EP0534822B1 - Device and machine for inserting connection elements into connectors - Google Patents

Device and machine for inserting connection elements into connectors Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0534822B1
EP0534822B1 EP92402541A EP92402541A EP0534822B1 EP 0534822 B1 EP0534822 B1 EP 0534822B1 EP 92402541 A EP92402541 A EP 92402541A EP 92402541 A EP92402541 A EP 92402541A EP 0534822 B1 EP0534822 B1 EP 0534822B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
insertion member
connection elements
connector
connection
jaws
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
EP92402541A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0534822A1 (en
Inventor
Serge François Pittau
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.)
Airbus Group SAS
Original Assignee
Airbus Group SAS
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
Application filed by Airbus Group SAS filed Critical Airbus Group SAS
Publication of EP0534822A1 publication Critical patent/EP0534822A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0534822B1 publication Critical patent/EP0534822B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H01R43/20—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/51—Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for metal shaping or assembling
    • Y10T29/5193—Electrical connector or terminal
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/53039—Means to assemble or disassemble with control means energized in response to activator stimulated by condition sensor
    • Y10T29/53061—Responsive to work or work-related machine element
    • Y10T29/53078—Responsive to work or work-related machine element with means to fasten by frictional fitting
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/53087—Means to assemble or disassemble with signal, scale, illuminator, or optical viewer
    • Y10T29/53091—Means to assemble or disassemble with signal, scale, illuminator, or optical viewer for work-holder for assembly or disassembly
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
    • Y10T29/532—Conductor
    • Y10T29/53209—Terminal or connector
    • Y10T29/53213—Assembled to wire-type conductor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/53313—Means to interrelatedly feed plural work parts from plural sources without manual intervention
    • Y10T29/53383—Means to interrelatedly feed plural work parts from plural sources without manual intervention and means to fasten work parts together
    • Y10T29/53391—Means to interrelatedly feed plural work parts from plural sources without manual intervention and means to fasten work parts together by elastic joining

