Cable processing apparatus for processing a cable, computer implemented method, computer program product and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable processing device (20) for processing a cable (10), comprising a first positioning device (30) with a first positioning drive (35) for positioning a tool assembly (22) perpendicularly with respect to a cable conveying direction (F) of a cable conveying device (100), and a control device (50) connected to the first positioning drive (35) for exchanging first control data. Furthermore, there is a second positioning device (40) with a second positioning drive (45) for positioning at least a first cable stop (25) perpendicularly with respect to the cable conveying direction (F) of the cable conveying device (100), wherein the second positioning drive (45) is connected to the control device (50) for exchanging second control data. The invention also relates to a computer-implemented method, a computer program product and a computer-readable storage medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cable processing apparatus for processing cables, a computer-implemented method, a computer program product, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Cable processing equipment typically includes tools used to process cables or cable ends. These tools can be wire strippers for stripping the cable insulation from the cable conductor, or crimping tools that establish a crimped connection between the stripped cable end and the plug element. During crimping, one of the tools typically moves during the process in such a way that it performs the joining process where the two parts are connected to each other through plastic deformation. A suitable combination of tools and pressure must be used for each tool / cable pair. This improves the performance of the final product.

[0003] EP2590275B1 includes cable processing equipment for processing cables, which includes a manually operated positioning device for vertically positioning a cable stop relative to the cable conveying direction of a cable conveying device. DE102017102941A1 discloses a general-purpose cable processing equipment.

[0004] The drawback of these known solutions is that they cannot eliminate the possibility of operator error in cable processing equipment, resulting in a high scrap rate for cable products or cable semi-finished products. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and provide a cable processing apparatus having individualized and automatic vertical adjustment that improves the quality of cable products or cable semi-finished products. Furthermore, a computer-implemented method for configuring the cable processing apparatus and for automatically determining and creating control commands and / or control data is to be created, along with a computer program product and a computer-readable storage medium, which increase the processing speed in the cable processing apparatus while significantly improving the quality of cable products or cable semi-finished products.

[0006] This objective is achieved through the features of the independent claim. Advantageous extended constructions are set forth in the drawings and dependent claims.

[0007] The cable processing equipment according to the present invention, particularly a crimping station for assembling cable connections at the cable ends, includes a first positioning device with a first positioning driver, a tool assembly for vertically positioning relative to the cable conveying direction of the cable conveying device, and a control device connected to the first positioning driver to exchange first control data. Furthermore, a second positioning device with a second positioning driver is provided for at least vertically positioning a first cable stop relative to the cable conveying direction of the cable conveying device, wherein the second positioning driver is connected to the control device to exchange second control data.

[0008] Therefore, the vertically positioning device of this cable processing equipment can be individually or independently set in an automated and repeatable manner, thereby significantly increasing the output of finished or semi-finished cables while greatly improving their quality. The tool assembly and / or the first cable stop can be moved independently and repeatedly from any position to their working positions with the aid of their positioning drives. This allows for individualized matching of the processing of finished or semi-finished cables according to their structural cable construction without operator intervention.

[0009] The tool assembly section can be, for example, an anvil of a crimping station. Multiple plug elements can be arranged on the tool assembly section or anvil, at least one of which can be precisely connected to the cable conductor to manufacture a finished or semi-finished cable. The anvil can have a first crimping tool that is held stationary or fixed in position on the tool assembly section during the processing or cable processing steps. During processing, when crimping, a second crimping tool is guided onto or brought into effective connection with the first crimping tool to establish a crimped connection between the plug element and the cable conductor. Here, the cable conductor must be precisely overlapped with the plug element to establish a reliable contact connection. This precise positioning of the first cable stop can be used to prevent axial movement of the cable conductor against the transmission direction and displacement from the desired position in the plug element during crimping. This also prevents unwanted tension on the cable during the creation of the crimped connection. Otherwise, such unwanted tension would cause deformation of the cable conductor and a corresponding reduction in the diameter of the cable conductor in the crimped connection area.

[0010] The first and second crimping tools mate with the cable or cable structure to be processed and the plug element that can be connected to it during manufacturing, and are individually manufactured according to the manufacturer of the crimping tools. The crimping tools have different dimensions. The vertical positioning of the tool assembly section by the first positioning drive and the vertical positioning of the first cable stop improve the setup of the cable processing equipment, thereby improving or guaranteeing the quality of finished or semi-finished cables and significantly increasing the productivity of the cable processing equipment without operator intervention (tests surprisingly produced approximately 500 finished cables per hour, with very high quality). Simultaneously, the scrap rate of finished or semi-finished cables is significantly reduced.

[0011] Finished or semi-finished cables with high-quality crimped connections have reliable contact, meaning the crimped connection is mechanically stable so that tension on the plug element or the cable does not cause the connection to deteriorate. In addition, reliable contact connections have a large overlap area between the connection portions on the cable conductor and the plug element, which allows the crimped connection to be performed in a high-quality manner and can, for example, prevent voltage spikes.

[0012] Another example of cable processing equipment, which is not listed in detail, is a wire stripping device with a wire stripper arranged on a tool assembly that can be positioned vertically.

[0013] For example, the cable added to the tool assembly is arranged on a swingable cable conveyor and can swing horizontally from the first processing station to the cable processing equipment described herein in the cable swing plane. The tool assembly's predetermined position below the cable conveyor or below the cable swing plane—i.e., its positioning before the cable processing step begins—prevents the cable end from colliding with the tool assembly or the tools on it as it swings in with the cable conveyor. This prevents undesirable deformation of the cable end. Here, the working position of the tool assembly is such that the cable conductor can swing horizontally in the cable swing plane over the tool assembly or the tools on it without collision, especially since repositioning of the tool assembly is not required before processing the cable.

