Apparatus and method for twisting single cables

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) and method for stranding single cables (11, 12) around a stranding axis (V) to form a cable bundle (10) along an extension axis (A). The apparatus (100) includes single-wire rotating units (41, 42) spaced apart from each other at a variable distance (45) to hold cable ends (15, 16) at one end of each of the single cables (11, 12), wherein each single-wire rotating unit (41, 42) is rotatably mounted about an associated pivot axis (41f, 42f), each pivot axis (41f, 42f) extending substantially perpendicular to the extension axis (A) of the cable bundle (10); a stranding unit (30) for holding and stranding the cable ends at the other end of the single cables (11, 12); and a distance adjusting device (50) for adjusting the variable distance (45).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for stranding single cables, particularly for stranding single cables into pairs to form cable bundles. Background Technology

[0002] Cable bundles are made up of individual cables twisted together and are needed in various industrial applications. Before twisting, the individual cables are usually cut to a certain length and, if necessary, trimmed to include contact components.

[0003] According to some conventional devices and methods in the prior art, a cable pair consisting of a single cable is clamped between a holding unit located at one end of the cable and a twisting unit located at the other end of the cable, and twisted by rotation of the twisting unit. The resulting shortening of the cable pair is compensated by longitudinal displacement of the twisting unit. For example, a corresponding device is disclosed in EP 1 032 095 A2. Using this type of conventional device and method, the single cable is twisted, that is, rotated about its own single cable axis.

[0004] EP 0 917 746 A1 discloses a device for twisting cable pairs without subjecting individual cables to unacceptable twisting. In this configuration, holding units are replaced by untwisting units, each individually gripping a single cable at one end (tail end). A longitudinally movable guide separates the two individual cables using a guide spindle and moves along the direction of the untwisting units during twisting. Therefore, the lay pitch can be kept constant.

[0005] DE 10 2017 109 791 A1 discloses an apparatus with untwisting units that are oriented parallel to each other at the start of the winding process and rotate electrically inward during the winding process. During the winding process, the rotation angle is continuously increased by a control device.

[0006] Technical problems that need to be solved

[0007] Using the apparatus known in DE 10 2017 109 791 A1, a shorter untwisted area can be maintained at the cable end in the untwisting unit, i.e., a relatively small amount of untwisted cable can be obtained. However, among other things, further reduction of the untwisted area is limited because the cable end cannot be twisted at a large inward rotation angle. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Various aspects of the present invention address the aforementioned problems. According to one aspect, an apparatus and a method are provided as described below. The apparatus is for stranding two or more single cables about a stranding axis to form a cable bundle along an extension axis, the apparatus comprising: single-wire rotating units spaced apart from each other at a variable distance to hold cable ends at one end of each single cable, wherein each single-wire rotating unit is rotatably mounted about an associated pivot axis, each pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to the extension axis of the cable bundle; a stranding unit for holding and stranding the cable ends at the other end of the single cable; and a distance adjusting device for adjusting the variable distance. The method is for stranding two or more single cables about a stranding axis to form a cable bundle along an extension axis, wherein the method is performed using the apparatus described in any one of the foregoing claims, the method comprising: holding cable ends at one end of each single cable by the single-wire rotating units; holding cable ends at the other end of each single cable by the stranding units; rotating the stranding units to perform a stranding process; and adjusting the variable distance by the distance adjusting device. Other aspects, features, improvements, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description below, and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] According to one aspect, an apparatus for stranding a single cable around a stranding axis to form a cable bundle along an extension axis includes a single-wire rotating unit, a stranding unit, and a distance adjusting device. The single-wire rotating units (independent rotating units) are spaced apart from each other at a variable distance. Each single-wire rotating unit is configured to hold, for example, one end of a single cable, for example, clamping the cable end. Each single-wire rotating unit is rotatably mounted about an associated pivot axis. Each pivot axis extends substantially perpendicular to the extension axis of the cable bundle. The stranding unit is configured to hold and strand the cable end at the other end of a single cable. The distance adjusting device is configured to adjust the variable distance.

[0010] The adjustability of the variable distance means that unacceptable kinks (bending angles) in a single cable at the end of the unstretched cable can be avoided, especially at the end of the stranding process, thus further shortening the unstretched area. The result is an increased yield of the stranded cable bundle.

