Device and method for bundling and / or fixing cables for a workpiece carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for bundling and / or fixing cables (10) for a workpiece carrier (100) with a guide element (2) and a bundling element (3), wherein the guide element (2) can be fixed in a recess (101) of the workpiece carrier (100), wherein the bundle element (3) has a web (31) and a bundle arm (32), wherein the web (31) is mounted in the guide element (2) so as to be positionally variable along its longitudinal extent, wherein the bundle arm (32) is designed to protrude from the web (31) in such a way that a receiving space (33) for receiving and / or bundling the cables (10) is formed between the web (31) and the bundle arm (32), wherein the web (31) can be actuated to move back and forth between a receiving position (AP), in which a line (10) can be received in the receiving space (33), and a bundling position (BP), wherein in the bundling position (BP) lines (10) can be bundled and / or fixed between the bundling element (3) and the workpiece carrier (100). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for bundling and / or fixing cables (10) on a workpiece carrier (100) using the device (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for bundling and / or fixing cables for a workpiece carrier.

[0002] By definition, a wiring harness consists of a multitude of individual wires. During manufacturing, especially during assembly and termination, the individual wires must be combined into bundles or strands. During this process, it is often necessary to combine groups of wires temporarily or permanently.

[0003] This is usually done manually. With the demand for greater automation in the production of wiring harnesses, more automated solutions must be found for these handling steps as well, which can be easily and cost-effectively automated.

[0004] The use of cable forming board forks allows for the grouping of cables, but not for holding the resulting bundle. The provision of this bundle for the subsequent process step is also not adequately ensured. Furthermore, cable forming board forks in their current form are not suitable for automating this sub-step.

[0005] Other state-of-the-art solutions require additional materials that are susceptible to dust and contamination. These materials must be monitored and controlled with regard to their chemical properties, particularly with regard to temperature and light. A setting time may also be necessary, which further slows the process. Furthermore, cleaning the cable may be necessary, for example, in the case of unsealed connectors. However, not all materials are suitable (silicone, etc.). To ensure sufficient adhesion, cables can only be embedded next to one another, which requires an excess length at the bundle point. This limits the ability of the bundle to be freely formed, depending on the subsequent step or installation space.

[0006] Printed prior art in the present technical field is disclosed in the documents DE 42 34 550 C1 and EP 3 336 989 B1.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device and a method for bundling and / or fixing cables for a workpiece carrier, which can be integrated into a mechanical or automated production and enables a temporary or permanent bundling, in particular a guiding and holding, of individual cables.

[0008] This object is achieved by the subject matter of patent claims 1 and 10 and by a method according to claim 11.

[0009] According to the invention, a device for bundling and / or fixing cables for a workpiece carrier, in particular a cable forming board, is therefore proposed, comprising a guide element and a bundling element. The guide element can be fixed in a recess of the workpiece carrier. Furthermore, the bundling element has a web and a bundling arm. The web is mounted in the guide element so that its position can be changed along its longitudinal extent. Furthermore, the bundling arm is designed to protrude from the web in such a way that a receiving space for receiving and / or bundling the cables is formed between the web and the bundling arm. Furthermore, the web can be actuated to move back and forth between a receiving position, in which a cable can be received in the receiving space, and a bundling position. In the bundling position, cables can be bundled and / or fixed between the bundling element and the workpiece carrier.

[0010] In this way, a device is provided that is scalable for applications, particularly with regard to the shape and / or size of the cables, for the rapid, universal stacking, combining, or bundling of electrical and non-electrical cables. It is particularly advantageous that this device can be used universally, for example for stacking, combining, and / or bundling individual wires, sheathed cables, non-electrical cables, such as hoses, and / or prefabricated smaller cable bundles. In addition, the device can also be used for forming cable arrangements, in particular round and / or flat. Furthermore, the device can also be used to prepare a cable bundle for a subsequent process step, such as for ultrasonic welding, the attachment of multiple stops, e.g.Cable lugs, and / or fastenings and / or markings, sealing and / or laying the cables, inserting them into cable ducts, and / or installing grommets. Furthermore, the device is also suitable for storing and / or temporarily storing cables, e.g., in FIFO storage. This allows, for example, the order of the cables in the bundle to be controlled (e.g., the largest cable at the bottom, as is common with ultrasonic welding).

