EP0490795B1 - Process and device for the automatic production of cable harnesses - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to methods and devices for automatically manufacturing tree bundles of wires.

The technical sector of the invention is that of the construction of automatic wiring machines.

Patent application FR 90 13137 (RICARD Claude), filed on October 17, 1990, describes methods and devices for making wiring harnesses making it possible to automatically interconnect several terminals of various electrical components and several cells of various connector boxes with sections of conductive wires or optical fibers.

The French patent application FR 2,619,258 (RICARD Claude) filed on August 7, 1987 and the American patent 4,715,099 (YOSHIDA) of December 29, 1987 describe wiring machines in which we transport several conductive wires by means of clamps which are placed on a conveyor part of an automatic wiring machine, which clamps each hold one end of a section of wire. This RICARD patent also describes the production of conveyors and grippers.

These machines are controlled by a programmable central computer. They automatically cut sections of wire whose length is determined by the program. They strip these and they automatically perform the crimping operations.

French patent FR-A-2,555,397 describes another type of automatic machine and a connection device for simple beams shown in FIG. 7 to 11.

The document EP-A-0 305 307 (A.R.A.) describes clamps, fitted to conveyors of automatic wiring machines, intended to hold one or more conductive wires.

The previous patents and in particular patent application 90 13137 (Claude RICARD) teach methods of preparing the 5 beams.

However, the automatic wiring machines produced according to these patents manufacture harnesses for which only the interconnection operations are carried out.

If these patents have made it possible to automatically carry out part of the manufacturing done previously essentially by hand, the bundles thus manufactured must be taken up manually to carry out the separation of the branches, create the branches or knots, and to tie the wires of the various branches.

The bundles delivered by these machines are difficult to store because the wires of the various branches tend to get tangled between them and with the connectors.

Bundles produced in this way must be carefully packed separately to avoid tangling and to reduce the quality defects which are generated by manual reworking.

Even if the automatic machines taught by these patents are still profitable, this limits their profitability and reliability. These drawbacks are compounded by the complexity of the beam.

The shaping of a bundle formed of several branches with branches often requires extending the bundles on a nail board which simulates the shape of the bundle.

This nail board which is made to order breaks the flexibility of the automatic machines described in the previous patents.

As a state of the art, the German review "ELEKTRONIK", 25 / 13.12.1985, pages 182 to 184 can be cited.

An object of the present invention is to provide means allowing the construction of automatic wiring machines for automatically manufacturing bundles of conductive wires or optical fibers whose branches are formed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means allowing the construction of automatic wiring machines as above delivering bundles whose wires of the same branch are attached to each other.

Another objective of the invention is to obtain flexible machines which make it possible to automatically carry out the various diversions.

These objectives are achieved by a device according to claim 1.

A method according to the invention is of the known type according to which the ends of sections of wires and components are transported in various clamps.

• on dispose lesdits composants et lesdites extrémités de tronçons correspondant à des branches différentes du faisceau dans des pinces différentes,
• on écarte certaines desdites diverses pinces pour conformer le faisceau en diverses branches,
• on attache ensemble les fils d'une même branche.

The objectives of the invention are achieved by a process according to which:

• said components and said ends of sections corresponding to different branches of the bundle are placed in different clamps,
• we spread some of said various clamps to conform the bundle into various branches,
• we tie together the wires of the same branch.

• on saisit et maintient le tronçon de fil dans des pinces de dérivation, en d'autres points intermédiaires des extrémités, qui sont associés à des dérivations du faisceau,
• on regroupe dans une même pince de dérivation plusieurs desdits points intermédiaires qui sont associés à une même dérivation.

The objectives of the invention are achieved by a process according to which:

• the wire section is gripped and held in bypass clamps, at other intermediate points of the ends, which are associated with bundle diversions,
• several of said intermediate points which are associated with the same branch are grouped together in the same branch clamp.

Advantageously, some of said various clamps are moved aside to conform the bundle into various branches.

According to a particular embodiment, the higher level branches are stretched first.

According to a preferred embodiment, the clamps are separated by means of one or more second conveyors of the same type as said first conveyor and, advantageously, at least one of said second conveyors is located in the extension of said first conveyor.

A device for automatically manufacturing bundles of conductive wires or optical fibers is of the known type which comprises a conveyor provided with clamps which grip and transport ends of sections of son and a loading unit which sets up in said clamps transferred by said conveyor the ends of sections of wire.

• un premier convoyeur muni au moins de pinces-composant permettant de transporter les composants sur lesquels certaines extrémités sont connectées,
• des moyens pour écarter lesdites pinces et tendre les branches du faisceau,
• des moyens pour réunir les fils d'une même branche.

Advantageously, a device according to the invention comprises:

• a first conveyor provided with at least component clamps making it possible to transport the components to which certain ends are connected,
• means for spreading said clamps and tensioning the branches of the bundle,
• means for bringing together the wires of the same branch.

According to a preferred embodiment, said means for spreading said clamps comprise at least a second conveyor of the same type as said first conveyor and advantageously at least one of said second conveyors is located in the extension of said first conveyor.

Advantageously, a device according to the invention comprises means for unwinding sections of wire of predetermined lengths, associated with control means which control the unwinding of the wire and which stop the wire at predetermined intermediate points corresponding to leads. Advantageously, said control means are included in the form of software in the computer.

Some objectives of the invention are achieved by a loading unit which according to the invention comprises means for also placing in said clamps of said conveyor intermediate points of said section.

Advantageously, said means for also putting in place some of said grippers of said conveyor of intermediate points of said section are the same means as those used for the establishment of the ends, the control cycle is different and the cutting of the wire is not controlled. by the computer during this cycle.

A result of the present invention is the construction of wiring machines, in particular an automatic wiring machine, making it possible to automatically make bundles of conductive wires or optical fibers comprising several branches and branches.

This first result makes it possible to automatically carry out bundles and to automatically carry out part of the production previously done essentially by hand: separation of the branches, creation of the branches and fixing between them of the wires of the same branch.

This first result also makes it possible to deliver bundles that are easier to store because the wires of the various branches no longer have the same tendency to become entangled with each other and with the connectors and this result makes it possible to economically improve the quality and the profitability automatic wiring machines.

Another result of the invention is to allow the shaping of beams, formed of several branches and with branches, without having to extend said beams on a nail board which simulates the shape of the beam.

Another result of the invention is the production of flexible cabling machines which automatically form and place the branches at the suitable locations.

The invention makes it possible to produce modular and flexible devices for shaping the beams.

The present invention relates to methods and devices for automatically fabricating tree bundles of wires.

• en effectuant les traitements qui conviennent sur les diverses extrémités,
• en ne disposant sur une même pince-composant que des composants d'une même extrémité de branche.

The branches or portions of branch of the bundle terminated by components are prepared:

• by performing the appropriate treatments on the various ends,
• by only having components on the same component end of the same branch end.

The branches or portions of branches of the bundle constituted by one or more ends are prepared by grouping in ends pliers the ends which are not plugged in and by putting in a same end clamp only ends of the same plugged.

• en saisissant dans des pinces de dérivation des points voisins des dérivations,
• en organisant et en disposant ces pinces de dérivation, ces pinces-composant et ces pinces d'extrémité selon un ordre préférentiel,
• en réunissant ces pinces et en les écartant pour former les branches du faisceau,
• en attachant ensemble les fils d'une même branche.

The branches of the bundle are separated and formed:

• by grabbing in points of diversion points close to the diversions,
• by organizing and arranging these bypass clips, these component clips and these end clips in a preferential order,
• by bringing these clips together and spreading them apart to form the branches of the bundle,
• by tying together the wires of the same branch.

The following description refers to the appended drawings which represent, without any limiting character, exemplary embodiments of devices according to the invention.

FIG. 1 represents a bundle of wires comprising various branches and a branch.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are partial, schematic, plan, top and elevation views of the assembly of a device according to the invention, in the process of manufacturing beams like that described in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are also partial, schematic, plan, top and elevation views of the assembly of a device, in the process of making beams like that described in FIG. 1 using bypass clamps, according to other features of the invention.

Figures 6 to 12 show various stages in the formation of branches, according to partial and schematic views, in plan, from above.

FIG. 13 represents an elementary bundle of three wires.

Figure 14 is a schematic, partial and perspective view of a device according to the invention, showing the establishment of points, intermediate ends, which are associated with bundle leads or nodes in end clamps then their grouping in bypass clamps.

FIG. 14 also represents a particular embodiment of the invention in which the branches are only attached in the vicinity of the branch clamps.

Figures 15 and 16 show a gripper, for the establishment of one or more wires in a clamp, in the process of placing a wire in a clamp, in a side view and in a partial section in elevation .

