Loop sleeving station

Abstract

A looping station (1) comprises a looping equipping device (2) for equipping a cable end of a cable with a looping, a looping providing device (3) and a carrying structure (4) for carrying the looping equipping device (2) and the looping providing device (3). In this case, the looping equipment device (2) and the looping providing device (3) are firmly connected to each other, and the looping equipment device (2) and the looping providing device (3) form a common conversion module (5) which can be coupled and disconnected from the support structure (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a socket station for equipping cables according to the preamble of claim 1. With such a socket station, sockets required, for example, for guiding electrical cables through a plug housing or housing wall of an electrical device in a moisture-proof manner can be efficiently attached to the cables. Background Art

[0002] A sleeve is a sealing element made of silicone, which is usually used to seal the plug housing. When bundling cables, the cables can be cut in length and stripped of insulation, equipped with sleeves, crimped and, if necessary, equipped with a housing. For this purpose, the stripped cable needs to be equipped with sleeves, and then the metal contacts are usually crimped. Here, the crimped contacts are designed to fix the sleeves on the cable. The sleeves are equipped on a fully automatic cable bundling device with a sleeve equipment station, wherein the sleeves are usually fed into the sleeve equipment station as bulk material. Semi-automatic machines for cable bundling devices are also known (here the cables are fed by hand), which, in addition to other operations, can also be designed to carry out the sleeve equipment. In particular for fully automatic machines, it is advantageous that the process of converting the sleeve station from one sleeve variant to another sleeve variant can be carried out quickly and without error.

[0003] Such a similar sleeve station is shown in EP1689049A1. The sleeve station includes a sleeve reservoir with a rotating drum filled with sleeves and a sleeve equipment device for equipping the cable end of the cable stripped of the insulation. The sleeve reservoir belongs to a sleeve providing device for providing sleeves for equipment, and the sleeve equipment device also includes a feeding track of a swing feeder. The sleeves are fed to the correct position to the separation unit via the feeding track, and the sleeves are pushed from the separation unit to the apex of a rotatable conveying unit including four spires. In addition to the mentioned conveying unit with four spires, the sleeve equipment device also includes an equipment head with an expansion sleeve and a sleeve receiving part. On the upper end of the separation unit, an ejection device with a plunger that can move up and down is arranged, wherein the first sleeve is transported to the conveying device in the feeding track by the plunger. The conveying device can be rotated by 90° in steps, wherein the sleeve is pushed to the apex by the mentioned plunger in the first position. After rotating 90 °, in the second position of the conveying unit, the sleeve is pushed to the area with a larger diameter of the tip to achieve the purpose of expansion. The process of actually equipping the cable end with the sleeve occurs in the third position. In this third position of the conveying device, the sleeve is removed from the tip using the equipping head, the sleeve is pushed onto the expansion sleeve, the sleeve is placed on the cable in the widened state, and finally pushed onto the cable. Once the tip is pivoted to the third position, the equipping head surrounds the sleeve using the expansion sleeve in two parts and the sleeve receiving part in two parts. According to the sleeve station of EP1689049A1, it is a sleeve providing device as follows, which includes a sleeve reservoir, a swing feeder with a feeding track, which is movably designed and can be changed together. However, the parts of the sleeve equipping device that rely on the sleeve modification and are also called assembly tools must be replaced and assembled by hand during the changeover. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an improved sleeve station which is particularly easy to operate and allows very short changeover times.

[0005] According to the invention, this and other objects can be achieved by means of a sleeve station having the features of claim 1. The sleeve station has a sleeve fitting device for fitting sleeves to the cable ends of the cables. In addition, the sleeve station has a sleeve providing device for providing sleeves to be fitted using the sleeve fitting device. Here, the sleeve providing device has at least one sleeve reservoir. Here, the sleeve reservoir can be designed, for example, as a rotating drum for loosely storing sleeves. The sleeve reservoir can also be constructed by another reservoir for sleeves as bulk materials. The sleeve station then has a bearing structure for carrying the sleeve fitting device and the sleeve providing device. By firmly connecting the sleeve fitting device and the sleeve providing device to each other and forming a common conversion module that can be connected and disconnected from the bearing structure, so that the conversion module can be replaced with another conversion module and thereby replace another sleeve, the above-mentioned method obtains multiple advantages. The firm connection between the sleeve fitting device and the sleeve providing device is understood in the present case as follows: the sleeve fitting device and the sleeve providing device form a common machine part (here a transformation module), which is basically kept together after its manufacture and the individual parts of which cannot be removed again. However, a firm connection does not necessarily mean an inseparable connection. For the example of repair or maintenance work, it can be considered that the sleeve fitting device and the sleeve providing device can be separated from each other using corresponding fixing mechanisms. With the help of this new sleeve station, the changeover time can be significantly shortened. The actual changeover process requires fewer working steps. The sleeve fitting device and the sleeve providing device are firmly connected to each other, so that the fitting process can be started immediately after the connection; at this time, the sleeve fitting device is already in the correct position of the sleeve station. The operation is simple and the risk of using incorrect equipment tools can be eliminated. No special tools are required. This structure is particularly suitable for an automated method for replacing a transformation module.

[0006] The sleeve fitting device can be equipped with a fitting tool, which comprises, for example, a transfer unit with a tip or optionally with a plurality of tips, onto which the sleeves can be pushed. It may be advantageous if all fitting tools and preferably all guides for their movement are integrated in the changeover module.

