Device and method for laying cables to form a cable set

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for laying cables (L) to form a cable set. According to the invention, the device (1) is characterized by a laying surface area (2) on which the cables (L) can be laid, and several cable guidance units (3) for laying one cable (L) each on the laying surface area (2), wherein the cable guidance units (3) are each driven by an actuator and are displaceable along a transverse displacement axis (4) in a width direction (y) of the laying surface area (2), and the at least one transverse displacement axis (4) is also driven by an actuator and is displaceable in a length direction (x) of the laying surface area (2). Alternatively, the cable guidance units (3) can each be moved by means of at least one multi-axis robot in the width direction (y) and in the length direction (x) of the laying surface area (2). The invention further relates to a method for laying cables (L) to form a cable set.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for laying cables to form a cable set according to the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method for laying cables to form a cable set.

[0002] From the prior art, as described in DE 10 2017 206 140 A1, a system and a method for the automated production of a cable harness having a branched structure composed of several individual conductor elements are known. The conductor elements are automatically brought into a predetermined distribution structure using several second rails oriented parallel to one another and several second transporters distributed on the second rails. The second transporters are each equipped with one cable end of the conductor elements. To form the distribution structure, the second rails are then moved in a vertical direction and the second transporters are moved along the second rail. Further processing steps are then carried out in this spread-out structure.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of providing a device and a method for laying cables to form a cable set that are improved compared to the prior art.

[0004] The object is achieved according to the invention by a device for laying cables to form a cable set having the features of claim 1 or 8 and a method for laying cables to form a cable set having the features of claim 14 or 15.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0006] According to the invention, a device for laying cables to form a cable harness, in particular for a vehicle, has a laying surface area on which the cables can be laid. Furthermore, according to the invention, the device has a plurality of cable guide units for laying one cable each on the laying surface area. In one variant according to the invention, the cable guide units are each driven by an actuator, for example by means of a spindle drive, in particular with a stepper motor, and are each displaceable along a transverse displacement axis in a width direction of the laying surface area, and the at least one transverse displacement axis is driven by an actuator, for example by means of a spindle drive, in particular with a stepper motor, in a length direction of the laying surface area.In a further variant of the invention, the cable guide units are each movable by means of at least one multi-axis robot in a width direction of the installation area and in a length direction of the installation area. In one possible embodiment, a combination of these two variants can also be provided. The described displacement movements and / or movements by means of the at least one multi-axis robot are carried out in particular in an automated manner, for example fully automatically or at least highly automatically, for example controlled by a control unit, in particular based on a laying plan for the cables specified to the control unit for forming the cable harness.

[0007] The wiring harness is also referred to, for example, as a cable harness. The laying surface area can also be referred to, for example, as a construction board, cable forming board, laying board, laying plate, laying level, laying receptacle, cable harness production field, or assembly receptacle. It is, in particular, at least substantially, horizontally aligned. It has a length and a width. The length direction is thus the direction of its length, and the width direction is the direction of its width. The length direction runs, in particular, transverse to the width direction, with the length direction and the width direction running, in particular, at least substantially, horizontally. The laying surface area is, in particular, designed as a rectangle, at least substantially rectangular.A main laying direction of the cables runs in particular in the length direction of the laying surface area, i.e. the cable set to be formed on the laying surface area is arranged on this laying surface area with its length extension in the length direction of the laying surface area when all process steps to be carried out for its formation on the laying surface area have been completed.

