transfer and group the intermediary points associated with the same bypass into bypass clips.

21. Device according to claim 20 wherein the transfer unit is endowed with gripping mechanisms which can simultaneously grasp two intermediary points. t

22. Device according to claim 20 wherein the transfer unit is placed astride two conveyors which are independently motorized.

23. Device according to claim 17 wherein it comprises:
- A first conveyor endowed at least with component clips (3) making it possible to transport components (24) to which` some ends are connected;
- Mechanisms to move said clips (2) apart and to string bundle branches;
- Mechanisms (9), (10) to join the wires of the same branch.