Centering device and system and method for operating centering device

Abstract

The invention relates to a centering device (1) comprising a gripping unit consisting of two gripping jaws (2, 3) which can be moved linearly in a gripping actuation direction (B) for opening and closing the gripping unit and which each have a tool (4, 5) with a tool contour (6, 7), a first gripping jaw (2) of the two gripping jaws (2, 3) having an arm (8), the arm extends starting from the tool (4) in a substantially arcuate course, the opening of the arcuate course being oriented perpendicular to the gripping actuation direction (B) and perpendicular to the cable supply direction (Z). The invention further relates to a system consisting of a processing station for processing a cable and a centering device (1) and to a method for operating a centering device (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a centering device for directionally receiving cables, the centering device having a gripping unit consisting of two gripping jaws. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising a processing station and a centering device. The invention also relates to a method for operating the centering device. Background Technology

[0002] To enable precise processing of cables, especially multi-core cables, the cable ends are stripped of their sheaths to expose the core wires. For further processing, the core wires are housed and held in a centering device, where multiple core wires are oriented as close as possible to a defined plane. After processing, the centering device is opened, allowing the cable to be transported further.

[0003] Such centering devices are known from the prior art as specified in WO 2016 / 088088 A1.

[0004] However, the problem here is that the cable is introduced into the centering device along the cable supply direction (usually perpendicular / transverse to the cable's longitudinal axis) and then drawn out again in the opposite cable lead-out direction. In particular, at least one (upper) gripping jaw plate blocks the path to allow cable passage, i.e., cable supply and lead-out in the same direction. This results in a complex cable delivery section that must be constructed to allow for the re-lead-out, which in turn negatively impacts the compactness of the centering device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a centering device, a system comprising a processing station and a centering device, and a method for operating the centering device, wherein the centering device is constructed as compactly as possible while ensuring that cables are supplied to and drawn from the centering device particularly efficiently and simply.

[0006] This task is accomplished by the centering device, system, or method according to the present invention.

[0007] A centering device is used to directionally accommodate cables, especially multi-core cables. The centering device has a gripping unit consisting of two gripping jaws, namely a first gripping jaw and a second gripping jaw.

[0008] In order to open and close the gripping unit, that is, to manipulate the gripping unit, the two gripping jaw plates can move linearly along the gripping manipulation direction (respectively). In particular, the two gripping jaw plates can move linearly in opposite directions, that is, towards each other (for closing) and away from each other (for opening).

[0009] Each of the two gripping jaw plates has a tool with a tool profile. The tool profiles face each other in the gripping manipulation direction, that is, they are arranged opposite each other in the gripping manipulation direction. In particular, each tool profile may protrude in the direction of the tool profile of the corresponding other gripping jaw plate.

[0010] The tool profile extends along the cable supply direction perpendicular to the gripping and maneuvering direction to accommodate at least one, and especially multiple, cores of the cable in a form-fitting manner. This means that each tool profile (i.e., its corresponding cross-section) is configured to at least partially enclose the corresponding cross-section of the core (around the cable longitudinal axis or the longitudinal axis of a single core). In particular, the tool profile is configured with centering devices, through which the cores of the cable can be accommodated. Preferably, the tool profile is configured with multiple centering devices, wherein the cores of the cable can be accommodated in each centering device, and preferably all / all of the cores of the cable can be accommodated in multiple centering devices. The tool profile with multiple centering devices is preferably configured to accommodate the cores of the cable between the tools for the orientation of their respective core longitudinal axes, which are spaced parallel to each other along the cable supply direction. In other words, the cable longitudinal axis, the gripping and maneuvering direction, and the cable supply direction are respectively oriented perpendicular to each other.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the first gripping jaw plate has a (first) arm. In particular, the arm of the first gripping jaw plate can extend from a tool (of the first gripping jaw plate). Preferably, the arm of the first gripping jaw plate extends substantially in a plane perpendicular to the cable supply direction. The arm has a substantially arcuate orientation. The arcuate orientation is understood as a U-shape or V-shape formed by two spaced-apart legs connected to each other at the closed end of the arcuate orientation and not connected at the open end. That is, the arm has two legs (generally parallel or gradually tapering towards each other), spaced apart from each other and connected to each other at one leg end. In particular, the (first / free) leg end can be connected to or is connectable to the tool of the first gripping jaw plate. The corresponding (second / closed) leg ends of the two legs can be directly connected to each other, or the arm can have a (straight or curved) tab connecting the two legs. That is, the arm can be U-shaped or V-shaped.

