Cable ring provides module support

Abstract

The present invention relates to a grommet supply module holder (1) for connecting a grommet supply module (20) to a grommet assembly device (30), characterized in that the grommet supply module holder (1) comprises: a receiving portion (2) for releasably attaching the grommet supply module (20) to the holder (1); a mechanical coupler (3) for releasably connecting the holder (1) to the grommet assembly device (30); and at least one power supply interface (4), preferably an electrical interface and / or a pneumatic interface, and / or at least one signal transmission interface (5) for connecting to the grommet assembly device (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of assembly and connection technology, and in particular to a cable ring supply module support for connecting a cable ring supply module to a cable ring assembly device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document EP1689049A1 discloses a grommets assembly device for connecting grommets to cables. This grommets assembly device consists of a basic module for carrying grommets and an assembly module. The grommets module provides grommets to be assembled to the assembly module, and the assembly module assembles the cable with the grommets. The grommets module, consisting of a grommets storage unit and a conveying device, can be plugged into the basic module.

[0003] In the grommets supply module (also known as a grommets module or seal loader) used in the cable processing area, grommets (also known as (weather-resistant) seals) are stored in a container, then detached by a device and subsequently carried via a conveyor system to the processing location, from where these grommets are taken over and then applied or positioned onto the wire. This is used to seal the cable connection contacts against moisture and / or liquids.

[0004] All known grommets supply modules are currently "closed" systems. That is, each grommets supply module has its own pick-and-place solution, as well as separation and conveying units. Therefore, the grommets supply module and the device used to assemble the grommets must be precisely matched, which in practice means they must come from the same manufacturer. This is disadvantageous to the customer and can be prohibitively expensive, as it requires constant reliance on the same manufacturer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the object of the present invention is to overcome at least some of the deficiencies in the prior art, and in particular to provide a sling supply module holder that can use different sling supply modules or sling supply modules from different manufacturers. As previously stated, the functions of the sling supply module, particularly the storage, transfer, and separation of slings, should be utilized. This should increase flexibility and reduce the required modification time.

[0006] The solution of the present invention to achieve the above-mentioned objective is to provide a modular support for the aforementioned cable ring, characterized in that the modular support for the cable ring comprises:

[0007] - Receiving part for releasably attaching the grommets supplying module to the bearing;

[0008] - A mechanical coupler for releasably attaching the bearing to the cable ring assembly equipment; and

[0009] - At least one power supply interface, preferably an electrical and / or pneumatic interface, and / or at least one signal transmission interface, for connection to the grommets assembly equipment.

[0010] An adapter is provided using the grommet supply module holder according to the invention, which on the one hand can accommodate and hold the grommet supply module, and on the other hand can be attached to a grommet assembly device. Using this grommet supply module holder, an additional module, namely an adapter module, is created that allows different grommet supply modules to be coupled to the grommet assembly device. In this case, the receiving portion for releasably attaching the grommet supply module to the holder can be configured to achieve attachment regardless of the type and size of the grommet supply module. For example, the receiving portion may include a simple standardized assembly guide.

[0011] Preferably, a hand-operable mechanical coupler allows the bearing to be quickly coupled to or decoupled from the cable ring assembly. Simultaneously, a connection is established through which electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic energy can be supplied to the components of the bearing, or it can be controlled by control signals.

[0012] The cable ring provides a modular support with a base, particularly in the form of a platform, frame, base, or rack. This base supports the various components of the modular support (mechanical coupler, housing, interface, possible drive mechanism, transfer mechanism, and / or positioning mechanism).

[0013] In this regard, a cable loop providing module should be understood as a module that preferably provides cable loops in a detachable manner and may include multiple functions, particularly storing, transmitting, and / or separating cable loops. A cable loop providing module can also be referred to as a cable loop providing module. Therefore, a cable loop providing module generally includes a cable loop storage unit, a transmission device, and a separation device.