[0011] In this embodiment, the single-wire rotating units are mechanically coupled, such that the pivot angle generated between the single-wire rotating units is always formed substantially evenly by the single-wire rotating units. Here, an adjustable, movable stop may also be provided on at least one single-wire rotating unit, wherein the movable stop is defined to limit the pivot angle, thereby avoiding or preventing contact between the elements of the single-wire rotating units, particularly between the tips of the single-wire stranding clamps of the single-wire rotating units. The movable stop can also be moved so that the single-wire rotating unit is (i.e., reaches, has) a parallel position relative to another.

[0012] In another embodiment, each rotating unit is provided with a pivot driver. The pivot drivers are configured such that they collectively allow for a controlled limitation of the pivot angle between the single-line rotating units.

[0013] In both variations, the pivot angle is appropriately and equally symmetrical relative to the corresponding angle by which the single cable extends in the direction of the single-wire rotating unit in the stranding unit; that is, it is substantially the same on both sides, thus resulting in a uniform lay of the stranded cable bundle. Furthermore, the distance between the single-wire rotating units is variable during stranding, therefore, the lay can become even more uniform. Moreover, this distance can be further reduced to allow for a final stranding process (twisting) after the actual stranding process.

[0014] In implementation, a control device defined by program control and / or user control may be provided for the variable distance. For example, the control device may be configured to further reduce the variable distance between the single-wire rotating units in order to perform the final twisting process.

[0015] According to another aspect, a method is provided for stranding a single cable around a stranding axis to form a cable bundle along an extension axis using the apparatus of the present invention. The method includes: holding one end of each single cable by a single-wire rotating unit; holding the other end of the single cable by a stranding unit; rotating the stranding unit to perform a stranding process; and adjusting the variable distance by the distance adjusting device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method includes maintaining a predetermined distance between the single-wire rotating units before holding the cable ends respectively; pivoting the single-wire rotating units to a parallel position; and receiving the cable ends at the single-wire rotating units.

[0017] In one embodiment, adjusting the variable distance during the twisting process includes reducing the variable distance. In another embodiment, the variable distance is further reduced after the twisting process is completed in order to perform a final twisting process. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Further details regarding the implementation methods, including their features, advantages, and effects, can be gleaned from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cable bundle area is shown to illustrate the terminology used herein;

[0020] Figure 2 Further shown Figure 1 One area of ​​the cable pair;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a stranding device is shown, which has stranding units, and in each case, each cable has a rotating unit, for the purpose of illustrating the terminology and process used herein;

[0022] Figure 4 According to one embodiment, a side view of an apparatus for stranding a single cable is shown.

[0023] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of each component of the device 100;

[0024] Figure 6 According to one embodiment, an enlarged view of the untwisting unit is shown;

[0025] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 Part of the untwisting unit;

[0026] Figure 8 The parallel position of the single-line rotating unit is shown;

[0027] Figure 9 A partial top sectional view of the untwisting unit located in a parallel position is shown;

[0028] Figure 10 A partial top sectional view of the untwisting unit located at the pivot position is shown;

[0029] Figure 11 A variant of the untwisting unit with a pivot drive is shown;

[0030] Figure 12 A schematic perspective view of a portion of the guide device and the winding unit is shown;

[0031] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the guiding device is shown, in which the guide spindle is in the middle position;

[0032] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the guide device is shown, in which the guide spindle is in the hinged position;

[0033] Figure 15 A side view of the guide device is shown;

[0034] Figure 16 A detailed view of the guide spindle is shown;

[0035] Figure 17 The configuration of the device 100 in its initial position before the twisting process is shown;

[0036] Figure 18 The configuration of the device 100 at the beginning position of the twisting process is shown;

[0037] Figure 19 The configuration of device 100 in the middle position is shown;

[0038] Figure 20 A top view of the single-wire rotating unit in contact with the guide spindle shortly before the end of the twisting process is shown.

[0039] Figure 21 A top view of a single-wire rotating unit not in contact with the guide spindle is shown shortly before the stranding process is completed.

