CABLE STRIPING DEVICE

Abstract

A straightening apparatus (1) for straightening cables () comprises a first roller group (2) having several rollers () and a second roller group (3) having several rollers () opposite the first roller group (2). The cable (4) can be passed in a transport direction (x) alternately between the rollers (20.1 .. 20.7) of the first roller group (2) and the rollers (21.1 .. 21.6) of the second roller group (3). The straightening apparatus (1) further comprises a feed device (5) with which the first roller group (2) can be moved in a closing direction (s) relative to the second roller group (3). To secure the position of the first roller group (2) moved in the closing direction by means of the feed device (5), the straightening apparatus (1) includes a backstop (9) which prevents a backward movement of the first roller group (2) against the closing direction (s). The backstop (9) has a clamping roller (11) which is received in a wedge gap (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a straightening device for straightening cables according to the preamble of claim 1. The straightening device can be part of a cable processing machine. Such cable processing machines are used for the assembly of electrical cables. In cable assembly, cables can be cut to length and stripped, and then the cable ends can be crimped. The cable processing machines can further include crimping stations in which the stripped cable ends are fitted with crimps before crimping.

[0002] Cables, such as insulated stranded wires or solid conductors made of copper or steel, which are processed on a cable processing machine, are usually supplied in drums, on reels, or as bundles. As a result, after being unwound, they are more or less curved and twisted. Straightened cables are essential for reliably performing the process steps on the cable processing machine, such as stripping, crimping, and, if necessary, fitting connector housings. To straighten the cables as much as possible, they are typically pulled through a straightening device mounted at the machine's infeed using the drives already present in the cable processing machine.

[0003] A straightening device of a similar type is known, for example, from EP 2 399 856 A1. The straightening device has an upper and a lower roller group. The cable to be straightened is guided between the rollers of the two roller groups in a transport direction. To adjust the straightening parameters, the roller groups can be moved relative to each other. Starting from an open position, the upper roller group is moved into a closed position, perpendicular to the transport direction of the cable, against the lower roller group into a closed position. In this closed position, the rollers of the upper and lower roller groups, which run parallel to each other, are against the cable and touch it. This process is also known and familiar to those skilled in the art as "adjusting." The distance between the rollers can be adjusted manually by means of a rotary knob.An additional quick-release lever allows for rapid opening and closing of the straightening device when removing and inserting the cable between the rollers. Alternatively, the roller spacing can be adjusted automatically. For this purpose, the feed mechanism for moving the upper roller group against the lower roller group is equipped with a motor drive. However, this option is technically complex and expensive.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to avoid the disadvantages of the known device and, in particular, to create an improved straightening device of the type mentioned at the outset. This object is achieved according to the invention with a straightening device having the features of claim 1.

[0005] The straightening apparatus for straightening cables comprises a first roller group with multiple rollers and a second roller group with multiple rollers positioned opposite the first roller group, whereby the cable can be passed alternately between the rollers of the first roller group and the rollers of the second roller group in one transport direction. The straightening apparatus further comprises a feed mechanism, for example, manually operated or motor-driven, with which the first roller group can be moved relative to the second roller group. Because the straightening apparatus includes locking devices for securing the position of the first roller group, the roller spacing can be precisely adjusted. The feed, i.e., the process by which the first roller group is moved from an open position to a closed position, can be carried out efficiently.

[0006] Thanks to the positioning device, the first roller group can be moved from the open position in the closing direction, which runs transversely and preferably perpendicular to the transport direction, against the second roller group to adjust the distance between the rollers of the first and second roller groups. The open position is the position in which the rollers of the first and second roller groups are spaced far enough apart to allow the cable to be inserted between them. The closed position is the position after the shifting movement is complete; the positioning process is finished. In the closed position, the rollers of the first and second roller groups contact the ideal cable in such a way that it has a straight and not a wavy path.

[0007] The straightening device can have a first roller support for the first roller group, to which the rollers of the first roller group are freely rotatable, and a second roller support for the second roller group, to which the rollers of the second roller group are freely rotatable. Furthermore, the straightening device can have a frame, for example in the form of a base plate, for supporting the first and second roller supports, wherein the first roller support is mounted in the frame so as to be slidable in the closing direction.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the straightening apparatus for forming the locking elements can include a backstop that prevents the first roller group from moving backwards in the opposite direction to the closing direction during the delivery process. Thanks to the backstop, the straightening apparatus can be operated reliably, ergonomically, and efficiently with regard to the delivery process.

[0009] For this purpose, discrete backstops, such as those based on a ratchet mechanism, can be provided. Such a ratchet mechanism can, for example, include a toothed section and a pawl that interacts with it. However, with a ratchet mechanism, intermittent movements would be possible. It is therefore advantageous for the feed mechanism of the straightening device to include a continuously variable backstop. Continuously variable backstops have the advantage that they can prevent virtually all unwanted reverse movements.

