WO2001082313A1

WO2001082313A1 - Installation for making a cable harness

Info

Publication number: WO2001082313A1
Application number: PCT/FR2001/001251
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Simon; Luc Ville; Hervé TATER
Original assignee: Labinal
Priority date: 2000-04-27
Filing date: 2001-04-24
Publication date: 2001-11-01
Also published as: FR2808374A1

Abstract

The invention concerns an installation for making cable harnesses comprising at least an operator's workstation for making a cable harness. The station is equipped with a template (16) whereon are displayed a diagram (18) of the path for the harness cables and, at each end of the diagram, a mark (20) identifying said end. Said station comprises: means (35) for storing data representing the structure of at least a cable harness; means (48) for reading each of said identification marks, for identifying each of the ends of the harness; and means (42, 44) for providing the operator, in response to identification by the operator of one of the ends of the harness, cabling data concerning only the end identified by the operator.

Description

Installation for manufacturing a bundle of cables.

The present invention relates to an installation for manufacturing a cable bundle, of the type comprising at least one work station of an operator for manufacturing a cable bundle, which station is equipped with a jig on which a representation of the path of the harness cables and, at each end of the representation of the path of the harness cables, an identification mark of said end.

Nowadays, it is known to prefabricate the bundles of cables subsequently integrated inside vehicles, such as airplanes, helicopters, trains or even cars. These bundles of cables are used for the transport of electrical power or electrical signals. These bundles have cables mechanically connected to each other to form a harness. Each cable itself is formed from one or more conductive wires. In practice, many cables have only one wire. Connectors are provided at the ends of the cables to ensure the connection of the harness to operational parts of the vehicle.

The manufacture of cable bundles is a relatively complex operation due to the very large number of cables, their different natures, as well as the complexity of correctly connecting the ends of the wires to the corresponding pins of the connectors.

These cable bundles are manufactured manually by an operator who assembles the wires together to form cables then the bundle and who, finally, installs, at the ends of each cable, the appropriate connectors by correctly connecting each connector pin to the associated wire .

To do this, the operator uses a cable harness manufacturing facility. This installation generally includes, at each operator workstation, a large table on the tray of which is arranged a wiring plan or template. On this template is printed a representation of the routing of the harness cables. An identification mark at each end of the cable routing representation is also shown on the template at the installation location. tion of each connector. This mark identifies the corresponding end of the beam.

To carry out the wiring, the operator also has a bundle of printed sheets on which there is a nomenclature of the wiring harness. This lists the elements entering into the constitution of the bundle and all the connections to be made at each end of the bundle between the wires constituting it and the pins of the connectors attached to its ends.

Due to the very large number of wires present in the bundle, different types of connectors, different assembly methods to be used, as well as shields and other electromagnetic protections to be implemented, the bundle made available to the operator is very voluminous, this generally having a thickness of a few centimeters. It is understood that the use of such bundles to carry out the wiring of the harness is difficult for the operator, who must refer to it permanently for the connection of each end of a wire to the corresponding pin of a connector.

The manufacturing time of the beam is thus relatively long and the risks of error are numerous.

The invention therefore aims to provide a beam manufacturing facility facilitating the work of the operator.

To this end, the subject of the invention is an installation for manufacturing cable harnesses of the aforementioned type, characterized in that it comprises: - data storage means representative of the structure of at least one bundle of cables which can be manufactured;

means, specific to each work station, for reading each of the identification marks of the ends of the representation of the routing of the cables of the bundle, for the identification of each of the ends of the bundle; and

- means, specific to each workstation, of making available to the operator, in response to the identification by the operator of one of the harness ends, wiring information for the only harness end identified by the operator.

According to particular embodiments, the installation comprises one or more of the following characteristics: - the cables constituting the bundle carry identification marks, and it comprises:

. means, specific to each work station, for reading each of the cable identification marks for the identification of each of the cables; and. means, specific to each work station, of making available to the operator, in response to the operator's identification of one of the cables, wiring information relating to the only cable identified by the operator ;

- said wiring information includes technical data informing the operator of the operating mode to be used for the wiring to be carried out;

- Said identification marks include bar codes and the reading means comprise means for reading bar codes; it comprises, for each work station, an information processing unit to which the reading means and the means of provision are connected, it comprises a server to which the or each information processing unit is connected, which server comprises means for managing data storage means representative of the structure of the or each bundle, and the or each information processing unit comprises means for sending a request for cabling information as a function an identification mark read, and the server comprises means for sending, to the information processing unit, the only cabling information required with a view to making it available to the user by said means of provision ;

- It comprises means of wireless connection between the server and the or each information processing unit; and - It includes means for storing a history of the manufacture of each bundle of cables.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic view of an installation for manufacturing cable harnesses according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of one end of a cable bundle, before installation of the connectors; - Figure 3 is a schematic view of the software applications distributed between the different pieces of equipment of the computer means of the installation of Figure 1; and

- Figure 4 is a flow diagram of the algorithm implemented by the computer means of the installation of Figure 1. The installation shown in Figure 1 essentially comprises support plates 10 for the manual manufacture of cable harnesses , computer means 12 for assisting operators for the manufacture of cable harnesses and cable support racks 14 for the manufacture of the bundle. A support plate 10 and access to the computer assistance means 12 are provided for each work station occupied by an operator.