[0007] The bearing structure can be designed to be placed on the floor of a machine shop. It may be advantageous that the bearing structure is, for example, fixed to a machine table or otherwise integrated in a machine table of a sleeve station. It is also conceivable that the bearing structure can also be a component of a machine platform of a cable bundling device. Therefore, the sleeve station presented here does not have to be designed as an independent cable processing machine. The assembly station can also be a component of a cable bundling device. In addition to the function of carrying the sleeve fitting device and the sleeve providing device, the bearing structure can also be used to supply electrical energy to the sleeve fitting device and the sleeve providing device, and to supply compressed air as required. For this purpose, the bearing structure can include pneumatic and electrical lines, to which the sleeve fitting device and the sleeve providing device of the conversion module can be connected via appropriate interfaces. The bearing structure can be designed to be placed on the floor of a machine shop. The bearing structure can also correspond to a machine platform or a workbench of a cable bundling device.

[0008] The sleeve providing device can have a conveying structure for conveying sleeves from the sleeve reservoir to the sleeve equipment device. The conveying structure can, for example, include a feed track of an oscillating feeder. With the feed track, sleeves can be fed one after the other in a manner known per se in the correct position.

[0009] It is also advantageous if the transformation module can be coupled and / or decoupled from the support structure without the use of tools.

[0010] The transformation module can have a guide channel, for example, which is T-shaped in cross section, through which the transformation module can be inserted into the support structure (and vice versa removed from the support structure) by pushing the transformation module in the insertion direction. For this purpose, the support structure can have a guide and fastening mechanism that is complementary to the guide channel. The guide channel and the guide and fastening mechanism allow a simple and at the same time precise connection of the transformation module to the support structure.

[0011] The above-mentioned guide and fastening mechanism can be designed to enable the guide and fastening mechanism to be automatically operated. The automatic operation enables: when the change module is pushed in and reaches the final position, the corresponding guide and fastening mechanism is activated and fastens the change module in this position.

[0012] In order to fasten the completely installed change module, the guide channel can have at least one and preferably two recesses, and the support structure can have at least one and preferably two bolts as fastening means, the respective bolts respectively engaging in the corresponding recesses and thus being able to ensure the above-mentioned fastening in a simple manner. The mentioned means for fastening the installed position can also be arranged in reverse, i.e. one or more bolts are then assigned to the change module and the recess(es) are assigned to the support structure.

[0013] The bolt can be displaced transversely to the installation direction and is fastened to the support structure in a pre-biased manner by means of a spring, so that the bolt is pressed into the recess autonomously, thereby obtaining an advantageous latching mechanism. The bolt or other fastening means can additionally or alternatively be designed so that it acts in a clamping manner on a counterpart provided by the changeover module in order to secure the position of the completely installed changeover module.

[0014] It may be advantageous if all actuators for operating the socket providing device, such as a pivoting feeder or, if applicable, a drive for rotating the drum, are integrated in the changeover module.

[0015] The sleeve equipping device may include an expansion sleeve for holding the sleeve in an expanded state and for placing the sleeve on the cable end and a transfer unit with at least one tip. The equipping head of the sleeve equipping device may also have a sleeve receiving device for receiving and holding the sleeve during the equipping process. The expansion sleeve and the sleeve receiving device may be mechanically coupled to each other, wherein the expansion sleeve can be loaded into the sleeve receiving device.

[0016] In order to operate the sleeve equipment, an actuator may be provided. At least some of the actuators for operating the sleeve equipment and preferably all of the actuators may be integrated in the transformation module. The sleeve equipment may comprise a transfer unit having at least one spire, wherein the sleeve can be pushed onto the spire in the handover position. An actuator, for example an electric motor, may be provided to move and preferably rotate or pivot the transfer unit. At least this actuator, i.e. the actuator for operating the transfer unit, may be integrated in the transformation module. If the sleeve equipment has a separation unit for pushing the sleeves individually from the feed track onto the spire of the transfer unit and an actuator for operating the separation unit, it is advantageous if this actuator is also integrated in the transformation module in addition to the actuator for operating the transfer unit.

[0017] The conversion module can have connections for forming an interface for signals and energy.

[0018] In order to operate the socket providing device and / or the socket equipping device, one or more control units can be provided to control the socket providing device or the socket equipping device, which are arranged outside the transformation module, for example, in the supporting structure. Alternatively, one or more local control units can be provided to operate the socket providing device and one or more local control units can be provided to operate the socket equipping device, which are integrated in the transformation module. Due to these local control units, an advantageous transformation module is obtained, which is optimally adapted to the socket to be processed. The local control units can be connected to the central machine control unit.

[0019] It may also be advantageous if all guides for the necessary movement of the individual components of the socket arming device or the arming tool in order to arm the socket onto the cable are provided in the changeover module.

[0020] The actuator for operating the socket equipping device and / or the socket providing device of the conversion module can be a pneumatic actuator, wherein the corresponding valve for controlling the pneumatic actuator is preferably arranged in the conversion module. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the valve for controlling the pneumatic actuator is arranged in the supporting structure. The cassette has a control device for controlling the actuator, which can be arranged on the conversion module.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve station comprises a housing for the sleeve providing device, in which at least the sleeve reservoir is accommodated. The housing has an ergonomic shape and has a substantially polyhedral and in particular cuboid outer contour with rounded corners and edges of a polyhedron or cuboid, whereby a compact configuration is achieved and handling is significantly simplified, in particular with regard to manual replacement.