[0010] The aforementioned backstop can be designed as a positive-locking backstop. It can also be designed as a friction-locking backstop. Besides mechanical backstops, other types of backstops are also conceivable. The backstop could be a hydraulic cylinder; if the roller support attempts to move backward, check valves prevent the flow of hydraulic oil from the cylinder, thus activating the backstop.

[0011] It is further advantageous if the first roller support is supported on the frame by a spring element, in particular a helical compression spring, which applies a spring force to the first roller support in the opposite direction to the closing direction. This ensures the reliable functioning of the backstop in a simple manner.

[0012] The anti-return device can comprise a clamping element and, in particular, a clamping roller, wherein the clamping element or the clamping roller is received in a wedge gap. The wedge gap can be a receptacle for the clamping element that tapers with respect to the closing direction. Due to the wedge action, the clamping element, pressed into the wedge gap, can reliably block a reverse movement of the first roller support.

[0013] The backstop may include a spring to generate a preload for the clamping element, in particular the clamping roller. The spring-loaded clamping element is thus continuously pressed into the wedge gap, ensuring reliable operation of the backstop.

[0014] The first roller support can have a wedge-shaped approach surface which, together with a stationary counter surface, forms the wedge gap. The stationary counter surface can, for example, be formed by a guide surface associated with the frame, along which the first roller support can be guided during the closing process.

[0015] Alternative backstops could comprise two wedges, the wedges having opposing, inclined wedge surfaces that would be pressed together if a reverse movement were to occur, thus preventing it. Further alternative backstops could include eccentric bodies.

[0016] The straightening device can have a manually operated delivery mechanism with a control element, particularly in the form of a button, that moves linearly in the closing direction. Pressing this control element, for example, moves the first roller support or roller group in the closing direction. Such a straightening device is characterized by its ease of use and good ergonomics. For delivery, the control element simply needs to be pressed. A quick-release lever for rapid closing is also unnecessary.

[0017] A drive element for advancing the first roller support can be attached to the operating element. The drive element can be connected to a shaft of the operating element or be formed by the shaft itself. The shaft is an elongated component extending in the closing direction. The drive element or the shaft can be slidably mounted in the frame and can be moved in the closing direction (and, if applicable, in the opposite direction). When the drive element is moved in the closing direction by pressing the button-like operating element or by other means, it abuts the first roller support and thus moves the first roller support in the closing direction. A straightening device with a motor-driven feed mechanism can also have such a drive element.

[0018] Preferably, the backstop is designed as a releasable backstop. For this purpose, a release element can be provided to release the locking effect of the backstop.

[0019] A release element for disengaging the locking mechanism can be arranged on or connected to the driver. The driver and the release element are designed such that, during a return movement (i.e., a movement in the opposite direction to the closing direction), the release element can be brought into contact with the clamping body. The release element can be a nose-like projection extending away from the driver or the shaft.

[0020] To release the locking effect, the unlocking element can push the clamping body away, so that the clamping body no longer contacts the wedge-shaped contact surface of the wedge gap, i.e., there is no longer any clamping.

[0021] The locking mechanism can be released by pulling the button-like operating element. This solution is characterized by its ease of use. Other means could also be used to release the locking mechanism. For example, it might be advantageous not to use the aforementioned operating element for closing the alignment device during the opening process. If separate means are used to release the locking mechanism, accidental manipulation of the operating element, resulting in an unintentional release of the locking mechanism, could be prevented.

[0022] The straightening machine does not necessarily need to have a manually operated feed mechanism. For certain applications, it can be advantageous for the straightening machine to have a driven feed mechanism with a linear direct drive, a pneumatic cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder to move the first roller support in the closing direction. Such feed mechanisms can be easily controlled and operated automatically or semi-automatically.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the aligning device for determining the closing position can have an antroller, wherein the antroller is arranged following the first roller group on the output side with respect to the transport direction, and wherein the cable between the antroller and a counter roller opposite the antroller assigned to the second roller group is pressed.

[0024] Alternatively, the alignment device for setting the closed position can have at least one, and preferably several, sensing fingers, preferably mounted so as to be displaceable within limits in the closing direction, wherein the at least one sensing finger is assigned to one of the roller groups, and in particular to the first roller group. The sensing finger can be arranged opposite a roller of the other roller group, in particular the second roller group, such that the cable can be compressed between the respective sensing finger and the opposite roller. The sensing fingers can be designed such that, after the closed position has been set, they can be moved into a rest position by sliding them in the opposite direction to the closing direction, so that they no longer exert pressure on the cable.

[0025] To further generate the directional effect of the cable after completion of the delivery process, it is advantageous if the second roller support is rotatably mounted on the frame about a pivot axis and if the straightening apparatus has a pivoting device, for example manually operated or motor-driven, with which the second roller group can be pivoted from a neutral position to an active position, preferably to adjust the angle of attack between the rollers of the first and second roller group.

