CABLE MACHINING MACHINE WITH SEPARATE CABLE DEPOSIT

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable processing machine (100) for processing cables (904).The cable processing machine (100) comprises a processing area (102) for processing the cables (904), an operating area (104) for an operator (1600) to operate the cable processing machine (100), a conveying device (112) designed to convey batches of cables (904) processed in the processing area (102) from the processing area (102) to the operating area (104), a cable storage area (200) having a receiving section (202) accessible from the processing area (102) for receiving individual cables (904) processed in the processing area (102) and a removal section (204) accessible from the operating area (104) for the operator (1600) to safely remove individual cables (904), and a feeding device (902) designed to feed the cables (904) processed in the processing area (102) either to the conveying device (112) or to the receiving section (202).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable processing machine for processing cables and a method for operating such a cable processing machine.

[0002] Cable processing machines can fully automatically produce batches of cables, meaning a specific number of cables of the same type. The finished cables are typically removed manually by an operator, for example, from a specially designed dispensing tray into which the cables are automatically poured and transported to the operator as soon as a batch is completed.

[0003] Before cable production can begin on such a cable processing machine, one or more test cables or cable samples are typically manufactured for quality control and process parameterization. These are then inspected by the operator. Transporting the finished cable samples to the operator via the dispensing tray can take several seconds each. If several cable samples are to be produced consecutively, the time required to prepare the cable processing machine can be significantly increased simply due to the transport of each sample to the operator.

[0004] Typically, all cables produced by the cable processing machine, regardless of whether they are from a batch, a sample, or individual training cables, are placed in the same hopper. This hopper is automatically moved to a secure operating area of ​​the cable processing machine at specific times, such as each time a batch is completed, where the operator can then remove the cables. This can lead to different types of cables becoming mixed together in the hopper. The operator then has to sort the cables manually. This is time-consuming, partly because the operator has to wait until a batch is completed before accessing the cables, and also prone to errors.

[0005] Therefore, one of the aims of the invention is to improve the removal of cables from a cable processing machine.

[0006] The aforementioned problem is solved by a cable processing machine and a method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a cable processing machine for processing cables. The cable processing machine comprises a processing area for processing the cables, an operating area for an operator to operate the cable processing machine, a conveying device designed to convey batches of cables processed by the cable processing machine from the processing area to the operating area, a cable storage area having a receiving section accessible from the processing area for receiving individual cables processed by the cable processing machine and a removal section accessible from the operating area for the safe removal of individual cables by the operator, and a feeding device designed to feed the cables processed by the cable processing machine either to the conveying device or to the receiving section.

[0008] The ability to deposit individual cables, such as short training or sample cables, or other short cables, for example cable scraps or defective cables, in a separate cable tray allows quality controls to be carried out with less time and less susceptibility to errors than if the cables are only dispensed from the cable processing machine in production batches.

[0009] In particular, individual cables can be taken separately from the cables of a production batch for inspection during the operation of a cable processing machine, such as a crimping machine. Besides saving time, this offers the advantage that samples can be checked immediately without prior manual sorting. This allows for early intervention in the case of a poor sample. It also prevents training or sample cables from being mixed into a sample, thus avoiding any reduction in the sample's reliability.

[0010] The processing area can include a potentially hazardous area of ​​the cable processing machine that should be inaccessible to the operator, at least during operation. Tools required for processing the cables and means for transporting the cables, such as conveyor belts or cable grippers, can be located within the processing area. In contrast, an operating area can be understood as an area of ​​the cable processing machine from which the operator can safely operate the machine. The operating area may also include a human-machine interface for controlling the cable processing machine, such as a screen and an input device like a keyboard or mouse.

[0011] The conveying device can, for example, comprise a conveyor belt, a movable or tilting trough, a gripping system for moving the cables, or a combination of at least two of the aforementioned examples. For instance, the conveying device can comprise two batch troughs connected in series, enabling the uninterrupted production of multiple batches in succession.

[0012] A cable tray can be understood as a container or storage area for cables. It may be movable within the cable processing machine, or it may be fixed in place. The receiving section can lead into the unloading section, allowing cables fed into the receiving section to enter the unloading section, for example, by gravity, and be retrieved there separately from the cables of a production batch within the operating area. For example, the receiving section may include a chute or slide to guide the cables into the unloading section. The unloading section may include a collection container, a tray, or a trough for removing the cables.