[0022] The supporting structure can have a projection which is designed complementary to the housing and which is preferably designed in a stepped manner, into which projection at least the lower region of the housing fits or can fit when the conversion module is completely installed.

[0023] The sleeve providing device of the conversion module can have a preferably vertically oriented suction pipe, which leads into the sleeve reservoir. Through the suction pipe, the sleeves can be pneumatically fed out of the sleeve reservoir. A preferably horizontally oriented feed track can be connected to the suction pipe, via which the sleeves can be further conveyed to the separation unit. The suction pipe and the feed track form an advantageous conveying structure. The suction pipe ensures an advantageous compact design of the sleeve providing device and realizes a particularly ergonomic housing.

[0024] The advantageous conveying structure formed by the suction tube and the feed track can also be designed in different ways. Instead of the suction tube, a circular vertical feeder can also be used, which is known, for example, from WO2011 / 158145. The suction tube or the aforementioned vertical feeder can also be replaced by a known drum. It is also conceivable that the sleeves can be conveyed without a feed track, for example using a toothed belt with cams, between which the sleeves are located, or even using a robotic pick-and-place system.

[0025] The sleeve station can consist of a support structure and a plurality of changeover modules, wherein one of the plurality of changeover modules is coupled to the support structure and is thus ready for operation. Upon request, a changeover module can be disconnected from the support structure and replaced by one of the other changeover modules. The plurality of changeover modules of the sleeve station can be designed in different ways; for example, different feeding principles can be selected depending on the type of sleeve. For example, one of the changeover modules can include a sleeve providing device with a sleeve reservoir and a suction tube, while another changeover module can include a sleeve providing device with a rotating drum.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a socket station, which has a socket equipment device for equipping a cable end of a cable with a socket, a socket providing device for providing a socket for equipping with the socket equipment device, and a bearing structure for carrying the socket equipment device, and a socket providing device. In particular, the socket station can be constructed in the above-mentioned manner, that is, it has an advantageous module composed of a socket equipment device and a socket providing device, which forms a common conversion module that can be connected to and disconnected from the bearing structure. According to this aspect, the socket equipment device and / or the socket providing device are designed to automatically convert the corresponding device, that is, the socket equipment device and / or the socket providing device. With such a socket station, the changeover time can be shortened, especially in combination with a conversion module composed of a socket equipment device and a socket providing device. In order to automatically convert the structure, especially the conversion module, the socket station can have a conversion structure, which includes a storage bin for a plurality of socket equipment devices and / or socket providing devices, especially for conversion modules corresponding to different sockets. The transformation structure of the sleeve station may also include a converter for removing the sleeve equipment device and / or the sleeve providing device, in particular for removing the transformation module from the storage bin, for transferring from the storage bin to the supporting structure, and for connecting the sleeve equipment device and / or the sleeve providing device, and in particular for connecting the transformation module to the supporting structure.

[0027] The converter can have a horizontal linear axis on which or by means of which the slide can be moved horizontally back and forth between the storage bin and the support structure. The slide temporarily (for initial transport between the storage bin and the support structure) carries the corresponding device, i.e. the sleeve fitting device, the sleeve providing device or both.

[0028] The storage bin can have a vertical feed device with a plurality of vertically movable bases, on each of which one of the mentioned devices (e.g. a change module) is placed or can be placed. Thus, for example, each base of the storage bin can be designed to carry or receive a change module respectively. In this way, the sleeve station can be operated particularly efficiently in terms of changing to other sleeve variants.

[0029] The base can be designed to be self-propelled and each equipped with a climbing drive. The base of the vertical feeder can preferably be moved vertically by a lifting or carrying mechanism. A carrying rope or a belt or a chain can be used as a lifting or suspension mechanism. The vertical feeder can also be a hydraulic or pneumatic vertical feeder. Preferably, the vertical feeder can have a base carrier, which has at least two bases arranged one above the other, which can be moved along a vertical guide device, for example in the form of a guide rail. Thereby, two bases arranged one above the other are combined into a base group, which can be moved up and down together.

[0030] Each base of the vertical feeder of the storage bin can have a clamping device for fastening the material transmitted, i.e. a sleeve port equipping device, a sleeve port providing device or a sleeve port equipping device and a sleeve port providing device together. Thus, the vertical feeder can be utilized to safely transport the material to the required vertical position.

[0031] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a socket station, which has a socket equipment device for equipping a cable end of a cable with a socket, a socket providing device for providing a socket for equipping with the socket equipment device, and a bearing structure for carrying the socket equipment device, and a socket providing device. In particular, the socket station can be constructed in the above-mentioned manner, that is, it has an advantageous module composed of a socket equipment device and a socket providing device, which forms a common conversion module that can be connected and disconnected with the bearing structure. The advantage of the socket station according to this aspect is that the socket station has a protective cover for covering the socket station, and the protective cover has a filling opening for filling the socket into the socket reservoir. Thanks to this special protective cover, the socket can be easily and safely supplemented without removing the protective cover. Here, this covering is particularly related to the area of ​​the socket station that can be touched by the hand of a person standing next to the socket station. The protective cover can prevent people from reaching into the socket station and being injured by the machine elements moved by the socket station. Therefore, the protective cover covers the socket station at least from the side and upward. It is not necessary to cover downward, but it can also be considered. The specially designed protective cover can also be used in an advantageous manner in a conventionally designed sleeve-up station of the type known from EP 0 626 738 B1.