[0008] In a method according to the invention for laying cables to form a cable harness, in particular for a vehicle, by means of the device, an initial section of the respective cable is positioned at a predetermined initial position on the laying surface area by means of the respective cable guide unit, the respective cable is laid by means of the respective cable guide unit in the first mentioned variant of the device by actuator-driven displacement along the transverse displacement axis, on which the cable guide unit is arranged, in the width direction of the laying surface area and actuator-driven displacement of the transverse displacement axis, on which the cable guide unit is arranged, in the length direction of the laying surface area along a predetermined route on the laying surface area.In the second variant of the device mentioned, the respective cable is laid on the laying area by means of the respective cable guiding unit by moving it in the width direction of the laying area and in the length direction of the laying area by means of the at least one multi-axis robot along the predetermined route. In one possible embodiment of the method, a combination of these two procedures is also possible. In the method, with the respective variant of the device or, in the possible embodiment accordingly, with the combination of the two variants of the device, an end section of the respective cable is positioned at a predetermined end position on the laying area by means of the respective cable guiding unit. It is provided that the cables are laid on the laying area at least in sections simultaneously by means of the cable guiding units.The described method sequence is carried out in particular in an automated manner, for example fully automatically or at least highly automatically, for example controlled by the control unit, in particular on the basis of the laying plan for the cables specified to the control unit for forming the cable harness.

[0009] The respective cable guide unit has, for example, a cable guide channel through which the cable slides and can thus be successively guided by the cable guide unit along the specified route and placed on the installation area. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the initial section of the respective cable is fixed to the installation area, for example by pressing it or clamping it into a fixing on the installation area by means of the cable guide unit. This allows the cable guide unit to then slide along the cable and lay it on the installation area along the specified route without the initial section being pulled away.In a further embodiment, it can be provided, for example, that the cable guide unit has an actuator-driven conveyor unit for actively moving the cable through, for example in order to avoid excessive tensile loading of the cable to be laid and / or excessive mechanical stresses in the laid cable, which could lead to changes in the cable set when it is removed from the laying area.

[0010] The solution according to the invention thus enables the simultaneous laying of several cables of a cable set to be formed, at least in sections, in particular in an automated manner, for example fully automated or at least highly automated. In particular, several cables can be laid in a single process run; thus, each cable does not have to be laid individually, i.e., the cables do not have to be laid consecutively in multiple process runs. The work processes, in particular processing steps, for laying several cables thus take place in parallel in the solution according to the invention. This achieves a reduction in cycle time, i.e., the solution according to the invention optimizes cycle time.The laid cables can then be transferred directly to a subsequent processing step, such as a pinning robot or pinning unit, or this processing step can be performed during installation. For example, pinning involves inserting crimped cable ends into connector contact points. Since the initial sections of several cables are already positioned on the installation surface while the cables are still being laid, pinning can be performed on these initial sections, for example, while the cables are still being laid. After installation, several end sections are then positioned on the installation surface at the same time, so that pinning can then take place on all cables there.

[0011] The solution according to the invention differs significantly from the previously known procedure, in which the shaping of a wiring harness, particularly for use in a vehicle, is realized using a manual production process in which the wires are manually laid one after the other. This manual production process comprises the following individual steps: 1. Cutting and crimping a cable, 2. Manual laying of the cable on a construction board using appropriate holders, 3. Inserting contact parts into the designated connector housings, 4. Manual bundling of several cables into one cable harness, 5. Manual fixing of cables, cable harnesses, exits / crossings using adhesive tape.

[0012] The solution according to the invention modifies this process in such a way that highly automated production of complex cable harnesses is possible.

[0013] In particular, it is provided that the respective cable guide unit in the first-mentioned variant is actuator-driven, for example by means of a spindle drive, in particular with a stepper motor, and is displaceable along the transverse displacement axis parallel to a normal vector of the laying surface area, i.e., in a vertical axis direction, in particular a vertical direction, or in the second-mentioned variant, is movable by means of the at least one multi-axis robot parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area, i.e., in the vertical axis direction, in particular a vertical direction. The normal vector runs, at least substantially, vertically and thus transversely to the length direction and transversely to the width direction. This displacement movement enables the cable to be placed precisely on the laying surface area.For example, this also makes it possible to arrange the cable in an element for cable guidance and / or cable reception and / or cable holding on the laying surface area. For example, at least one such element or several such elements for cable guidance and / or cable reception and / or cable holding are arranged on the laying surface area. The respective element is designed, for example, as a guide around which the cable is to be guided laterally, or as a fork into which the cable is to be inserted, or as an intermediate storage area or cable reception in which the cable is to be placed. These elements serve in particular to hold the respective cable in a laid route. Since these elements protrude upwards from a surface of the laying surface area, the described sliding movement orMovement by means of at least one multi-axis robot parallel to the normal vector of the laying area simultaneously ensures that the respective cable guide unit does not collide with these elements, but deposits the cable safely in them or guides it past them in the specified manner.

