Alignment device for aligning cables

Abstract

An alignment device (1) for aligning cables (4) comprises a first roller group (2) having a plurality of rollers (20.1..20.7) and a second roller group (3) arranged opposite the first roller group (2) and having a plurality of rollers (21.1..21.6). The cables (4) can be passed 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 along a conveying direction (x). The alignment device (1) also comprises a feed device (5) by means of which the first roller group (2) can be slid in a closing direction (s) toward the second roller group (3). In order to secure the first roller group (2) pushed in the closing direction by means of the feed device (5), the alignment device (1) comprises a backstop (9) which prevents the first roller group (2) from moving back against the closing direction (s). The backstop (9) has a clamping roller (11) which is received in a wedge slot (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an alignment device for aligning cables according to the preamble of claim 1. The alignment device may be part of a cable processing machine. Such a cable processing machine is used to bundle cables. When bundling cables, the cables may be cut and stripped of insulation, and then the cable ends may be crimped. The cable processing machine may further include a ferruling station, wherein the stripped cable ends are ferruled before crimping. Background Art

[0002] The cables processed in cable processing machines, such as insulated stranded wire or solid copper or steel conductors, are typically supplied in the form of drums, wound on drums, or bundled. For this reason, after unwinding, they are more or less strongly bent and twisted. Straight cable alignment is important so that the required process steps in the cable processing machine, such as stripping the insulation, crimping, and, if necessary, assembly with connector housings, can be reliably performed. To align the cables as straight as possible, they are usually pulled through an alignment device installed at the machine inlet using a drive present in the cable processing machine.

[0003] For example, EP 2399856A1 discloses a suitable alignment device for this purpose. This alignment device comprises an upper roller assembly and a lower roller assembly. The cables to be aligned are guided between the rollers of the two roller assemblies along the direction of transport. To adjust the alignment parameters, the roller assemblies are movable relative to one another. The upper roller assembly first moves from an open position toward the lower roller assembly in a closing direction, the closing direction being at right angles to the direction of transport of the cables. In the closed position, the rollers of the upper and lower roller assemblies, extending parallel to each other, rest on and contact the cables. This process is also known and familiar to professionals as "feeding." The spacing between the rollers can be adjusted manually using a knob. An additional quick-release lever allows for rapid opening and closing of the alignment device when the cables are removed from and inserted between the rollers. Alternatively, the roller spacing can be adjusted automatically. To this end, for example, the feed mechanism for moving the upper roller assembly toward the lower roller assembly is provided with an electric drive. However, this variant is technically complex and expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to avoid the known disadvantages and in particular to realize an improved alignment device of the type mentioned at the outset. According to the invention, this object is achieved with an alignment device having the features of claim 1 .

[0005] The alignment device for aligning cables comprises a first roller group having a plurality of rollers and a second roller group having a plurality of rollers, which is located opposite the first roller group, wherein the cables can be passed alternately between the rollers of the first roller group and the rollers of the second roller group in the conveying direction. In addition, the alignment device comprises a feed device, which can be operated manually or driven by a motor, for example, with which the first roller group can be moved toward the second roller group. The alignment device comprises a fastening mechanism for fastening the first roller group in the appropriate position, whereby the distance between the rollers can be precisely adjusted. This feeding, i.e., the process of bringing the first roller group from the open position to the closed position, can be carried out in an efficient manner.

[0006] The feed mechanism allows the first roller assembly to be displaced from an open position in a closing direction extending transversely and preferably perpendicularly to the conveying direction toward the second roller assembly in order to adjust the spacing between the rollers of the first roller assembly and the rollers of the second roller assembly. The open position is a position in which the rollers of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly are spaced apart from one another, allowing the cable to be inserted between the rollers. The closed position is the position after the displacement movement and the feed process have concluded. In the closed position, the rollers of the first and second roller assemblies contact the desired cable so that it has a straight, non-wavy course.

[0007] The alignment device may include a first roller support for the first roller group and a second roller support for the second roller group. The rollers of the first roller group are rotatably fixed to the first roller support, and the rollers of the second roller group are rotatably fixed to the second roller support. The alignment device also includes a frame, such as a base plate, for carrying the first and second roller supports. The first roller support is supported in the frame so as to be displaceable in a closed direction.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the alignment device for forming the fastening mechanism can include a backstop that prevents the first roller set from moving back against the closing direction during the feed process. Due to the backstop, the alignment device can operate reliably, ergonomically, and efficiently with respect to the feed process.

[0009] To this end, a discreet backstop can be provided, for example one based on a ratchet mechanism. This ratchet mechanism can, for example, include teeth and a cooperating pawl. However, with a ratchet mechanism, segmented pilger movements are possible. Therefore, it is advantageous if the feed device of the alignment device includes a stepless backstop. This stepless backstop has the advantage of preventing virtually all undesirable return movements.