[0012] According to this aspect of the invention, the arcuate opening is oriented perpendicular to the gripping operation direction and perpendicular to the cable supply direction. That is, the opening opposite the closed end of the arcuate direction (i.e., the connection between the legs) is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the cable. In other words, the legs of the arm (extending substantially along the longitudinal axis of the cable) are spaced apart from each other at the first (free) leg ends along the gripping operation direction and connected to each other at the second (closed) leg ends along the gripping operation direction to form an arcuate shape. In other words, viewed from the cable or the tool of the first gripping jaw plate, the first gripping jaw plate has an arcuate arm extending rearward (and downward).

[0013] The advantage of this is that the arcuate orientation of the arm creates a through-hole in the cable supply direction between the two legs, allowing the free cable end to extend into the arm through the opening (facing the cable) and thus through the through-hole in the cable supply direction. Correspondingly, the arcuate orientation of the arm of the (upper) gripping jaw plate enables cable passage without placing special requirements on the actuator for the linear movement of the two gripping jaw plates, as the usual connection of the (upper) gripping jaw plates can be retained.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the second gripping jaw plate may have a (second) arm. In particular, the arm of the second gripping jaw plate may extend from a tool (of the second gripping jaw plate). Preferably, the arm of the second gripping jaw plate extends substantially in a plane perpendicular to the cable supply direction. The arm of the second gripping jaw plate may have a substantially straight orientation.

[0015] Preferably, the arms of the two gripping jaws can be arranged substantially parallel to each other and staggered along the cable supply direction. This means that the arms of the two gripping jaws are arranged successively along the cable supply direction. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the two gripping jaws are guided at least segmentally through each other when the gripping unit is closed.

[0016] According to the embodiment, the gripping unit can be manipulated between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the tools of the two gripping jaws are further apart than in the closed position. Preferably, the tool profiles can overlap segmentally in the closed position. Preferably, in the closed position, the tool profiles completely enclose the corresponding cross-section of the core wire. Therefore, centering of the individual core wires of the cable can be ensured.

[0017] Preferably, the second gripping jaw plate and the opening can be arranged offset from each other in the gripping operation direction in the open position of the gripping unit. That is, in the open position between the legs (due to the relative positioning of the two gripping jaw plates), passage along the cable supply direction can be achieved. In other words, the arm of the second gripping jaw plate is not positioned between the legs in the gripping operation direction. Therefore, passage through the cable via the arcuate path of the arm of the first gripping jaw plate along the cable supply direction will not be obstructed by the arm of the second gripping jaw plate.

[0018] Furthermore, in the closed position of the gripping unit, the second gripping jaw plate and the opening can be arranged at essentially the same height in the gripping manipulation direction. That is, in the open position between the legs (due to the positioning of the two gripping jaw plates relative to each other), passage in the cable supply direction is not possible. Therefore, the gripping unit can be closed.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the arm of the first gripping jaw plate may have a tool interface for a tool (of the first gripping jaw plate). Additionally, the arm of the second gripping jaw plate may have a tool interface for a tool (of the second gripping jaw plate). Through the tool interface, the respective arm and the respective tool can be connected or are connectable.

