Device and method for handling cables

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for handling cables (2.1 to 2.n) with a cable holding element (3), comprising - several fastening elements (5, 6, 11), each of the fastening elements (5, 6, 11) being designed to attach to at least one conductor (2.1 to 2.n), and - at least one connecting element (7, 9) arranged between each pair of fastening elements (5, 6, 11), which connects the fastening elements (5, 6, 11) at a distance from each other and is designed to couple with a handling device (4). The invention further relates to a method for handling cables (2.1 to 2.n).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for handling cables.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for handling cables.

[0003] From DE 10 2021 001 389 A1, a fastening element with a head and a foot for fixing a cable to a vehicle component is known. A retaining eyelet for routing the cable is arranged or formed on the head on a side opposite the foot. A rod-shaped gripping element, projecting from the retaining eyelet in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the foot, is arranged or formed on the retaining eyelet. This gripping element is designed for gripping the fastening element by a gripping tool of an assembly robot. The gripping element has a predetermined breaking point in an area adjacent to the retaining eyelet for removal of the gripping element after the cable has been fixed.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a novel device and a novel method for handling cables.

[0005] The problem is solved according to the invention by a device which has the features specified in claim 1 and by a method which has the features specified in claim 10.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The device for handling cables comprises, according to the invention, a cable holding element, comprising - several fastening elements, each of which is designed to be attached to at least one conductor, and - at least one connecting element arranged between each pair of fastening elements, which connects the fastening elements at a distance from each other and is designed for coupling with a handling device.

[0008] Typically, cables or wiring harnesses intended for use in a vehicle do not have defined attachment points for coupling with a handling device, such as a gripper, especially an assembly robot. Therefore, automating wiring harness manufacturing or assembly is only possible with a comparatively very high level of effort.

[0009] The present device, using the cable holding element, enables the simple and cost-effective creation of a defined point of contact or attachment on the cables for the handling device, thus facilitating automated cable handling with minimal effort. Simultaneously, the cable holding element can serve as a reference point in automated cable harness production and / or assembly, and / or for fixing the cables in their relative positions. Consequently, the level of automation in cable harness production and / or assembly can be increased with minimal effort, and the production and / or assembly processes can be carried out particularly quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

[0010] According to one possible embodiment of the device, the connecting element is rod-shaped. A connecting element designed in this way is particularly easy to manufacture and can be coupled to the handling device very easily and reliably.

[0011] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the connecting element has at least two rod-shaped sections between which an angle of more than 0° and less than 180° is formed. In this embodiment as well, the connecting element is particularly easy to manufacture and can be coupled to the handling device particularly easily and reliably. At the same time, such a connecting element enables the cables to be arranged at a defined angle to one another. This results in simplified handling during cable harness manufacturing and / or assembly due to the defined position of the cables relative to each other. For example, this simplifies electrical coupling with correspondingly arranged other cable harness components and / or simplifies mounting on correspondingly arranged vehicle-side mounting elements.

[0012] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the connecting element has at least one retaining section designed for coupling with the handling device. This retaining section forms the defined point of attachment or receiving for the handling device on the connecting element.

[0013] According to another possible embodiment of the device, at least one holding section has a holding element that projects from a base element of the connecting element. This projecting holding element allows the point of application or reception to be moved out of a plane of the base element, so that coupling with the handling device is reliable and particularly easy, especially with a large number of cables.

[0014] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the retaining element is rod-shaped and therefore particularly easy to manufacture and can be coupled to the handling device with particular ease and reliability. For example, the handling device is designed to correspond to the retaining element in such a way that it has a receiving channel into which the retaining element can be inserted longitudinally. Within the receiving channel, a gripping mechanism and / or another suitable mechanism is arranged for a force-fit and / or form-fit coupling of the handling device to the retaining element. Such an arrangement of the rod-shaped retaining element in the receiving channel enables simple and secure fixing of the connecting element to the handling device.To enable reliable and easy insertion of the retaining element into the receiving channel, the free cross-section at its insertion opening can be larger than the free cross-section of the receiving channel further along its length. This creates so-called insertion ramps, which allow for the reliable and easy insertion of the retaining element into the receiving channel.

[0015] According to another possible embodiment of the device, at least one holding section has a holding structure designed to provide a positive-locking connection with the handling device. This positive-locking connection enables the connecting element and the attached cables to be held securely and correctly on the handling device. For example, the holding structure may have recesses, such as notches, and / or raised areas for this purpose. These recesses and / or raised areas can, for example, form undercuts for the connection with the handling device.