[0032] A preferably closable filling opening can be provided in the protective cap for filling and in particular for refilling the sleeve reservoir.

[0033] An input part can be arranged at the filling opening. Preferably, the input part protrudes from the protective cover. In other words, the input part is arranged on the protective cover so as to protrude outwards. The input part can be designed as a fixed part, but a movable input part is also conceivable, which can be brought into a closed position when not in use. In the latter case, the filling opening can be closed by the closed input part. The input part can protrude obliquely away from the protective cover in the open position, so as to make filling easier, and abut against the protective cover in the closed position.

[0034] The inlet can be designed in a funnel-shaped manner, whereby it can be easily ensured that the sleeve does not accidentally fall aside during the filling process.

[0035] The housing for the socket providing device can include a cover, wherein an opening and closing mechanism is provided in order to open the cover and to close the cover. The housing can have a housing lower part 40 and the mentioned cover 39, which is preferably arranged on the upper side of the housing lower part. The cover can also be preferably pivotably fastened to the housing lower part by means of a hinge. The pivoting movement for opening the housing cover can be performed manually or automatically by means of a corresponding actuator.

[0036] A special variant may apply in which the housing for the sleeve providing device comprises a cover, wherein the opening and closing mechanism for the input part is designed for opening the cover simultaneously with the opening process for the input part.

[0037] For easier operation, at least one handle may be provided for manually opening and closing the filling opening and / or the cover.

[0038] The opening and closing mechanism of the lid comprises, for example, a slide block. By means of a slide block which is preferably movable back and forth by at least one handle member, the lid can be brought into an open position or a closed position.

[0039] Lateral guide elements can be arranged on the slideway on the inner side of the cover, which are connected to the input when the cover and / or the closable filling opening is in the open position. The input can in turn comprise lateral guide elements which, for filling and in the open position, are approximately at the same level as the guide elements of the slide. The guide elements ensure reliable filling of the sleeve.

[0040] A pin (or another engaging element) can be arranged on the lid, which pin is operatively connected to a wedge-shaped side segment of the slide for opening the lid. The side segment forms a guide for the pin 42, on which the pin can move. By moving the slide in the opening direction, the pin is pushed away by moving along the side segment, thereby causing the opening process of the lid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Further individual features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a bushing station with a load-bearing structure and a disconnected change module according to a first embodiment,

[0043] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The sleeve station in the embodiment has a transformation module connected to the supporting structure (the transformation module is fully installed),

[0044] Figure 3 An enlarged detailed view showing in cross-section the coupling structure for fastening the fully installed conversion module,

[0045] Figure 4 Shown in cutaway view Figure 2 A sleeve station with a housing,

[0046] Figure 5 An enlarged perspective detail view showing the sleeve equipping device (without the equipping head) of the transformation module,

[0047] Figures 6 to 8 A side view of a sleeve fitting device of a conversion module is shown in three different positions, wherein the stripped cable end of a cable is sleeved,

[0048] Fig. 9 A top view of a cable bundling device having a sleeve station according to the first embodiment is shown, wherein the sleeve station is equipped with a changeover structure for replacing a changeover module.

[0049] Fig.10 A perspective view showing a transformed structure of a sleeve station according to a second embodiment,

[0050] Fig.11 Shown with Fig.10 The transformation structure of the set of stations, the transformation structure has two transformation modules,

[0051] Figures 12 to 16 A nesting station with a changeover structure is shown, wherein when changing from one changeover module to another, the two changeover modules are in different positions,

[0052] Fig.17 A perspective view of a cable bundling device is shown in a partial view, wherein the sleeve station of the cable bundling device is covered by a protective cover,

[0053] Fig.18 Show Fig.17 Another perspective view of the sleeve station in

[0054] Fig.19 A cuffing station is shown, wherein the cuffing providing device has a semi-open housing, and

[0055] Fig. 20 The cuffing station is shown with the housing fully opened. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Figure 1 A sleeve station, denoted as a whole by 1, is shown, which has a sleeve fitting device 2 for fitting a cable end of a cable with sleeves, a sleeve providing device 3 for providing sleeves for fitting with the sleeve fitting device, and a supporting structure 4 for carrying the sleeve fitting device 2 and the sleeve providing device 3. The sleeve fitting device 2 and the sleeve providing device 3 are firmly connected to each other. Figure 1 It can be seen that the two devices 2 and 3 form a common module 5. This module 5 can be connected to the load-bearing structure 4 and disconnected from the load-bearing structure again. Module 5 is referred to as a transformation module in the following text, because such a module can be easily transformed using a sleeve station explained in detail below to change from one type of sleeve to another type of sleeve. The transformation module 5 can be equipped with different sleeves (for example sleeves of different colors and / or sleeve geometries), respectively, wherein the transformation module 5 is adapted to the sleeve geometry. When changing the sleeve, that is, when changing from one type of sleeve to another type of sleeve, the transformation module 5 shown here can be replaced by another (not shown here) transformation module, whereby the changeover time can be significantly shortened. The other transformation module mentioned is constructed in the same way and mainly differs only in terms of different loads of the sleeves and makes it adapted to the sleeves or is set for these sleeves.

