Labeling method, device and system

Abstract

The invention relates to a labeling method, device and system. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method (100) for adhering an identification element (2) to a cable, wire or harness (1), the method comprising: providing (110) an identification element (2) to be adhered; moving (120) the identification element (2) to the cable, wire or harness (1) by means of the robot; the moved identification element (2) is adhered (130) to the cable, wire or wire harness (1) using the robot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a method for adhering an identification element to a cable, wire or wiring harness. In particular, the present invention relates to a method in which the identification element can be moved and adhered by means of a robot. The present invention also relates to a device for picking up the identification element and wrapping the identification element to the cable, wire or wiring harness. The present invention further relates to a corresponding system for performing the method. Background Art

[0002] The automotive industry is facing a shift towards electric vehicles. The resulting increase in the number of electrical and electronic devices that need to be connected has led to a rapid increase in electrical cables, wires and / or harnesses to provide electrical connections. Such cables, wires and / or harnesses are often labeled to provide information about these parts. In addition, the labeling of the cables can provide a unique identification code to ensure that the correct connection is made.

[0003] In current practice, labeling cables is typically performed by manually applying labels. However, this approach has several disadvantages.

[0004] Often, there are multiple cables that need to be labeled, and labeling is a complex and time-consuming process. This increases costs and introduces difficulties into labeling. Additionally, manual labeling is often prone to human error. Such errors can lead to labeling and / or manufacturing or installation issues with cables, wires, and / or harnesses. Another disadvantage of manual labeling is that repetitive motion can cause injuries.

[0005] Cables, wires and / or harnesses can also be labeled off-site, for example, by printing labels directly on the cables, wires and / or harnesses. However, this reduces flexibility.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, improvements are necessary. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome some or all of the disadvantages of the prior art.In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for adhering an identification element to a cable, wire or harness.

[0008] A further object is to provide a device for picking up an identification element and wrapping the identification element to a cable, wire or harness.

[0009] The above objects are at least partially achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims, and a person skilled in the art can find hints of other suitable aspects of the invention through the overall disclosure of this application.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for adhering an identification element to a cable, a wire harness or a wire harness, the method comprising: providing an identification element to be adhered; moving the identification element to the cable, wire or wire harness with the aid of a robot; and adhering the moved identification element to the cable, wire or wire harness using the robot.

[0011] In this way, the present disclosure provides an improved method for adhering an identification element to a cable, wire or wiring harness. Specifically, human error can be mitigated and / or reduced. In addition, since the identification element can be moved with the aid of a robot and can be predicted and / or arranged in advance, traceability can be improved. This can also help to optimize the adhesion of the identification element. In addition, the cycle time can be reduced. The cycle time can be understood as the time required to pick up the identification element, move the identification element to the cable, wire or wiring harness, and adhere the moved identification element to the cable, wire or wiring harness.

[0012] The whole method allows the identification element to be adhered in a more cost-effective manner. In addition, providing the identification element can be substantially synchronized with the cable, wire or wiring harness being produced. Since the method can be substantially automated, a large amount of labor can be reduced. Therefore, moving and adhering the identification element can not require any control and / or inspection by the operator. Thus, the operator can perform other tasks, and the method of the present invention is basically automatically performed. In addition, since physical labor can be substantially saved, injuries that occur, for example, by the operator performing repetitive movements, can be reduced with this.

[0013] A further advantage of the method is that multiple adhesions can be performed under substantially identical conditions. Thus, the method steps can be performed substantially in a predetermined and / or automated manner. In turn, the method is substantially standardized and can be reproducible.

[0014] The identification element can be a label, such as a self-adhesive label. The identification element can include one or more logos. The identification element can include one or more identification codes, which can be printed on the identification element. The logo and / or identification code can be one or more of a one-dimensional code / two-dimensional code, such as a QR code, a bar code, a direction indication of a cable, a wire or a wiring harness, an indication of the characteristics of an electronic component connected by a cable, a wire or a wiring harness, as described elsewhere herein.