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for connecting, in connector housings, connection elements equipping the ends of electrical conductors, as well as an automatic connection machine comprising such devices.
  • the preamble of claim 1 is based on the state of the art according to document EP-A-0 448 116.
  • the device according to the invention is more particularly intended for the insertion of male and / or female pins, previously mounted, generally by crimping, on the ends of the conductors of electric cables, in the corresponding receptacles for connectors, which can be of circular, rectangular or other shape and the operation of plugging in or connecting the pins is usually carried out by their rear face.
  • connection device and the machine which is equipped with it find a preferential application in the aeronautical field.
  • the multitude of electric cables, intended to connect, by means of specific connectors, the various apparatuses and equipments of the aircraft to ensure their good functioning implies numerous preliminary operations of connection of the pins, terminating the conductors said cables, in the corresponding housings of specific connectors in order to constitute, subsequently, wiring harnesses or harnesses.
  • connection machine could be applied to other industrial fields, for example automotive, as soon as numerous connections between connection elements and connectors are to be made. .
  • connection elements such as pins, male or female, having different geometric characteristics (shape, length, diameter, ...), which implies the use of numerous specific insertion tools, each corresponding to a particular type of connection element. Therefore, the risks of errors, due to a wrong choice of spindle, insertion tool or connector housing, or even connector, are not negligible. Also, to avoid these possible errors, which could lead to serious consequences, subsequent verification operations are planned to ensure that each pin is fitted to the corresponding housing of the connector concerned, and that the pins are properly connected and maintained in the housings. of said connectors.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks and relates to a connection device, the design of which makes it possible to facilitate the various operations of inserting the connection elements into the receptacles of the connectors and, consequently, to reduce the assembly time. of these elements.
  • connection elements such as pins
  • connection element After having locked the chosen insertion member on the body, depending on the dimensional characteristics of the connection element, the mounting operations for grasping and inserting the connection element in the corresponding housing of the connector are carried out automatically, which ensures correct connection of the connection element in the connector.
  • said insertion member projects relative to said body to face the connector to be fitted.
  • this arrangement greatly facilitates the mounting and dismounting of said members on the body of the device.
  • the body which is then set back from the insertion member carrying the connection element, does not risk damaging the cables already plugged into the connectors, during its movement in the direction of the connector concerned, parallel to the housing.
  • said body has an approximately parallelepiped shape, hollow, inside which are arranged said means for controlling the gripping means of said insertion member.
  • the body therefore defines a hollow housing, devoid of any external roughness preventing the cables already connected there from intermingling.
  • the control means are then protected in the body.
  • Said removable fixing means comprise a tenon and mortise assembly ensuring the sliding of said insertion member on the body, and a ball lock allowing the immobilization in position of said insertion member relative to said body.
  • the tenon-mortise assembly of said insertion member on the body is arranged parallel to the direction of movement. from the body to the connector, and mounting the connection element in the corresponding housing of said connector.
  • the post of said assembly can be provided on a base of said member and have a T-shaped section, while the mortise, of section complementary to that of the post, is provided on the end of a plate emerging from said body, and the locking ball is partly housed in the base of said member in order to engage, by the action of a cam-shaped part urged by a spring and externally controllable, in a corresponding cavity provided in said plate.
  • said means for gripping the connection elements are, for example, with pliers and then comprise two jaws which are relatively movable relative to one another, under the action of said control means, between a closed position, to which said connection element is grasped, held, then introduced into the corresponding housing of the connector, and an open position, for which said element, then inserted in its housing, is released by said jaws.
  • the latter are mounted around an axis of articulation, parallel to the direction of movement of the body and mounting of said connection elements, and connected to said control means, and one of said jaws is fixed and integral with the base of said insertion member, while the other jaw is movable and connected to said axis of articulation.
  • said means for controlling said gripping means comprise a motor, capable of driving said gripping means by a friction mechanism.
  • said motor which is housed inside said body, is arranged coaxially to the axis of articulation of said jaws and it cooperates with said axis by an intermediate shaft pressed axially against said axis of articulation, and said friction mechanism consists of disks respectively provided and associated with the intermediate shaft and with said axis.
  • a torsion spring connects respectively by its ends the two jaws forming the gripping means of said member, so that said jaws are returned and spontaneously held in the closed position when said insertion member is removed from said body.
  • the device further comprises means for protecting said connection element held in said insertion member, said protection means being associated with said body and capable of enveloping said connection element, until before its introduction into the corresponding housing of the connector.
  • these protection means may comprise two displaceable flanges disposed respectively on either side of said insertion member, and capable of occupying, by means of actuation, an open position remote and in removal of said insertion member, and a closed position surrounding said connection element carried by the gripping means. Consequently, these flanges prevent the connection elements, whose dimensions are often millimeter, from being damaged when they approach the housing of the connectors. The flanges thus make their way between the cables already connected and then retract when the connection element is then opposite the corresponding housing of the connector.
  • the two flanges are respectively mounted, by means of axes, in symmetrical and converging guide slots provided in the plate of said body, carrying said insertion member, and said actuation means are constituted by a cylinder housed inside said body and driving, by means of a carriage sliding on said plate, the axes of said flanges between their open position and their closed position, the axes sliding in the converging slots in the direction of said member.
  • the present invention further relates to a machine for automatically connecting, in connector housings, connection elements, such as pins, fitted to the ends of the electrical conductors of cables.
  • connection of the connection elements in the housings of the connectors is controlled and managed automatically by the control unit from the entry of the connection elements of each cable by the two connection devices, until their introduction into the corresponding accommodation.
  • the machine further comprises means for successively supplying said cables to be connected, equipped with said connection elements, opposite said display means, said supply means being connected to said programmable control unit.
  • said supply means comprise an endless conveyor on which are arranged, by means of clamps associated with the conveyor, the two ends of each cable equipped with said connection elements.
  • each device is mounted on a movable element linked to the frame, each of said movable elements comprising a crosspiece capable of sliding, along the axis OX of said reference mark, on at least one beam integral with said frame, a carriage mounted sliding along the axis OY of said reference mark on said cross member, and a base carrying said body and associated with said carriage slidingly along the axis OZ of said reference mark, said connector housings being arranged along the axis OZ of said reference mark.
  • said storage area can consist of two identical boxes in the compartments of which are housed, by means of supports, the various insertion members, each support being provided with controllable arms to hold the insertion member corresponding and a piston or the like projecting from the support and against which the cam-forming part of said fixing means may be applied, linked to the body of each device.
  • each connection device is advantageously allocated a housing of insertion members, each of which is capable of being secured to the body of the corresponding device by the tenon-mortise connection and by the ball locking of the fixing means.
  • said display means comprise for example two cameras associated with the frame and under which the two ends of each cable stop, provided with said connection elements.
  • FIG 1 shows in perspective an automatic connection machine according to the invention, advantageously comprising two connection devices according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows in perspective one of the two connection devices mounted on the machine, the insertion member being locked on the body of said device.
  • Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the device illustrated in Figure 2, showing in particular the means for controlling the gripping means of said member and the protective means in the inactive remote position, of the connection element gripped by said insertion member .
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 are respectively sectional views of the device along lines IV-IV and V-V of FIG. 3.
  • Figure 6 shows in section and on an enlarged scale said insertion member fixed to the body of the device and now, by the gripping means, the end of an electric cable equipped with the connection element such as a pin male.
  • Figure 7 is a cross section of said insertion member according to line VII-VII of Figure 6, showing the gripping means in the closed position.
  • Figure 8 is a view similar to the previous one, but showing said means for gripping said member in the open position under the action of the control means.
  • FIG. 9 represents one of the two storage boxes for said insertion members provided on the machine.
  • Figure 10 shows in perspective one of the supports of said insertion members contained in each housing.
  • FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are diagrammatic and partial section views respectively showing the three main phases of advance, gripping and retraction of said chosen insertion member, respectively, from its storage compartment to the body of said device.
  • Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 3, but it shows said device whose member holds the male pin of an electric cable and whose protective means are in the active position, surrounding the pin.
  • Figures 13 and 14 are respectively sectional views of the device along lines XIII-XIII and XIV-XIV of Figure 12.
  • FIG. 15A shows the insertion of the male pin equipping one of the ends of a cable and carried by one of the devices in the corresponding housing of a connector provided on the machine
  • FIG. 15B shows, by example, the insertion of a female pin fitted to the other end of the same cable and carried by the other device in the corresponding housing of another connector.
  • FIG. 16 represents, by way of example, a wiring harness or harness obtained.
  • connection elements 2 provided at the ends of the electrical conductors of cables 3, in the corresponding housings of electrical connectors 4, in particular by means of devices 5 and a programmable control unit 6 symbolized by a rectangle.
  • connection elements 2, such as pins, equipping the electric cables will be more particularly described and illustrated with reference to FIGS. 6, 15A and 15B, these last two figures also representing two of the electrical connectors to be fitted.
  • the machine 1 advantageously comprises two connection devices 5, movable along the axes OX, OY and OZ of an orthonormal reference of the machine, and intended to treat, each, one of the two connection elements or pins 2 provided at the ends of each electrical conductor to introduce them into the corresponding housings of two chosen connectors 4.
  • each of the devices 5, identical both structurally and functionally comprises a body 7 movable along the three axes OX, OY and OZ and an insertion member 8 capable of being fixed to the body to grip, then introduce said connection element 2 into the chosen housing of the connector concerned 4.
  • the machine 1 Prior to the description of the devices, which will be made later with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, the machine 1 is described below, which comprises a fixed frame 10, to which the orthonormal reference frame OX, OY and OZ is linked and which is constituted of a lower part or base 10A, and of an upper part or gantry 10B connected to each other by a central part 10C arranged in withdrawal.
  • the machine is also associated with mobile equipment 11 for moving the devices 5 along the axes OX, OY and OZ, means 12 for automatically and successively bringing the cables 3 provided with the connection elements 2, means 14 for viewing the elements connection 2 of each cable 3, a storage area 15 of the insertion members 8, and a plurality of connectors 4 to be connected whose housings are intended to receive the connection elements.
  • the mobile assemblies 11 for moving the connection devices 5 are identical and are carried, in this case, by two horizontal beams 10D spaced apart from one another and fixed to the front face 10E of the gantry 10B of said frame. These parallel beams 10D are identical and arranged along the axis OX of the coordinate system. On these beams are mounted the moving elements 11 by means of two vertical crosspieces 11A arranged according to the axis OY of the reference frame and capable of sliding along the horizontal beams 10D.
  • the cross member 11A of each crew supports a carriage 11B capable of sliding thereon along the axis OY.
  • the two crosspieces are identical, as are the two carriages.
  • each carriage 11B On each carriage 11B is slidably mounted a base 11C which is capable of moving along the axis OZ of the reference frame and which carries, by means of suitable fixing means not shown, the body 7 of the corresponding connection device 5.
  • the displacements of each device 5, carried by its respective crew 11 base-carriage-cross member, are obviously provided by motors, not shown, connected to the control unit 6.
  • the fact that the crews 11 are carried by two 10D beams increase mechanical rigidity and guarantee precise movements.
  • the feeding means 12 of the cables 3 are for example constituted by a conveyor 12A with an endless belt 12B (or with a chain), on which pairs of pliers 12C are regularly provided and whose travel takes place along the axis OX of the machine 1.
  • This conveyor 12A endless belt which we see in Figure 1 the downstream end 12A1 arriving in the base 10A of the frame, at its non-visible upstream end disposed at the outlet of a crimping machine, by example.
  • This ensures the establishment and fixing of the appropriate connection elements 2, such as in particular male or female pins, at the ends of the electrical conductors of said cables 3, which are previously cut to length as a function of the distance separating the two connectors to connect.
  • Each cable 3, equipped with pins crimped at the ends of the electrical conductor, is placed automatically, by its ends on the consecutive clamps 12C of the same pair provided on the endless belt 12B of the conveyor. Two cables thus pinched on the conveyor 12A are illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • the display means 14 for positioning the connection elements 2 are for example constituted by two cameras 14A arranged in parallel substantially above the downstream end 12A1 of the conveyor and associated with the central part 10C of the frame. These cameras 14A, the viewing axes of which are arranged along the axis OY, make it possible to view the connection elements 2 crimped at the two ends of each electrical cable 3.
  • two identical controllable clamps 16 are provided, the role of which, from the information provided by the cameras 14A, is to grasp the connection elements 2 of each cable and to carry out a translation along the axis OZ in order to tension the ends of each cable 3, to disengage said connection elements 2 in a plane perpendicular to the viewing axes of the cameras 14A so as to thus allow their capture by the member insertion 8.
  • connection elements 2 are perfectly known and the gripping of said connection elements 2 by the pincers es 16 in a first step, then, in a second step, by the jaws 20A and 20B of the insertion member, as will be seen later, is perfectly controlled.
  • the connectors 4, two of which are more particularly shown with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B, are mounted beforehand in line on an appropriate support 17 capable of holding any type of connector, and not described, fixed to the upper face 10F of the base of the said built.
  • These connectors 4, as shown in FIG. 1, can have shapes (circular, rectangular, etc.) and various dimensions, just as they can include any number of housings.
  • the latter, referenced 4A in FIGS. 15A and 15B, are arranged along the axis OZ of the machine, thus corresponding to the direction of movement of the body 7 of each connection device 5, mounted on the corresponding mobile assembly 11.
  • the storage area 15 of said insertion members 8 comprises two identical housings 15A which are fixed to the front face 10G of the central part 10C of said frame and which have a plurality of compartments 15B.
  • the insertion members 8 are respectively housed in the compartments 15B of each box by means of respective supports 15C, which will be more particularly described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
  • the insertion members 8 have characteristics geometrical adapted to those of the connection elements to be grasped crimped on the cables.
  • the cameras 14A are respectively located under the two housings 15A, which makes it possible to limit the movements of each body from the mounting of the insertion member in the body of the corresponding device until the connection element is gripped.
  • Each body 7 of the connection device is assigned a housing 15A containing the various insertion members adapted to grip the various connection elements equipping the corresponding ends of the cables.
  • the operation of the machine 1 is managed by the programmable control unit 6 to which the various motors of the moving parts 11 and of the endless transporter 12A are connected in particular, and which also contains information relating to the types of connection to between the cable connection elements and the corresponding housings of the different connectors, and the types of insertion elements to be chosen according to the connection to be made.
  • FIG. 2 shows one of the two connection devices 5 according to the invention.
  • the body 7 of this device which is fixed to the displaceable base 11C in the direction OZ on the carriage of the corresponding mobile assembly 11, carries one of the insertion members 8 available in the storage area 15 and chosen as a function of the connection to be made, that is to say of the geometric characteristics of the connection element 2 to be connected.
  • This insertion member 8 is provided with gripping means 20 for gripping the connection element 2 to be connected, and means for removable fasteners 21 allow it to be locked or unlocked from the body 7.
  • the latter is in the form of a substantially parallelepipedic box, inside which are advantageously housed means 22 for controlling the gripping means 20 and means 23 to protect the insertion member 8 intended to hold the connection element 2 during its approach to the corresponding housing of the connector concerned 4.
  • the insertion member 8 of the device which is devoid of connection element, protrudes perpendicularly to one of the faces of said body 7, this is that is to say parallel to the direction of travel OZ.
  • This face thus corresponds to the lateral front face 7A of said body.
  • This cantilever arrangement of said member 8 allows easy mounting thereof on the body, as well as connection elements on the member itself, and also keeps the body 7 away from said connectors.
  • a plate 24 is provided inside the body 7, being substantially arranged in its median plane, that is to say, with respect to the reference of FIG. 1, parallel to the XOZ plane.
  • the projecting end 24A of the plate 24 emerges from the lateral front face 7A of the body 7 so as to carry, by means of the removable fixing means 21, the chosen insertion member 8.
  • the removable fastening means 21, shown more opposite Figures 2, 6 and 7, are constituted by an assembly of the tenon-mortise type ensuring the sliding along the axis OZ of said member 8 on the plate 24 of the body and by a ball lock, ensuring the immobilization in position of the insertion member 8.
  • the lug 21A of the assembly is formed on a base 8A of said member and has a T-shaped section, while the mortise 21B of complementary shape is formed under the lower face 24B of the projecting end 24A of said plate 24.
  • the locking in position is obtained by the ball 21C partially housed in the base 8A of said member to protrude slightly relative thereto, and then engaging in a corresponding imprint 21D provided in the bottom 21B1 of the mortise 21B.
  • This ball 21C is kept engaged in the cavity 21D by means of a part 21E with inclined ramp 21F on which the ball rests, said part being subjected to the action of a compression spring 21G acting along the axis OZ. It is therefore understood that under the action of the spring 21G, the ball 21C, through the part 21E with inclined ramp, is pushed into the corresponding cavity 21D.
  • each member 8 are clamps and for this purpose comprise two jaws 20A and 20B, which are articulated around an axis 20C parallel to the axis OZ of the reference and therefore at the sliding defined by the tenon-mortise assembly.
  • one of the jaws 20A is, in this embodiment, fixed and integral with the base 8A of the insertion member, so that this base 8A and the jaw 20A form a single piece, while the other jaw 20B is movable and linked in rotation to the hinge pin 20C by a pin 20D arranged radially as Figure 7 shows.
  • Each insertion member 8 then mainly consists of two jaws, one of which is integral with the base, and the hinge pin.
  • the gripping jaws 20E and 20F are identical and each has a shape of a semi-cylindrical envelope. These jaws 20E and 20F are parallel to each other and to the axis OZ and they grip the connection elements 2, the geometric characteristics of which obviously correspond to those of the chosen insertion member.
  • the jaws of the jaws 20A and 20B hold the rear part 2A of a male pin 2 which is crimped on the stripped end of the electrical conductor 3A of a cable 3.
  • L 'end 3B of this cable is further guided by the jaws of said jaws, thanks to their elongated shape.
  • the front part 2B of the pin which is intended to be plugged into the corresponding housing of a connector and which is separated from the rear part by a flange 2C, is thus arranged strictly parallel along the axis OZ.
  • the gripping means 20 of each insertion member 8 can be actuated by the control means 22.
  • the means 22 comprise an electric motor 22A connected to the unit piloting 6 and capable of driving, according to an angular arc, the articulation axis 20C of said gripping means by means of an intermediate shaft 22B and a friction mechanism 22C.
  • the electric motor 22A is of the step-by-step type and it is fixed to the bottom 7C of the body 7.
  • To the output shaft 22D of the said motor is coupled, by a splined connection 22E, the end 22F of the intermediate shaft 22B, the other end 22G of which cooperates with the hinge pin 20C by the friction mechanism.
  • the output shaft 22D of the motor, the intermediate shaft 22B and the articulation axis 20C are aligned and coaxial, parallel to the axis OZ of the reference.
  • mechanism 22C it comprises two discs 22H, one of which is associated with the other end 22G of the intermediate shaft, and the other of which is fixed to the corresponding enlarged end 20C1 of the hinge pin 20C.
  • the two discs 22H are pressed against each other by means of a compression spring 22I provided between the motor 22A and a shoulder 22J of the intermediate shaft, so that the latter is constantly pushed in the direction of the axis hinge 20C of said gripping means.
  • the movable jaw 20B and the fixed jaw 20A are held in the closed position by means of a torsion spring 25, one end of which is linked to the fixed jaw 20A, while the other end is fixed to the friction disc 22H secured to the hinge pin 20C of said gripping means, which is secured to the movable jaw 20B by the pin 20D.
  • the electric stepping motor 22A then occupies a first position, for which the jaws 20E and 20F of said jaws are applied one against the other.
  • the articulation axis 20C is driven according to a determined angular arc, thanks to the intermediate shaft 22B and to the friction discs 22H whose transmitted force exceeds that of the spring of torsion.
  • the movable jaw 20B linked in rotation with the axis 20C pivots with the latter, so that its jaw 20F moves away from the jaw 20E of the fixed jaw 20A.
  • the motor 22A then occupies a second position, for which the jaws make it possible to release the connection element 2, then plugged into the connector housing, or to grasp one of the connection elements of another cable provided on the means of supply.
  • the means 23, making it possible to protect the connection element 2 grasped by the insertion member 8 comprise two flanges 23A identical displaceable, arranged symmetrically on either side of said insertion member 8 locked on the plate 24 by the fixing means 21. More particularly, the flanges 23A have, at their front ends, a shape of shells 23B allowing, as will be seen in particular with regard to FIGS. 12 to 14, to wrap the connection element 2 by the insertion member 8. The rear ends of the flanges 23A end in the form of flat wings 23C which apply under the underside of said plate 24.
  • the wings 23C of the flanges are then linked to the plate by axes 23D, two by wing, respectively passing through two slots 24C formed in the plate.
  • These openings 24C are symmetrical to each other with respect to the median longitudinal axis of the plate, parallel to the axis OZ, and converge towards the front face 7A of the body 7, that is to say say to the insertion member 8.
  • the displacement of the flanges in the slots in the plate is achieved by actuating means, such as a jack 23E fixed to the upper face 24D of the board 24 and controlled by the programmable control unit 6.
  • the rod of the jack 23E carries at its end a carriage 23F which is connected to the wings 23C of the flanges 23A via one of the two axes 23D of each wing, passing through the openings 24C, and which is slidably mounted in a groove 24E formed in the plate 24 along its median longitudinal axis, parallel to the OZ axis.
  • the lights 24C which are advantageously convergent, thus allow the flanges 23A to pass, thanks to the axes 23D which follow the path imposed by the lights, from an open retracted position set back from said insertion member 8 (FIGS. 3 to 5) , in a closed position (FIGS. 12 to 14) for which said shells 23B envelop the connection element, under the action of the jack 23E pushing the carriage 23F which, in turn, moves the flanges by the axes 23D.
  • flanges 23A with the exception of their front ends 23B, and the control jack 23E are advantageously housed in the body 7, thereby being protected therein, in the same way as the control means 22.
  • FIG. 9 shows one of the two housings 15A in the compartments 15B of which are housed the different insertion members 8 available, via the supports 15C respectively.
  • the dimensional characteristics of the gripping jaws 20E, 20F are different for each member and therefore adapt to those of the di.fferent connection elements 2 to be connected.
  • Each insertion member 8 is held by its support 15C, the external shape of which, parallelepiped, corresponds to the internal shape of the compartment 15B, and which is mounted therein in a direction parallel to the axis OZ.
  • FIG. 10 which shows one of the supports, it can be seen that two arms 15D, spaced parallel to each other, project relative to the visible front face 15E of each support 15C, parallel to the OZ axis.
  • the insertion member 8 whose front face 8A is then turned towards shoulders 15F provided symmetrically in the arms 15D.
  • the latter are mounted sliding by their rear ends, in a groove 15G having a cross section and formed parallel to the axis OX of the reference mark in the front face 15E of the support.
  • the arms 15D are thus suitably linked to the support and they can also slide in opposition to each other in the groove 15G, by means of motor means not shown. The two arms move towards each other, under the action of the motor means, to firmly maintain the insertion member 8 in position.
  • a controllable piston 15H also projects relative to the front face 15H of each support, above and between the two 15D arm.
  • the arrangement of this piston 15H is such that, when the insertion member is carried by the arms 15D, the end 21H of the part 21E is opposite this piston, as will be seen more particularly with reference to FIGS. 11A at 11C.
  • cables 3 are already connected by their connection elements 2 in the specific connectors 4. These connections have been made by the devices, according to the information contained and delivered by the control unit 6, which thus treat simultaneously and respectively the two connection elements equipping each cable.
  • a rack 18 is fixed to the base 10A of the frame just under the support 17 of the connectors 4. The cables 3 are thus arranged as best as possible.
  • next operating cycle of the machine is to connect the pins 2.1 and 2.2 fitted to the cable 3.1, which is brought by the endless transporter 12A and whose pins are placed in the field of vision of the cameras. 14A.
  • the control unit 6 can control the gripping of said pins by the clamps 16, in order to release them from the clamps 12C and to tension the ends of the cable 3.1 on which they are crimped.
  • the control unit 6 determines, using the data recorded in its memory, on the one hand the two connectors 4 intended to receive the two pins 2.1 and 2.2 respectively, and on the other hand, the insertion members 8 to be mounted in the two bodies 7 of said devices, these members depending on the geometric characteristics of the 5 pins 2.1 and 2.2.
  • the assembly of the member is described below. of insertion chosen 8 in its body with reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C.
  • the devices 5, carried and moved by the moving parts 11, are positioned directly above the clamps 16 of to grip the ends of the cable.
  • the body 7 of each device is brought, by appropriate displacements along the axes OX, OY and OZ of the corresponding mobile assembly 11, opposite the insertion member 8 to be used in function characteristics of the pins.
  • the mortise 21B provided in the plate 24 of the body is opposite the lug 21A of the insertion member, and the axis common to the motor 22A and to the intermediate shaft 22B is coaxial with the axis of articulation 20C.
  • the spring 22I is then relaxed, slightly pushing the intermediate shaft 22B of the output shaft 22D of the stepping motor 22A.
  • the insertion member 8 is, in turn, pinched by the two arms 15D of the support 15C, and the piston 15H is in the extended position, so that the part 21E of the fixing means 21 compresses the spring 21G, which has the effect of lowering the ball 21C following the displacement of the inclined ramp 21F.
  • the ball 21C is then embedded in the base 8A or the pin 21A of the insertion member.
  • the jaws 20A and 20B of the gripping means are in the closed position thanks to the action of the torsion spring 25.
  • the body 7 performs, via the base 11C of its movable assembly 11, a displacement along the axis OZ (FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B), so that the mortise 21B slides on the tenon 21A of the member .
  • the disc 22H of the friction mechanism linked to the intermediate shaft 22B, is applied against the disc 22H linked to the articulation axis 20C.
  • the movement along the axis OZ of said body continues until the spring 22I is compressed by the retraction of the intermediate shaft 22B, since the insertion member 8 is held in position by the arms 15D.
  • the sliding of the shaft 22B on the output shaft 22D of the motor 22A is made possible thanks to the splined connection 22E.
  • FIG. 11B it can be seen that the engagement of the pin 21A of the member 8 in the mortise 21B of the body 7 is such that the ball 21C has crossed the imprint 21D provided in the plate 24 thanks to the out position of said piston 15H.
  • the latter is commanded to move towards its retracted position, then the arms 15D release their pressure on the insertion member which is maintained by the intermediate tenon-mortise connection on the body 7.
  • the base 11C of the movable assembly 11 moves back in the opposite direction along the axis OZ, so that the insertion member 8 is then pushed, by the action of the spring 22I, outwards until that the ball 21C engages in the imprint 21D of the plate 24 under the action of the spring 21G which forces the ball to protrude externally thanks to the inclined ramp of the part 21E.
  • the devices 5, the insertion members of which are locked to the respective bodies, are moved in the direction of the pins 2.1 and 2.2 crimped onto the electrical conductor of the cable 3.1, by virtue of the orders transmitted by the control 6 to the corresponding moving parts 11.
  • the jaws 20A and 20B of each insertion member 8 pass from the closed position to the open position, as illustrated with reference to FIG. 8.
  • the electric motor does not -in step 22A, controlled by the unit 6, drives, through the intermediate shaft 22B and the friction discs 22H, the rotation, at the appropriate angle, of the hinge pin 20C, which moves the jaw 20F of the movable jaw 20B of the jaw 20E of the fixed jaw 20A.
  • the control unit controls each device 5 which is then placed above the corresponding pin of the cable, which is then gripped by the jaws of the means grip 20.
  • the movable jaw 20B of each insertion member passes to the closed position under the action of the control means 22, so that the jaws 20E and 20F of the gripping means 20 grip their respective pins 2.1 and 2.2 assigned, in the manner indicated by FIG. 6. Then, the clamps 16, as well as the clamps 12C of the transporter 12A, controlled by the control unit 6, release the ends of the cable 3.1, provided with pins 2.1 and 2.2.
  • the two devices 5 then move along the axes of the reference in the direction of the two connectors 4 to be connected, such as for example the connectors 4.1 and 4.2 shown respectively in FIGS. 15A and 15B.
  • the protection means 23 of each device 5 are implemented under the control of the unit 6 because of the risks of damage to the pins, mentioned previously . For this, as can be seen in FIGS.
  • the jack 23E of each device is operated so that the axes 23D connecting the carriage 23F to the two retractable flanges 23A slide in the openings 24C of the plate, and, thanks to the convergent shape of said openings, bring the flanges together towards each other until the shells 23B of these surround the spindle held by the jaws of the gripping means.
  • Each pin is thus effectively protected by the shells of the flanges, which make their way along the axis OZ among the cables 3 already connected.
  • each jack 23E is brought back to the retracted position, causing the carriage 23F and the flanges 23A to be guided back, by means of the axes 23D, by the lights 24C, so as to move away and to move back behind the insertion member 8.
  • the flanges are thus returned to the retracted retracted position.
  • each device 5 is then controlled along the axis OZ to carry out the connection proper. More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, it is assumed, by way of example, that the connectors 4.1 and 4.2 are of the circular type, respectively male and female. Thus, it can be seen in FIG. 15A that one of the male pins 2 is already inserted into its housing 4A while being held there axially, in the usual way, by the elastic tabs 4B of a socket 4B which plates the flange 2C of the pin against the shoulder 4C provided in each housing 4A of the connector.
  • the insertion member 8 of the device is being displaced along the axis OZ, so that, at this instant, the male pin 2.1 provided at this end of the cable 3.1 is practically engaged in its housing, the flange 2.1C spreading the elastic tabs of the socket 4B before the latter axially maintains the spindle 2.1.
  • the front of the jaws 20E and 20F partially engages in the housing. A force control throughout the insertion phase makes it possible to detect the instant when the spindle abuts against the shoulder 4C of the housing.
  • the 4B socket then locks the corresponding pin.
  • the device 5 is brought back, along the axis OZ but in the opposite direction, out of the connector.
  • the stepping motor 22A controlling the gripping means, is actuated at a given opening angle, simultaneously causing the rotation of the intermediate shaft 22B and friction discs 22H, which causes the movable jaw 20B to move away from the fixed jaw 20A, and thus frees the corresponding end of the cable from said insertion member 8.
  • connection of the female pin 2.2, equipping the other end of the cable 3.1, in the corresponding housing of the connector 4.2 takes place in the same way, as well as the release of this end of the cable from said insertion member 8.
  • a new connection cycle can begin.
  • the two devices 5 move, thanks to the crews 11, to the transporter 12A to process a new cable 3 or, if the connection elements 2 are different from those treated previously, to the storage locations 15A, in order to change the insertion members 8.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Electrical Connectors (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif pour brancher, dans des logements de connecteurs, des éléments de connexion équipant les extrémités de conducteurs électriques, ainsi qu'une machine automatique de branchement comportant de tels dispositifs.The present invention relates to a device for connecting, in connector housings, connection elements equipping the ends of electrical conductors, as well as an automatic connection machine comprising such devices.