[0014] Preferably, the first positioning driver is configured as an adjustment driver and includes suitable elements such as a spindle, a sliding wedge, or similar components as an adjustment unit for positioning the tool assembly. The adjustment driver is connected to a control device to exchange control commands. This allows for easy and repeatable vertical positioning of the tool assembly. Here, the adjustment driver receives at least one control command for vertically positioning the tool assembly from the control device as first control data. Alternatively, the first positioning driver is a servo motor, enabling high-precision vertical positioning of the tool assembly in both directions. Alternatively, the first positioning driver can be configured as a pneumatic driver, allowing for rapid positioning of the tool assembly using a low-cost driver.

[0015] During the conveying process, the cable to be processed typically moves along the conveying direction of the cable conveying device. Here, the cable to be processed can be conveyed to the tool assembly within a guide unit, for example, within an interchangeable conduit precisely designed for the cable diameter. A first cable stop is constructed to fix or support the swingable conveyor arm and / or guide unit in such a way that repeatable cable processing steps can be performed without undesirably deforming or bending the cable. Here, the first cable stop functions as a support. The cable stop described herein can be vertically positioned by means of a second positioning device, vertically and independently of the tool assembly. Here, the second positioning actuator, particularly for at least vertically positioning the first cable stop, is connected to a control device to exchange control commands. The pre-positioning of the first cable stop below the cable conveying direction or below the cable swing plane prevents the cable end or guide unit from colliding with the cable stop during swinging. Therefore, undesirable deformation of the cable end can be prevented. Here, the cable stop is positioned such that the cable conveying device can swing past it without colliding, especially without repositioning it before tooling. Undesirable bending is avoided, as this would cause unwanted movement of the cable, for example, against the direction of cable delivery. This unwanted movement results in a reduced overlap area between the cable conductor and the connection portion on the plug element, significantly reducing the quality of the crimped connection on the finished or semi-finished cable and, if necessary, rendering the cable scrap.

[0016] Preferably, the second positioning driver is configured as an adjustment driver and includes a spindle as an adjustment unit for positioning the first cable stop. The adjustment driver is connected to a control device to exchange control commands. This allows for easy and repeatable vertical positioning of the first cable stop. Here, the adjustment driver receives at least one control command for vertical positioning of the cable stop as second control data. Alternatively, the second positioning driver is a servo motor, enabling high-precision vertical setting of the first cable stop in both directions. Alternatively, the second positioning driver can be configured as a pneumatic driver, allowing for rapid positioning of the first cable stop using a low-cost driver.

[0017] Preferably, a first position sensor system is provided for at least detecting the vertical position of the tool assembly, wherein the first position sensor system is arranged on the first positioning drive. For example, the first position sensor system may include a rotary sensor, a Hall sensor, or other type of sensor for detecting the vertical position of the tool assembly, which simply detects the vertical position of the tool assembly on the cable processing equipment and forwards it as sensor data to the control device. This allows the current position or state of the tool assembly during operation to be directly transmitted to the control device to check the position or state of the tool assembly and / or to prompt the tool assembly to perform calibration.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the first position sensor system includes a first position sensor, particularly a mechanical position sensor. The first position sensor may be arranged spaced apart from and adjacent to the first positioning device, and may be, for example, a light sensor. As a light sensor, a grating and reflector may be used, which optically and simply determine the position of the tool assembly relative to the cable conveying device. The first position sensor is connected to a control device to transmit sensor data.

[0019] Preferably, a second position sensor system is provided for detecting at least the vertical position of the first cable stop, wherein the second position sensor system is arranged on the second positioning drive. For example, the second position sensor system may include a rotary sensor, a Hall sensor, or other type of sensor for detecting the vertical position of the first cable stop, which simply detects the vertical position of the first cable stop on the cable processing equipment and forwards it as sensor data to the control device. This allows the current position or state of the cable stop during operation to be directly transmitted to the control device for checking the position or state of the cable stop and / or prompting the tool assembly to perform calibration.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the second position sensor system includes a second position sensor, particularly a mechanical position sensor. The second position sensor may be arranged spaced apart from and adjacent to the second positioning device, and may be, for example, a light sensor. As a light sensor, a grating and reflector may be used, for example, which optically and simply determine the position of the first cable stop relative to the cable conveying device. The second position sensor is connected to a control device to transmit sensor data.

[0021] Advantageously, the control device is designed to activate at least one tool of the cable processing equipment to perform a cable processing step when the tool assembly section reaches the working state. This automatically initiates the processing at the cable without operator intervention. Bending of the cable can be prevented when it is placed into the cable processing equipment and before the processing begins, thereby improving the quality of the finished or semi-finished cable.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the control device is designed to activate at least one tool of the cable processing equipment to perform a cable processing step when the cable stop reaches the working state. This automatically initiates the processing at the cable without operator intervention, wherein bending of the cable can be prevented as it enters the cable processing equipment and before the processing, thereby improving the quality of the finished or semi-finished cable.

[0023] The control device preferably has a computing unit, which allows it to easily process sensor data from at least one of the two position sensor systems.

[0024] The control device is preferably connected to the first position sensor system to exchange sensor data. Here, not only can data be transmitted, but the first position sensor system can also be easily configured using the control device.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the control device is connected to the second position sensor system to exchange sensor data. Here, not only can data be transmitted, but the second position sensor system can also be easily configured using the control device.

[0026] The computing unit is preferably configured to create at least one control command from sensor data of the first position sensor system for positioning the tool assembly. This enables fully automated positioning of the tool assembly without user intervention, thereby further improving the quality of finished or semi-finished cables by eliminating operational errors. When the tool assembly reaches the working position, i.e., when the first position sensor system determines that the tool assembly has been brought into the working position, the swing of the conveyor arm of the cable conveying device can be stopped, and the cable processing steps can begin. This further improves operational safety.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the computing unit is configured to create at least one control command from sensor data of the second position sensor system for positioning the first cable stop. This enables fully automated positioning of the first cable stop without user intervention, thereby further improving the quality of the finished or semi-finished cable product by eliminating operational errors. When the first cable stop reaches the working position, i.e., when the second position sensor system determines that the first cable stop has been brought into the working position, the swing of the conveyor arm of the cable conveying device can be stopped, and the cable processing steps can begin.