FIG. 17 is a detail of the base with which the clamps shown in FIGS. 15 to 19 are provided.

Figures 18 and 19 show a clamp of known type, which can be both a bypass clamp and an end clamp, in a side view and in a partial section in elevation.

Figure 20 shows, in a perspective view and a partial cross section, a set of three conveyors and a carriage carrying the means for the establishment of the stops and clamps.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a device according to the invention in the process of manufacturing beams of the type shown in FIG. 1.

According to the example of these figures, a first conveyor (1) transports along the axis (Y′Y), either downstream, interconnected components carried by component clamps (3), such as (3a), and unconnected ends held in end clamps (3 ′), like (3′f).

• la connection des extrémités dans des réceptacles adaptés de composants portés par des pinces (3g), (3a), (3c), (3b), et,
• le regroupement de plusieurs extrémités dans des pinces d'extrémité ou de groupe (3′f), (3′e) (3′d).

This first conveyor (1) is only partially shown. The upstream part carried out according to the teaching of patents (C. RICARD) FR 90 13137 and FR2619258 ensures:

• the connection of the ends in receptacles adapted from components carried by clamps (3g), (3a), (3c), (3b), and,
• the grouping of several ends in end or group clamps (3′f), (3′e) (3′d).

This part, which is upstream, delivers said clamps according to the mark (I) and receives the discharged clamps according to the mark (II) for recycling as it is taught in patent FR 90 13137.

The first conveyor (1) is provided with end clamps (3 ′) for transporting said ends (25), and component clamps (3), for transporting components (24), to which certain ends are connected .

The objective of the present invention is to provide means enabling the construction of automatic wiring machines for automatically manufacturing bundles, conductive wires or optical fibers, the branches of which are formed. That is, the branches are separated and the wires of a branch are linked together.

Patent FR 90 13137 describes methods and devices for automatically connecting ends of sections of conductive wires or optical fibers to suitable receptacles for components. This patent makes it possible to interconnect the components of a bundle, but it does not teach how to form the branches of this bundle.

Patent FR 2619258 describes a device for grouping together several wires in an end clamp. It does not teach how to make the gripper which allows to have several wires in the same end clamp. An embodiment of such a clamp is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

According to the invention, the components are held by the component clamps (3) and the unconnected ends are held in end clamps (3 ') according to a particular distribution: said components (24) and said ends ( 25) of sections corresponding to different branches of the bundle in different clamps.

In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3 each end (5a) to (5g) according to Figure 1 is on a particular clamp (3g), (3′f), (3'e), (3'd) , (3a), (3c) and (3b). However, for other types of harness, provision may be made for fixing several connectors to the same component clamp (3). The same branch can be terminated by several connectors, arranged on different clamps, or also include an end group clamp (3 ').

• un convoyeur (1) muni de pinces d'extrémité (3'f),(3'e) et (3'd), permettant de transporter certaines extrémités, et de pinces-composants, permettant de transporter des composants sur lesquels d'autres extrémités sont connectées;
• des moyens (2) pour écarter lesdites pinces et tendre les branches du faisceau.
• des moyens (9), (10) et (11) pour réunir les fils d'une même branche .

Figures 2, 3, 20 show that a device according to the invention comprises:

• a conveyor (1) provided with end clamps (3'f), (3'e) and (3'd), making it possible to transport certain ends, and clamps-components, making it possible to transport components on which other ends are connected;
• means (2) for spreading said clamps and tensioning the arms of the bundle.
• means (9), (10) and (11) for joining together the wires of the same branch.

FIG. 1 represents an example of a beam which comprises various branches (7a), (7b) ... (7h), which comprises nodes or branches (6a), (6b) and (6c), and various ends (5a) , (5b) ... (5g).

According to the example in FIG. 2, we have the sets of ends (5d), (5e) and (5f) which correspond, respectively, to the different branches of the bundle, (7d), (7h) and (7f), in different pliers, respectively (3'd), (3'e) and (3'f). These clamps are brought, by the conveyor (1), to the means (2), with which the said various clamps are moved aside to conform the bundle into various branches.

Said means, in the device shown in Figures 2 and 3, include a set of second conveyors (2) parallel and of the same type as the 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 of FIG. 2, the bundle is spread over all of the conveyors (2) so that the various branches are simultaneously stretched between the clamps and by means of rods or stops (4) which deflect and organize the branches of the bundle.

The stops as (4c), (4'c) or as (4b), (4'b) are arranged at predefined locations which correspond to the derivations (6c) and (6b). In combination with pliers, such as (3g), (3'f) and (3'e), also arranged in predefined locations, these stops keep the corresponding branches taut, such as (7g), (7f) and (7h) .

For example, the stop (4c) disposed on the slide (2 "a) and the group clamp (3'f) disposed on the second conveyor (2b) have predetermined positions such that the branch (7f) is stretched. rod (4c) is in contact with the branch (7f) at the curvilinear abscissa on this branch corresponding to the length of this branch (7d).

Other stops, such as (4x), (4y) and (4z), do not correspond to leads. They are advantageously arranged at predetermined locations to fold the branches (7d), (7a) and (7j). By way of example, the predetermined positions of the component clamp (3a), the rod (4y) and the rods (4d), (4'd) are such that the rods (4d) and (4'd) are in contact with the branch (7d), at the curvilinear abscissa on this branch which corresponds to the length of this branch (7d). This branch is folded back by the stop (4z).

According to an advantageous embodiment in the case of this particular exemplary embodiment, said means for spreading said clamps comprise a plurality of stops (4) which deflect and organize the arms (7) of the bundle.

According to FIG. 2, various clamps and stops are arranged, on the second conveyor (2a) and the slide (2 "a), at predetermined locations. From upstream to downstream we note in order: the clamp component (3g), the pairs of stops (4c) and (4'c), (4b) and (4'b), (4a) and (4'a), (4d) and (4'd) and the component clamp (3b), said stops and clamps are arranged along parallel and adjacent conveyors, in approximately the same direction.

As shown in Figure 2, the branches (7g), (7e), (7c), (7b) and (7i) are stretched by means of the assembly constituted by the second conveyor (2a) and the slide (2 " Advantageously, one stretches along the same second conveyor or in approximately the same direction one of the sets of branches made up of the largest number of contiguous branches.

For the bundle shown in Figure 1, such a set of branches, consisting of the largest number of contiguous branches, is shown on the conveyor (2a): (7g), (7e), (7c), (7b) and (7i ).

Such a set is not unique. Another such set is: (7h), (7th), (7c), (7b) and (7d).

Among several sets made up of the greatest number of contiguous branches, it is advantageous to select the one which includes the greatest number of sections of wire by counting the number of sections of wire in each branch and by totaling all these subtotals for all branches.

The bundle, as shown in Figure 2, comprises a basic trunk which is made up of the branches: (7g), (7e), (7c), (7b) and (7i) and a set of branches of level 1: ( 7f), (7h), (7d), (7a) and (7d).

If the bundle were extended on the conveyors (2) and formed according to the geometric configuration shown in FIG. 1, it would include a basic trunk constituted by the branches (7a), (7b) and (7i), two branches of level 1 : (7c) and (7d), two branches of level 2: (7d) and (7e), and three branches of level 3: (7f), (7g) and (7h).

Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the device that attaches together the son of the same branch. It includes a commercial robot (9) provided with an arm (11) which, under the control of the computer (8) can present the gripper for placing links (10) at any point of the second conveyors (2) and tie said wires of the same branch together. The commercial pliers, is positioned above the point of the branch to be tied. It is oriented by the motor (10b) according to the direction of the branch to be linked. Then it is lowered so as to arrange all the wires of the branch in the jaws (10a) which bring together all the wires of the branch by closing. The binding pliers install the link, the jaws are reopened and the pliers are removed. All these operations are carried out under the control of the computer (8) which executes a predetermined program.

When the beam is fully formed and linked, the computer suspends the operation of the device. An operator removes the components carried by the component clamps (3g), (3a), (3c), (3b), and the ends grouped in the end or group clamps (3'f), (3'e ) (3'd). It thus has a bundle of conductive wires or optical fibers whose branches are shaped and linked. He then presses the push button (12) which indicates to the computer (8) that the clamps are empty and the computer (8) resumes execution of the predetermined program.

The computer (8) controls the conveyor (2e) so as to transfer the gripper-component (3c), in the direction of the axis (Y'Y), at the downstream end of this conveyor. Then, it controls the gripper evacuation system (13) to the return conveyor (14). These devices (13), (14) are produced according to the teachings of patent FR 90 13137 (RICARD Claude) or by means of a commercial manipulator. They return this clamp to the upstream part of the device. The conveyor (1) is part of this upstream device which is only partially shown in Figures 2 and 3.