[0014] The method provides in particular that the initial section of the respective line is positioned at the predetermined initial position on the laying area by means of the respective line guiding unit, by shifting or moving the respective line guiding unit by means of the at least one multi-axis robot parallel to the normal vector of the laying area in the direction of the laying area, i.e. by lowering the unit onto the laying area or at least towards it. Depending on the design of the laying area, in particular the elements arranged thereon for guiding the line and / or receiving the line and / or holding the line, and depending on the route of the respective line to be laid, the respective line guiding unit can then, for example, be in this shifted position orPosition of the at least one multi-axis robot with respect to the normal vector of the laying surface area or can be shifted once or several times or moved by means of the at least one multi-axis robot, i.e. can be raised or lowered by the respective shifting movement or movement by means of the at least one multi-axis robot.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, several transverse displacement axes are provided, which are arranged one behind the other in the length direction of the laying surface area and on each of which at least one cable guide unit is arranged.

[0016] In one possible embodiment, several or all of the transverse displacement axes can only be moved together in the longitudinal direction of the laying surface area. This achieves simple movement control. Alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that several or all of the transverse displacement axes can be moved separately in the longitudinal direction of the laying surface area. This results, for example, in further degrees of freedom when laying the cables. This separate displaceability can be achieved, for example, by each transverse displacement axis having its own drive unit. For example, a spindle drive is provided, wherein, for example, all drive units use the same threaded spindle, but each has its own motor, in particular a stepper motor, with its own engagement element driven by the motor in this threaded spindle.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, several cable guide units are arranged on the same transverse displacement axis.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, several or all of the cable guide units arranged on the same transverse displacement axis are coupled to one another in such a way that they can only be moved jointly in the width direction of the laying surface area and / or parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area. This achieves simple movement control. Alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that several or all of the cable guide units arranged on the same transverse displacement axis can be moved separately in the width direction of the laying surface area and / or parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area. This results, for example, in further degrees of freedom when laying the cables. This separate displacement of the cable guide units is made possible, for example, by the fact that they have their own corresponding drive units.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the at least one or the respective transverse displacement axis with the at least one cable guide unit or with the multiple cable guide units arranged thereon is designed as a gantry unit, wherein side supports of the gantry unit are positioned on each longitudinal side of the laying surface area. This enables secure movement of the cable guide units in accordance with the described displacement options, wherein in particular the drive unit required for displacing the respective transverse displacement axis can be positioned laterally on the laying surface area. The gantry shape thus ensures sufficient free space, particularly on and above the laying surface area, to enable the laying of the cables and the described displacement movements without collisions on the laying surface area.

[0020] In one possible embodiment, several multi-axis robots are provided, each of which has at least one cable guide unit arranged thereon.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, several cable guidance units are arranged on the same multi-axis robot.

[0022] In one possible embodiment, the device has cable reel holders for accommodating cable reels containing the cables to be laid. The respective cable reel holder is arranged, for example, next to and / or above the at least one or respective transverse displacement axis, or on the at least one or respective transverse displacement axis, or on the respective multi-axis robot, or next to the respective multi-axis robot, or above or below the respective multi-axis robot, or above and next to or below and next to the respective multi-axis robot. This enables the laying of cables by bending them away from a respective cable reel.