[0010] The aforementioned backstop can be configured as a positive-locking backstop. It can also be configured as a non-positive-locking backstop. In addition to mechanical backstops, other backstops are also conceivable. The backstop can be a hydraulic cylinder; when the roller support is to be moved in the reverse direction, a check valve prevents hydraulic oil from flowing out of the hydraulic cylinder, and the backstop functions in this manner.

[0011] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the first roller support is supported on the machine frame by a spring element, in particular a helical compression spring, which loads the first roller support with a spring force in the direction opposite to the closing direction.

[0012] The backstop can include a clamping body, in particular a clamping roller, wherein the clamping body or the clamping roller is accommodated in a wedge slot. The wedge slot can be a receiving portion for the clamping body that tapers relative to the closing direction. Due to the wedge key effect, the clamping body pressed into the wedge slot reliably prevents the return movement of the first roller support.

[0013] The backstop can comprise a spring for generating a preload against the clamping body, in particular against the clamping roller. This spring-loaded clamping body is constantly pressed into the wedge gap and thus ensures reliable operation of the backstop.

[0014] The first roller support can have a wedge-shaped starting surface, which forms a wedge gap together with the fixed matching surface. The fixed matching surface can be formed, for example, by a guide surface corresponding to the frame, along which the first roller support can be guided during the closing process.

[0015] An alternative backstop can comprise two wedges, wherein the wedges have wedge faces oriented opposite to one another, extending obliquely, which press against one another during the return movement and thereby prevent the return movement. A further alternative backstop can comprise an eccentric body.

[0016] The alignment device can include a manually operable feed device with an operating element, particularly in the form of a button, movable in a straight line in the closing direction. By means of this operating element, for example, by pressing the operating element, the first roller support or the first roller assembly can be moved in the closing direction. This type of alignment device is characterized by simple manual operation and good ergonomics. For feeding, only the operating element needs to be pressed. A quick-release lever for quick closing is also unnecessary.

[0017] A driver can be connected to the operating element to push the first roller support. The driver can be connected to a rod of the operating element or formed by the rod itself. The rod is an elongated member extending in the closing direction. The driver or rod is supported in a displaceable manner in the frame and can move in the closing direction (and in the opposite direction if necessary). When the button-shaped operating element is pressed or when the driver is moved in the closing direction in other ways, the driver collides with the first roller support and thereby pushes the first roller support in the closing direction. The alignment device with a motor-driven feed device can also have such a driver.

[0018] Preferably, the backstop is configured as a releasable backstop. For this reason, an unlocking element can be provided in order to release the locking effect of the backstop.

[0019] An unlocking element for releasing the locking action may be provided on the driver or connected to the driver. The driver and the unlocking element are designed so that during the return movement, i.e., movement in the direction opposite to the closing direction, the unlocking element comes into contact with the clamping body. The unlocking element may be a nose-shaped projection extending from the driver or the rod. To release the locking action, the unlocking element pushes the clamping body away so that it no longer contacts the wedge-shaped starting surface of the wedge gap, i.e., the clamping is no longer clamped.

[0020] The locking mechanism can be released by pulling a button-like operating element. This release is characterized by a simple manual operation. Other methods can also be used to release the locking mechanism. For example, it may be advantageous to not use the aforementioned operating element for closing the alignment device for the opening process. If a separate device for releasing the locking mechanism is used, erroneous operation of the operating element that could lead to unintentional release of the locking mechanism can be eliminated.

[0021] The alignment device does not necessarily have to have a manually operable feed device. For certain areas of application, it may be advantageous if the alignment device has a driven feed device, which has a linear direct drive, a pneumatic cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder for moving the first roller support in the closing direction. Such a feed device is easy to control and can be operated automatically or semi-automatically.

[0022] In another embodiment, in order to determine the closed position, the alignment device can have a touch roller, wherein the touch roller is arranged behind the first roller group on the output side with respect to the conveying direction, and the cable can be compressed between the touch roller and a mating roller corresponding to the second roller group, and the mating roller is opposite to the touch roller.

[0023] Alternatively, to determine the closed position, the alignment device can include at least one, and preferably multiple, contact fingers that are preferably supported for limited displacement in the closing direction, wherein at least one contact finger is associated with one of the roller assemblies, in particular the first roller assembly. The contact fingers can each be arranged opposite a roller of another roller assembly, in particular the second roller assembly, such that the cable can be compressed between the respective contact finger and the opposing roller. The contact fingers can be designed such that, after determining the closed position, they can be brought to a rest position by displacement in a direction opposite to the closing direction, so that they no longer exert pressure on the cable.