[0040] Figure 22 A schematic diagram is shown of the components of the device in the position where the guide device continues its linear movement until the guide spindle reaches a position near the end of the cable; and

[0041] Figure 23 It shows the relationship with Figure 22 A similar view, in which the guide axis is located outside the extended axis A. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a region of a cable bundle is shown, the region being generally indicated by 10. The cable bundle consists of single cables 11 and 12 as cable pairs. It should be noted that the number of two single cables 11, 12 is exemplary and non-limiting, and the aspects and features described herein can be applied in whole or in part to cable bundles having more than two single cables 11, 12, producing the same or similar effects. In an embodiment, two single cables 11, 12 can still be used in a single cable bundle 10.

[0043] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the first cable end 15 of the single cable 11 and the first cable end 16 of the single cable 12 are located on the same side. For example, the first cable ends 15 and 16 have been processed; in this embodiment, the first cable end 15 has a contact 13a and a sleeve 13b, and the second cable end 16 has a contact 14a and a sleeve 14b. Figure 1 In the area to the right of the dashed line marked B, single cables 11 and 12 are twisted together; therefore, in the projection plane, for example, in... Figure 1 In the drawing plane, there is a point where single cables 11 and 12 intersect. In the twisted area to the right of line B, cable bundle 10 extends along the extension axis A.

[0044] The term "twisting" as used in this article refers to the state in which cables 11 and 12 are intertwined, i.e., entangled together. When there are single cables in the same order at two intersections in a direction perpendicular to the projection plane, there are identical intersections in the projection plane. The distance between two adjacent identical intersections is called the twist pitch, or simply the twist pitch, denoted by a2. Two eyelets 19 are formed in the projection plane between two adjacent identical intersections, and for a high-quality cable bundle 10, these eyelets should be as small as possible.

[0045] Figure 1 The reference numerals in the accompanying figures continue in the following paragraphs and will not be repeated here.

[0046] Figure 2 A portion of cable pair 10 is shown again for illustration. The untwisted ends of individual cables 11 and 12 have a length a1 to a first intersection point P1, where the twisted area begins. As described above, the distance between two identical intersections or crossings of cables 11 and 12 within the twisted area is defined as the lay pitch a2.

[0047] Distance a3 is defined in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the cable pair 10, wherein distances a1 and a2 are defined in the same extension direction of the cable pair 10. Distance a3 defines the spacing between individual cables 11 and 12, in this case, for example, at the ends of untwisted individual cables 11 and 12.

[0048] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a conventional stranding device 100 is shown, which includes a stranding unit 30, single-wire rotating units 41 and 42, each rotating unit being configured for a single cable 11 or 12, and a guiding device 35. For ease of explanation, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Cable bundle 10 is clamped in Figure 3 In the stranding device 100, a single cable 11 is clamped at its tail end in a single-wire rotating unit 41. This end is also referred to below as the first end 15 of the single cable 11. A single cable 12 is clamped at its tail end in a single-wire rotating unit 42. This end is also referred to below as the first end 16 of the single cable 12.

[0049] A single-wire rotating unit 41 is configured to hold the first end 15 of a single cable 11 clamped along its cable axis v1 at its first end 15. A single-wire rotating unit 42 is configured to hold the first end 16 of a single cable 12 clamped along its cable axis v2 at its first end 16. Each single-wire rotating unit 41, 42 can rotate about its respective cable axis v1, v2 of the single cable 11, 12 clamped in the respective rotating unit 41, 42, at least in the direction that causes the respective single cable 11, 12 to untwist (not twist). Preferably, each single-wire rotating unit can rotate forward or backward as needed about the respective cable axis v1, v2, such as... Figure 3 The double arrows Q1 and Q2 are shown respectively. Each single-wire rotation unit 41, 42 may also be referred to as an untwisting unit in the following text.

[0050] The untwisting (non-twisting) used herein includes, for example, reducing or eliminating the torque or torque generated in each individual cable 11, 12 through node rotation. To achieve the advantages described herein, untwisting or non-twisting need not be fully performed. That is, during stranding, the (total) rotation angle of stranding unit 30 can be less than the (total) rotation angle of single-wire rotating units 41, 42.