Le préambule de la revendication 1 se fonde sur l'état de la technique selon le document EP-A-0 448 116.The preamble of claim 1 is based on the state of the art according to document EP-A-0 448 116.

Le dispositif selon l'invention est plus particulièrement destiné à l'enfichage de broches mâles et/ou femelles, préalablement montées, généralement par sertissage, sur les extrémités des conducteurs de câbles électriques, dans les logements de réception correspondants de connecteurs, qui peuvent être de forme circulaire, rectangulaire ou autre et dont l'opération d'enfichage ou de branchement des broches s'effectue usuellement par leur face arrière.The device according to the invention is more particularly intended for the insertion of male and / or female pins, previously mounted, generally by crimping, on the ends of the conductors of electric cables, in the corresponding receptacles for connectors, which can be of circular, rectangular or other shape and the operation of plugging in or connecting the pins is usually carried out by their rear face.

Aussi, un tel dispositif de branchement et la machine qui en est équipée trouvent une application préférentielle dans le domaine aéronautique. En effet, la multitude de câbles électriques, destinés à relier, par l'intermédiaire de connecteurs spécifiques, les différents appareils et équipements de l'aéronef pour en assurer le bon fonctionnement, implique de nombreuses opérations préalables de branchement des broches, terminant les conducteurs desdits câbles, dans les logements correspondants des connecteurs spécifiques afin de constituer, par la suite, des faisceaux ou des harnais de câblage.Also, such a connection device and the machine which is equipped with it find a preferential application in the aeronautical field. Indeed, the multitude of electric cables, intended to connect, by means of specific connectors, the various apparatuses and equipments of the aircraft to ensure their good functioning, implies numerous preliminary operations of connection of the pins, terminating the conductors said cables, in the corresponding housings of specific connectors in order to constitute, subsequently, wiring harnesses or harnesses.

Les connecteurs de chaque faisceau, équipés des broches, sont ensuite engagés dans des connecteurs complémentaires prévus sur les équipements.The connectors of each harness, fitted with pins, are then engaged in additional connectors provided on the equipment.

Il va de soi que le dispositif et la machine de branchement selon l'invention pourraient s'appliquer à d'autres domaines industriels, par exemple automobile, dès l'instant où de nombreux branchements entre des éléments de connexion et des connecteurs sont à réaliser.It goes without saying that the device and the connection machine according to the invention could be applied to other industrial fields, for example automotive, as soon as numerous connections between connection elements and connectors are to be made. .

Par ailleurs, en fonction notamment de l'intensité des courants électriques et de la forme des connecteurs et de leurs logements, on utilise une pluralité d'éléments de connexion tels que des broches, mâle ou femelle, ayant des caractéristiques géométriques différentes (forme, longueur, diamètre,...), ce qui implique l'usage de nombreux outils d'insertion spécifiques correspondant chacun à un type particulier d'élément de connexion. Par conséquent, les risques d'erreurs, dues à un mauvais choix de broche, d'outil d'insertion ou de logement de connecteur, voire même de connecteur, ne sont pas négligeables. Aussi, pour éviter ces éventuelles erreurs, qui pourraient entraîner de graves conséquences, des opérations ultérieures de vérification sont prévues afin de s'assurer que chaque broche équipe le logement correspondant du connecteur concerné, et que les broches sont convenablement branchées et maintenues dans les logements desdits connecteurs.Furthermore, depending in particular on the intensity of the electric currents and the shape of the connectors and their housings, a plurality of connection elements such as pins, male or female, having different geometric characteristics (shape, length, diameter, ...), which implies the use of numerous specific insertion tools, each corresponding to a particular type of connection element. Therefore, the risks of errors, due to a wrong choice of spindle, insertion tool or connector housing, or even connector, are not negligible. Also, to avoid these possible errors, which could lead to serious consequences, subsequent verification operations are planned to ensure that each pin is fitted to the corresponding housing of the connector concerned, and that the pins are properly connected and maintained in the housings. of said connectors.

La présente invention a pour but de remédier à ces inconvénients et concerne un dispositif de branchement, dont la conception permet de faciliter les différentes opérations d'insertion des éléments de connexion dans les logements des connecteurs et, par conséquent, de réduire le temps de montage de ces éléments.The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks and relates to a connection device, the design of which makes it possible to facilitate the various operations of inserting the connection elements into the receptacles of the connectors and, consequently, to reduce the assembly time. of these elements.

A cet effet, le dispositif pour brancher, dans des logements de connecteurs, des éléments de connexion, tels que des broches, équipant les extrémités de conducteurs électriques, est remarquable, caractérisé par les caractéristiques indiquées dans la seconde partie de la revendication 1.To this end, the device for connecting, in connector housings, connection elements, such as pins, fitted to the ends of electrical conductors, is remarkable, characterized by the characteristics indicated in the second part of claim 1.

Après avoir verrouillé l'organe d'insertion choisi sur le corps, en fonction des caractéristiques dimensionnelles de l'élément de connexion, les opérations de montage pour saisir et introduire l'élément de connexion dans le logement correspondant du connecteur s'effectuent automatiquement, ce qui permet de garantir un branchement correct de l'élément de connexion dans le connecteur.After having locked the chosen insertion member on the body, depending on the dimensional characteristics of the connection element, the mounting operations for grasping and inserting the connection element in the corresponding housing of the connector are carried out automatically, which ensures correct connection of the connection element in the connector.

Avantageusement, lorsqu'il est verrouillé sur le corps, ledit organe d'insertion fait saillie par rapport audit corps pour faire face au connecteur à équiper. Ainsi, cet agencement facilite grandement le montage et le démontage desdits organes sur le corps du dispositif. Le corps, qui est alors en retrait de l'organe d'insertion portant l'élément de connexion, ne risque pas d'endommager les câbles déjà branchés dans les connecteurs, lors de son déplacement en direction du connecteur concerné, parallèlement au logement.Advantageously, when it is locked onto the body, said insertion member projects relative to said body to face the connector to be fitted. Thus, this arrangement greatly facilitates the mounting and dismounting of said members on the body of the device. The body, which is then set back from the insertion member carrying the connection element, does not risk damaging the cables already plugged into the connectors, during its movement in the direction of the connector concerned, parallel to the housing.

De préférence, ledit corps présente une forme approximativement parallélépipédique, creuse, à l'intérieur de laquelle sont agencés lesdits moyens pour commander les moyens de préhension dudit organe d'insertion. Le corps définit donc un boîtier creux, dépourvu d'aspérités extérieures évitant que les câbles déjà branchés s'y entremêlent. De plus, les moyens de commande sont alors protégés dans le corps.Preferably, said body has an approximately parallelepiped shape, hollow, inside which are arranged said means for controlling the gripping means of said insertion member. The body therefore defines a hollow housing, devoid of any external roughness preventing the cables already connected there from intermingling. In addition, the control means are then protected in the body.

Lesdits moyens de fixation amovibles comprennent un assemblage par tenon et mortaise assurant le coulissement dudit organe d'insertion sur le corps, et un verrouillage à bille permettant l'immobilisation en position dudit organe d'insertion par rapport audit corps. On remarque donc la simplicité de réalisation desdits organes de fixation, garantissant à l'usage un fonctionnement fiable. Plus particulièrement, l'assemblage tenon-mortaise dudit organe d'insertion sur le corps est agencé parallèlement à la direction de déplacement du corps vers le connecteur, et de montage de l'élément de connexion dans le logement correspondant dudit connecteur.Said removable fixing means comprise a tenon and mortise assembly ensuring the sliding of said insertion member on the body, and a ball lock allowing the immobilization in position of said insertion member relative to said body. We therefore note the simplicity of production of said fixing members, guaranteeing reliable use in use. More particularly, the tenon-mortise assembly of said insertion member on the body is arranged parallel to the direction of movement. from the body to the connector, and mounting the connection element in the corresponding housing of said connector.

Structurellement, le tenon dudit assemblage peut être prévu sur une base dudit organe et présenter une section en forme de T, tandis que la mortaise, de section complémentaire à celle du tenon, est prévue sur l'extrémité d'une plaque émergeant dudit corps, et la bille de verrouillage est logée en partie dans la base dudit organe pour s'engager, grâce à l'action d'une pièce formant came sollicitée par un ressort et commandable extérieurement, dans une empreinte correspondante prévue dans ladite plaque.Structurally, the post of said assembly can be provided on a base of said member and have a T-shaped section, while the mortise, of section complementary to that of the post, is provided on the end of a plate emerging from said body, and the locking ball is partly housed in the base of said member in order to engage, by the action of a cam-shaped part urged by a spring and externally controllable, in a corresponding cavity provided in said plate.

Par ailleurs, lesdits moyens de préhension des éléments de connexion sont, par exemple, à pince et comprennent alors deux mâchoires relativement déplaçables l'une par rapport à l'autre, sous l'action desdits moyens de commande, entre une position fermée, pour laquelle ledit élément de connexion est saisi, maintenu, puis introduit dans le logement correspondant du connecteur, et une position ouverte, pour laquelle ledit élément, alors inséré dans son logement, est relâché par lesdites mâchoires. Plus particulièrement, ces dernières sont montées autour d'un axe d'articulation, parallèle à la direction de déplacement du corps et de montage desdits éléments de connexion, et relié auxdits moyens de commande, et l'une desdites mâchoires est fixe et solidaire de la base dudit organe d'insertion, tandis que l'autre mâchoire est mobile et reliée audit axe d'articulation. Là encore, on remarque la simplicité de réalisation desdits moyens de préhension garantissant, de plus, un fonctionnement fiable.Furthermore, said means for gripping the connection elements are, for example, with pliers and then comprise two jaws which are relatively movable relative to one another, under the action of said control means, between a closed position, to which said connection element is grasped, held, then introduced into the corresponding housing of the connector, and an open position, for which said element, then inserted in its housing, is released by said jaws. More particularly, the latter are mounted around an axis of articulation, parallel to the direction of movement of the body and mounting of said connection elements, and connected to said control means, and one of said jaws is fixed and integral with the base of said insertion member, while the other jaw is movable and connected to said axis of articulation. Again, we note the simplicity of realization of said gripping means ensuring, in addition, reliable operation.

En outre, lesdits moyens pour commander lesdits moyens de préhension comprennent un moteur, susceptible d'entraîner lesdits moyens de préhension par un mécanisme à friction.In addition, said means for controlling said gripping means comprise a motor, capable of driving said gripping means by a friction mechanism.

Dans ce cas, ledit moteur, qui est logé à l'intérieur dudit corps, est disposé coaxialement à l'axe d'articulation desdites mâchoires et il coopère avec ledit axe par un arbre intermédiaire pressé axialement contre ledit axe d'articulation, et ledit mécanisme de friction est constitué par des disques respectivement prévus et associés à l'arbre intermédiaire et audit axe.In this case, said motor, which is housed inside said body, is arranged coaxially to the axis of articulation of said jaws and it cooperates with said axis by an intermediate shaft pressed axially against said axis of articulation, and said friction mechanism consists of disks respectively provided and associated with the intermediate shaft and with said axis.

Avantageusement, un ressort de torsion relie respectivement par ses extrémités les deux mâchoires formant les moyens de préhension dudit organe, de sorte que lesdites mâchoires sont rappelées et maintenues spontanément en position fermée lorsque ledit organe d'insertion est retiré dudit corps.Advantageously, a torsion spring connects respectively by its ends the two jaws forming the gripping means of said member, so that said jaws are returned and spontaneously held in the closed position when said insertion member is removed from said body.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le dispositif comprend, de plus, des moyens pour protéger ledit élément de connexion maintenu dans ledit organe d'insertion, lesdits moyens de protection étant associés audit corps et susceptibles d'envelopper ledit élément de connexion, jusqu'avant son introduction dans le logement correspondant du connecteur. Dans un mode préféré de réalisation, ces moyens de protection peuvent comprendre deux flasques déplaçables disposés respectivement de part et d'autre dudit organe d'insertion, et susceptibles d'occuper, grâce à des moyens d'actionnement, une position ouverte éloignée et en retrait dudit organe d'insertion, et une position fermée entourant ledit élément de connexion porté par les moyens de préhension. Par conséquent, ces flasques évitent que les éléments de connexion, dont les dimensions sont souvent millimétriques, ne soient détériorés lors de leur approche vers les logements des connecteurs. Les flasques se frayent ainsi un passage entre les câbles déjà branchés et s'escamotent ensuite lorsque l'élément de connexion est alors en regard du logement correspondant du connecteur.According to another characteristic of the invention, the device further comprises means for protecting said connection element held in said insertion member, said protection means being associated with said body and capable of enveloping said connection element, until before its introduction into the corresponding housing of the connector. In a preferred embodiment, these protection means may comprise two displaceable flanges disposed respectively on either side of said insertion member, and capable of occupying, by means of actuation, an open position remote and in removal of said insertion member, and a closed position surrounding said connection element carried by the gripping means. Consequently, these flanges prevent the connection elements, whose dimensions are often millimeter, from being damaged when they approach the housing of the connectors. The flanges thus make their way between the cables already connected and then retract when the connection element is then opposite the corresponding housing of the connector.