[0024] In order to further produce an alignment effect of the cables after the feeding process is completed, it is advantageous if the second roller support is rotatably supported on the frame about a pivot axis and the alignment device has a pivot device that can be operated manually or driven by a motor, for example, by means of which the second roller group can preferably be pivoted from a neutral position into an activated position in order to adjust the positioning angle (Anstellwinkel) between the rollers of the first roller group and the rollers of the second roller group.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the second roller support is rotatably mounted on the machine frame in such a manner that, by pivoting the second roller support, the roller on the input side has a stronger effect on the cable than the roller on the output side. This pivoting device can be, for example, a device as known from EP 2399856.

[0026] In one embodiment, a slideway control member is provided for moving the first roller support member and / or the second roller support member.

[0027] A linearly movable push element can be provided for the guideway control, by which both the first and second roller supports can be moved. The push element can be designed to be manually operated or motor-driven. In this embodiment, both alignment parameters (roller spacing, positioning angle) can be adjusted in a single common working step or operating motion.

[0028] The alignment device can have a manually operable push element which is preferably movable back and forth in the conveying direction and has a handle.

[0029] The push element can be provided with an infeed chute guide for advancing the first roller support in the closing direction, and an opening chute guide for releasing the locking action and guiding the first roller support back. A first spring-loaded control body cooperates with the infeed chute guide and the opening chute guide. A pivot chute guide for pivoting the second roller support can be arranged on the push element. A second spring-loaded control body can cooperate with the pivot chute guide.

[0030] To adjust discrete positioning angles, the pivot-slot guide can be formed by a stepped control track, which preferably has multiple receptacles for control bodies. This pivot-slot guide can also be used in conventional alignment devices, i.e., alignment devices without a backstop, or in other fastening mechanisms for properly securing the first roller set moved by the feed device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Further advantages and individual features will be found in the following description of exemplary embodiments and in the drawings.

[0032] in:

[0033] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an aligning device for aligning cables according to the present invention in an open position.

[0034] Figure 2 The alignment device is shown in the closed position.

[0035] Figure 3 A rear view showing the alignment device in the closed position.

[0036] Figure 4 A cross section showing the alignment device in the closed position (according to Figure 3 Section along section line AA).

[0037] Figure 5 A perspective view showing the alignment device in the activated position.

[0038] Figure 6 The cross section of the alignment device is shown, still closed, but with the retainer released.

[0039] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 Enlarged detail view of a rear view of the alignment device in the closed position with the released backstop.

[0040] Figure 8 A perspective view showing an alternative alignment device in an activation device.

[0041] Figure 9A front view of an alignment device according to a third embodiment is shown, wherein the alignment device is in a closed position.

[0042] Figure 10 A simplified illustration of a longitudinal section of another alignment device is shown in the open position,

[0043] Figure 11 Show the basis Figure 10 An embodiment of the alignment device in a closed position. And

[0044] Figure 12 The alignment device is shown in the activated position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 The present invention shows an alignment device 1 for aligning cables. The alignment device comprises two roller assemblies 2 and 3, which are arranged opposite each other and can move toward each other. The first roller assembly, designated 2, comprises a plurality of rollers 20.1 to 20.7 arranged side by side. The second roller assembly, designated 3, comprises a plurality of rollers 21.1 to 21.6 arranged side by side. The first roller assembly 2 is currently located in the upper portion of the alignment device 1. Therefore, for simplicity and better understanding, this roller assembly will be referred to as the "upper roller assembly" below; the corresponding rollers 20.1 to 20.7 are the corresponding "upper rollers." Therefore, in the present invention, the roller assembly 3, which is currently opposite the upper roller assembly 2, is the "lower roller assembly."

[0046] The upper rollers 20.1..20.7 and the lower rollers 21.1..21.6 extend parallel to each other and are respectively located on a horizontal roller line. Cables ( Figure 1 ), also extending in the horizontal direction indicated by the arrow x. Figure 1 The alignment device 1 is shown in the open position, in which the two roller sets 2, 3 are spaced apart such that a cable can be inserted or placed between the upper rollers 20.1, 20.7, and the lower rollers 21.1, 21.6. The upper roller set 2 is then moved toward the lower roller set 3. This closing movement is indicated by the arrow s. The closing direction s clearly extends vertically. Figure 2 The alignment device 1 is shown in the closed position or after the feed process has ended, i.e. after the upper roller assembly 2 has been moved in the closing direction s towards the lower roller assembly 3. The cables 4, which are alternately loaded by the rollers 20.1 to 20.7 of the upper roller assembly 2 and the rollers 21.1 to 21.6 of the lower roller assembly 3, can now be pulled through the alignment device 1 in the horizontal conveying direction x by means of a cable conveyor (not shown).

[0047] The basic arrangement and orientation of the roller sets 2 and 3 shown here relate to an embodiment of the alignment device 1 according to the present invention. Other arrangements and orientations of the roller sets 2 and 3 are of course also conceivable. For example, the two roller sets 2 and 3 can also be arranged side by side; in this case, the closing direction s extends in a horizontal plane.