[0015] Cables, wires or harnesses may be part of an electric vehicle and are used to connect electrical components.

[0016] Providing may be understood as making the identification element available to be picked up. Providing may optionally include printing an identification code and / or logo onto the identification element.

[0017] Movement can be understood as causing the identification element to bridge a distance. This can be performed in a fast and flexible manner attributable to the robot.

[0018] A robot is understood to be any device that can work automatically and / or can be controlled by a computer. The robot can be a mechanical device. This can help ensure that the movement and adhesion can be performed in an economical manner, thereby reducing errors.

[0019] Adhering may be understood such that the identification element is substantially fixed to the cable, wire or harness.

[0020] The method may be substantially automated and / or the method steps may be performed substantially continuously.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the method described herein, the method comprises picking up the provided identification element using a robot, preferably by using a suction nozzle comprised by the robot, so as to substantially hold the identification element.

[0022] Picking up the provided identification element may include gripping the provided identification element. The suction nozzle may be understood as a low vacuum applicator. The advantage of the suction nozzle is that the identification element is held by the robot in a substantially fixed manner. Thus, the robot can perform any movement without damaging the identification element. In particular, rapid movement can be performed thereby.

[0023] In preferred embodiments of the methods described herein, the movement comprises three-dimensional movement, preferably rotation about one, two or three substantially orthogonal axes, and / or translation along one, two or three substantially orthogonal axes.

[0024] This has the advantage that the robot can reach any position. Thus, the identification element can be moved to any desired position. This makes the method more flexible.

[0025] Preferably, moving comprises moving the identification element a distance of approximately at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, preferably at least 20 cm, preferably at least 30 cm, preferably at least 40 cm, preferably at least 50 cm, preferably at least 60 cm, preferably at least 80 cm, preferably at least 100 cm.

[0026] Preferably, moving comprises moving the identification element a distance of approximately at most 200 cm, preferably at most 180 cm, preferably at most 160 cm, preferably at most 140 cm, preferably at most 120 cm, preferably at most 100 cm.

[0027] Preferably, moving comprises rotating the identification element through an angle of approximately at least 10°, preferably at least 20°, preferably at least 50°, preferably at least 100°, preferably at least 180°, preferably at least 360°.

[0028] Preferably, the movement comprises translation and / or rotation in a repetitive manner, preferably in a predefined pattern. The pattern may be stored in a computer readable storage medium. The pattern may be determined based on past usage of the identification element.

[0029] Preferably, the movement is performed within a time of at most 20 seconds, preferably at most 15 seconds, preferably at most 10 seconds, preferably at most 8 seconds, preferably at most 6 seconds, preferably at most 4 seconds, most preferably at most 3 seconds.

[0030] The movement as described herein has the advantage that the adhesion of the identification element can be improved and can make it more cost-effective. In particular, the movement can thereby be optimized and adjusted according to the use case and / or the arrangement of the cable, wire or harness.

[0031] In preferred embodiments of the methods described herein, adhering comprises adhering the identification element to the cable, wire or harness at least partially by means of an adhesive.

[0032] This has the advantage that the identification element can be fixedly and reliably attached to the cable, wire or wiring harness over a long period of time.

[0033] Any kind of glue may be used to fixedly attach the identification element to the cable, wire or harness.The adhesion may be provided by means of an external adhesive and / or an adhesive already provided by the identification element.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the method described herein, the identification element is a self-adhesive label comprising one or more logos, wherein, optionally, adhering comprises wrapping the label at least partially around the cable, wire or harness.

[0035] The representation may indicate any markings, pictures, logos, etc. that may be associated with the cable, wire, or harness. For example, it may help identify electronic components connected by means of the cable, wire, or harness. The identification may include one or more colors.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the method described herein, overlapping the labels is performed such that the edges of the overlapped labels substantially overlap each other.

[0037] This can ensure that substantially no adhesive of the self-adhesive label is left and exposed to the environment. This improves the reliability of adhesion. In addition, substantially the entire surface of the label can be used to adhere the two halves of the label to each other. This makes adhesion more effective.