[0013] The removal section can be designed, for example, so that the operator cannot reach into the potentially hazardous area of ​​the cable processing machine or into the processing area at all when removing the cables with their hand or individual fingers. For this purpose, the removal section can be narrowed accordingly or closed off from the processing area by a suitable mechanism when the operator removes the cables.

[0014] It is possible for the extraction section to extend at least partially within the processing area, provided that it is ensured that the operator can safely remove the cables from the extraction section.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the cable processing machine can include a protective wall or cover that separates the processing area and the operating area around the cable tray in such a way as to prevent or at least make it more difficult to accidentally reach into the processing area.

[0016] The feeding device can, for example, comprise a combination of two independently movable feeding units: one for moving cables to the conveyor and another for moving cables to the cable tray. This could be a combination of two cable grippers or a conveyor belt and a cable gripper. Alternatively, the feeding device can consist of a swiveling cable gripper or a swiveling conveyor belt. The cable gripper or conveyor belt can be swiveled back and forth between the conveyor and the cable tray. However, any other embodiment of the feeding device is also possible. For example, the feeding device could, similar to the conveyor, include one or more movable or tiltable trays for receiving the cables.

[0017] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a cable processing machine as described above and below. The method comprises the following steps: processing a cable in the processing area and moving the processed cable by means of the feeding device either to the conveying device to form a batch of cables and convey them from the processing area to the operating area, or to the receiving section of the cable storage to provide the cable separately from the batch in the operating area.

[0018] Features of the cable processing machine, as described above and below, can also be features of the process and vice versa.

[0019] Possible features and advantages of embodiments of the invention can be considered, among other things and without limiting the invention, as being based on the ideas and findings described below.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the cable tray is designed to prevent the operator from reaching into an area of ​​the cable processing machine that could potentially endanger the operator when removing the cables.

[0021] For example, the cable tray can be designed to prevent the operator from reaching into the processing area at all. This can be achieved by, for instance, a curved or narrowed design. Additionally or alternatively, the removal section leading to the processing area can be closed off, for example, by a flap that only moves in one direction or a similar device. This prevents the operator from injuring themselves when removing cables, such as by accidentally coming into contact with moving parts of the cable processing machine located within the processing area.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the cable processing machine further comprises a protective wall that at least partially surrounds the processing area during operation of the cable processing machine in order to prevent the operator from reaching into the processing area. The protective wall has a first opening and a second opening. The conveying device is configured to convey the loose material through the first opening, while the dispensing section is located at the second opening.

[0023] For example, the protective wall can completely enclose the processing area during operation of the cable processing machine. Additionally, the protective wall can cover the processing area from above. The protective wall can be removed, for example, for maintenance or repair purposes, or moved into a position where the processing area is freely accessible. The first and second openings can be positioned adjacent to each other, allowing the operator access to both the cables in the cable tray and the loose material discharged by the conveyor from the same location.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the cable tray is designed as a container with a container opening. The container is movably arranged in the second passage between a receiving position and a removal position. The container opening is accessible from the processing area in the receiving position and from the operating area in the removal position.

[0025] In other words, the container opening can be located at least partially within the processing area in the receiving position to form the receiving section, and at least partially within the operating area in the dispensing position to form the dispensing section.

[0026] For example, the cable tray can be designed as a drawer or a compartment that tilts around a pivot point. The cable tray can be open at the top. The container opening might be the only opening of the cable tray. It is possible that the container opening is located entirely within the processing area when the cable is being fed into the tray. In combination with the protective wall that separates the processing area from the operating area, this prevents the operator from reaching into the container opening while cables are being fed into the cable tray.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the second opening is closed in the receiving position by a wall surface of the container.

[0028] This prevents the operator from reaching into the processing area through the second opening while the cable tray is being loaded with cables. For example, the second opening can be closed off by an end wall of the cable tray facing the operating area. This end wall could, for instance, have a handle for opening and closing the cable tray.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the second opening is closed by a wall surface of the container in the withdrawal position.

[0030] This prevents the operator from accidentally reaching into the processing area through the second opening when removing cables. For example, the second opening can be closed off by a rear panel of the cable tray facing the processing area.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the cable tray is attached to the protective wall.

[0032] This allows the cable tray to be removed or moved together with the protective wall, provided that the latter is removable or movable.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the receiving section comprises a shaft and the extraction section a storage tray, wherein the shaft opens into the storage tray and the feeding device is designed to feed the cables either to the conveying device or to the shaft.