[0011] Another advantage is that the device offers optimized scalability for a specific application, particularly with regard to the shape and / or size of the cables, and can therefore be used for all types of connectors, especially unsealed ones. Particularly noteworthy are the many possible applications with regard to the objects to be bundled (cables, bundles, hoses, etc.). The device is equally applicable to sheathed cables and non-electrical cables and is also suitable for cables that, due to their insulation, are unsuitable for a solution containing an additive for fixing, for example, due to cross-linked surfaces such as PE-X, or surfaces that have very limited adhesive properties, e.g., due to silicone oil.

[0012] Furthermore, no cleaning of the cable at the bundling point is necessary, since the device is not as susceptible to dust and contamination by, for example, adhesives, pastes or similar substances as devices known from the prior art for bundling cables.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, a drive is provided for moving the web back and forth. The drive is an electric drive, in particular an electric motor, preferably with a rack, a pneumatic drive, in particular a cylinder, a magnetic drive, and / or a contour control, which is arranged and / or formed in particular on the bundle arm. This increases the degree of automation of the device and allows it to be more easily integrated into fully automated production lines.

[0014] The device is preferably designed such that the contour control has a control contour and a spring element. A spring force of the spring element acts on the web of the bundling element in such a way that the web is guided in the direction of the bundling position under the action of the spring force or is held in this position. Furthermore, the control contour is designed in such a way, in particular curved and / or bent and / or angled, that a line can be guided against the control contour in the direction of the receiving space and / or out of the receiving space in such a way that the web can be guided into the receiving position against the spring force. Depending on the application, the contour control can be designed and / or arranged at various positions on the bundling arm. An arrangement in the region of a free end of the bundling arm is particularly advantageous.The contour control is arranged, for example, in an edge area of ​​the free end or extends over the entire free end of the bundle arm.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the bundle arm, in particular the hold-down device, is at least partially curved. Furthermore, the bundle arm has an arm section extending parallel to the web and / or is parabolic and / or asymmetrical and / or symmetrical and / or tapered. The bundle arm can be designed in various ways, depending on which cables are to be grasped and / or whether a shape, for example round or flat, of the resulting bundle is desired, and is thus adapted to the material to be bundled and / or held, in particular cables and / or hoses.

[0016] Furthermore, a design is advantageous in which a further guide element is provided for at least the arm section extending parallel to the web. In particular, the length of the web is greater than the length of the arm section extending parallel to the web. Furthermore, the further guide element is preferably fixable in a recess of the workpiece carrier, and the arm section is mounted in the further guide element so that its position can be adjusted along its longitudinal extent.

[0017] In a further advantageous variant, the invention provides that the bundle element has a removal mechanism. The removal mechanism is, in particular, a flap for guiding the cables through, preferably from above, or a joint. Furthermore, the joint is arranged, in particular, on the web and / or on the bundle arm and / or between the web and the bundle arm, such that the bundle arm and / or parts of the bundle arm and / or parts of the web can be rotated relative to a part of the web arranged in the guide. By inserting the cables from above and removing the bundle from above, the automation of connected transport devices is significantly facilitated.

[0018] In one embodiment, the device according to the invention is designed in such a way that an insertion aid for the lines is provided, into which at least one line can be inserted. The insertion aid is designed, in particular, as a sleeve with a circumferentially open length and / or a circumferentially open and, in particular, slotted tube. In this way, even line types that are not robust enough for this purpose can be used when guiding the lines against the contour control.

[0019] It is further advantageous if the insertion aid is rotatable around a cable. The insertion aid is at least partially interrupted, particularly in an area intended for insertion into the receiving space, or is designed to be rotatable relative to the other parts of the insertion aid.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a handling device is provided for gripping and / or receiving the cables and / or inserting and / or removing the cables into / from the receiving space. Alternatively, the cables can be handled manually.

[0021] According to the invention, a workpiece carrier, in particular a cable forming board, with a device for bundling and / or fixing cables according to the above disclosure is also proposed.

