EP0490795B1 - Procédés et dispositifs pour fabriquer automatiquement des faisceaux arborescents de fils - Google Patents

Procédés et dispositifs pour fabriquer automatiquement des faisceaux arborescents de fils Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0490795B1
EP0490795B1 EP19910420445 EP91420445A EP0490795B1 EP 0490795 B1 EP0490795 B1 EP 0490795B1 EP 19910420445 EP19910420445 EP 19910420445 EP 91420445 A EP91420445 A EP 91420445A EP 0490795 B1 EP0490795 B1 EP 0490795B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
conveyor
branches
wire
clamps
conveyors
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19910420445
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0490795A1 (fr
Inventor
Claude Ricard
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Whitaker LLC
Original Assignee
Whitaker LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from FR9015970A external-priority patent/FR2670620B1/fr
Priority claimed from FR9015969A external-priority patent/FR2670619B1/fr
Application filed by Whitaker LLC filed Critical Whitaker LLC
Priority to EP95201638A priority Critical patent/EP0673091A3/fr
Publication of EP0490795A1 publication Critical patent/EP0490795A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0490795B1 publication Critical patent/EP0490795B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/28—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for wire processing before connecting to contact members, not provided for in groups H01R43/02 - H01R43/26
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
    • G02B6/4452—Distribution frames

Definitions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the higher level branches are stretched first.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a device 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.
  • control means are included in the form of software in the computer.
  • a loading unit which according to the invention comprises means for also placing in said clamps of said conveyor intermediate points of said section.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • clamps 3g
  • 3′f 3′f
  • 3'e 3'd
  • 3a 3a
  • 3c 3b
  • 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 ').
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • At least one of said second conveyors (2a) is located in the extension of said first conveyor (1).
  • 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) .
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • said means for spreading said clamps comprise a plurality of stops (4) which deflect and organize the arms (7) of the bundle.
  • 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.
  • 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 "
  • Such a set is not unique. Another such set is: (7h), (7th), (7c), (7b) and (7d).
  • 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).
  • the bundle 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 ′).
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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 ′).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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 ′).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • the branch (27) lying between the end zone (A) and the bypass zone (A ') comprises part of the sections of wires (26) and (24').
  • (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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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 ").
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • gripping members include pliers (38 ′) and (38 ⁇ ) produced according to the example of FIGS. 15 and 16.
  • the pliers (38 ′) force the opening of the beaks (50) of the pliers (3 ⁇ j).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • the wire is held by the gripper (38 ′), produced according to the example of Figures 15 to 19.
  • this wire is held, inter alia, by the finger (53) which supports the wire which repels the piston (52).
  • the lower part of the finger (53) is at the same level as the detail of internal shape (50b) of the spouts.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 ⁇ ).

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Electrical Connectors (AREA)
  • Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
  • Tyre Moulding (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
EP19910420445 1990-12-13 1991-12-12 Procédés et dispositifs pour fabriquer automatiquement des faisceaux arborescents de fils Expired - Lifetime EP0490795B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP95201638A EP0673091A3 (fr) 1990-12-13 1991-12-12 Dispositif et procédé pour fabriquer automatiquement des faisceaux arborescents de fils.

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9015969 1990-12-13
FR9015970A FR2670620B1 (fr) 1990-12-13 1990-12-13 Procedes et dispositifs, pour fabriquer automatiquement les derivations de faisceaux, de fils conducteurs ou de fibres optiques, comprenant plusieurs branches et derivations.
FR9015969A FR2670619B1 (fr) 1990-12-13 1990-12-13 Procedes et dispositifs pour fabriquer automatiquement des faisceaux, de fils conducteurs ou de fibres optiques, comprenant plusieurs branches et derivations.
FR9015970 1990-12-13

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95201638.4 Division-Into 1991-12-12

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0490795A1 EP0490795A1 (fr) 1992-06-17
EP0490795B1 true EP0490795B1 (fr) 1996-03-27

Family

ID=26228397

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19910420445 Expired - Lifetime EP0490795B1 (fr) 1990-12-13 1991-12-12 Procédés et dispositifs pour fabriquer automatiquement des faisceaux arborescents de fils
EP95201638A Withdrawn EP0673091A3 (fr) 1990-12-13 1991-12-12 Dispositif et procédé pour fabriquer automatiquement des faisceaux arborescents de fils.

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95201638A Withdrawn EP0673091A3 (fr) 1990-12-13 1991-12-12 Dispositif et procédé pour fabriquer automatiquement des faisceaux arborescents de fils.

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (2) EP0490795B1 (no)
JP (1) JPH0565129A (no)
CA (1) CA2057568A1 (no)
DE (1) DE69118333T2 (no)
ES (1) ES2085452T3 (no)
NO (1) NO914870L (no)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111969393A (zh) * 2020-06-30 2020-11-20 北京航天控制仪器研究所 一种剥除聚酰亚胺包铜线涂覆层的装置及方法

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101629972B (zh) * 2009-01-09 2011-08-03 深圳浩宁达仪表股份有限公司 电力控制或监测终端和计量仪表自动接线测试方法及装置
CN115231036B (zh) * 2022-08-18 2024-01-19 湖州学院 一种基于电气加工的电缆线束自动化装配设备