Plus particulièrement, les deux flasques sont respectivement montés, par l'intermédiaire d'axes, dans des lumières de guidage symétriques et convergentes prévues dans la plaque dudit corps, portant ledit organe d'insertion, et lesdits moyens d'actionnement sont constitués par un vérin logé à l'intérieur dudit corps et entraînant, par l'intermédiaire d'un chariot coulissant sur ladite plaque, les axes desdits flasques entre leur position ouverte et leur position fermée, les axes coulissant dans les lumières convergentes en direction dudit organe.More particularly, the two flanges are respectively mounted, by means of axes, in symmetrical and converging guide slots provided in the plate of said body, carrying said insertion member, and said actuation means are constituted by a cylinder housed inside said body and driving, by means of a carriage sliding on said plate, the axes of said flanges between their open position and their closed position, the axes sliding in the converging slots in the direction of said member.

La présente invention concerne, par ailleurs, une machine pour brancher automatiquement, dans des logements de connecteurs, des éléments de connexion, tels que des broches, équipant les extrémités des conducteurs électriques de câbles.The present invention further relates to a machine for automatically connecting, in connector housings, connection elements, such as pins, fitted to the ends of the electrical conductors of cables.

A cet effet, elle comprend :

  • au moins deux dispositifs de branchement, tels que définis précédemment et destinés à traiter respectivement les deux éléments de connexion prévus aux extrémités de chaque câble, le corps de chaque dispositif destiné à porter un organe d'insertion, étant susceptible de se déplacer, par rapport au bâti de la machine, selon les axes OX, OY et OZ d'un repère orthonormé ;
  • une pluralité de connecteurs, dont les logements sont destinés à recevoir les éléments de connexion correspondants, et qui sont disposés sur ledit bâti ;
  • des moyens pour visualiser les positions des éléments de connexion équipant les extrémités respectives de chaque câble;
  • une zone de stockage des différents organes d'insertion susceptibles d'être verrouillés auxdits corps respectifs, et choisis en fonction des caractéristiques géométriques desdits éléments de connexion à brancher ; et
  • une unité de pilotage programmable contenant les informations relatives aux différents branchements à effectuer en fonction des éléments de connexion prévus en bout de chaque câble et des logements desdits connecteurs, ainsi que les types d'organes d'insertion à choisir en fonction des éléments de connexion à brancher, et à laquelle sont reliés les moyens pour commander les moyens de préhension de chaque organe choisi, les moyens d'actionnement desdits moyens de protection et les déplacements de chaque corps selon les axes OX, OY et OZ dudit repère.
To this end, it includes:
  • at least two connection devices, as defined above and intended to treat respectively the two connection elements provided at the ends of each cable, the body of each device intended to carry an insertion member, being capable of moving, relative to the machine frame, along the axes OX, OY and OZ of an orthonormal reference frame;
  • a plurality of connectors, the housings of which are intended to receive the corresponding connection elements, and which are arranged on said frame;
  • means for viewing the positions of the connection elements fitted to the respective ends of each cable;
  • a storage area for the various insertion members capable of being locked to said respective bodies, and chosen as a function of the geometrical characteristics of said connection elements to be connected; and
  • a programmable control unit containing the information relating to the various connections to be made according to the connection elements provided at the end of each cable and housings of said connectors, as well as the types of insertion members to be chosen according to the connection elements to be connected, and to which the means for controlling the gripping means of each chosen member are connected, the means of actuation of said protection means and the movements of each body along the axes OX, OY and OZ of said reference.

Ainsi, on comprend que le cycle de branchement des éléments de connexion dans les logements des connecteurs est commandé et géré automatiquement par l'unité de pilotage depuis la saisie des éléments de connexion de chaque câble par les deux dispositifs de branchement, jusqu'à leur introduction dans les logements correspondants.Thus, it is understood that the cycle of connection of the connection elements in the housings of the connectors is controlled and managed automatically by the control unit from the entry of the connection elements of each cable by the two connection devices, until their introduction into the corresponding accommodation.

Par ailleurs, la machine comprend, de plus, des moyens pour amener successivement lesdits câbles à brancher, équipés desdits éléments de connexion, en regard desdits moyens de visualisation, lesdits moyens d'amenée étant reliés à ladite unité de pilotage programmable. L'automatisation des opérations de branchement est alors totale dès la sortie des câbles, équipés à leurs extrémités des éléments de connexion, de la machine de sertissage. Plus particulièrement, lesdits moyens d'amenée comprennent un transporteur sans fin sur lequel sont disposées, par l'intermédiaire de pinces associées au transporteur, les deux extrémités de chaque câble équipées desdits éléments de connexion.Furthermore, the machine further comprises means for successively supplying said cables to be connected, equipped with said connection elements, opposite said display means, said supply means being connected to said programmable control unit. The automation of connection operations is then complete as soon as the cables exit, fitted at their ends with connection elements, from the crimping machine. More particularly, said supply means comprise an endless conveyor on which are arranged, by means of clamps associated with the conveyor, the two ends of each cable equipped with said connection elements.

Dans un mode préféré de réalisation, le corps de chaque dispositif est monté sur un équipage mobile lié au bâti, chacun desdits équipages mobiles comprenant une traverse susceptible de coulisser, selon l'axe OX dudit repère, sur au moins une poutre solidaire dudit bâti, un chariot monté coulissant selon l'axe OY dudit repère sur ladite traverse, et une embase portant ledit corps et associé audit chariot de façon coulissante selon l'axe OZ dudit repère, lesdits logements des connecteurs étant disposés selon l'axe OZ dudit repère.In a preferred embodiment, the body of each device is mounted on a movable element linked to the frame, each of said movable elements comprising a crosspiece capable of sliding, along the axis OX of said reference mark, on at least one beam integral with said frame, a carriage mounted sliding along the axis OY of said reference mark on said cross member, and a base carrying said body and associated with said carriage slidingly along the axis OZ of said reference mark, said connector housings being arranged along the axis OZ of said reference mark.

De plus, ladite zone de stockage peut être constituée de deux boîtiers identiques dans les compartiments desquels sont logés, par l'intermédiaire de supports, les différents organes d'insertion, chaque support étant pourvu de bras commandables pour maintenir l'organe d'insertion correspondant et d'un piston ou analogue disposé en saillie du support et contre lequel est susceptible de s'appliquer la pièce formant came desdits moyens de fixation, liée au corps de chaque dispositif.In addition, said storage area can consist of two identical boxes in the compartments of which are housed, by means of supports, the various insertion members, each support being provided with controllable arms to hold the insertion member corresponding and a piston or the like projecting from the support and against which the cam-forming part of said fixing means may be applied, linked to the body of each device.

Ainsi, à chaque dispositif de branchement est attribué avantageusement un boîtier d'organes d'insertion, dont chacun est susceptible d'être solidarisé du corps du dispositif correspondant par la liaison tenon-mortaise et par le verrouillage à bille des moyens de fixation.Thus, each connection device is advantageously allocated a housing of insertion members, each of which is capable of being secured to the body of the corresponding device by the tenon-mortise connection and by the ball locking of the fixing means.

Par ailleurs, lesdits moyens de visualisation comprennent par exemple deux caméras associées au bâti et sous lesquelles s'arrêtent les deux extrémités de chaque câble, pourvues desdits éléments de connexion.Furthermore, said display means comprise for example two cameras associated with the frame and under which the two ends of each cable stop, provided with said connection elements.

Les figures du dessin annexé feront bien comprendre comment l'invention peut être réalisée. Sur ces figures, des références identiques désignent des éléments semblables.The figures of the appended drawing will make it clear how the invention can be implemented. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements.

La figure 1 montre en perspective une machine automatique de branchement selon l'invention, comprenant avantageusement deux dispositifs de branchement conformes à l'invention.Figure 1 shows in perspective an automatic connection machine according to the invention, advantageously comprising two connection devices according to the invention.

La figure 2 représente en perspective l'un des deux dispositifs de branchement montés sur la machine, l'organe d'insertion étant verrouillé sur le corps dudit dispositif.Figure 2 shows in perspective one of the two connection devices mounted on the machine, the insertion member being locked on the body of said device.

La figure 3 est une coupe longitudinale du dispositif illustré sur la figure 2, montrant notamment les moyens pour commander les moyens de préhension dudit organe et les moyens de protection en position éloignée inactive, de l'élément de connexion saisi par ledit organe d'insertion.Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the device illustrated in Figure 2, showing in particular the means for controlling the gripping means of said member and the protective means in the inactive remote position, of the connection element gripped by said insertion member .

Les figures 4 et 5 sont respectivement des vues en coupe du dispositif selon les lignes IV-IV et V-V de la figure 3.FIGS. 4 and 5 are respectively sectional views of the device along lines IV-IV and V-V of FIG. 3.

La figure 6 représente en coupe et à une échelle agrandie ledit organe d'insertion fixé au corps du dispositif et maintenant, par les moyens de préhension, l'extrémité d'un câble électrique équipée de l'élément de connexion tel qu'une broche mâle.Figure 6 shows in section and on an enlarged scale said insertion member fixed to the body of the device and now, by the gripping means, the end of an electric cable equipped with the connection element such as a pin male.

La figure 7 est une coupe transversale dudit organe d'insertion selon la ligne VII-VII de la figure 6, montrant les moyens de préhension en position fermée.Figure 7 is a cross section of said insertion member according to line VII-VII of Figure 6, showing the gripping means in the closed position.

La figure 8 est une vue analogue à la précédente, mais montrant lesdits moyens de préhension dudit organe en position ouverte sous l'action des moyens de commande.Figure 8 is a view similar to the previous one, but showing said means for gripping said member in the open position under the action of the control means.

La figure 9 représente l'un des deux boîtiers de stockage desdits organes d'insertion prévus sur la machine.FIG. 9 represents one of the two storage boxes for said insertion members provided on the machine.

La figure 10 montre en perspective l'un des supports desdits organes d'insertion contenus dans chaque boîtier.Figure 10 shows in perspective one of the supports of said insertion members contained in each housing.

Les figures 11A, 11B et 11C sont des vues en coupe schématique et partielle montrant respectivement les trois phases principales respectivement d'avance, de saisie et de recul dudit organe d'insertion choisi, depuis son compartiment de stockage jusqu'au corps dudit dispositif.FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are diagrammatic and partial section views respectively showing the three main phases of advance, gripping and retraction of said chosen insertion member, respectively, from its storage compartment to the body of said device.

La figure 12 est une vue analogue à la figure 3, mais elle représente ledit dispositif dont l'organe maintient la broche mâle d'un câble électrique et dont les moyens de protection sont en position active, entourant la broche.Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 3, but it shows said device whose member holds the male pin of an electric cable and whose protective means are in the active position, surrounding the pin.

Les figures 13 et 14 sont respectivement des vues en coupe du dispositif selon les lignes XIII-XIII et XIV-XIV de la figure 12.Figures 13 and 14 are respectively sectional views of the device along lines XIII-XIII and XIV-XIV of Figure 12.

La figure 15A montre l'insertion de la broche mâle équipant l'une des extrémités d'un câble et portée par l'un des dispositifs dans le logement correspondant d'un connecteur prévu sur la machine, tandis que la figure 15B montre, par exemple, l'insertion d'une broche femelle équipant l'autre extrémité du même câble et portée par l'autre dispositif dans le logement correspondant d'un autre connecteur.FIG. 15A shows the insertion of the male pin equipping one of the ends of a cable and carried by one of the devices in the corresponding housing of a connector provided on the machine, while FIG. 15B shows, by example, the insertion of a female pin fitted to the other end of the same cable and carried by the other device in the corresponding housing of another connector.

La figure 16 représente, à titre d'exemple, un faisceau ou harnais de câblage obtenu.FIG. 16 represents, by way of example, a wiring harness or harness obtained.

La machine de branchement automatique 1, montrée sur la figure 1, est destinée au montage d'éléments de connexion 2, prévus aux extrémités des conducteurs électriques de câbles 3, dans les logements correspondants de connecteurs électriques 4, par l'intermédiaire notamment de dispositifs de branchement 5 et d'une unité de pilotage programmable 6 symbolisée par un rectangle. Les éléments de connexion 2, tels que des broches, équipant les câbles électriques seront plus particulièrement décrits et illustrés en regard des figures 6, 15A et 15B, ces deux dernières figures représentant par ailleurs deux des connecteurs électriques à équiper.The automatic connection machine 1, shown in FIG. 1, is intended for mounting connection elements 2, provided at the ends of the electrical conductors of cables 3, in the corresponding housings of electrical connectors 4, in particular by means of devices 5 and a programmable control unit 6 symbolized by a rectangle. The connection elements 2, such as pins, equipping the electric cables will be more particularly described and illustrated with reference to FIGS. 6, 15A and 15B, these last two figures also representing two of the electrical connectors to be fitted.

Dans cet exemple de réalisation, la machine 1 comprend avantageusement deux dispositifs de branchement 5, déplaçables selon les axes OX, OY et OZ d'un repère orthonormé de la machine, et destinés à traiter, chacun, l'un des deux éléments de connexion ou broches 2 prévus aux extrémités de chaque conducteur électrique pour les introduire dans les logements correspondants de deux connecteurs choisis 4. Pour cela, chacun des dispositifs 5, identiques aussi bien structurellement que fonctionnellement, comprend un corps 7 déplaçable selon les trois axes OX, OY et OZ et un organe d'insertion 8 susceptible d'être fixé au corps pour saisir, puis introduire ledit élément de connexion 2 dans le logement choisi du connecteur concerné 4.In this embodiment, the machine 1 advantageously comprises two connection devices 5, movable along the axes OX, OY and OZ of an orthonormal reference of the machine, and intended to treat, each, one of the two connection elements or pins 2 provided at the ends of each electrical conductor to introduce them into the corresponding housings of two chosen connectors 4. For this, each of the devices 5, identical both structurally and functionally, comprises a body 7 movable along the three axes OX, OY and OZ and an insertion member 8 capable of being fixed to the body to grip, then introduce said connection element 2 into the chosen housing of the connector concerned 4.

Préalablement à la description des dispositifs, qui sera faite ultérieurement en regard des figures 2 à 8, on décrit ci-après la machine 1, qui comprend un bâti fixe 10, auquel est lié le repère orthonormé OX, OY et OZ et qui est constitué d'une partie inférieure ou base 10A, et d'une partie supérieure ou portique 10B reliées l'une à l'autre par une partie centrale 10C disposée en retrait. A la machine sont également associés des équipages mobiles 11 pour le déplacement des dispositifs 5 selon les axes OX, OY et OZ, des moyens 12 pour amener automatiquement et successivement les câbles 3 pourvus des éléments de connexion 2, des moyens 14 pour visualiser les éléments de connexion 2 de chaque câblé 3, une zone de stockage 15 des organes d'insertion 8, et une pluralité de connecteurs 4 à brancher dont les logements sont destinés à recevoir les éléments de connexion.Prior to the description of the devices, which will be made later with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, the machine 1 is described below, which comprises a fixed frame 10, to which the orthonormal reference frame OX, OY and OZ is linked and which is constituted of a lower part or base 10A, and of an upper part or gantry 10B connected to each other by a central part 10C arranged in withdrawal. The machine is also associated with mobile equipment 11 for moving the devices 5 along the axes OX, OY and OZ, means 12 for automatically and successively bringing the cables 3 provided with the connection elements 2, means 14 for viewing the elements connection 2 of each cable 3, a storage area 15 of the insertion members 8, and a plurality of connectors 4 to be connected whose housings are intended to receive the connection elements.