[0016] According to another possible embodiment of the device, it has at least one handling device which is designed for coupling with the connecting element, wherein the handling device - a gripping tool and / or - has at least one suction unit which is designed to form a suction coupling with the connecting element by generating a vacuum at the connecting element, and / or - has at least one magnetic coupling unit which is designed to form a magnetic coupling with the connecting element.

[0017] A handling device designed in this way enables easy and safe holding of the connecting element and the cables attached to it.

[0018] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the handling unit is coupled to a robot and designed for automated coupling with the connecting element. This enables automated handling of the cables and an increase in the degree of automation of cable harness manufacturing and / or cable harness assembly.

[0019] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the fastening elements are each designed to provide a force-fit, form-fit, and / or material-fit connection to at least one conductor. This results in a secure fastening of the conductors to the conductor holding element. For example, the fastening elements are designed as eyelets, with at least one conductor being guided through an opening in each eyelet. For example, the diameter of the opening corresponds at least substantially to the diameter of a conductor, so that it is securely held in the eyelet in the correct orientation, for example, by clamping. It is also possible that each conductor is material-fitted to a section of the eyelet surrounding the opening, for example, by bonding. Furthermore, it can be provided that a plurality of conductors, for example, a conductor bundle, are guided through an opening of a corresponding eyelet and held therein.Alternatively or additionally, the fastening element can have multiple openings for the passage and fastening of one or more cables. The fastening elements can also each have at least one clamp-shaped fastening section in which at least one cable is secured by clamping.

[0020] According to another possible embodiment of the device, several fastening elements are arranged side by side and / or one above the other, with each fastening element being connected to at least one other fastening element at a distance from the others by means of a connecting element. In this way, cables of various cable arrangements can be connected to one another and securely coupled to a handling device.

[0021] The inventive method for handling cables is characterized by the fact that - at least one cable holding element, comprising several fastening elements and at least one connecting element arranged between each pair of fastening elements and connecting the fastening elements at a distance from each other, is provided, - at least one cable is attached to each fastening element, - the connecting element is coupled to a handling device and - the cable holding element with the cables attached to it is moved or transported by means of the handling device.

[0022] The present method enables automated cable handling with minimal effort by coupling the handling device with the cable holding element. Simultaneously, the cable holding element can be used as a reference point in automated cable harness production and / or assembly, and / or for fixing the cables in their relative positions. Consequently, the level of automation in cable harness production and / or assembly can be increased with minimal effort, and the production and / or assembly processes can be carried out particularly quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0024] This shows: Fig. 1. Schematic perspective view of a device for handling cables with two cables held by means of a cable holding element. Fig. 2 schematically a perspective view of the device according to Fig. 1 with a handling device in a first position, Fig. 3 schematically a perspective view of the device according to Fig. 2 with the handling device in a second position, Fig. 4 schematically a perspective view of a device for handling cables with two cables held by means of a cable holding element and with a handling device, Fig. 5 schematically a sectional view of the handling device according to Fig. 4, Fig. 6 schematically a perspective view of a device for handling cables with two cables held by means of a cable holding element, Fig. 7 schematically a perspective view of a device for handling cables with several cables held by means of a cable holding element and Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows a perspective view of a device for handling cables with several cables held by means of a cable holding element.

[0025] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a device 1 for handling cables 2.1, 2.2 with two cables 2.1, 2.2 held by means of a cable holding element 3. Fig. Figure 2 shows the device 1 according to Fig. 1 with a handling device 4 in a first position.

[0027] The device 1 is used, for example, in the manufacture of a wiring harness 2 for a vehicle and / or for the assembly of a wiring harness 2 in or on a vehicle.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the two conductors 2.1, 2.2 are twisted together to form a conductor set 2, which is configured as a so-called twisted-pair cable, for example as a so-called UTP cable (UTP = Unshielded Twisted Pair). However, the conductor set 2 can also consist of untwisted conductors 2.1, 2.2.

[0029] The cable retaining element 3 has two fastening elements 5, 6, which are connected to each other at a distance by means of a rod-shaped straight connecting element 7. The fastening elements 5, 6 are designed as eyelets, with each cable 2.1, 2.2 being guided through an opening of an eyelet. For example, the diameter of the opening corresponds at least substantially to the diameter of a cable 2.1, 2.2, so that it is securely held in the eyelet in the correct position, for example, by clamping. It is also possible that each cable 2.1, 2.2 is additionally bonded to a section of the eyelet surrounding the opening, for example, by adhesive.