[0026] The second roller support can preferably be rotatably mounted on the frame such that, by pivoting the second roller support, the input rollers exert a greater force on the cable than the output rollers. The pivoting device can, for example, be a device such as is already known from EP 2 399 856.

[0027] In one embodiment, a cam control can be provided for the movement of the first roller support and / or the second roller support.

[0028] For the cam control, a linearly movable push element can be provided, which can move both the first and second roller supports. The push element can be manually operated or motor-driven. In this embodiment, the two alignment parameters (roller spacing, angle of attack) can be set in a single, combined operation or actuation movement.

[0029] The straightening device can have a manually operated push element, preferably movable back and forth in the transport direction, with a hand lever.

[0030] The sliding element can be equipped with an approach cam guide for moving the first roller support in the closing direction and an opening cam guide for releasing the locking action and returning the first roller support. A first, spring-loaded control element can interact with both the approach cam guide and the opening cam guide. The sliding element can also be equipped with a pivoting cam guide for pivoting the second roller support. A second, spring-loaded control element can interact with the pivoting cam guide.

[0031] The pivoting cam guide can be formed by a stepped control track with preferably several receptacles for the control element to set discrete angle positions. This enables particularly fast adjustment of the angle. Such a pivoting cam guide could also be used in conventional straightening machines, i.e., straightening machines without a backstop or other locking device for securing the position of the first roller group moved by the feed mechanism.

[0032] Further advantages and individual features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a straightening apparatus according to the invention for straightening cables in an open position, Fig. 2 the straightening apparatus in a closed position, Fig. 3 a rear view of the straightening apparatus in the closed position, Fig. 4 a cross-section through the straightening apparatus in the closed position (sectional view along section line A - A according to Fig. 3 ), Fig. 5 a perspective view of the straightening apparatus in an active position, Fig. 6 a cross-section through the straightening apparatus while still closed, but with a released backstop, Fig. 7 an enlarged detail view of the rear view of the straightening apparatus in the closed position with the released backstop Fig. 6Fig. 8 a perspective view of an alternative straightening apparatus in an active position, Fig. 9 a front view of a straightening apparatus according to a third embodiment, wherein the straightening apparatus is in a closed position, Fig. 10 a simplified view of a longitudinal section through another straightening apparatus in an open position, Fig. 11 the straightening apparatus according to the embodiment of Fig. 10 in a closed position, and Fig. 12 the straightening apparatus in an active position.

[0033] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a straightening device 1 for straightening cables, with two opposing, movable roller groups 2 and 3. A first roller group, designated 2, has several rollers 20.1 to 20.7 arranged in a row. A second roller group, designated 3, has several rollers 21.1 to 21.6 arranged in a row. In this case, the first roller group 2 is located at the top of the straightening device 1. Therefore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, this roller group will subsequently be referred to as the "upper roller group"; the associated rollers 20.1 to 20.7 are accordingly "upper rollers." The roller group 3, opposite the upper roller group 2, is therefore, in this case, a "lower roller group."

[0034] The upper rollers 20.1 to 20.7 and the lower rollers 21.1 to 21.6 run parallel to each other and each lies on horizontal roller lines. The (in Fig. 1The cable (not shown), which can be routed between the upper rollers 20.1 .. 20.7 and the lower rollers 21.1 .. 21.6 for straightening, also runs in a horizontal direction, which is indicated by an arrow x. Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows the straightening apparatus 1 in an open position, in which the two roller groups 2 are spaced sufficiently apart to allow a cable to be inserted or placed between the upper rollers 20.1 .. 20.7 and the lower rollers 21.1 .. 21.6. The upper roller group 2 is then moved against the lower roller group 3. This closing movement is indicated by an arrow s. The closing direction s is clearly vertical. Fig. 2Figure 1 shows the straightening device 1 in a closed position or after completion of a delivery operation, after the upper roller group 2 has been moved against the lower roller group 3 in the closing direction s. The cable 4, now alternately acted upon by rollers 20.1 .. 20.7 and 21.1 .. 21.6 of the upper and lower roller groups 2 and 3, can be pulled through the straightening device 1 in the horizontal transport direction x by means of a cable conveyor (not shown).

[0035] The basic arrangement and orientation of the roller groups 2 and 3 shown here relate to embodiments of the straightening apparatus 1 according to the invention. Of course, other arrangements and orientations of the roller groups 2 and 3 are also conceivable. For example, the two roller groups 2 and 3 could also be arranged side by side; in this case, the closing direction s would run on a horizontal plane.