[0057] The sleeve providing device 3 for providing the sleeve equipment device 2 with sleeves comprises a sleeve reservoir accommodated in the housing 19. The sleeve reservoir can be located at the following Figure 4 Seen in and Figure 4 Indicated by 6. The sleeve storage is designed for storing sleeves as bulk material. The sleeve providing device 3 also includes a feed track 8, by means of which the sleeves can be fed toward the sleeve equipment device 2. The feed track 8 is part of the swing feeder. The actuator for running the swing feeder is indicated by 47. The feed track 8 has grooves in the longitudinal direction. The cross-section of the sleeve roughly corresponds to the envelope of the longitudinal cross-section of the sleeve. A separation unit 48 is arranged at the end of the feed track 8. The sleeves are fed to the separation unit 48 in the correct position via the feed track 8, and the sleeves are pushed individually from the separation unit to the tip of the conveying unit. The separation unit 48 and the conveying unit with the tip are components of the sleeve equipment device 2, and the sleeve equipment device also includes an equipment head 10. Later, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 8 The sleeve fitting device 2 having the mentioned components is explained in more detail.

[0058] The supporting structure 4 can be fixed, for example, on a machine table (not shown). The supporting structure 4 can also be designed to rest on the floor of a machine shop.

[0059] The support structure 4 has two bolts 14, 15 and a centering element 16 arranged in front of the bolts. The change module 5 has a guide channel 46 with a T-shaped cross section, through which the change module 5 can be inserted into the support structure 4 by pushing it in the e direction. The centering element 16, which is designed in a triangular shape in the top view, makes the insertion easier. When the change module 5 is inserted, the bolts 14, 15 serve as guide means.

[0060] The supporting structure 4 forms the stationary structure of the sleeve station 1 , whereas the changeover module 5 is designed to be movable.

[0061] The housing 19 for the sleeve providing device 3 is ergonomically shaped and has an approximately cuboid outer contour with rounded corners and edges, whereby the change module 5 is easy to handle, in particular, can also be easily replaced manually. The supporting structure 4 has a stepped recess 31 designed complementary to the housing 19, into which the lower area of ​​the housing 19 can be fitted.

[0062] The fully loaded transformation module 5 is Figure 2 In this connection position, the sleeve station 1 is ready for operation. It can also be seen that thanks to the ergonomically shaped, relatively narrow housing 19, the sleeve station 1 has an overall compact and space-saving design.

[0063] The design details of the connection structure for guiding and fastening the transformation module 5 can be found in Figure 3 Found in. The guide channel 46 of the transformation module 5 has two recesses 17, 18, into which the bolts 14, 15 are embedded when the transformation module is fully installed. The bolts 14, 15 can move transversely to the installation direction e and can be pre-biased by means of a spring (not shown) so that the bolts 14, 15 are independently squeezed into the corresponding recesses 17, 18, thereby forming a locking mechanism. In the present embodiment, the bolts 14, 15 are designed as clamping bolts. Once the rated position is reached when the transformation module 5 is installed in the supporting structure 4, the two clamping bolts 14, 15 move downward into the recesses 17, 18. The recesses 17, 18 are designed to make the forward component of the clamping force act in the e direction and press the transformation module 5 against the stop of the supporting structure 4. Thus, a stable and reliable connection between the supporting structure 4 and the transformation module 5 is ensured.

[0064] Advantageously, the clamping bolts 14, 15 are pulled downward by a spring and are only actively pushed upward to insert the change module 5. This can be done using active elements such as cylinders, or passively using a rod mechanism (not shown), for example. For the active elements mentioned, the clamping can be automatically triggered using a position sensor when the nominal position is reached; alternatively, the triggering can also be achieved by operating a button. The coupling structure can also be loosened using a button or a control signal sent by the control device to release the tightening.

[0065] from Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the sleeve providing device 3 has a sleeve reservoir 6. In the present case, the sleeve reservoir 6 is designed as a container which is immovably accommodated in a housing 19. In the sleeve reservoir 6, the sleeves are stored as bulk material. The sleeve providing device also has a vertically oriented suction pipe 7 which opens into the sleeve reservoir 6 and by means of which the sleeves can be pneumatically transported. Via the suction pipe 7, the sleeves can be fed from the sleeve reservoir 6 to the aforementioned horizontally oriented feed track 8.

[0066] All actuators for operating the sleeve fitting device 2 and the sleeve providing device 3, such as the actuator 47 of the oscillating feeder with the feed track 8, are integrated in the transformation module 5, not counting the linear unit 56 for moving the tip of the fitting head 10 of the sleeve fitting device 2. However, it is also conceivable to assign the linear unit 56 to the transformation module 5 instead of to the support structure 4 as shown in the figure. In this case, all actuators for operating the sleeve fitting device 2 and the sleeve providing device 3 are integrated in the transformation module 5.

[0067] The interfaces for supplying energy to the various actuators of the conversion module 5 and for controlling the individual components can also be provided in Figure 4 Pneumatic lines 49 and electrical lines 50 are provided for transport. The corresponding lines 49, 50 are connected to one another during the installation process, for example via plug connections, which are only shown in outline, in the interface between the supporting structure 4 and the transformation module 5.

[0068] Figure 4 Also shown is a coupling element 51 having two holes for coupling the transformation module 5 to a slide (not shown) of a transformation structure, which is located at Figures 10 to 16 The coupling element 51 can also be omitted for manual changes.