[0038] Specifically, the cable, wire or harness can be arranged in the approximate middle position of the tag, so that the final configuration of the tag after being wrapped around the cable, wire or harness adopts a flag shape. This also increases the surface area of ​​the tag that can be used for identification and / or identification codes as described elsewhere in this article.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the method described herein, provision is made including printing the identification code onto the identification element using a printer and / or storing the identification element on a roll or stack of elements.

[0040] The identification code may include letters and / or other elements indicating the nature of the electronic component, a date, etc.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the method described herein, the identification code is one or more of the following: a two-dimensional code, such as a QR code; a one-dimensional code, such as a bar code; an indication of the direction of the cable, wire or wire harness; an indication of the electronic components connected by the cable, wire or wire harness; an indication of the width, length, diameter, voltage of the cable, wire or wire harness; an indication of the production date and / or time of the cable, wire or wire harness; an indication of the machine ID used to produce the cable, wire or wire harness;

[0042] The logos and / or identification codes may be combined in any manner. This improves the ability to identify the tag and / or distinguish one tag from other tags.

[0043] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a device for picking up an identification element and wrapping the identification element around a cable, wire or wiring harness, preferably, the device is used in a method as described elsewhere herein, wherein the device comprises: two retaining members, the retaining members being configured to rotate and translate to wrap the identification element at least partially around the cable, wire or wiring harness; wherein each retaining member is provided with at least one suction nozzle on the downward side of the retaining member to substantially hold the identification element.

[0044] Since the method for adhering an identification element to a cable, wire or harness and the device for picking up and wrapping an identification element to a cable, wire or harness both involve identification elements, it should be understood that the advantages and / or features of the method may also be applied to the device, and vice versa.

[0045] The device may be particularly suitable for use in the method described herein. In particular, the device may be suitable for use in one or more method steps described herein. The device facilitates picking up provided identification elements and wrapping the identification elements in a substantially automatic manner. Thus, operator involvement may be reduced.

[0046] It should be understood that the device is not necessarily part of a robot as described herein. For example, the device can be used as a substantially stationary device, while the cable, wire or wire harness moves near the device to perform the folding and adhesion of the identification element to the cable, wire or wire harness. In addition, the device can be manually moved near the cable, wire or wire harness. This can be done by manual operation by an operator. In addition, the device can be set as part of a robot to automatically pick up, move, fold and adhere as described elsewhere in this article.

[0047] The cable, wire or harness may be arranged in a substantially central position of the identification element before the identification element is at least partially folded around the cable, wire or harness.

[0048] At least one suction nozzle can provide a pressure difference so that the pressure inside the two retainers is lower than the pressure outside the two retainers. In one example, the pressure can be reduced so that a vacuum is provided basically. The advantage of doing this is that there are enough forces to act on the identification element.

[0049] Preferably, in any nozzle, the reduced pressure is substantially the same. This has the advantage that the pressure is substantially uniform. Therefore, the force acting on the identification element is also uniform. Therefore, substantially no local peak stress will appear on the identification element.

[0050] At least one suction nozzle can also be configured to release the identification element. Preferably, the release includes reducing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the holder. This can be achieved by releasing the vacuum. This may have the advantage that the process can be easily automated. Since the pressure inside the two holders may be lower than the ambient pressure, a valve or the like can be simply opened to allow ambient air to enter for release.

[0051] During normal use of the device and when the identification element is picked up, the downward side may generally face the identification element. When the identification element is about to be picked up, the downward side generally faces the ground. It should be understood that when the device is rotated or similarly moved, the downward side may face upwards, i.e., in a direction opposite to the ground, and / or in any other direction.

[0052] The two retaining members have a generally cuboid shape, which may optionally be provided with recesses as described elsewhere herein. In this way, the two retaining members can provide sufficient support and structural integrity for identification tags or the like to be moved.