[0023] For example, the device has at least one cutting unit for cutting the respective laid cable from a non-laid cable section. Thus, no prior cutting of cables to length is required. For example, the cutting unit can be a separate unit and be provided for cutting all cables, or the cable routing units can each have their own cutting unit, or several, in particular interconnected, cable routing units can be assigned their own cutting unit. In other embodiments, however, it can also be provided, for example, that already pre-processed cables, for example cables crimped on one side, or already fully processed cables are laid in the manner described.The described solution can therefore be used for unprocessed cables directly from the cable reel, for pre-processed cables and for fully processed cables.

[0024] The respective cable can be picked up into the respective cable guide unit manually or automatically, for example. For example, the cable guide unit is moved to the cable to be laid using the displacement or movement options described above, for example, to the cable wound on the cable reel or to the pre-processed or fully processed and prepared cable, and picks up the cable independently, for example, by threading it in using the displacement or movement options described above and / or by an additional pick-up actuator.

[0025] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0026] Showing: Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a device for laying cables to form a cable set, Fig. 2 schematically shows a method step of a method for laying cables to form a cable set, carried out by means of this embodiment of the device, Fig. 3 schematically shows a further step of the process, Fig. 4 schematically shows a further step of the process, Fig. 5 schematically shows a further step of the process, Fig. 6 schematically shows a further step of the method, Fig. 7 schematically shows another embodiment of the device, Fig. 8 schematically shows another embodiment of the device, and Fig. 9 schematically shows another embodiment of the device.

[0027] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0028] Based on the Fig. 1 to 9, embodiments of a device 1 and a method for laying cables L to form a cable harness are described below, in particular for forming a cable harness for a vehicle. Fig. 1 shows an example of an embodiment of the device 1, which Fig. 2 to 6 show an example of a process flow of the method by means of the Fig. 1 shown embodiment of the device 1, and the Fig. 7 to 9 show exemplary further embodiments of the device 1.

[0029] The device 1 has a laying surface area 2 on which the cables L can be laid. In the illustrated embodiments, the laying surface area 2 is formed as a rectangle and oriented horizontally. It has a length and a width.

[0030] The device 1 further comprises a plurality of cable guide units 3 for laying a respective cable L on the laying surface area 2, wherein the cable guide units 3 are each displaceable along a transverse displacement axis 4 in the width direction y of the laying surface area 2, and the at least one transverse displacement axis 4 is displaceable in the length direction x of the laying surface area 2. In the illustrated embodiments, it is also provided that the respective cable guide unit 3 is displaceable along the transverse displacement axis 4 parallel to a normal vector of the laying surface area 2, i.e., in a vertical direction z. The described displacement movements are carried out in particular in an automated manner, for example fully automatically or at least highly automatically.

[0031] In the method, an initial section of the respective line L is positioned by means of the respective line guide unit 3 at a predetermined initial position on the laying surface area 2, in particular by lowering the line guide unit 3 in the vertical direction z onto the laying surface area 2 or at a predetermined distance from the laying surface area 2. The respective line L is laid by means of the respective line guide unit 3 by moving along the transverse displacement axis 4, on which the line guide unit 3 is arranged, in the width direction y of the laying surface area 2 and by moving the transverse displacement axis 4, on which the line guide unit 3 is arranged, in the length direction x of the laying surface area 2 along a predetermined route on the laying surface area 2.An end section of the respective line L is positioned at a predetermined end position on the installation area 2 by means of the respective line guide unit 3. It is provided that the lines L are laid simultaneously on the installation area 2 by means of the line guide units 3, at least in sections. The described method sequence is carried out in particular in an automated manner, for example, fully automatically or at least highly automatically.

[0032] In the examples shown, the respective cable guide unit 3 has a cable guide channel through which the cable L slides and can thus be guided successively by the cable guide unit 3 along the predetermined route and laid on the laying surface area 2.