[0014] A cable swivel assembly device should be understood as a means for applying cable swivels to cables and, if necessary, attaching them to the cables. Therefore, a cable swivel assembly device generally has an actuating mechanism for the cable to be assembled, particularly an actuating mechanism in the form of a gripper or guide, and an actuating mechanism for the cable swivel, also in the form of a gripper. The cable swivel is pushed onto the cable using a corresponding actuator, or the cable is pushed into the cable swivel.

[0015] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the loop supply module support has at least one drive device for driving the loop conveying and / or loop separating device of the loop supply module, wherein preferably, the drive device includes a motor and a drive wheel and / or is configured as a drum driver. With this measure, the function of the loop supply module can be operated directly through the support. That is, the loop supply module support is an adapter module not only mechanically but also functionally. In this case, the drive device is configured such that when the loop supply module is attached to the support, the drive device is functionally connected to the components of the loop supply module to be driven (e.g., the drive wheel of the drive device rests against the rotatably mounted drum to be driven).

[0016] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the ring supply module support has a positioning device, preferably in the form of a centering device, for positioning the ring supply device of the ring supply module, particularly a linear conveyor. The positioning device ensures that the ring feeding device can be correctly and accurately oriented. Thus, different ring supply modules can be connected to the ring assembly equipment more precisely and reliably using the support.

[0017] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the positioning device has a positioning element that is preferably tapered, and in particular conical in shape, which is preferably movable from a rest position (e.g., in the vertical direction) to a positioning position by means of a lever mechanism. Preferably, the positioning device has a handle, and in particular a grip, for manually operating the positioning element. In the positioning position, the positioning element interacts with or engages with a corresponding notch in the loop feed device, thereby enabling precise orientation.

[0018] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the ring supply module holder has a transfer device for transferring the ring from the ring supply module to the ring assembly equipment. This transfer device can compensate for differences in type and size between different ring supply modules.

[0019] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer device has an actuator for removing a cable ring from a cable ring feeding device of the cable ring supply module, particularly in the form of a linear conveyor. For example, the actuator may be configured such that it presses a cable ring moving on the cable ring feeding device downward through a hole in the cable ring feeding device, thereby removing the cable ring from the cable ring feeding device.

[0020] Preferably, the grommets feeding device of the grommets providing module is configured as a linear transmitter (especially a driver with a vibratory transmitter) or as a guide rail.

[0021] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer device has a conveying device for moving the cable ring, wherein preferably, the conveying device has a linearly displaceable receiving member for the cable ring, wherein preferably, the receiving member is arranged on a linearly guiding slider. Subsequently, the cable ring delivered by the cable ring supply device continues to be conveyed by the conveying device of the bearing, thus bringing the cable ring to the cable ring assembly equipment. That is, the bearing also functions as an adapter in conveying the cable ring.

[0022] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the conveying device interacts with an actuator to pick up and continue moving a loop removed by the actuator from the loop feeding device of the loop supply module, wherein preferably, the moving element in the actuator that interacts with the loop is arranged above the conveying device. The actuator removes a single loop from the loop feeding device of the loop supply module and ensures that the loop lands on the conveying device of the bearing.

[0023] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the actuator can move together with the receiving element of the transfer device. This maintains the relative position between the actuator and the receiving element at all times, thereby ensuring reliable transfer.

[0024] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one power supply interface and / or signal transmission interface of the ring providing module support is connected to a drive device for a ring conveying and / or ring separating device for driving the ring providing module; and / or the power supply interface and / or signal transmission interface of the ring providing module support is connected to an actuator and / or a conveying device.

[0025] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one power supply interface and at least one signal transmission interface are integrated in a multi-functional coupler, preferably in the form of a connector plug or connector socket. Preferably, at least one pneumatic interface, at least one electrical interface, and at least one signal technology interface are integrated in the multi-functional coupler. The multi-functional coupler ensures simple and error-free connection to the grommets assembly equipment. Preferably, the multi-functional coupler is fixed to the base of the support as a plug or socket.

[0026] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the mechanical coupler has a locking mechanism and a handle, particularly a lever, for manually operating the locking mechanism.