[0053] The rotation and translation of the two holders ensures an efficient mechanism for the movement of the overlapping identification elements. The device is therefore cost-effective and requires fewer service intervals.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the device described herein, each holder is provided on the lower side with four suction nozzles forming the four corners of a rectangle, wherein the rectangle is arranged at the lower side in the region close to the pivot axis of the support element.

[0055] This improves the ability to pick up the identification element in a reliable manner. Furthermore, the reduced pressure inside the holder can act substantially evenly on the identification element, which ensures that the identification element is not exposed to adverse mechanical impacts while being securely held.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the device as described herein, the two retaining members are configured to be in a first state, in which the two downward sides of the two retaining members are arranged in a plane, and wherein the two retaining members are configured to be in a second state, in which the two downward sides of the two retaining members are arranged to be substantially parallel and opposite to each other.

[0057] It will be appreciated that the translation and rotation of the two holders allows several intermediate states between the first state and the second state.The first state improves the pick-up of the identification element as the surface area available for suction is increased.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the device described herein, the device also includes a supporting element having a central axis and two arm elements, each arm element being slidably connected to the supporting element on opposite sides of the supporting element and being pivotally connected to two retaining members, respectively, wherein the two retaining members are each pivotally connected to a corresponding pivot axis arranged on the supporting element.

[0059] When picking up, the support element may be arranged in a central position relative to the identification element.The two holders may be arranged on the outside, for example, further away from the central position.

[0060] At least a portion of each arm element may be configured to move substantially parallel to the central axis of the support element. For example, this may be achieved by a guide rail arranged on the support element, which guide rail determines the movement of the portion of each arm element.

[0061] It will be appreciated that the support element comprises two pivot axes.The distance between the two pivot axes may substantially correspond to a dimension, such as the diameter of a cable, wire or harness.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the device as described herein, the end of each arm element slidingly coupled to the support element is configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the support element, thereby configured to trigger a rotational movement of each retainer about each pivot axis respectively.

[0063] It will be appreciated that each arm element comprises two end portions. An end portion may be understood as a small area close to the end of each arm element. Since each arm element is pivotally coupled to a respective holder, a rotational movement may be triggered. This ensures an improved movement mechanism of the two holders.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the device as described herein, the two pivot axes of the support element are arranged closer to the central axis of the support element than the end portion of each arm element pivotably coupled to the respective holder.

[0065] This can trigger the rotation of the two holders by means of a translational movement of the end of the arm element that is slidably coupled to the support element. The distance between the two pivot axes and the end of each arm element that is pivotably coupled to the respective holder allows the rotational movement of each of the two holders to be adjusted.

[0066] It will be appreciated that the end portion of each arm element pivotably coupled to the respective holder is directed away from the central axis of the support element relative to the central axis.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the device as described herein, each retaining element includes a recess on a side of the retaining element opposite to the downward side of the retaining element, wherein the recess accommodates an L-shaped rod included by the device, which L-shaped rod is pivotally connected to the corresponding pivot axis of the supporting element and is pivotally connected to the corresponding arm element.

[0068] The L-shaped rod has the advantage that each arm element and each holder is coupled to the support element. This increases the mechanical integrity.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment of the device described herein, the end of each arm element pivotably coupled to the respective holder is arranged on a side of each holder opposite to a downwardly facing side of each holder.

[0070] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system for performing the method described herein, comprising: a device for picking up an identification element and wrapping the identification element onto a cable, wire or harness as described herein; a robot comprising a movable arm for performing three-dimensional movement; optionally, a printer for printing an identification code onto the identification element; wherein the device is arranged on the movable arm of the robot.

[0071] It should be noted that features, aspects, embodiments and / or advantages described herein with reference to the method are also applicable to the apparatus and / or system, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] Figure 1 : Shows the apparatus, system and exemplary method steps according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 2 : In the exemplary method steps are shown in more detail Figure 1 device.

[0075] Figure 3 In another exemplary method step, Figure 1 device.