[0033] The respective transverse displacement axis 4 with the at least one cable guide unit 3 arranged thereon or with the multiple cable guide units 3 arranged thereon is designed as a portal unit in the illustrated embodiments, with side supports 5 of the portal unit being positioned on each longitudinal side of the laying surface area 2. For example, these side supports 5 are mounted on raised side edge regions 6 of the laying surface area 2 so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction x.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiments, the device 1 has cable reel holders 7 for receiving cable reels 8 with the cables L to be laid. The cable reel holders 7 themselves are shown only as an example in Fig. 7. In the other figures, only the line coils 8 held by the line coil holders 7 are shown.

[0035] The respective cable coil holder 7 is arranged, for example, next to and / or above the at least one or respective transverse displacement axis 4, as shown by way of example in the Fig. 1 to 6 and 8 and 9, or arranged on the at least one or respective transverse displacement axis 4, as exemplified in Fig. 7. The cable coil holders 7 and thus the cable coils 8 held by them can, for example, be arranged in a fixed position or move with the respective transverse displacement axis 4 and / or cable guide unit 3. This depends in particular on the positioning of the cable coil holders 7.

[0036] By means of the cable spools 8, the laying of cables L is made possible by bending them away from the respective cable spool 8. In particular when using the cable spools 8, the device 1 has, for example, at least one cutting unit (not shown in the figures) for cutting the respective laid cable L from a non-laid cable section. Thus, no prior cutting of cables L to length is necessary. For example, the cutting unit can be a separate unit and be provided for cutting all cables L, or the cable guide units 3 can each have their own cutting unit, or several cable guide units 3, in particular those coupled to one another, can together be assigned their own cutting unit.

[0037] In other embodiments, however, it may also be provided, for example, that already pre-processed cables L, for example, single-ended crimped cables L, or already fully processed cables L are laid in the manner described. The described solution is thus applicable for unprocessed cables L directly from the cable reel 8, for already pre-processed cables L, and for already fully processed cables L.

[0038] The respective cable L can be picked up into the respective cable guide unit 3, for example, manually or automatically. For example, the cable guide unit 3 is guided to the cable L to be laid using the displacement options described above, for example, to the cable L wound on the cable reel 8 or to the pre-processed or fully processed and prepared cable L, and picks up the cable L independently, for example, by a threading movement using the displacement options described above and / or by an additional pickup actuator.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiments, elements 9 for cable guidance and / or cable reception and / or cable support are arranged on the installation surface area 2. The respective element 9 is designed, for example, as a guide around which the cable L is to be guided laterally, or as a fork into which the cable L is to be inserted, or as an intermediate storage area or cable reception area in which the cable L is to be deposited. These elements 9 serve, in particular, to hold the respective cable L in a laid route.

[0040] As exemplified by the embodiments according to the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the device 1 can have a plurality of transverse displacement axes 4, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction x of the laying surface area 2 and on each of which at least one cable guide unit 3 is arranged. The transverse displacement axes 4 or several of the transverse displacement axes 4 are, for example, only displaceable together in the longitudinal direction x of the laying surface area 2, or several or all of the transverse displacement axes 4 are displaceable separately in the longitudinal direction x of the laying surface area 2.

[0041] As exemplified by the embodiments according to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, several cable guide units 3 can also be arranged on the same transverse displacement axis 4. In these in the Fig. 8 and Fig. In the embodiments shown in Fig. 9, the device 1 has only one transverse displacement axis 4, but in the embodiments of the device 1 with several transverse displacement axes 4, several cable guide units 3 can also be arranged on one or more or all of the transverse displacement axes 4.

[0042] As exemplified by the embodiments according to the Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, several or all of the cable guide units 3 arranged on the same transverse displacement axis 4 can be coupled to one another in such a way that they can only be displaced jointly in the width direction y of the laying surface area 2 and / or parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area 2, i.e., in the vertical direction z. For this purpose, the interconnected cable guide units 3 are designed, for example, as components of a common laying head 10, i.e., this laying head 10 then has several cable guide units 3.