[0030] The connecting element 7 has a retaining section 8, which is designed for coupling with the handling device 4. The retaining section 8 has a retaining structure 8.1, which is designed to provide at least a positive-locking coupling with the handling device 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining structure 8.1 comprises several indentations, in particular notches extending longitudinally along the connecting element 7, which enable a force-locking and positive-locking coupling with the handling device 4. The notches can also form undercuts for coupling with the handling device 4.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the handling device 4 is an electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically, and / or magnetically driven gripping tool with two gripping elements 4.1, 4.2 designed as gripping fingers, which are movable relative to each other. The handling device 4 is, for example, mounted on a robot, such as an assembly robot, and can be operated automatically.

[0032] The gripping elements 4.1, 4.2 each have a receptacle 4.3, 4.4 on their facing surfaces, which each correspond to a part of the holding section 8 and / or the holding structure 8.1 of the connecting element 7.

[0033] To couple the handling device 4 with the cable holding element 3, the handling device 4 is connected - as in Fig. Figure 3 shows the connection element 7. By bringing together the gripping elements 4.1 and 4.2 at the holding section 8 of the connection element 7, the cable holding element 3 with the attached cables 2.1 and 2.2 is gripped, so that the cables 2.1 and 2.2 can be transported by the robot to at least one further production station in the cable harness manufacturing process. In the production station, the cables 2.1 and 2.2 are, for example, connected to other cable harness components and / or processed. The distance between the cables 2.1 and 2.2 set by the connection element 7 can, for example, correspond to a distance that is formed between electrical contacts to be connected to the cables 2.1 and 2.2 or between processing tools. The cable holding element 3 can also be used at the production station to hold the cables in or on a holder provided there.

[0034] The cables 2.1 and 2.2 can also be transported by the robot to a mounting position in or on the vehicle and, if necessary, automatically attached there. The distance between the cables 2.1 and 2.2, set by means of the connecting element 7, can, for example, correspond to the distance between electrical contacts to be connected by the cables 2.1 and 2.2 and / or between fastening elements on the vehicle. The cable retaining element 3 can also be used at the mounting position as a fastening element for attaching the cables to or in the vehicle.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a possible further embodiment of a device 1 for handling cables 2.1, 2.2 with two cables 2.1, 2.2 held by means of a cable holding element 3 and with a handling device 4. Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the handling device 4.

[0036] Unlike the one in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the retaining section 8 has a retaining element 8.2 which projects from a base element 7.1 of the connecting element 7. The base element 7.1 corresponds to the connecting element 7 according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3.

[0037] The retaining element 8.2 is also rod-shaped and projects, in particular, at a right angle from the base element 7.1. The retaining element 8.2 also has the retaining structure 8.1, which is designed to form at least a positive-locking connection with the handling device 4.

[0038] The handling device 4 is designed to correspond to the holding element 8.2 such that the latter has a receiving channel 4.5 into which the holding element 8.2 can be inserted longitudinally. Within the receiving channel 4.5, two gripping elements 4.1, 4.2 are arranged to provide a force-fit and / or form-fit coupling between the handling device 4 and the holding element 8.2. In particular, the distance between the gripping elements 4.1, 4.2 is automatically adjustable such that, during insertion of the holding element 8.2 into the receiving channel 4.5, this distance is greater than the diameter of the holding element 8.2. After the holding element 8.2 has been fully inserted into the receiving channel 4.5, the gripping elements 4.1, 4.2 are moved towards each other in such a way that they grip the holding element 8.2, for example, by clamping it. Additionally, the holding structure 8.1 on the holding element 8.2 can have recesses, for example notches, and / or elevations to create a positive fit with the gripping elements 4.1, 4.2. The recesses and / or raised areas can be used, for example, to create undercuts for coupling with the gripping elements 4.1, 4.2.

[0039] To enable reliable and easy insertion of the retaining element 8.2 into the receiving channel 4.5, a free cross-section at an insertion opening 4.6 of the retaining element is larger than the free cross-section of the receiving channel 4.5 further along its length. This creates so-called insertion ramps, which allow for the reliable and easy insertion of the retaining element 8.2 into the receiving channel 4.5.

[0040] For example, the retaining element 8.2 and / or the connecting element 7 can be designed to be mechanically flexible, in particular elastically deformable, so that they are bent at the insertion ramps when the retaining element 8.2 is inserted into the receiving channel 4.5 to further simplify the insertion.

[0041] After coupling the cable holding element 3 with the handling device 4, the cable holding element 3 with the attached cables 2.1, 2.2 is transported to at least one further production station of the cable set production or the assembly position in or on the vehicle and the cable set 2 is connected there analogously to the description. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 further processed or assembled.

[0042] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a device 1 for handling cables 2.1, 2.2 with two cables 2.1, 2.2 held by means of a cable holding element 3.