[0069] The housing 19 of the sleeve providing device 3 comprises a cover 39, through which the sleeve reservoir 6 can be filled with sleeves when the cover is opened. The cover 39 is pivotably fixed to a housing lower part 40 of the housing 19, for example by a hinge.

[0070] The structural details of the design of the sleeve fitting device 2 for fitting the cable end with a sleeve are as follows: Figure 5 . The sleeve equipment device 2 comprises a conveying unit having a spire carrier 13 and a spire 9 fixed thereto, the spire carrier 13 being pivotably supported on a cantilever 55. The corresponding pivot is indicated by 53. The cantilever 55 can be moved in the horizontal direction by a linear unit 56. The linear movement of the cantilever is performed by the linear unit, for example a spindle drive with a servo motor arranged on the supporting structure 4. When the transformation module 5 is loaded, the cantilever 55 is connected to the linear unit 56, which is done, for example, by magnetism. A control pin 52 is mounted on the spire carrier 13, the control pin is embedded in the control cam 54 and can be guided in the control cam. The linear movement of the cantilever 55 causes the spire carrier to rotate 90° and then move linearly. Figures 6 to 8 The working principle and assembly process of the assembly head 10 are shown, in particular, the movement of the tip 9 .

[0071] In accordance with Figure 6 In the starting position, the tip 9 stands vertically upward. In this position, the sleeve can be pushed from the feed rail 8 onto the tip 9 by means of the separation unit 48. The cantilever 55 is then moved to the right by a first section using the linear unit. The linear movement of the cantilever causes the tip 9 to pivot by 90°. This position is as shown in FIG. Figure 7 The equipment head 10 is then placed in the closed position so that the scraping splint is enclosed in the sleeve indicated here by 57. With the further linear movement of the cantilever 55, the tip 9 is pushed into the closed expansion sleeve ( Figure 8 ). As the assembly continues, the fitting head 10 moves in the direction of the cable 58. As a result, the tip 9 is released again and can be brought to the starting position by the linear unit 56 in order to receive the next looping. Here, the cable 58 is guided to the looping fitting device 2 by means of a gripper (not shown). Such a looping station 1 corresponds to a fully automatic design with regard to looping fitting. Of course, it is also conceivable to design the looping station 1 in a semi-automatic variant or other variant instead of a fully automatic machine, in which the cable is manually fed to the looping fitting device 2.

[0072] The sleeve station 1 with the sleeve equipment device 2 and the sleeve providing device 3 firmly connected to each other can also be designed differently from the embodiment shown here, wherein the sleeve equipment device and the sleeve providing device form a common transformation module 5 that can be connected and disconnected with the carrier structure 4. For example, alternative sleeve equipment devices can be used, as shown in EP3651288A1. The sleeve equipment device of the sleeve station can also have multiple spires, such as the sleeve equipment device with four spires known from EP0626738B1. The exact structure and working principle of these sleeve equipment devices can be found in the reference publications mentioned.

[0073] According to the present embodiment, the conversion module 5 comprises a sleeve reservoir 6 having a container and a suction tube 7. However, the sleeve providing device 3 can have a different structure, for example the suction tube can be replaced by a feeding belt. It is also conceivable to design the sleeve reservoir as a rotating drum, which is shown, for example, in EP0626738B1.

[0074] The proposed solution with the support structure 4 and the mobile transformation module 5 also allows transformation modules with other principles for sorting and equipping the sleeves. This can be achieved mainly by integrating all the equipment tools and all the guides for their movement in the transformation module. If all actuators for moving the equipment tools and ideally for sorting and distributing the sleeves are integrated into the transformation module 5, maximum flexibility is given in the design of the cassette. If the transformation module 5 is to be designed as cost-effectively as possible, it is also reasonable to integrate some or even all actuators into the support structure 4. In accordance with Figures 1 to 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, this is achieved for one movement, namely the pivoting and displacement movement of the tip 9 of the muzzle fitting device 2. The remaining movements of the muzzle fitting device 2 are performed, for example, by pneumatic cylinders forming a pneumatic actuator, which is integrated in the changeover module 5.

[0075] If these pneumatic actuators are integrated in the conversion module 5, the electrical switching valves of the pneumatic actuators can be arranged in the support structure 4 or in the conversion module 5. In the first case, the switched supply air of the actuators is transmitted via the interface, in the second case via the control signal. In general, part of the controller for operating the sleeve station can also be located in the conversion module 5. For example, it is possible to reduce the number of control lines in the interface by using a bus system.

[0076] The muzzle providing device 3 and the muzzle equipping device 2 can be controlled by a control unit (not shown) arranged outside the conversion module 5. However, other controllers are also conceivable. For example, a local control unit can be provided for operating the muzzle providing device 3 and for operating the muzzle equipping device 2, which is integrated in the conversion module 5. The local control unit can be connected to a central machine controller.

