Cable layout, system and method for handling a cable layout

Abstract

The present invention relates to a conductor arrangement (1) for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals, comprising a flexible flat ribbon cable (2) extending along a first direction (X) and including at least one electrical or optical conductor (4), and at least two optical markers (6) arranged on a first surface (3) of the flexible flat ribbon cable (2) along the first direction (X), wherein the at least two markers (6) have different features (8a, 8b, 8c) that enable unambiguous identification and position determination. The present invention further relates to a system (10) and a method for handling a conductor arrangement (1).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a line arrangement for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals, as well as a system and a method for handling such a line arrangement. State of the art

[0002] Handling data transmission cables during vehicle assembly often requires numerous manual steps in current technology. Flat ribbon cables are experiencing increasing interest in vehicle manufacturing, but due to their flexible properties, they still largely require manual handling and / or can only be gripped in one or a few positions, resulting in imprecise handling. Alternatively, the flat ribbon cables must undergo complex pre-processing steps to prepare them for automated handling. Description of the invention

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a line arrangement, a system and a method for handling a line arrangement that makes it possible to handle a line arrangement automatically in a defined manner in a simple way.

[0004] The aforementioned problem is solved by a cable arrangement according to claim 1, a system for handling a cable arrangement according to claim 6, and a method for handling a cable arrangement according to claim 9. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0005] In particular, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a conductor arrangement for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals comprising a flexible flat ribbon cable extending along a first direction and comprising at least one electrical or optical conductor, and at least two optical markers arranged on a first surface of the flexible flat ribbon cable along the first direction, wherein the at least two markers have different features that enable unambiguous identification and position determination.

[0006] The present cable assembly features a flat ribbon cable with predefined optical markings, enabling more precise and easier handling of the cable assembly and the flat ribbon cable itself. By uniquely identifying and positioning the features of the optical markings, the cable assembly and flat ribbon cable can be grasped and routed to a target location, such as a vehicle body. Since each feature of the optical markings can be individually identified, a comparison with a database can reveal which features or sections of the flat ribbon cable have not yet been recognized. This allows for targeted searching for additional features in subsequent steps and / or adjustments to the orientation of the flat ribbon cable accordingly.By recognizing a large number of features and / or recognizing particularly relevant features, such as at the endpoints of the flat ribbon cable, very precise handling of the flat ribbon cable can be achieved without having to prepare the flat ribbon cable manually or in pre-process steps (in its alignment).

[0007] Preferably, the different features comprise differently filled black and white areas. Preferably, the black and white areas or features exhibit at least a strong contrast to the ribbon cable to ensure good visibility. The filled black and white areas or features can be easily applied during the manufacture of the ribbon cable or at least before its installation at a destination, such as a vehicle body. The black and white areas or features do not interfere with the ribbon cable itself. The at least two black and white areas or features preferably comprise a plurality of spaced-apart, separate pairs of black and white areas or features arranged along the entire length of the ribbon cable.

[0008] Preferably, the at least two markings are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. The predetermined distance between two adjacent markings can be constant or vary along the line. Over this predetermined distance, it is easy to detect undetected markings (due to twists, unfavorable lighting conditions, etc.).

[0009] Preferably, each marking for unambiguous position determination includes at least one position along the first and a second direction, as well as an angle indication. In particular, the angle indication allows a marking to be gripped correctly and maintains its orientation during gripping, so that the cable is correctly aligned with this (or all gripped) marking(s) and can be laid correctly without readjustment.

[0010] Preferably, the first surface of the flexible flat ribbon cable has a flat, smooth, and non-permeable structure. Such a surface is well-suited for gripping with suction cups without damage. Furthermore, the non-permeable structure allows for precise marking of the surface.

[0011] Preferably, the markings include color-printed and / or laser-printed features. The printed markings are easy to apply and durable, enabling simple manufacturing and consistently precise use.

[0012] The above-mentioned task is further solved in particular by a system for handling a cable arrangement, in which the system has at least an optical scanning device for scanning a flexible flat ribbon cable in order to detect at least two optical markings on the flexible flat ribbon cable, and a gripping device for gripping the flexible flat ribbon cable at at least two detected optical markings.