[0051] Guide device 35 is used to transition from the unwound area to the wound area during the winding process, approximately at... Figure 1 In the region at line B, at least some areas, individual cables 11 and 12 are separated. During stranding, the guide device 35 can be guided or displaced in a controlled manner in a direction x substantially parallel to the stranding axis V. The stranding axis V is generally the same as the extension axis A.

[0052] The stranding unit 30 is configured such that it can rotate about the stranding axis V along the stranding direction P to perform the stranding process. In other words, the stranding unit 30 can be driven to rotate about the stranding axis V, thereby rotating in the stranding direction P to facilitate the stranding process. To compensate for the shortening of the individual cables 11, 12 that are entangled with each other during the stranding process, the stranding unit 30 can move in a direction u substantially parallel to the stranding axis V. The direction parallel to the stranding axis V as used herein also includes a direction on the stranding axis V itself.

[0053] Figure 4 To illustrate one embodiment, a side schematic diagram of an apparatus 100 for stranding single cables 11, 12 to form a cable bundle 10 is shown. It should be noted that, in conjunction with... Figure 4 The components and processes discussed need not be performed in their entirety for the purpose of implementing this invention.

[0054] exist Figure 4In this process, individual cables 11 and 12 are fed from their respective ends to processing modules 103, 104, 105, and 106, which operate on cables 11 and 12. For example, but not limited to, the ends of individual cables 11 and 12 may have their insulation stripped by a cutting head 102, and then be sequentially fed to processing modules 103 and 104 via a first pivoting unit 107. Figure 1 Contacts 13a, 14a and sleeves 13b, 14b are here mounted on the respective conductor ends of the individual cables 11, 12. Then, the first pivoting unit 107 pivots the cable pair 10 back again, and the front ends of the individual cables 11, 12 can be clamped by the extension slider 109. Depending on the desired cable length, the individual cables 11, 12 are extended by the extension slider along the guide rail in a linear guiding direction defined by the guide rail.

[0055] Then, the individual cables 11 and 12 are clamped by the second pivot unit 108 and cut and have their insulation stripped by the cutting head 102. The second pivot unit 108 feeds the tail conductor end to the processing modules 105 and 106 on the other side and completes all processing, such as resetting the sleeve and contacts.

[0056] The conveying module 111 receives the tail end 17 of a single cable 11, 12, carries it a short distance, and after a pivoting motion, individually conveys it to the corresponding single-wire rotating units 41, 42, which are combined in the untwisting unit 40. The conveying module 112 conveys the front end 16 of the single cable 11, 12 to the stranding unit 30, also referred to as the stranding head. To perform the actual stranding process, the stranding unit 30 rotates, as described above. Figure 3 As described above. During the twisting process, the twisting unit can simultaneously move in the direction of the untwisting unit 40 with controlled tension.

[0057] The control unit 200 controls some or all of the components of the device 100.

[0058] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the various components of device 100; for better understanding, other components of device 100 are not shown. Figure 5 As shown in the image. Figure 4 The untwisting unit 40, the guiding device 35, and the twisting unit 30 are shown.

[0059] Figure 6According to one embodiment, an enlarged view of a detwisting unit 40 is shown. The detwisting unit 40 includes a first single-wire rotating unit 41 having an associated first single-wire rotating clamp 41a and a second single-wire rotating unit 42 having an associated second single-wire rotating clamp 42a. The first single-wire rotating clamp 41a is rotatably mounted in a first spindle housing 41b. The second single-wire rotating clamp 42a is rotatably mounted in a second spindle housing 42b. The first single-wire rotating clamp 41a can be rotated by a first detwisting motor 41e. The second single-wire rotating clamp 42a can be rotated by a second detwisting motor 42e. The first spindle housing 41b is fixed to a first housing support 41c. The second spindle housing 42b is fixed to the second housing support 42c.

[0060] A first housing support 41c is pivotally mounted in a first support housing 41d about a first pivot 41f. A second housing support 42c is pivotally mounted in a second support housing 42d about a second pivot 42f. Pivots 41f and 42f are substantially parallel to each other. Each pivot 41f and 42f extends substantially perpendicular to the extended axis A of the cable bundle 10.