[0036] The straightening device 1, described in detail below, can be used in a cable processing machine (not shown) for cable assembly. This cable processing machine can process electrical cables, such as insulated stranded wires or insulated solid conductors made of copper or steel. The cables to be processed are supplied in drums, on reels, or as bundles. The cables fed to the cable processing machine from drums, reels, or bundles are more or less curved and twisted. The cable must therefore be straightened, which is the purpose of the straightening device 1 mentioned above.

[0037] The cable processing machine can be designed, for example, as a swiveling machine, which has a swiveling unit with a cable gripper. To feed the cable ends to processing stations, such as a ferrule station and a crimping station, the swiveling unit must be rotated about a vertical axis. A cutting and stripping station is usually arranged on the longitudinal axis of the cable processing machine. The cable processing machine also includes a feeding unit with a cable conveying device, for example, a belt conveyor, which brings the cables in the transport direction along the longitudinal axis of the machine to the swiveling unit. The straightening device 1 is arranged upstream of the belt conveyor on the longitudinal axis of the cable processing machine. When the cable is fed to the swiveling unit, the cable is pulled through the straightening device 1 to straighten the cable 4.

[0038] The rollers 20.1 to 20.7 of the first or upper roller group 2 are freely rotatable and mounted on a first roller support 6. The rollers 21.1 to 21.6 of the lower or second roller group 2 are freely rotatable and mounted on a second roller support 7. The straightening device further comprises a frame 8 in the form of a base plate for supporting the first and second roller supports 6 and 7. The roller supports 6 and 7 are designed as plates.

[0039] The first roller support 6 with the upper rollers 20.1 .. 20.7 is mounted in the frame 8 so as to be displaceable in the closing direction s. The second roller support 6 with the lower rollers 21.1 .. 21.6 is mounted in the frame 8 so as to be rotatable with respect to a horizontal pivot axis, indicated by 24, which runs at a right angle to the transport direction. The basic design of the straightening apparatus 1 is similar to that of the straightening apparatus known from EP 2 399 856 A1; the movement of the roller support 6 with the upper rollers 20.1 .. 20.7 for the delivery process is effected by means of a novel delivery device 5.

[0040] The delivery device 5 is designed to be manually operated and includes a control element 16 that is linearly movable in the closing direction s. The first roller support 6 is supported on the frame 8 by a spring element 10 in the form of a helical compression spring, which exerts a spring force on the first roller support 6 in the opposite direction to the closing direction s. By pressing the control element 16, the first roller support 6 with the upper rollers 20.1 .. 20.7 can be moved downwards. The control element 16 will be pressed downwards until the rollers 20.1 .. 20.7 and 21.1 .. 21.6 touch the cable.

[0041] To deliver the rollers, the control element 16 simply needs to be pressed, resulting in particularly easy and ergonomic operation. The second roller support 7 with the lower roller group 3 does not move during the delivery process. For this purpose, the lower roller group 3 is held in a position parallel to the upper roller group 2, corresponding to a neutral position, by a machine control system via a pneumatic valve and a pneumatic cylinder 33.

[0042] The control element 16 shown here has the form of a button as an example. Of course, other shapes for the control element 16 would also be conceivable. For example, the control element 16 could have a handle resembling a bar.

[0043] To secure the upper roller group 2, which is displaced in the closing direction s by means of the delivery device 5, the alignment apparatus 1 includes a backstop (9, see below). Fig. 3), which blocks a backward movement of the upper roller group 2 against the closing direction s. The upper roller group could also be blocked by a clamping mechanism, for example by a clamping lever or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0044] A freely rotatable counter roller 19 is arranged on the first roller support 6. The counter roller 19 is positioned on the output side following the upper roller group 2 with respect to the transport direction x and serves to define the closed position. A counter roller 22 is provided on the second roller support 7 on the side opposite the counter roller 19. Starting from the open position ( Fig. 1When the upper roller group 2 is moved in the s-direction against the second roller group 3, the intermediate cable 4 comes into contact with the two rollers 19 and 22. The closing movement caused by pressing the operating element 16, thanks to the antecedent roller 19 and counter roller 22, correctly aligns the two roller groups 2 and 3 with each other for any cable diameter.

[0045] As from Fig. 2 When the cable 4 is removable, the upper rollers 20.1 .. 20.7 on one side and the lower rollers 21.1 .. 21.6 on the other side contact the cable 4 in the closed position such that it still has a straight path. The antagonal roller 19 and the counter-roller 22 that interacts with it ensure that the rollers 20.1 .. 20.7 and 21.1 .. 21.6 cannot be moved further into one another, which would lead to a wavy path of the cable 4 running between the rollers.

[0046] The operator, who presses the control element 16 downwards, feels a sudden increase in resistance as soon as the cable 4 is pressed between the ante roller 19 and the counter roller 22. This indicates to the operator that the delivery process is complete ( Fig. 2 ) and he can release the operating element 16. Thanks to the backstop, it is ensured that after releasing the operating element 16, an unwanted reverse movement of the upper roller group 2 in the opposite direction to the closing direction s or upwards is prevented.