Plus particulièrement, en se référant à la figure 1, on voit que les équipages mobiles 11 pour le déplacement des dispositifs de branchement 5 sont identiques et sont portés, dans ce cas, par deux poutres horizontales 10D espacées l'une de l'autre et fixées à la face frontale 10E du portique 10B dudit bâti. Ces poutres parallèles 10D sont identiques et disposées selon l'axe OX du repère. Sur ces poutres sont montés les équipages mobiles 11 par l'intermédiaire de deux traverses verticales 11A disposées selon l'axe OY du repère et susceptibles de coulisser le long des poutres horizontales 10D. La traverse 11A de chaque équipage supporte un chariot 11B susceptible de coulisser sur celle-ci selon l'axe OY. Les deux traverses sont identiques ainsi que les deux chariots. Sur chaque chariot 11B est montée coulissante une embase 11C qui est susceptible de se déplacer selon l'axe OZ du repère et qui porte, par l'intermédiaire de moyens de fixation appropriés non représentés, le corps 7 du dispositif de branchement correspondant 5. Les déplacements de chaque dispositif 5, porté par son équipage respectif 11 embase-chariot-traverse, sont bien évidemment assurés par des moteurs, non représentés, reliés àl'unité de pilotage 6. De plus, le fait que les équipages 11 soient portés par deux poutres 10D augmente la rigidité mécanique et garantit des déplacements précis.More particularly, with reference to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the mobile assemblies 11 for moving the connection devices 5 are identical and are carried, in this case, by two horizontal beams 10D spaced apart from one another and fixed to the front face 10E of the gantry 10B of said frame. These parallel beams 10D are identical and arranged along the axis OX of the coordinate system. On these beams are mounted the moving elements 11 by means of two vertical crosspieces 11A arranged according to the axis OY of the reference frame and capable of sliding along the horizontal beams 10D. The cross member 11A of each crew supports a carriage 11B capable of sliding thereon along the axis OY. The two crosspieces are identical, as are the two carriages. On each carriage 11B is slidably mounted a base 11C which is capable of moving along the axis OZ of the reference frame and which carries, by means of suitable fixing means not shown, the body 7 of the corresponding connection device 5. The displacements of each device 5, carried by its respective crew 11 base-carriage-cross member, are obviously provided by motors, not shown, connected to the control unit 6. In addition, the fact that the crews 11 are carried by two 10D beams increase mechanical rigidity and guarantee precise movements.

Les moyens d'amenée 12 des câbles 3 sont par exemple constitués par un transporteur 12A à bande sans fin 12B (ou à chaîne), sur laquelle sont régulièrement prévues des paires de pinces 12C et dont le défilement s'effectue selon l'axe OX de la machine 1. Ce transporteur 12A à bande sans fin, dont on voit sur la figure 1 l'extrémité aval 12A₁ arrivant dans la base 10A du bâti, a son extrémité amont non visible disposée en sortie d'une machine de sertissage, par exemple. Celle-ci assure la mise en place et la fixation des éléments de connexion appropriés 2, tels que notamment des broches mâles ou femelles, aux extrémités des conducteurs électriques desdits câbles 3, lesquels sont préalablement mis à la longueur en fonction de la distance séparant les deux connecteurs à relier. Chaque câble 3, équipé de broches serties aux extrémités du conducteur électrique, est placé automatiquement, par ses extrémités sur les pinces consécutives 12C d'une même paire prévues sur la bande sans fin 12B du transporteur. Deux câbles ainsi pincés sur le transporteur 12A sont illustrés sur la figure 1.The feeding means 12 of the cables 3 are for example constituted by a conveyor 12A with an endless belt 12B (or with a chain), on which pairs of pliers 12C are regularly provided and whose travel takes place along the axis OX of the machine 1. This conveyor 12A endless belt, which we see in Figure 1 the downstream end 12A₁ arriving in the base 10A of the frame, at its non-visible upstream end disposed at the outlet of a crimping machine, by example. This ensures the establishment and fixing of the appropriate connection elements 2, such as in particular male or female pins, at the ends of the electrical conductors of said cables 3, which are previously cut to length as a function of the distance separating the two connectors to connect. Each cable 3, equipped with pins crimped at the ends of the electrical conductor, is placed automatically, by its ends on the consecutive clamps 12C of the same pair provided on the endless belt 12B of the conveyor. Two cables thus pinched on the conveyor 12A are illustrated in FIG. 1.

Les moyens de visualisation 14 du positionnement des éléments de connexion 2 (broches) sont par exemple constitués par deux caméras 14A disposées en parallèle sensiblement au-dessus de l'extrémité aval 12A₁ du transporteur et associées à la partie centrale 10C du bâti. Ces caméras 14A, dont les axes de visée sont agencés selon l'axe OY, permettent de visualiser les éléments de connexion 2 sertis aux deux extrémités de chaque câble électrique 3. Aussi, pour faciliter la saisie desdits éléments de connexion par l'organe d'insertion 8, on prévoit, sur la face supérieure 10F de la base 10A dudit bâti, deux pinces identiques commandables 16, dont le rôle est, à partir des informations fournies par les caméras 14A, de saisir les éléments de connexion 2 de chaque câble et d'effectuer une translation selon l'axe OZ afin de tendre les extrémités de chaque câble 3, pour dégager lesdits éléments de connexion 2 dans un plan perpendiculaire aux axes de visée des caméras 14A de façon à permettre ainsi leur saisie par l'organe d'insertion 8. Grâce aux caméras 14A, qui sont reliées à l'unité de pilotage 6, les positions des éléments de connexion sont parfaitement connues et la saisie desdits éléments de connexion 2 par les pinces 16 dans un premier temps, puis, dans un second temps, par les mâchoires 20A et 20B de l'organe d'insertion, comme on le verra ultérieurement, est parfaitement contrôlée.The display means 14 for positioning the connection elements 2 (pins) are for example constituted by two cameras 14A arranged in parallel substantially above the downstream end 12A₁ of the conveyor and associated with the central part 10C of the frame. These cameras 14A, the viewing axes of which are arranged along the axis OY, make it possible to view the connection elements 2 crimped at the two ends of each electrical cable 3. Also, to facilitate the capture of said connection elements by the member d insertion 8, on the upper face 10F of the base 10A of said frame, two identical controllable clamps 16 are provided, the role of which, from the information provided by the cameras 14A, is to grasp the connection elements 2 of each cable and to carry out a translation along the axis OZ in order to tension the ends of each cable 3, to disengage said connection elements 2 in a plane perpendicular to the viewing axes of the cameras 14A so as to thus allow their capture by the member insertion 8. Thanks to the cameras 14A, which are connected to the control unit 6, the positions of the connection elements are perfectly known and the gripping of said connection elements 2 by the pincers es 16 in a first step, then, in a second step, by the jaws 20A and 20B of the insertion member, as will be seen later, is perfectly controlled.

Les connecteurs 4, dont deux sont plus particulièrement représentés en regard des figures 15A et 15B, sont montés préalablement en ligne sur un support approprié 17 capable de maintenir tout type de connecteurs, et non décrit, fixé à la face supérieure 10F de la base dudit bâti. Ces connecteurs 4, comme le montre la figure 1, peuvent avoir des formes (circulaire, rectangulaire, ...) et des dimensions variées, de même qu'ils peuvent comporter un nombre quelconque de logements. Ces derniers, référencés 4A sur les figures 15A et 15B, sont agencés selon l'axe OZ de la machine, correspondant ainsi à la direction du déplacement du corps 7 de chaque dispositif de branchement 5, monté sur l'équipage mobile correspondant 11.The connectors 4, two of which are more particularly shown with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B, are mounted beforehand in line on an appropriate support 17 capable of holding any type of connector, and not described, fixed to the upper face 10F of the base of the said built. These connectors 4, as shown in FIG. 1, can have shapes (circular, rectangular, etc.) and various dimensions, just as they can include any number of housings. The latter, referenced 4A in FIGS. 15A and 15B, are arranged along the axis OZ of the machine, thus corresponding to the direction of movement of the body 7 of each connection device 5, mounted on the corresponding mobile assembly 11.

Quant à la zone de stockage 15 desdits organes d'insertion 8, elle comprend deux boîtiers identiques 15A qui sont fixés à la face frontale 10G de la partie centrale 10C dudit bâti et qui présentent une pluralité de compartiments 15B. Les organes d'insertion 8 sont respectivement logés dans les compartiments 15B de chaque boîtier par l'intermédiaire de supports respectifs 15C, qui seront plus particulièrement décrits en regard des figures 9 et 10. Bien évidemment, les organes d'insertion 8 présentent des caractéristiques géométriques adaptées à celles des éléments de connexion à saisir sertis sur les câbles. Les caméras 14A sont situées respectivement sous les deux boîtiers 15A, ce qui permet de limiter les déplacements de chaque corps depuis le montage de l'organe d'insertion dans le corps du dispositif correspondant jusqu'à la saisie de l'élément de connexion.As for the storage area 15 of said insertion members 8, it comprises two identical housings 15A which are fixed to the front face 10G of the central part 10C of said frame and which have a plurality of compartments 15B. The insertion members 8 are respectively housed in the compartments 15B of each box by means of respective supports 15C, which will be more particularly described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Obviously, the insertion members 8 have characteristics geometrical adapted to those of the connection elements to be grasped crimped on the cables. The cameras 14A are respectively located under the two housings 15A, which makes it possible to limit the movements of each body from the mounting of the insertion member in the body of the corresponding device until the connection element is gripped.

A chaque corps 7 du dispositif de branchement est affecté un boîtier 15A contenant les différents organes d'insertion adaptés pour saisir les différents éléments de connexion équipant les extrémités correspondantes des câbles.Each body 7 of the connection device is assigned a housing 15A containing the various insertion members adapted to grip the various connection elements equipping the corresponding ends of the cables.

Le fonctionnement de la machine 1 est géré par l'unité de pilotage programmable 6 à laquelle sont notamment reliés les différents moteurs des équipages mobiles 11 et du transporteur sans fin 12A, et qui contient, en outre, les informations relatives aux types de branchement à réaliser entre les éléments de connexion des câbles et les logements correspondants des différents connecteurs, et aux types d'organes d'insertion à choisir en fonction du branchement à effectuer.The operation of the machine 1 is managed by the programmable control unit 6 to which the various motors of the moving parts 11 and of the endless transporter 12A are connected in particular, and which also contains information relating to the types of connection to between the cable connection elements and the corresponding housings of the different connectors, and the types of insertion elements to be chosen according to the connection to be made.

On a représenté, sur la figure 2, l'un des deux dispositifs de branchement 5 conformes à l'invention. Le corps 7 de ce dispositif, qui est fixé à l'embase déplaçable 11C selon la direction OZ sur le chariot de l'équipage mobile correspondant 11, porte un des organes d'insertion 8 disponible dans la zone de stockage 15 et choisi en fonction du branchement à effectuer, c'est-à-dire des caractéristiques géométriques de l'élément de connexion 2 à brancher. Cet organe d'insertion 8 est pourvu de moyens de préhension 20 pour saisir l'élément de connexion 2 à brancher, et des moyens de fixation amovibles 21 permettent son verrouillage ou son déverrouillage du corps 7. Ce dernier se présente sous la forme d'un boîtier sensiblement parallélépipédique, à l'intérieur duquel sont logés, avantageusement, des moyens 22 pour commander les moyens de préhension 20 et des moyens 23 pour protéger l'organe d'insertion 8 destiné à maintenir l'élément de connexion 2 durant son approche vers le logement correspondant du connecteur concerné 4.FIG. 2 shows one of the two connection devices 5 according to the invention. The body 7 of this device, which is fixed to the displaceable base 11C in the direction OZ on the carriage of the corresponding mobile assembly 11, carries one of the insertion members 8 available in the storage area 15 and chosen as a function of the connection to be made, that is to say of the geometric characteristics of the connection element 2 to be connected. This insertion member 8 is provided with gripping means 20 for gripping the connection element 2 to be connected, and means for removable fasteners 21 allow it to be locked or unlocked from the body 7. The latter is in the form of a substantially parallelepipedic box, inside which are advantageously housed means 22 for controlling the gripping means 20 and means 23 to protect the insertion member 8 intended to hold the connection element 2 during its approach to the corresponding housing of the connector concerned 4.

Comme le montrent les figures 2, 3, 4 et 5, l'organe d'insertion 8 du dispositif, qui est dépourvu d'élément de connexion, fait saillie perpendiculairement par rapport à l'une des faces dudit corps 7, c'est-à-dire parallèlement à la direction de déplacement OZ. Cette face correspond ainsi à la face frontale latérale 7A dudit corps. Cet agencement en porte-à-faux dudit organe 8 permet un montage aisé de celui-ci sur le corps, ainsi que des éléments de connexion sur l'organe lui-même, et maintient de plus le corps 7 éloigné desdits connecteurs.As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the insertion member 8 of the device, which is devoid of connection element, protrudes perpendicularly to one of the faces of said body 7, this is that is to say parallel to the direction of travel OZ. This face thus corresponds to the lateral front face 7A of said body. This cantilever arrangement of said member 8 allows easy mounting thereof on the body, as well as connection elements on the member itself, and also keeps the body 7 away from said connectors.

Plus particulièrement, en regard des figures 2 à 6, une plaque 24 est prévue à l'intérieur du corps 7, en étant sensiblement disposée dans son plan médian, c'est-à-dire, par rapport au repère de la figure 1, parallèlement au plan XOZ. L'extrémité en saillie 24A de la plaque 24 émerge de la face frontale latérale 7A du corps 7 pour porter ainsi, par l'intermédiaire des moyens de fixation amovibles 21, l'organe d'insertion choisi 8.More particularly, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, a plate 24 is provided inside the body 7, being substantially arranged in its median plane, that is to say, with respect to the reference of FIG. 1, parallel to the XOZ plane. The projecting end 24A of the plate 24 emerges from the lateral front face 7A of the body 7 so as to carry, by means of the removable fixing means 21, the chosen insertion member 8.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, les moyens de fixation amovibles 21, montrés davantage en regard des figures 2, 6 et 7, sont constitués par un assemblage du type tenon-mortaise assurant le coulissement selon l'axe OZ dudit organe 8 sur la plaque 24 du corps et par un verrouillage à bille, assurant l'immobilisation en position de l'organe d'insertion 8. Le tenon 21A de l'assemblage est ménagé sur une base 8A dudit organe et présente une section en T, tandis que la mortaise 21B de forme complémentaire est pratiquée sous la face inférieure 24B de l'extrémité en saillie 24A de ladite plaque 24.In this embodiment, the removable fastening means 21, shown more opposite Figures 2, 6 and 7, are constituted by an assembly of the tenon-mortise type ensuring the sliding along the axis OZ of said member 8 on the plate 24 of the body and by a ball lock, ensuring the immobilization in position of the insertion member 8. The lug 21A of the assembly is formed on a base 8A of said member and has a T-shaped section, while the mortise 21B of complementary shape is formed under the lower face 24B of the projecting end 24A of said plate 24.