[0061] The distance 45 between the support housings 41d and 42d is variable in a direction parallel to the pivots 41f and 42f. For simplicity, the distance 45 is also referred to herein as the distance between the single-line rotating units 41 and 42. To change the distance 45, the support housings 41d and 42d can be moved relative to each other along a linear guide perpendicular to the extension axis A by a distance adjustment device 50. In the embodiment shown herein, for example, the distance adjustment device 50 is formed by two spindles, a connector 56, and a spindle driver. The two spindles are connected to each other by the connector 56. A spindle driver (not shown) is suitably connected to the connected spindle. One of the spindles is right-handed, while the other is left-handed, which allows the distance 45 to be adjusted symmetrically relative to the extension axis A when driving such a connected spindle.

[0062] The shortest distance between the tip 41g of the first single-line rotating clamp 41a and the tip 42g of the second single-line rotating clamp 42a depends on the distance 45 between the single-line rotating units 41 and 42, and on the pivot angle α defined by the pivot about each pivot axis 41f and 42f.

[0063] For example, the distance 45 can be adjusted via the control unit 200. The distance 45 can be adjusted in a program-controlled, user-controlled, or program-controlled and user-controlled manner, for example, according to the sequence of the winding process.

[0064] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6For clarity, the single-wire rotation units 41 and 42 are omitted from the untwisting unit 40. The first housing support 41c includes a first gear 51b that meshes with a first reverse gear 51c. The first reverse gear 51c is fixed to a first bushing 51a mounted on the rack shaft 54. The second housing support 42c includes a second gear 52b that meshes with a second reverse gear 52c. The second reverse gear 52c is fixed to a second bushing 52a mounted on the rack shaft 54.

[0065] The rack shaft 54 ​​can move longitudinally within bushings 51a and 52a. When moved longitudinally in this manner, the rotation of the rack shaft 54 ​​is transmitted to the corresponding bushings 51a and 52a. Since each gear element 51b and 52b meshes with its respective associated counter-gear element 51c and 52c, the housing supports 41c and 42c pivot by an absolute value equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. This pivoting motion changes the angle α.

[0066] In the described embodiment, during operation, the angle α changes, i.e., the pivoting of the single-wire rotation units 41, 42 occurs due to the tension applied to the single-wire rotation units 41, 42 during operation via the cables clamped in the single-wire rotation clamps 41a, 42a. Therefore, the angle α is readily generated by geometric conditions, thus eliminating the need for active control of the angle α by other actuators. For this purpose, the first single-wire rotation clamp 41a is advantageously mounted to allow for smooth rotation within the first spindle housing 41b, while the second single-wire rotation clamp 42a is advantageously mounted to allow for smooth rotation within the second spindle housing 42b.

[0067] An angle sensor 55 is provided to measure angle α and output an angle measurement signal. For example, an electromagnetically operable brake 53 is activated based on the angle measurement signal to lock the single-wire rotating units 41, 42 at an angle α that is fixed or can be fixed to each other. This activation can be performed, for example, by a control unit 200.

[0068] Before the twisting process begins, the cable ends of individual cables 11 and 12 are fed to the untwisting clamps 41a and 42a of the single-wire rotating units 41 and 42. For this purpose, there must be both a defined distance 45 and a defined angle α; the single-wire rotating units 41 and 42 must be parallel to each other. Figure 8 The parallel positions of the single-wire rotating units 41 and 42 are shown; here, distance 45 corresponds to a defined distance 45 at which the cable ends of the single cables 11 and 12 are conveyed to the untwisting clamps 41a and 42a. This position (distance and angular position) of the single-wire rotating units 41 and 42 is referred to herein as the parallel position. Positions other than the parallel position (distance and / or angular position) are referred to herein as the pivot position.

[0069] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Partial top sectional views of the unwinding unit 40 are shown. Figure 9 In the middle, the housing supports 41c and 42c of the single-line rotating units 41 and 42 are located Figure 8 The perspective view shows the parallel position. Figure 10 In the middle, the housing supports 41c and 42c of the single-line rotating units 41 and 42 are in a pivot position.