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2555397B1 (fr) * 1983-11-18 1988-11-18 Artos Engineering Co Appareil pour fabriquer des faisceaux de fils conducteurs finis ou des sous-ensembles de ceux-ci
US4715099A (en) 1986-01-16 1987-12-29 Shin Meiwa Industry Co., Ltd. Terminal crimping machine
JPS62246205A (ja) * 1986-04-18 1987-10-27 住友電装株式会社 ワイヤハーネスの成形方法とその成形方法のための成形装置
FR2619038A1 (fr) * 1987-08-07 1989-02-10 Automatisme Robotique Applique Pinces, equipant des convoyeurs de machines de cablage automatiques, destinees a tenir un ou plusieurs fils conducteurs
FR2619258B1 (fr) * 1987-08-07 1989-12-15 Ricard Claude Procedes et dispositifs pour sertir mecaniquement une piece de connexion sur les extremites de plusieurs fils conducteurs
FR2628266B1 (fr) * 1988-03-02 1990-07-20 Peroy Francois Procede de fabrication d'un faisceau de brins a partir d'un cable, installation pour la mise en oeuvre de ce procede et faisceau de brins fabrique selon ce procede
FR2668311B1 (fr) 1990-10-17 1994-01-07 Ricard Claude Procedes et dispositifs pour connecter automatiquement des extremites de troncons de fils conducteurs ou de fibres optiques a des receptacles adaptes de composants.

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111969393A (zh) * 2020-06-30 2020-11-20 北京航天控制仪器研究所 一种剥除聚酰亚胺包铜线涂覆层的装置及方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2057568A1 (en) 1992-06-14
NO914870D0 (no) 1991-12-11
EP0490795A1 (fr) 1992-06-17
EP0673091A2 (fr) 1995-09-20
EP0673091A3 (fr) 1997-04-02
NO914870L (no) 1992-06-15
DE69118333T2 (de) 1996-10-17
DE69118333D1 (de) 1996-05-02
JPH0565129A (ja) 1993-03-19
ES2085452T3 (es) 1996-06-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0481901B1 (fr) Procédés et dispositifs pour connecter automatiquement des extrémités de tronçons de fils conducteurs ou de fibres optiques à des réceptacles adaptés de composants
EP0302804B1 (fr) Procédés et dispositifs pour sertir mécaniquement une pièce de connexion sur les extrémités de plusieurs fils conducteurs
US4658503A (en) Method and apparatus for terminal insertion
FR2521965A1 (fr) Procede pour former en continu des paquets de boites pliees en vue de leur traitement et dispositif pour sa mise en oeuvre
FR2555397A1 (fr) Appareil pour fabriquer des faisceaux de fils conducteurs finis ou des sous-ensembles de ceux-ci
EP0490795B1 (fr) Procédés et dispositifs pour fabriquer automatiquement des faisceaux arborescents de fils
FR2620743A1 (fr) Appareil de traitement thermique pour fuseaux de fil
EP0706725B1 (fr) Procede et dispositif de conformation d'un faisceau ramifie
SK400590A3 (en) System for production of bunched wires
FR2513062A1 (fr) Machine de montage successif de composants electroniques sur des plaquettes de circuit imprime
FR2507428A1 (fr) Machine de montage de composants electroniques sur des circuits
US5309633A (en) Method and device for forming wiring harnesses
FR2670620A1 (fr) Procedes et dispositifs, pour fabriquer automatiquement les derivations de faisceaux, de fils conducteurs ou de fibres optiques, comprenant plusieurs branches et derivations.
FR2670618A1 (fr) Procedes et dispositifs pour fabriquer automatiquement des fausceaux arborescents.
FR2670619A1 (fr) Procedes et dispositifs pour fabriquer automatiquement des faisceaux, de fils conducteurs ou de fibres optiques, comprenant plusieurs branches et derivations.
FR2636494A1 (fr) Procedes, dispositifs et pinces specialisees pour inserer automatiquement les extremites d'un faisceau de fils conducteurs sur un ensemble de composants
EP0774415B1 (fr) Procédé pour placer des clisses sur des bouteilles, machine automatique pour mettre en oeuvre ce procédé, empilage de clisses pour alimenter cette machine, procédé et machine pour réaliser ledit empilage
EP0057114B1 (fr) Procédé et installation pour fabriquer des faisceaux électriques
FR2721445A1 (fr) Machine de fabrication de faisceaux électriques comportant des connecteurs simples et son utilisation.
FR2668311A1 (fr) Procedes et dispositifs pour connecter automatiquement des extremites de troncons de fils conducteurs ou de fibres optiques a des receptacles adaptes de composants.
FR2668313A1 (fr) Procedes et dispositifs pour reorganiser l'ordre de diverses extremites transportees dans des pinces deplacees par un convoyeur.
FR2668312A1 (fr) Procedes et dispositifs pour connecter automatiquement des extremites de troncons de fils conducteurs ou de fibres optiques a des receptacles adaptes de composants utilisant des pinces de divers types et d'usages specifiques.
EP0238394A1 (fr) Procédé de fabrication de faisceaux de câblages électriques, machine pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé et câblages obtenus
FR2668314A1 (fr) Procedes et dispositifs pour connecter automatiquement des extremites de troncons de fils conducteurs ou de fibres optiques a des receptacles adaptes de composants.
FR2589045A1 (fr) Perfectionnements aux machines automatiques permettant de ligaturer au moyen d'un fil, ficelle ou analogues, des produits du type saucisses, saucissons et similaires

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BE CH DE ES GB IT LI NL

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19921203

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19940425

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: RICARD, CLAUDE

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: WHITAKER CORPORATION

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): BE CH DE ES GB IT LI NL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19960327

XX Miscellaneous (additional remarks)

Free format text: TEILANMELDUNG 95201638.4 EINGEREICHT AM 12/12/91.

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: BARZANO' E ZANARDO MILANO S.P.A.

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69118333

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19960502

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19960430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2085452

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Effective date: 19961231

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: WHITAKER CORP.

Effective date: 19961231

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19981110

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 19981221

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19981221

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19981230

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19991212

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19991231

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19991231

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19991212

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20001003

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20001213

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20010113

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20051212

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: KIRKER & CIE SA

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP