System and method for the automated production of a cable set

Abstract

System (2) for the automated production of a cable set (3) which has a branched structure and several individual conductor elements (22), wherein the system (2) has - a control device for controlling the plant (2) - a distribution station (F) for distributing the line elements (22) into a predefined distribution structure according to the branched structure of the cable set (3) - a second transport system (28) with -- a second rail system with several second rails (50) oriented parallel to each other, which are adjustable independently of each other in a first direction (14) depending on the given branched structure of the cable set (3) and with -- several second transporters (48), each designed to receive a line end of a respective line element (22) and which are movable along the second rails (50) in a second direction (12), wherein the desired distribution structure can be generated by moving the second rails (50) in the first direction (14) and by moving the second transporters (48) along the second rails (50), wherein - the second transporters (48) each have their own drive unit and can be moved individually.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system and a method for the automated production of a cable harness, in particular for a motor vehicle.

[0002] A cable harness generally comprises a large number of individual cable elements that are connected to one another. The cable elements are, in particular, wires, twisted wires (pairs), optical fibers or prefabricated partial cables, for example, sheathed cables. A wire is generally understood to be a conductor surrounded by insulation, either a conductor wire or a stranded conductor. Each cable harness has a branched structure that corresponds to a later installation structure, for example within a motor vehicle or other system. A branched structure here means that individual cable elements branch off from a main strand at different positions in the cable harness. The finished cable harness usually has connectors or other contact elements attached to the ends of at least some of the cable elements.

[0003] The production and handling of such cable harnesses is complex. Especially in the automotive industry, there are a multitude of different cable harness types – even for the same vehicle model – due to the different and individually specified equipment variants. Typically, a cable harness for a custom-configured vehicle is only manufactured after the customer's order has been received. Due to the desired short delivery times, the goal is to produce a customized cable harness as quickly as possible.

[0004] Due to the wide variety of types and variants of these customized cable harnesses, automating their production is difficult, which is why a high degree of manual work is still required in the production of cable harnesses specifically for the automotive industry. Typically, the individual cable elements are laid manually along so-called cable boards according to a predefined, individual branched structure, and then the individual cable elements are manually secured together, for example, using banding.

[0005] DE 33 27 583 A1 describes a semi-automated process for manufacturing cable harnesses from individual conductors. In this process, the prefabricated individual conductors are first detachably connected to one another using coupling pieces and combined to form a continuous cable, which is then wound, for example, on a winding device. The coupling pieces are then removed from the individual conductors, and in another device, connector housings are attached to the ends, after which the cable harness is formed.

[0006] DE 38 20 638 C2 describes another automated process for manufacturing a cable harness. Prefabricated cable elements are inserted into connector housings with the help of an industrial robot. The connector housings are attached along a line on a vertically oriented installation board. The individual cables between two adjacent connector housings hang loosely downwards. This is followed by wrapping, with the industrial robot changing tools for this. In one design variant, the connector housings are arranged on turntables that can be moved along a linear guide. After the connector housings have been loaded, the turntables move with the connector housings mounted on them to a specified position.

[0007] DE 690 12 221 T2 describes a method for the production of cable harnesses in which pins and connectors on a plate-shaped carrier can be moved along guideways integrated into the carrier.

[0008] Further methods and devices to support the production of cable harnesses can be found, for example, in US 5 309 633 A, US 5 471 741 A and US 2001 / 0 019 478 A.

[0009] Based on this, the invention is based on the object of enabling a system and a method for the automated production of such cable harnesses with a branched structure.

[0010] The object is achieved according to the invention by a system for the automated production of a cable harness having the features of claim 1. The object is further achieved by a method for the automated production of such a cable harness having the features of claim 14. The advantages and preferred embodiments cited with regard to the system are also to be transferred to the method accordingly.

[0011] The system is used for the automated production of a cable harness having a branched structure composed of multiple individual cable elements. The system comprises a control device for controlling the individual process sequences of the system, a distribution station for distributing the cable elements in a predetermined distribution structure corresponding to the branched structure of the cable harness, and a second transport system. The second transport system comprises a second rail system with multiple second rails oriented parallel to one another, which are adjustable in a first direction independently of one another and depending on the predetermined branched structure of the cable harness. The second transport system further comprises multiple second transporters, each designed to receive a cable end of a respective cable element. The second transporters can be moved along the second rail in a second direction.During operation, the second transporters and the second rails are controlled in such a way that the desired distribution structure is created by moving the second rails in the first direction and by moving the second transporters along the second rails and thus in the second direction. Since the respective cable ends of the individual cable elements are arranged on the second transporters, the cable harness composed of the individual cable elements is essentially spread out by the automatic movement of the second rails and the second transporters. This eliminates the need to individually lay the individual cable elements along a predetermined path. The spreading out of the cable harness and the assumption of the branched structure of the cable harness therefore takes place automatically with the help of the special second transport system within the distribution station.

[0012] In general, the movement of the second transporters and the second rails creates a two-dimensional plane in which the individual transporters assume the desired distribution structure in their final positions.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, this is a vertical plane, meaning the first direction and the second direction span the vertical plane. The first direction is, in particular, a vertical direction, meaning the second rails are arranged so that they can be moved vertically. Correspondingly, the second direction is a longitudinal direction, specifically running horizontally. The cable harness to be manufactured is therefore designed to be "hanging" overall.

[0014] Overall, the system is used for the fully automated production of a cable harness. During production, the cable harness, which is spread out in the distribution station, passes through several additional processing stations that follow one another. In each of these processing stations, a process or production step is carried out, so that the cable harness is successively formed like a production line. The system is preferably divided into two parts. In a first part of the system, the individual cable elements required for each cable harness are individually prepared and specially prepared in a collection or buffer station. They are then removed from this station and assembled for each cable harness to be produced, forming the desired branched structure. The assembly of the individual cable elements and the formation of the cable harness takes place in the second part of the system.

[0015] A particular advantage of the system is that the automated production of each individual cable harness allows the number and type of cable elements, as well as the configuration of the cable harness itself, to be specified individually for each individual cable harness. The second transporters then assume the distribution structure at the distribution station according to the respective individual cable harness. The control device specifies which of the second transporters are to be equipped for each individual cable harness and how. This measure enables both automated production of the cable harness and a high degree of individualization of the respective cable harness.Due to the many degrees of process freedom in production, the system is therefore able to assemble and produce successive cable harnesses that are manufactured one after the other in different configurations without the need for manual intervention.

[0016] In a suitable embodiment, the system comprises a manipulator, which is designed, in particular, to individually pick up the line elements from the aforementioned buffer station and to load the picked-up line elements into the second transporters. The manipulator is, in particular, a robot, specifically an industrial robot and generally a multi-axis articulated-arm robot. This typically has adjustment capabilities in several degrees of freedom, in particular in several linear degrees of freedom and several rotational degrees of freedom. The manipulator comprises a robot hand, which is designed to grasp the individual line elements from the provision station (buffer station) and to secure them to the second transporters.

[0017] Conveniently, at least some of the second transporters can be equipped with connector housings. The connector housings are designed to accommodate the cable ends of the cable elements. These connector housings are connector housings of the finished cable harness. In this respect, a pre-assembly stage is already implemented here. The cable ends, usually prepared with contact elements, are plugged or inserted into the connector housings via the manipulator. Assembly with the manipulator ensures a high level of process reliability. Specifically, process monitoring, for example, position monitoring and / or force monitoring of the insertion force, is provided during assembly.

[0018] In addition to the connector housings, the second transporters are also conveniently designed or equipped with deflection elements or additional brackets. These deflection elements serve, for example, to bend individual cable elements at defined positions in the branched structure, such as at junctions.

[0019] The additional holders serve, for example, to hold the cable ends of two cable elements that are connected to one another, in particular by means of a liquid connection. In cable harnesses, it is sometimes necessary for cable elements to be brought to the same reference potential and, for this purpose, to be connected to one another, for example, by welding. The holders serve to hold cable ends connected in this way. The second transporters can expediently be equipped with the connector housings and / or the deflection elements or the holders. This means that these can be temporarily fixed to the second transporters. In order to equip the individual second transporters with the connector housings, the deflection elements, or the holders, a further manipulator is expediently arranged, which is suitably designed for this loading process.

[0020] The second transporters are preferably generally guided along the second rail system in a circuit. First, the second transporters are equipped with the connector housings, etc., required for the respective cable harness. The cable elements are then individually attached to the transporters. Finally, the cable harness to be manufactured is spread out into the branched structure and automatically finished. Finally, the finished cable harness is removed from the second transporters, which are then returned and re-equipped with connector housings, deflection elements, etc., for the next cable harness.

[0021] The second transporters are loaded with the cable ends of the cable elements, particularly in the area of ​​a so-called connector station. The aforementioned manipulator is located at this connector station, and the second transporters are positioned on second rails of this connector station. Depending on the cable harness to be manufactured, a precisely defined number of second transporters are positioned on the second rails for this connector station, each with a predetermined configuration of connector housings, deflection elements, or holders. Several second rails arranged parallel to one another are formed at the connector station. The individual second transporters, with the cable harness-specific configuration, are distributed across these several second rails.For each cable harness to be manufactured individually, the second transporter for the cable harness to be manufactured is therefore individually prepared at the beginning of the production line formed by the second processing station.

[0022] To achieve the highest possible process speed, the system and the control device are designed such that during operation, particularly at the connector station, the second transporters are provided in a retracted state for loading the cable elements and are moved from this state into the distribution structure. The second transporters are therefore grouped as closely together as possible for loading. This means that the second transporters located on the same rail are largely pushed together. In addition, the second rails are also moved as closely together as possible. After loading, the second transporters then assume the distribution structure.

[0023] The production of a cable harness typically requires several processing steps. In particular, the cable elements must be fixed to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the system therefore generally has several second processing stations that are arranged directly adjacent to one another. Each of these second processing stations preferably has several second rails, each of which can be moved individually in the first direction, i.e. in particular in the vertical direction. The distribution structure can therefore be assumed in every second processing station. Especially for fixing the cable elements to one another, it is advantageous if these are arranged in the distribution structure so that the fixing can take place in a suitable manner, for example at branching points, so that in particular dimensionally stable branches are formed.

[0024] In a suitable embodiment, the control device is further configured such that the second rails of adjacent second processing stations are aligned in a manner consistent with one another depending on the distribution structure. The second rails of adjacent processing stations merge directly into one another, so that the second transporters can be transferred from one second rail to the other.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the second transporters are moved from one processing station to the next processing station while maintaining the distribution structure of the second transporters. The spread-out cable harness is moved in this spread-out position between the processing stations.

[0026] According to the invention, the second transporters are generally individually movable and individually driven. This ensures that the desired distribution structure can be individually adopted via the second transporters.

[0027] Conveniently, the second transporters can be driven electrically or magnetically. The drive is implemented, for example, in the manner of a linear motor. With a magnetic or electromagnetic drive, it is particularly intended that the second transporters are driven by alternating magnetic fields, for example, in the manner of a levitation train. The second transporters are generally guided along the second rails like sleds.

[0028] According to the invention, each of the second transporters has its own drive unit. In the case of a magnetic drive, this drive unit consists, in the simplest case, of a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. Magnets, in particular electromagnets, are then distributed along the second rails. Corresponding magnets, in particular permanent magnets, are also arranged on the second transporters. By reversing the polarity of the electromagnets accordingly, a continuous magnetic field is generated, which drives the transporters.

[0029] The system is also designed—as already mentioned—to secure the line elements to one another. A further manipulator is provided for this purpose. The control device and the system are now designed such that the line elements are secured during the spreading process into the distribution structure. This allows high cycle rates to be achieved. The corresponding manipulator is conveniently arranged to be movable, so that it can, in particular, follow the spreading movement.

[0030] Alternatively or in addition, the fixing or further fixing of the line elements takes place after spreading into the distribution structure.

[0031] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, each of which shows, in partially simplified representations: Fig. 1 a front view of a system for the automated production of a cable harness with a first and a second part, Fig. 2 a partial perspective view of the facility in the area of ​​the first part together with a warehouse, Fig. 3 a partial perspective view of the system in the area of ​​the second part, Fig. 4 a partial view in the area of ​​a plug-in station where several second transporters are provided, Fig. 5 an enlarged partial view of the transition area between the plug-in station and a distribution station, in which the second transporters are transferred into a distribution structure, Fig. 6 a highly simplified representation of second transporters with attached line elements, as well as Fig. 7 a front view of another second processing station in which the second transporters are arranged in the distributed structure and hold a cable set.

[0032] In the figures, parts with the same function are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0033] The Fig. The system 2 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is used for the automated production of a cable harness 3 and is modularly constructed from a plurality of individual processing stations. The system has a first part 4 with first processing stations A, B, C, D and a second part with second processing stations E, F, G, H, I, K. A warehouse 8, which is designed like a high-bay warehouse, is arranged in front of the first part 4. The individual processing stations A to K each have a scaffold 10, which essentially defines a scaffold frame, within which 4 processing units for carrying out different work steps are arranged in the first part. The scaffolds 10 are fastened directly adjacent to one another and form a scaffold arrangement that extends, in particular, linearly. The scaffolds 10 are arranged next to one another in a longitudinal direction 12. The scaffolds 10 are arranged like a shelf.They extend vertically in a vertical direction 14 and have a depth extending in a transverse direction 16. The longitudinal direction 12 and the vertical direction 14 define a vertical plane, to which the transverse direction 16 is oriented perpendicularly. In the exemplary embodiment, the warehouse 8 is arranged in the transverse direction 16. Due to the vertical orientation of the scaffolds 10, the entire scaffold arrangement has a front side 18 and a rear side 20.

[0034] During the production of the cable harness 3, the system 2 is successively passed through in the longitudinal direction 12 from the first processing station A to the last processing station L. In the exemplary embodiment of the modular system 2 shown, the following processing stations are provided:

[0035] A cutting station A, a stripping station B, a contacting station C, a buffer station D. The second part 6 begins with a plugging station E, followed by a distribution station F, a multi-part fixing station G, which in the exemplary embodiment has three sub-stations G1, G2, G3, further followed by a clipping station H, a packaging station I and a final or collecting station K.

[0036] In the first part 4 of plant 2, cable elements 22 are first prepared. These are, in particular, cores or twisted cores. They are provided by the meter on spools 24. The spools 24 are stored in warehouse 8.

[0037] In the second part 6, the individual prepared cable elements 22 are assembled to form the cable harness 3. All of this occurs fully automatically without manual intervention. Within the first part 4, the cable elements 22 in the individual prefabrication stages are conveyed further between the individual first processing stations A to D by means of a first transport system 26.

[0038] In the second part 6, in which the cable harness 3 is assembled from the individual cable elements 22, the respective cable harnesses in their different prefabrication stages are successively fed to the individual processing stations E to J of the second part 6 with the aid of a second transport system 28.

[0039] The individual processing steps in the first part 4 are carried out with the aid of processing units 30 which are arranged within the respective frame 10 of the respective first processing station A to D.

[0040] In the second part 6, the individual required work steps are performed by manipulators 32, which in the exemplary embodiment are designed as multi-axis articulated-arm robots. Each individual processing station E to I is assigned its own manipulator 32. The individual manipulators 32 are arranged so that they can be moved in the longitudinal direction 12. In the exemplary embodiment, they are suspended from a ceiling rail (not shown in detail here).

[0041] As described in more detail below, to manufacture the cable harness 3 in the second part 6, the cable harness 3 is spread out according to a desired branched structure. The cable harness 3 is therefore spread out in a two-dimensional plane. This plane is vertically aligned, i.e., lies in the previously described vertical plane. The cable harnesses 3 are arranged on a front side of the frame 10. Therefore, processing takes place on the front side 18 of the frames 10 using the manipulators 32.

[0042] During the automated production of the cable harness 3, the following production steps are carried out successively and automatically in the system 2 shown in the exemplary embodiment: In warehouse 8, several reels 24 are stored, on which conductor elements 22 of different types are wound as continuous goods. The individual types of conductor elements 22 differ particularly with regard to their cross-sections, in particular the cross-sections of the conductors, the color of the wire insulation, or whether they are a single wire or a twisted wire pair.

[0043] Within the cutting station A, the cable elements 22 of different types unwound from the reels 24 are cut to the length required for the cable set 3 to be manufactured.

[0044] In the stripping station B, the cable ends of the cable elements 22 are then stripped using corresponding stripping units as processing units 30.

[0045] In the contacting station C, contact elements, such as contact sockets or contact pins, are attached to the exposed cable ends, i.e., to the respective conductor of the cable element 22. This is done, for example, by a crimping process.

[0046] The prepared line elements 22 are collected in the buffer station D. Therefore, in the buffer station D, there are a plurality of line elements 22, which differ in terms of their type and / or length, in the manner of an intermediate storage facility.

[0047] The first transport system 26 serves to transport the line elements 22 between the individual processing stations A to D. It has a first rail system 34. This comprises a circumferential guide rail 36 on which individual, individually movable first transporters 38 are arranged. These first transporters 38 are carrier units that can be moved along the guide rail 36 in the manner of carriages. These are each designed to receive one or more line elements, in particular in a suspended manner. The transfer from or to a respective processing station A to D to these first transporters 38 takes place with the aid of positioning units 40 that can be moved along cross rails 42 in the longitudinal direction 12. The cross rails 42, in turn, can be displaced in the vertical direction along vertical rails 44.

[0048] The first rail system 34 is generally composed of a plurality of first rails 46. Each first rail 46 is assigned to a respective stand 10 and, in particular, has the same length. The first rail system 34 is therefore also modular in design, corresponding to the stand arrangement. The first rails 46 of adjacent processing stations are aligned with one another to form the circumferential guide rail.

[0049] In the connector station E, second transporters 48 of the second transport system 28 are equipped with the line elements 22. At least some of the second transporters 48 are equipped with connector housings 60 for this purpose (see Fig. 4). The contact elements attached to the cable ends of the cable elements 22 are inserted into these. Some of the second transporters 48 can also be provided or equipped with holders for receiving interconnected cable ends of two cable elements 22. Finally, some of the second transporters are designed to guide or deflect cable elements 22 or are equipped with corresponding deflection elements or holders.

[0050] Of particular importance within the connector station E is that the second transporters 48 are distributed across several second rails 50 of the second transport system 28. The second rails 50 are arranged parallel to one another. The individual cable ends of the cable elements 22 are each suitably secured to a second transporter 48, which is arranged distributed across the second rails 50. In the connector station E, all the cable elements 22 required for the cable harness 3 to be manufactured are taken from the buffer station D and attached to the second transporters 48. This is done with the aid of the manipulator 32 assigned to the connector station E.

[0051] The plug-in station E is a comparatively narrow station. The second transporters 48 are preferably arranged close together. The second rails 50, which are arranged parallel to one another, are preferably arranged directly next to one another.

[0052] The second transporters 48 equipped with the line elements 22 are transferred to further second rails 50 in the distribution station F. In the distribution station F, the second transporters 48 and thus the line ends of the line elements 22 are distributed into the branched structure specified by the cable harness 3. The individual second transporters 48 therefore assume a distribution structure within the vertical plane corresponding to the branched structure of the cable harness 3. For this purpose, the second transporters 48 are moved on their respective second rail 50 in the longitudinal direction 12 to a predefined position. At the same time, the second rails 50 arranged parallel to one another are pulled apart in the vertical direction 14, resulting in the desired branched structure. In the representation of the Fig. Figure 3 shows an intermediate situation in which the distribution structure is not yet fully implemented within distribution station F. The distribution structure can be seen in the subsequent processing stations.

[0053] The spreading of the second rails 50 and the movement of the second transporters 48 in the longitudinal direction to their predetermined longitudinal position need not necessarily be completed in the distribution station F. This can, for example, also take place at least partially in the subsequent fixing station G.