[0043] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 8, two such laying heads 10 are provided, one laying head 10 having three cable guide units 3 and the other laying head 10 having two cable guide units 3. The two laying heads 10 are arranged here on the same transverse displacement axis 4 and can be displaced thereon separately, that is to say in particular independently of one another, in the width direction y of the laying surface area 2 and parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area 2, that is to say in the vertical direction z. The cable guide units 3 of the respective laying head 10 can only be displaced together in the width direction y of the laying surface area 2 and parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area 2, that is to say in the vertical direction z.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 9, only one such laying head 10 is provided, which has three cable guide units 3. These cable guide units 3 of the laying head 10 can only be displaced jointly in the width direction y of the laying surface area 2 and parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area 2, i.e., in the vertical direction z.

[0045] In the other embodiments in which the cable guide units 3 are individually displaceable in the width direction y of the laying surface area 2 and / or parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area 2, that is to say in the vertical direction z, such as in the embodiments according to the Fig. 1 to 7, the respective cable guide unit 3 is, for example, also a component of a respective laying head 10, i.e. the respective laying head 10 then has only one cable guide unit 3.

[0046] If a laying head 10 is provided which has one or more cable guide units 3, then the laying head 10 and thus the respective cable guide unit 3 arranged or formed therein can expediently be displaced in the manner described above along the transverse displacement axis 4 in the width direction y of the laying surface region 2. With regard to the displaceability in the vertical direction z, it can be provided, for example, that the laying head 10 and thus the respective cable guide unit 3 arranged or formed therein can be displaced in the vertical direction z on the transverse displacement axis 4 in the manner described above, or that the respective cable guide unit 3 can be displaced in the laying head 10 in the manner described above in the vertical direction z, i.e., for example, can be pushed downwards out of the laying head 10 and pushed upwards back into it.

[0047] As an alternative to the coupling of the cable guide units 3 described above, it can also be provided, for example, that several or all of the cable guide units 3 arranged on the same transverse displacement axis 4 can be displaced separately in the width direction y of the laying surface area 2 and / or parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area 2, that is to say in the vertical direction z.

[0048] Based on the Fig. 2 to 6, an exemplary process sequence is described below, the process being implemented here by way of example using the embodiment of the device 1 according to Fig. 1 is carried out.

[0049] As in Fig. 2, the first cable guide unit 3 is first displaced downwards in the direction of the laying surface area 2 along the first transverse displacement axis 4 parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area 2, i.e., in the vertical direction z. This first cable guide unit 3 thereby secures the first cable L to be laid, or more precisely, its initial section, at the predetermined initial position on the laying surface area 2, in the example shown in the element 9 designed as an intermediate storage area on the laying surface area 2.

[0050] As in Fig. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, all transverse displacement axes 4 are now displaced together in the length direction x of the laying surface area 2 until the second cable guide unit 3 reaches the predetermined starting position for the second cable L to be laid, which here is also provided in the element 9 designed as an intermediate storage area on the laying surface area 2. For this purpose, the second cable guide unit 3 is also displaced along the second transverse displacement axis 4 in the width direction y of the laying surface area 2 in the illustrated example.

[0051] During the displacement of the transverse displacement axes 4 in the length direction x of the laying area area 2, the first cable guide unit 3 already lays the first cable L along the route specified for the first cable L on the laying area area 2. For this purpose, the first cable guide unit 3 is also moved along the first transverse displacement axis 4 in the width direction y of the laying area area 2 in the example shown.

[0052] When the second cable guide unit 3 has reached the specified starting position for the second cable L to be laid, as shown in Fig. 3, the second cable guide unit 3 is displaced downwards in the direction of the laying surface area 2 on the second transverse displacement axis 4 parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area 2, i.e. in the vertical direction z, and thereby fastens the second cable L to be laid, more precisely its initial section, at the predetermined initial position on the laying surface area 2, in the example shown in the element 9 designed as an intermediate storage area on the laying surface area 2.