[0048] The alignment device 1, described in detail below, can be used to bundle cables in a cable processing machine (not shown). Cable processing machines can process copper or steel cables, such as insulated stranded wire or insulated solid wire. The cables to be processed are supplied as reels on drums or as bundles. The cables delivered from the reels, drums, or bundles to the cable processing machine are more or less strongly bent and twisted. Therefore, the cables must be aligned straight, and the alignment device 1 described at the beginning is used for this purpose.

[0049] The cable processing machine can be designed, for example, as a pivoting machine having a pivoting unit with a cable clamp. In order to feed the cable ends to the processing stations, such as the sleeve station and the crimping station, the pivoting unit must be pivoted about a vertical axis. The cutting and stripping stations are usually arranged on the longitudinal axis of the cable processing machine. Therefore, the cable processing machine comprises a supply unit having a cable conveying device, for example, designed as a belt conveyor, which brings the cable to the pivoting unit in the conveying direction along the longitudinal axis of the machine. The aligning 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 pivoting unit, the aligning device 1 pulls the cable in order to align the cables 4.

[0050] Rollers 20.1 to 20.7 of the first or upper roller group 2 are rotatably fixed to the first roller support 6. Rollers 21.1 to 21.6 of the lower or second roller group 2 are rotatably fixed to the second roller support 7. The alignment device also includes a frame 8 in the form of a base plate for supporting the first support 6 and the second support 7. Here, the roller supports 6 and 7 are designed in the form of plates.

[0051] A first roller support 6 with upper rollers 20.1 to 20.7 is mounted in the machine frame 8 so that it can be displaced in the closing direction s. A second roller support 6 with lower rollers 21.1 to 21.6 is mounted in the machine frame 8 so that it can be rotated about a horizontal pivot axis, designated 24, extending at right angles to the conveying direction. The basic construction of the alignment device 1 is similar to that of the alignment device known from EP 2 399 856 A1; the roller support 6 with the upper rollers 20.1 to 20.7 is moved for the feed process by means of a novel feed device 5.

[0052] The feed device 5 is designed to be manually operated and includes an operating element 16 that can be moved linearly 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 applies a spring force to the first roller support 6 that is opposite to the closing direction s. By pressing the operating element 16, the first roller support 6 can be pushed downward along with the upper rollers 20.1 to 20.7. The operating element 16 is pressed downward until the rollers 20.1 to 20.7 and the rollers 21.1 to 21.6 contact the cable.

[0053] To advance, one simply presses the operating element 16, resulting in a particularly simple and ergonomic manual operation. The second roller support 7 with the lower roller set 3 does not move during the advancement process. For this purpose, the lower roller set 3 is held by the machine control via a pneumatic valve and cylinder 33 in a position parallel to the upper roller set 2, which corresponds to the neutral position.

[0054] The operating element 16 has the shape of a button, for example. Of course, other shapes for the operating element 16 are also conceivable. For example, the operating element 16 can have a bow-shaped handle.

[0055] In order to secure the upper roller set 2 which is moved in the closing direction s by means of the feed device 5 in a suitable position, the alignment device 1 comprises a backstop 9 (see below). Figure 3 ), the backstop prevents the upper roller assembly 2 from moving back in the opposite direction of the closing direction s.

[0056] Furthermore, a freely rotatable contact roller 19 is arranged on the first roller support 6. The contact roller 19 is arranged behind the upper roller group 2 on the output side with respect to the conveying direction x and serves to determine the closed position. On the side opposite the contact roller 19, a mating roller 22 is arranged on the second roller support 7. From the open position ( Figure 1 ), when the upper roller set 2 is pushed in the s direction toward the second roller set 3, the cable 4 located therebetween comes into contact with the two rollers 19 and 22. Due to the contact roller 19 and the mating roller 22, the closing movement caused by pressing the operating element 16 allows the two roller sets 2, 3 to be correctly adjusted relative to each other for any cable diameter.

[0057] As Figure 2 As can be seen, 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 in such a way that the cable still has a straight run. The contact roller 19 and the mating roller 22 that cooperates with it ensure that the rollers 20.1..20.7 and rollers 21.1..21.6 cannot be pushed further toward each other, which would result in a wave-like run of the cable 4 running between the rollers.

[0058] As soon as the cable 4 is compressed between the contact roller 19 and the mating roller 22, the operator pressing down on the operating element 16 feels a sudden increase in counterpressure. This indicates to the operator that the feed process is complete and that they can release the operating element. The return stop prevents undesired retraction of the upper roller assembly 2 in the opposite direction to the closing direction s, or upwards, after releasing the operating element 16.