• le déplacement du convoyeur (2'd) pour amener le chariot (15d) en vis à vis de la butée (4z),
• la sortie du vérin (16) qui déverrouille cette butée de la courroie crantée par l'effet du coin (17) qui, en pénétrant dans la lumière (18), soulève le pied et le dégage de la courroie crantée. L'insertion du coin permet également au chariot (15d) de déplacer la butée (4z) le long du convoyeur (2"d),
• le déplacement du convoyeur (2"d) qui ramène la butée (4z) avec les autres butées stockées à l'extrémité amont de ce convoyeur. Les butées sont stockées ainsi, selon un pas régulier qui est un multiple du pas de la courroie crantée sur laquelle elles sont verrouillées, à l'extrémité amont des convoyeurs (2");
• la rentrée du vérin (16) qui dégage le coin (17) et qui verrouille la butée sur le convoyeur (2"d) dans cette position de stockage.

The computer commands successively (see also figure 20):

• moving the conveyor (2'd) to bring the carriage (15d) opposite the stop (4z),
• the outlet of the jack (16) which unlocks this stop of the toothed belt by the effect of the wedge (17) which, penetrating into the lumen (18), lifts the foot and releases it from the toothed belt. The insertion of the wedge also allows the carriage (15d) to move the stop (4z) along the conveyor (2 "d),
• the movement of the conveyor (2 "d) which brings back the stop (4z) with the other stops stored at the upstream end of this conveyor. The stops are stored thus, at a regular pitch which is a multiple of the pitch of the toothed belt on which they are locked, to the upstream end of the conveyors (2 ");
• the re-entry of the jack (16) which releases the wedge (17) and which locks the stop on the conveyor (2 "d) in this storage position.

Similarly, the computer (8) controls the transfer to the storage position of all the stops present on the various conveyors (2 ").

The computer (8) controls the conveyor (2d) to bring the foot (21), figure 20, of the gripper-component opposite the cutout (22) located immediately downstream. The computer controls the conveyor (2'c) to bring the carriage (15c) opposite the component clamp (3a) and actuates the jack (23) carried by this carriage which pushes the component clamp on the belt notched conveyor (2e). The teeth of this belt are located in alignment with those of the conveyor belt (2d) and in alignment with the belts of the various conveyors (2) and (2 ') when they are stopped. The teeth of the pliers base slide thereon. The stroke of the jack (23) is such that the clamp is pushed as far as the axis of the conveyor (2e), through the openings (59) cut out regularly in all the sections forming the conveyors (2) and (2 '). The conveyors (2 ") are located at a lower level so as not to hinder this movement of the grippers along the axis (XX ′). In the same way that he had ejected the gripper (3c) from the conveyor (2e) , the computer controls the ejection of the clamp (3a) brought to the conveyor (2e).

The device for spreading said clamps and tensioning the branches of the bundle is advantageously produced by the juxtaposition of devices of the same type (2), (2 '), (2 "), represented in FIG. 20, placed under the control of the computer. (8). Thus, the conveyors (2e), (2d), (2c), (2b) and (2a) are of the same type. The conveyors (2 "d), (2" c), (2 "b ) and (2 "a) are of the same type. The conveyors (2'e), (2'd), (2'c), (2'b) and (2'a), made in the same way as the conveyor (2a), are of the same type and they transport the same type of carts. The conveyor (2 "'a) is of the same type as, for example, the conveyor (2'a). Given its position and the actions, it is not essential to juxtapose a stop conveyor there and the carriage (15 "'a) does not require a jack (23).

This way of making the beam shaping device is advantageous because of its modularity and flexibility.

In the same way that he ordered the transfer of the gripper (3a) to the conveyor (2e), then its ejection to the return conveyor (14), the computer (8) controls, by means of mechanisms of the same type, the transfer of all grippers to the conveyor (2e), according to a succession of transfers from conveyor to conveyor and finally their ejection to the return conveyor (14).

At this phase of the sequential manufacturing of the bundles, the conveyors (2) are free of any clamp, the stops are stored at the upstream end of the conveyors (2˝) in a regular pitch and the carriages (15) are arranged at the upstream end of the conveyors (2 ′).

On the conveyor (1) are prepared all the components and the ends of sections corresponding to different branches of the bundle held in different clamps.

Advantageously, these clamps are ordered on the first conveyor as a function of the abscissa, measured on the trunk, of the branch to which the branch which connects said clamp to the trunk ends.

When at an attachment point, there is a subset of branches of which at least one is of an order greater than one, it is advantageous to repeat the same treatment for said subset. That is to say to have, along the same axis, the longest trunk that is in this set. The grippers that compose it are ordered according to the same rule on the conveyor (1)

The branches of this set are advantageously treated by defining a secondary base trunk and stretching, along the same second conveyor or in approximately the same direction, one of the sets of branches consisting of the largest number of contiguous branches.

If the computer (8) centralizes the control and command of the upstream part not shown and of the conveyor (1), it directly controls the conveyor (1). Otherwise, it performs this operation via the computer which controls and commands this upstream part. This command also sets in motion the conveyor (2a) in synchronism with the conveyor (1) so that the two belts of the same type which equip them transfer the first clamp of the bundle (3b) of the conveyor (1) on the conveyor (2a ). It is advantageous to have a single computer which supervises the operation of the assembly and of the decentralized automata on the various units.

• une première butée (4′d) à une abscisse, mesurée selon l'axe (Y′Y) et depuis l'axe (X′X), légèrement supérieure à la largeur de la pince-composant (3c) selon l'axe (Y′Y),
• une deuxième butée à l'abscisse 0, en amont du convoyeur (2˝a), de sorte que la pince-composant (3c) puisse être glissée selon l'axe (XX′) entre ces deux butées.

The computer controls the conveyor (2′b) which moves the carriage (15b) and the jack (16) to transport and lock:

• a first stop (4′d) at an abscissa, measured along the axis (Y′Y) and from the axis (X′X), slightly greater than the width of the component clamp (3c) along the axis (Y′Y),
• a second stop at abscissa 0, upstream of the conveyor (2˝a), so that the component clamp (3c) can be slid along the axis (XX ′) between these two stops.

The conveyor (2a) is actuated and moves the clamp (3b) downstream by a distance equal to the length of the branch (7i).

The stop (4z) is transported and locked on the conveyor belt (2˝d) at abscissa 0 upstream of it by means of the carriage (15e) and the conveyor (2′e) as before for the stop (4d).

The computer controls the conveyors (1) and (2a) in synchronism to transfer the clamp (3c) to the conveyor (2a) and bring it between the two stops (4d) and (4′d). The clamp (3c) is thus presented between the stops (4d) and (4′d) and the base of this clamp is opposite one of the lights (22).

The computer controls the various conveyors (2′a), (2′b), (2′c), (2′d) and the various carriages (15) and the jacks (23) to transfer along the axis ( XX ′) the clamp (3g) on the conveyor (2e).

All of the conveyors (2a), (2b), (2c) and (2d) are moved simultaneously downstream so as to stretch the branch (7j). The relative positions of the clamps (3c), (3b) and the stops (4z), (4d), with respect to each other, are those of FIG. 2, except for a translation and with the exception of the stop ( 4′d) which is offset.

The computer then controls the conveyor (2′a) and the jack (23) of the carriage (15a) so as to move the stop (4′d) upstream and to bring it closer to the stop (4d) as shown in figure (2).

At this stage of formation of the beam, that is to say of its geometric shaping, the component clamps (3b) and (4z), the stops (4d), (4′d) and (4z) are in the same positions as in FIG. 2 except for a translation along the axis (Y′Y).

The computer then shifts in synchronism all the conveyors (2), (2 ′) and (2˝) to shift downstream the portion of beam already formed and so that the abscissa of the stop (4d) is equal to the distance shown between the stops (4a) and (4d) in Figure 2. The unused stops are brought upstream by the carriages (15) and conveyors (2 ′).

According to a process identical to those described above, the stops (4a) and (4′a) are put in place, leaving between them the place of slide the clamp (3a). The stop (4y) and the clamp (3a) are put in place. The computer then shifts in synchronism all the conveyors (2), (2 ′) and (2˝) with the exception of the conveyor (2d) carrying the clamp (3a) which is held stationary, to shift downstream the portion of bundle already formed and so as to stretch the branch (7a). The stop (4′a) is brought upstream as previously for the stop (4′d).

At this stage, the same arrangement as that shown in FIG. 2 is obtained on the conveyors (2), for these various elements and for those already in place.

Identically, the clamp (3′d) and the corresponding stops are put in place.