[0053] The same is then done with the third cable L to be laid, as in Fig. 4, and would be carried out in the same way with further lines L to be laid if the device 1 had further transverse displacement axes 4 and line guide units 3 and further lines L were to be laid.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, as in Fig. 4, all transverse displacement axes 4 are now displaced together in the length direction x of the laying surface area 2 until the third cable guide unit 3 reaches the predetermined starting position for the third cable L to be laid, which is also provided here in the element 9 designed as an intermediate storage area on the laying surface area 2. For this purpose, the third cable guide unit 3 is also displaced along the third transverse displacement axis 4 in the width direction y of the laying surface area 2 in the example shown.

[0055] During the displacement of the transverse displacement axes 4 in the length direction x of the laying area area 2, the first cable guide unit 3 lays the first cable L and the second cable guide unit 3 lays the second cable L along the route specified for the respective cable L on the laying area area 2. For this purpose, the respective cable guide unit 3 can also be moved along the respective transverse displacement axis 4 in the width direction y of the laying area area 2, depending on the intended route.

[0056] When the third cable guide unit 3 has reached the specified starting position for the third cable L to be laid, as shown in Fig. 3, the third cable guide unit 3 is displaced downwards in the direction of the laying surface area 2 on the third transverse displacement axis 4 parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area 2, i.e. in the vertical direction z, and thereby fastens the third cable L to be laid, more precisely its initial section, at the predetermined initial position on the laying surface area 2, in the example shown in the element 9 designed as an intermediate storage area on the laying surface area 2.

[0057] As in Fig. 5, all transverse displacement axes 4 are now moved further together in the length direction x of the laying surface area 2 in order to lay the cables L along the respectively specified route. The respective cable guide unit 3 can also be moved along the respective transverse displacement axis 4 in the width direction y of the laying surface area 2, depending on the intended route. The laying of the cables L in a designated topology, i.e. along the respective specified route, takes place in the example shown along the elements 9 arranged on the laying surface area 2 for cable guidance and / or cable reception and / or cable support, which are each designed, for example, as a guide, fork or cable reception.

[0058] As in Fig.6, at the end of the respective predetermined route, the respective line L is transferred to a further element 9 designed as an intermediate storage area on the laying area region 2, i.e. the end section of the respective line L is positioned by means of the respective line guide unit 3 at a predetermined end position, which is formed by this further element 9 designed as an intermediate storage area, on the laying area region 2.This is expediently carried out in a manner analogous to the above-described positioning of the respective initial section in the respective initial position, i.e. by shifting the transverse shift axes 4 together in the longitudinal direction x of the laying surface area 2, the first cable guide unit 3 first reaches the end position and places the first cable L in the end position, then the second cable guide unit 3 reaches the end position and places the second cable L in the end position, and then the third cable guide unit 3 reaches the end position and places the third cable L in the end position. The transverse shift axes 4 are thus shifted together in the longitudinal direction x of the laying surface area 2 until the last, here the third, cable guide unit 3 has reached the end position of the cable L it has laid.

[0059] After the respective cable L has been placed in its final position, it is severed from the cable routing unit 3, in particular by means of the at least one or respective separation unit. If pre-processed cables L, for example, single-ended crimped cables L, or fully processed cables L are laid, the separation is omitted or can be omitted if it is not necessary.