[0022] According to the invention, a method for bundling and / or fixing cables on a workpiece carrier, in particular a cable forming board, with a device according to the above disclosure is also proposed, in which a movement of the web into the receiving position, an insertion of the cable into the receiving space and a movement of the web into the bundling position, wherein cables arranged in the receiving space are bundled and / or fixed, takes place.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, after the web has been moved into the bundling position, the cables, in particular the bundled cables, are removed from the receiving space. The web is moved in the direction of the receiving position, and a removal opening is formed between the bundling arm and the workpiece carrier. A corresponding removal position of the web can coincide with the receiving position, but can also be set continuously and / or arbitrarily when the web is moved towards the receiving position or beyond. Preferably, a worker or the handling device grasps the bundled and / or fixed cables before the web is moved towards the receiving position.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the method, after the web has been moved into the bundling position, the cables, in particular bundled cables, are removed from the receiving space. A mechanism opening is formed by actuating the removal mechanism, in particular by rotation.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the line is further arranged in an insertion aid before at least inserting the line into the receiving space, the insertion aid is rotated around the line in such a way that the insertion aid is arranged on the line pointing in the direction of the receiving space, in particular rotated by 90° from being open at the top, the line is inserted, in particular indirectly, via the insertion aid into the receiving space, the insertion aid is rotated around the line, in particular by 180°, in such a way that the insertion aid is arranged on the line pointing in an opposite direction, and the insertion aid is removed from the receiving space.

[0026] The features disclosed above can be combined as desired, as long as this is technically possible and they do not contradict each other.

[0027] Other advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are presented in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1a and b show sectional views of a workpiece carrier with a device for bundling and / or fixing cables; Fig. 2a to c sectional views of a workpiece carrier with a device for bundling and / or fixing cables with a drive; Fig. 3a to d sectional views of bundle elements with different geometries; Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b sectional views of a workpiece carrier with a device for bundling and / or fixing cables with a removal mechanism; Fig. 5 a schematic view of a device for bundling and / or fixing cables with a handling device; Fig. 6a to e show sectional views of the workpiece carrier with the device for bundling and / or fixing cables with an insertion aid during a method for bundling and / or fixing cables; Fig. 7a to c top views of a device for bundling and / or fixing cables with an insertion aid; Fig. 8a and b sectional views of the workpiece carrier with the device for bundling and / or fixing cables with a further guide element; Fig. 9 a sectional view of the workpiece carrier with the device for bundling and / or fixing cables with a further guide element and a removal mechanism.

[0028] The figures are schematic examples. Like reference numerals in the figures indicate like functional and / or structural features.

[0029] In the Fig. 1a and b show sectional views of a workpiece carrier 100 with a device 1 for bundling and / or fixing cables 10. The workpiece carrier 100 is a cable forming board.

[0030] The device 1 for bundling and / or fixing the cables 10 comprises a guide element 2 and a bundling element 3. The guide element 2 is fixed in a recess 101 of the workpiece carrier 100. Furthermore, the bundling element 3 has a web 31 and a bundling arm 32. The web 31 is mounted in the guide element 2 so as to be positionally adjustable along its longitudinal extent. Furthermore, the bundling arm 32 is designed to protrude from the web 31 in such a way that a receiving space 33 for receiving and / or bundling the cables 10 is formed between the web 31 and the bundling arm 32. Furthermore, the web 31 is adjustable between a receiving position AP ( Fig. 1a), in which a line 10 can be accommodated in the receiving space 33, and a bundling position BP ( Fig. 1b) can be operated in a reciprocating manner. Fig. 1a, the web 31 is arranged in the receiving position AP and a removal opening 7 is formed between the bundle arm 32 and the workpiece carrier 100. In Fig. 1b, the web is arranged in the bundling position BP, in which the lines 10 are bundled and / or fixed between the bundling element 3 and the workpiece carrier 100.

[0031] Since the devices 1 and / or workpiece carriers 100 shown in the following figures have essentially the same features, only additional features will be discussed below.

[0032] The Fig. 2a to 2c show sectional views of a workpiece carrier 100 with a device 1 for bundling and / or fixing cables 10 with a drive 4 for moving the web 31 back and forth. An electric drive, a pneumatic drive, a magnetic anti-vibration device and / or a contour control 41 is conceivable as the drive 4. Fig. 2a shows a drive 4, which is implemented as an electric drive with an electric motor.

[0033] In the Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c shows a device 1 with a drive 4, which is designed as a contour control 41. The contour control 41 has a control contour 411 and a spring element 412. A spring force of the spring element 412 acts on the web 31 of the bundling element 3 in such a way that the web 31 is guided in the direction of the bundling position BP or is held in this position by the spring force. Furthermore, the control contour 411 is curved and / or bent and / or angled in such a way that a line 10 is guided against the control contour 411 in the direction of the receiving space 33 ( Fig. 2b) and / or from the exception area 33 ( Fig. 2c) is guided such that the web 31 can be guided into the receiving position AP against the spring force.