[0013] The present system is designed to scan at least a section of the ribbon cable and detect multiple optical markings. Detection of multiple optical markings preferably occurs simultaneously. The ribbon cable does not require manual preparation or any pre-processing steps; instead, it is simply placed or guided into the scan area, preferably on a tray. Detection of multiple optical markings can occur in one or more consecutive scan images. The gripping device selectively grasps the ribbon cable only at the detected markings. Gripping preferably occurs simultaneously at at least two detected optical markings. This allows for very precise gripping and handling of the ribbon cable.

[0014] Preferably, the gripping device comprises a plurality of individually movable suction grippers, which are preferably arranged on a manipulator. The use of suction grippers enables gentle and precise handling of the flat ribbon cable. The arrangement of the suction grippers on a manipulator gives the gripping device a high degree of flexibility. This high flexibility allows for automated handling of the flat ribbon cable, for example, when laying the flat ribbon cable in a vehicle.

[0015] Preferably, the system further comprises at least one optical distance measuring device for measuring the distance between the optical scanning device and the flexible ribbon cable. A defined position of the markings can be determined by measuring this distance.

[0016] The above-mentioned problem is further solved in particular by a method for handling a cable arrangement, comprising at least a flexible flat cable and at least two optical markers having different features and arranged on a first surface of the flexible flat cable along a first direction, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: providing the flexible flat cable, which may lie geometrically undefined in a space, scanning at least one area of ​​the flexible flat cable using an optical scanning device to detect optical markers, determining the identity and position of each detected optical marker, and gripping the flexible flat cable at detected optical markers using a gripping device.

[0017] The present method enables reliable and precise gripping and handling of the flat ribbon cable without the need for prior manual alignment. The process steps of scanning, determining the identity and position of each detected optical marker, and gripping the flexible flat ribbon cable at the detected optical markers can be repeated in this sequence as often as required, for example, until a predetermined number of optical markers have been detected and gripped. This repetition can further increase the reliability of handling the flat ribbon cable.

[0018] Preferably, the method further comprises the following steps: After gripping the flexible flat cable at detected optical markers, the flexible flat cable is aligned by individually moving suction grippers of the gripping device so that previously undetected optical markers are detected and can be gripped. The detection of initially undetected optical markers in the method enables the most complete possible gripping of all optical markers, resulting in the automated and precise routing of the flat cable to a target location, for example, in a vehicle.

[0019] The following description of embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1. A schematic perspective representation of an embodiment of a conduit arrangement; and Fig. 2 a schematic perspective representation of an embodiment of a system for handling a line arrangement.

[0020] Preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a conductor arrangement 1 for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals. The conductor arrangement comprises at least one flexible flat ribbon cable 2 extending along a first direction X. The flexible flat ribbon cable 2 includes at least one electrical or optical conductor 4 for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals. The flexible flat ribbon cable 2 can be of any length and can be arranged arbitrarily in space, i.e., it can, for example, be at least partially twisted.

[0022] The illustrated flexible flat ribbon cable 2 has at least two optical markings 6 arranged on a first surface 3 of the flexible flat ribbon cable 2 along the first direction X. The first surface 3 of the flexible flat ribbon cable 2 preferably has a flat, smooth, and non-permeable structure. In an alternative embodiment, the optical markings 6, preferably identically, can also be arranged on a surface of the flat ribbon cable 2 opposite the first surface 3. The at least two markings 6 are preferably arranged at a predetermined distance D from each other, and the markings 6 preferably comprise color-printed and / or laser-printed features 8a, 8b, 8c.

[0023] The at least two markings 6 have different features 8a, 8b, 8c that enable unambiguous identification and position determination. The depicted different features 8a, 8b, 8c comprise differently filled black and white areas. For unambiguous position determination, each marking 6 includes at least a position along the first and a second direction X, Y, as well as an angular indication. The angular indication can, for example, be contained in the orientation of the black and white areas relative to the ribbon cable 2. In alternative embodiments, the features can include barcodes or QR codes. Position determination can alternatively be achieved, for example, by relating a marking 6 to the orientation of the ribbon cable 2 along the first direction X (or longitudinal direction of the ribbon cable 2).The identity of the features 6 can be determined by comparing them with predetermined features in a database, which is preferably stored in or connected to a system control 11 (see . . Fig. 2).

