Apparatus and method for processing a plurality of wire

Abstract

The invention discloses a device (100) for processing a plurality of electric wires (11, 12). The device comprises a feeding side holding device (110) configured to simultaneously hold the tail ends of the electric wires, a discharging side holding device (120) capable of moving along a linear guiding direction and configured to hold the front ends of the electric wires, and a feeding device (108) for receiving the tail ends of the electric wires (11, 12) from the feeding device (108) and feeding the electric wires (11, 12) to the discharging side holding device (120). The transfer device (111) is used for transferring the tail end of the wire holding device (120) to the feeding side holding device (110), and the discharging side holding device (120) is configured to twist the corresponding end part of the wire held by the discharging side holding device (120); and the transfer device comprises at least two cable grippers (211, 212) configured to assume at least two different distances (d1, d2) from each other. The feed-side holding device (110) is movable in the direction of extension (A) of the wire harness (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for processing multiple wires, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for processing multiple wires in cable processing machines, such as stranding machines. Background Technology

[0002] In various industrial applications, wire harnesses are required by twisting individual wires together. Typically, individual wires are cut to specific lengths before twisting, i.e., cut to size, and are also prepared for assembly when necessary, such as installing contacts.

[0003] An example of a traditional device is a cable processing machine, which strands multiple wires after the assembly process (cutting to a certain length, stripping insulation, installing washers, contacts, etc.). This type of cable processing machine is also called a stranding machine. For example, cables stranded by this device, especially stranded pairs, need to be manually or automatically installed into the plug connector housing in subsequent processes.

[0004] In some conventional devices and methods of the prior art, a pair of wires formed by a single wire is clamped between a holding unit located at one end of the wire and a stranding unit located at the other end, and stranded by rotating the stranding unit. For example, such a device is disclosed in document EP 1 032 095 A2. In this device, two wires are simultaneously introduced and assembled. After the two first ends of the two wires are assembled, the two wires are pulled out and transferred to the actual stranding device after the second tail ends of the two wires are assembled. The device includes a fixed holding module that holds the tail ends of the wires during stranding; and a stranding head (stretching unit) that is movable along the cable direction and clamps the ends of the wires and strands them together. Shortening of the wire pair during the stranding operation is compensated by longitudinal displacement of the stranding unit. For example, the stranding unit is guided by closed-loop control using measured tension in the cable. A transfer module or transfer device is used to transfer the two wires from a pivoting unit (second pivoting unit) to the holding unit. The ends of the wires are received, moved into the stranding shaft by pivoting and vertical movement, and the distance between them decreases.

[0005] The length of the untwisted end may vary, for example, to facilitate the production or processing of different products. If it is necessary to change the length of the end to process different products, the transfer module must be able to transfer the cable end to a different position relative to the clamping position. Typically, this requires machine reconfiguration, such as replacing parts.

[0006] Therefore, a simple, custom-made device is needed for processing different products. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for handling multiple wires, such as two wires. The apparatus includes a feed-side holding device, a discharge-side holding device, and a transfer device. The feed-side holding device is configured to simultaneously hold all the tail ends of the multiple wires. The discharge-side holding device is movable along a linear guiding direction and is configured to hold the leading ends of the multiple wires. The discharge-side holding device is configured to twist the respective ends of the held wires. The transfer device is configured to receive the tail ends of the wires from the feed device and transfer the tail ends of the wires to the feed-side holding device. The transfer device includes at least two cable holders, particularly exactly two cable holders. The cable holders are configured to present at least two different distances from each other. The feed-side holding device is movable in the extension direction of the wire bundle.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of using the apparatus disclosed herein, comprising: setting an end position of the cable holder, moving a carrier to a transfer position, transferring a wire, moving the carrier to the end position, and pivoting away to receive other wires to be processed. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Other aspects, features, advantages, and effects of the present invention will be obtained through the embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a region of the harness for the purpose of explaining the terminology used herein; Figure 2 shows a region of the line pair in Figure 1 for further explanation; Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus for stranding a single wire according to one embodiment; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3 during a reclamping operation; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3 during a re-clamping operation; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3 during a reclamping operation; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3 during a re-clamping operation; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3, for the purpose of explaining the method according to one embodiment; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3, for the purpose of explaining the method; Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3, for the purpose of explaining the method; Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3, for the purpose of explaining the method; Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3, in order to explain the method; Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3, for the purpose of explaining the method; and Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the components of the device shown in Figure 3, for the purpose of explaining the method. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a region of a wire harness, comprising a first single wire 11 and a second single wire 12 twisted together 10, indicated by reference numeral 10. The wire harness includes single wires 11 and 12 as a pair. It should be noted that the number of two single wires 11, 12 is exemplary and not limiting, and the aspects and features described herein can be applied in whole or in part to wire harnesses having more than two single wires 11, 12, producing the same or similar effects. However, in this embodiment, two single wires 11, 12 may be used for the wire harness 10.