[0059] A guide roller 37 is arranged at the front end of the input side of the first roller support 6. It has a larger roller diameter than the rollers 20.1 to 20.7 for aligning the cables. It is arranged vertically slightly offset downward relative to the rollers 20.1 to 20.7, so that when the aligning device 1 is in the closed position, it is positioned below the cables. The guide roller 37 facilitates the insertion of the cables 4 into the open aligning device. For example, the guide roller 37 allows the cables 4 to be manually tensioned before and during the closing of the aligning device 1, making it easy to ensure that the cables remain between all the rollers 20.1 to 20.7, 21.1 to 21.6 when the aligning device is closed.

[0060] Figure 3 The rear view of the alignment device 1 is shown. The first roller support 6 for the upper rollers 20.1 to 20.7 has a vertically extending guide section 38 that is displaceably guided along a guide surface between two guide plates 39 and 40 for displacement in the s-direction. The guide plates 39 and 40 are components of the frame 8. The operating element 16 is connected to the guide section 38 of the first roller support 6 at the top.

[0061] The backstop already mentioned is Figure 3 9 . The backstop 9 comprises a clamping roller 11 which is accommodated in a wedge gap 12. The wedge gap 12 is a receptacle for the clamping roller 11 which tapers relative to the closing direction s. The backstop 9 further comprises a spring 13 for generating a preload for the clamping roller 11. By means of a wedge key, the clamping roller 11 pressed into the wedge gap can reliably prevent the return movement of the first roller support 6. The clamping roller 11 is continuously pressed into the wedge gap 12 by means of the spring 13 and thus ensures the reliable operation of the backstop 9. An unlocking element 41 can be seen below the clamping roller 11. When this unlocking element 41 is pushed upwards towards the clamping roller 11, the unlocking element can strike the clamping roller 11 upwards and thus cancel the clamping effect (see further below). Figure 7 ).

[0062] Other structural details of the aligning device 1 can be obtained by Figure 4The button-shaped operating element 16 has a rod 17, which is fixedly connected to a driver 18. When the operating element 16 is pressed, the driver 18 connected to the rod 17 is used to move the first roller support 6 forward. The driver 18 has an end portion at the front relative to the closing direction s, which contacts the first roller support 6 at least when closing to move it forward. A nose-shaped protrusion is connected to the driver 18 to form an unlocking element 41 to release the locking effect. The unlocking element is inserted into the wedge gap 12 from the side (see below) Figure 6 / Figure 7 ).

[0063] After the feeding process is completed, in order to produce a sufficient alignment effect, the second roller support 7 is pivoted about the pivot axis 24 to the activated position so that the rollers 20.1, 21.1 on the input side act more strongly on the cable 4 than the rollers 20.7, 21.6 on the output side. For this purpose, the front side of the input side of the second roller support 7 is pulled upwards by means of the pneumatic cylinder 33, which Figure 5 Indicated by arrow z. The pneumatic cylinder 33 can be easily adjusted to the desired positioning angle α by a corresponding control device. Instead of using the pneumatic cylinder 33, an embodiment of the alignment device can also be conceivable in which the pivoting can be performed manually by means of a corresponding device.

[0064] In order to prevent the cable 4 from being crushed due to excessive force exerted by the user when the cable 4 is touched by the touch roller and the mating roller during the feeding process, the alignment device 1 may have a device for limiting the force between the operating element 16 and the mating roller 22, for example, wherein the operating element 16 is at least indirectly connected to the mating roller 22 via a spring (not shown) and the stroke of the operating element 16 is limited by a mechanical stop.

[0065] Figure 5 The alignment device 1 is shown in the activated position after the second roller set 7 has been pivoted. All rollers 20.1 to 20.7 of the upper roller set 2 are aligned horizontally, and the rollers 21.1 to 21.6 of the lower roller set 3 are aligned at an angle α, in a line close to the inlet direction of the upper roller set 2. At the outlet of the alignment device 1, the cables 4 should run approximately tangentially over the rollers 20.7 and 21.7 without bending. The optimal setting of the rollers 20.7 and 21.7 on the outlet side depends on the outer diameter of the cables 4.

[0066] In order to activate the alignment device 1, after pressing a specific button or automatically during program operation, the machine control device (not shown) moves the lower roller set 3 towards the upper roller set 3 on the input side via the pneumatic cylinder 33 and brings the lower roller set 3 to the activation position. Re-establishing the original initial position of the alignment device 1 can also be carried out by operating a button or automatically started during program operation. The button or program operation can operate the pneumatic valve or switch of the machine control device, based on which the lower roller set 3 is moved back to a position parallel to the first roller set 2 by the pneumatic cylinder 8. The machine control device can also be designed in such a way that the activation of the pneumatic cylinder 8 can be triggered by pulling or, if necessary, pressing the button-type operating element 16 again, so that the lower roller set 3 is returned from the activation position to the parallel neutral position.