[0034] A chute can be understood as an elongated hollow body or a tubular element. The chute may project into the processing area. To prevent the operator from reaching into the processing area over the chute, the chute may, for example, be angled or curved. In particular, the chute may have an upper end and a lower end. The upper end may be located within the processing area and be positioned further away from the collection tray in a vertical direction than the lower end, which may open into the collection tray.

[0035] If the processing area is surrounded by a protective wall, as described above, the collection tray can extend on both sides of the protective wall, for example, through the second opening. Alternatively, the collection tray can end at the protective wall. For instance, the collection tray can also end on the side of the protective wall facing the processing area without extending through the second opening. In this case, the operator can reach into the collection tray from the operating area through the second opening.

[0036] The second passage can, for example, be formed by a correspondingly small opening, which prevents the operator from reaching into a danger zone of the cable processing machine when removing the cables from the storage tray.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the cable tray comprises at least two separate cable compartments. Each of the at least two cable compartments has a receiving section accessible from the processing area for receiving the cables and a removal section accessible from the operating area for the operator to safely remove the cables. Accordingly, the feeding device is designed to feed the cables either to the conveying device or to one of the receiving sections of the at least two cable compartments.

[0038] The cable compartments can be separated in such a way that cables fed into different compartments do not mix. This allows different types of cables to be sorted and stored separately. This eliminates the need for time-consuming and error-prone manual sorting.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the cable processing machine further comprises a machine table. The cable tray is attached to the machine table.

[0040] This allows the cable tray to be fitted with cables even when the protective wall is removed, for example in a special operation of the cable processing machine.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the feeding device comprises a first feeding unit for loading the conveyor device with the cables and a second feeding unit for loading the cable tray with the cables. The first feeding unit and the second feeding unit can be controlled independently of each other.

[0042] This allows the cable tray and the conveyor device to be equipped with cables independently of each other, for example in parallel to each other.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the cable processing machine further comprises a signal generator for providing a signal indicating whether cables are in the

[0044] Whether or not a extraction section is present, and a control unit for controlling the cable processing machine using the signal.

[0045] The signal transmitter can be, for example, a sensor, a button, a switch, or a combination of at least two of these. This allows for targeted monitoring of workflows for quality assurance. For example, the control unit can interrupt an ongoing production run of the cable processing machine if the signal transmitter detects that the cables in the removal section have not been removed within a specific time window.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the signal transmitter includes a sensor for providing the signal. Additionally or alternatively, the signal transmitter may include a button or switch for providing the signal.

[0047] The sensor can be, for example, a light-sensitive, pressure-sensitive, or touch-sensitive sensor. The button or switch can be operated by the user either directly or indirectly, for example, via the cable tray.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the switch is coupled to the cable tray and can be actuated by moving the cable tray.

[0049] For example, the switch can be activated by the weight of the cable tray pressing on it, activating the switch once the weight reaches a certain threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the switch can be activated by deforming the cable tray, for example, by slightly bending a side panel or the bottom of the tray.

[0050] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereby neither the drawings nor the description are to be interpreted as limiting the invention. Fig. 1 shows a front view of a cable processing machine according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows a top view of the cable processing machine made of Fig. 1 Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the cable processing machine from the Figures 1 and 2Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the cable processing machine made of Fig. 3 Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the cable processing machine from the Figures 1 to 4 with the protective wall removed; Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the cable processing machine according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the cable processing machine made of Fig. 6with the protective wall removed; Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a cable tray with three cable compartments according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 9 shows a simplified view of a trough-shaped cable tray according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 shows a simplified view of a cable tray with a shaft according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 11 shows a simplified view of a tiltable cable tray according to an embodiment of the invention in a receiving position; Fig. 12 shows a simplified view of the cable tray made of Fig. 11 in a removal position; Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the cable tray from the Figures 11 and 12 in the recording position; Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of the cable tray from the Figures 11 to 13in the removal position; Fig. 15 shows a simplified representation of a deformable cable tray with an acknowledgement function according to an embodiment of the invention in a rest position; Fig. 16 shows a simplified representation of the cable tray made of Fig. 15 in an actuated position; Fig. 17 shows a simplified representation of a cable tray in the form of a lever with an acknowledgement function according to an embodiment of the invention in a rest position; Fig. 18 shows a simplified representation of the cable tray made of Fig. 17 in an operating position; Fig. 19 showed a flowchart of a method for operating a cable processing machine according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0051] The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. Identical reference symbols in the different figures denote identical or equivalent features.

