Actuatorless alignment change device for a one-piece binder

Abstract

Orientation change device (1) for a one-piece binder (2), OPT, in particular for a cable tie, with a guide contour (3) for guiding OPTs (2) from two OPT output orientations (a, b) into an OPT end orientation (c), wherein the guide contour (3) comprises: - a first opening (3a*) for receiving the OPT (2) in a first OPT exit orientation (a), wherein the first opening (3a*) opens into a first section (3a) of the guide contour (3); - a second opening (3b*) for receiving the OPT (2) in a second OPT output orientation, wherein the second OPT output orientation differs from the first OPT output orientation, wherein the second opening (3b*) transitions into a second section (3b) of the guide contour (3), wherein the second section (3b) differs from the first section (3a); and - an outlet (3c*) for providing the OPT (2) in the OPT end orientation (c), wherein the OPT end orientation (c) differs from at least one of the first or the second OPT output orientation (a, b), wherein the outlet (3c*) is an outlet (3c*) of a third section (3c) of the guide contour (3), wherein the first section (3a) and the second section (3b) merge into the third section (3c).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The disclosure relates to an orientation change device for a one-piece tie, in particular a cable tie, which does not require an (active) actuator and can therefore be described as a passive orientation change device. background

[0002] Loose one-piece cable ties (OPTs), i.e., cable ties with differently shaped functional heads, are the most common type of OPT and are therefore used in many applications, such as in manufacturing facilities. However, unlike OPTs or cable ties attached to a carrier, they have the problem of being oriented very differently. These different orientations must be compensated for, as the OPTs are intended to be installed in a predefined orientation.

[0003] One approach is to use a shaker plate device to pre-align the OPTs. However, the OPT orientation of the pre-aligned OPTs is not uniquely defined; that is, the possible OPT orientations are reduced to two opposite orientations by a typical shaker plate device. Consequently, known approaches are based on a determination of the actual OPT orientation—typically visual—e.g., using image recognition. Then, either only the OPTs with matching orientations are processed (and the rest are placed back into the shaker plate device), or the robotic device that extracted the OPT has sufficient degrees of freedom to process OPTs with different orientations; that is, it can, for example, perform an additional rotation of the OPTs.

[0004] However, these approaches are time-consuming (only 50% of OPTs are pre-adjusted in a suitable orientation) and / or inefficient (complex robotic devices with many degrees of freedom are required).

[0005] The technical challenge, therefore, is to create a simplified way to provide OPTs in a clearly defined orientation. Overview

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims, the description, and the Figures.

[0007] One aspect concerns an orientation change device for a one-piece tie (OPT), specifically for a cable tie. This orientation change device alters the orientation of the OPT, generally referring to cable ties. The orientation change device described below can also be called a passive orientation change device, as it changes the OPT orientation even without an active component such as an actuator. To this end, the orientation change device includes a guide contour for guiding the OPT from one of two initial OPT orientations (OPT output orientation) to a final OPT orientation (OPT end orientation). The guide contour is designed to be in mechanical contact with the OPT as it slides through the orientation change device along the guide contour from inlet to outlet.

[0008] The guide contour comprises at least one, preferably exactly one, first opening (inlet), at least one, preferably exactly one, second opening, and at least one, preferably exactly one, outlet. The first opening is configured to receive the OPT in a first initial OPT orientation, the first OPT outlet orientation, wherein the first opening transitions into a first section of the guide contour. The second opening is configured to receive the OPT in a second initial OPT orientation, the second OPT outlet orientation, wherein the second initial OPT orientation differs from the first initial OPT orientation, and wherein the second opening transitions into a second section of the guide contour, the second section being different from the first section.The outlet is configured such that the OPT is provided in its final OPT orientation, the OPT outlet orientation, which differs from at least one of the first or the second initial OPT orientations. The outlet is an outlet of a third section of the guide contour into which the first and second sections merge or terminate. Thus, along the path of the OPT through the orientation change device from the respective inlet to the outlet, as defined by the guide contour, the OPT automatically changes its orientation; that is, the OPT orientation is modified by the orientation change device / guide contour.