[0047] A guide roller 37 is arranged at the front end of the first roller support 6 on the inlet side. The guide roller 37 has a larger diameter than the rollers 20.1 to 20.7 used for straightening the cable. The guide roller 37 is positioned slightly downwards vertically relative to the rollers 20.1 to 20.7, so that when the straightening device 1 is in the closed position, the guide roller 37 is positioned below the cable. The guide roller 37 facilitates the insertion of the cable 4 into the open straightening device. For example, the guide roller 37 allows the cable 4 to be tensioned by hand before and during the closing of the straightening device 1, thus ensuring that the cable is positioned between all rollers 20.1 to 20.7 and 21.1 to 21.6 when closing. Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a rear view of the straightening apparatus 1. The first roller support 6 for the upper rollers 20.1 .. 20.7 has a guide section 38 extending vertically, which can be guided slidably between two guide plates 39, 40 for the displacement movement in the s-direction. The guide plates 39, 40 are part of the frame 8. The operating element 16 is connected to the top of the guide section 38 of the first roller support 6.

[0048] The previously mentioned backstop is in Fig. 3The backstop 9 is identifiable and designated there by the letter 9. It comprises a clamping roller 11, which is received in a wedge gap 12. The wedge gap 12 is a receptacle for the clamping roller 11 that tapers with respect to the closing direction s. The backstop 9 further comprises a spring 13 for generating a preload for the clamping roller 11. Due to the wedge action, the clamping roller 11, pressed into the wedge gap, can reliably block a reverse movement of the first roller support 6. By means of the spring 13, the clamping roller 11 is continuously pressed into the wedge gap 12, thus ensuring the reliable functioning of the backstop 9. A release element 41 is visible below the clamping roller 11. When this release element 41 is moved upwards against the clamping roller 11, it can push the clamping roller 11 upwards, thus releasing the clamping effect (see below). Fig. 7 ).

[0049] Further constructive details of the straightening apparatus 1 are from Fig. 4 Removable. The button-shaped operating element 16 has a shaft 17 that is fixedly connected to a driver 18. The driver 18, which adjoins the shaft 17, serves to advance the first roller support 6 when the operating element 16 is pressed. The driver 18 has a front end with respect to the closing direction s, which contacts the first roller support 6 for advancing, at least during closing. A nose-like projection for forming the release element 41 for releasing the locking action adjoins the driver 18 and is inserted into the wedge gap 12 from the side (see following). Fig. 6 / 7 ).

[0050] After completion of the delivery process, the second roller support 7 is pivoted about the pivot axis 24 into an active position to generate sufficient directional effect, so that the input-side rollers 20.1, 21.1 exert a stronger force on the cable 4 than the output-side rollers 20.7, 21.6. For this purpose, the input-side front side of the second roller support 7 is pulled upwards by means of a pneumatic cylinder 33, which in Fig. 5 as indicated by an arrow z. The pneumatic cylinder 33 can easily adjust the desired angle of attack α by appropriate control. Instead of using the pneumatic cylinder 33, designs of straightening devices would also be conceivable in which the pivoting could be carried out manually using appropriate means.

[0051] To prevent the cable 4 from being crushed by excessive force applied by the user when the cable is probed by the anteroller and the counterroller during the delivery process, the straightening device 1 can have a force-limiting device between the control element 16 and the counterroller 22, for example by connecting the control element 16 to the counterroller 22 at least indirectly via a spring (not shown) and limiting the stroke of the control element 16 with a mechanical stop.

[0052] Fig. 5Figure 1 shows the straightening apparatus 1 in the active position after pivoting the second roller support 7. All rollers 20.1 to 20.7 of the upper roller group 2 lie horizontally in a line, and the rollers 21.1 to 21.6 of the lower roller group 3 lie at an angle α in a line approaching the inlet of the upper roller group 2. The cable 4 should run approximately tangentially at the rollers 20.7 and 21.7 at the outlet of the straightening apparatus 1, without being bent. The optimal setting of the outlet rollers 20.7 and 21.7 correlates with the outer diameter of the cable 4.

[0053] To activate the straightening device 1, the machine control (not shown) moves the lower roller group 3 into the active position, either after pressing a special button or automatically within a program sequence. This is achieved by the pneumatic cylinder 33 moving the lower roller group 3 towards the upper roller group 3 on the input side. Restoring the straightening device 1 to its original starting position could also be accomplished by pressing a button or automatically within a program sequence. The button or the program sequence could actuate a pneumatic valve or a switch in the machine control, whereupon the lower roller group 3 is moved back into a position parallel to the first roller group 2 via the pneumatic cylinder 8.The machine control could also be designed in such a way that the activation of the pneumatic cylinder 8 to pivot the lower roller group 3 back from the active position to the parallel neutral position could be triggered by pulling or, if necessary, by pressing the button-shaped control element 16 again.