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a system 10 for handling a cable arrangement 1. The illustrated system 10 has at least one optical scanning device 12 for scanning the flexible flat cable 2, or at least a part thereof. The optical scanning device 12 is configured, preferably simultaneously, to detect at least two optical markings 6 on the flexible flat cable 2. The optical scanning device 12 comprises a scan area 13 in which all optical markings 6 detectable (from the perspective of the optical scanning device 12) are detected. The optical scanning device 12 is preferably connected to a control unit 11, which primarily controls the scanning processes. The control unit 11 can include a database or be connected to an external database. The database preferably contains data on the optical markings 6 or...their features 8a, 8b, 8c are stored, which enable a unique identification of the optical markings 6.

[0025] In addition to the optical scanning device 12, the system 10 can further comprise at least one optical distance measuring device 16 for measuring a distance A between the optical scanning device 12 and the flexible flat ribbon cable 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical distance measuring device 16 and the optical scanning device 12 are integrated in a common housing and in Fig. 2 made visible by an illustrated distance measurement. The optical distance measuring device 16 preferably comprises a laser distance measuring device.

[0026] The in Fig. The illustrated system 10 further comprises at least one gripping device 14 for gripping, preferably simultaneously, the flexible flat ribbon cable 2 at at least two detected optical markings 6. The illustrated gripping device 14 includes a plurality of individually movable suction grippers 15, which are preferably arranged on a manipulator 17. The manipulator 17 is controlled by a manipulator controller 18. In a preferred embodiment, the system controller 11 and the manipulator controller 18 are interconnected.By connecting the system control and the manipulator control 11, 18, it is possible, for example with the help of the system control 11, to determine that not all or too few of the optical markings 6 on the ribbon cable 2 have been detected and the manipulator control 18 can change the orientation of the partially gripped ribbon cable 2 so that further or all optical markings 6 on the ribbon cable 2 can be detected and gripped by the system 10.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of a method for handling a cable assembly 1 is described below. The cable assembly 1 comprises at least one flexible flat cable 2 and at least two optical markers 6 having different features 8a, 8b, 8c, and arranged on a first surface 3 of the flexible flat cable 2 along a first direction X. The method comprises at least the following steps: providing the flexible flat cable 2, which may be geometrically undefined in space; scanning at least one area B of the flexible flat cable 2 using an optical scanning device 12 to detect optical markers 6; determining the identity and position of each detected optical marker 6; and gripping the flexible flat cable 2 at the detected optical markers 6 using a gripping device 14.

[0028] The flexible ribbon cable 2 is preferably supplied by placing it on a tray and / or feeding it by means of a feeding device, such as a conveyor belt. The orientation of the ribbon cable 2, which extends essentially along its first direction X (its longitudinal direction), can also extend into a second and / or third direction Y, Z by twisting or the like, so that the ribbon cable 2 forms a three-dimensional structure. Depending on the length of the ribbon cable 2, the scanning area 13 of the scanning device 12 can scan the entire ribbon cable 2 or only a portion of it within a region B during a single scan. The scanning process can comprise one or more successive captures or samples.If optical markings 6 are detected on the ribbon cable 2 during a scanning process, these markings 6 can be uniquely identified by comparison with a database of the system control 11. The position of the optical markings 6 can be determined either with respect to the orientation of the ribbon cable 2 in its longitudinal direction or based on predetermined data from the database indicating the position of the detected optical marking 6 on the ribbon cable 2. The optical markings 6 are uniquely identified by the following characteristics. Fig. 1 and Fig. The 2 depicted markings each have different features 8a, 8b, 8c, preferably in the form of differently filled black and white areas. Each feature 8a, 8b, 8c is preferably assigned only once per ribbon cable 2 and has a predetermined angular orientation (with respect to the ribbon cable 2).