• Le déplacement de tous les convoyeurs (2), (2′) et (2˝) en synchronisme pour transférer sur le convoyeur (2a) les pinces (3′f) et (3′e) écartées comme représenté en figure 2. Ce déplacement décale simultanément vers l'aval la portion de faisceau déjà formée. Le déplacement est tel que l'abscisse de la butée (4b) soit supérieure à la distance entre les extrémités extrêmes des pinces (3′f) et (3′e) comme représentée, en figure 2.
• La mise en place sur le convoyeur (2˝a), de la butée (4′c) immédiatement en amont de la butée (4b), et de la butée (4c) immédiatement en amont de l'abscisse 0. Ainsi l'écartement de ces deux butées est supérieur à l'encombrement des pinces (3′f) et (3′e).
• Le transfert des pinces (3′f) et (3′e) sur le convoyeur (2b).
• Le transfert en synchronisme de tous les convoyeurs (2), (2′) et (2˝) à l'exception du convoyeur (2b) portant les pinces (3′f) et (3′e) qui sont maintenues immobiles, pour décaler vers l'aval la portion de faisceau déjà formée et de façon à tendre la branche (7e).Le convoyeur est également commandé en synchronisme, durant ce transfert. Il transfère la pince (3g) sur le convoyeur (2a) de façon à ce que la distance de la pince (3g) et de la butée (4b) soit celle de la figure 2.
• Le transfert des butées (4c) et (4′c) à leurs emplacements relatifs comme représenté en figure 2.

The positioning of the clamps (3′f) and (3′e) could be done in the same way as for the preceding clamps by placing each of these clamps on new conveyors (2). According to another advantageous mode of forming branches which reduces the number of conveyors (2) required, it is preferable to arrange them as shown in FIG. 2. To do this, the computer controls in another sequence:

• The displacement of all the conveyors (2), (2 ′) and (2˝) in synchronism to transfer onto the conveyor (2a) the clamps (3′f) and (3′e) separated as shown in FIG. 2. This displacement simultaneously shifts downstream the portion of beam already formed. The displacement is such that the abscissa of the stop (4b) is greater than the distance between the extreme ends of the clamps (3′f) and (3′e) as shown, in FIG. 2.
• The establishment on the conveyor (2˝a), of the stop (4′c) immediately upstream of the stop (4b), and of the stop (4c) immediately upstream of the abscissa 0. Thus the spacing of these two stops is greater than the size of the clamps (3′f) and (3′e).
• The transfer of the grippers (3′f) and (3′e) to the conveyor (2b).
• The transfer in synchronism of all the conveyors (2), (2 ′) and (2˝) with the exception of the conveyor (2b) carrying the clamps (3′f) and (3′e) which are kept stationary, to shift downstream the portion of bundle already formed and so as to stretch the branch (7th). The conveyor is also controlled in synchronism, during this transfer. It transfers the clamp (3g) to the conveyor (2a) so that the distance from the clamp (3g) and the stop (4b) is that of Figure 2.
• The transfer of the stops (4c) and (4′c) to their relative locations as shown in Figure 2.

At this stage, the same arrangement as that shown in FIG. 2 is obtained on the conveyors (2) for all the elements.

• à mettre en place toutes les butées de façon à conserver leurs positions relatives et à laisser la place de transférer, éventuellement entre elles, certaines pinces qui doivent être transférées sur un autre convoyeur, mais en les rapprochant au maximum sans tenir compte des distances imposées pour la tension des branches;
• à transférer sur le convoyeur (2a) puis, éventuellement, vers les autres convoyeurs et entre lesdites butées, lesdites pinces;
• puis à rapprocher les butées qui doivent l'être pour dévier les branches, conformément à la représentation de la figure 2;
• et enfin en déplaçant les convoyeurs pour tendre les branches et obtenir la disposition représentée en figure 2.

According to the description given above for the positioning of the clamps (3′f) and (3′e) another way of geometrically forming the bundle consists:

• to set up all the stops so as to keep their relative positions and to leave room for transferring, possibly between them, certain grippers which must be transferred to another conveyor, but by bringing them as close as possible without taking into account the distances imposed for the tension of the branches;
• to be transferred to the conveyor (2a) then, optionally, to the other conveyors and between said stops, said grippers;
• then to bring the stops which must be brought together to deflect the branches, in accordance with the representation in FIG. 2;
• and finally by moving the conveyors to stretch the branches and obtain the arrangement shown in FIG. 2.

Figures 4 and 5 show, in partial schematic views, in plan, from above and in elevation, a device similar to that shown in Figures 2 and 3. This device is shown in the process of making beams, as described in Figure 1. This device is a particular embodiment of the invention which uses bypass clamps.

These figures show that all of the beam components are carried as before by the clamps (3g), (3′f), (3′e), (3′d), (3a) and (3c). The branches are held either by group clamps (3 ′), or by component clamps (3), or finally by bypass clamps (3˝): branch (7g) between (3g) and (3˝c ′), Branch (7th) between (3˝c ′) and (3˝e) etc ...

The branch clamps (3˝), the end clamps and the group clamps (3 ′) are advantageously identical and produced according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17.

According to the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the bypass clamps (3˝), designed to grip and hold several wires, hold all the wires of a branch at intermediate points which are associated with branches.

According to the advantageous embodiment shown, the wires of the branches of a branch are held separately, branch by branch, in several branch clamps (3˝) arranged contiguously as (3˝c), (3˝c ′) , (3˝c˝). These pliers have a certain size and there is a minimum length of wire inside or between their jaws. Apart from this space requirement, these bypass clamps grip the wires at the same points as those which were in contact with the stops as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

According to a variant of the invention it is possible to group said contiguous pliers in a single device and in particular to use for this purpose pliers which make it possible to grasp and hold several wires in a given order and in a reduced space. In particular, the pliers of this type described in patent application FR 90 13137 (RICARD Claude) are advantageous.

The unusable lengths inherent in said space depend on the embodiment of said clamps and their arrangement.

Apart from these unusable lengths, said intermediate points, which are associated with branches and which are held by said branch clamps, are also the branch points designated in FIG. 1 by the pins (6).

The upstream part which delivers said clamps according to the mark (I) and which receives the discharged clamps according to the mark (II) for recycling is shown in FIG. 14.

Advantageously, according to this particular embodiment of the method, it is no longer necessary to extend the entire bundle in a configuration which simultaneously tends all the branches. According to the embodiment of FIG. 4, only said branch clamps are moved aside with the various other clamps to conform the bundle and advantageously the various branches are stretched, and possibly linked, one after the other.

Advantageously, as for the device, represented by FIGS. 2 and 3, and in the same way, one stretches along one and the same second conveyor or in approximately the same direction one of the sets of branches made up of the greatest number of contiguous branches.

According to the first phase, FIG. 6, of the example of conformation of the bundle shown in FIG. 1, the stop (4w) is put in place, as explained above, by means of the carriage (15a) and the conveyor (2'a) . The conveyors (1) and (2a) are driven in synchronism to transfer all of the grippers and arrive at the configuration shown in Figure 6 starting from the distribution as shown in Figure 4.

• La pince (3b) est transférée sur le convoyeur (2b) au moyen du chariot (15˝′a) qui est déplacé par le convoyeur (2˝′a);
• La branche (7i) est déviée par la butée (4w). Elle est tendue en déplacant la pince (3b) vers l'aval au moyen du convoyeur (2b);
• Trois liens (7′i), (7˝i) et (7˝′i) sont mis en place par le manipulateur muni de la pince à lier (9), (11) et (10).

As shown in FIG. 7 and in the same way as previously for the device in FIG. 2:

• The clamp (3b) is transferred to the conveyor (2b) by means of the carriage (15˝′a) which is moved by the conveyor (2˝′a);
• The branch (7i) is deflected by the stop (4w). It is stretched by moving the clamp (3b) downstream by means of the conveyor (2b);
• Three links (7′i), (7˝i) and (7˝′i) are put in place by the manipulator provided with the binding pliers (9), (11) and (10).

Depending on the length of the branch (7i) the computer controls the movement downstream of the stop (4w) to allow the transfer of the clamp (3b) to the conveyor (2a).

The clamp (3b) is then returned to the conveyor (2a) by means of the carriage (15˝′a) moved by the conveyor (2˝′a). In this case and according to the embodiment of Figure 20, the cylinder (23) pulls the clamp (3b) by means of the device (23a).

The stop (4w) is optionally brought back to the position shown in Figure 6. The arrangement of the entire beam and the various clamps is then that shown in this Figure 6 with three links (7′i), (7˝i) , (7˝′i) which fix between them the wires of the branch (7i).

According to the second phase of the example of conformation of the bundle represented in FIG. 1, the conveyors (1) and (2a) are driven in synchronism to transfer all the clamps and obtain the geometric configuration represented in FIG. 8, starting from that shown in Figure 6. The installation of the three links (7′j), (7˝j), (7˝′j) is carried out.