[0067] In addition, by Figure 5 It can be seen that the counter roller 22 is arranged relative to the contact roller 19 about the pivot axis 24 in such a way that during this movement the counter roller 22 moves away from the contact roller 19 and releases the pressure or clamping of the cable 4 between the two rollers 19 and 22. The pivot axis 24 is located approximately in the center between the last lower roller 21.7 and the counter roller 22.

[0068] The pivot axis 24 can also assume other positions. For example, the pivot axis 24 can be coaxial with the axis of rotation of the mating roller 22. It is also conceivable to arrange the pivot axis 24 or the rollers 19 and 22 in the alignment device so that they move towards each other when the lower roller group 3 is pivoted and thus cause a slight compression effect on the cables. This compression is beneficial for aligning cables with relatively hard insulation. If such cables are also slightly compressed in diameter during or after alignment, they can be processed better. If for this purpose the pivot axis 24 is arranged to the right of the mating roller 22, instead of as in the case according to Figures 1 to 8 In the embodiment shown, the rollers 19 and 22 are arranged on the left. When pivoting, the distance between the rollers 19 and 22 is reduced, thereby establishing the active position and accordingly compressing the cable 4. It is also conceivable to equip the cable processing machine with an additional pair of rollers (not shown) arranged downstream of the alignment device for compressing the cable.

[0069] according to Figure 6 and Figure 7It can be seen how the locking effect can be revoked or released by the backstop 9. By pulling the operating element 16, the entrainment member 18 is pushed together with the unlocking element 41 against the closing direction. The front end of the entrainment member 18, which is still in contact with the first roller support 6, is pulled apart. The unlocking element 41 pushes the clamping roller 11 upwards against the force of the spring 13 and thus causes the locking effect to be eliminated. By the spring force generated by the spring element 10, the first roller support 6 released in this way is then moved back to its original position, the rest position. The cable 4 can be removed and then a new cable can be inserted. Therefore, the closing and opening of the alignment device 1 is achieved by a single linear movement, which is ergonomic and requires very little time.

[0070] Figure 7 The wedge gap 12 is shown to be formed by a wedge-shaped starting surface 14 corresponding to the first roller support 6 and by a fixed mating surface corresponding to the frame 8. The mating surface is formed by a guide surface 34 corresponding to the frame 8, along which the first roller support 6 can be guided during the closing process.

[0071] As Figure 8 It can be seen that the feed device 5 can also be designed to be driven by a motor, and the feed device can be used to push the upper roller group 2 toward the lower roller group 3 to adjust the distance between the rollers 20.1..20.6 of the upper roller group 2 and the rollers 21.1..21.7 of the lower roller group 3. Instead of a button-shaped operating element, an actuator 35 is provided, which can be used to move the upper roller group 2 vertically downward to perform the feeding process. The actuator can be a pneumatic drive, for example. If Figure 8 As shown, the manually operable operating element 16 is replaced by an actuator 35 , so that the feed process can be carried out cost-effectively and reliably without the assistance of an operator.

[0072] Figure 9 Another variant of the alignment device 1 is shown. Instead of the touch roller and the opposing mating roller according to the previous embodiment, the alignment device 1 has a touch finger 23 for determining the closed position. The touch finger 23 corresponds to the upper roller set 2. The touch fingers 23 are arranged in such a way with the rollers 21.1..21.6 of the lower roller set 3 that the cable 4 can be pressed between the corresponding touch finger 23 and the opposing roller 21.1..21.6. Figure 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the alignment device 1 has six contact fingers 23; that is, in this example, one contact finger 23 is used for each of the six lower rollers 21.1 to 21.6. This has the advantage that the pressure exerted by the contact fingers on the cable 4 is distributed appropriately and over a larger surface. However, it is also conceivable to provide fewer contact fingers and, if necessary, even only one contact finger. Figure 9 In the variant of the alignment device 1 , it is also shown that the operating unit 16 for manual actuation for performing the feed process can be supplemented or replaced by an actuator 35 .

[0073] After the closed position has been determined, the contact finger 23 is pushed upwards so that it holds the cable 4 sufficiently far away and can no longer exert load on the cable even in the active position established by the pivoting. For this purpose, the carrier plate carrying the contact finger 23 has an elongated hole 36 so that the contact finger 23 or the carrier plate can be supported on the first roller support 6 with limited displacement in the closing direction.

[0074] Figures 10 to 12 This relates to another design of an alignment device 1, which is equipped with the aforementioned retaining device, which is not shown here for simplicity. This alignment device 1 is characterized by a special design of the feed device 5 for carrying out the feed process and a pivot device 15 for establishing the activation position. The two roller supports 6 and 7 are moved by means of a guideway control, which is described below.