[0070] A stop element 42g, such as a stop plate, is fixed to one of the spindle housings 41b, 42b, for example, the second spindle housing 42b. A movable stop 57 is fixed to a component of the untwisting unit 40 located opposite the spindle housings 41b, 42b, for example, fixed to the support housing 42d. The movable stop 57 limits the pivotability of the corresponding single-wire rotating unit because it provides a stop surface to the stop element 42g of the spindle housing 42b. Therefore, the angle α is limited by the single-wire rotating units 41, 42 connected by the aforementioned gear mechanism.

[0071] The movable stop 57 can be adjusted, for example, by means of a motor. To obtain... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown in the parallel position, the movable stop 57 is adjusted accordingly so that the single-wire rotating units 41 and 42 are in a parallel position. During the twisting process, the movable stop 57 is appropriately adjusted so that it can pivot, but this pivoting is restricted, so that the tips 41g and 42g of the single rotating clamps 41a and 42a do not contact each other or get too close.

[0072] Figure 11 A variant of the untwisting unit 40 is shown, which has a pivot actuator 42h for controlled pivoting of the housing support 42c. Figure 11 Not shown, but a pivot actuator 41h is present to control the pivoting of the housing support 41c. For example, each pivot actuator 41h, 42h has a motor and gears to pivot the associated housing support 41c, 42c about pivots 41f and 42f, respectively. (Refer to above) Figures 6-10 The variant shown adjusts the distance 45. However, the pivoting is also limited by controlled pivotability, so that the tips 41g, 42g of the individual rotating clamps 41a, 42a do not contact each other or come too close together during the winding process. The parallel position can be defined in a targeted manner by controlled pivotability.

[0073] Figure 12A schematic perspective view of a portion of the guide device 35 and the stranding unit 39 is shown. An operating device 31 with a clamping cylinder 32 is provided on the stranding unit 30, the clamping cylinder 32 being movable in parallel. The clamping cylinder 32 is positioned on the stranding unit 30 because the position of the stranding unit depends on the cable length.

[0074] The guide device 35 has a guide spindle 360 ​​for separating and guiding individual cables 11, 12 during stranding. The cable ends 15, 16 of the individual cables 11, 12, which are clamped in the single-wire rotating units 41, 42, are respectively clamped at this end and therefore not held in a rotationally fixed manner. Without the guide device 35, there would be no predictable lay. During stranding, the guide device 35 can move along the x-direction (see...). Figure 3 The guide spindle 360 ​​separates the individual cables 11 and 12 during the stranding process, and the guide device 35 moves accordingly. The lay length a2 can remain essentially constant, or even vary in a controlled manner. The displacement of the guide device 35 is coordinated with the rotational speed of the stranding unit 30 to obtain the desired lay length a2.

[0075] The guide device 35 is designed such that the guide spindle 360 ​​is movable away from the stranding axis V, for example, pivotally away from the stranding axis V. Advantageously, the guide spindle 360 ​​moves away from the stranding axis V as the guide device 35 moves toward the stranding unit 30 before the stranding process is completed.

[0076] exist Figure 12 In the illustrated structure, the guide device 35 includes a clamping element 352, a clamping spring 351, a locking rocker arm 353, a pawl 354, and a crank connecting rod 355. A guide spindle 360 ​​is pivotally mounted in the guide device 35, allowing it to pivotally move away from the hinge axis V by operating the crank connecting rod 355. The operating direction of the crank connecting rod corresponds to the movable direction of the clamping element 352. The clamping element 352 is configured such that it can interact with the clamping cylinder 32 when there is a corresponding distance between the hinge unit 30 and the guide device 35. In other words, when there is a corresponding distance between the hinge unit 30 and the guide device 35, the clamping element 352 of the guide device 35 can be operated by the clamping cylinder 32 of the hinge unit.

[0077] Figure 12 The guide spindle 360 ​​is shown in its initial position, pivoted away from the hinge axis V. Operation of the clamping element 352 toward the crank connecting rod 355 causes the crank connecting rod 355 to pivot the guide spindle 360 ​​toward the hinge axis V, ultimately placing it in the hinged position, as described further below. This operation is opposite to the preload of the clamping spring 351. The pawl 354 and locking rocker 353 lock the guide spindle 360 ​​in this hinged position.