[0009] This has the advantage of achieving a passive mechanical OPT orientation change, where different (initial) OPT orientations are converted into a single (final) OPT orientation. The various sections, as described in more detail below, can be configured to rotate the OPT around at least two different axes. This is particularly useful for eliminating one or more degrees of freedom of a robot fixture required by conventional approaches. This increases processing speed and reduces wear. Furthermore, OPTs with opposite orientations, which would otherwise require re-gripping, can be processed without replacing an already used robot fixture, increasing gripping performance by 100% (since the 50% of OPTs with opposite orientations, i.e., the mismatched orientations, would otherwise have to be rejected).

[0010] In one embodiment, the first and second openings are oriented in at least substantially opposite directions. The orientation of an opening (inlet) / outlet can be determined by a vector corresponding to the path of an OPT between the guide flanks of the respective section at the respective inlet / outlet. At least substantially opposite directions can refer to directions spanning an angle of at least 90°, preferably at least 120°, and particularly preferably at least 150°. This has the advantage that the OPT orientation can be changed by the orientation change device with a particularly simple and reliable path of the OPT (i.e., a path that is not susceptible to blockages due to canting of the OPT in the various sections, here the first / second section).This allows in particular an advantageous symmetrical / partially symmetrical design of the guide contour / OPT path, resulting in specific advantages that will be explained in more detail later.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the first section and / or the second section are curved sections, preferably at least substantially completely curved sections. This reduces the probability of clogging and increases reliability.

[0012] Preferably, the first section is curved to the right, particularly when the OPT is rotated clockwise, and / or the second section is curved to the left, particularly when the OPT is rotated counterclockwise, or vice versa. The direction of rotation can be determined, for example, by looking at one end of the OPT, with one band of the OPT pointing away from the observer. The axis of rotation can thus run along a principal extension direction of the respective OPT, i.e., along the straight band of the OPT. Regardless of how the direction of rotation is determined, the objective is that the OPT is rotated in the opposite direction when inserted into the other opening. Since the rotation in each of the two sections can be, for example, 90°, an OPT inserted into the first opening can be rotated 180° relative to an OPT inserted into the second opening.In this way, OPTs that are oriented in opposite directions (i.e., rotated in opposite directions) are brought into the same rotational orientation by the first and second sections. This reduces the number of different orientations in the orientation change device and facilitates further changes to the achieved (then transitional) OPT orientation, which in turn contributes to the versatility and adaptability of the orientation change device, i.e., to providing OPTs in a predefined, unique orientation.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first section and the second section are arranged to run in a single plane, at least in a subsection that includes and / or follows the respective opening. Preferably, at least a subsection of the third section, in particular a subsection that includes the outlet, runs transversely to this single plane. This results in a design where the various openings are easily accessible to a robot, while still enabling reliable provision of the OPTs in (almost) any desired OPT orientation. Furthermore, it contributes to the spatial separation of the different functions and allows for the geometric optimization of the various guide contour sections for their specific purpose or function (e.g.,to bring the OPTs of the first and second inlets into the same OPT alignment through the first / second section and / or to bring the OPTs into the final OPT alignment through the third section).

[0014] In a further embodiment, the final OPT orientation differs from the two initial OPT orientations. This has proven particularly advantageous because it saves a degree of freedom that would otherwise be required by a robot handling the OPTs provided by the orientation change device (e.g., because the OPT can be rotated by the third section instead of an actuator of the robot device). The third section can also provide an OPT buffer for a (linear) vibratory feeder.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first, second, and third sections of the guide contour each have two (preferably only two) guide flanks, namely one (first) guide flank and one (second) guide flank. Preferably, the respective guide flanks of a section run along one another at least substantially at a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum distance and are designed for an arrangement of the OPT, in particular an OPT strip, between the respective guide flanks of a section. The predetermined minimum and maximum distances are thus selected such that the OPTs are held and guided between the guide flanks, but can be moved, for example, by gravity along the guide flanks and thus along the OPT path defined by the guide contour. Preferably, the predetermined minimum and maximum distances are linked to a thickness of the OPT strip or...The OPT head is adapted (the belt must move along the path defined by the guide contour; the OPT head must not slip off the path defined by the guide contour). This offers the advantage of reliable passive guidance of the OPT, which allows a change in the OPT orientation solely through the geometric shape of the guide flanks.

[0016] It can be arranged that the first guide flank of the first section transitions into the second guide flank of the second section, the second guide flank of the first section transitions into the first guide flank of the third section, and the first guide flank of the second section transitions into the second guide flank of the third section. This results in a Y-shaped path, where the three sections meet in the center of the Y. As with the Y shape, this design promotes a symmetrical arrangement. It also prevents clogging. The design also contributes to the mechanical stability of the alignment change device, which in turn improves reliability.