[0075] The alignment device 1 includes a push element 25 that can be moved linearly in the conveying direction x. This push element can be used to move not only the first roller support 6 and the upper rollers 20.1 to 20.7, but also the second roller support 7 and the lower rollers 21.1 to 21.6. Currently, the push element 25 can be manually operated via a handle 26. Instead of the handle 26, the push element 25 can also be connected to a drive for moving the push element 25, and the handle can be used to manually move the push element 25 back and forth.

[0076] Arranged on the push element 25 is an infeed chute guide 27 for moving the first roller support 6 in the closing direction s. Furthermore, arranged on the push element 25 is an opening chute guide 28 for releasing the locking action and returning the first roller support 6. The chute control element includes a control body, indicated at 30, which cooperates with the infeed chute guide 27 and the opening chute guide 28. The control body 30 is supported on the first roller support 6 by a spring 42.

[0077] A pivoting guide 29 for pivoting the second roller support 7 is provided on the push element 25, wherein a spring-loaded control body 31, designated 31, cooperates with the pivoting guide 29. The spring for generating the spring load on the control body 31 is designated 43. The spring 43 supports the control body 31 upward against the frame 8 of the alignment device 1. The control body 31 is connected to the second roller support 7 via a rod 44.

[0078] The pivot-slot guide 29 can be formed by a continuously ascending control track or a control curve. Advantageously, the pivot-slot guide 29 is formed by a stepped control track having a plurality of receptacles 32 for the control bodies 31. Figures 10 to 12 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , such a slotted guide 29 is shown with a stepped design of the control rail for setting discrete positioning angle positions.

[0079] The aligning device 1 has a sliding element 25 with a handle 26 and slot guides 27, 28, 29. The sliding element 25 can be reciprocated relative to the frame 8 by means of the handle 26. The slot guide 27 controls the feeding process by means of a control body 30 constructed as a roller, during which the upper roller group 2 is pushed downward toward the lower roller group 3. In order to determine the closed position, the aligning device 1 also has a touch roller 19 and a mating roller 22 opposite to the touch roller. Alternatively, one or more touch fingers can also be provided. The slot guide mechanism 29 controls the pivoting process by means of a control body 30 constructed as a roller, and adjusts the positioning angle α of the lower roller group 3 during the pivoting process.

[0080] The chute control for feeding and pivoting works as follows: The starting point is at Figure 10 The open position shown in FIG. The push element 25 is pushed to the left. Here, the control body 30, which moves along the feed-slot guide 27, presses the roller assembly 2 in the closing direction s against the cable 4 via the spring 42 until the cable 4 is clamped between the contact roller 19 and the mating roller 22. The feed process is completed and the closed position is reached. Figure 11 ] The alignment device 1 is shown in this closed position.

[0081] As described above, if the rollers 20.1, 21.1, 20.2, 20.3, etc. at the inlet are arranged so that the cable 4 must move in a wave-like manner between the rollers, thereby bending with decreasing strength at each subsequent roller, a good alignment effect is achieved. If the push element 25 is now pushed further to the left, the spring 42 can relax and the spring 10 (not shown here) presses the roller group 2 into the backstop, with the first roller support 6 supported on the frame 8 by the spring. If the push element 25 is pushed further to the left and the pivot-slot guide 29 is also pushed further to the left, as in Figure 12As shown in FIG, the control body 31 moves along the pivot-slot guide 29 and thereby pulls the rod 44 upward, thereby increasing the positioning angle α of the lower roller assembly 3 and improving the alignment effect. The recess 32 in the pivot-slot guide 29 is used to lock the control body 31, which is spring-loaded by the spring 43, in a predefined, fixed position, thereby reaching the active position. The scale indicating the position of the push element 25 allows the user to read the setting of the alignment effect or set it according to the set value.

[0082] If the push element 25 is moved in the opposite direction, i.e. to the right back to the starting point, the alignment device 1 accordingly returns to its open state or position. Here, the pivoting guide 29, via the control body 31, initially brings the lower roller assembly 3 back into a parallel neutral position. The control body 30 moves along the opening guide 28 and lifts the backstop, allowing the upper roller assembly 2 to be transferred to the open position.

[0083] Instead of the linearly movable sliding element 25 , the two control bodies can also be actuated, for example, by means of a rotationally drivable cam disk.

[0084] Instead of the lever 44 , a tension spring can also be used, so that the adjustment indirectly influences the positioning angle of the lower roller set 2 via a corresponding spring force.

[0085] The contact roller 19 and the counter roller 22 lying opposite each other can furthermore be positioned relative to the pivot axis 24 so that they move towards each other during the advancement of the upper roller set 3. This achieves a pressing effect corresponding to so-called pressure rollers.

[0086] In alternative embodiments of the alignment device 1 , it is conceivable not to provide a fixed pivot axis 24 . To allow the operator to precisely adjust the spacing between the two roller sets 2 , 3 , the pivot axis 24 can be vertically displaced, for example, by means of an adjusting screw or an eccentric. Alternatively, a device can be installed on the alignment device 1 that allows for displacement between the frame 10 and the roller sets 2 .