[0078] Figure 13 A guide device 35 is shown, with the guide spindle 360 ​​in an intermediate position. In this intermediate position, the guide device 35 moves along the direction of the hinge unit 30. A clamping cylinder 32 keeps the clamping element 352 stationary, and the movement of the guide device 35 is opposite to that of the stationary clamping cylinder 32, so as to pivot the guide spindle 360 ​​via the crank connecting rod 355.

[0079] Figure 14 A guide device 36 is shown, wherein its guide spindle 360 ​​is in a twisted position, in which the guide spindle 360 ​​is pivoted to the twisting axis V located between the single cables 11, 12 to be twisted. Figure 15 A side view of the guide device 35 is shown. Figure 14 Before the engagement position shown, pawl 354 has passed over and is locked in lock plate 358. Locking lever 353 is elastically loaded by spring 356. When the operation point 357 is reached, the lock is released again.

[0080] exist Figure 14 After reaching the indicated position, the clamping cylinder 32 retracts. The guide spindle 360 ​​remains in the position indicated. Figure 14 The twisting position is shown. Then, the guide device 35 is moved closer to the twisting unit 30.

[0081] Figure 16 A detailed view of the guide spindle 360 ​​is shown. The guide spindle 360 ​​has a thickened portion 361 on the side opposite to the side to which it is fastened to the guide device 35. For a guide spindle 160 with a circular cross-section, the guide spindle has a correspondingly larger diameter, at least in certain portions of the thickened portion 361. The guide spindle 360 ​​is also thickened at the upper part of the shaft, for example, for a circular cross-section, by means of a larger diameter. A guide region 362 is formed between the two thickened portions. During stranding, the individual cables 11, 12 come into contact with the guide region 362. This geometry helps to effectively prevent the individual cables 11, 12 from swaying during stranding, especially when stranding cables longer than 5 meters, particularly exceeding 7 meters.

[0082] Figure 17 The configuration of the device 100 in its initial position before the stranding process is shown. Extended, finished single cables 11 and 12 are clamped in corresponding elements of the untwisting unit 40 and the stranding unit 30. The untwisting clamps 41a and 42a are in a parallel position at corresponding defined distances 45. The guide spindle 360 ​​is located outside the extension axis A. After conveying the single cables 11 and 12, the stranding unit 30 moves slightly away from the untwisting unit 40 to stretch the single cables 11 and 12.

[0083] Then, the guide device 35 moves in the direction of the twisting unit 30. The clamping cylinder 32 retracts, allowing the guide device 35 to come very close to the twisting unit 30. This position is as follows: Figure 18 As shown, this is referred to as the starting position. The guide spindle 360 ​​pivots to the extension axis A and separates the twisted area (to the right of the guide spindle 360 ​​in the figure) from the untwisted area (to the left of the guide spindle 360 ​​in the figure), wherein, in the twisted area, the individual cables 11, 12 are twisted together to form a twisted cable bundle 10.

[0084] The stranding process begins with the stranding unit 30 rotating and stranding the individual cables 11, 12 to form a cable bundle 10. The single-wire rotating units 41, 42 ensure, through their rotation, that the individual cables themselves do not twist, i.e., do not twist about their respective cable axes v1, v2. During the stranding process, the guide device 35 moves at a controlled speed in the direction of the untwisting unit 40, wherein the controlled speed is generated by the rotational speed of the stranding unit 30 and the desired twist pitch a2. The stranding unit 30 also moves towards the untwisting unit 40 with minimal movement to compensate for the shortening caused by the stranding of the cable bundle 10. For example, this movement can be carried out under controlled tension. Particularly for long cables exceeding 5 meters, especially exceeding 7 meters, the thickened portion 361 on the guide spindle 360 ​​reduces the vertical sway of the cables 11, 12, thereby improving the quality of the stranding process. Figure 19 The diagram shows the intermediate position after the twisting process has begun and before it has been completed.

[0085] Figure 20 and Figure 21 Top views of single-wire rotating units 41 and 42 are shown shortly before the stranding process is completed. Figure 20 In the middle, the guide spindle 360 ​​is still in contact with the individual cables 11 and 12. To bring the first intersection point P1 closer to the cable ends of the individual cables 11 and 12, the guide device 35 further moves the guide spindle 360 ​​so that it is no longer in contact with the individual cables 11 and 12, as shown below. Figure 21 As shown. In Figure 21 In this process, the distance 45 between the single-wire rotating units 41 and 42 has been further reduced. The actual stranding process has been completed. Subsequently, a final stranding process is performed, in which the stranding unit 30 rotates again along the stranding direction, and the first intersection point P1 is guided closer to the conductor end.