[0027] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the receiving portion for releasably attaching the grommets to ...

[0028] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the conveying direction of the cable ring of the conveying device is directed to the same direction as at least one energy supply interface and / or at least one signal transmission interface.

[0029] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one energy supply interface is arranged on a first side of the grommet supply module support, and the handle of the mechanical coupler is arranged in the region of a second side of the grommet supply module support opposite to the first side.

[0030] The solution of the present invention to achieve the above-mentioned objective is a cable bundling device with a modular mechanism for assembling cables into grommets, which comprises the following:

[0031] - Cable ring assembly equipment;

[0032] -The cable ring according to the invention provides a module support; and

[0033] - The cable ring provides a module.

[0034] The feature is that the cable ring providing module support is releasably attached to the cable ring assembly equipment by means of a mechanical coupler, and is connected to the cable ring assembly equipment through at least one power supply interface and / or at least one signal transmission interface; and the cable ring providing module is releasably attached to the cable ring providing module support through a receiving portion.

[0035] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the loop providing module has a loop conveying and / or loop separating device, which can be driven by a drive device of the loop providing module support.

[0036] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the ring-providing module has a ring-supplying device, particularly in the form of a linear conveyor, and a transfer device of the ring-providing module bearing interacts with the ring-supplying device to remove a ring from the ring-supplying device.

[0037] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the ring-feeding module has a ring-feeding device, particularly in the form of a linear conveyor, and a positioning device of the ring-feeding module support interacts with the ring-feeding device.

[0038] The positioning device is preferably arranged below the swivel feeding device, and particularly preferably below the actuator or the moving element of the actuator. Particularly preferably, in the positioning position, the positioning element is arranged below a hole (e.g., a through hole) constructed in the swivel feeding device through which the actuator presses the swivel downward.

[0039] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the grommets assembly equipment has a controller configured to control, via at least one power supply interface and / or at least one signal transmission interface, a drive mechanism for driving grommets conveying and / or grommets separating devices of the grommets supply module and / or an actuator for removing grommets from the grommets supply device and / or a conveying device for moving grommets.

[0040] Preferably, the grommets assembly equipment includes a take-up device (e.g., a gripper) that takes the grommets from the conveyor and feeds them to a further process (i.e., grommets the cables).

[0041] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the cable loop providing module has a cable loop reservoir (for storing cable loops). Attached Figure Description

[0042] The following description will reveal further advantages, features and details of the invention, wherein embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] The list of reference numerals and the technical content of the accompanying drawings are integral parts of this disclosure. The drawings are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner. The same reference numerals denote the same parts, and reference numerals with different subscripts denote parts that are functionally the same or similar.

[0044] In the picture:

[0045] Figure 1 An embodiment of the cable ring providing a module support according to the present invention is shown;

[0046] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The cable loop in the middle provides another view of the module support;

[0047] Figure 3 The image shows a cable ring supply module support and the cable ring supply module assembled on it.

[0048] Figure 4 An enlarged view of the transfer device for the cable ring providing the module support is shown;

[0049] Figure 5 An enlarged view of the multi-functional coupler that provides a module support for the cable ring is shown;

[0050] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a modular cable bundling device is shown.

[0051] List of reference numerals

[0052] 1. Cable ring provides module support.