[0043] Unlike the one in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the connecting element 7 has at least two rod-shaped sections 7.2, 7.3, between which an angle α of more than 0° and less than 180° is formed. This arranges the lines 2.1, 2.2 at a defined angle to each other, at which they are further processed at a subsequent production station or mounted at the assembly position in or on the vehicle. For coupling with the handling device 4, the device can also have a coupling arrangement with a corresponding angle α. An additional retaining element 8.2 can also be provided, analogous to the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Fig. 4 for coupling with the handling tool 4 on the connecting element 7.

[0044] After coupling the cable holding element 3 with the handling device 4, the cable holding element 3 with the attached cables 2.1, 2.2 is transported to at least one further production station of the cable set production or the assembly position in or on the vehicle and the cable set 2 is connected there analogously to the description. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 further processed or assembled.

[0045] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a device 1 for handling cables 2.1 to 2.n with several cables 2.1 to 2.n held by means of a cable holding element 3.

[0046] Unlike in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the fastening element 6 is designed for fastening several conductors 2.2 to 2.n and has several openings for this purpose. The conductors 2.2 to 2.n are part of a conductor bundle. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the conductor set 2 is not a twisted-pair cable, but rather consists of individual conductors 2.1 to 2.n. Otherwise, the design and function of the device 1 correspond to that shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 illustrated embodiment.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a device 1 for handling cables 2.1 to 2.n with several cables 2.1 to 2.n held by means of a cable holding element 3.

[0048] Unlike in Fig. The embodiment shown in section 7 is connected by means of a further connecting element 9, which is analogous to the one shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 shown connecting element 7 is formed and has a holding section 10 formed analogously to the holding section 8 with the holding structure 8.1 with a holding structure 10.1, a further fastening element 11 is attached to the fastening element 6 at a distance.

[0049] The fastening elements 6, 11 are analogous to those in Fig. The fastening element 6 shown in section 7 is formed. Otherwise, the design and function of the device 1 correspond to that shown in section 7. Fig. 7 illustrated embodiment. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 wiring harness 2.1 to 2.n line 3 Cable holding element 4 Handling device 4.1 Gripping element 4.2 Gripping element 4.3 Recording 4.4 Recording 4.5 Recording channel 4.6 Inlet opening 5 Fastening element 6 Fastening element 7 Connecting element 7.1 Basic element Section 7.2 Section 7.3 8 Stop section 8.1 Support structure 8.2 Holding element 9 Connecting element 10 Stop section 10.1 Support structure 11 Fastening element α angle QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2021 001 389 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for handling cables (2.1 to 2.n), characterized by a cable holding element (3), comprising - several fastening elements (5, 6, 11), each of the fastening elements (5, 6, 11) being designed to attach to at least one conductor (2.1 to 2.n), and - at least one connecting element (7, 9) arranged between each pair of fastening elements (5, 6, 11), which connects the fastening elements (5, 6, 11) at a distance from each other and is designed to couple with a handling device (4). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the connecting element (7, 9) is rod-shaped. [3] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the connecting element (7) has at least two rod-shaped sections (7.2, 7.3) between which an angle (α) of more than 0° and less than 180° is formed. [4] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connecting element (7, 9) has at least one retaining section (8, 10) which is designed for coupling with the handling device (4). [5] Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that at least one retaining section (8) has a retaining element (8.2) which projects from a base element (7.1) of the connecting element (7). [6] Device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that at least one holding section (8, 10) has a holding structure (8.1, 10.1) which is designed to form at least a positive-locking coupling with the handling device (4). [7] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. characterized by at least one handling device (4) which is designed for coupling with the connecting element (7, 9), wherein the handling device (4) - a gripping tool and / or - has at least one suction unit which is designed to form a suction coupling with the connecting element (7, 9) by generating a vacuum at the connecting element (7, 9), and / or - has at least one magnetic coupling unit which is designed to form a magnetic coupling with the connecting element (7, 9). [8] Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the handling device (4) is coupled to a robot and is designed for automated coupling with the connecting element (7, 9). [9] Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fastening elements (5, 6, 11) are each designed to provide a force-fit and / or form-fit and / or material-fit fastening to the at least one line (2.1 to 2.n). [10] Methods for handling cables (2.1 to 2.n), characterized by , that - at least one cable holding element (3) comprising several fastening elements (5, 6, 11) and at least one connecting element (7, 9) arranged between each pair of fastening elements (5, 6, 11) and connecting the fastening elements (5, 6, 11) at a distance from each other is provided, - at least one cable (2.1 to 2.n) is attached to each fastening element (5, 6, 11), - the connecting element (7, 9) is coupled to a handling device (4) and - the cable holding element (3) with the cables (2.1 to 2.n) attached to it is transported by means of the handling device (4).

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