[0054] In the fixing station G, the individual line elements are fixed together, specifically to secure the specified branched structure and thus provide a certain degree of stability. For this purpose, several substations G1, G2, and G3 are conveniently provided, which are designed, for example, for different fixing methods.

[0055] As can be seen from Figs 1, 3, the distribution station F and the first fixing station G1 are combined with each other and therefore share a frame 10.

[0056] In the clip station, (fastening) clips are attached as needed. These are typically attached to cable set 3 using a banding.

[0057] Packaging station I is used to remove the finished cable harness 3 and transport it further. For this purpose, the cable harness 3 is removed from the second rails 50 using the associated manipulator 32.

[0058] In the collection station K, the individual second transporters 48 are collected and fed to a common return rail 52. This rail runs along the rear side 20 and extends to the connector station E. At this station, the second transporters 48 are again appropriately equipped with connector housings 60 using a manipulator 32 arranged on the rear side 20, thus preparing them for the production of the next cable harness 3.

[0059] The second transport system 28 has the previously described second rails 50 and the second transporters 48. The second transporters 48 are arranged in a manner similar to the first transporters 38, like carriages that can be moved along the rails 50. The individual second transporters 48 can be moved individually and have an electromagnetic drive system. The second rails 50 can each be moved in the vertical direction 40. Each processing station E to I has a number of second rails 50 that are arranged parallel to one another. The second rails 50 each extend only over the length of a respective frame 10 of a respective processing station E to I. For the transfer of the second transporters 48 between adjacent processing stations, the second rails 50 are brought into an aligned arrangement.

[0060] Fig. Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the transition area between the plug-in station E and the distribution station F. The second rails 50 of both the plug-in station E and the distribution station F can be seen. The second rails 50 are aligned with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of four second rails 50 are arranged per processing station E, F. These are each arranged so as to be individually movable along the vertical rails 44 in the vertical direction 14.

[0061] A plurality of second transporters 48 are arranged on the second rails 50 and are distributed over the plurality of second rails 50.

[0062] The individual second transporters 48 are equipped with different elements, in particular with the connector housings 60 and with deflection elements 62. The individual second transporters 50 are arranged as closely as possible to one another. On the one hand, the second rails 50 are moved as close together as possible. At the same time, the individual second transporters 48 are arranged on the respective second rails 50 with little or no distance from one another. In this Fig. In the position shown in Figure 4, the second transporters 48, in particular the connector housings 60 and deflection elements 62 attached thereto, are loaded with the cable elements 22. For this purpose, the manipulator 32, which is assigned to the connector station E, is used. The prepared cable ends of the cable elements 22 are inserted into the connector housings 60. The cable ends are typically preconfigured with contact elements, for example, crimping elements.

[0063] From the connector station E, the second transporters 48 are then transferred to the second rails 50 of the subsequent distribution station F. In the distribution station F, the "spreading out" into the desired distribution structure of the cable harness then takes place. Here, the individual second transporters 48 are pulled apart in the longitudinal direction 12 along their respective second rail 50. At the same time, the second rails 50 are also pulled apart in the vertical direction 14. At the end, the second transporters 48 take up a position, for example in the Fig. 5 shows the distribution structure. Fig. 5 shows a view of one of the fixing stations G1, G2, G3 or the combined distribution station F / fixing station G1. Fig. 4 as well as the Fig. 5 the line elements 22 are not shown.

[0064] The line elements 22 are exemplary only in the Fig. 6. It can be clearly seen that the individual line elements 22 are each attached to the second transporters 48 by their line ends. Due to the vertical arrangement of the entire system and the scaffolding 10, the individual line elements 22 hang from the second transporters 48. Since they are each held by their line ends, each of the line elements is arranged in a hanging, approximately U-shaped manner. Fig. Figure 6 shows a situation in the area of ​​the plug-in station E, in which the individual second transporters 48 are arranged close to each other and not yet in the desired distribution structure.

[0065] Fig.Figure 7 shows a view of one of the second processing stations, for example, one of the fixing stations G1, G2, G3 with the cable harness 3 in the branched structure. The aligned alignment of the second rails 50 of the processing station, in which the cable harness 3 is currently held, and the subsequent processing station (left half of the image) is clearly visible. Once the cable harness 3 has been processed in the processing station, it is transferred in the spread-out structure, i.e., in the distribution structure of the second transporters 48, to the subsequent second processing station, for example, another fixing station G2, while maintaining the branched structure.