[0053] 2. Reception area

[0054] 2a guide rail

[0055] 3 Mechanical Coupler

[0056] 3a Locking mechanism

[0057] 3b Handle

[0058] 4 Power supply interface

[0059] 5. Signal transmission interface

[0060] 6. Drive unit

[0061] 7 motors

[0062] 8 drive wheels

[0063] 9. Positioning device

[0064] 10 Positioning elements

[0065] 11 Leveraging Institutions

[0066] 12 handles

[0067] 13 Transfer device

[0068] 14. Gripping ring

[0069] 15 Actuators

[0070] 16 Moving elements

[0071] 17 Conveying device

[0072] 17a Retainer

[0073] 17b Slider

[0074] 18 Multifunctional Coupler

[0075] 19 Base

[0076] 20 Cable Ring Supply Module

[0077] 21. Gripping ring conveying and / or gripping ring separating device

[0078] 22. Gripping ring supply device

[0079] 23. Cable Ring Reservoir

[0080] 30 Cable Ring Assembly Equipment

[0081] 31 Controller

[0082] 32 Connecting device Detailed Implementation

[0083] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ring supply module support 1 is shown from different sides for connecting the ring supply module 20 to the ring assembly equipment 30 (see also...). Figure 6 The grommet supply module support 1 includes a receiving portion 2 for releasably attaching the grommet supply module 10 to the support 1. The receiving portion 2 may, for example, include a guide rail 2a, preferably a guide rail having a T-shaped or dovetail-shaped cross-section.

[0084] Mechanical coupler 3 is used to releasably attach bearing 1 to grommets assembly 30. Figure 6 The mechanical coupler 3 may have a locking mechanism 3a and a handle 3b, especially a handle, for manually operating the locking mechanism 3a.

[0085] The support 1 also includes an energy supply interface 4, preferably an electrical interface and / or a pneumatic interface, and a signal transmission interface 5 for connection to the sling assembly equipment 30. These interfaces 4 and 5 are particularly connected to the drive mechanism 6 of the support 1 (for driving the sling conveyor and / or sling separator 21 of the sling supply module 20) and / or to the transfer mechanism 13 of the support 1 (see actuator 15 or conveyor 17). These interfaces 4 and 5 can be integrated into a multi-functional coupler 18, preferably in the form of a plug or socket, i.e., integrated into a common housing (see...). Figure 5 (Enlarged view). For example, at least one pneumatic interface, at least one electrical interface, and at least one signal interface can also be integrated into the multi-function coupler 18.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the loop supply module support 1 has at least one drive device 6 for driving the loop conveying device and / or loop separating device 21 of the loop supply module 20. The drive device 6 may include a motor 7 and a drive wheel 8 and / or be configured as a drum driver.

[0087] Figure 3 The image shows a bearing 1 and a grommets supplying module 20 attached thereto. The grommets supplying module 20 can preferably be attached to the assembly guide 2a of the bearing 1 via a tensioning rod. In the assembled state, the grommets supplying module 20 or its grommets feeding device 22 may have play, thus potentially requiring subsequent positioning or fine-tuning.

[0088] Figures 1 to 4 The ring supply module support 1 further includes a positioning device 9, preferably in the form of a centering device, for positioning the ring supply device 22 (here, a linear conveyor) of the ring supply module 20. This adjustment or centering of the ring feed device 20 is for correct orientation, especially relative to the transfer device 13 described below.

[0089] The positioning device 9 has an upwardly tapering (here, conical) positioning element 10, which can be moved from a rest position to a positioning position (here, from bottom to top) by means of a lever mechanism 11. The positioning device 9 can be operated by means of a handle 12, especially a grip.

[0090] The positioning mechanism can travel to the center position. A spring mechanism presses the positioning mechanism into two final positions.

[0091] The positioning element 10 is pressed upward into the hole (through hole) of the sling feed device 22 via a lever mechanism, thereby positioning the sling feed device 22. The lever may be operated only in a forward position due to a mechanical stop, and this lever is monitored by a grating. Simultaneously, the hole or through hole is used to position the sling feed device 22 and push the sling 14 through it. In the positioned position, the positioning element 10 and the moving element 16 of the actuator 15 are precisely aligned vertically with each other.

[0092] The transfer device 13 is used to transfer the cable loop 14 from the loop supply module 20 to the loop assembly device 30. The transfer device 13 of the illustrated embodiment includes an actuator 15 for removing the loop 14 from the loop feed device 22 of the loop supply module 20. The transfer device further includes a transfer device 17 for moving the loop 14. The conveying device 17 may have a linearly displaceable receiving member 17a for the loop 14, preferably arranged on a linearly guided slider 17b.