[0060] In other embodiments, the device 1 can, alternatively or additionally, comprise, for example, one or more multi-axis robots for moving the cable guide units 3 along the laying surface area 2 for laying the cables L. One or more cable guide units 3 can be arranged on the respective multi-axis robot. The cable guide units 3 are each movable in the width direction y of the laying surface area 2 and in the length direction x of the laying surface area 2 and, for example, also movable parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area 2. List of reference symbols 1 device 2 Installation area 3 Cable routing unit 4 transverse displacement axis 5 side supports 6 Page margin area 7 Cable reel holder 8 Line coil 9 Element 10 laying head L Line x length direction y latitude direction z Vertical direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2017 206 140 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for laying cables (L) to form a cable set, characterized by a laying surface area (2) on which the cables (L) can be laid, and a plurality of cable guide units (3) for laying one cable (L) each on the laying surface area (2), wherein the cable guide units (3) are each displaceable by actuators along a transverse displacement axis (4) in a width direction (y) of the laying surface area (2) and the at least one transverse displacement axis (4) is displaceable by actuators in a length direction (x) of the laying surface area (2). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the respective cable guide unit (3) is actuator-driven and can be displaced on the transverse displacement axis (4) parallel to a normal vector of the laying surface area (2). [3] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat several transverse displacement axes (4) are provided, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (x) of the laying surface area (2) and on each of which at least one cable guide unit (3) is arranged. [4] Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by that several or all transverse displacement axes (4) can only be moved together in the longitudinal direction (x) of the laying surface area (2). [5] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that several cable guide units (3) are arranged on the same transverse displacement axis (4). [6] Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that several or all of the cable guide units (3) arranged on the same transverse displacement axis (4) are coupled to one another in such a way that they can only be displaced together in the width direction (y) of the laying surface area (2) and / or parallel to the normal vector of the laying surface area (2). [7] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one or the respective transverse displacement axis (4) with the at least one cable guide unit (3) arranged thereon or with the several cable guide units (3) arranged thereon is designed as a portal unit, wherein side supports (5) of the portal unit are positioned on each longitudinal side of the laying surface area (2). [8] Device (1) for laying cables (L) to form a cable set, characterized by a laying surface area (2) on which the cables (L) can be laid, and a plurality of cable guide units (3) for laying one cable (L) each on the laying surface area (2), wherein the cable guide units (3) are each movable by means of at least one multi-axis robot in a width direction (y) of the laying surface area (2) and in a length direction (x) of the laying surface area (2). [9] Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the respective cable guide unit (3) can be moved parallel to a normal vector of the laying surface area (2) by means of the at least one multi-axis robot. [10] Device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that several multi-axis robots are provided, on each of which at least one cable guide unit (3) is arranged. [11] Device (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by that several cable guide units (3) are arranged on the same multi-axis robot. [12] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by Cable reel holders (7) for holding cable reels (8) with the cables (L) to be laid. [13] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one separation unit for separating the respective laid line (L) from a non-laid line section.[14] Method for laying cables (L) to form a cable set by means of a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, 12 and 13, wherein an initial section of the respective cable (L) is positioned at a predetermined initial position on the laying surface area (2) by means of the respective cable guide unit (3), the respective cable (L) is laid by means of the respective cable guide unit (3) by actuator-driven displacement along the transverse displacement axis (4) on which the cable guide unit (3) is arranged, in the width direction (y) of the laying surface area (2) and actuator-driven displacement of the transverse displacement axis (4) on which the cable guide unit (3) is arranged, in the length direction (x) of the laying surface area (2) along a predetermined route on the laying surface area (2),and an end section of the respective line (L) is positioned at a predetermined end position on the laying surface area (2) by means of the respective line guide unit (3), and wherein the lines (L) are laid at least in sections simultaneously on the laying surface area (2) by means of the line guide units (3). [15] Method for laying cables (L) to form a cable set by means of a device (1) according to one of claims 8 to 13, wherein an initial section of the respective cable (L) is positioned at a predetermined initial position on the laying surface area (2) by means of the respective cable guide unit (3), the respective cable (L) is laid by means of the respective cable guide unit (3) by moving in the width direction (y) of the laying surface area (2) and in the length direction (x) of the laying surface area (2) by means of the at least one multi-axis robot along a predetermined route on the laying surface area (2), and an end section of the respective cable (L) is positioned at a predetermined end position on the laying surface area (2) by means of the respective cable guide unit (3),and wherein the cables (L) are laid at least in sections simultaneously on the laying surface area (2) by means of the cable guide units (3).

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