[0077] The sleeve station can have a common conversion module that can be connected and disconnected with the supporting structure, and the conversion module consists of a sleeve equipment device and a sleeve providing device, and the sleeve station is designed to automatically replace the conversion module. Fig. 9. The sleeve station 1 is a component of the cable bundling device. The cable bundling device, which is designed as a pivoting machine for bundling cables (not shown here), includes a conveying unit 8 with an alignment structure 26, a cable feeder 27 designed as a belt feeder, which feeds the cables to the first pivot unit 25 along the longitudinal axis of the device. The pivot unit 25 has a gripper for holding the cable. The stripping station for cutting the length and stripping the insulation is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the machine. The two crimping stations 22, 24 and the sleeve stations 1, 23 are arranged next to the longitudinal axis of the machine, respectively. Here, the processing stations 22 and 1 are corresponding to the cable ends guided in front; the processing stations 24 and 23 are used to bundle the cable ends behind. For example, such a cable bundling device is introduced in EP1251605A1, wherein the cable bundling device has a new sleeve station 1.

[0078] From the socket station 1 of the cable bundling device, two transformation modules 5, 5' can be seen. Here, the transformation module 5 is connected to the support structure and is ready for operation. The second transformation module 5' is in a parking position. In order to automatically replace the transformation modules 5, 5', the transformation structure includes a storage bin for a plurality of transformation modules for different sockets and a transformer for taking out the transformation modules from the storage bin, for transferring the transformation modules from the storage bin to the support structure, and for connecting the transformation modules to the support structure, which transformers are located below. Figures 10 to 16 These figures are shown and used in detail.

[0079] Fig.10 The above-described transformation arrangement is shown in order to better understand the basic structure without transformation modules. The transformation structure according to this embodiment comprises a magazine 20 for two transformation modules. The magazine 20 comprises a vertical feed device with two vertically movable bases 21, 21', on each of which a transformation module can be placed. The transformer has a horizontal linear axis 29, by means of which a slide 28 can be moved back and forth between the support structure 4 and the magazine 20. Here, the slide 28 serves for the horizontal transport of the transformation modules. The support structure 4 on the one hand and the transformation modules 5 on the other hand are arranged in a manner similar to that according to the embodiment. Figures 1 to 8 The first embodiment of the present invention is designed in a substantially similar manner. In addition to the changeover structure for automatic replacement, a difference is that the support structure 4 is fixed to the machine table 59 of the cable bundling device.

[0080] The vertical feeder 32 has a base carrier 33, which has two bases 21, 21' arranged one above the other. The base carrier 33 combines the two bases into a base group that can be moved together. For example, a carrying rope or a carrying belt or other lifting or carrying means can be considered to move the base carrier 33 in the z direction. The base carrier 33 can be moved along a vertical guide structure in the form of a guide rail by means of a lifting or carrying means, which is moved by means of a drive (not shown here). Hydraulic or pneumatic vertical feeders or vertically oriented linear axes are also conceivable.

[0081] from Fig.10 It can also be seen that each base 21 , 21 ′ has a clamping device 44 for fastening the transported changeover module.

[0082] In order to couple the changeover module 5 for horizontal transport, the carriage 28 has a coupling part 60 as a counterpart to the coupling element 51. The coupling part 60 obviously has two cylindrical protrusions which are designed complementary to the two holes of the coupling element 51. Thanks to these coupling structures 51, 60, the carriage temporarily carries the changeover module (for transport between the storage bin 20 and the supporting structure 4).

[0083] The method flow of the transformation module is Figures 11 to 16 Shown in. Fig.11 The starting position is shown: the change module 5 is inserted into the support structure 4 and the slide 28 is not connected to the change module 5. In the magazine 20, the change module 5' is in a position in which the change module 5' can be removed from the magazine 20 by hand.

[0084] exist Fig.12 In the embodiment, the slide 28 has been moved to the left and the change module 5 has been connected. The fastening with the bolts (14, 15) is then released in order to separate the change module 5 from the support structure 4. The base carrier 33 of the vertical feeder 32 of the storage bin 20 is moved downwards so that the upper base 21 is located below the linear axis 29. Fig.13 In the embodiment, the slide 28 has moved into the storage bin 20 and the transformation module 5 is located above the upper base 21. The vertical feeder 32 then moves upwards, capturing the transformation module 5, which is clamped on the base 21 ( Fig.14 ). In order to change to the changeover module 5', the slide 28 is separated from the changeover module 5 and moved slightly to the right, so that the vertical feeder 32 can be moved upward as described above ( Fig.15 The slide 28 connects the lower transformation module 5' and brings it to the supporting structure 4, inserts it into the supporting structure and fastens it ( Fig.16 ).

[0085] Fig.17A partial view of another cable bundling device is shown, which comprises at least one sleeve station 1 in the manner of the first embodiment. The sleeve station 1 has a protective cover 34 for covering the sleeve station. In the present case, the protective cover 34 covers further processing stations of the cable bundling device shown as an example, such as the pivot unit 25 and the crimping station 22. Of course, such a protective cover 34 can also be provided for only one independent sleeve station or for one or more sleeve stations of a cable bundling device having a plurality of processing stations.

[0086] A filling opening for filling or replenishing the sleeve reservoir 6 with sleeves is arranged in the protective cover 34. In the region of the filling opening, an input 35 is arranged on the protective cover 34. The housing 19 for the sleeve providing device 3 comprises a cover 39, which is pivotably fixed to the housing lower part 40 via a hinge. The sleeve station 1 has an opening and closing mechanism for opening (and conversely closing) the cover 39, which will be described in detail below.