[0054] Out of Fig. 5 It is further evident that the counter roller 22 to the antagonal roller 19 is arranged relative to the pivot axis 24 such that, during this movement, the counter roller 22 moves away from the antagonal roller 19 and the clamping or compression of the cable 4 between the two rollers 19 and 22 is released. The position of the pivot axis 24 is located approximately midway between the last lower roller 21.7 and the counter roller 22.

[0055] The pivot axis 24 could also assume other positions. For example, the pivot axis 24 could be coaxial with the axis of rotation of the counter roller 22. Furthermore, it would be conceivable to arrange the pivot axis 24, or the rollers 19 and 22, in the straightening apparatus such that they move towards each other when the lower roller group 3 pivots, thus creating a slight crushing effect on the cable. This crushing can be advantageous for straightening cables with relatively stiff insulation. Such cables are easier to process if their diameter is also slightly compressed during or after straightening. If, for this purpose, the pivot axis 24 is positioned on the left, instead of on the left as shown in the diagrams, the result would be... Figures 1 to 8In the illustrated embodiments, if the rollers 19 and 22 were arranged to the right of the counter roller 22, the distance between them would decrease when pivoting to establish the active position, and the cable 4 would be pinched accordingly. It would also be conceivable to mount an additional pair of rollers (not shown) downstream of the straightening device on the cable processing machine to pinch the cable.

[0056] Based on the Figures 6 and 7It becomes clear how the locking effect can be released or disengaged by the backstop 9. By pulling the operating element 16, the driver 18 is moved with the release element 41 in the opposite direction to the closing direction. The front end of the driver 18, which was previously in contact with the first roller support 6, is released. The release element 41 pushes the clamping roller 11 upwards against the force of the spring 13, thus releasing the locking effect. The spring force generated by the spring element 10 then moves the released first roller support 6 back to its original, rest position. The cable 4 can then be removed and a new cable inserted. The closing and opening of the straightening device 1 thus each occurs via a single linear movement, which is ergonomic and very quick.

[0057] Fig. 7Figure 1 shows that the wedge gap 12 is formed by a wedge-shaped approach surface 14 associated with the first roller support 6 and by a stationary counter surface associated with the frame 8. This counter surface is formed by a guide surface 34 associated with the frame 8, along which the first roller support 6 can be guided during the closing process.

[0058] As from Fig. 8 The delivery device 5, which allows the upper roller group 2 to be moved relative to the lower roller group 3 to adjust the distance between the rollers 20.1 .. 20.6 and 21.1 .. 21.7 of the upper and lower roller groups 2 and 3, can also be motor-driven. Instead of the button-shaped control element, an actuator 35 is provided, which allows the upper roller group 2 to be moved vertically downwards for the delivery process. The actuator can, for example, be a pneumatic drive. If the manually operated control element 16 is moved by the actuator 35, as shown in Fig. 8 When the image is represented and replaced, the delivery process can be carried out in a cost-effective and process-reliable manner without the intervention of an operator.

[0059] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows another variant of the straightening device 1. Instead of the antecedent roller and opposing counter-roller according to the previous embodiments, the straightening device 1 has sensing fingers 23 for setting the closed position. The sensing fingers 23 are assigned to the upper roller group 2. The sensing fingers 23 are each arranged opposite a roller 21.1 .. 21.6 of the lower roller group 3 such that the cable 4 can be compressed between the respective sensing finger 23 and the opposing roller 21.1 .. 21.6. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the sensing fingers 23 are arranged opposite the roller 21.1 .. 21.6 of the lower roller group 3 in such a way that the cable 4 can be compressed between the respective sensing finger 23 and the opposing roller 21.1 .. 21.6. Fig. 9The straightening device 1 has six probing fingers 23; thus, in this example, one probing finger 23 for each of the six lower rollers 21.1 .. 21.6. This has the advantage that the pressure exerted by the probing fingers on the cable 4 is distributed evenly and over a larger area. However, it would also be conceivable to provide fewer probing fingers and possibly even only one. In the variant of the straightening device 1 according to Fig. 9It is also illustrated that the operating unit (16) for manual operation to carry out the delivery process can be supplemented or replaced by an actuator 35. After the closed position is set, the touch fingers 23 are pushed upwards so that they are sufficiently far away from the cable 4 and can no longer make contact with the cable, even if an active position created by pivoting is present. For this purpose, a carrier plate that supports the touch fingers 23 has elongated holes 36, so that the touch fingers 23 and / or the carrier plate are mounted on the first roller support 6 with limited displacement in the closing direction.

[0060] The Figures 10 to 12This concerns a further embodiment of a straightening apparatus 1, which is equipped with the previously described, but for the sake of simplicity not shown here, backstop. This straightening apparatus 1 is characterized by a special design of the feed device 5 for carrying out the feed operation and the pivoting device 15 for establishing the active position. The movement of both roller supports 6 and 7 is effected by means of a cam control, which is explained below.