[0052] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a front view of a cable processing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The cable processing machine 100, for example a crimping machine, is divided into a processing area 102, in which cables are processed, and an operating area 104 for the operator to operate the cable processing machine 100. From the operating area 104, the operator can remove the cables processed by the cable processing machine 100. The operator can also control the cable processing machine 100 from this area. For this purpose, the operating area 104 may include, for example, a screen 106 and a keyboard 108. To prevent the operator from coming into contact with moving parts in the processing area 102, the processing area 102 may be at least partially enclosed by a protective wall 110.A conveyor device 112 transports the cables processed in the processing area 102 in batches from the processing area 102 to the operating area 104, where they can be removed by the operator.

[0053] As an example, the conveying device 112 here comprises an upper batch tray 114 and a lower batch tray 116. The cables are first placed into the upper batch tray 114, for example by means of a cable gripper, and from there tipped into the lower batch tray 116, from which they are finally removed by the operator. The advantage of this arrangement is that the cable processing machine 100 in a production plant can fill the upper batch tray 114 while the operator can simultaneously remove the cables from the lower batch tray 116. This enables virtually uninterrupted production of several batches in succession.

[0054] For safety reasons, the upper batch trough 114 is located within the processing area 102 in the production facility and is therefore inaccessible to the operator due to the protective wall 110 (in Fig. 1 (The upper lot trough 114 is shown outside the processing area 102 for better visibility only). As soon as the upper lot trough 114 is filled with a lot, the lot is tipped into the lower lot trough 116 below, which is then moved from the processing area 102 to the operating area 104, where it is emptied by the operator.

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the cable processing machine 100. Fig. 1, in which a cable tray 200 is visible. The cable tray 200 serves to store cables in the operating area 104, separate from the lower hopper 116. The cable tray 200 comprises a receiving section 202 for receiving the cables and a removal section 204 for removing the cables from the cable tray 200. The receiving section 202 is located within the processing area 102, which is surrounded by the protective wall 110. The removal section 204 is accessible from the operating area 104 and is designed so that the operator can remove the cables without reaching into a potentially hazardous area of ​​the cable processing machine 100. The protective wall 110 extends, by way of example, along an outer edge of a machine table 206 of the cable processing machine 100. The cable tray 200 can be attached to the machine table 206 or to the protective wall 110.

[0056] Fig. 3shows a perspective view of the cable processing machine 100 from the Figures 1 and 2 The protective wall 110 has a first opening 300 and a second opening 302. For example, the protective wall 110 is shown open at the top. The lower hopper 116 can be moved between the processing area 102 and the operating area 104 through the first opening 300. The second opening 302 is used to remove the cables from the cable tray 200 via the removal section 204. For example, the cable tray 200 can be equipped with a tray 304. The tray 304 can extend through the second opening 302 into the operating area 104, allowing the operator to remove the cables without having to remove the protective wall 110.

[0057] The cable processing machine 100 can, for example, have an operator-operated acknowledgement button 306 as a signal transmitter. By pressing the acknowledgement button 306, the cable processing machine 100 can be informed that the storage tray 304 is empty. Advantageously, the acknowledgement button 306 can be located near the second opening 302 on the protective wall 110.

[0058] Such monitoring of the extraction section 204 enables targeted control of work processes for quality assurance. For example, it is conceivable that the cable processing machine 100 interrupts production if the cables, such as a sample, are not removed from extraction section 204 within a production cycle, which may comprise a specific number of consecutively produced cables.

[0059] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged section of the cable processing machine 100. Fig. 3, in which the extraction section 204 with the storage tray 304 is more clearly visible.

[0060] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the cable processing machine 100 from the Figures 3 and 4 With the protective wall 110 removed, the cable tray 200 is only attached to the protective wall 110. Therefore, the cable tray 200 can be removed together with the protective wall 110.

[0061] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a cable processing machine 100, in which, unlike the Figures 3 to 5 The cable tray 200 is only attached to the machine table 206, so that the cable tray 200 remains on the machine table 206 when the protective wall 110 is removed, as shown in Fig. 7 The figure shows where the protective wall 110 is removed from the machine table 206. As shown in Fig. 6 As can be seen, the second passage 302 is not slot-shaped here, as in the Figures 3 to 5shown, but realized as a recess adapted to an outer contour of the storage tray 304 at the outermost lower edge of the protective wall 110.