[0028] Preferably, at least one storage unit is connected to a control device, wherein the control device is configured to retrieve at least one control command from the at least one storage unit to drive at least one of the two positioning drives. Here, the control command may include position data of the working position of the tool assembly or / or the first cable stop. The position data is individually adjusted according to the type or structure of the cable to be processed and according to the tools in the cable processing equipment. For example, the working position of the tool assembly and / or the position data of the first cable stop for coaxial cables differs from the working position of the tool assembly and / or the position data of the first cable stop for multi-channel cables. The tools used to process these two cable types on the cable processing equipment are typically constructed differently; therefore, the position data of the working position of the tool assembly and / or the first cable stop is also adjusted for the tools arranged in the cable processing equipment.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, at least one database unit is provided, which is connected to a control device, wherein the control device is configured to retrieve at least one control command from the at least one database to drive at least one of the two positioning drives. Here, as previously described, the control command may include position data of the working position of the tool assembly or / or the first cable stop. The database may advantageously be designed as a cloud so that different cable processing equipment can easily access the control commands or control datasets.

[0030] The working position of the tool assembly section and / or the first cable stop can be determined by the structural design of the finished or semi-finished cable to be processed, and is not limited to, for example, cable diameter, cable conductor structure or material, cable type, cable conductor length, suitable conduit (interchangeable parts matching the cable diameter), plug element type, plug element structure, tools on the cable processing equipment, etc. This information can be stored in at least one control command in a storage unit and / or database. These control commands can be automatically retrieved from the control device, thereby enabling fully automated setting on the cable processing equipment, for example, after switching from processing a first cable type to processing a second cable type, without operator intervention.

[0031] Preferably, a base structure exists, and the tool assembly is fixedly arranged on the base structure, wherein the base structure can be positioned at least perpendicularly to the cable conveying direction of the cable conveying device by means of a first positioning device. The base structure can be movably arranged on a base support structure. Therefore, the cable processing equipment can be constructed in a small and compact manner because the distance between the tools in the cable processing equipment is very small. Preferably, an additional cable stop and an additional positioning device are present, wherein the additional positioning device specifically has an additional positioning actuator for at least vertically positioning the additional cable stop. The other cable stop is arranged opposite the first cable stop and presses against the guide unit or conduit to secure the cable during processing. For example, during crimping, the cable conductor is pressed vertically from above against the connection portion of the plug element by the movement of the additional cable stop. To prevent overshooting of the large guide unit, the first cable stop acts as a support, thereby preventing the cable or cable conductor from bending. Furthermore, securing the cable to be processed improves the quality of the finished or semi-finished cable. The additional positioning device may have a guide rail and spring unit, allowing the additional cable stop to be elastically supported so as not to damage the guide unit or cable. The additional positioning actuator can be driven and connected to a control device to exchange position data of the working position of the additional cable stop. This also allows for easy and fully automatic setting of the working position of the additional cable stop.

[0032] Preferably, a detection device is provided for detecting cable-specific data. The detection device uses a non-contact scanning unit, such as a camera, barcode reader, or QR scanner, to easily identify the cable to be processed and to identify cable-specific data without user intervention. For this purpose, the cable is identified, for example, by having a corresponding code or by means of image recognition. Cable-specific data includes, in particular, the structural design of the cable to be processed, including, but not exhaustively, aspects such as cable diameter, cable conductor structure or material, number of individual cable conductors, cable type, cable conductor length, and the structure and / or material of the cable insulation or sheath. Cable-specific data can also be obtained from the cable's geometry. For this purpose, images detected by a camera can be used, for example, and evaluated using image processing algorithms in a computing unit. Alternatively, other sensors capable of identifying the cable can be used. Using the detected cable-specific data, additional data, such as the pressure of the crimping tool, can be retrieved from a storage unit or database and fed into the computing unit.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, there exists a detection device for detecting tool-specific data. As previously described, the detection device detects the type of tool on the cable processing equipment using a non-contact scanner unit, wherein the tool-specific data, not exhaustively listed, includes the structure, dimensions, and material of at least one tool on the cable processing equipment. For this purpose, the tool may have a corresponding code or be identified using image recognition. Tool-specific data can also be obtained from the geometry of the tool. For this purpose, images detected by a camera can be used, for example, and their processing algorithms can be evaluated using images in a computing unit. Alternatively, other sensors capable of identifying tools can also be used. Using the detected tool-specific data, additional data, such as the pressure of the crimping tool, can be retrieved from a storage unit or database and fed into the computing unit.

[0034] The detection device is preferably connected to a control device to exchange cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data. The control device is configured to convert the cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data from the detection device into at least one control command for the working position of the tool assembly, so as to position the tool assembly according to the cable to be processed. Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to convert the cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data from the detection device into at least one control command for the working position of a first cable stop, so as to position the first cable stop according to the cable to be processed. For example, the conversion is performed in the calculation unit of the control device.

[0035] Alternatively or supplementarily, the control device is configured to compare cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data detected by the detection device with relevant control commands in the storage unit and / or database, in order to move the cable positioning tool assembly part and / or the first cable stop into its working position according to the cable to be processed. This further improves the level of automation, thereby providing a fully automatic cable processing equipment for assembling finished or semi-finished cables.

[0036] The control device is preferably configured to check the compatibility between the tools arranged on the cable processing equipment and the cable to be processed when new cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data are detected by the detection device, thereby preventing incorrect cable processing. Therefore, the processing reliability in the cable processing equipment is significantly improved, and the defective product rate is further reduced.

[0037] According to the invention, a computer-implemented method for configuring a cable processing apparatus having a control device, particularly the cable processing apparatus as described above, automatically executes a method for positioning a tool assembly and a first cable stop, the tool assembly and the first cable stop being vertically positioned by means of the control device, wherein the positioning is performed according to the cable conveying direction of the cable conveying device.

[0038] When the working positions of the tool assembly section and the first cable stop are automatically configured or set, the control device transmits stored control commands to the positioning devices of the tool assembly section and the first cable stop. The vertical positioning of the tool assembly section and the first cable stop improves the setup of the cable processing equipment, thereby increasing the quality of finished and semi-finished cables and significantly improving the productivity of the cable processing equipment without operator intervention (tests surprisingly produced approximately 500 cable products per hour, all of high quality). Simultaneously, the scrap rate of defective finished and semi-finished cables can be significantly reduced.