[0076] Figure 4 : shows an identification element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 5 : A flow chart showing a method of adhering an identification element to a cable, wire or wire harness according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] In the following paragraphs, the present invention is described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that other embodiments are of course possible, and the following explanation is provided by way of example only and not by way of limitation. In the drawings and the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and descriptions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

[0079] Although specific feature combinations are described below with respect to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that in order to achieve the technical advantages provided by the present disclosure as defined by the subject matter of the claims, it is not necessary for all features of the various aspects described to be present. The disclosed aspects may be modified by combining certain features of one aspect with one or more features of another aspect. Specifically, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that features, components and / or functional elements of one aspect may be combined with features, components and / or functional elements of the technology compatibility of any other aspect of the present disclosure, provided that the resulting combination falls within the definition of the present disclosure. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that as long as certain features appear to be dispensable, they may be omitted.

[0080] Figure 1 An apparatus 5 , a system 1000 , and exemplary method steps according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0081] Figure 1 A shows the Figure 2 The method steps are similar to the method steps in the device 5 and the system 1000 , ie, the method steps in which the identification element 2 is not held by the device 5 . Figure 1B shows the device 5 and the system 1000 in a method step in which the identification element 2 has been set, for example by means of a printer 1020. In addition, the device 5 may be about to pick up the identification element 2. The device 5 can be arranged on a robot arm 1010 of a robot. Figure 1 In C, identification element 2 is picked up. Figure 1 In D, the identification element 2 has been moved to the cable, wire or harness 1. In addition, the device 5 is partially folded so that the identification element 2 is about to be adhered to the cable, wire or harness 1. As described elsewhere, in one example, the adhesion can be established by means of an adhesive. For example, the identification element 2 can be a self-adhesive label.

[0082] Figure 2 The method steps are shown in more detail Figure 1 This method step may be a step in which the identification element 2 is not held by the device 5.

[0083] The device 5 can be used in the method described herein. The device 5 comprises two holders 10, 10', which are configured to rotate and translate to move the identification element 2 (such as Figure 1 ) at least partially surrounds a cable, wire or wiring harness 1 (as shown Figure 2 The two holders 10, 10' are each provided with at least one suction nozzle 12, 12' on their lower sides 11, 11'. This ensures that the identification element 2 can be firmly held. This supports the movement of the identification element 2.

[0084] The two holders 10 , 10 ′ are configured to be in a first state, in which the two downward sides 11 , 11 ′ of the two holders 10 , 10 ′ are arranged in one plane. Figure 2 The device 5 is shown in this first state. The two holders 10, 10' are also configured to be in a second state, in which the two downward sides 11, 11' of the two holders 10, 10' are arranged substantially parallel to each other and opposite to each other. Figure 3 The second state is best observed in B.

[0085] The device 5 may include a support element 30 having a central axis C, and the device 5 may contain two arm elements 20, 20'. Each arm element 20, 20' may be slidably coupled to the support element 30 on opposite sides of the support element 30 and pivotably connected to two holders 10, 10', respectively. The two holders 10, 10' are each pivotably coupled to a corresponding pivot axis P provided on the support element 30.

[0086] like Figure 2As shown, four suction nozzles 12, 12' similar to the four corners of a rectangle can be provided on the lower side 11, 11' of each holder 10, 10', wherein the rectangle is arranged in the area of ​​the lower side 11, 11' close to the pivot axis P of the supporting element 30. This can be understood as that the rectangle is closer to the pivot axis P than the outer side of the holder 10, 10', wherein the outer side of the holder 10, 10' is away from the center axis C.

[0087] The two holders 10 , 10 ′ may be arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the central axis C and at positions further away from the central position of the support element 30 .

[0088] At least a portion of each arm member 20 , 20 ′ may be configured to move substantially parallel to a central axis C of the support member 30 .

[0089] The support element 30 may comprise two pivot axes P. In a plane passing through both downward sides 11 , 11 ′ simultaneously, the distance between the two pivot axes P may correspond substantially to the diameter of the cable, wire or harness 1 .

[0090] The end portion 21, 21' of each arm element 20, 20' is slidably coupled to the support element 30, the end portion being configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis C of the support element 30. Thus, each arm element 20, 20' can trigger a rotational movement of each holder 10, 10' around each pivot axis P, respectively.