[0086] Then, the stranding process and the subsequent final stranding process are completed, and the fully stranded cable assembly is released from the stranding unit 30 and the single-wire rotating units 41, 42, for example, falling into the cable tray 160 (see...). Figure 4Before release, the stranding unit 30, which is no longer rotating, can be moved further along the direction of the untwisting unit 40 to loosen the stranded cable bundle. In this case, the angular position of the single-wire rotating units 41 and 42 can be blocked by operating the brake 53.

[0087] Figure 22 The components of device 100 are shown in a position where guide device 35 continues its linear movement until guide spindle 360 ​​reaches approximately near the end of the cable. Now, the unlock cylinder (not shown) operates at point 357, resulting in guide spindle 360 ​​pivoting as... Figure 23 The position is shown outside the extended axis A. Then, the guide device 35 can be moved to the initial position without the guide spindle 360 ​​interfering with the movement.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for stranding two or more single cables (11, 12) around a stranding axis (V) to form a cable bundle (10) along an extension axis (A), the apparatus comprising: Single-wire rotating units (41, 42), spaced apart from each other by a variable distance (45), respectively hold cable ends (15, 16) at one end of the single cable (11, 12), wherein each single-wire rotating unit (41, 42) is rotatably mounted about an associated pivot axis (41f, 42f), each pivot axis (41f, 42f) extending substantially perpendicular to the extension axis (A) of the cable bundle (10); A stranding unit (30) for holding and stranding the cable ends of the other end of the single cable (11, 12); Distance adjustment device (50) for adjusting the variable distance (45).

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The single-line rotating units (41, 42) are mechanically connected such that the pivot angle (α) formed between the single-line rotating units (41, 42) is formed evenly by the single-line rotating units (41, 42).

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes an adjustable movable stop (57) for a stop element (42g) disposed on at least one of the single-line rotating units (41, 42), wherein the device (100) is configured such that the movable stop (57) is defined to limit the pivot angle (α) thereby preventing contact between the elements (41g, 42g) of the single-line rotating units (41, 42) at a given distance (45) between the single-line rotating units (41, 42).

4. The apparatus (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The device (100) is configured such that the movable stop (57) is defined for obtaining the parallel position of the single-line rotating unit (41, 42).

5. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: A separate spindle driver (41h, 42h) is provided for each single-line rotary unit (41, 42) for controlled limitation of the pivot angle (α) formed between the single-line rotary units (41, 42).

6. The apparatus (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The device is designed to actuate the spindle drive (41h, 42h) such that the pivot angle (α) is always formed substantially evenly by the single-line rotation unit (41, 42).

7. The apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that It also includes a control device (200) for program control and / or user control for defining the variable distance (45).

8. The apparatus (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The control device (200) is configured to further reduce the variable distance (45) between the single-wire rotating units (41, 42) in order to perform the final twisting process.

9. A method for stranding two or more single cables (11, 12) around a stranding axis (V) to form a cable bundle (10) along an extension axis (A), wherein, The method is performed using the apparatus (100) described in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: The cable ends (15, 16) are respectively held at one end of the single cable (11, 12) by a single-wire rotating unit (41, 42). The cable ends are held at the other end of the single cable (11, 12) by the twisting unit (30); Rotate the twisting unit (30) to perform the twisting process; The variable distance (45) is adjusted by the distance adjustment device (50).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that: Before retaining the cable ends (15, 16) respectively, the following is also included: The single-line rotating units (41, 42) are spaced a predetermined distance (45) apart from each other, and the single-line rotating units (41, 42) are pivoted to a parallel position; The cable ends (15, 16) are received in the single-wire rotating unit (41, 42).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: Adjusting the variable distance (45) during the twisting process includes reducing the variable distance (45).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that: After the twisting process is completed, the variable distance (45) is further reduced in order to perform the final twisting process.

Images