In Figure 1, only one workstation is shown. The generally horizontal planar surface of the support plate 10 is covered with a template 16 on which is printed a representation 18 of the routing of the cables of the bundle to be manufactured. This representation 18 presents a thread-like layout comprising bifurcations. The representation, made at scale 1, takes up the layout of each of the cables in the bundle.

At each end of the representation 18 of the cable routing, identification marks 20 are printed on the template 16. These identification marks 20 are representative of the considered end of the bundle. They are advantageously formed by bar codes. In addition, the template 16 has a cartridge in which is printed a bar code 22 comprising information representative of the bundle of cables that can be manufactured from the representation carried on this template. Furthermore, the computer means 12 for assisting the operator in manufacturing the cable bundle comprise, on the one hand, a local computer network 30 and, on the other hand, a terminal 32 associated with each work station, this terminal being connected to the network 30. Thus, when a single operator works on each support plate 10, a terminal 32 is associated with each plate.

The network 30 includes a server 34 associated with the workshop in which there are several work stations. This server 34 is connected to data storage means 35 formed for example by a set of hard disks. The server manages the storage means. The storage means store the information necessary for manufacturing the cable bundles being produced in the workshop and in particular the cable bundle shown on the template 16 of the support plate considered by way of example.

The workshop-specific server 34 is connected to a central computer 36 implementing computer-assisted production management software and technical data management software.

For the implementation of production management and technical data management software, the central computer 36 is associated with data storage means 37 containing in particular a database usable for production management and a database of the elements used in the composition of each of the cable harnesses listed.

In addition, these data storage means 37 contain a technical database containing data synthesizing the know-how necessary for the manufacture of cable harnesses such as for example the procedures to be implemented to connect different types of wire to different types of connector, or how to combine wires together to form a cable. More generally, this database technical contains information on the operating mode to be used by an operator to perform certain wiring operations.

The information gathered in the technical database makes it possible to create, in combination with the data used by the production management software, the manufacturing file for a cable harness.

As known per se, the central computer 36 is connected to a remote unit 38 for preparing the wires used in the composition of a cable bundle. This unit 38 comprises automatic machines for cutting sections of son of suitable length from spools of son. They are also suitable for printing, on each section of wire, an identification barcode. Such a wire carrying a bar code is considered in the following as a cable comprising only one wire.

The unit 38 also allows the manufacture of cables comprising several wires, these cables also carrying identification bar codes. The network 30 ensures the connection of the terminals 32 to the server 34. To this end, it comprises transmission / reception antennas 39 allowing the radio link from the server 34 to the terminals 32 each equipped with a transmission / reception antenna 40. As a variant, the link between the network 30 and each terminal 32 is a wired link.

Each terminal 32 is formed for example by a microcomputer comprising an information processing unit 42 connected to a touch screen 44. A card reader 46 for identifying the operator is connected to the unit 42. From even, a bar code reader 48 which can be moved manually by the user is connected by means of a cable to the unit 42. The reader 48 is adapted to read the bar codes 20 and 22 carried on the template 16, as well as the bar codes printed on the cables.

The rack 14 comprises, as known per se, a vertical support 50 having a set of horizontal branches 52 supporting rings 54 of cable of predefined length. These cables produced by the unit 38 are intended to constitute the cable harness by being arranged on the support plate 10. Each of the cables has, over its length, at least one bar code enabling the cable to be identified by reading the bar code from the reader 48.

In Figure 2 is illustrated by way of example a bundle section 60 comprising three cables 60A, 60B and 60C each formed by a wire and on the outer surface of each of which is provided a bar code 62A, 62B and 62C.

In FIG. 3 are schematically represented the different entities of the computer means 12 used in the installation of FIG. 1. The software applications implemented by each of these entities, and the transfers of data between them are illustrated there.

In this figure, we find the server 34 connected, on the one hand, to the central computer 36 and, on the other hand, to two terminals 42 associated with operator workstations. The unit 38 connected to the central computer 36 is also shown.

Communication between the central computer 36 and the server 34 specific to the workshop is carried out by shared files.

The exchange of data between the central computer 36 and the server 34 is carried out by applications specific to these materials, designated by central application 70 and server application 72.