Le verrouillage en position est obtenu par la bille 21C logée partiellement dans la base 8A dudit organe pour faire légèrement saillie par rapport à celle-ci, et s'engageant alors dans une empreinte correspondante 21D prévue dans le fond 21B₁ de la mortaise 21B. Cette bille 21C est maintenue engagée dans l'empreinte 21D grâce à une pièce 21E à rampe inclinée 21F sur laquelle la bille repose, ladite pièce étant soumise à l'action d'un ressort de compression 21G agissant selon l'axe OZ. On comprend donc que sous l'action du ressort 21G, la bille 21C, par l'intermédiaire de la pièce 21E à rampe inclinée, est poussée dans l'empreinte correspondante 21D. On remarque que l'extrémité 21H de la pièce 21E, opposée à celle soumise à l'action du ressort, fait légèrement saillie par rapport à la face frontale 8B de l'organe d'insertion. Cet agencement permet, comme on le verra ultérieurement, de déverrouiller et de démonter l'organe d'insertion 8 dudit corps 7.The locking in position is obtained by the ball 21C partially housed in the base 8A of said member to protrude slightly relative thereto, and then engaging in a corresponding imprint 21D provided in the bottom 21B₁ of the mortise 21B. This ball 21C is kept engaged in the cavity 21D by means of a part 21E with inclined ramp 21F on which the ball rests, said part being subjected to the action of a compression spring 21G acting along the axis OZ. It is therefore understood that under the action of the spring 21G, the ball 21C, through the part 21E with inclined ramp, is pushed into the corresponding cavity 21D. Note that the end 21H of the part 21E, opposite to that subjected to the action of the spring, protrudes slightly relative to the front face 8B of the insertion member. This arrangement makes it possible, as will be seen later, to unlock and disassemble the insertion member 8 from said body 7.

Par ailleurs, les moyens de préhension 20 de chaque organe 8 sont à pince et comprennent pour cela deux mâchoires 20A et 20B, qui sont articulées autour d'un axe 20C parallèle à l'axe OZ du repère et donc au coulissement défini par l'assemblage tenon-mortaise. En se référant aux figures 1, 6 et 7, l'une des mâchoires 20A est, dans ce mode de réalisation, fixe et solidaire de la base 8A de l'organe d'insertion, de sorte que cette base 8A et la mâchoire 20A ne forment qu'une seule et même pièce, alors que l'autre mâchoire 20B est mobile et liée en rotation à l'axe d'articulation 20C par une goupille 20D disposée radialement comme la figure 7 le montre. Chaque organe d'insertion 8 est alors principalement constitué des deux mâchoires, dont l'une est solidaire de la base, et de l'axe d'articulation. Les mors de préhension 20E et 20F, respectivement prévus en bout des mâchoires 20A et 20B, sont identiques et ils présentent chacun une forme d'enveloppe demi-cylindrique. Ces mors 20E et 20F sont parallèles entre eux et à l'axe OZ et ils assurent la préhension des éléments de connexion 2, dont les caractéristiques géométriques correspondent évidemment à celles de l'organe d'insertion choisi. Par exemple, on voit sur la figure 6, que les mors des mâchoires 20A et 20B maintiennent la partie arri.ère 2A d'une broche mâle 2 qui est sertie sur l'extrémité dénudée du conducteur électrique 3A d'un câble 3. L'extrémité 3B de ce câble est, en outre, guidée par les mors desdites mâchoires, grâce à leur forme allongée. La partie avant 2B de la broche, qui est destinée à être branchée dans le logement correspondant d'un connecteur et qui est séparée de la partie arrière par une collerette 2C, est ainsi disposée rigoureusement parallèlement selon l'axe OZ.Furthermore, the gripping means 20 of each member 8 are clamps and for this purpose comprise two jaws 20A and 20B, which are articulated around an axis 20C parallel to the axis OZ of the reference and therefore at the sliding defined by the tenon-mortise assembly. Referring to Figures 1, 6 and 7, one of the jaws 20A is, in this embodiment, fixed and integral with the base 8A of the insertion member, so that this base 8A and the jaw 20A form a single piece, while the other jaw 20B is movable and linked in rotation to the hinge pin 20C by a pin 20D arranged radially as Figure 7 shows. Each insertion member 8 then mainly consists of two jaws, one of which is integral with the base, and the hinge pin. The gripping jaws 20E and 20F, respectively provided at the end of the jaws 20A and 20B, are identical and each has a shape of a semi-cylindrical envelope. These jaws 20E and 20F are parallel to each other and to the axis OZ and they grip the connection elements 2, the geometric characteristics of which obviously correspond to those of the chosen insertion member. For example, it can be seen in FIG. 6 that the jaws of the jaws 20A and 20B hold the rear part 2A of a male pin 2 which is crimped on the stripped end of the electrical conductor 3A of a cable 3. L 'end 3B of this cable is further guided by the jaws of said jaws, thanks to their elongated shape. The front part 2B of the pin, which is intended to be plugged into the corresponding housing of a connector and which is separated from the rear part by a flange 2C, is thus arranged strictly parallel along the axis OZ.

Les moyens de préhension 20 de chaque organe d'insertion 8 sont actionnables par les moyens de commande 22. Pour cela, en se référant notamment aux figures 3 et 6, on voit que les moyens 22 comprennent un moteur électrique 22A relié à l'unité de pilotage 6 et susceptible d'entraîner, selon un arc angulaire, l'axe d'articulation 20C desdits moyens de préhension par l'intermédiaire d'un arbre intermédiaire 22B et d'un mécanisme à friction 22C. Plus particulièrement, le moteur électrique 22A est du type pas-à-pas et il est fixé au fond 7C du corps 7. A l'arbre de sortie 22D dudit moteur est accouplée, par une liaison à cannelures 22E, l'extrémité 22F de l'arbre intermédiaire 22B, dont l'autre extrémité 22G coopère avec l'axe d'articulation 20C par le mécanisme à friction. L'arbre de sortie 22D du moteur, l'arbre intermédiaire 22B et l'axe d'articulation 20C sont alignés et coaxiaux, parallèlement à l'axe OZ du repère. Quant au mécanisme 22C, il comprend deux disques 22H, dont l'un est associé à l'autre extrémité 22G de l'arbre intermédiaire, et dont l'autre est fixé à l'extrémité correspondante élargie 20C₁ de l'axe d'articulation 20C. Les deux disques 22H sont pressés l'un contre l'autre grâce à un ressort de compression 22I prévu entre le moteur 22A et un épaulement 22J de l'arbre intermédiaire, de sorte que celui-ci est constamment poussé en direction de l'axe d'articulation 20C desdits moyens de préhension.The gripping means 20 of each insertion member 8 can be actuated by the control means 22. For this, with particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 6, it can be seen that the means 22 comprise an electric motor 22A connected to the unit piloting 6 and capable of driving, according to an angular arc, the articulation axis 20C of said gripping means by means of an intermediate shaft 22B and a friction mechanism 22C. More particularly, the electric motor 22A is of the step-by-step type and it is fixed to the bottom 7C of the body 7. To the output shaft 22D of the said motor is coupled, by a splined connection 22E, the end 22F of the intermediate shaft 22B, the other end 22G of which cooperates with the hinge pin 20C by the friction mechanism. The output shaft 22D of the motor, the intermediate shaft 22B and the articulation axis 20C are aligned and coaxial, parallel to the axis OZ of the reference. As to mechanism 22C, it comprises two discs 22H, one of which is associated with the other end 22G of the intermediate shaft, and the other of which is fixed to the corresponding enlarged end 20C₁ of the hinge pin 20C. The two discs 22H are pressed against each other by means of a compression spring 22I provided between the motor 22A and a shoulder 22J of the intermediate shaft, so that the latter is constantly pushed in the direction of the axis hinge 20C of said gripping means.

Comme le montrent les figures 6 et 7, la mâchoire mobile 20B et la mâchoire fixe 20A sont maintenues en position fermée grâce à un ressort de torsion 25, dont l'une des extrémités est liée à la mâchoire fixe 20A, tandis que l'autre extrémité est fixée au disque de friction 22H solidaire de l'axe d'articulation 20C desdits moyens de préhension, duquel est solidaire la mâchoire mobile 20B par la goupille 20D. Le moteur électrique pas-à-pas 22A occupe alors une première position, pour laquelle les mors 20E et 20F desdites mâchoires sont appliqués l'un contre l'autre. On comprend donc que, lorsque le moteur 22A est actionné, l'axe d'articulation 20C est entraîné selon un arc angulaire déterminé, grâce à l'arbre intermédiaire 22B et aux disques de friction 22H dont l'effort transmis surpasse celui du ressort de torsion. La mâchoire mobile 20B liée en rotation avec l'axe 20C pivote avec celui-ci, de sorte que son mors 20F s'écarte du mors 20E de la mâchoire fixe 20A. Le moteur 22A occupe alors une seconde position, pour laquelle les mâchoires permettent de relâcher l'élément de connexion 2, alors branché dans le logement du connecteur, ou de saisir l'un des éléments de connexion d'un autre câble prévu sur les moyens d'amenée.As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the movable jaw 20B and the fixed jaw 20A are held in the closed position by means of a torsion spring 25, one end of which is linked to the fixed jaw 20A, while the other end is fixed to the friction disc 22H secured to the hinge pin 20C of said gripping means, which is secured to the movable jaw 20B by the pin 20D. The electric stepping motor 22A then occupies a first position, for which the jaws 20E and 20F of said jaws are applied one against the other. It is therefore understood that, when the motor 22A is activated, the articulation axis 20C is driven according to a determined angular arc, thanks to the intermediate shaft 22B and to the friction discs 22H whose transmitted force exceeds that of the spring of torsion. The movable jaw 20B linked in rotation with the axis 20C pivots with the latter, so that its jaw 20F moves away from the jaw 20E of the fixed jaw 20A. The motor 22A then occupies a second position, for which the jaws make it possible to release the connection element 2, then plugged into the connector housing, or to grasp one of the connection elements of another cable provided on the means of supply.

En se référant notamment aux figures 3, 4 et 5, on voit que les moyens 23, permettant de protéger l'élément de connexion 2 saisi par l'organe d'insertion 8, comportent deux flasques déplaçables 23A identiques, disposés symétriquement de part et d'autre dudit organe d'insertion 8 verrouillé sur la plaque 24 par les moyens de fixation 21. Plus particulièrement, les flasques 23A présentent, à leurs extrémités avant, une forme de coquilles 23B permettant, comme on le verra notamment en regard des figures 12 à 14, d'envelopper l'élément de connexion 2 par l'organe d'insertion 8. Les extrémités arrière des flasques 23A se terminent sous forme d'ailes plates 23C qui s'appliquent sous la face inférieure de ladite plaque 24. Les ailes 23C des flasques sont alors liées à la plaque par des axes 23D, deux par aile, traversant respectivement deux lumières 24C ménagées dans la plaque. Ces lumières 24C sont symétriques l'une de l'autre par rapport à l'axe longitudinal médian de la plaque, parallèle à l'axe OZ, et convergent en direction de la face avant 7A du corps 7, c'est-à-dire vers l'organe d'insertion 8.With particular reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, it can be seen that the means 23, making it possible to protect the connection element 2 grasped by the insertion member 8, comprise two flanges 23A identical displaceable, arranged symmetrically on either side of said insertion member 8 locked on the plate 24 by the fixing means 21. More particularly, the flanges 23A have, at their front ends, a shape of shells 23B allowing, as will be seen in particular with regard to FIGS. 12 to 14, to wrap the connection element 2 by the insertion member 8. The rear ends of the flanges 23A end in the form of flat wings 23C which apply under the underside of said plate 24. The wings 23C of the flanges are then linked to the plate by axes 23D, two by wing, respectively passing through two slots 24C formed in the plate. These openings 24C are symmetrical to each other with respect to the median longitudinal axis of the plate, parallel to the axis OZ, and converge towards the front face 7A of the body 7, that is to say say to the insertion member 8.

Le déplacement des flasques dans les lumières de la plaque est réalisé par des moyens d'actionnement, tels qu'un vérin 23E fixé à la face supérieure 24D de la plaque 24 et commandé par l'unité de pilotage programmable 6. La tige du vérin 23E porte à son extrémité un chariot 23F qui est relié aux ailes 23C des flasques 23A par l'intermédiaire d'un des deux axes 23D de chaque aile, traversant les lumières 24C, et qui est monté coulissant dans une rainure 24E ménagée dans la plaque 24 selon son axe longitudinal médian, parallèle à l'axe OZ. Les lumières 24C, qui sont avantageusement convergentes, permettent ainsi aux flasques 23A de passer, grâce aux axes 23D qui suivent la trajectoire imposée par les lumières, d'une position ouverte escamotée en retrait dudit organe d'insertion 8 (figures 3 à 5), à une position fermée (figures 12 à 14) pour laquelle lesdites coquilles 23B enveloppent l'élément de connexion, sous l'action du vérin 23E poussant le chariot 23F qui, à son tour, déplace les flasques par les axes 23D.The displacement of the flanges in the slots in the plate is achieved by actuating means, such as a jack 23E fixed to the upper face 24D of the board 24 and controlled by the programmable control unit 6. The rod of the jack 23E carries at its end a carriage 23F which is connected to the wings 23C of the flanges 23A via one of the two axes 23D of each wing, passing through the openings 24C, and which is slidably mounted in a groove 24E formed in the plate 24 along its median longitudinal axis, parallel to the OZ axis. The lights 24C, which are advantageously convergent, thus allow the flanges 23A to pass, thanks to the axes 23D which follow the path imposed by the lights, from an open retracted position set back from said insertion member 8 (FIGS. 3 to 5) , in a closed position (FIGS. 12 to 14) for which said shells 23B envelop the connection element, under the action of the jack 23E pushing the carriage 23F which, in turn, moves the flanges by the axes 23D.

On remarque également que les flasques 23A, à l'exception de leurs extrémités avant 23B, et le vérin de commande 23E sont avantageusement logés dans le corps 7, en y étant ainsi protégés, au même titre que les moyens de commande 22.It is also noted that the flanges 23A, with the exception of their front ends 23B, and the control jack 23E are advantageously housed in the body 7, thereby being protected therein, in the same way as the control means 22.