[0062] Fig. 8Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cable tray 200 with several cable compartments 800. The cable tray 200 is shown here as an example with three separate cable compartments 800 for the separate storage of cables. Each of the three cable compartments 800 comprises a storage tray 304 and a shaft 802, which, in the assembled state of the cable tray 200, extends from the processing area 102 to the storage tray 304. The three shafts 802 are each open at the top towards the processing area 102 and open at the bottom into the respective storage tray 304, which forms the retrieval section 204 of the respective cable compartment 800. An opening of each shaft 802 that opens into the processing area 102 can be considered the receiving section 202 of the respective cable compartment 800. When a cable is dropped into one of the three shafts 802, it lands in the corresponding storage tray 304.

[0063] The three storage trays 304 are arranged one above the other here, meaning the cable tray 200 has three levels. However, it is also possible for the storage trays 304 to be arranged side by side, either alternatively or additionally.

[0064] The cable tray 200 can have more or fewer than three separate cable compartments 800.

[0065] For example, by positioning a cable gripper above the corresponding chute 802, the storage location of the cables can be varied. This makes it possible to deposit different types of cables in different storage areas. Thus, the cable processing machine 100 can, for example, deposit defective cables, cable sections, or other cables not wanted in the lower batch tray 116 separately from the lower batch tray 116. This prevents the cables from mixing.

[0066] Fig. 9Figure 1 shows a simplified representation of a trough-shaped cable tray 200, which projects through the second opening 302 into the processing area 102 on one side and into the operating area 104 on the other. A section of the cable tray 200 projecting into the operating area 104 functions as a tray 304. A section of the cable tray 200 projecting into the processing area 102, together with a section of the protective wall 110, forms a kind of channel 900.

[0067] A feeding device 902, which here by way of example includes a cable gripper 903a for gripping and moving cables 904 processed by the cable processing machine 100 in the processing area 102, positions, for example, a single cable 904 above the trough 900 and drops it there. The trough 900 guides the dropped cable 904 into the discharge tray 304, as schematically indicated by a dashed line.

[0068] The feed device 902 can, for example, also be designed to transport the cable 904 into the upper hopper 114 instead of to the trough 900.

[0069] It is possible that the feeding device 902 includes a further cable gripper 903b in addition to the cable gripper 903a. The further cable gripper 903b can, for example, serve only to transport cables 904 to the conveying device 112, for instance into the upper hopper 114.

[0070] Fig. 10 shows a cable tray 200 similar to the one from Fig. 9Instead of the channel 900, the cable tray 200 here has a shaft 802 that opens into the processing area 102 on one side and into the storage tray 304 on the other. The feed device 902 drops the cable 904 into a shaft opening 1000 of the shaft 802. The shaft 802 is shaped in such a way that the operator cannot reach into the processing area 102 with their hand or individual fingers from the operating area 104, or at least not very far.

[0071] Unlike Fig. 8 The cable tray 200 is shown here as an example with two cable compartments 800 instead of three, each with a storage tray 304.

[0072] Fig. 11Figure 1 shows a simplified representation of a rocker-like cable tray 200, mounted on a pivot point 1100 and tiltable between a receiving position and a retrieval position. In other words, the cable tray 200 is designed here as an upwardly open container with a corresponding container opening 1102. The container opening 1102 represents the only opening of the container. In the Fig. 11 In the depicted position, the container opening 1102 is arranged in the processing area 102, so that the cable tray 200 can be filled from above with one or more cables 904 by means of the feeding device 902. The second opening 302 is closed by an end wall 1104 of the cable tray 200 facing the operating area 104, so that the operator cannot reach into the processing area 102 from the operating area 104.

[0073] The pivot point 1100 can be positioned with respect to the center of gravity of the cable tray 200 such that the cable tray 200 moves into the receiving position by itself when it is not held by the operator.

[0074] Fig. 12 The cable tray shows 200 Fig. 11 In the removal position, the container opening 1102 is located in the operating area 104, allowing the operator to remove the cable(s) 904. The second opening 302 is closed by a rear wall 1200 of the cable tray 200 facing the processing area 102, so that in this case, too, the operator cannot reach into the processing area 102 from the operating area 104.