[0061] The straightening apparatus 1 has a linearly movable push element 25 in the transport direction x, via which both the first roller support 6 with the upper rollers 20.1 .. 20.7 and the second roller support 7 with the lower rollers 21.1 .. 21.6 can be moved. In this case, the push element 25 can be manually operated via a hand lever 26. Instead of the hand lever 26, with which the push element 25 can be moved back and forth manually, the push element 25 could also be connected to a drive for moving the push element 25.

[0062] A feed cam guide 27 for moving the first roller support 6 in the closing direction s is arranged on the push element 25. Furthermore, an opening cam guide 28 for releasing the locking action and returning the first roller support 6 is arranged on the push element 25. The cam control comprises a control element 30, which interacts with the feed cam guide 27 and the opening cam guide 28. The control element 30 is supported on the first roller support 6 by a spring 42.

[0063] A pivoting cam guide 29 for pivoting the second roller support 7 is arranged on the push element 25, wherein a spring-loaded control element 31, designated 31, interacts with the pivoting cam guide 29. The spring for generating the spring load on the control element 31 is designated 43. The spring 43 supports the control element 31 upwards against the frame 8 of the straightening apparatus 1. The control element 31 is connected to the second roller support 7 via a lever 44.

[0064] The pivoting cam guide 29 can be formed by a continuously rising control track or curve. It can be advantageous if the pivoting cam guide 29 is formed by a stepped control track with several receptacles 32 for the control body 31. Such a cam guide 29 with a stepped control track for setting discrete angle-of-attack positions is shown in the exemplary embodiment according to Figs. 10 to 12 shown.

[0065] The straightening apparatus 1 has the push element 25 with a hand lever 26 and the cam guides 27, 28, 29. The push element 25 can be moved back and forth relative to the frame 8 using the hand lever 26. The cam guide 27 controls the feed operation via the control body 30, which is designed as a roller, in which the upper roller group 2 is moved downwards against the lower roller group 3. To determine the closed position, this straightening apparatus 1 also has an anti-roller 19 and a counter-roller 22 opposite it. Alternatively, one or more probing fingers could be used. The cam guide 29 controls the pivoting operation via the control body 30, which is designed as a roller, in which the angle of attack α of the lower roller group 3 is set.

[0066] The operating principle of the scenery control for positioning and panning is as follows: The starting point is the in Fig. 10The open position shown. The push element 25 is pushed to the left. The control body 30, moving along the feed guide 27, pushes the roller group 2 against the cable 4 in the closing direction s via the spring 42 until the cable 4 is clamped between the ante roller 19 and the counter roller 22. The feed process is complete and the closed position is reached. The straightening device 1 is in this closed position. Fig. 11 shown.

[0067] As mentioned previously, good directional control is achieved when the rollers 20.1, 21.1, 20.2, 20.3, ... are positioned at the inlet such that the cable 4 must move in a wave-like pattern between the rollers, with the cable 4 being bent with decreasing intensity at each subsequent roller. If the push element 25 is now pushed further to the left, the spring 42 can relax, and the spring (10, not shown here), which supports the first roller support 6 on the frame 8, pushes the roller group 2 into the backstop. If the push element 25, and thus the pivot guide 29, is pushed even further to the left, as in Fig. 12As shown, the control body 31 moves along the pivoting cam guide 29 and thus pulls the lever 44 upwards, increasing the angle of attack α of the lower roller group 3 and thereby increasing the directional effect. Recesses 32 in the pivoting cam guide 29 ensure that the control body 31, which is spring-loaded by the spring 43, can engage at predefined fixed positions, thus achieving the active position. A scale indicating the position of the thrust element 25 allows the user to read the directional effect setting or adjust it using preset values.

[0068] If the thrust element 25 is moved in the opposite direction, i.e., to the right, back to its starting point, the straightening apparatus 1 is returned to its open state. The pivoting cam guide 29, via control body 31, first returns the lower roller group 3 to its parallel neutral position. The control body 30 then moves along the opening cam guide 28 and releases the backstop, whereupon the upper roller group 2 can be moved into the open position.

[0069] It would also be possible to implement the control of the two control bodies using, for example, rotaryally driven cam discs instead of the linearly movable thrust element 25.

[0070] Instead of the lever 44, a tension spring could also be used, so that the angle of attack of the lower roller group 2 is indirectly influenced via the corresponding spring force.

[0071] The opposing anterior roller 19 and counter roller 22 could also be positioned further towards the pivot axis 24 such that they move towards each other when the upper roller group 3 is engaged. This creates a crushing effect similar to that of a so-called pinch roller.