Par ailleurs, on a représenté sur la figure 9 l'un des deux boîtiers 15A dans les compartiments 15B desquels sont logés les différents organes d'insertion 8 disponibles, par l'intermédiaire des supports 15C respectivement. Les caractéristiques dimensionnelles des mors de préhension 20E, 20F sont différentes pour chaque organe et s'adaptent par conséquent à celles des di.fférents éléments de connexion 2 à brancher. Chaque organe d'insertion 8 est maintenu par son support 15C dont la forme extérieure, parallélépipédique, correspond à la forme intérieure du compartiment 15B, et qui est monté dans celui-ci selon une direction parallèle à l'axe OZ. En se référant plus particulièrement à la figure 10 qui montre l'un des supports, on voit que deux bras 15D, espacés parallèlement l'un de l'autre, font saillie par rapport à la face frontale visible 15E de chaque support 15C, parallèlement à l'axe OZ. Entre ces deux bras est apte àêtre inséré et maintenu l'organe d'insertion 8 dont la face frontale 8A est alors tournée vers des épaulements 15F prévus symétriquement dans les bras 15D. Pour cela, ces derniers sont montés coulissant par leurs extrémités arrière, dans une rainure 15G ayant une section en croix et pratiquée parallèlement à l'axe OX du repère dans la face frontale 15E du support. Les bras 15D sont ainsi convenablement liés au support et ils peuvent de plus coulisser en opposition l'un de l'autre dans la rainure 15G, grâce à des moyens moteurs non représentés. Les deux bras se rapprochent l'un vers l'autre, sous l'action des moyens moteurs, pour maintenir fermement en position l'organe d'insertion 8.Furthermore, there is shown in Figure 9 one of the two housings 15A in the compartments 15B of which are housed the different insertion members 8 available, via the supports 15C respectively. The dimensional characteristics of the gripping jaws 20E, 20F are different for each member and therefore adapt to those of the di.fferent connection elements 2 to be connected. Each insertion member 8 is held by its support 15C, the external shape of which, parallelepiped, corresponds to the internal shape of the compartment 15B, and which is mounted therein in a direction parallel to the axis OZ. Referring more particularly to FIG. 10 which shows one of the supports, it can be seen that two arms 15D, spaced parallel to each other, project relative to the visible front face 15E of each support 15C, parallel to the OZ axis. Between these two arms is able to be inserted and maintained the insertion member 8 whose front face 8A is then turned towards shoulders 15F provided symmetrically in the arms 15D. For this, the latter are mounted sliding by their rear ends, in a groove 15G having a cross section and formed parallel to the axis OX of the reference mark in the front face 15E of the support. The arms 15D are thus suitably linked to the support and they can also slide in opposition to each other in the groove 15G, by means of motor means not shown. The two arms move towards each other, under the action of the motor means, to firmly maintain the insertion member 8 in position.

En outre, on voit sur cette figure 10, qu'un piston commandable 15H fait également saillie par rapport à la face frontale 15H de chaque support, au-dessus et entre les deux bras 15D. La disposition de ce piston 15H est telle que, lorsque l'organe d'insertion est porté par les bras 15D, l'extrémité 21H de la pièce 21E est en regard de ce piston, comme on le verra plus particulièrement en regard des figures 11A à 11C.In addition, it can be seen in this FIG. 10, that a controllable piston 15H also projects relative to the front face 15H of each support, above and between the two 15D arm. The arrangement of this piston 15H is such that, when the insertion member is carried by the arms 15D, the end 21H of the part 21E is opposite this piston, as will be seen more particularly with reference to FIGS. 11A at 11C.

Le fonctionnement de la machine de branchement automatique 1, équipée des deux dispositifs 5, sera maintenant décrit.The operation of the automatic connection machine 1, equipped with the two devices 5, will now be described.

Tout d'abord, on a supposé sur la figure 1 que des câbles 3 sont déjà branchés par leurs éléments de connexion 2 dans les connecteurs spécifiques 4. Ces branchements ont été réalisés par les dispositifs, en fonction des informations contenues et délivrées par l'unité de pilotage 6, lesquels traitent ainsi simultanément et respectivement les deux éléments de connexion équipant chaque câble. Pour éviter que les câbles branchés ne s'enchevêtrent les uns dans les autres, un râtelier 18 est fixé à la base 10A du bâti juste sous le support 17 des connecteurs 4. Les câbles 3 s'ordonnent ainsi au mieux.First of all, it has been assumed in FIG. 1 that cables 3 are already connected by their connection elements 2 in the specific connectors 4. These connections have been made by the devices, according to the information contained and delivered by the control unit 6, which thus treat simultaneously and respectively the two connection elements equipping each cable. To prevent the connected cables from becoming entangled in each other, a rack 18 is fixed to the base 10A of the frame just under the support 17 of the connectors 4. The cables 3 are thus arranged as best as possible.

On suppose, par ailleurs, que le prochain cycle de fonctionnement de la machine consiste à brancher les broches 2.1 et 2.2 équipant le câble 3.1, qui est amené par le transporteur sans fin 12A et dont les broches sont placées dans le champ de vision des caméras 14A. Celles-ci permettent de connaître avec précision la position des broches 2.1 et 2.2 pour que l'unité de pilotage 6 puisse commander la saisie desdites broches par les pinces 16, afin de les dégager des pinces 12C et de tendre les extrémités du câble 3.1 sur lesquelles elles sont serties. En fonction de l'ordre d'arrivée des câbles, l'unité de pilotage 6 détermine, grâce aux données enregistrées dans sa mémoire, d'une part les deux connecteurs 4 destinés à recevoir respectivement les deux broches 2.1 et 2.2, et d'autre part, les organes d'insertion 8 à monter dans les deux corps 7 desdits dispositifs, ces organes dépendant des caractéristiques géométriques des 5 broches 2.1 et 2.2.It is also assumed that the next operating cycle of the machine is to connect the pins 2.1 and 2.2 fitted to the cable 3.1, which is brought by the endless transporter 12A and whose pins are placed in the field of vision of the cameras. 14A. These make it possible to know precisely the position of pins 2.1 and 2.2 so that the control unit 6 can control the gripping of said pins by the clamps 16, in order to release them from the clamps 12C and to tension the ends of the cable 3.1 on which they are crimped. Depending on the order of arrival of the cables, the control unit 6 determines, using the data recorded in its memory, on the one hand the two connectors 4 intended to receive the two pins 2.1 and 2.2 respectively, and on the other hand, the insertion members 8 to be mounted in the two bodies 7 of said devices, these members depending on the geometric characteristics of the 5 pins 2.1 and 2.2.

Les deux organes d'insertion 8, ayant servi à enficher les broches du câble précédent, ont été par exemple remis dans les supports correspondants 15C des boîtiers grâce aux déplacements des équipages mobiles 11. On décrit ci-après, le montage de l'organe d'insertion choisi 8 dans son corps en regard des figures 11A, 11B et 11C. Bien évidemment, dans le cas où l'un ou les deux organes d'insertion précédemment utilisés correspondent aux deux broches suivantes à saisir, les dispositifs 5, portés et déplacés par les équipages mobiles 11, se positionnent directement au-dessus des pinces 16 de façon à saisir les extrémités du câble.The two insertion members 8, having been used to plug the pins of the preceding cable, were for example put back in the corresponding supports 15C of the boxes thanks to the displacements of the moving parts 11. The assembly of the member is described below. of insertion chosen 8 in its body with reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C. Obviously, in the case where one or the two insertion members previously used correspond to the following two pins to be grasped, the devices 5, carried and moved by the moving parts 11, are positioned directly above the clamps 16 of to grip the ends of the cable.

Comme le montre la figure 11A, le corps 7 de chaque dispositif est amené, par des déplacements appropriés selon les axes OX, OY et OZ de l'équipage mobile correspondant 11, en regard de l'organe d'insertion 8 à utiliser en fonction des caractéristiques des broches. Ainsi, la mortaise 21B prévue dans la plaque 24 du corps est en face du tenon 21A de l'organe d'insertion, et l'axe commun au moteur 22A et à l'arbre intermédiaire 22B est coaxial à l'axe d'articulation 20C. On remarque également que le ressort 22I est alors détendu, repoussant légèrement l'arbre intermédiaire 22B de l'arbre de sortie 22D du moteur pas-à-pas 22A.As shown in FIG. 11A, the body 7 of each device is brought, by appropriate displacements along the axes OX, OY and OZ of the corresponding mobile assembly 11, opposite the insertion member 8 to be used in function characteristics of the pins. Thus, the mortise 21B provided in the plate 24 of the body is opposite the lug 21A of the insertion member, and the axis common to the motor 22A and to the intermediate shaft 22B is coaxial with the axis of articulation 20C. We also note that the spring 22I is then relaxed, slightly pushing the intermediate shaft 22B of the output shaft 22D of the stepping motor 22A.

L'organe d'insertion 8 est, quant à lui, pincé par les deux bras 15D du support 15C, et le piston 15H est en position sortie, de sorte que la pièce 21E des moyens de fixation 21 comprime le ressort 21G, ce qui a pour effet de faire descendre la bille 21C à la suite du déplacement de la rampe inclinée 21F. La bille 21C est alors noyée dans la base 8A ou le tenon 21A de l'organe d'insertion. Par ailleurs, les mâchoires 20A et 20B des moyens de préhension sont en position fermée grâce à l'action du ressort de torsion 25.The insertion member 8 is, in turn, pinched by the two arms 15D of the support 15C, and the piston 15H is in the extended position, so that the part 21E of the fixing means 21 compresses the spring 21G, which has the effect of lowering the ball 21C following the displacement of the inclined ramp 21F. The ball 21C is then embedded in the base 8A or the pin 21A of the insertion member. Furthermore, the jaws 20A and 20B of the gripping means are in the closed position thanks to the action of the torsion spring 25.

Le corps 7 effectue, par l'intermédiaire de l'embase 11C de son équipage mobile 11, un déplacement selon l'axe OZ (figure 11A à figure 11B), de façon que la mortaise 21B coulisse sur le tenon 21A de l'organe.The body 7 performs, via the base 11C of its movable assembly 11, a displacement along the axis OZ (FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B), so that the mortise 21B slides on the tenon 21A of the member .

Simultanément, le disque 22H du mécanisme de friction, lié à l'arbre intermédiaire 22B, s'applique contre le disque 22H lié à l'axe d'articulation 20C. Le déplacement selon l'axe OZ dudit corps se poursuit jusqu'à ce que le ressort 22I soit comprimé par le recul de l'arbre intermédiaire 22B, puisque l'organe d'insertion 8 est maintenu en position par les bras 15D. Le coulissement de l'arbre 22B sur l'arbre de sortie 22D du moteur 22A est rendu possible grâce à la liaison à cannelures 22E. Dans la position illustrée sur la figure 11B, on voit que l'engagement du tenon 21A de l'organe 8 dans la mortaise 21B du corps 7 est tel que la bille 21C a franchi l'empreinte 21D prévue dans la plaque 24 grâce à la position sortie dudit piston 15H. A ce moment, ce dernier est commandé pour passer vers sa position rentrée, puis les bras 15D relâchent leur pression sur l'organe d'insertion qui est maintenu par la liaison intermédiaire tenon-mortaise sur le corps 7.Simultaneously, the disc 22H of the friction mechanism, linked to the intermediate shaft 22B, is applied against the disc 22H linked to the articulation axis 20C. The movement along the axis OZ of said body continues until the spring 22I is compressed by the retraction of the intermediate shaft 22B, since the insertion member 8 is held in position by the arms 15D. The sliding of the shaft 22B on the output shaft 22D of the motor 22A is made possible thanks to the splined connection 22E. In the position illustrated in FIG. 11B, it can be seen that the engagement of the pin 21A of the member 8 in the mortise 21B of the body 7 is such that the ball 21C has crossed the imprint 21D provided in the plate 24 thanks to the out position of said piston 15H. At this time, the latter is commanded to move towards its retracted position, then the arms 15D release their pressure on the insertion member which is maintained by the intermediate tenon-mortise connection on the body 7.

L'embase 11C de l'équipage mobile 11 recule dans le sens opposé selon l'axe OZ, de sorte que l'organe d'insertion 8 est alors poussé, par l'action du ressort 22I, vers l'extérieur jusqu'à ce que la bille 21C s'engage dans l'empreinte 21D de la plaque 24 sous l'action du ressort 21G qui oblige la bille à faire saillie extérieurement grâce à la rampe inclinée de la pièce 21E.The base 11C of the movable assembly 11 moves back in the opposite direction along the axis OZ, so that the insertion member 8 is then pushed, by the action of the spring 22I, outwards until that the ball 21C engages in the imprint 21D of the plate 24 under the action of the spring 21G which forces the ball to protrude externally thanks to the inclined ramp of the part 21E.

Les dispositifs 5, dont les organes d'insertion sont verrouillés aux corps respectifs, sont déplacés en direction des broches 2.1 et 2.2 serties sur le conducteur électrique du câble 3.1, grâce aux ordres transmis par l'unité de pilotage 6 aux équipages mobiles correspondants 11. Auparavant, les mâchoires 20A et 20B de chaque organe d'insertion 8 passent de la position fermée à la position ouverte, telle qu'illustrée en regard de la figure 8. Pour cela, le moteur électrique pas-à-pas 22A, commandé par l'unité 6, entraîne, par l'arbre intermédiaire 22B et les disques de friction 22H, la rotation, selon l'angle approprié, de l'axe d'articulation 20C, ce qui éloigne le mors 20F de la mâchoire mobile 20B du mors 20E de la mâchoire fixe 20A. Grâce aux informations fournies par les caméras 14A concernant les positions réelles des broches 2.1 et 2.2, l'unité de pilotage commande chaque dispositif 5 qui se place alors au-dessus de la broche correspondante du câble, laquelle est ensuite saisie par les mâchoires des moyens de préhension 20.The devices 5, the insertion members of which are locked to the respective bodies, are moved in the direction of the pins 2.1 and 2.2 crimped onto the electrical conductor of the cable 3.1, by virtue of the orders transmitted by the control 6 to the corresponding moving parts 11. Previously, the jaws 20A and 20B of each insertion member 8 pass from the closed position to the open position, as illustrated with reference to FIG. 8. For this, the electric motor does not -in step 22A, controlled by the unit 6, drives, through the intermediate shaft 22B and the friction discs 22H, the rotation, at the appropriate angle, of the hinge pin 20C, which moves the jaw 20F of the movable jaw 20B of the jaw 20E of the fixed jaw 20A. Thanks to the information provided by the cameras 14A concerning the actual positions of the pins 2.1 and 2.2, the control unit controls each device 5 which is then placed above the corresponding pin of the cable, which is then gripped by the jaws of the means grip 20.

La mâchoire mobile 20B de chaque organe d'insertion passe à la position fermée sous l'action des moyens de commande 22, de sorte que les mors 20E et 20F des moyens de préhension 20 saisissent leurs broches 2.1 et 2.2 respectives attribuées, de la façon indiquée par la figure 6. Puis, les pinces 16, ainsi que les pinces 12C du transporteur 12A, commandées par l'unité de pilotage 6, relâchent les extrémités du câble 3.1, munies des broches 2.1 et 2.2.The movable jaw 20B of each insertion member passes to the closed position under the action of the control means 22, so that the jaws 20E and 20F of the gripping means 20 grip their respective pins 2.1 and 2.2 assigned, in the manner indicated by FIG. 6. Then, the clamps 16, as well as the clamps 12C of the transporter 12A, controlled by the control unit 6, release the ends of the cable 3.1, provided with pins 2.1 and 2.2.