[0034] In the Fig. 3a to 3d show sectional views of bundle elements 3 with various geometries, in which the bundle arm 32 is at least partially curved. The bundle arm 32 has an arm section 321 extending parallel to the web 31 and / or is parabolic and / or asymmetric and / or symmetric and / or tapered.

[0035] The Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b show sectional views of a workpiece carrier 100 with a device 1 for bundling and / or fixing cables 10 with a removal mechanism 5. The removal mechanism is a flap ( Fig. 4a) for passing the cables 10 or a joint ( Fig. 4b). When the removal mechanism 5 is designed as a flap ( Fig. 4a), it is particularly provided that the bundle arm 32 with the removal mechanism is held and / or guided by a handling device during the opening and / or closing of the removal mechanism 5 and the picking up and / or removal of the cables 10. The joint is arranged on the web 31 such that the bundle arm 32 and / or parts of the web 31 are rotatable relative to a part of the web 31 arranged in the guide 2.

[0036] In Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a device 1 for bundling and / or fixing cables 10 with a handling device 8 for gripping and / or receiving the cables 10 and / or inserting and / or removing the cables 10 into and / or from the receiving space 33.

[0037] The Fig. 6a to 6e show sectional views of the Fig. 1 illustrated workpiece carrier 100 with the device 1 for bundling and / or fixing cables 10 with an insertion aid 6 during a method for bundling and / or fixing cables 10.

[0038] At least one line 10 can be inserted into the insertion aid 6. Furthermore, the insertion aid 6 is designed as a sleeve that is open in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the insertion aid 6 is rotatable about a line 10. In the method, the line 10 is first arranged in an insertion aid 6 ( Fig. 6a). The insertion aid 6 is then rotated around the cable 10 in such a way that the insertion aid 6 is arranged on the cable 10 pointing in the direction of the receiving space 33 ( Fig. 6b). The bundle element 3 is in the fastening position BP.

[0039] In Fig. 6c, the web 31 of the bundle element 6 is arranged in the receiving position AP after it has been moved into the receiving position. Furthermore, an insertion of the cable 10 indirectly via the insertion aid 6 into the receiving space 33 is shown. Subsequently, the insertion aid 6 is rotated around the cable 10 by 180°, such that the insertion aid 6 is arranged on the cable 10 pointing in an opposite direction ( Fig. 6d). Removal of the insertion aid 6 from the receiving space 33 is Fig. 6e.

[0040] The web 31 is then moved into the bundling position BP. In this case, the cables 10 arranged in the receiving space 33 are bundled and / or fixed. This state has already been described in Fig. 1b, which is why reference is made to this figure.

[0041] After the web 31 has been moved into the bundling position BP, the bundled cables 10 are removed from the receiving space 33 (not shown). For this purpose, the web 31 is moved into the receiving position AP, and a removal opening 7 is formed between the bundling arm 32 and the workpiece carrier 100.

[0042] The Fig. 7a to c show plan views of a device 1 for bundling and / or fixing cables 10 with an insertion aid 6. At least one cable 10 is inserted into the insertion aid 6. Furthermore, the insertion aid 6 is designed as a sleeve that is open in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the insertion aid 6 is rotatable about a cable 10. The insertion aid 6 and the cables 10 are in the Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b is arranged at least partially within the receiving space 33. In Fig. 7a shows a one-piece insertion aid 6. The insertion aid of the Fig. 7b is arranged in three parts along the lines 10. The middle part of the insertion aid 6 corresponds to the Fig. 7a. Furthermore, the insertion aid 6 is designed to be partially rotatable relative to the other parts in a region intended for insertion into the receiving space. The two outer parts of the insertion aid 6 are not arranged in the receiving space 33. Fig. 7c shows an embodiment of the insertion aid 6, which is interrupted in an area intended for insertion into the receiving space. As in Fig. 7c, it is useful that the two parts of the insertion aid 6 not arranged in the receiving space 22 are coupled to one another via a coupling element KE.

[0043] In the Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b shows sectional views of the workpiece carrier 100 with the device 1 for bundling and / or fixing cables 10 with a further guide element 2 for the arm section 321 extending parallel to the web 31. Furthermore, a length of the web 31 is greater than a length of the arm section 321 extending parallel to the web 31. The arm section 321 extending parallel to the web 31 can be fixed in a further recess 101 of the workpiece carrier 100 and is mounted in the further guide element 2 so as to be positionally adjustable along its longitudinal extent. Furthermore, the bundling element 3 is arranged in the bundling position ( Fig. 8a). Fig. 8b shows the bundle element 3 in the receiving position AP, in which a line 10 can be received in the receiving space 33.