[0075] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the cable tray 200 from the Figures 11 and 12in the receiving position. As can be seen here, the cable tray 200 on the front wall 1104 can have a handle 1300 for moving the cable tray 200 between the receiving position and the removal position.

[0076] Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of the cable tray 200 from the Figures 11 to 13 in the withdrawal position.

[0077] Fig. 15 shows a cable tray 200 with an acknowledgement function. The cable tray 200 essentially corresponds to the one in Fig. 9 The cable tray shown is different, with the difference that the cable tray 200 is elastically deformable in the area of ​​the tray 304. Additionally, the cable tray 200 is coupled to a signal transmitter in the form of a mechanically actuated switch 1500, such as a microswitch. The switch 1500 is located opposite a base 1502 of the cable tray 200 and can be brought into an actuated position by bending the tray 304 accordingly. Fig. 15The cable tray 200 and the associated switch 1500 are shown in a rest position.

[0078] When the operator 1600 presses his hand on the storage tray 304, i.e., the storage tray 304 is subjected to a downward pressure force 1602 and thereby elastically deformed in the direction of the switch 1500, as shown in Fig. 16As shown, switch 1500 is moved into the actuated position. Switch 1500 then outputs a corresponding signal 1604, which can then be processed appropriately, for example, by a control unit 1606 of the cable processing machine 100. For instance, the operator 1600 actuates switch 1500 in this way when he wants to acknowledge that he has removed all cables 904 from the storage tray 304. When the storage tray 304 is released, the tray 304, or rather the switch 1500 coupled to it, returns to its rest position. The cable tray 200, more precisely the elastically deformable storage tray 304, thus functions together with switch 1500 as a kind of acknowledgement button, similar to the one in the Figures 3 and 4 shown.

[0079] Alternatively or in addition to the elastically deformable storage tray 304, the cable tray 200 can be movably mounted between the rest position and the operating position, for example, pivotally mounted on a suitably positioned pivot point 1100. In this case, the cable tray 200 functions as a kind of lever for actuating the switch 1500.

[0080] Fig. 17 shows an example of a cable tray 200 functioning as a lever in the rest position.

[0081] In Fig. 18 Is the cable tray 200 made of Fig. 17 shown in the operating position.

[0082] The cable tray 200 can be used here, similar to the Figures 15 and 16As shown, the cable tray 304 is brought into the actuating position by applying a pressure force 1602. A return element 1700, such as a compression spring, can be used to apply a return force opposite to the pressure force 1602 to the cable tray 200, causing the cable tray 200 or the switch 1500 to return to its rest position when the tray 304 is released.

[0083] Additionally or alternatively, the cable processing machine 100 can include a sensor 1800 as a signal transmitter that monitors whether cables 904 are located in the cable tray 200 or not, as described in Fig. 18 As shown. For example, the sensor 1800 can be part of a light barrier and output the signal 1604 when a light beam emitted by a light source of the light barrier is interrupted by one or more cables 904 located in the storage tray 304.

[0084] Fig. 19Figure 1900 shows an example of the operation of the cable processing machine 100 described above. The procedure 1900 can be carried out, for example, during normal production operation or during special operation, such as with the protective wall removed.

[0085] In a first step 1910 of the process 1900, cables are processed in processing area 102, for example by crimping one or two of their respective cable ends with a plug or similar.

[0086] The processed cables 904 are then placed in a second step 1920, depending on whether each cable is a cable from a production lot or a cable to be sorted out from the production lot, such as a sample, a learning or model cable or reject, either by means of the cable gripper 903a into the receiving section 202 of the cable tray 200 or by means of the further cable gripper 903b to the conveying device 112, for example into the upper lot trough 114.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising," "encompassing," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps from other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations. Reference symbol list

[0088] 100 Cable processing machine 102 Processing area 104 Operating area 106 Screen 108 Keyboard 110 Protective wall 112 Conveyor device 114 Upper hopper 116 Lower hopper 200 Cable storage 202 Input section 204 Output section 206 Machine table 300 First pass 302 Second pass 304 Discharge tray 306 Acknowledge button 800 Cable compartment 802 Shaft 900 Trough 902 Feeding device 903a Cable gripper 903b Second cable gripper 904 Cable 1000 Shaft opening 1100 Pivot point 1102 Container opening 1104 Front wall 1200 Rear wall 1300 Handle 1500 Switch 1502 Floor 1600 Operator 1602 Pressure force 1604 Signal 1606 Control unit 1700 Return element 1800 Sensor 1900 Method for operating a cable processing machine 1910 Processing step 1920 Moving step