[0093] The conveying device 17 interacts with the actuator 15 to pick up and continue moving the loop 14 removed from the loop supply device 22 by the actuator 15. In this case, the moving element 16 (e.g., in the form of a push rod) in the actuator 15 that interacts with the loop 14 is preferably arranged above the conveying device 17 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 4 The moving element 16, in the form of a pusher, presses the sling 14 directly through a hole in the linear conveyor 22 onto the receiving element 17a. The latter then shifts along the indicated arrow, thus bringing the sling 14 to the sling assembly device 30. Figure 6 In this case, the actuator 15 can be arranged such that it can move together with the housing 17a of the transfer device 17.

[0094] at last, Figure 6 A cable bundling device with a modular structure for assembling cable loops is shown. The cable bundling device includes a loop assembly device 30 (which pushes an incoming loop onto the cable, or pushes the cable into a corresponding incoming loop), a loop supply module support 1, and a loop supply module 20. Figure 6 As can be seen, the grommets providing the module support 1 is releasably attached to the grommets assemblies 30 via a mechanical coupler 3, and is connected to the grommets assemblies 30 via at least one power supply interface 4 and / or at least one signal transmission interface 5. The grommets providing the module 20 is releasably attached to the grommets providing the module support 1 via the receiving portion 2.

[0095] like Figure 3As shown, the loop supply module 20 has a loop conveying and / or loop separating device 21, which can be driven by the drive device 6 of the loop supply module support 1. The loop conveying and / or loop separating device 21 can be, for example, a drum conveyor formed by a drum and a drive element (e.g., blades) arranged on the inner wall of the drum. The loop conveying device 21 conveys the loop 14 from the loop reservoir 23 to the supply device 22, thereby simultaneously separating the loop 14. Alternatively, the loop conveying and / or loop separating device 21 can also be constructed in the form of a conveyor belt. Any other design is also feasible.

[0096] The ring feeder 22 (here, a linear conveyor) interacts with the transfer device 13 of the ring supply module holder 1 to remove the ring 14 from the ring feeder 22.

[0097] Figure 3 As shown, the positioning device 9 of the grommets providing module support 1 is arranged below the grommets supplying device 22 and interacts with each other in the positioning position (i.e., when the positioning element 10 is pressed upward).

[0098] Figure 6 It is also shown that the grommets assembly equipment 30 has a controller 31, which is configured to control, via at least one power supply interface 4 and / or at least one signal transmission interface 5, the drive device 6 of the grommets supply module 1, and in particular the grommets supply module 20, for driving the grommets conveying and / or the grommets separating device 21, and / or the actuator 15 for removing grommets 14 from the grommets supply device 22, and / or the conveying device 17 for moving the grommets 14.

[0099] When the sling 14 passes the conveyor 17 in the direction of the sling assembly equipment 30, the transfer device 32 ( Figure 6 (For example, a gripper) can take over the grommets from the receiving member 17a and supply the grommets to a further process (i.e., cable assembly grommets).

[0100] This invention is not limited to the described embodiments and the aspects emphasized therein. Specifically, several modifications can be made within the scope of the invention and as understood by those skilled in the art. Other variations can also be achieved by combining the mentioned means and features without departing from the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A cable ring supply module support (1) for connecting a cable ring supply module (20) to a cable ring assembly device (30), characterized in that, The cable ring provides a module support (1) including: The receiving part (2) is used to releasably attach the grommets providing the grommets (20) to the grommets providing the grommets bearing (1). Mechanical coupler (3) for releasably connecting the grommets providing module support (1) to the grommets assembly equipment (30); and At least one power supply interface (4) and / or at least one signal transmission interface (5) are provided for connection to the grommets assembly equipment (30), wherein the at least one power supply interface (4) is an electrical interface and / or a pneumatic interface. The cable ring providing module support (1) has at least one drive device (6) for driving the conveying and / or separating device (21) of the cable ring providing module (20), wherein the drive device (6) includes a motor (7) and a drive wheel (8) and / or is configured as a drum driver.