[0044] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of the workpiece carrier 100 with the Fig. 8a and Fig.8b, for bundling and / or securing cables 10 with a further guide element 2. Furthermore, the device 1 has a removal mechanism 5, which is designed as a flap. Furthermore, when the removal mechanism 5 is open, the web 31 and the bundle arm 32 can be and / or are fixed, in particular, in the corresponding guide element 2.

[0045] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable that utilize the presented solution even in fundamentally different embodiments.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for bundling and / or fixing cables (10) for a workpiece carrier (100) with a guide element (2) and a bundling element (3), wherein the guide element (2) can be fixed in a recess (101) of the workpiece carrier (100), wherein the bundle element (3) has a web (31) and a bundle arm (32), wherein the web (31) is mounted in the guide element (2) so as to be positionally variable along its longitudinal extent, wherein the bundle arm (32) is designed to protrude from the web (31) in such a way that a receiving space (33) for receiving and / or bundling the cables (10) is formed between the web (31) and the bundle arm (32), wherein the web (31) can be actuated to move back and forth between a receiving position (AP), in which a line (10) can be received in the receiving space (33), and a bundling position (BP), wherein in the bundling position (BP) lines (10) can be bundled and / or fixed between the bundling element (3) and the workpiece carrier (100). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a drive (4) is provided for moving the web (31) back and forth, wherein the drive (4) is an electric drive, a pneumatic drive, a magnetic drive and / or a contour control (41). [3] Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the contour control (41) has a control contour (411) and a spring element (412), wherein a spring force of the spring element (412) acts on the web (31) of the bundling element (3) in such a way that the web (31) is guided in the direction of the bundling position (BP) or is held in this position by spring force, wherein the control contour (411) is designed in such a way that a line (10) can be guided against the control contour (411) in the direction of the receiving space (33) and / or out of the exception space (33) in such a way that the web (31) can be guided into the receiving position (AP) against the spring force. [4] Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bundle arm (32) is at least partially curved, wherein the bundle arm (32) has an arm section (321) extending parallel to the web (31) and / or is parabolic and / or asymmetric and / or symmetric and / or tapered. [5] Device (1) according to claim 4, wherein a further guide element (2) for at least the arm portion (321) extending parallel to the web (31). [6] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bundling element (3) has a removal mechanism (5). [7] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an insertion aid (6) is provided for the lines, into which at least one line (10) can be inserted. [8] Device according to claim 7, wherein the insertion aid (6) is rotatable about a line (10), wherein the insertion aid (6) is at least partially interrupted or designed to be rotatable to further parts of the insertion aid (6). [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a handling device (8) is provided for gripping and / or receiving the lines (10) and / or inserting and / or removing the lines (10) into / from the receiving space (33). [10] Workpiece carrier (100) with a device (1) for bundling and / or fixing cables (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [11] Method for bundling and / or fixing cables (10) on a workpiece carrier (100) with a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, which comprises the steps: a. Moving the web (31) into the receiving position (AP); b. Inserting the cable (10) into the receiving space (33); c. Moving the web (31) into the bundling position (BP), whereby cables (10) arranged in the receiving space (33) are bundled and / or fixed. [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein after the web (31) has been moved into the bundling position (BP), the cables (10) are removed from the receiving space (33), the web (31) being moved in the direction of the receiving position (AP), a removal opening (7) being formed between the bundling arm (32) and the workpiece carrier (100). [13] Method according to claim 11, wherein after the web (31) has been moved into the bundling position (BP), the cables (10) are removed from the receiving space (33), a mechanism opening being formed by actuating the removal mechanism (5). [14] Method according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 13, further comprising the steps: a. arranging the cable (10) in an insertion aid (6) before at least inserting the cable (10) into the receiving space (33); b. Rotating the insertion aid (6) around the line (10) such that the insertion aid (6) is arranged on the line (10) pointing in the direction of the receiving space (33); c. Inserting the cable (10) via the insertion aid (6) into the receiving space (33); d. Rotating the insertion aid (6) around the line (10) such that the insertion aid (6) is arranged on the line (10) pointing in an opposite direction; e. Remove the insertion aid (6) from the receiving space (33).

Images