Claims

1. Cable processing machine (100) for processing cables (904), the cable processing machine (100) comprising: a processing area (102) for processing the cables (904); an operating area (104) for operating the cable processing machine (100) by an operator (1600); a conveying device (112) configured to convey batches of cables (904) processed in the processing area (102) from the processing area (102) to the operating area (104); a cable storage area (200) comprising a receiving section (202) accessible from the processing area (102) for receiving individual cables (904) processed in the processing area (102) and a removal section (204) accessible from the operating area (104) for the safe removal of individual cables (904) by the operator (1600);and a feeding device (902) designed to feed the cables (904) processed in the processing area (102) either to the conveying device (112) or to the receiving section (202).

2. Cable processing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cable tray (200) is designed to prevent the operator (1600) from reaching into an area of ​​the cable processing machine (100) that could potentially endanger the operator (1600) when removing the cables (904).

3. Cable processing machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a protective wall (110) that at least partially surrounds the processing area (102) during operation of the cable processing machine (100) in order to prevent the operator (1600) from reaching into the processing area (102); wherein the protective wall (110) has a first opening (300) and a second opening (302); wherein the conveying device (112) is configured to convey the loose material through the first opening (300); wherein the removal section (204) is formed at the second opening (302).

4. Cable processing machine (100) according to claim 3, wherein the cable storage (200) is designed as a container with a container opening (1102); wherein the container is movably arranged in the second passage (302) between a receiving position and a removal position; wherein the container opening (1102) is accessible from the processing area (102) in the receiving position and from the operating area (104) in the removal position.

5. Cable processing machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein the second passage (302) is closed in the receiving position by a wall surface (1104) of the container.

6. Cable processing machine (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second passage (302) is closed in the removal position by a wall surface (1200) of the container.

7. Cable processing machine (100) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the cable tray (200) is attached to the protective wall (110).

8. Cable processing machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving section (202) comprises a shaft (802) and the extraction section (204) comprises a storage tray (304); wherein the shaft (802) opens into the storage tray (304); wherein the feeding device (902) is configured to feed the cables (904) either to the conveying device (112) or to the shaft (802).

9. Cable processing machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable storage (200) comprises at least two separate cable compartments (800); wherein each of the at least two cable compartments (800) has a receiving section (202) accessible from the processing area (102) for receiving the cables (904) and a removal section (204) accessible from the operating area (104) for the safe removal of the cables (904) by the operator (1600); wherein the feeding device (902) is designed to feed the cables (904) either to the conveying device (112) or to one of the receiving sections (202) of the at least two cable compartments (800).

10. Cable processing machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a machine table (206); wherein the cable tray (200) is attached to the machine table (206).

11. Cable processing machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding device (902) comprises a first feeding device (903b) for loading the conveyor device (112) with the cables (904) and a second feeding device (903a) for loading the cable tray (200) with the cables (904); wherein the first feeding device (903b) and the second feeding device (903a) are controllable independently of each other.

12. Cable processing machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a signal generator (306; 1500; 1800) for providing a signal (1604) indicating whether cables (904) are in the extraction section (204) or not; a control unit (1606) for controlling the cable processing machine (100) using the signal (1604).

13. Cable processing machine (100) according to claim 12, wherein the signal transmitter (306; 1500; 1800) comprises a sensor (1800) for providing the signal (1604); and / or wherein the signal transmitter (306; 1500; 1800) comprises a button (306) for providing the signal (1604); and / or wherein the signal transmitter (306; 1500; 1800) comprises a switch (1500) for providing the signal (1604).

14. Cable processing machine (100) according to claim 13, wherein the switch (1500) is coupled to the cable tray (200) and can be actuated by moving the cable tray (200).

15. Method (1900) for operating a cable processing machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (1900) comprises: processing (1910) a cable (904) in the processing area (102); and moving (1920) the cable (904) processed in the processing area (102) by means of the feeding device (902) either to the conveying device (112) to form a batch of cables (904) and convey them from the processing area (102) to the operating area (104), or to the receiving section (202) of the cable storage (200) to provide the cable (904) separately from the batch in the operating area (104).