A file calling mechanism is set up to trigger the transmission of data files from the central computer 36. These files transmitted to the server 34 are files suitable for making a bundle of cables. They include the nomenclature of the cable harness grouping all of its constituents, as well as the technical data to be used for the manufacture of this harness.

The information specific to the technique to be used is initially stored in the technical database contained in the means 37. The only files necessary for the manufacture of the beams during manufacture on the various workstations are stored in the storage means 35 from the server. Thus, outside the periods of file transfer between the central computer 36 and the server 34, the link established between them can be interrupted, the installation however continuing to operate.

Furthermore, each terminal 32 implements a so-called client application 74 intended for providing the user with information received from the server application 72 implemented by the server 34. The client application is in particular loaded presentation of the various entry screens, entry control, formatting of requests to the server application 72 and decoding of the data coming from the server application 72.

Furthermore, the collection of information by reading bar codes from the reader 48 is managed by a set of applications distributed in the central units 42 and in the server 34.

More specifically, a core 76 is installed on the server 34 to ensure communication with satellite applications 78 implemented by the terminals 32.

In particular, the satellite application 78 of each terminal is suitable for:

- Perform a reliable acquisition of the data read from the associated reader 48, on the bar codes installed on different equipment and on the template, the data read being transmitted from the reader 48 to the central unit 42 by a link 80;

communicating the data read to the kernel 76 in real time, as illustrated by the link 82; - transmit data from the kernel 76 to a given terminal as illustrated by the arrow 84.

The functions of the kernel 76 essentially allow:

- centralize data from satellite applications 78 in a so-called real-time database; and - to offer a subscription service to server applications 72, allowing a client application 74 to transparently access information read by a reader 48. Thus, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the applications considered allow, when reading a bar code from a reader 48, that the code read is transmitted to the satellite application 78 of the associated unit 42 by the link 80. The satellite application 78 then transmits the code read to the core 76 by the link 82. The core 76 then determines the client unit 42 associated with the reader and transmits, by a link 84, the code to the satellite application 78 corresponding. Via a link 86, the satellite application 78 transmits the code read to the corresponding client application 74. The client application formats a request and interrogates the server application 72 by a link 88τ The server then processes the request and transmits the result of the request to the client application 74 by a link 90.

The algorithm implemented by the computer assistance means described in FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 4 where the steps leading to the production of a bundle of cables are described successively. In the initial step 100, a suitable software implemented by the central computer 36 determines, according to the nomenclature of the bundle considered, the steps of cutting and marking the cables of the bundle to be implemented by the unit 38 of cable preparation.

By means of suitable software, known per se, automatic machines of the unit 38 take, from spools of wires, sections of cable of length suitable for the bundle and mark each of these cables by printing, along their length, a code with identification bars.

In step 102, the wound cable sections are put in place on the arms 52 of the rack and spacers are arranged between the various cable sections. These inserts are identified by bar codes representative of the cable sections interposed between two successive inserts.

Steps 102 and 104 are implemented in unit 38 in a remote workshop. After this initial phase of preparing the cable sections, an actual phase of manufacturing the cable bundle is implemented. In step 104, an identification of the operator is carried out using an operator-specific identification card which is read from reading 46.

In step 106, the operator reads with the reader 48 the bar code 22 appearing in the cartridge of the template previously installed on the support plate 10, this template corresponding to the bundle of cables to be manufactured.

In step 108, the identification of the template thus identified is sent to the server application 72 which then requires, from the central computer 36, the files necessary for the manufacture of the associated cable bundle. The nomenclature of the cable harness, as well as all of the information necessary for its manufacture, coming from the technical database contained in the means 37, are sent to the server 34 which stores them in the storage means 35.

The next phase consists of the actual placing of the cables on the template 16. For this purpose, the operator identifies a first cable, in step 110, by reading the bar code carried on it from the reader. 48. The cable identification information read is transmitted to the satellite application 78 of the associated unit which itself transmits it to the server 34. In response, the server 34 addresses to the unit 42 of the terminal information corresponding to the position of the cable considered on the template 16. In step 112, this information is made available to the operator by presentation on the screen. This presentation can take the form, for example, of a schematic representation illustrating the routing of the cable on the template 16.

The operator then places the cable on the template, as indicated on the screen.

In step 114, the operator confirms the installation of the cable, for example by pressing on a validation zone of the touch screen 44. Steps 110 to 114 are implemented successively for each of the cables. A test 116 is implemented at the end of step 114 to check whether there are any cables left to install. When all the cables are in place on the template, the next phase of fitting the connectors begins. The connectors are installed one by one at each end of the harness formed by all of the cables.