The branch (7b) is stretched, then provided with three links (7′b), (7˝b), (7˝′b), like the branch (7i).

The conveyors (2a) and (2b) are then driven in synchronism to transfer all of the clamps they carry, and to arrive at the configuration shown in FIG. 9.

As before, the clamp (3c) is brought back onto the conveyor (2a), the conveyors (2a) and (2b) are transferred upstream and the stop (4w) is possibly brought back to the position shown in FIG. 8. The arrangement of the assembly of the bundle and of the various clamps is then that represented in this figure 8 with three links (7′b), (7˝b), (7˝′b) which fix the wires of the branch (7b) between them and with three links (7′j), (7˝j), (7˝′j) which fix between them the wires of the branch (7j).

According to the third phase of the example of conformation of the beam represented in FIG. 1, the conveyors (1) and (2a) are driven in synchronism to transfer all of the grippers and, starting from the geometric distribution of FIG. 8 arriving to that of FIG. 10. The tension of the branches (7a) and (7c), the laying of the links on these branches are carried out as previously.

Figure 11 shows a way to stretch and link the branches (7g), (7f) and (7h) using three conveyors (2a), (2b) and (2c) as before.

Figure 12 shows the completed beam and presented to the operator who must clear the clamp boxes (3) and the branches of the clamps (3 ') and (3 "). The computer, which had suspended the operation of the set of conveyors (2), controls the evacuation of the empty grippers, as soon as the operator presses the button (12) to indicate that he has finished discharging the bundle.

According to the method described above, various branches are stretched one after the other and in the order in which the various clamps are arranged on the conveyor.

FIG. 13 represents an elementary bundle of three wires: (24 '), (25'), (26). This bundle has three ends: (A), (B), (C) and a branch or node (A ') and it is formed of three branches (27), (28) and (29).

According to the example in FIG. 13, the branch (27) lying between the end zone (A) and the bypass zone (A ') comprises part of the sections of wires (26) and (24'). We denote by (24A) the end of the wire (26) from the end zone (A).

FIG. 14 shows a device according to the invention in the process of manufacturing beams of the type shown in FIG. 13.

Downstream of this device, there are two of these beams. Their ends (A), (B) and (C) as well as intermediate points associated with the bypass (A ′), are held in clamps.

The conveyor (1 ′) is only partially shown. The gripper sequence (3˝a), (3˝b) to (3˝m) continues until (3˝t) in the part of this conveyor which is not shown. This part not shown also includes the empty clamps (3˝a ′), (3˝b ′) and (3˝c ′) which are followed by the clamps (3˝d) to (3˝t ′). It can also include several sequences of clamps such as (3˝a) to (3˝t). The sequence of pliers (3˝a ′) to (3˝t ′), the most upstream, is a sequence of the same type being implemented in the pliers.

Figure 14 is truncated downstream and has two references I and II. The part not shown is one of the devices, partially shown in Figures 4 and 5 which also include the marks I and II. In this case the link laying unit (55) is optional because the links are placed by these devices.

According to a particular and advantageous embodiment, the branches are attached to the vicinity of the bypass clamps by the link laying unit (55) disposed along the path of transfer of the clamps. The downstream part, not shown, is then limited to the means for recycling the clamps defined in patent application FR 90 13137 (RICARD Claude), filed on October 17, 1990 and to the means for discharging the bundle. These means defined elsewhere in this patent advantageously include an electric button (12), as on the device in FIG. 2, which allows the operator to indicate that he has removed the beam. The computer that had suspended the operation of the conveyor (1˝) is connected to this button. It controls the evacuation of the empty grippers as soon as it receives the signal sent when the operator presses this button (12).

The loading unit shown in FIG. 14 is of the known type which allows the ends (A), (B), (C) of sections of wire (24 '), (25'), (26 ') to be put in place. ) in end clamps (3 "). However, according to the invention, this device is provided with complementary means with the aid of which the wire section is gripped and maintained in branch clamps at other intermediate points of the ends which are associated with bundle leads.

Advantageously, said end clamps and said branch clamps are identical.

This loading unit (30) is part of a device for automatically manufacturing bundles of conductive wires or optical fibers which is only partially and schematically shown in FIG. 14. This device comprises a conveyor (1 ′), made according to a known method, provided with clamps (3˝) which grip and transport the ends of sections of son. The various clamps are distinguished by an index for example (3˝a) and (3˝a ′).

This loading unit places ends of sections of wire in said grippers transferred by said conveyor and it comprises means for also placing in some of said grippers of said conveyor intermediate points of said section.

According to the nonlimiting example of embodiment in FIG. 14, the wire (31) is taken between the rollers (33) which are rotated by the motors (34) so as to unwind it from the coil (32) and to inject it into the telescopic tube (35).

The telescopic tube can be retracted to the position (35a) to allow the scissors (37) to cut the wire flush with the tube or to allow the gripper (38) to grasp it.

The wire (31) can be put in place in the double fork (36) by advancing this tube then the wire to position (35b). They pass through the guide in the form of a double fork (36) and the wire remains in this fork when the tube is retracted.

• un vérin rotatif (41) qui permet de présenter la pince de préhension (38), déplacée en rotation par le moteur (39), au dessus :
  • . soit de la pince de dérivation (3˝t) pour y engager un fil, la pince de préhension est alors comme représenté en (38) et le moteur en (39);
  • . soit de la double fourche (36) pour y prélever le fil; la pince de préhension est alors en (38a) et le moteur en (39a);
• un moteur indexé (39) qui permet de faire tourner la pince de préhension (38) et de la présenter, comme figuré, au dessus de la pince de dérivation (3˝t) et au dessus de la double fourche (36). La rotation est effectuée, dans le sens horaire ou bien anti-horaire, autour de l'axe de la tige verticale (40), parallèle à l'axe Z′Z. Sous l'action de ces deux premiers moyens, la résultante finale des déplacements de la pince de préhension (38), depuis la double fourche (36) jusqu'à la pince est soit une simple translation soit ladite translation associée à une rotation de 180°, de cette pince, autour de l'axe (40′),
• un vérin (40) qui permet lors de déplacements verticaux parallèles à l'axe Z′Z :
  • . soit, en position de prélèvement (38a): de prélever une partie de fil en descendant la pince de préhension (38) mâchoires ouvertes entre les dents de la double fourche (36), en refermant lesdites mâchoires sur le fil guidé dans ladite double fourche et en remontant ladite pince de préhension maintenant ladite partie de fil;
  • . soit, en position de transfert (38) : de transférer ladite partie de fil maintenue dans ladite pince de dérivation (3˝t), en descendant la pince (38) placée au dessus de la pince (3˝t) ce qui engage le fil entre les becs de cette pince d'extrémité, puis en la remontant mâchoires ouvertes.

According to the example of FIG. 14, the loading unit also comprises a gripper (38), detailed in FIGS. 15 and 16, which is moved by means comprising:

• a rotary actuator (41) which makes it possible to present the gripper (38), moved in rotation by the motor (39), above:
  • . either bypass pliers (3˝t) to engage a wire, the gripping pliers is then as shown in (38) and the motor in (39);
  • . either of the double fork (36) for taking the wire there; the gripper is then at (38a) and the motor at (39a);
• an indexed motor (39) which makes it possible to rotate the gripper (38) and to present it, as shown, above the bypass clamp (3˝t) and above the double fork (36). The rotation is carried out, clockwise or anti-clockwise, around the axis of the vertical rod (40), parallel to the axis Z′Z. Under the action of these first two means, the final result of the movements of the gripper (38), from the double fork (36) to the gripper is either a simple translation or said translation associated with a rotation of 180 °, of this clamp, around the axis (40 ′),
• a jack (40) which allows during vertical displacements parallel to the axis Z′Z:
  • . either, in the picking position (38a): take a part of the wire by lowering the gripper (38) jaws open between the teeth of the double fork (36), by closing said jaws on the wire guided in said double fork and raising said gripper holding said portion of wire;
  • . either, in the transfer position (38): to transfer said portion of wire held in said bypass clamp (3˝t), by lowering the clamp (38) placed above the clamp (3˝t) which engages the wire between the spouts of this end clamp, then winding it up with the jaws open.