[0029] In the preferred embodiment shown, the flat ribbon cable 2 is gripped at detected optical markers 6 using suction grippers 15. Preferably, a plurality of suction grippers 15 are arranged on the system 10; in particular, one suction gripper 15 is arranged on the system 10 for each optical marker 6, so that the flat ribbon cable 2 can be gripped (precisely and reliably) at a large number of, preferably all, optical markers 6. The suction grippers 15 are individually movable and can vary their spacing or distance from each other. The suction grippers 15 are preferably connected to a manipulator 17. The manipulator 17 shown has a manipulator control 18. With the aid of the manipulator 17 and its mobility, a gripped flat ribbon cable 2 can be routed to a destination, such as a vehicle body.

[0030] In the event that not all or too few optical markings 6 in area B are detected, the procedure can continue with the following steps: After gripping the flexible flat cable 2 at detected optical markings 6, the flexible flat cable 2 is aligned by individually moving suction grippers 15 of the gripping device 14 so that previously undetected optical markings 6 are detected and can be gripped. The partially gripped flat cable 2 can be at least partially pulled apart in its longitudinal direction X. By pulling it apart, previously undetected optical markings 6 become visible and can then be gripped. More generally, the flat cable 2 or cable assembly 1 can be brought into a geometrically unambiguous position by targeted tensioning or stretching.By exclusively gripping the flat ribbon cable 2 at the optical markings 6 and a (predetermined) high number of necessarily recognized optical markings 6 for gripping, the flat ribbon cable 2 or the cable arrangement 1 is gripped very precisely and reliably. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1. Cable arrangement 2 flat ribbon cable 3 first surface 4 conductors 6 optical marking 8a, 8b, 8c Feature 10 System 11 Control Panel 12 optical scanning device 13 Scan area 14 Gripping device 15 suction grippers 16 optical distance measuring device 17 Manipulator 18 Manipulator control A distance Area B D distance X first direction Y second direction Z third direction

Claims

[1] Conductor arrangement (1) comprising for the transmission of electrical and / or optical signals: a) a flexible flat ribbon cable (2) extending along a first direction (X) and comprising at least one electrical or optical conductor (4); b) at least two optical markings (6) arranged on a first surface (3) of the flexible flat ribbon cable (2) along the first direction (X); wherein c) the at least two markings (6) have different features (8a, 8b, 8c) that allow for unambiguous identification and position determination. [2] Conductor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the different features (8a, 8b, 8c) comprise differently filled black and white areas. [3] Conductor arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each marking (6) for unambiguous position determination comprises at least a position along the first and a second direction (X, Y) as well as an angle indication. [4] Conductor arrangement according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the first surface (3) of the flexible flat ribbon cable (2) has a flat, smooth and non-permeable structure. [5] Conductor arrangement according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the markings (6) comprise color-printed and / or laser-printed features (8a, 8b, 8c). [6] System (10) for handling a line arrangement (1), preferably according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the system (10) at least comprises: a) an optical scanning device (12) for scanning a flexible flat ribbon cable (2) in order to detect at least two optical markings (6) on the flexible flat ribbon cable (2); and b) a gripping device (14) for gripping the flexible flat ribbon cable (2) at at least two detected optical markings (6). [7] System according to claim 6, wherein the gripping device (14) comprises a plurality of individually movable suction grippers (15), preferably arranged on a manipulator (17). [8] System according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising at least one optical distance measuring device (16) for measuring a distance (A) between the optical scanning device (12) and the flexible flat ribbon cable (2). [9] Method for handling a cable arrangement (1), preferably according to one of claims 1-5, comprising at least a flexible flat ribbon cable (2) and at least two optical markings (6) having different features (8a, 8b, 8c) and arranged on a first surface (3) of the flexible flat ribbon cable (2), along a first direction (X), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a) Providing the flexible flat ribbon cable (2) which can lie geometrically undefined in a space; b) Scanning at least one area (B) of the flexible flat ribbon cable (2) using an optical scanning device (12) to detect optical markings (6); c) Determining the identity and position of each detected optical marker (6); and d) Gripping the flexible flat ribbon cable (2) at detected optical markings (6) using a gripping device (14). [10] The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: After gripping the flexible flat ribbon cable (2) at detected optical markings (6), aligning the flexible flat ribbon cable (2) by individually moving suction grippers (15) of the gripping device (14) so ​​that previously undetected optical markings (6) are detected and can be gripped.

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