2. The cable ring providing module support according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable ring providing module support (1) has a positioning device (9) for positioning the cable ring supply device (22) of the cable ring providing module (20), wherein the positioning device (9) is in the form of a centering device.

3. The cable ring providing module support according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning device (9) has a tapered positioning element (10) that can be moved from a rest position to a positioning position by means of a lever mechanism (11). The positioning device (9) has a handle (12) for manually operating the positioning element (10).

4. The cable ring providing module support according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cable ring supply module support (1) has a transfer device (13) for transferring the cable ring (14) from the cable ring supply module (20) to the cable ring assembly equipment (30).

5. The cable ring providing module support according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transfer device (13) has an actuator (15) for removing the sling (14) from the sling feed device (22) of the sling supply module (20), wherein the sling feed device (22) is in the form of a linear conveyor.

6. The cable ring providing module support according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transfer device (13) has a conveying device (17) for moving the cable ring (14), wherein the conveying device (17) has a linearly displaceable receiving member (17a) for the cable ring (14), wherein the receiving member (17a) is arranged on a linearly guided slider (17b).

7. The cable ring providing module support according to claim 6, characterized in that, The conveying device (17) interacts with the actuator (15) to pick up and continue moving the loop (14) removed by the actuator (15) from the loop feeding device (22) of the loop providing module (20), wherein the moving element (16) of the actuator (15) that interacts with the loop (14) is arranged above the conveying device (17).

8. The cable ring providing module support according to claim 7, characterized in that, The actuator (15) can be moved together with the housing (17a) of the conveying device (17).

9. The cable ring providing module support according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, At least one power supply interface (4) and / or signal transmission interface (5) of the cable ring providing module support (1) is connected to a drive device (6) of a conveying and / or separating device (21) for driving the cable ring providing module (20); and / or the power supply interface (4) and / or signal transmission interface (5) of the cable ring providing module support (1) is connected to the actuator (15) and / or the conveying device (17).

10. The cable ring providing module support according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one power supply interface (4) and the at least one signal transmission interface (5) are integrated in a multi-functional coupler (18) in the form of a connector plug or connector socket, wherein at least one pneumatic interface and / or at least one electrical interface and / or at least one signal technology interface are integrated in the multi-functional coupler (18).

11. The cable ring providing module support according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical coupler (3) has a locking mechanism (3a) and a handle (3b) for manually operating the locking mechanism (3a).

12. The cable ring providing module support according to claim 7, characterized in that, The receiving portion (2) for releasably attaching the grommets (20) to the grommets (1) support includes a guide rail (2a) having a T-shaped or dovetail-shaped cross-section.

13. A modular cable bundling device for assembling cables with grommets, comprising the following: Cable ring assembly equipment (30); The cable ring provides a module support (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and The cable ring provides the module (20). Its features are, The grommet supply module support (1) is releasably attached to the grommet assembly equipment (30) by means of a mechanical coupler (3) and is connected to the grommet assembly equipment (30) via the at least one power supply interface (4) and / or the at least one signal transmission interface (5); and the grommet supply module (20) is releasably attached to the grommet supply module support (1) via a receiving portion (2).

14. The cable bundling device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The loop providing module (20) has a loop conveying and / or loop separating device (21), which can be driven by a drive device (6) of the loop providing module support (1); and / or The loop providing module (20) has a loop supply device (22) in the form of a linear conveyor, and a transfer device (13) of the loop providing module holder (1) interacts with the loop supply device (22) to remove a loop (14) from the loop supply device (22); and / or The loop providing module (20) has a loop feeding device (22) in the form of a linear conveyor, and a positioning device (9) of the loop providing module support (1) interacts with the loop feeding device (22); and / or The grommets assembly equipment (30) has a controller (31) configured to control a drive unit (6) and / or an actuator (15) for removing grommets (14) from the grommets supply unit (22) and / or a conveying device (17) for moving the grommets (14) via the at least one power supply interface (4) and / or the at least one signal transmission interface (5); and / or The grommet providing module (20) has a grommet reservoir (23).

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