[0039] Specifically, the tool assembly and the first cable stop are positioned vertically and independently of each other. Therefore, for example, when tools on the cable processing equipment are interchanged while the cable to be processed remains unchanged, only the working position of the tool assembly can be set, allowing production of, for example, finished and semi-finished cables to be easily and quickly restarted. This significantly reduces the cable processing time or the setup time of the cable processing equipment.

[0040] Preferably, the tool assembly and the first cable stop are positioned, particularly in their working positions, prior to the cable processing step. The control device identifies the current positions of the tool assembly and the first cable stop, and triggers movement of at least the tool assembly and / or the first cable stop to their working positions by transmitting at least one control command to the corresponding positioning driver.

[0041] Preferably, a first position sensor system detects sensor data and positions the tool assembly unit based on the sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted to a control device, enabling the control device to perform accurate and repeatable positioning of the tool assembly unit using the sensor data.

[0042] Alternatively or supplementarily, a first position sensor system detects sensor data and positions the first cable stop based on the sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted to a control device, enabling the control device to perform accurate and repeatable positioning of the first cable stop using the sensor data.

[0043] Alternatively or supplementarily, a second position sensor system detects sensor data and positions the first cable stop based on the sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted to a control device, enabling the control device to perform accurate and repeatable positioning of the first cable stop using the sensor data. Therefore, the position of the first cable stop can be detected, controlled, or set independently of the position of the tool assembly.

[0044] Preferably, the control device retrieves control data for positioning the tool assembly from the storage unit. Here, the control data may include control commands for positioning the tool assembly in its working position. The control device includes a computing unit and a storage unit, wherein the computing unit is configured to retrieve the control data from the storage unit and assign it to the tool assembly.

[0045] Alternatively or supplementarily, the control device retrieves control data from the storage unit for positioning the first cable stop. Here, the control data may include control commands for positioning the first cable stop in its working position. The computing unit is configured to retrieve the control data from the storage unit and assign it to the first cable stop.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the control device retrieves control data for positioning the tool assembly from the database. Here, for example, the operator pre-populates the database with control data based on the type of cable to be processed and / or the type of tool. Alternatively or additionally, the control device retrieves control data for positioning the first cable stop from the database.

[0047] Preferably, the tool assembly is positioned based on cable-specific data. This allows for accurate positioning of the tool assembly on the cable to be processed.

[0048] Alternatively or supplementarily, the positioning of the first cable stop can be based on cable-specific data. This allows the working position of the first cable stop to be accurately set on the cable to be processed.

[0049] Alternatively or supplementarily, the tool assembly section can be positioned based on tool-specific data. This allows for more accurate positioning of the tool assembly section on the cable to be processed or adjustment according to the tool type.

[0050] Alternatively or supplementarily, the positioning of the first cable stop can be based on tool-specific data. This allows for a more accurate setting of the working position of the first cable stop on the cable to be processed, or adjustment according to the tool type.

[0051] Preferably, as described herein, a detection device detects cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data and transmits it to a control device. This allows for the automatic detection and identification of interchangeable tools or interchangeable cable types, such as on cable processing equipment, thereby enabling rapid and accurate positioning of the tool assembly and / or the first cable stop.

[0052] Advantageously, the control device formulates at least one control command based on the detected cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data, and positions the tool assembly and / or the first cable stop in their working positions. Further advantageous method steps are disclosed in the cable processing equipment described herein.

[0053] According to the present invention, a computer-implemented method for automatically determining and generating control commands and / or control data for controlling cable processing equipment using a control device, particularly the cable processing equipment described herein, wherein the cable processing equipment performs a method for positioning a tool assembly and a first cable stop, and generates and stores at least one control dataset and / or control command.

[0054] By automatically determining and generating control commands and / or control data in the control device for controlling cable processing equipment, particularly for controlling the tool assembly section and the first cable stop, the vertical positioning of the tool assembly section and the first cable stop can be automatically retrieved. This improves the quality of finished and semi-finished cables and significantly increases the productivity of the cable processing equipment without operator intervention (tests unexpectedly produced approximately 500 finished cables per hour, with remarkably high quality). Simultaneously, the scrap rate of defective finished and semi-finished cables can be significantly reduced.

[0055] The computer program product according to the invention includes control commands and / or control data, which, when executed by a computing unit, cause the execution of a method / method steps for configuring cable processing equipment, or a method for automatically determining and generating control commands and / or control data. With the aid of the computer program product, different cable processing devices can be controlled repeatably and independently of each other, as described herein, wherein, for example, control commands and / or control data from all cable processing devices integrated in a network can be individually formulated to enable "Internet of Things" applications.

[0056] A computer-readable storage medium includes control commands and / or control data, which, when implemented by a computing unit, cause the execution of a method for configuring cable processing equipment or the steps of the aforementioned method. Therefore, the method for configuring cable processing equipment described herein can be executed on cable processing equipment including control means and means for reading control commands and / or control data from the storage medium. This allows for the upgrading of existing cable processing equipment in the user's system to enable the processing of finished and / or semi-finished cables without user intervention. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Similar to the technical content of the claims and drawings, the list of reference numerals is also part of this disclosure. These figures are described coherently and comprehensively. The same reference numerals denote the same parts, and reference numerals with different numbers denote parts that have the same or similar functions. In the drawings: Figure 1 A first embodiment of the cable processing apparatus according to the invention is shown in sectional view, wherein the cable conveying device is shown in side view. Figure 2 The first detailed side view shows the following based on Figure 1 Cable processing equipment, Figure 3 The first detailed perspective view shows the following based on Figure 1 Cable processing equipment, Figure 4 Another detailed side view shows the results according to Figure 1 Cable processing equipment, Figure 5 A more detailed side view shows the results based on Figure 1 Cable processing equipment, Figure 6 Another detailed side view shows the results according to Figure 1 Cable processing equipment, Figure 7 A simplified side view, as a schematic diagram, shows the... Figure 6 A detailed side view of the cable processing equipment.