• Initialement le dispositif est dans l'état suivant :
  • . le tube (35) est rétracté en position (35a),
  • . le fil est coupé au ras de l'extrémité (35a).
  • . la pince de préhension (38) est disposée en position de chargement à la verticale de la double fourche (36) avec ses mâchoires alignées pour saisir selon l'axe X′X.
• La fabrication d'un nouveau faisceau commence par la mise en place sur le convoyeur (1′) de neuf pinces de dérivation vides (3˝a′), (3˝b′) ... à (3˝i′).
  • La mise en place de l'extrémité aval (26˝C) débute.
• Une pince d'extrémité (3˝j′) est placée sur le convoyeur (1′) qui est avancé d'un pas et qui la présente en position de chargement,
• Le tube est sorti jusqu'en position (35b). Les moteurs (34) sont commandés pour dérouler le fil jusqu'à cette position (35b). Le tube est alors rétracté en position (35a). Il découvre l'extrémité du fil qui est guidée maintenant dans la double fourche (36).
• La pince de préhension est descendue mâchoires ouvertes entre les dents de la fourche (36). Les mâchoires sont refermées sur le fil. La pince de préhension est remontée avec le fil.
• La pince de préhension (38) est amenée en position de transfert au dessus de la pince d'extrémité (3˝j′) selon un mouvement de translation couplé à une rotation de 180°. L'extrémité qui était dirigée selon l'axe X′X à la sortie du tube (35) est ainsi retournée et maintenue selon l'axe XX′. La pince de préhension (38) transfère cette extrémité dirigée selon l'axe XX′ dans la pince d'extrémité (3˝j′). Durant tous ces mouvements de la pince de préhension, le fil est délivré par les moteurs (34) selon le besoin des mouvements.
• La pince de préhension (38) est ramenée vide en position de prélèvement.
• La nouvelle pince de dérivation (3˝k′) est placée sur le convoyeur (1′) qui est avancé d'un pas.
• Le fil est déroulé par les moteurs (35) jusqu'à disposer dans la double fourche (36) ledit premier point intermédiaire prédéterminé dudit tronçon à mettre en place dans la pince de dérivation (3˝k′).
• La pince de préhension (38) descend ouverte, saisit le fil et remonte. Elle est déplacée vers la position de transfert et en même temps les moteurs (34) délivrent le fil nécessaire à ce mouvement. Ce mouvement est globalement un mouvement de translation : l'extrémité du fil qui était dirigée selon l'axe X′X à la sortie du tube (35) reste maintenue selon l'axe X′X. La pince de préhension (38) transfère cette extrémité dirigée selon l'axe X′X dans la pince de dérivation (3˝k′).
• La pince de préhension (38) revient vide en position de prélèvement.
• La mise en place du premier point intermédiaire du fil (26′), correspondant à la dérivation (A′), est terminée et la mise en place du deuxième point intermédiaire du fil (26′), correspondant à la dérivation (A′) débute.
• Le fil est déroulé par les moteurs (35) jusqu'à disposer dans la double fourche (36) le deuxième point intermédiaire prédéterminé dudit tronçon à mettre en place dans la pince de dérivation (3˝l′).
• La pince de préhension (38) descend ouverte, saisit le fil remonte et se déplace vers la position de transfert en même temps que les moteurs (34) délivrent le fil nécessaire à ce mouvement. Ce mouvement est globalement un mouvement de translation couplé à une rotation de 180°: l'extrémité du fil qui était dirigée selon l'axe X′X à la sortie du tube (35) est ainsi retournée et maintenue selon l'axe XX′.
• La nouvelle pince de dérivation (3˝l′) est placée sur le convoyeur (1′) qui est avancé d'un pas.
• La pince de préhension (38) transfère cette extrémité dirigée selon l'axe XX′ dans la pince de dérivation (3˝l′).
• La pince de préhension (38) revient vide en position de prélèvement.
• La mise en place du deuxième point intermédiaire du fil (26′), correspondant à la dérivation (A′), est terminée et la mise en place de l'extrémité amont (26˝A) débute.
• La nouvelle pince (3˝m′) est placée sur le convoyeur (1′) qui est avancé d'un pas.
• Le fil est déroulé par les moteurs (35) jusqu'à amener dans l'axe des ciseaux (37) la deuxième extrémité du tronçon de fil (26′).
• La pince de préhension (38) descend ouverte, saisit le fil et le maintient.
• Les ciseaux (37) coupent le fil au niveau (35a).
• La pince de préhension (38) remonte et se déplace vers la position de transfert. Ce mouvement est globalement un mouvement de translation; l'extrémité qui était dirigée selon l'axe X′X à la sortie du tube (35) est maintenue selon l'axe X′X.
• La pince de préhension (38) transfère cette extrémité dirigée selon l'axe X′X dans la pince d'extrémité (3˝u).
• La pince de préhension (38) revient vide en position de prélèvement.
• La mise en place de l'extrémité amont (26˝C) du fil (26′) est terminée.
• La mise en place de l'extrémité aval (25˝A), des points intermédiaires (25˝A′) et de l'extrémité aval (25˝C) du fil (25′) est effectuée comme celle du fil (26′) détaillée ci-dessus.
• La mise en place de l'extrémité aval (24˝B), des points intermédiaires (24˝A′) et de l'extrémité amont (24˝A) du fil (24′) est effectuée de même.

By way of nonlimiting example, the device of FIG. 14 sets up the wire (24) by performing the following sequence of actions controlled in turn by the computer (42):

• Initially the device is in the following state:
  • . the tube (35) is retracted into position (35a),
  • . the wire is cut flush with the end (35a).
  • . the gripper (38) is arranged in the vertical loading position of the double fork (36) with its jaws aligned to grip along the axis X′X.
• The manufacture of a new bundle begins with the placement on the conveyor (1 ′) of nine empty bypass clamps (3˝a ′), (3˝b ′) ... to (3˝i ′).
  • The installation of the downstream end (26˝C) begins.
• An end clamp (3˝j ′) is placed on the conveyor (1 ′) which is advanced one step and which presents it in the loading position,
• The tube is extended to position (35b). The motors (34) are controlled to unwind the wire to this position (35b). The tube is then retracted into position (35a). He discovers the end of the wire which is now guided in the double fork (36).
• The gripper is lowered with the jaws open between the teeth of the fork (36). The jaws are closed on the wire. The gripper is reassembled with the wire.
• The gripper (38) is brought into the transfer position above the end clamp (3˝j ′) in a translational movement coupled with a rotation of 180 °. The end which was directed along the axis X′X at the outlet of the tube (35) is thus turned over and maintained along the axis XX ′. The gripper (38) transfers this end directed along the axis XX ′ into the end clamp (3˝j ′). During all these movements of the gripper, the wire is delivered by the motors (34) according to the need for movements.
• The gripper (38) is returned empty to the removal position.
• The new bypass clamp (3˝k ′) is placed on the conveyor (1 ′) which is advanced one step.
• The wire is unwound by the motors (35) until having in said double fork (36) said first predetermined intermediate point of said section to be put in place in the bypass clamp (3˝k ′).
• The gripper (38) descends open, grasps the wire and rises. It is moved to the transfer position and at the same time the motors (34) deliver the wire necessary for this movement. This movement is generally a translational movement: the end of the wire which was directed along the axis X′X at the outlet of the tube (35) remains maintained along the axis X′X. The gripper (38) transfers this end directed along the axis X′X into the bypass clamp (3˝k ′).
• The gripper (38) returns empty to the picking position.
• The establishment of the first intermediate point of the wire (26 ′), corresponding to the derivation (A ′), is complete and the establishment of the second intermediate point of the wire (26 ′), corresponding to the derivation (A ′) begins.
• The wire is unwound by the motors (35) until the second predetermined intermediate point of said section to be placed in the bypass clamp (3˝l ′) is placed in the double fork (36).
• The gripper (38) descends open, grabs the wire back and moves to the transfer position at the same time as the motors (34) deliver the wire necessary for this movement. This movement is generally a translational movement coupled with a rotation of 180 °: the end of the wire which was directed along the axis X′X at the outlet of the tube (35) is thus turned over and maintained along the axis XX ′ .
• The new bypass clamp (3˝l ′) is placed on the conveyor (1 ′) which is advanced one step.
• The gripper (38) transfers this end directed along the axis XX ′ into the bypass clamp (3˝l ′).
• The gripper (38) returns empty to the picking position.
• The establishment of the second intermediate point of the wire (26 ′), corresponding to the branch (A ′), is completed and the establishment of the upstream end (26˝A) begins.
• The new clamp (3˝m ′) is placed on the conveyor (1 ′) which is advanced one step.
• The wire is unwound by the motors (35) until the second end of the wire section (26 ′) is brought into the axis of the scissors (37).
• The gripper (38) descends open, grasps the wire and holds it.
• The scissors (37) cut the wire at level (35a).
• The gripper (38) rises and moves to the transfer position. This movement is generally a translational movement; the end which was directed along the axis X′X at the outlet of the tube (35) is maintained along the axis X′X.
• The gripper (38) transfers this end directed along the axis X′X into the end clamp (3˝u).
• The gripper (38) returns empty to the picking position.
• The installation of the upstream end (26˝C) of the wire (26 ′) is complete.
• The installation of the downstream end (25˝A), the intermediate points (25˝A ′) and the downstream end (25˝C) of the wire (25 ′) is carried out like that of the wire (26 ′ ) detailed above.
• The installation of the downstream end (24˝B), the intermediate points (24˝A ′) and the upstream end (24˝A) of the wire (24 ′) is carried out in the same way.