[0020] Preferably, the tool interface of the first gripping jaw plate can be constructed on the upper part of the first leg, which is oriented in an arcuate manner, particularly along the gripping manipulation direction. This has the advantage that the tool profile of the first gripping jaw plate can be positioned in the desired location.

[0021] Preferably, the tool interface of the first gripping jaw plate can be constructed on the free end of the first leg. This avoids protrusions toward the cable and provides a compact structure.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the arm of the first gripping jaw plate may have an operating interface for an actuator. Additionally, the arm of the second gripping jaw plate may have an operating interface for an actuator, preferably the actuator itself. The respective arms and (preferably a common) actuator may be connected or connectable via the operating interface.

[0023] Preferably, the control interface of the first gripping jaw plate can be constructed on the lower part of the second leg, which is oriented in an arcuate manner, particularly along the gripping control direction. That is, the control interface is constructed on a different leg than the tool interface. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the actuator below the centering device.

[0024] Preferably, the manipulation interface of the first gripping jaw plate can be constructed on the free end of the second leg. This avoids protrusions toward the cable and provides a compact structure.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the two gripping jaws may have a tool receiving portion for removably accommodating a corresponding tool. The tool receiving portion is specifically configured to reproducibly accommodate the corresponding tool. For example, each tool receiving portion may have a shape-locking geometry for inserting and connecting with the corresponding tool. Furthermore, each tool receiving portion may have a fastening receiving portion, such as a screw receiving portion, for screwing in the corresponding tool. This has the advantage of enabling simple tool replacement.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the tool profile can be configured to clamp and hold at least one core wire, and in particular multiple core wires, of the cable in the closed position of the gripping unit. That is, the preferred tool profile not only achieves a centered orientation of the longitudinal position of at least one core wire, but also achieves (temporary) fixation of that longitudinal position.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the centering device can have an actuator for manipulating the gripping unit. The actuator can particularly be configured as a linear actuator. For example, the actuator can be configured as a parallel gripper. That is, the actuator is configured for linear movement of the two gripping jaws. In other words, only one actuator is used. Therefore, a low-cost and compact structure of the centering device can be ensured.

[0028] In particular, the actuator can be connected to or can be connected to the corresponding manipulation interface of the two gripping jaws. This ensures proper motion transmission.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator can be configured to synchronously manipulate two gripping jaw plates. That is, the first and second gripping jaw plates can be manipulated simultaneously by the actuator. This has the advantage of allowing for a simple actuator structure.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator can be configured such that the two gripping jaws have strokes that are equal to each other for opening and closing. That is, the first and second gripping jaws move by the same amount along their respective (extending in opposite directions) adjustment strokes. This has the advantage that a simple actuator structure is possible.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a system comprising a processing station for processing cables and the aforementioned centering device. The processing station may, for example, be used for so-called zero-cutting and / or for stripping at least one core of a cable, preferably for stripping all cores of a cable and / or for crimping the cable.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the processing station and the centering device can be arranged laterally to the cable supply direction, and especially perpendicular to the cable supply direction and perpendicular to the gripping and manipulating direction, staggered from each other. That is, the processing station and the centering device are arranged staggered or (directly) sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the cable. Therefore, the processing of the free end of the cable (accommodated in the centering device) can be achieved by the processing station.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the arm of the first gripping jaw plate extends from the tool of the first gripping jaw plate toward the machining station. That is, the arm of the first gripping jaw plate is arranged between the tool and the machining station. In other words, the arm extends rearward from the tool of the first gripping jaw plate. This has the advantage that the cable (independent of the geometry of the machining station and / or centering device) can pass in front of the arm and only the free end of the cable moves past the (bow-shaped) arm of the first gripping jaw plate.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a method for operating the centering device, comprising the following steps: - The cable is supplied along the cable supply direction. - Close the grasping unit. - Open the grabbing unit. - Lead the cable out along the cable supply direction. According to one aspect of the invention, the supply and withdrawal are carried out in the same direction along the cable supply direction, wherein, during the supply or withdrawal, the free end of the cable passes through the arcuate direction of the arm of the first gripping jaw plate. That is, the supply and withdrawal are not carried out in opposite directions, but rather the withdrawal is carried out along an (imaginary) extension of the supply direction, i.e., the supply movement continues.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, cable processing, particularly the processing of the free ends of the cables, is performed through the processing station of the system between the closing gripping unit and the opening gripping unit.