[0058] Figure 8 Another detailed side view shows the results according to Figure 1 Cable processing equipment, Figure 9 The perspective view shows the results based on Figure 1 Another embodiment of the cable transmission device in cable processing equipment, Figure 10 Another embodiment of the cable processing apparatus of the present invention is shown in a side view. Figure 11 A flowchart of the method according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Figures 1 to 8An exemplary crimping station is shown as a cable processing apparatus 20 for processing cable 15 or for assembling cable connections at the cable ends of cable 15. The cable processing apparatus 20 includes a base support structure 21 on which a base structure 21a is arranged, and a first positioning device 30 having a first positioning driver 35 for vertically positioning a tool assembly 22 relative to the cable transport direction F of the cable transport device 100. Furthermore, a second positioning device 40 has a second positioning driver 45 for vertically positioning a first cable stop 25 relative to the cable transport direction F of the cable transport device 100. The cable transport device 100 has a transport arm 110 that can swing within a cable swing plane, allowing the cable 15 to swing horizontally from the first processing station to the cable processing apparatus 20 as described herein. The cable transport device 100 has a transport driver 120 with a conveyor belt 121 for transporting the cable 15 along and against the cable transport direction F. The conveyor belts 121 are movable relative to each other and are capable of withstanding closing pressure to clamp and transport the cable 15. The plane of cable swing is basically parallel to the direction of cable transmission, F, pointing downwards.

[0060] The first positioning driver 35 is an adjustment driver electrically connected to the control device 50. The first positioning driver 35 includes a spindle serving as an adjustment unit 36 ​​for positioning and disengaging the tool assembly 22 in its working position. The tool assembly 22 is movably mounted on the spindle. The spindle is connected to the base support structure 21 and the base structure 21a. Driving the spindle causes the tool assembly 22 to be vertically positioned. For this purpose, the adjustment driver receives at least one control command from the control device 50 as first control data.

[0061] The first positioning device 30 includes a first position sensor system 31 for detecting at least the vertical position of the tool assembly 22, wherein the first position sensor system 31 is arranged on the first positioning driver 35. The first position sensor system is a rotation sensor 32, which simply detects the vertical position of the tool assembly 22 on the cable processing equipment 20.

[0062] like Figure 2 and 3As shown in detail, the tool assembly 22 is the anvil 22a of the crimping station. The anvil 22a has a first crimping tool 23, which is fixedly held in position on the tool assembly 22 in the cable processing equipment 20 during processing. A plurality of plug elements 16 are arranged on the anvil 22a. The cable 15 to be processed generally moves along the cable transport direction F of the cable transport device 100 during transport. Here, the cable to be processed is transported to the tool assembly 22 or the plug element 16 in a conduit 115 with interchangeable parts designed to be exactly the same as the outer diameter of the cable. The crimping station has a second crimping tool 23a. The second crimping tool 23a is arranged on the crimping driver 24 and is vertically movable. During processing, when crimping, the second crimping tool 23a is driven to be transported onto the first crimping tool 23 or thus brought into the working connection, so that a crimped connection or cable connection can be established or assembled between one of the plug elements 16 and the cable conductor 15a of the cable 15. Here, the cable conductor 15a of the cable 15 and the plug element 16 must be connected in such a precise overlapping manner that a crimped connection is created to form a reliable contact.

[0063] The current cable stop 25 can be driven vertically and independently of the tool assembly 22 to be positioned in its working position and move away from it by means of the second positioning driver 45 of the second positioning device 40. The first cable stop 25 is vertically guided along the guide device 26. The second positioning driver 45 is configured as an adjustment driver and includes a spindle as an adjustment unit 46 for positioning the first cable stop 25. The second positioning driver 45 is fixedly arranged on the tool assembly 22 and moves vertically with it. There is a second position sensor system 41 for detecting the vertical position of the first cable stop 25, wherein the second position sensor system 41 is arranged on the second positioning driver 45. The second position sensor system 41 is a rotation sensor 42 that detects the vertical position or state of the cable stop 25 on the cable processing equipment 20.

[0064] The first cable stop 25 is constructed as a support to secure or support the transfer arm 110 so that the cable 15 and / or conduit 115 can be reliably fixed using the cable processing equipment 20 without undesirably deforming or bending the cable 15 – see in particular. Figure 5 and Figure 6 .

[0065] An additional cable stop 27 and an additional positioning device 28 are arranged on the crimping actuator 24. The additional cable stop 27 is arranged opposite to the first cable stop 25 and, during the processing, is crimped against the conduit 115, which is designed to accommodate interchangeable parts of the cable 15, to secure the cable 15. The additional positioning device 28 has a guide rail 29 and a spring unit 29a, so that the additional cable stop 27 is elastically supported so as not to damage the conduit 115 in which the guided cable 15 is contained.

[0066] The cable processing equipment 20 has a control device 50. The control device 50 is connected to a first positioning driver 35 to exchange first control data and to a second positioning driver 45 to exchange second control data (data lines are connected in...). Figure 1 (Seen in continuous dashed lines). The control device 50 is electrically connected to the first position sensor system 31 and the second position sensor system 41 to obtain detected sensor data or position data of the tool assembly 22 and the first cable stop 25.

[0067] The control device 50 is designed to activate at least the second crimping tool 23a of the cable processing equipment 20 to perform cable processing steps when the tool assembly 22 reaches the working position and when the cable stop 25 reaches the working position. The control device 50 has a calculation unit 51 to further process the sensor data from the two position sensor systems 31 and 41. Here, the calculation unit 51 is configured to formulate at least one control command for positioning the tool assembly 22 from the sensor data of the first position sensor system 31. Furthermore, the calculation unit 51 is configured to formulate at least one other control command for positioning the first cable stop 25 from the sensor data of the second position sensor system 41. When the first cable stop 25 reaches the working position, i.e., when the second position sensor system 41 determines that the first cable stop 25 has entered the working position, and when the tool assembly 22 reaches the working position, i.e., when the first position sensor system 31 determines that the tool assembly 22 has entered the working position, the swing of the conveyor arm 110 of the cable conveyor 100 can be stopped and the cable processing steps can be initiated.