[0087] The pivoting movement for opening the housing 19 ends here manually. To open and close the cover 19, Fig.18 As can be seen in FIG. 6 , two handle elements 36 are provided, which are connected to a slide 37 guided along a horizontal groove 61. A pin 42 is arranged on the cover 39, which is effectively connected to a wedge-shaped side segment 43 of the slide 37 for opening the cover. The side segment 43 forms a guide for the pin 42, on which the pin can move. Fig.18 In the embodiment, the cover 39 is in the closed position. By moving the slide 37 in the opening direction s, the pin 42 is pushed away by moving on the side segment 43, thereby realizing the opening process of the cover 39. Fig.19 The cover 39 is shown in an intermediate position (the cover 39 is approximately half open). Fig. 20 The cover 39 is shown in an open position.

[0088] Lateral guide elements 41 are arranged on the slide on the inside of the cover, which are connected to the input 35 when the cover 39 is in the open position. The input 35 itself also comprises lateral guide elements, which are approximately located in the same plane as the guide elements 41 of the slide 37. These guide elements ensure that the sleeve reservoir 6 is reliably filled.

Claims

1. A sleeve station (1), comprising: A sleeve fitting device (2) for fitting a sleeve to a cable end of a cable, a sleeve providing device (3) having a sleeve reservoir (6), and A bearing structure (4) for bearing the sleeve fitting device (2) and the sleeve providing device (3), It is characterized in that The sleeve equipment device (2) and the sleeve providing device (3) are firmly connected to each other, and the sleeve equipment device (2) and the sleeve providing device (3) form a common transformation module (5) that can be connected and disconnected with the load-bearing structure (3).

2. The sleeve station (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transformation module (5) has a guide channel (46) via which the transformation module (5) can be inserted into the supporting structure (4).

3. The sleeve station (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: In order to fasten the installed transformation module, the guide channel has at least one and preferably two recesses (17, 18), and the supporting structure (4) has at least one and preferably two bolts (14, 15) as fastening means, wherein the corresponding bolts (14, 15) are respectively embedded in the corresponding recesses (17, 18).

4. The sleeve station (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: At least some and preferably all of the actuators for operating the cuff fitting device (2) and the cuff providing device (3) are integrated in the changeover module (5).

5. The sleeve station (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The sleeve station has a housing (19) for the sleeve providing device (3), in which at least the sleeve reservoir (6) is accommodated, wherein the housing (19) is ergonomically shaped and has an outer contour that is essentially polyhedral, in particular cuboid, wherein the polyhedron or cuboid has rounded corners and edges.

6. The sleeve station (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The supporting structure (4) has a projection (31) which is designed complementary to the housing (19), preferably in a stepped manner, into which projection at least one lower region (19) of the housing can be fitted.

7. The sleeve station (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The sleeve providing device (3) has a preferably vertically oriented suction tube (7) which opens into the sleeve reservoir (6).

8. In particular, the sleeve station (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: A socket-equipping device (2) for equipping a cable end of a cable with a socket, a socket-providing device (3) having a socket storage (6), and a supporting structure (4) for supporting the socket-equipping device (2) and the socket-providing device (3), wherein the socket-equipping device (2) and the socket-providing device (3) are in particular connected to each other and form a common transformation module (5) that can be connected and disconnected from the supporting structure, characterized in that the socket-equipping device (2) and / or the socket-providing device (3) are designed to automatically transform the corresponding device (2, 3, 5; 2', 3', 5').

9. The sleeve station (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The sleeve station (1) comprises a storage bin (20) for a plurality of sleeve equipment devices (2, 2') and / or sleeve providing devices (3, 3'), in particular for conversion modules (5, 5') corresponding to different sleeves, wherein the storage bin (20) comprises a vertical feeding device (32) having a plurality of vertically movable bases (21, 21'), and one of the corresponding devices (2, 3, 5; 2', 3', 5') is placed or can be placed on the base.

10. The sleeve station (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that: Each base (21, 21') has a clamping device (44) for securing the device (2, 3, 5; 2', 3', 5') respectively placed thereon during a lifting movement.

11. The sleeve station (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that The sleeve station also includes a converter with a horizontal linear axis (29) for removing the sleeve equipment device (2) and / or the sleeve providing device (3) and in particular for removing the conversion module from the storage bin, for transferring from the storage bin to the support structure and for connecting the sleeve equipment device (2) and / or the sleeve providing device (3) to the support structure (4), and for in particular for connecting the conversion module (5, 5') to the support structure (4).

12. A sleeve station (1), in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a sleeve fitting device (2) for fitting cable ends of cables with sleeves and a sleeve providing device (3) having a sleeve reservoir (6), characterized in that: The sleeve-forming station has a protective cover (34) for covering the sleeve-forming station (1), wherein the protective cover (34) has a filling opening for filling a sleeve-forming reservoir (5) with sleeves.

13. The sleeve station (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that: An inlet (35) is arranged at the filling opening.

14. The sleeve station (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The filling opening is designed as a closable filling opening, and the sleeve station (1) optionally has a housing (19) including a cover (39) for the sleeve providing device (3), wherein an opening and closing mechanism is arranged for opening or closing the filling opening and / or the cover (39) of the housing (19), and the opening and closing mechanism can be activated from outside the protective cover (34).

15. The sleeve station (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that At least one handle element (36) is arranged for manually opening and closing the filling opening and / or the cover (19).

16. The sleeve station (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The opening and closing mechanism comprises a reciprocatingly movable slide (37), by means of which the cover (39) can be placed in an open position or in a closed position via at least one handle element (36).

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