Les deux dispositifs 5 se déplacent ensuite selon les axes du repère en direction des deux connecteurs 4 à brancher, tels que par exemple les connecteurs 4.1 et 4.2 représentés respectivement sur les figures 15A et 15B. Préalablement à la phase d'insertion qui sera décrite ultérieurement en regard de ces figures, les moyens de protection 23 de chaque dispositif 5 sont mis en oeuvre sous la commande de l'unité 6 en raison des risques d'endommagement des broches, évoqués antérieurement. Pour cela, comme on peut le voir sur les figures 12, 13 et 14, dès que le cycle de fonctionnement parvient à la phase d'approche des broches, selon l'axe OZ, en direction des logements correspondants des connecteurs, le vérin 23E de chaque dispositif est actionné de sorte que les axes 23D reliant le chariot 23F aux deux flasques escamotables 23A coulissent dans les lumières 24C de la plaque, et, grâce à la forme convergente desdites lumières, entraînent le rapprochement des flasques l'un vers l'autre jusqu'à ce que les coquilles 23B de ceux-ci entourent la broche maintenue par les mors des moyens de préhension. Chaque broche est ainsi efficacement protégée par les coquilles des flasques, qui se frayent un passage, selon l'axe OZ parmi les câbles 3 déjà branchés. La phase d'approche étant terminée, la tige de chaque vérin 23E est ramenée en position rentrée, entraînant le recul du chariot 23F et des flasques 23A guidés, au moyen des axes 23D, par les lumières 24C, de façon à s'écarter et à reculer en arrière de l'organe d'insertion 8. Les flasques sont ainsi revenus en position rentrée escamotée.The two devices 5 then move along the axes of the reference in the direction of the two connectors 4 to be connected, such as for example the connectors 4.1 and 4.2 shown respectively in FIGS. 15A and 15B. Prior to the insertion phase which will be described later with reference to these figures, the protection means 23 of each device 5 are implemented under the control of the unit 6 because of the risks of damage to the pins, mentioned previously . For this, as can be seen in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, as soon as the operating cycle reaches the approach phase of the pins, along the axis OZ, in the direction of the corresponding housings of the connectors, the jack 23E of each device is operated so that the axes 23D connecting the carriage 23F to the two retractable flanges 23A slide in the openings 24C of the plate, and, thanks to the convergent shape of said openings, bring the flanges together towards each other until the shells 23B of these surround the spindle held by the jaws of the gripping means. Each pin is thus effectively protected by the shells of the flanges, which make their way along the axis OZ among the cables 3 already connected. The approach phase having been completed, the rod of each jack 23E is brought back to the retracted position, causing the carriage 23F and the flanges 23A to be guided back, by means of the axes 23D, by the lights 24C, so as to move away and to move back behind the insertion member 8. The flanges are thus returned to the retracted retracted position.

Chaque dispositif 5 est ensuite commandé selon l'axe OZ pour effectuer le branchement proprement dit. Plus particulièrement, comme le montrent les figures 15A et 15B, on suppose, à titre d'exemple, que les connecteurs 4.1 et 4.2 sont du type circulaire, respectivement mâle et femelle. Ainsi, on voit sur la figure 15A que l'une des broches mâles 2 est déjà introduite dans son logement 4A en y étant maintenue axialement, de façon usuelle, par les pattes élastiques 4B d'une douille 4B qui plaque la collerette 2C de la broche contre l'épaulement 4C prévu dans chaque logement 4A du connecteur. L'organe d'insertion 8 du dispositif est en cours de déplacement suivant l'axe OZ, de sorte que, à cet instant, la broche mâle 2.1 prévue à cette extrémité du câble 3.1 est pratiquement engagée dans son logement, la collerette 2.1C écartant les pattes élastiques de la douille 4B avant que celle-ci maintienne axialement la broche 2.1. L'avant des mors 20E et 20F s'engage partiellement dans le logement. Un contrôle d'effort tout au long de la phase d'insertion permet de détecter l'instant où la broche arrive en butée contre l'épaulement 4C du logement. La douille 4B verrouille alors la broche correspondante. Le dispositif 5 est ramené, selon l'axe OZ mais dans le sens opposé, hors du connecteur. Dès que l'organe d'insertion 8 est suffisamment éloigné, le moteur pas-à-pas 22A, commandant les moyens de préhension, est actionné selon un angle d'ouverture donné, provoquant simultanément la rotation de l'arbre intermédiaire 22B et des disques de friction 22H, ce qui entraîne l'écartement de la mâchoire mobile 20B par rapport à la mâchoire fixe 20A, et libère ainsi l'extrémité correspondante du câble dudit organe d'insertion 8.Each device 5 is then controlled along the axis OZ to carry out the connection proper. More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, it is assumed, by way of example, that the connectors 4.1 and 4.2 are of the circular type, respectively male and female. Thus, it can be seen in FIG. 15A that one of the male pins 2 is already inserted into its housing 4A while being held there axially, in the usual way, by the elastic tabs 4B of a socket 4B which plates the flange 2C of the pin against the shoulder 4C provided in each housing 4A of the connector. The insertion member 8 of the device is being displaced along the axis OZ, so that, at this instant, the male pin 2.1 provided at this end of the cable 3.1 is practically engaged in its housing, the flange 2.1C spreading the elastic tabs of the socket 4B before the latter axially maintains the spindle 2.1. The front of the jaws 20E and 20F partially engages in the housing. A force control throughout the insertion phase makes it possible to detect the instant when the spindle abuts against the shoulder 4C of the housing. The 4B socket then locks the corresponding pin. The device 5 is brought back, along the axis OZ but in the opposite direction, out of the connector. As soon as the insertion member 8 is sufficiently distant, the stepping motor 22A, controlling the gripping means, is actuated at a given opening angle, simultaneously causing the rotation of the intermediate shaft 22B and friction discs 22H, which causes the movable jaw 20B to move away from the fixed jaw 20A, and thus frees the corresponding end of the cable from said insertion member 8.

Le branchement de la broche femelle 2.2, équipant l'autre extrémité du câble 3.1, dans le logement correspondant du connecteur 4.2 se déroule de la même façon, ainsi que la libération de cette extrémité du câble dudit organe d'insertion 8.The connection of the female pin 2.2, equipping the other end of the cable 3.1, in the corresponding housing of the connector 4.2 takes place in the same way, as well as the release of this end of the cable from said insertion member 8.

A ce stade, un nouveau cycle de branchement peut débuter. Pour cela, les deux dispositifs 5 se déplacent, grâce aux équipages 11, vers le transporteur 12A pour traiter un nouveau câble 3 ou, si les éléments de connexion 2 sont différents de ceux traités précédemment, vers les emplacements de stockage 15A, afin de changer les organes d'insertion 8.At this point, a new connection cycle can begin. For this, the two devices 5 move, thanks to the crews 11, to the transporter 12A to process a new cable 3 or, if the connection elements 2 are different from those treated previously, to the storage locations 15A, in order to change the insertion members 8.

Lorsque tous les câbles sont branchés, l'ensemble des connecteurs 4 ainsi équipés est dirigé vers une machine dite de "cheminement", qui est destinée à permettre la mise en forme du faisceau de câblage 30 obtenu automatiquement, tel que celui représenté à titre d'exemple en regard de la figure 16.When all the cables are connected, all of the connectors 4 thus equipped are directed towards a so-called "routing" machine, which is intended to allow the formatting of the wiring harness 30 obtained automatically, such as that shown under example next to figure 16.

Claims (19)

  1. Connection device (5) for connecting connection elements (2), such as pins, equipping the ends of electrical conductors (3), into connector (4) housings (4A), of the type comprising:
    - a body (7) which can be displaced in the direction of the said connector (4);
    - at least one insertion member (8) provided with means (20) for grasping the said connection element (2) to be inserted into the corresponding housing (4A) of the connector;
    - means (21) for fixing the said insertion member to the said body; and,
    - means (22) for controlling the said grasping means (20), associated with the said body and capable of assuming, when the said insertion member (8) is locked on the said body, a first position, in which the said grasping means (20) hold the said connection element (2) and enable it to be inserted into the corresponding housing of the connector, following the displacement of the body along a direction parallel to the said housing; and a second position, in which the grasping means release the said connection element which is then connected in the connector housing,
    characterized in that the said means (21) for fixing the said insertion member relative to the said body are removable and allow the locking or the unlocking of the said member relative to the said body, and in that they comprise a tenon (21A) and mortise (21B) assembly allowing the said insertion member (8) to slide on the body (7), and a ball lock (21C) enabling the insertion member to be immobilized in position relative to the said body.
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said insertion member (8), once it is locked on the body, projects from the said body (7) in order to face the connector (4) to be equipped.
  3. Device according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the said body (7) has a hollow and approximately parallelepipedal shape, inside which the said means (22) for controlling the means (20) for grasping the said insertion member are arranged.
  4. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tenon/mortise assembly of the said insertion member on the body is arranged parallel to the direction of displacement of the body (7) towards the connector (4), and of mounting of the connection element (2) into the corresponding housing (4A) of the said connector.
  5. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the tenon (21A) of the said assembly is provided on a base (8A) of the said member and has a T-shaped cross section, while the mortise (21B), having a cross section complementary to that of the tenon, is provided on the end (24A) of a plate (24) standing out from the said body, and in that the locking ball (21C) is housed partially inside the base (8A) of the said member in order to engage, by virtue of the action of a cam-forming part (21E) stressed by a spring (21G) and controllable from the outside, in a corresponding recess (21D) provided in the said plate (24).
  6. Device according to any of the preceding Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the said means (20) for grasping the connection elements (2) are of the clamp type and comprise two jaws (20A, 20B) which can be displaced in relation to one another, under the action of the said control means (22), between a closed position, in which the said connection element is grasped, held, then introduced into the corresponding housing of the connector, and an open position, in which the said element, thus inserted into its housing, is released by the said jaws.
  7. Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the said jaws (20A, 20B) are mounted about an articulation spindle (20C), parallel to the direction of displacement of the body and of mounting of the said connection elements, and joined up to the said control means, and in that one of the said jaws (20A) is stationary and solidly fixed to the base (8A) of the said insertion member, whereas the other jaw (20B) is movable and joined up to the said articulation spindle (20C).
  8. Device according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the said means (22) for controlling the said grasping means (20) comprise a motor (22A) which is capable of driving the said grasping means using a friction mechanism (22C).
  9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the said motor (22A), which is housed inside the said body (7), is placed coaxially to the articulation spindle (20C) of the said jaws and it interacts with the said spindle by means of an intermediate shaft (22B) pressed axially against the said articulation spindle, and in that the said friction mechanism consists of discs (22H) which are respectively provided and associated with the intermediate shaft and with the said spindle.
  10. Device according to any one of the preceding Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that a torsional spring (25) respectively joins up, by means of its ends, the two jaws (20A, 20B) forming the means for grasping the said member, so that the said jaws are spontaneously pulled back and held in the closed position when the said insertion member is withdrawn from the said body.
  11. Device according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises, in addition, means (23) for protecting the said connection element held in the said insertion member, the said protection means (23) being associated with the said body (7) and capable of covering the said connection element (2) until the time when it is to be inserted into the corresponding housing (4A) of the connector (4).
  12. Device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the said protection means (23) comprise two movable shields (23A) placed respectively on either side of the said insertion member (8), and capable of assuming, by virtue of actuating means (23E), a remote open position away from the said insertion member and a closed position surrounding the said connection element carried by the grasping means.
  13. Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the two shields (23A) are respectively mounted, via spindles (23D), in symmetrical and converging guiding slots (24C) provided in the plate (24) of the said body, carrying the said insertion member, and in that the said actuating means consist of a jack (23E) housed inside the said body (7) and driving, via a carriage (23F) sliding on the said plate, the spindles (23D) of the said shields (23A) between their open position and their closed position, the said spindles sliding in the converging slots in the direction of the said member.
  14. Automatic-connection machine (1) for connecting connection elements (2), such as pins, equipping the ends of electrical conductors (3) of cables, into connector (4) housings, (4A) characterized in that it comprises:
    - at least two connecting devices (5), such as those defined in any of the preceding Claims 1 to 13, and intended to deal respectively with the two connection elements (2) provided at the ends of each cable (3), the body (7) of each device intended to carry an insertion member (8), being capable of being displaced, relative to the frame (10) of the machine, along the OX, OY and OZ axes of an orthonormal reference system;
    - a plurality of connectors (4), the housings (4A) of which are intended to receive the corresponding connection elements, and which are placed on the said frame;
    - means (14) for visualizing the positions of the connection elements (2) equipping the respective ends of each cable;
    - an area (15) for storing the various insertion members which are capable of being locked to the said respective bodies, and which are selected as a function of the geometrical characteristics of the said connection elements to be connected; and
    - a programable directing unit (6) containing the information relating to the various connections to be carried out depending on the connection elements (2) provided at the end of each cable (3), and on the housings (4A) of the said connectors (4), as well as the types of insertion members (8) to be selected as a function of the connection elements to be connected, and to which unit are joined up the means (22) for controlling the means (20) for grasping each selected member, and the means for actuating the said protection means (23) and the displacements of each body (7) along the OX, OY and OZ axes of the said reference system.
  15. Machine according to the preceding Claim 14, characterized in that it additionally comprises means (12) for successively conveying the said cables (3) to be connected, equipped with the said connection elements (2), in front of the said visualizing means (14), the said conveying means being joined up to the said programable directing unit (6).
  16. Machine according to Claim 15, characterized in that the said conveying means (12) comprise an endless conveyor (12A) on which the two ends of each cable (3), equipped with the said connection elements, are placed, via clamps (12C) associated with the conveyor.
  17. Machine according to one of Claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the said body (7) of each device (5) is mounted on a movable part (11) attached to the frame (10), each of the said movable parts (11) comprising a crosspiece (11A) which is capable of sliding, along the OX axis of the said reference system, on at least one beam (10D) solidly fixed to the said frame, a carriage (11B) mounted so as to slide along the OY axis of the said reference system on the said crosspiece, and a seat (11C) carrying the said body (7) and associated with the said carriage (11B) so as to slide along the OZ axis of the said reference system, the said housings (4A) of the connectors (4) being placed along the OZ axis of the said reference system.
  18. Machine according to one of Claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the said storage area (15) consists of two identical boxes (15A) in the compartments (15B) of which the various insertion members (8) are housed, via supports (15C), each support (15C) being provided with controllable arms (15D) for holding the insertion member and with a piston or the like (15H) placed so that it projects from the support and against which the cam-forming part (21E), of the said fixing means (21), which is attached to the body of each device, is capable of being applied.
  19. Machine according to one of Claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the said visualizing means (14) comprise two cameras (14A) associated with the frame (10) and under which the two ends (3A) of each cable (3), provided with the said connection elements (2), come to a standstill.
EP92402541A 1991-09-26 1992-09-16 Device and machine for inserting connection elements into connectors Expired - Lifetime EP0534822B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9111867A FR2681987B1 (en) 1991-09-26 1991-09-26 DEVICE AND MACHINE FOR CONNECTING CONNECTION ELEMENTS IN CONNECTORS.
FR9111867 1991-09-26

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0534822A1 EP0534822A1 (en) 1993-03-31
EP0534822B1 true EP0534822B1 (en) 1996-01-03

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92402541A Expired - Lifetime EP0534822B1 (en) 1991-09-26 1992-09-16 Device and machine for inserting connection elements into connectors

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US (2) US5333374A (en)
EP (1) EP0534822B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2079081A1 (en)
DE (1) DE69207319T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2681987B1 (en)

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EP0440955A1 (en) * 1990-02-06 1991-08-14 Ttc Technology Trading Company Arrangement for the automated insertion of electric terminated conductors in plug housings
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5333374A (en) 1994-08-02
FR2681987B1 (en) 1993-12-17
DE69207319T2 (en) 1996-05-15
CA2079081A1 (en) 1993-03-27
US5485660A (en) 1996-01-23
EP0534822A1 (en) 1993-03-31
DE69207319D1 (en) 1996-02-15
FR2681987A1 (en) 1993-04-02

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