[0036] In other words, the present invention relates to a centering device with an arcuate retainer for centering multi-core wires. Here, the arcuate geometry of the tool interface (or the arm of the first gripping jaw) facilitates the passage of the core wire. Furthermore, the parallel closing motion of the gripping unit allows different core wire diameters to act only on the closing stroke, thus eliminating the need for different tools (for different core wire diameters). Additionally, the centering device has an actuator for manipulation, wherein the actuator only needs to have one direction of motion.

[0037] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the description of preferred embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figures show perspective views of the centering device according to the invention, which has a gripping unit in the open position, viewed from corresponding different line-of-sight directions. Figure 3 A view of the centering device in the closed position is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 A side view of a centering device (without tools) with a gripping unit in the closed position is shown, and Figure 6 A side view of a centering device (without tools) with a gripping unit in the open position is shown.

[0040] Wherein: 1-centering device; 2-first gripping jaw plate; 3-second gripping jaw plate; 4-first tool; 5-second tool; 6-first tool outline; 7-second tool outline; 8-first arm; 9-second arm; 10-actuator; 11-first control interface; 12-second control interface; 13-tool housing; 14-shape-locking housing; 15-screw housing; 16-first leg; 17-second leg; B-gripping control direction; Z-cable supply direction. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figures 1 to 3 Centering device 1 is shown. Centering device 1 is used to directionally accommodate a cable. The cable (not shown) has at least one core wire and preferably multiple core wires.

[0042] The centering device 1 has a gripping unit. The gripping unit has a first gripping jaw plate 2 and a second gripping jaw plate 3. The two gripping jaw plates 2 and 3 are linearly movable relative to each other in the gripping manipulation direction B for opening and closing the gripping unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping manipulation direction B corresponds substantially to the vertical direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the first gripping jaw plate 2 is an upper gripping jaw plate and the second gripping jaw plate 3 is a lower gripping jaw plate.

[0043] The two gripping jaw plates 2 and 3 can preferably move linearly within their respective positions along the gripping manipulation direction B. Preferably, the two gripping jaw plates 2 and 3 can move linearly in opposite directions. In particular, the two gripping jaw plates 2 and 3 are displaced away from each other for opening and towards each other for closing. In the illustrated embodiment, when opening the gripping unit, the first gripping jaw plate 2 moves upward and the second gripping jaw plate 3 moves downward. In the illustrated embodiment, when closing the gripping unit, the first gripping jaw plate 2 moves downward and the second gripping jaw plate 3 moves upward.

[0044] Two gripping jaws 2 and 3 each have a tool with a tool profile. The first gripping jaw 2 has a first tool 4. The second gripping jaw has a second tool 5. The first tool 4 has a first tool profile 6. The second tool 5 has a second tool profile 7. Tool profiles 6 and 7 are used to form-lockingly receive the core wires of the cable, especially all the core wires of the cable. Tool profiles 6 and 7 are particularly used to clamp and hold the core wires of the cable, especially all the core wires of the cable, in the closed position of the gripping unit.

[0045] Tool profiles 6 and 7 face each other along the gripping direction B. Tool profiles 6 and 7 each have at least one centering device, and preferably multiple centering devices. The centering devices protrude towards the corresponding other tool 4 or 5 in the gripping direction B. The centering devices are constructed in the form of a toothed array, and the core wire of a cable can be centrally accommodated between the centering devices. Specifically, the cable can be accommodated between tool profiles 6 and 7 such that the free end of the cable extends beyond tools 4 or 5, so that the free end of the cable can be processed while it is held in the centering device 1.