[0091] The two pivot axes P of the support element 30 are arranged closer to the central axis C of the support element 30 than the end portion 22, 22' of each arm element 20, 20' pivotably connected to the corresponding holder 10, 10'. As shown in the figure, the end portion 22, 22' of each arm element 20, 20' pivotably connected to the corresponding holder 10, 10' is directed away from the central axis C of the support element 30.

[0092] Each retaining member 10, 10' may include a recess 15 (eg Figure 3 B), which is on the side of the holder 10, 10' opposite to the downward side 11, 11' of the holder 10, 10'. The recess 15 accommodates the L-shaped rods 25, 25' of the device 5. Each of the rods 25, 25' is pivotably connected to a respective pivot axis P of the support element 30 and is pivotably connected to a respective arm element 25, 25'.

[0093] The end portion 22, 22' of each arm element 25, 25', which is pivotably coupled to the corresponding holder 10, 10', is provided on a side of each holder 10, 10' opposite to the downward side 11, 11' of each holder.

[0094] Figure 3 In another method step, Figure 1 In this method step, the identification element 2 can be attached to the cable, wire or wiring harness 1. Figure 3 A shows the device 5 arranged on a robot arm 1010 . Figure 3 B shows the device 5 in a second state in which the two downward sides 11, 11' of the two retaining elements 10, 10' are arranged substantially parallel to each other and opposite each other (one retaining element 10 is visible in this figure, the opposite retaining element 10' is on the back side of the identification element 2 and is hidden by it).

[0095] Figure 4 An identification element 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The identification element 2 may include (one or more) identifications 3 and / or identification codes 3. The identification 3 may include colors, etc., and may indicate any signs, pictures, logos, etc. that may be associated with the cable, wire or harness and / or the electronic components to be connected by means of the cable, wire or harness.

[0096] The identification code 3 can be one or more of the following: a two-dimensional code, such as a QR code; a one-dimensional code, such as a bar code; an indication of the direction of the cable, wire or wiring harness, an indication of the electronic components connected by the cable, wire or wiring harness, an indication of the width, length, diameter, voltage of the cable, wire or wiring harness; an indication of the production date and / or time of the cable, wire or wiring harness; and an indication of the machine ID used to produce the cable, wire or wiring harness.

[0097] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method 100 for adhering an identification element to a cable, a wire harness or a wire harness according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method 100 comprises: providing 110 an identification element to be adhered; moving 120 the identification element to the cable, wire or wire harness by means of a robot; and adhering 130 the moved identification element to the cable, wire or wire harness using the robot.

[0098] Optionally, the method 100 comprises using a robot, preferably by using a suction nozzle comprised by the robot or by means for picking up identification elements, to pick up the provided identification element, and folding the identification element to substantially hold the identification element as described elsewhere herein.

[0099] It should be noted that the scope of protection is determined by the claims, and is not limited by the embodiments disclosed in the above-mentioned drawings.

[0100] Reference numerals list

[0101] 1 Cables, wires and / or harnesses

[0102] 2 Identification components

[0103] 3(s) identification / identification code(s)

[0104] 5. Installation

[0105] 10,10' retaining piece

[0106] 11,11' down side

[0107] 12,12' nozzle

[0108] 15 recesses

[0109] 20,20' arm element

[0110] 21, 21' The end portion of each arm element is slidably coupled to the support element

[0111] 22, 22' The end portion of each arm element is pivotally connected to the corresponding holder

[0112] 25,25' L-Shaped Rod

[0113] 30 Support element

[0114] 35 Central axis

[0115] 100 Methods

[0116] 110 offers

[0117] 120 Mobile

[0118] 130 Adhesion

[0119] 1000 Systems

[0120] 1010 Robot's movable arm

[0121] 1020 Printer

[0122] C Center axis

[0123] P Pivot axis of the supporting element

Claims

1. A method (100) for adhering an identification element (2) to a cable, wire or wiring harness (1), the method comprising: Providing (110) an identification element (2) to be adhered; Moving (120) the identification element (2) to the cable, wire or wire harness (1) by means of a robot; The moved identification element (2) is adhered (130) to the cable, wire or harness (1) using a robot.