[0066] Of particular importance in System 2 described here is the fact that the individual second transporters 48 can be driven individually and thus can each assume an individual position on the respective second rail. At the same time, each of the second rails 50 of each second processing station can also be moved individually, so that the distances between two adjacent second rails 50 in the vertical direction 14 can be freely adjusted.

[0067] This makes it possible to specify and implement a custom distribution structure for each cable harness to be manufactured. Overall, this enables the automated production of customized cable harnesses with different branched structures. The control unit (not shown in detail here) specifies the desired distribution structure as well as the selection of the required cable elements, connector housings, etc.

Claims

[1] System (2) for the automated production of a cable harness (3) which has a branched structure and a plurality of individual line elements (22), wherein the system (2) has - a control device for controlling the system (2) - a distribution station (F) for distributing the line elements (22) into a predetermined distribution structure corresponding to the branched structure of the cable harness (3) - a second transport system (28) with -- a second rail system with a plurality of second rails (50) oriented parallel to one another, which are adjustable in a first direction (14) independently of one another and depending on the predetermined branched structure of the cable set (3), and with -- a plurality of second transporters (48), each designed to receive a line end of a respective line element (22) and which are movable along the second rails (50) in a second direction (12), wherein the desired distribution structure can be produced by moving the second rails (50) in the first direction (14) and by moving the second transporters (48) along the second rails (50), wherein - the second transporters (48) each have their own drive unit and can be moved individually. [2] Installation (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the first direction (14) and the second direction (12) span a vertical plane within which the second transporters (48) can be moved. [3] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a manipulator (32) is arranged which is designed to equip the second transporters (48) with the received line elements (22). [4] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least some of the second transporters (48) can be equipped with plug housings (60) which serve to receive the line ends of the line elements (22). [5] System (2) according to the preceding claim, in which a further manipulator (32) is arranged, which is designed for the respective equipping of the second transporters (48) with the plug housings (60). [6] System (2) according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which a plug-in station (E) is provided which is designed to equip the second transporters (48) with the line ends of the line elements (22), wherein the manipulator (32) is arranged at the plug-in station (E) and the second transporters (48) are provided on second rails (50) of the plug-in station (E). [7] System (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the control device is designed such that a defined number of second transporters (48) with a predetermined configuration of connector housings (60) on the second rails (50) is provided at the connector station (E) depending on the cable harness to be manufactured [8] Installation (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control device is designed such that, during operation, the second transporters (48) are provided in a retracted state for equipping with the line elements (22) and are moved from this state into the distribution structure. [9] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of adjoining second processing stations are arranged and each of the second processing stations has a plurality of second rails (50) which are each individually movable in the first direction (14). [10] Installation (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the control device is designed such that the second rails (50) of adjacent second processing stations are brought into alignment with one another depending on the distribution structure. [11] Plant (2) according to one of the two preceding claims, in which the control device is arranged such that the second transporters (48) are moved from one to the following processing station during operation while maintaining the distribution structure. [12] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the second transporters (48) can be driven electrically or magnetically. [13] System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a manipulator is provided for fixing the line elements (22) to one another and the control device is arranged such that the fixing of the line elements (22) takes place during spreading into the distribution structure. [14] Method for the automated production of a cable harness (3) which has a branched structure and a plurality of individual line elements (22), wherein the line elements (22) are automatically distributed into a predetermined distribution structure corresponding to the branched structure of the cable harness (3), wherein for this purpose a plurality of second rails (50) oriented parallel to one another and a plurality of second transporters (48) distributed on the second rails (50) are used, and wherein the second transporters (48) are each equipped with a line end of the line elements (22) and then, to form the distribution structure, the second rails (50) are moved in a first direction (14) and the second transporters (48) are moved along the second rails (50) in a second direction (12), wherein the second transporters (48) each have their own drive unit and are moved individually.

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