[0046] Tool profiles 6 and 7 extend along the cable supply direction Z, which is perpendicular to the gripping and manipulating direction. The cable supply direction Z is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable contained in tool profiles 6 and 7. That is, the tooth row has multiple teeth staggered along the cable supply direction Z, so as to orient the cable cores such that the longitudinal axes of the individual cable cores are parallel and staggered to each other.

[0047] The first gripping jaw plate 2 has a first arm 8. The first arm 8 extends substantially in a plane perpendicular to the cable supply direction Z. The first arm 8 has a substantially arcuate orientation. The arcuate orientation is understood as a U-shape or V-shape formed by two spaced-apart legs that are connected to each other at the closed end of the arcuate orientation and not connected at the open end of the arcuate orientation, i.e., forming an opening. Here, the opening of the arcuate orientation is oriented perpendicular to the gripping operation direction B and perpendicular to the cable supply direction Z. That is to say, the opening is oriented along the longitudinal direction of the cable. Here, the first arm 8 is configured such that the cable housed between the tool profiles 6 and 7 can be guided through the legs of the first arm 8 in the cable supply direction Z, with the free cable end extending beyond the tools 4 and 5 and thus extending into the opening along the longitudinal direction of the cable.

[0048] The second gripping jaw plate 3 has a second arm 9. The second arm 9 extends substantially in a plane perpendicular to the cable supply direction Z. The second arm 9 has a substantially straight orientation.

[0049] The first arm 8 and the second arm 9 are arranged substantially parallel and offset along the cable supply direction Z. Specifically, the first arm 8 and the second arm 9 are arranged directly and successively to each other in the cable supply direction Z. Accordingly, the first arm 8 and the second arm 9 can be guided past each other along the gripping manipulation direction B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first arm 8 is arranged more externally relative to the tool contours 6, 7, and the second arm 9 is arranged more internally relative to the tool contours 6, 7. However, alternatively, the second arm 9 may also be arranged behind the first arm 8 along the cable supply direction Z, although this is not shown.

[0050] The grabbing unit can be in the open position (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) and closed position (see Figure 3 The second gripping jaw plate 3, especially the second arm 9, and the opening are arranged offset from each other in the gripping operation direction B. In the illustrated embodiment, the second arm 9 is located below the opening in the gripping operation direction B. In the closed position, the second gripping jaw plate 3, especially the second arm 9, and the opening are arranged at the same height along the gripping operation direction B.

[0051] The centering device 1 has an actuator 10 for manipulating the gripping unit. The actuator 10 can be configured as a linear actuator. The two gripping jaws 2, 3 can preferably be mounted or can be mounted on the end side of the actuator 10 perpendicular to the cable supply direction Z. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 10 is arranged below the tools 4, 5 along the gripping manipulation direction B (directly).

[0052] In particular, actuator 10 can be configured to synchronously manipulate the two gripping jaws 2, 3. Alternatively or additionally, actuator 10 can be configured such that the two gripping jaws 2, 3 have strokes of equal value to each other for opening and closing.

[0053] Figures 4 to 6 This shows a view of the centering device 1 without the installed tools 4 and 5, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the cable supply direction Z. Figure 4 In the middle, the paper extends out in the Z direction of the cable supply, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the middle, the cable supply direction Z extends into the paper. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The gripping unit is shown in its closed position. Figure 6 The gripping unit is shown in the open position.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the two gripping jaw plates 2 and 3 each have manipulation interfaces 11 and 12 for the actuator 10. The first manipulation interface 11 of the first gripping jaw plate 2 is constructed on the first arm 8. The second manipulation interface 12 of the second gripping jaw plate 3 is constructed on the second arm 9. Furthermore, in Figure 4 As can be seen, the bow-shaped arm 8 overlaps with the straight arm 9.