The positioning of the ends, in end clips, and predetermined intermediate points, in bypass clips, is complete.

The manufacture of a new bundle begins again by the installation on the conveyor of nine empty bypass clamps which advantageously will be of the same type as the previous ones.

Advantageously and, as described above and represented in FIG. 14, an intermediate point of a wire associated with a branch is maintained at two points, by means of two branch clamps: clamps (3˝k) and (3 ˝l) for the wire (26).

The device, represented by FIG. 14, advantageously thus comprises means for unwinding sections of wire of predetermined lengths as well as control means which control the unwinding of the wire and which stop the wire at predetermined intermediate points corresponding to branches. . In the nonlimiting case of this example, said control means are advantageously included in the form of software in the computer (42). Another advantageous solution consists in placing a programmable controller or a secondary computer (42 ′) on the loading unit, and connecting it by at least one link to the main computer (42). This automaton specifically controls said unit and commands the execution of global actions from which it receives the definition by means of said link.

Figure 14 shows end clamps, like (3˝j ′) and (3˝m ′), holding ends, like (26′C) and (26′A). It also shows branch clamps, like (3˝k ′) and (3˝l ′), now intermediate points associated with branches, like (26′A ′). This figure shows that one grips and maintains the section of wire in bypass clamps at other intermediate points of the ends which are associated with bundle leads.

According to FIG. 14, these clamps are transferred by the conveyor (1 ′) to the grouping unit (43) which makes it possible to group together in a same branch clamp several of said intermediate points which are associated with the same branch.

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 14, the conveyor (1 ′) has transferred in the field of action of the transfer unit (43), the grippers (3˝k) and (3˝j), as well than the nine empty clamps, (3˝a) to (3˝i).

The transfer unit is advantageously placed astride two conveyors, the motors of which are independent. According to the example in FIG. 14, the toothed belt conveyor (1 ′) ends between the clamps (3˝j) and (3˝i). He drives the pliers to the pliers (3˝j). It is followed by the conveyor (1 ′) which drives the grippers from the gripper (3˝i).

In front of the grippers located on the last two positions of the conveyor (1 ′), grippers (3˝k) and (3˝j) of figure 14, it is arranged two opening systems for these pliers. Such a system which is shown in Figure 15 according to the reference (56) is known.

Advantageously, the transfer unit has gripping means capable of simultaneously gripping two intermediate points and the field of action of this transfer unit (43) includes at least two grippers on the upstream conveyor (1 ′) for simultaneously transferring the two intermediate points of a wire associated with the same branch on two branch clamps carried by the downstream conveyor (1 ′).

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of this transfer unit (43). A manipulator is provided with two grippers, (44) and (44 ′), of the same type as the gripper (38). This manipulator is also provided with means making it possible to move them from one point to another of said conveyor.

A first part of these displacement means consists of two jacks (45), (45 ′) similar to the jack (41), which allow the gripping means (44), (44 ′) to descend independently to the clamps (3 ˝a) to (3˝j).

The second part of these means is of the screw-nut type. The motor (46) rotates the endless screw (47) which collaborates with the nut fixed on the mobile assembly (48). This nut drives this assembly (48) in translation, guided by the slides (49), along the conveyor so that the gripping members move vertically from the grippers (3˝a) to (3˝j).

So that this first manipulator (44) can grasp the end held by the clamp (3˝j) which is then opened by the opening means associated with it, release said end of said clamp which once empty is closed , move and engage this end in another predetermined clamp (3˝a) to (3˝i). The clamp (3˝j) is then ejected towards the return conveyor according to an embodiment taught in patent FR 90 13137 (RICARD Claude). The ejection means (19) of the empty grippers from the conveyor (1 ′) to the return conveyor are located at the grippers (3˝k) and (3˝j) as shown in FIG. 14.

These gripping members include pliers (38 ′) and (38˝) produced according to the example of FIGS. 15 and 16. To engage the wire, the pliers (38 ′) force the opening of the beaks (50) of the pliers (3˝j).

According to FIG. 16, the spouts are separated by the action of this wire which acts as a wedge on the part (50a) of said spouts. The "V" shape facilitates the opening of these spouts pivoting around the axes (52b) and kept closed by the springs (51).

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, the gripping pliers advantageously comprises a pushing finger (53) which can engage between the beaks of the pliers and which supports the wire during the engagement of the latter in a clamp and which temporarily holds it during the withdrawal phase.

According to this figure, the wire is held by the gripper (38 ′), produced according to the example of Figures 15 to 19. When inserting the wire into a clamp, this wire is held, inter alia, by the finger (53) which supports the wire which repels the piston (52). At the end of the descent stroke, the lower part of the finger (53) is at the same level as the detail of internal shape (50b) of the spouts.

Advantageously said finger comprises at its lower part in contact with the wire a shape detail (69) for retaining the wire and whose profile has a "V" shape or a concave shape.

If the clamp is produced by a tangle of spouts or if the clamp has details of shape obstructing the use of a finger as shown, said finger will advantageously be cut to slip between said spouts or avoid said details of shape.

Thus the wire or the various wires present in the clamp are held, temporarily and in particular when the beaks are forced to open by the wire put in place, by compression between the piston (52) pushed towards the finger by the spring. (54) and the finger (53). These wires are also compressed and held by shearing between the edges of the piston (52) and the edges of the fingers (50) closed by the springs (51).

Even if at this stage of the action of the device, the gripper engages a wire in an empty gripper, note that the positioning action is carried out in the same way regardless of the number of wires already included in the clamp.

The cavity formed by the profile (50b) of the spouts and the profile (52a) of the piston adapts to the volume of the wires which it keeps compressed. In addition, as during the insertion of a wire, it is the wire itself which forces the beaks to open, the beaks only open to let it pass and the already existing wires cannot escape.

According to the example shown in FIG. 14, after having ordered the sampling of the downstream end of the wire (26), end (26C) in the clamp (3˝j), the computer moves the mobile assembly (48) to bring the member (44) vertically to the clamp (3˝a). He commits said end in this empty clamp of said conveyor by lowering the gripping means in the low position as described above.

• le transfert simultané des points intermédiaires (26A′) du fil (26), maintenus par les pinces (3˝k) et (3˝l), dans les pinces (3˝c) et (3˝d) disposées dans le champ de l'unité (43):
• le transfert de l'extrémité (26A), maintenue par la pince (3˝m), dans la pince (3˝h);
• le transfert de l'extrémité aval (25C) du fil (25), maintenue par la pince (3˝n), dans la pince (3˝b),
• le transfert simultané des points intermédiaires (25A′) du fil (25), maintenus par les pinces (3˝o) et (3˝p) , dans les pinces (3˝c) et (3˝e),
• le transfert de l'extrémité amont (25B) du fil (25), maintenue par la pince (3˝q), dans la pince (3˝f);
• le transfert de l'extrémité aval (24B) du fil (24), maintenue par la pince (3˝r), dans la pince (3˝g),
• le transfert simultané des points intermédiaires (24A′) du fil (24), maintenus par les pinces (3˝s) et (3˝t) , dans les pinces (3˝e) et (3˝d);
• le transfert de l'extrémité amont (24A) dans la pince (3˝i).

The computer also controls:

• the simultaneous transfer of the intermediate points (26A ′) of the wire (26), held by the pliers (3˝k) and (3˝l), in the pliers (3˝c) and (3˝d) arranged in the field unit (43):
• transferring the end (26A), held by the clamp (3˝m), into the clamp (3˝h);
• transferring the downstream end (25C) of the wire (25), held by the clamp (3˝n), into the clamp (3˝b),
• the simultaneous transfer of the intermediate points (25A ′) of the wire (25), held by the pliers (3˝o) and (3˝p), in the pliers (3˝c) and (3˝e),
• transferring the upstream end (25B) of the wire (25), held by the clamp (3˝q), into the clamp (3˝f);
• transferring the downstream end (24B) of the wire (24), held by the clamp (3˝r), into the clamp (3˝g),
• the simultaneous transfer of the intermediate points (24A ′) of the wire (24), held by the pliers (3˝s) and (3˝t), in the pliers (3˝e) and (3˝d);
• the transfer of the upstream end (24A) into the clamp (3˝i).

Advantageously, as described above and represented in FIG. 14, the wires of the branches of a branch are arranged and kept separately, branch by branch, in several branch clamps (3˝) arranged contiguously.