[0017] It can also be provided that the flanks of the third section run parallel to each other for at least a large part of the section and / or that the flanks of the first and / or the second section converge on each other for at least a large part of their respective sections, running from their respective inlets to the third section. This interacts with and contributes to the spatial separation of functionalities described above, and is therefore a further advantageous development.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the first section and / or the second section is configured to change the first or second initial OPT orientation by rotating the OPT about a longitudinal axis when the OPT is moved through the respective section after insertion into the first or second opening. Preferably, the first section and / or the second section are configured to rotate the OPT by at least 45°, preferably at least 60°, and most preferably about 90°. This also contributes to the advantages described above of spatially separated functionalities and the conversion of the various initial OPT orientations into a single final OPT orientation.

[0019] In one embodiment, the third section is configured to change the OPT orientation by rotating the OPT about an axis transverse to its longitudinal axis as the OPT is moved from its beginning to its exit. At the beginning of the third section, it transitions into the first or second section. Preferably, the third section is configured to rotate the OPT by at least 45°, preferably at least 60°, and particularly preferably by about 90° and / or less than 90°. This also contributes to the advantages described above of spatially separated functionalities and the conversion of the various initial OPT orientations into a single final OPT orientation, whereby a specific preset final OPT orientation can be achieved.Furthermore, this also promotes the aforementioned buffer functionality for the vibratory conveyor and simultaneously enables the gravity-induced change of various (initial) OPT orientations into a single (whether temporary or final) OPT orientation.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the first section and / or the second section form a series of first and second alignment angles with respect to the beginning of the third section, the alignment angles depending on the specific location along the first and / or second section. Consequently, the alignment angles cover an angular range. This range can extend from 0° at the beginning of the third section to a maximum of 75°, preferably a maximum of 60°, at the entrance of the respective first and / or second section. The angular range can thus define a slope of the first or second section. The specified range ensures the reliable movement of the OPTs along their path defined by the guide contour without blockage during movement due to gravity when the beginning of the third section is oriented towards gravity, i.e., pointing downwards in the gravitational field.

[0021] In one embodiment, the orientation change device is configured to change the OPT orientation by gravity, with the first and second openings being arranged above the outlet in a gravitational field. This is particularly advantageous because it eliminates the need for an actuator, significantly simplifying the device, reducing costs and complexity, and increasing reliability.

[0022] Another aspect concerns a robotic device that includes an orientation change device according to one of the described embodiments, wherein the robotic device is configured to receive an OPT and feed it to one of the openings depending on the OPT orientation received by the robotic device, and the OPT fed into the orientation change device engages at the output of the orientation change device. This is particularly advantageous for a robotic device with a horizontal articulated robot arm, such as the SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm). Such a horizontal articulated robot arm typically has four axes and four degrees of freedom, wherein the first and second axes can be rotary and the third and fourth axes are implemented in a unit that enables rotational and linear movements.

[0023] Another aspect concerns a method for providing a single-part binder (OPT) in a predefined / final orientation for a robotic device. The method comprises several steps. One step is picking up the OPT with a gripper, which can be a gripper of the robotic device or another robotic device. Another step is determining whether the orientation of the picked-up OPT relative to the gripper is a first or second orientation. This can be done by image recognition before or after the picking step. A further step is feeding the OPT to a first opening of an actuatorless orientation change device if the determined orientation is the first orientation, and to a second opening of an actuatorless orientation change device if the determined orientation is the second orientation.This process step involves releasing the gripping element from the OPT and allowing the OPT to slide by gravity from the opening of the actuatorless alignment change device, through the actuatorless alignment change device, to an outlet of the actuatorless alignment change device. A further process step is the gripping of the OPT at the outlet by the robot device.

[0024] The advantages and advantageous embodiments of the latter aspects correspond to the advantages and advantageous embodiments described for the former aspects, and vice versa.

[0025] The described features and combinations of features, including those of the general introduction, as well as the features and combinations of features disclosed in the figure description or in the figures themselves, can be used not only alone or in the described combination, but also with other features or without some of the disclosed features, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. Consequently, embodiments that are not explicitly shown and described in the figures, but which can be produced by separately combining the individual features disclosed in the figures, also belong to the invention. Therefore, embodiments and combinations of features that do not include all the features of an originally formulated independent claim are also to be considered disclosed.Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features that differ from or go beyond the combinations of features described in the dependencies of the claims are to be considered disclosed.