To this end, in step 118, the operator identifies, thanks to the reader 48, one of the ends of the harness, from his bar code 20 appearing on the template. The information read is transmitted to the server 34 by the unit 42. The server, from the data stored in the storage means 35, sends to the unit 42 a description of the connector to be installed at the end considered and of the Precise wiring of this connector, that is to say connections to be made between the wires leading to this end and the pins of the connector. In addition, technical data relating to the operating mode to be used to ensure this connection are transmitted to the unit 42. This information comes from the technical data usable for this cable harness, the latter having been stored in the storage means 35 associated with the server in step 108. In step 120, the application 74 implemented in the unit 42 provides the operator with the data necessary for wiring the considered end of the harness. This provision takes the form, for example, of a schematic display of the connector with each of its pins, as well as a schematic representation of the associated ends of the wires showing the connections to be made by the operator. In order to specify the connection mode, explanatory texts, diagrams or animated sequences can be presented to the operator in order to explain how the connection between a wire and a connector pin must be ensured. This information comes from useful technical data stored by the server 34.

In step 121, each of the tools to be used for wiring the connector is identified from a barcode specific to the tool and appearing thereon. If the tools cannot be used for manufacturing the harness, either because they are not suitable or because they have not been qualified for this application, the operator is informed by a message on the screen 44 , that the tool cannot be used.

To carry out the actual wiring of the connector, the operator arbitrarily selects one of the cables present at the end considered and identifies it, in step 122, by reading the barcode written on the cable.

In step 124, precise information on how to connect each of the wires of this cable to the corresponding pin is made available to the operator by display on the screen 44. The different wires of the same cable are distinguished by the operator on the basis of their different colors.

After physical completion of the connection, the operator confirms the execution of the connection, for example by pressing on a predefined validation area of the touch screen 44.

Steps 122 to 126 are repeated for each of the cables present at the end considered of the harness.

A test 128 is implemented to check whether there are any cables left to connect. Steps 118 to 128 are repeated until the ends appearing on the template 16. To this end, a test 130 is carried out checking whether there are ends of the harness to which a connector has not yet been associated.

The next phase of the algorithm consists, in step 132, of storing the set of information specific to the manufacture of the cable bundle in order to ensure its traceability. The information is transmitted from the unit 42 to the server 34 which, itself, addresses this information to the central computer 36 which stores it in the storage means 37. This information relates for example to the operator who worked, the tools used as well as the types of connection having been made.

It is understood that the use of such a manufacturing installation, implementing the algorithm described above, makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing time of a bundle of cables, by facilitating the sequence of operations to be carried out by the operator. The use of this installation is very convenient for the operator since it remains free to choose the order of operations to be carried out on the template.

Only the information necessary for the elementary operation which it is carrying out being available on screen 44, the risks ques errors that may result from viewing a large document are removed.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Installation for manufacturing cable bundles comprising at least one operator's workstation for manufacturing a cable bundle, which station is equipped with a template (16) on which a representation is shown (18) of the routing of the harness cables and, at each end of the representation of the routing of the harness cables, a mark (20) for identifying said end, characterized in that it comprises:

- means (35) for storing data representative of the structure of at least one bundle of cables that can be manufactured;

- Means (48), specific to each work station, for reading each of the identification marks of the ends of the representation (18) of the routing of the bundle cables, for the identification of each of the ends of the bundle; and - means (42, 44), specific to each work station, for making available to the operator, in response to the identification by the operator of one of the ends of the bundle, wiring information concerning the only end of the beam identified by the operator.

2.- Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the cables constituting the bundle carry identification marks (62A, 62B, 62C), and in that it comprises:

- Means (48), specific to each work station, for reading each of the marks (62A, 62B, 62C) for identifying the cables for the identification of each of the cables; and - means (42, 44), specific to each work station, for making available to the operator, in response to the operator's identification of one of the cables, wiring information relating to the only cable identified by the operator.

3.- Installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said wiring information includes technical data informing the operator on the operating mode to be used for the wiring to be performed.

4.- Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said identification marks (22; 62A, 62B, 62C) comprise bar codes and the reading means (48) comprise means for reading bar codes.

5.- Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, for each work station, an information processing unit (42) to which the reading means (48) and the provision means (44), in that it comprises a server (34) to which the or each information processing unit (42) is connected, which server (34) comprises means for managing the means (35) for storing data representative of the structure of the or each beam, and in that the or each information processing unit (42) comprises means for sending a request for wiring information as a function of an identification mark read, and the server (34) comprises means for sending, to the information processing unit (42), the only wiring information required in order to make it available to the user by said provision means (44).

6.- Installation according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises wireless connection means between the server (34) and the or each information processing unit (42).

7.- Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for storing a history of the manufacture of each bundle of cables.