[0068] The control device 50 has a storage unit 52, wherein the control device 50 is configured to recall at least one control command from at least one storage unit 51 to drive at least one of the two positioning actuators 35 or 45. Here, the control command may include position data of the working position of the tool assembly 22 and / or the first cable stop 25. Furthermore, there is at least one database 60 connected to the control device 50, wherein the control device 50 is configured to recall at least one control command from at least one database 60 to drive at least one of the two positioning actuators 35 and 45. The database 60 is configured, for example, as a distributed cloud, so that different cable processing equipment can easily access the control commands or control datasets.

[0069] The cable processing equipment 20 includes a detection device 80 for detecting cable-specific data. The detection device 80 includes a non-contact scanner unit 81, which allows for easy identification of the cable 15 to be processed and enables the identification of cable-specific data without user intervention. Cable-specific data includes, but is not exhaustively listed, the structural features of the cable to be processed, such as cable diameter, the construction or material of the cable conductors, the number of individual cable conductors in the cable, cable type, cable conductor length, structure, and the composition and / or material of the cable insulation or sheath.

[0070] In addition, the scanner unit 81 provides tool-specific data regarding the first crimping tool 23 and the second crimping tool 23a, including, but not exhaustively listed, the construction, dimensions, and materials of the first crimping tool 23 and the second crimping tool 23a on the cable processing equipment 20.

[0071] The detection device 80 is electrically connected to the control device 50 to exchange cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data. The calculation unit 51 of the control device 50 is configured to convert the cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data from the detection device 80 into at least one control command for the working position of the tool assembly 22, so as to position the tool assembly 22 according to the cable 15 to be processed. Furthermore, the control device 50 is configured to convert the cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data from the detection device 80 into at least one control command for the working position of the first cable stop 25, so as to position the first cable stop 25 according to the cable 15 to be processed. The control device 50 is configured to compare the cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data detected by the detection device 80 with relevant control commands in the storage unit 51 and / or database 60, so as to position the tool assembly 22 and / or the first cable stop 25 according to the cable 15 to be processed, or to move it into its working position. The control device 50 is also configured to check the compatibility of the crimping tool 23 or 23a arranged on the cable processing equipment 20 with the cable 15 to be processed when new cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data are detected by the detection device 80, thereby preventing incorrect processing of the cable 15. It also checks whether the conduit 115 is commensurate with the cable diameter of the cable 15 and what closing pressure the conveyor belt 121 of the cable conveying device 100 should apply to the cable to be conveyed. For this purpose, the calculation unit 51 compares the cable-specific data and tool-specific data from the detection device 80 with the cable-specific data and tool-specific data stored in the storage unit 51 or database 60, so that if a difference is found in the comparison, an alarm is triggered to stop the cable processing step if necessary.

[0072] The following reference Figures 1 to 8 A method is described, which can be a computer-implemented method for setting up a cable processing equipment 20 having a control device 50, wherein the method is executed automatically for positioning a tool assembly 22 and a first cable stop 25, wherein the tool assembly 22 and the first cable stop 25 are vertically positioned with the assistance of the control device 50. Here, positioning is performed according to the position of the cable conveying direction F of the cable conveying device 100. The tool assembly 22 and the first cable stop 25 are vertically positioned independently of each other.

[0073] Before processing cable 15, the tool assembly 22 and the first cable stop 25 are positioned such that the conveying arm 110 of the cable conveying device 100 can swing unimpeded into the cable processing equipment 20 on the cable swing plane—see Figure 2 Or 3. The cable swing plane is the plane parallel to the direction F of cable transmission when the cable is 15 being transmitted.

[0074] The control device 50 is pre-configured such that the cable type of the cable 15 to be processed and the first crimping tool 23 and the second crimping tool 23a arranged in the crimping station are known. Therefore, the control device 50 retrieves control commands from the storage unit 52 or the database 60, so that the calculation unit 51 of the control device 50 already knows the corresponding control commands for the working positions of the tool assembly section 22 and the first cable stop 25.

[0075] In the first step, the first position sensor system 31 and the second position sensor system 41 detect sensor data and transmit it to the control device 50 so that the control device 50 can use the sensor data to determine the current position of the tool assembly 22 and the current position of the first cable stop 25.

[0076] In the next step, the first positioning actuator 35 receives appropriate control commands from the control device 50, causing the tool assembly 22 to be positioned in its working position—see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The plug element 16, arranged on the tool assembly section 22, is positioned directly below the cable conductor 15a of the cable 15, wherein, if necessary, the cable 15 is adjusted along the cable transport direction F with the assistance of the transport driver 120. The positioning of the tool assembly section 22 in its working position is based on cable-specific data and tool-specific implementation.

[0077] In the next step, the second positioning actuator 45 receives appropriate control commands from the control device 50, causing the first cable stop 25 to be positioned in its working position—see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 Here, the first cable stop 25 is brought close to and positioned near the conduit 115 or the conveyor arm 110.

[0078] The positioning of the first cable stop 25 in its working position is based on cable-specific data and tool-specific data. Here, the vertical distance between the cable 15 and the plug element 16 is approximately the same as the vertical distance between the first cable stop 25 and the conveyor arm 110.