[0026] In the context of this disclosure, "transverse / along" can be understood as "at least substantially perpendicular / parallel," i.e., "perpendicular / parallel" or "substantially perpendicular / parallel," i.e., perpendicular / parallel except for a predetermined deviation. The predetermined deviation may, for example, be at most 15°, preferably at most 5°, and particularly preferably at most 3°. Accordingly, "oppositely oriented" in the context of this disclosure can be understood as "at least substantially oppositely oriented," i.e., "at least substantially antiparallel oriented." The orientation of a plane can be determined by its normal vector. The limitation "substantially" can also refer to a predetermined maximum permissible deviation, e.g., at most 15%, preferably at most 5%, and particularly preferably at most 3%. Detailed description

[0027] Exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment in an isometric view; Fig. 2 shows the example from Fig. 1 in a side view; Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment in an isometric view; Fig. 4 shows the example of Fig. 3 in a side view; and Fig. 5 shows the example from Fig. 3 in another side view;

[0028] In the illustrations, identical or functionally equivalent features are labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a device for changing the orientation in an isometric view. This orientation-changing device 1 is designed to change the orientation of a one-piece binder (OPT) 2, in particular a cable tie. The orientation-changing device 1 has a guide contour 3 to guide OPTs 2 from two OPT output orientations a, b to an OPT end orientation c. The OPTs 2, 2', 2" shown in the different OPT orientations / positions a, b, c are, in this example, so-called Christmas tree OPTs, i.e., cable ties with a functional head for fixing the OPT in a hole, but the described solution is independent of the head shape, i.e., it can be applied to all types of OPTs / cable ties. It should be noted that OPT orientation a is the opposite of OPT orientation b, i.e.,If OPT 2 is positioned at the top (in the (+y) direction), OPT 2' is positioned at the bottom (in the (-y) direction), i.e., they are rotated 180° relative to each other.

[0030] The guide contour 3 comprises a first opening 3a* for receiving the OPT 2 in a first initial OPT orientation a, wherein the first opening 3a* transitions into a first section 3a of the guide contour 3, and a second opening 3b* for receiving the OPT 2 in a second initial OPT orientation, wherein the second initial OPT orientation differs from the first initial OPT orientation, the second opening 3b* transitioning into a second section 3b of the guide contour 3, and the second section 3b differs from the first section 3a. Furthermore, the guide contour 3 comprises an outlet 3c* for providing the OPT 2 in the final OPT orientation c, wherein the final OPT orientation c differs from at least one of the first or the second initial OPT orientations a, b, in this example from both the first and the second initial OPT orientations a, b.The outlet 3c* is an outlet 3c* of a third section 3c of the guide contour 3, into which the first section 3a and the second section 3b merge.

[0031] In the example shown, the first opening 3a* and the second opening 3b* are oriented at least substantially in opposite directions, i.e., in the (-z) direction for the first opening 3a* and in the (+z) direction for the second opening 3b*. The orientation of the openings 3a*, 3b* can be determined, for example, by their respective normal vectors na, nb ( Fig. 2) be determined.

[0032] Both the first section 3a and the second section 3b are curved sections here, meaning they are curved (preferably only) in one plane, which here is the yz-plane. Since they do not include any straight segments in this yz-plane, they are completely curved sections 3a and 3b. Similarly, the third section 3c is also a completely curved section, which here is curved (preferably only) in the xy-plane. Consequently, in the present example, the first section 3a and the second section 3b lie in a single plane, the yz-plane, and at least one segment of the third section 3c (besides the outlet 3c*) lies perpendicular to this one plane, i.e., in the x-direction.

[0033] Viewed in the (-x) direction, i.e., looking at an OPT head 2a towards the OPT band 2b, when the corresponding OPT 2, 2' is in one of the initial orientations a, b, the first section 3a is curved to the right and the second section 3b to the left. This causes the first section 3a to rotate the OPT 2 clockwise and the second section 3b to rotate the OPT 2 counterclockwise, thus compensating for the different OPT orientations as the OPTs 2, 2' slide along the first and second guide contour sections 3a, 3b to the third guide contour section 3c. The OPTs are therefore rotated around their respective longitudinal axis (which, in the case of OPTs 2, 2' with OPT orientation a, b, runs along the x-axis here) when they are moved through the respective section 3a, 3b after being inserted into the first and / or second opening 3a*, 3b*. In both sections 3a, 3b, the respective OPT 2 is rotated by approximately 90° in this example.Thus, OPTs 2, 2' with the initial OPT orientations a, b (which differ in that the OPTs are rotated 180° relative to each other) have the same (aligned) intermediate OPT orientation after passing through the first / second section 3a, 3b. This intermediate OPT orientation can be further adjusted in the third section 3c.