Claims

1. An aligning device (1) for aligning cables (4), comprising: a first roller group (2) having a plurality of rollers (20.1..20.7) and a second roller group (3) opposite to the first roller group (2) having a plurality of rollers (21.1..21.6), wherein: The cable (4) can be passed 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) along the conveying direction (x), and the aligning device (1) has a feeding device (5), by which the first roller group (2) can be pushed toward the second roller group (3) along the closing direction (s), and is characterized in that the aligning device (1) includes a fastening mechanism for fastening the first roller group (2) to the second roller group (3) at an appropriate position. The first roller set (2) is moved in the closing direction by means of a feed device (5), and the alignment device (1) includes a backstop (9) to form a fastening mechanism, which prevents the first roller set (2) from moving back in the closing direction (s) during or after the feed process, and the backstop (9) includes a clamping body, which is continuously pressed into a wedge gap (12) formed in the alignment device (1) when the first roller set (2) moves in the closing direction (s).

2. The alignment device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The aligning device (1) has a first roller support (6) for a first roller group (2) and a second roller support (7) for a second roller group (3), the rollers (20.1..20.7) of the first roller group (2) are fixed to the first roller support in a freely rotatable manner, the rollers (21.1..21.6) of the second roller group (3) are fixed to the second roller support in a freely rotatable manner, and the aligning device (1) has a frame (8) for carrying the first roller support (6) and the second roller support (7), wherein the first roller support (6) is supported in the frame (8) in a manner that allows it to be pushed toward a closing direction.

3. The alignment device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first roller support (6) is supported on the frame (8) via a spring element (10).

4. The aligning device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The spring element (10) is a helical compression spring which loads the first roller support (6) with a spring force counter to the closing direction (s).

5. The alignment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The clamping body is a clamping roller (11).

6. The alignment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The backstop (9) comprises a spring (13) for generating a preload force for the clamping body.

7. The alignment device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The alignment device (1) has a manually operable feed device (5), which has an operating element (16) that can be moved along a straight line in a closing direction.

8. The alignment device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The operating element (16) is designed in the form of a button.

9. The aligning device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: A driving member (18) for pushing the first roller support member (6) is connected to the operating element (16).

10. The alignment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: In order to release the locking effect of the retainer (9), an unlocking element (41) is provided.

11. The aligning device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that: An unlocking element (41) for releasing the locking effect is arranged on the carrier (18), wherein the unlocking element (41) can come into contact with the clamping body (11) during a return movement in the opposite direction to the closing direction.

12. The alignment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: In order to determine the closed position, the alignment device (1) has a touch roller (19), wherein the touch roller (19) is arranged behind the first roller group (2) on the output side along the conveying direction (x), and the cable (4) can be pressed between the touch roller (19) and a matching roller (22), which corresponds to the second roller group (3) and is arranged opposite the touch roller (19).

13. The alignment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: In order to determine the closed position, the alignment device (1) has at least one touch finger (23), wherein the at least one touch finger (23) corresponds to one roller group in the roller group, and the touch finger (23) is arranged opposite to the rollers in the other roller group, so that the cable (4) can be pressed between the corresponding touch finger (23) and the opposite roller.

14. The aligning device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The aligning device (1) has a plurality of contact fingers (23).

15. The aligning device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The at least one contact finger (23) corresponds to the first roller group (2), and the contact fingers (23) are respectively arranged opposite to the rollers (21.1, 21.6) in the second roller group (3), so that the cable (4) can be compressed between the corresponding contact finger (23) and the rollers (21.1, 21.6) in the second roller group (3).

16. The alignment device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: In order to further produce an aligning effect on the cables after the feeding process is completed, the second roller support (6) is supported on the frame (8) so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis (24), and the aligning device (1) has a pivot device (15) by means of which the second roller set (3) can be pivoted into an activated position.

17. The aligning device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: A slideway control member is provided for moving the first roller support member (6) and / or the second roller support member (7).

18. The alignment device (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that A sliding element (25) capable of moving in a straight line is provided for the guide rail control element, by means of which the first roller support element (6) and the second roller support element (7) can be moved.

19. The alignment device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that The alignment device (1) has a manually operable, movable sliding element (25) having a handle (26).

20. The alignment device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that A feed-slot guide (27) for pushing the first roller support (6) toward the closing direction (s) and an opening-slot guide (28) for releasing the locking effect and for returning the first roller support (6) are arranged on the pushing element (25), and a pivot-slot guide (29) for pivoting the second roller support (7) is arranged on the pushing element (25).

21. The alignment device (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that: The pivot-link guide (29) is formed by a stepped control track for adjusting the discrete positioning angle positions.

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