[0079] Next, the actual cable processing steps are performed, wherein the second crimping tool 23a moves vertically toward the first crimping tool 23 by means of a crimping driver 24. Here, a further cable stop 27 arranged on the crimping driver 24 moves vertically along with it and presses against the conduit 115 so that, during the processing, the cable 15 guided therein is pressed and secured in the direction toward the first cable stop 25. To prevent overshoot of the large conduit 115, the first cable stop 25 acts as a support, thereby preventing the cable 15 or the cable conductor 15a on the cable 15 from bending – see [link to documentation] Figure 6 and Figure 7Simultaneously, the cable 15 is pressed into the corresponding crimped connection portion on the plug element 16 by the second crimping tool 23a, creating a shape-locking connection. For example... Figure 7 As shown in detail, when the first crimping tool 23 moves toward the second crimping tool 23a, the conduit 115, together with the cable conveying device 100 and the conveying arm 110, is bent at a small angle (0.1° to a maximum of 1°) from the horizontal cable swing plane by an additional cable stop 27. Here, the stripped front conductor end of the cable conductor 15a of the cable 15 is precisely inserted into the second crimping tool 23a. The conduit 115 is an interchangeable component and its inner bore is precisely designed based on the outer diameter of the wire / cable 15 to be processed. Therefore, the cable 15 is held around the conduit 115 in such a way that it cannot bend radially. In the axial direction, the cable 15 is precisely positioned and held by the cable conveying device 100, within which the cable 15 is clamped between the conveyor belts 121 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 The conduit 115, together with the cable conveying device 100 and the conveying arm 110, passes through an additional cable stop 27 at a bending angle of several degrees from the horizontal cable swing plane. Figure 7 The schematic diagram is shown, in which the bending angle is displayed as much larger. As a result, high-quality cable products or cable semi-finished products are produced.

[0080] Then the second crimping tool 23a and the additional cable stop 27 are moved vertically to their starting positions by means of the crimping driver 24, so that the cable 15 is once again pointing parallel to the cable swing plane of the cable conveyor 100 - see Figure 8 .

[0081] In an alternative method to the previously disclosed method for configuring the cable processing equipment 20, the aforementioned method steps are performed, wherein the control device 50 is not pre-configured. The cable type of the cable 15 to be processed and the first crimping tool 23 and the second crimping tool 23a arranged in the crimping station are unknown and are identified by the scanner unit 81 of the detection device 80. The scanner unit 81 scans, for example, a QR code arranged on the cable 15 to identify cable-specific data of the cable 15. In addition, the scanner unit 81 scans, for example, a barcode arranged on the second crimping tool 23a to identify tool-specific data of the second crimping tool 23a.

[0082] Cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data are transmitted from the detection device 80 to the control device 50 (data lines are shown as uninterrupted dashed lines). The control device 50 converts the cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data from the detection device 80 into control commands for the working position of at least one tool assembly 22, thereby positioning the tool assembly 22 according to the cable 15 to be processed. Furthermore, the control device 50 converts the cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data from the detection device 80 into at least one control command for the working position of the first cable stop 25, causing the first cable stop 25 to be positioned according to the cable 15 to be processed.

[0083] Figure 9 An additional cable conveying device 200 with a cable conveying direction F1 is shown. The cable conveying device 200 has a conveying arm 210 that can swing in a cable swing plane, the conveying arm having a gripping device 215 for gripping a cable 15, such that the cable 15 can swing horizontally in the cable swing plane to the cable processing equipment 20 as described herein. The cable conveying direction F1 is generally at the same horizontal level as the cable conveying direction F of the cable conveying device 100. During the cable processing step, an additional cable stop 27 presses against the gripping device 215 to vertically press and secure the cable 15 guided therein in the direction toward the first cable stop 25. This cable conveying device 200 is used, for example, to process the tail end of the cable 15.

[0084] Figure 10 Another embodiment of the crimping station is shown, which serves as a cable processing device 220 for assembling cable connections at the cable ends of cable 15. This cable processing device 220 has features substantially the same as those of cable processing device 20, such as... Figures 1 to 8 The aforementioned functional and structural features.

[0085] The cable processing equipment 220 has position sensors 231 and 241 as first and second position sensor systems, respectively. The first position sensor 231 is arranged in the area of ​​the tool assembly section 22. The first position sensor 231 is arranged spaced apart from and adjacent to the first positioning device 230 of the tool assembly section 22, and may be, for example, a light sensor such as a laser barrier. The first position sensor 231 is electrically connected to the control device 250 to transmit sensor data.

[0086] The second position sensor 241 is disposed within the area of ​​the first cable stop 25. The second position sensor 241 is arranged spaced apart from and adjacent to the second positioning device 240 of the first cable stop 25, and may be, for example, a light sensor. The second position sensor 241 is electrically connected to the control device 250 to transmit sensor data.

[0087] Positioning devices 230 and 240 are servo motors and are connected to control device 250 to exchange control commands.

[0088] The computing unit 251 of the control device 250 is configured to create at least one control command for positioning the tool assembly 22 from sensor data of the first position sensor 231. The computing unit 251 of the control device 250 is also configured to create at least one control command for positioning the first cable stop 25 from sensor data of the second position sensor 241.

[0089] The additional cable stop 227 has an additional positioning device 228, wherein the additional positioning device 228 has, in particular, an additional positioning actuator 229 for at least vertically positioning the additional cable stop 227. The additional cable stop 227 is arranged opposite to the first cable stop 25 and is pressed against the conduit 115 as described above to secure the cable 15 guided therein during the processing. The additional positioning actuator 229 is connected to the control device 250 to exchange position data of the working position of the additional cable stop 227.

[0090] The preceding text relies on Figures 2 to 8 The described method can also be performed using cable processing equipment 220.

[0091] Figure 11 A flowchart is shown, illustrating a computer-implemented method for automatically determining and generating control commands and / or control data for controlling a cable processing equipment 20 or 220 having a control device 50 or 250, the control device performing a method for positioning a tool assembly 22 and a first cable stop 25, wherein control datasets and / or control commands are generated and / or stored.

[0092] As described above, the detection device 80 detects cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data and transmits it to the control device 50 (step V1). The control device 50 converts the cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data from the detection device 80 into at least one control command for the working position of the tool assembly 22 (step V2), thereby positioning the tool assembly 22 according to the cable 15 to be processed (step V3). Furthermore, the control device 50 converts the cable-specific data and / or tool-specific data from the detection device 80 into at least one control command for the working position of the first cable stop 25 (step V4), thereby positioning the first cable stop 25 according to the cable 15 to be processed (step V5).

[0093] The resulting control dataset and / or control commands are stored in storage unit 51 of control device 50 and / or database 60 (step V6). The database is configured as, for example, a distributed cloud and networked with control devices having different cable processing equipment 20 or 220 in order to exchange the created control data and / or control commands.