[0034] In addition to the aforementioned (first) rotation, an optional additional (second) rotation can be performed by the third section 3c. For this purpose, the third section 3c can be configured to change the OPT orientation by rotating the OPT 2 about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the OPT 2 when the OPT 2 is moved from a beginning of the third section 3c to the exit 3c* of the third section 3c. This axis is the z-axis. This optional rotation is (in this example, close to, but) less than 90°, but it can also be smaller, as in Fig. Figure 4 shows that this ensures that the OPT 2 slides through the third section 3c solely due to gravity.

[0035] As from Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, preferably the first, second and third sections 3a, 3b, 3c of the guide contour 3 each have two guide flanks 3a', 3a'', 3b', 3b'', 3c', 3c'' which are spaced far enough apart to allow the OPT band 2b to slide along the guide contour 3 between the respective guide flanks 3a', 3a'', 3b', 3b'', 3c', 3c'' along the guide contour 3, preventing the OPT head 2a from slipping through the respective guide flanks 3a', 3a'', 3b', 3b'', 3c', 3c'' in a direction transverse to the path of the OPT 2, which is defined by the guide contour 3. Thus, the respective guide flanks 3a', 3a'', 3b', 3b'', 3c', 3c'' of a section 3a, 3b, 3c can run at least substantially along each other and are designed for an arrangement of the OPT, in particular an OPT band, between the respective guide flanks 3a', 3a'', 3b', 3b'', 3c', 3c'' of a section 3a, 3b, 3c.

[0036] In this example, one leading edge 3a' of the first section 3a transitions into the other leading edge 3b'' of the second section 3b, the other leading edge 3a'' of the first section 3a transitions into one leading edge 3c' of the third section 3c, and one leading edge 3b' of the second section 3b transitions into the other leading edge 3c'' of the third section 3c. As in Fig. As shown in 2, this can lead to a Y-shape of the guide contour 3.

[0037] As shown, the flanks 3c, 3c' of the third section 3c can run parallel to each other, while the flanks 3a', 3a'', 3b', 3b'' of the first and second sections 3a, 3b can converge at least over a large part of their respective sections along the path from the respective openings 3a*, 3b* to the third section 3c. This increases the tolerances for feeding the OPTs 2 to the alignment change device 1. For example, the distance between the flanks 3a', 3a'', 3b', 3b'' at the openings 3a*, 3b* can be in the range of 5-10 mm, preferably in the range of 6-8 mm. The distance between the flanks 3c', 3c'' of the third section 3c can be in the range of 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm or even more preferably in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm.The ideal sliding behavior is achieved when the distances between the flanks 3a', 3a'', 3b', 3b'' of the first and second sections 3a, 3b are identical to the distances between the flanks 3c', 3c'' of the third section 3c over a large part (or even the entirety) of the respective flanks 3a', 3a'', 3b', 3b''. Preferably, their distance is increased only in the vicinity of the inlets 3*, 3b*, e.g., to 10 mm. This allows for greater tolerances during the picking process of an OPT-providing device, e.g., a gripping element.

[0038] Example values ​​for the width and thickness of the OPT band are 4.6 mm and 1.35 mm, respectively. The spacing ranges can be adjusted accordingly for OPTs with different dimensions.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates, among other possible details, one way to determine the orientation of the respective inlets 3a*, 3b*. Specifically, a corresponding normal vector na, nb can be determined that specifies this orientation. For example, the normal vectors na, nb can run parallel to one of the respective flanks 3a', 3a'', 3b', 3b'' at the respective inlet 3a*, 3b*, in this case the lower flank 3a'', 3b' (where the (+y) direction is the upward direction). These flanks 3a', 3a'', 3b', 3b'', in particular the lower flanks 3a'', 3b', can also define a set of respective first and second alignment angles α, β, wherein the alignment angles α, β cover a range from 0°, at the beginning of the third section 3c, up to a limit of a maximum of 75°, preferably a maximum of 60°, at the inlet 3a*, 3b* of the respective first and / or second section 3a, 3b.The alignment angles α, β are therefore measured between the respective tangents of the flanks 3a', 3a'', 3b', 3b'' and the direction of the guide contour section 3c at its beginning in the plane of the section(s) 3a, 3b (the y-direction). For clarity, the alignment angles α, β are shown in . Fig. 2 only for the maximum values ​​at the respective mouths 3a*, 3b*.