2. The method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The method comprises picking up a provided identification element (2) using the robot, preferably by using a suction nozzle (12, 12') comprised by the robot, so as to substantially hold the identification element (2).

3. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Movement comprises three-dimensional movement, preferably rotation about one, two or three substantially orthogonal axes, and / or translation along one, two or three substantially orthogonal axes.

4. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Adhering comprises adhering the identification element (2) to the cable, wire or harness (1) at least partially by means of an adhesive.

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The identification element (2) is a self-adhesive label (2) comprising one or more logos, Optionally, the adhering comprises wrapping the label (2) at least partially around the cable, wire or harness (1).

6. The method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that Folding the labels (2) is performed such that the edges (2) of the folded labels substantially overlap each other.

7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Providing includes printing the identification code onto the identification element (2) using a printer and / or storing the identification element (2) on a roll or stack of identification elements.

8. The method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The identification code is one or more of the following: Two-dimensional codes, such as QR codes; One-dimensional codes, such as barcodes; a direction indication of the cable, wire or wire harness (1); an indication of electronic components connected by the cable, wire or harness (1); An indication of the width, length, diameter and voltage of the cable, wire or harness (1); an indication of the date and / or time of production of the cable, wire or harness (1); Indication of the machine number used to produce the cable, wire or harness (1).

9. A device (5) for picking up an identification element (2) and wrapping the identification element (2) onto a cable, wire or wiring harness (1), preferably for use in a method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The device (5) comprises: two retaining members (10, 10') configured to rotate and translate to wrap the identification element (2) at least partially around the cable, wire or harness (1); Each of the retaining members (10, 10') is provided with at least one suction nozzle (12, 12') on the downward side (11, 11') of the retaining member (10, 10') to substantially retain the identification element (2).

10. A device (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that The two retaining members (10, 10') are configured to be in a first state, in which the downward sides (11, 1") of the two retaining members are arranged in one plane, and The two retaining members (10, 10') are configured to be in a second state, in which the downward sides (11, 11') of the two retaining members are arranged substantially parallel to and opposite to each other.

11. A device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (5) further comprises a support element (30) having a central axis (C) and two arm elements (20, 20'), each arm element (20, 20') being slidably coupled to the support element (30) on opposite sides of the support element (30) and being pivotably coupled to the two holders (10, 10'), respectively, The two retaining members (10, 10') are each pivotably coupled to a corresponding pivot axis (P) arranged on the supporting element (30).

12. A device (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that The end portion (21, 21') of each arm element (20, 20') slidably connected to the support element (30) is configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis (C) of the support element (30), thereby respectively triggering the rotational movement of each of the retaining members (10, 10') around each pivot axis (P).

13. The device (5) according to any one of claims 11 or 12 of the preceding device (5), characterized in that The two pivot axes (P) of the support element (30) are arranged closer to the central axis (C) of the support element (30) than the end portion (22, 22') of each arm element (20, 20') pivotably connected to the corresponding holder (10, 10').

14. The device (5) according to any one of claims 11 to 13 of the preceding device (5), characterized in that Each holder (10, 10') comprises a recess on a side (15) of the holder (10, 10') opposite to a downward side (11, 11') of the holder (10, 10'), wherein the recess (15) accommodates an L-shaped rod (25, 25') comprised by the device (5), the rod (25, 25') being pivotably connected to a respective pivot axis (P) of the support element (30) and to a respective arm element (20, 20').

15. A system (1000) for performing the method according to any one of the preceding method claims, comprising: Device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 14; A robot comprising a movable arm (1010) for performing three-dimensional movement; Optionally, a printer (1020) for printing the identification code onto the identification element (2); Wherein, the device (5) is arranged on the movable arm (1010) of the robot.

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