[0011] One end 16 of the wire pair 10 is defined as the front end, which is guided in the twisting device 100 described later. The other end 17 of the wire pair is defined as the tail end.

[0012] At the tail end 17, the first contact 13 and the second contact 14 are attached to wires 11 and 12, respectively. The area between the ends 16 and 17 is twisted, i.e., wires 11 and 12 are intertwined. Starting from the front end 16, wires 11 and 12 first intersect or cross at the first intersection point P2. Similarly, starting from the tail end 17, wires 11 and 12 first intersect or cross at the first intersection point P1.

[0013] In other words, in Figure 1, 17 represents the first side, such as the side of the end of the wire, while 16 represents the second side, such as the side of the end of the wire. In the area to the right of the adhesive tape 18 in Figure 1, individual wires 11 and 12 are twisted together, thereby creating the point where the individual wires 11 and 12 intersect in the projection plane, such as the drawing plane of Figure 1.

[0014] The term "twisted" as used in this article refers to the state in which wires 11 and 12 are intertwined. A similar intersection will appear in the projection plane when single wires of the same order appear at two intersections in a direction perpendicular to the projection plane.

[0015] For ease of explanation, Figure 2 again shows a sub-region of wire pair 10. The untwisted ends of the single wires 11 and 12 at the wire tails have a length a1. In the twisted region, the distance between two identical crossing or intersection points of wires 11 and 12 is specified as the pitch length a2.

[0016] Distance a3 is defined in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the wire pair 10, wherein distances a1 and a2 are defined in this extension direction. Distance a3 represents the distance between the individual wires 11 and 12 at their respective ends, which is at the tail end 17 in Figure 2. A corresponding distance a3 is also defined at the front end 16, which may be equal to or different from the distance a3 at the tail end.

[0017] Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus 100 for stranding single wires according to one embodiment. In Figure 3, the front ends 16 of the single wires 11, 12 are guided into a processing area 101, from which the wires can be further guided along the machine axis on a guide rail 115. Processing modules 103, 104, 105, 106 can perform operations on the wires 11, 12 in the processing area 101.

[0018] The insulation layer of the front ends of individual wires 11 and 12 is stripped by the cutting head 102, and they are sequentially fed to processing modules 103 and 104 on one side via the first pivot unit 107. Here, for example, washers and contacts can be installed at the ends of each conductor.

[0019] Then, the first pivoting unit 107 moves the wire pair 10 back to the direction of the machine axis. There, its individual wires 11, 12 are guided through until they can be held by the lead-out carriage 109. Depending on the required cable length, the individual wires 11, 12 are led out by the lead-out carriage 109 along the guide rail 105 in a linear guiding direction defined by the guide rail 105.

[0020] Then, the individual wires 11 and 12 are clamped by the second pivot unit 108 and cut and have their insulation stripped by the cutting head 102. The conductor ends are fed by the second pivot unit 108 to the processing modules 105 and 106 on the other side and fully assembled, for example, each is fitted with a washer and a contact.

[0021] Transfer module 111 (transfer unit) takes over the tail ends 17 of the individual wires 11 and 12, reduces the distance between them, and transfers them to the feed-side holding device (holding module, holding clamp) 110 after a pivoting movement. Transfer module 112 transfers the front ends 16 of the individual wires 11 and 12 to the stranding head (discharge-side holding device) 120. At this point, device 100 is ready to perform the actual stranding process. This stranding process is performed by rotating the stranding head 120, which simultaneously moves in the direction of the holding module 110 in a tension-controlled manner. Then, the fully stranded cable falls into, for example, a slotted cable reel.

[0022] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the components of the device 100 shown in Figure 3, namely, the second pivot unit 108, the transfer unit 111, the holding clamp 110, and the stranding head 120, wherein the stranding head 120 has a stranded wire bundle (conductor pair) 10 during the transfer of the conductor pair of another single wire 11, 12 from the second pivot unit 108 to the transfer module 111.