[0040] The orientation-changing device 1 shown here is configured to change the OPT orientation by gravity, i.e., without an actuator, purely based on geometric considerations. In this example, the first and second orifices 3a* and 3b* are positioned above the outlet 3c* in a gravitational field, with gravity pulling in the (-y) direction. Thus, the y-direction of the figures corresponds to the vertical direction in the gravitational field when the orientation-changing device 1 is installed / positioned as intended, for example, with or as part of a robotic setup. For such an installation, the orientation angle range specified in the last paragraph is particularly advantageous for a reliable change of the OPT orientations a and b without blockage.

[0041] After an OPT 2 has been removed with a gripper and its orientation relative to the gripper has been determined to be a first orientation or a second orientation (where the OPT 2 is rotated by 180°), the OPT 2 can then be guided to a first opening 3a* of the orientation-changing device 1 if the determined orientation is the first orientation a, and to a second opening 3b* of the orientation-changing device 1 if the determined orientation is the second orientation b. This involves releasing the gripper from the OPT 2 and allowing the OPT 2 to slide by gravity through the orientation-changing device 1 to an outlet 3c* of the orientation-changing device 1. At the outlet, the OPT can be gripped by a robotic device in a single, uniquely predefined OPT orientation c, regardless of its original OPT orientation a, b.

[0042] Therefore, if an OPT 2, 2' depending on its orientation / rotation into the respective muzzle 3a*, 3b*, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, when the OPT 2, 2' is introduced, the belt 2b tilts downwards due to gravity. This tilting assists the movement of the OPT 2, 2' along the path defined by the guide contour 3 in the first and second sections 3a, 3b, respectively. As the OPTs 2, 2' slide downwards in the first and second sections 3a, 3b, they are rotated in opposite directions. This ensures that the OPTs have the same orientation when the first and second sections 3a, 3b transition into the third section 3c. The third section 3c can then be used to optimize this identical OPT orientation, facilitating easier gripping, for example, by a robot or feeding the OPTs to a (linear) vibratory feeder.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a device for changing the orientation in an isometric view. This other embodiment may have all the features of the previous embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0044] One possible difference from the previous embodiment is the course of the third section 3c, as can be seen from the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 is most clearly visible. While in the previous embodiment the last subsection of section 3c, which leads to the outlet 3c*, runs parallel to the x-axis, i.e. horizontally, in the embodiment of the Fig. 3-5 The last subsection of section 3c, leading to outlet 3c*, is inclined at a non-zero angle γ to the x-axis. The angle γ can, for example, have a minimum value of 10°, preferably 15°, and / or a maximum value of 35°, preferably 30°, and most preferably 25°. The angle can be adjusted based on a coefficient of friction between the OPT material (e.g., PA6.6 or PA4.6) and the material of the orientation change device. The last subsection of section 3c before outlet 3c* can be a completely straight section.

[0045] Another possible difference from the previous embodiment is the shape of the lower flanks 3a'', 3b' of the first and second guide contour sections 3a, 3b, as can best be seen from the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is evident. The guide contour 3 has projections 3a#, 3b# at the openings 3a*, 3b* of the first and second sections 3a, 3b as part of the lower flanks 3a'', 3b' in the (-x) direction, i.e. transverse to the path of the OPT 2 through the guide contour 3 (in the first and second sections 3a, 3b), in the direction of the OPT band 2b ( Fig. 1) These projections 3a#, 3b# are designed to support the OPT band 2b when the OPT 2 is inserted into the respective opening 3a*, 3b* and prevent excessive tilting due to gravity, which could otherwise potentially lead to a blockage of the guide contour by the tilted OPT 2. The projections 3a#, 3b# can extend up to a preset percentage, e.g., at least 20% of the length of the OPT 2 in use, or a fixed value, e.g., at least 30 mm, preferably at least 40 mm, more preferably at least 50 mm.

[0046] Fig.shows the (advantageous, i.e., optional) symmetrical design that both embodiments have in common, as well as other similarities between the two embodiments.

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