[0055] Tools 4 and 5 can be directly constructed on the corresponding arms 8 and 9, or can be replaced and detachably installed on the corresponding arms 8 and 9.

[0056] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, each of the two gripping jaws 2, 3 (or arms 8, 9) has a tool receiving portion 13 for releasably accommodating a corresponding tool 4, 5. The tool receiving portion 13 has a shape-locking geometry 14 for inserting into the corresponding tool 4, 5, which is inserted from above, particularly along the gripping operation direction B or vertically. The tool receiving portion 13 has a screw receiving portion 15 for screwing onto the corresponding tool 4, 5, which is particularly capable of being screwed onto the screw receiving portion along the cable supply direction Z.

[0057] exist Figures 4 to 6 It can also be seen that, in the illustrated embodiment, the tool interface of the first gripping jaw plate 2, formed by the tool receiving portion 13 for releasably accommodating the tool, is constructed on the (upper) first leg 16 of the bow-shaped first arm 8, and in particular on the free end of the first leg 16.

[0058] exist Figures 4 to 6 It can also be seen that the manipulation interface 11 of the first gripping jaw plate 2 is constructed on the (lower) second leg 17 of the bow-shaped first arm 8, especially on the free end of the second leg 17.

Claims

1. A centering device (1) for directionally receiving cables, comprising a gripping unit consisting of two gripping jaws (2, 3), the gripping jaws being linearly movable along a gripping manipulation direction (B) to open and close the gripping unit and each having a tool (4, 5) with tool contours (6, 7), wherein, The tool contours (6, 7) face each other along the gripping operation direction (B), and wherein the tool contours (6, 7) extend along a cable supply direction (Z) perpendicular to the gripping operation direction (B) to accommodate at least one core wire of the cable, characterized in that, The first gripping jaw plate (2) of the two gripping jaw plates (2, 3) has an arm (8) that extends from the tool (4) in a substantially arcuate direction, wherein the opening of the arcuate direction is oriented perpendicular to the gripping manipulation direction (B) and perpendicular to the cable supply direction (Z).

2. The centering device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gripping unit is operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the second gripping jaw plate (3) of the two gripping jaw plates (2, 3) and the opening are arranged offset from each other in the gripping operation direction (B) in the open position of the gripping unit.

3. The centering device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The arm (8) of the first gripping jaw plate (2) has a tool interface (13) for the tool (4) and an operating interface (11) for the actuator (10), wherein the tool interface (13) is constructed on the first leg (16) in the arcuate direction and the operating interface (11) is constructed on the second leg (17) in the arcuate direction.

4. The centering device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tool interface (13) is constructed on the free end of the first leg (16) and / or the manipulation interface (11) is constructed on the free end of the second leg (17).

5. The centering device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The two gripping jaws (2, 3) each have a tool receiving portion (13) for removably accommodating the corresponding tools (4, 5).

6. The centering device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tool profiles (6, 7) are configured to clamp and hold at least one core wire of the cable in the closed position of the gripping unit.

7. The centering device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It has an actuator (10) for manipulating the gripping unit, the actuator (10) being configured to simultaneously manipulate the two gripping jaws (2, 3).

8. The centering device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The actuator (10) is configured such that the two gripping jaws (2, 3) have strokes of equal value to each other for opening and closing.

9. A system comprising a processing station for processing cables and a centering device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The processing station and the centering device (1) are arranged laterally to offset each other in the direction of cable supply (Z).

10. A method for operating a centering device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: - The cable is supplied along the cable supply direction (Z). - Close the grasping unit. - Open the grabbing unit. - Lead the cable out along the cable supply direction (Z), Its features are, The supply and the withdrawal are carried out in the same direction along the cable supply direction (Z), wherein, during the supply or withdrawal, the free end of the cable passes through the arcuate direction of the arm (8) of the first gripping jaw plate (2).

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