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates further details of the transfer unit 111 and the holding clamp 110. The transfer unit 111 includes a first cable clamp 211 for clamping and holding the first single wire 11 and a second cable clamp 212 for clamping and holding the second single wire 12. The two cable clamps 211, 212 are pneumatically actuated, for example, but not limited to this, and can also be actuated, for example, by an electric motor or in a different manner. The two cable clamps 211, 212 are mounted on a carrier 250. The two cable clamps 211, 212 are configured such that they can present at least two different distances d1, d2 between them, as further explained below with reference to Figures 10 and 12. For example, the distances d1, d2 between the cable clamps 211, 212 can be pneumatically changed, for example, on a guide rail by means of a cylinder. However, the type of actuation is not limited to this, and the distance can also be changed, for example, by an electric motor or in a different manner. The distance between them refers to the distance perpendicular to the direction of cable extension. By changing this distance, the distance between individual wires 11 and 12 is changed, but the individual wires do not move in their direction of exit (along the cable axis).

[0024] The carrier 250 surrounds the column 240 and can be moved by an actuating device, such as, but not limited to, a pneumatic lifting cylinder 220, to at least one of a central position, a lower position, and an upper position. Reference will be made below. Figure 14The central position is further described. Figure 5 shows the carrier 250 at its upper position. A stroke limiting element or stroke limiter 260 acts as a stop for the carrier 250. The carrier 250 can move linearly in a rotationally fixed manner on the column 240, either vertically or in the up-down direction in the figure. To achieve this rotationally fixed linear movement, the column 240 can be designed, for example, as a splined shaft. The carrier 250 can move linearly in a rotationally fixed manner about the column and can pivot together with the column 240 via, for example, but not limited to, a hydraulically actuated pivot cylinder 230. Therefore, the stroke limiting element 260 only functions within a specific pivot angle range of the carrier 250. When the carrier 250 is within its relevant pivot angle range, the stroke limiting element 260 causes the carrier 250 to collide with the stroke limiting element 260 in the vertical direction in the figure to reach the central position. In other words, the vertical position of the stroke limiting element 260 defines the central position of the carrier 250 within a specific pivot angle range.

[0025] The feed-side holding device 110 (holding clamp) is movable in the direction of the stranding axis (i.e., toward or away from the discharge-side holding device 120—the stranding head) preferably linearly, and particularly by program control. For example, the feed-side holding device 110 is mounted on a linear guide and can be moved, for example, by a thread or ball screw. The jaws of the holding clamp 110 are designed such that they can receive two conductor ends 11, 12 in a pair of jaws. Alternatively, the holding clamp 110 has a pair of clamping elements, each clamping element holding one conductor end 11, 12. In this case, the clamping elements can move together in the cable direction. In both cases, it is advantageous that the distance between the conductor ends 11, 12 can be kept very small.

[0026] Figures 6 through 9 illustrate the re-clamping process during the transfer of wires 11, 12 from the second pivot unit 108 to the transfer device 111. The second pivot unit 108 includes a first pivot unit cable holder 118 and a second pivot unit cable holder 119. In Figure 6, the second pivot unit 108 transfers wires 11, 12 between the legs of the two cable holders 211, 212; in Figure 7, the pivot unit cable holders 118, 119 are opened and moved back along the cable axis; and in Figure 8, the pivot unit cable holders 118, 119 are closed again. Then, the cable holders 211, 212 of the transfer device 111 are opened, and the second pivot unit 108 moves again to the front region to transfer wires 11, 12 there. This re-clamping can be repeated several times to achieve the desired position of the wires. Although such a re-clamping process can theoretically be used in the apparatus and methods disclosed herein, it is not necessary. In the apparatus and methods disclosed herein, the ability of the holder (of the feed-side holding device 110) to move in the extension direction of the wire harness achieves the same or similar purpose, thereby advantageously avoiding the time-consuming re-clamping as described above.

[0027] Figure 10- Figure 16 Perspective views of the components of the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 3 are provided to explain the method steps. Figure 10 shows the starting position or initial configuration for performing the method. The cable holders 211, 212 of the transfer unit 111 are moved to a lower position via the carrier 250, and the distance d1 between them is a relatively large distance. For example, this distance d1 is approximately equal to the distance between the pivot unit cable holders 118, 119. The second pivot unit 108 is located above the cable holders 211, 212 of the transfer unit 111 and holds the two wires 11, 12 (which are typically assembled on one side).

[0028] In Figure 11, the carrier 250 moves to the upper position, thereby bringing the cable holders 211, 212 of the transfer unit to the transfer position. Within this pivot angle range of the carrier 250, the carrier 250 can move freely past the travel limiting element 260; therefore, the travel limiting element 260 is not actuated in this angular position of the carrier and can approach the upper position.