[0094] Furthermore, the control device 50 contains a computer program product 55, which includes control commands and / or control data that, when the program is run by the computing unit 51, cause the execution of steps of a method / method for configuring the cable processing equipment 20 or the cable processing equipment 220, or the execution of a method for automatically determining and generating control commands and / or control data.

[0095] In addition, there is a computer-readable storage medium 150 that includes a plurality of such control commands and / or control data, which, when executed by the computing unit 51, cause the control device 50 to perform the steps of the method or the above-described method for configuring the cable processing equipment 20 or the cable processing equipment 220.

[0096] List of reference numerals 15 cable 15A cable conductor 16-pin connector 20 Cable processing equipment 21 Base support structure 21a base structure 22 Tool Assembly Department 22a Anvil 23 First crimping tool 23a Second Crimping Tool 24-Crimped Driver 25 First cable stop 26 guiding devices 27. Additional cable stop components Positioning device of 2827 29 guide rails 29a spring element 30 First positioning device 31 First Position Sensor System 32 Rotary Sensor 35 Positioning Driver 36 adjustment units 40 Second positioning device 41 Second position sensor system 42 Rotary Sensor 45 Positioning Driver 46 adjustment units 50 control devices 51 computing units 52 storage units 55 Computer Program Products 60 databases 80 detection device 81 scanner units 100 Cable Transmission Device 110 Conveyor Arm 115 catheter 120 transfer drive 150 computer-readable storage media 200 cable transmission device 210 Conveyor Arm 215 gripping device 220 cable processing equipment 227 Other cable stop components 228 Other positioning devices 229 Additional positioning device driver 230 First Positioning Device 231 First Position Sensor 240 Second Positioning Device 241 Second position sensor 250 control device 251 computing units F Cable transmission direction Methods and steps for V1-V6 F1 Cable transmission direction

Claims

1. A cable processing apparatus (20; 20) for processing cables (15), comprising a first tool assembly (22), a first cable stop (25); a first positioning device (30; 230) having a first positioning driver (35) for vertically positioning the first tool assembly (22) relative to a cable conveying direction (F; F1) of a cable conveying device (100; 200); and a control device (50; 250) connected to the first positioning driver (35) to exchange first control data, wherein the cable conveying device (100; 200) includes a wobbly conveying arm (110) having a guide unit (115), and the first cable stop is configured to fix the wobbly conveying arm (110) and / or the guide unit (115), characterized in that, A second positioning device (40; 240) with a second positioning driver (45) is provided for positioning the first cable stop (25) at least vertically relative to the cable transmission direction (F; F1) of the cable transmission device (100; 200), wherein the second positioning driver (45) is connected to the control device (50; 250) to exchange second control data and for positioning the first cable stop (25) at least vertically.

2. The cable processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first position sensor system (31) is provided for detecting at least the vertical position of the first tool assembly (22), wherein the first position sensor system (31) is arranged on the first positioning driver (35) and / or includes a first position sensor (231).

3. The cable processing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A second position sensor system (41) is provided for detecting at least the vertical position of the first cable stop (25), wherein the second position sensor system (41) is arranged on the second positioning driver (45) and / or includes a second position sensor (241).

4. The cable processing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control device (50; 250) has a computing unit (51) and is connected to the first position sensor system (31) and the second position sensor system (41) to exchange sensor data.

5. The cable processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The computing unit (51; 251) is configured to create at least one control command for positioning the first tool assembly (22) from sensor data of the first position sensor system (31) and / or create at least one additional control command for positioning the first cable stop (25) from sensor data of the second position sensor system (41).

6. The cable processing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, There is at least one storage unit (52; 252) and / or database (60) connected to the control device (50; 250), wherein the control device (50; 250) is configured to retrieve at least one control command from the at least one storage unit (52; 252) and / or from the database (60) to drive at least one of the two positioning drives (35; 45).

7. The cable processing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A base structure (21a) exists and the first tool assembly (22) is fixedly arranged on the base structure (21a), wherein the base structure (21a) can be positioned at least perpendicularly to the cable transmission direction (F; F1) of the cable transmission device (100; 200) by means of the first positioning device (30).

8. The cable processing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, There are additional cable stops (27; 227) and additional positioning devices (28; 228), wherein the additional positioning devices (28; 228) have additional positioning device drivers (29; 229) for at least vertically positioning the additional cable stops (27; 227).

9. The cable processing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A detection device (80) is provided for detecting cable data and / or tool data, and the detection device (80) is connected to the control device (50; 250) to exchange cable data and / or tool data.

10. A computer-implemented method for configuring a cable processing apparatus (20; 220) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the cable processing apparatus performing a method for positioning a first tool assembly (22) and a first cable stop (25), wherein the first tool assembly (22) and the first cable stop (25) are vertically positioned, and the positioning is independent of the cable conveying direction (F; F1) of the cable conveying device (100; 200), wherein, Positioning is achieved before the cable processing steps using the cable processing equipment (20; 220) occur.

11. The computer-implemented method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Sensor data is detected by a first position sensor system (31) and / or a second position sensor system (41) and the first tool assembly (22) and / or the first cable stop (25) are positioned based on the sensor data, wherein the control device (50; 250) retrieves control data for positioning the first tool assembly (22) and / or the first cable stop (25) from a storage unit (52; 252) and / or a database (60).

12. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that, The positioning of the first tool assembly (22) and / or the first cable stop (25) is achieved based on cable data and / or tool data.

13. A computer-implemented method for controlling control commands and / or control data of a cable processing apparatus (20; 220) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the cable processing apparatus performing a method for positioning a first tool assembly (22) and a first cable stop (25), wherein at least one control dataset and / or control command is generated and stored.

14. A computer program product (55) comprising control commands and / or control data, which, when the program is run by a computing unit (51; 251), causes to perform the steps of the method / method according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

15. A computer-readable storage medium (150) comprising control commands and / or control data, which, when executed by a computing unit (51; 251), cause a control device (50; 250) to perform the method and / or method steps according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

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