[0072] In alternative versions of the straightening apparatus 1, it would be conceivable not to provide a fixed pivot axis 24. To allow the user to fine-tune the distance between the two roller groups 2, 3, the pivot axis 24 could, for example, be vertically displaced by an adjusting screw or an eccentric. Alternatively, a device could be attached to the straightening apparatus 1 that allows for displacement between the frame 10 and the roller group 2.

Claims

1. Straightening apparatus (1) for straightening cables (4) comprising a first roller group (2) having several rollers (20.1 .. 20.7) and a second roller group (3) having several rollers (21.1 .. 21.6) opposite the first roller group (2), wherein the cable (4) can be passed in a transport direction (x) alternately between the rollers (20.1 .. 20.7) of the first roller group (2) and the rollers (21.1 .. 21.6) of the second roller group (3), and comprising a delivery device (5) with which the first roller group (2) can be displaced in a closing direction (s) against the second roller group (3), characterized by the fact that the alignment apparatus (1) includes securing means for securing the position of the first roller group (2) which is moved in the closing direction by means of the delivery device (5).

2. Straightening apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatThe straightening apparatus (1) has a first roller support (6) for the first roller group (2), on which the rollers (20.1 .. 20.7) of the first roller group (2) are freely rotatable and a second roller support (7) for the second roller group (3), on which the rollers (21.1 .. 21.6) of the second roller group (2) are freely rotatable and that a frame (8) for supporting the first and the second roller support (6, 7), wherein the first roller support (6) is slidably mounted in the frame (8) in the closing direction.

3. Straightening apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the alignment apparatus (1) includes a backstop (9) which prevents a backward movement of the first roller group (2) against the closing direction (s).

4. Straightening apparatus (1) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized by the fact thatthe first roller support (6) is supported by a spring element (10), in particular a helical compression spring on the frame (8), which applies a spring force to the first roller support (6) in the opposite direction of closing (s).

5. Straightening apparatus (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by the fact that the backstop (9) comprises a clamping element, in particular a clamping roller (11), wherein the clamping element or the clamping roller is received in a wedge gap (12).

6. Straightening apparatus (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the backstop (9) comprises a spring (13) for generating a preload for the clamping element, in particular for the clamping roller (11).

7. Straightening apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the straightening apparatus (1) has a manually operable delivery device (5) with a control element (16) that can be moved linearly in the closing direction, in particular in the form of a button.

8. Straightening apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that a driver (18) for advancing the first roller support (5) is connected to the control element (16).

9. Straightening apparatus (1) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized by the fact that A release element (41) is provided to release the locking effect of the backstop (9).

10. Straightening apparatus (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by the fact that A release element (41) for releasing the locking effect is arranged on the driver (18), wherein, during a return movement in the opposite direction to the closing direction, the release element (41) can be brought into contact with the clamping body (11).

11. Straightening apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact thatThe alignment apparatus (1) for determining the closing position has an antiroller (19), wherein the antiroller (19) is arranged following the first roller group (2) on the output side with respect to the transport direction (x), and wherein the cable (4) can be pressed between the antiroller (19) and a counterroller (22) assigned to the second roller group (3) and opposite the antiroller (19).

12. Straightening apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact thatThe alignment device (1) for determining the closing position has at least one and preferably several touch fingers (23), wherein the at least one touch finger (23) is assigned to one of the roller groups and in particular to the first roller group (2), and wherein the touch finger (23) is arranged opposite a roller (21.1 .. 21.6) of the other roller group, in particular to the second roller group (3), so that the cable (4) can be pressed between the respective touch finger (23) and the opposite roller (21.1 .. 21.6).

13. Straightening apparatus (1) according to one of claims 2 to 12, characterized by the fact that To further generate the directional effect of the cable after completion of the delivery process, the second roller support (6) is rotatably mounted on the frame (8) about a pivot axis (24) and the straightening apparatus (1) has a pivoting device (15) with which the second roller group (3) can be pivoted into an active position.

14. Straightening apparatus (1) according to one of claims 2 to 13, characterized by the fact that a scenery control is provided for the movement of the first roller support (6) and / or the second roller support (7).

15. Straightening apparatus (1) according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that For the cam control, a linearly movable thrust element (25) is provided, via which both the first roller support (6) and the second roller support (7) can be moved.

16. Straightening apparatus (1) according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the straightening apparatus (1) has a manually operable movable push element (25) with a hand lever (26).

17. Straightening apparatus (1) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by the fact thata sliding cam guide (27) for moving the first roller support (6) in the closing direction (s) and an opening cam guide (28) for releasing the locking effect and for returning the first roller support (6) are arranged on the sliding element (25) and a pivoting cam guide (29) for pivoting the second roller support (7) is arranged on the sliding element (25).

18. Straightening apparatus (1) according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that The pivot cam guide (29) for setting discrete angle-of-attack positions is formed by a stepped control track.