[0029] After the transfer, as shown in Figure 12, the carrier 250 moves to the lower position, and the second pivoting unit 108 becomes free. Then, for example, as shown in Figure 12, the second pivoting unit 108 can pivot away to receive the next wire pair to be processed. This can, for example, be performed in parallel with the stranding process. The cable holders 211, 212 of the transfer device 111 are actuated such that they are spaced apart by a distance d2, which is less than a distance d1. For example, this distance d2 corresponds to the distance between the ends of the wires in the grippers of the feed-side holding device 110.

[0030] As shown in Figure 13, the pivot cylinder 230 retracts, thereby pivoting the column 240 and the carrier 250 so that the end of the wire is parallel to the stranding axis. In Figure 13, the feed-side holding device 110 is shown in the open position; however, this position could also be shown earlier.

[0031] As shown in Figure 14, the feed-side holding device 110 moves linearly until the gripper is in the desired clamping area. During this process, the feed-side holding device 110 can be located inside or outside the legs of the cable holders 211 and 212 of the transfer device 111.

[0032] The carrier 250 now moves toward the travel limiting element 260 (vertically upward in the figures) and is blocked by the travel limiting element 260, thus occupying the central position. Then, the wires 11 and 12 are transferred by sequentially closing the feed-side holding device 110 and opening the cable clamps 211 and 212.

[0033] Then, the carrier 250 can be moved back to the lower position (Figure 15).

[0034] Then, the cable ends of the wires 11 and 12 can be twisted together.

[0035] By pivoting backward and increasing the distance between cable holders 211, 212, the transfer device 111 can then be brought back to the starting position (Figure 16).

[0036] The device 100 is characterized in that the wires, especially the wires 11 and 12 in the feed-side holding device (holding clamp) 110, can be close to each other to obtain a favorable stranding quality.

[0037] If the stroke limiting element 260 is provided, this will make it possible to define the center position in a simple way without the need for an additional actuator (e.g., an additional cylinder).

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for processing multiple wires (11, 12), comprising: A feed-side holding device (110) is configured to simultaneously hold the tail end of the wire; A discharge-side holding device (120) is movable along a linear guide direction and configured to hold the front end of the wire, the discharge-side holding device (120) being configured to twist the corresponding end of the wire it holds; A transfer device (111) for receiving the tail ends of the wires (11, 12) from the feeding device (108) and transferring the tail ends of the wires (11, 12) to the feeding-side holding device (110), wherein the transfer device includes at least two cable holders (211, 212) configured to present at least two different distances (d1, d2) between each other. The feed-side holding device (110) can move along the extension direction (A) of the wire harness (10).

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed-side holding device (110) can move in a preset manner along the extension direction (A) of the wire harness (10), particularly in a preset manner controlled by a program.

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The feed-side holding device (110) is linearly movable, particularly along the linear guide rail (310).

4. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable clamps (211, 212) are mounted on a carrier (250) which is movable perpendicular to the extension direction of the wires (11, 12), particularly perpendicular to the extension direction (A) of the wires (11, 12).

5. The apparatus (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The carrier (250) can move linearly along the column (240) in a rotationally fixed manner.

6. The apparatus (100) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The carrier (250) is movable at least between a central position and an end position.

7. The apparatus (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end position is defined by the travel limiting element (260).

8. The apparatus (100) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The carrier (250) and the column (240) are configured such that when the column (240) rotates, the carrier (250) and the column (240) together perform a pivoting motion.

9. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The column (240) is implemented as a spline shaft.

10. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, It also includes a pivot cylinder (230) for rotating the column (240).

11. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The feed-side holding device (110) includes a pair of grippers consisting of clamping claws for receiving all the tail ends of the wires (11, 12).

12. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The feed-side holding device (110) includes a plurality of grippers, each gripper being designed to receive the tail end of the wires (11, 12), wherein the grippers are movable together along the extension direction (A) of the wires (11, 12).

13. A method for processing multiple wires using the apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: Set the end positions of the cable clamps (211, 212); Move the carrier (250) to the transfer position; Transfer the wires (11, 12); The carrier (250) is moved to the end position and pivoted away to receive other wires to be processed.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also includes: The pivot cylinder (230) is retracted to pivot the column (240) and the carrier (250) so that the end of the wire extends parallel to the extension direction (A); Set the distance between the cable holders (211, 212) to correspond to the distance between the ends of the wires (11, 12) on the feed-side holding device (110); Open the feed-side holding device (110) and move the feed-side holding device (110) linearly; Move the carrier (250) toward the travel limiting element (260) to the center position; Transfer the wires (11, 12); Move the carrier (250) to this end position; Increase the distance between the cable clamps (211, 212).

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