FIG. 14 also represents a particular embodiment of the invention in which the branches are attached in the vicinity of the branch clamps by the link laying unit (55).

According to FIG. 14, this link laying unit is located downstream from the transfer unit (43). It consists of a jack (56), controlled by the computer (42), which lowers the known type of binding pliers (10) so that its beaks (10a) grip all the wires of a branch included in the bypass clamp presented to it by the conveyor (1˝). The computer then commands the binding pliers to attach the wires of the said branch together, to open the beaks (10a) and to bring the binding pliers back above the said bypass pliers.

• On transfère par intermittence un premier convoyeur muni de pinces d'extrémités pour saisir et maintenir lesdites extrémités.
• On saisit, maintient et transfère par intermittence lesdites extrémités selon un certain chemin de transfert au moyen desdites pinces d'extrémités dudit premier convoyeur.
• On présente au moyen desdites pinces d'extrémités certaines desdites extrémités à des unités de traitement des extrémités disposées latéralement le long dudit chemin de transfert.
• On modifie lesdites extrémités au moyen desdites unités de traitement des extrémités.
• On présente lesdites extrémités à une unité de mariage qui regroupe plusieurs extrémités dans une même pince d'extrémité.
• On présente lesdites extrémités à une unité de permutation qui modifie l'ordre de certaines desdites extrémités sur ledit premier convoyeur.
• On présente plusieurs desdites extrémités à une unité de connexion qui connecte certaines desdites extrémités sur les composants fixés sur une pince composant.
• On met en place ladite pince-composant sur ledit premier convoyeur lorsque toutes les extrémités sont connectées.
• On regroupe dans une même pince de dérivation plusieurs desdits points intermédiaires qui sont associés à une même dérivation.
• On écarte lesdites pinces de dérivation avec lesdites diverses pinces pour conformer le faisceau.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 and described above:

• A first conveyor is provided intermittently with end clamps to grip and hold said ends.
• Said ends are gripped, maintained and intermittently transferred along a certain transfer path by means of said end clamps of said first conveyor.
• Some of said ends are presented by means of said end clips to end processing units arranged laterally along said transfer path.
• Said ends are modified by means of said end processing units.
• Said ends are presented to a wedding unit which combines several ends in a single end clip.
• Said ends are presented to a permutation unit which modifies the order of some of said ends on said first conveyor.
• Several of said ends are presented to a connection unit which connects some of said ends to the components fixed on a component clamp.
• Said component clamp is placed on said first conveyor when all the ends are connected.
• Several of said intermediate points which are associated with the same branch are grouped together in the same branch clamp.
• Said bypass clamps are moved aside with said various clamps to conform the beam.

• d'un ensemble de trois convoyeurs à courroie: (2), (2′) et (2˝),
• d'une butée (4) et,
• d'un chariot (15) transportant des moyens pour la mise en place des butées et des pinces, et en particulier les vérins (23) et (16).

FIG. 20 shows, in partial perspective view and in a cross section, the detail of the embodiment:

• a set of three belt conveyors: (2), (2 ′) and (2˝),
• a stop (4) and,
• a carriage (15) transporting means for the establishment of the stops and clamps, and in particular the jacks (23) and (16).

The gripper conveyor (2) transports a gripper (3) of which only the foot is represented by means of the belt (60). This foot has a sole (57) whose width (57a) is slightly less than the width (58) of the profile to allow good guiding of the base in the profile.

The length (57b) is slightly less than the length of the notch (58) in order to allow the transfer of the clamp along the axis (X′X). This transfer is carried out by sliding, pulling or pushing the clamp. The base teeth then slide on the teeth of the belts (60) and (61), and on the teeth of the racks (62) and (63) cut in the profile. The teeth of the belts, in the position of gripper transfer, and the teeth of said racks are aligned.

Said clamp is pushed by means of the jack (23) or pulled by means of this jack and the elastic piece (23a). This device (23a) is produced by means of a hollow elastic rubber piece. This part can be pressurized and inflated like a balloon by injecting compressed air inside through the hollow axis (23b). This part can also be left to stand by venting to the atmosphere. This device (23a) freely penetrates, at rest, into the corresponding hole (64) which is provided with the clamp (3a). After being engaged in said hole, it is inflated and expanded by the injection of compressed air, which allows the jack (23) to pull the clamp (3).

The carriage (15) is produced according to FIG. 20. It has teeth (68) engaged with teeth of the toothed belt (61) of the conveyor (2 ′). This belt, which forms a loop driven by a motor, makes it possible to move the carriage (15) and to bring the axis of the jack which it carries, in correspondence with the axis of the hole (64).

The movement of the conveyor (2 ′) also makes it possible to bring the carriage (15d) opposite the stop (4z) so as to align the corner (17) with the light (18).

The foot (19) is kept in contact with the toothed belt by means of the friction washer (66) and the elastic piece (67).

The outlet of the jack (16) engages said corner (17) in the light (18). The wedge (17) lifts the rod (65) and the foot (19) by compressing the elastic piece or the spring (67). The teeth (66a) of the foot (19) emerge from the complementary teeth (66b) of the toothed belt (20). Once these teeth are released, the carriage (15) allows to move the stop (4) along the conveyor (2˝).

Claims (15)

1. Device for automatically manufacturing arborescent bundles (7a to 7j) of conductor wires or optical fibers, this device comprising:

   . a first conveyor (1) equipped with clips (3, 3) which each grasp, hold and transport one end (25) of at least one wire section, each end either being non-connected and it is in that case maintained, alone or with other non-connected ends and each relative to another wire section, in an "end" clip (3'), or being connected to a "component" (24) and in that case being maintained, alone or with other ends each relative to another wire section and each connected to a "component" in a "component clip" (3);

   . a loading unit (30) which positions in said clips the ends, connected or not, of these wire sections;

   . a unit, placed following said conveyor (1) and supplied with end clips and with component clips transported by said first conveyor (1), this latter unit being equipped with robotized means for forming, by spacing apart certain of said clips (3, 3'), the bundle of wire sections in various taut branches (7a...7j) and to attach the wires of the same branch together,

   characterized in that:

   . this latter unit comprises a plurality of second conveyors (2) which are parallel to said first conveyor (1);

   . the device comprises means (8, 4, 15, 16, 23) for displacing said clips (3, 3') between said first conveyor (1) and said second conveyors (2);

   . these second conveyors (2) are equipped with means (8, 4) for stretching at least one assembly of branches of the bundle by spacing apart certain of said clips with the aid of these second conveyors.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that said second conveyors (2) are each of the same type as said first conveyor (1).
3. Device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that said second conveyors (2) comprise stops (4), displaceable on each of these second conveyors, which becomes and organize the branches (7a...7j) of the bundle.
4. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises bypass clips (3") which are loaded on said first conveyor and which maintain all the wires of the same branch at intermediate points (17) which are associated with bypasses.
5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the wires of the branches of a bypass are maintained, branch by branch, in a plurality of bypass clips (3"c, 3"c', 3"c") which are disposed contiguously on said first conveyor (1).
6. Device according to Claim 4 or Claim 5, characterized in that the first conveyor (1) comprises means (33, 34) for unwinding wire sections of determined lengths, as well as a control device (42) which controls unwinding of the wire and which stops this wire at the intermediate points (A') which are associated with bypasses.
7. Device according to one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said bypass clips (3") are placed in position on said first conveyor (1) by said loading unit (30).
8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a transfer unit (43) for transferring and regrouping the intermediate points associated with the same bypass, on bypass clips (3").
9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the transfer unit (43) presents gripping means (44, 44') capable of simultaneously grasping two intermediate points.
10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the transfer unit is placed astride two conveyors whose motorization means are independent.
11. Process for implementation of the device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that one of the sets of branches constituted by the largest number of contiguous branches (7i, 7b, 7c, 7e, 7g) is strung along the same second conveyor (2a) or in approximately the same direction (2a, 2'a).
12. Process according to Claim 11, characterized in that one of the sets of branches, constituted by contiguous branches, which comprises the largest number of wire sections, number calculated by counting the number of wire sections in each branch and by making the total of all these sub-totals for all the branches of the set of contiguous branches considered, is strung along the same second conveyor (2a) or in approximately the same direction (2a, 2'a).
13. Process for implementation of the device according to one of Claims 4 to 9, characterized in that a plurality of said intermediate points which are associated with the same bypass are regrouped in the same bypass clip (3"c).
14. Process for implementation of the device according to one of Claims 4 to 9, characterized in that an intermediate point (A') associated with a bypass is maintained at two points (3"l', 3"k').
15. Process for implementation of the device according to one of Claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the branches (7b, 7i, 7j) are attached (7'b, 7'i, 7'j) in the vicinity of the bypass clips (3"d, 3"d', 3"d").

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