Alignment device for a cable processing machine and method for operating an alignment device

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a straightening device for straightening a cable, a method for operating a straightening machine and a cable processing machine.

[0002] Cable processing machines comprise several stations where a cable or wire is processed step by step into a finished product. The wires are typically supplied to the cable processing machine on reels or as bundles. In a first step, they are unwound from the reel or bundle. The unwound wires are more or less curved and twisted, which complicates further processing steps with the cable processing machine. To straighten the wire as much as possible, it is typically pulled through a straightening device. A cable processing machine must be able to process a wide variety of wires.

[0003] Various devices for straightening a cable are known in the prior art. In this context, "cable" refers to a quasi-endless cable or a section thereof, which can have different constructions. The cable can be a single conductor, consist of several twisted strands, or be a solid conductor, made of copper, another electrically conductive alloy, or an optically conductive material. The cable may also have insulation.

[0004] These devices are required to straighten the cable sufficiently. A sufficiently straightened cable is recognizable by the fact that, after straightening, it can be inserted and routed through a predefined space, for example, a cylindrical enclosure, without leaving the boundaries of this predefined space. This allows a separate predefined space to be established for each cable to be straightened, which represents an essential quality criterion for the respective straightened cable, the respective cable type, and for a cable processing machine.

[0005] EP 3 184 191 A1 discloses a straightening device with an upper and a lower row of rollers. These two rows of rollers can be moved relative to each other, and their distance can be monitored by means of a measuring device. The measuring device can be connected to a control unit. A previously known or measured outer diameter of the cable, for example, can be used as the target value for the roller distance. It is proposed to connect the measuring device to a storage unit and to record the actual values ​​and / or the deviation of the actual values ​​from the target value. It is also proposed to monitor the angle of adjustment between the two rows of rollers by means of appropriate sensors. All target values ​​can be stored as a mathematical function or as a table in a control unit. EP 2 399 856 A1 also discloses a straightening device of this type.

[0006] A disadvantage of the known devices is that straightening the cables is complex and the adjustment of the straightening mechanism within the device is insufficiently precise. For example, the spacing between the rows of rollers can vary along the cable to be straightened if the cable is not positioned exactly between the rows. This leads to inadequate straightening of the cable and, consequently, to increased effort in further cable processing.

[0007] JP2008055432A discloses a wire processing system with various processing units, including a straightening unit for straightening a wire as a separate processing unit. The wire processing system also includes a measuring device for detecting the wire diameter as a separate processing unit, which is located downstream of the straightening unit. The rollers are used to straighten the wire. The laser diameter detection is used to identify defective wires for rejection.

[0008] EP0459869A1 discloses a method and a device for automatically adjusting the position of at least one straightening roller of a roller straightening machine in order to correctly straighten an elongated product with cross-sectional variations. The diameter of the product to be straightened is measured in a plane perpendicular to the axes of the straightening rollers, and the positioning of at least one of the straightening rollers is initiated based on the diameter thus determined. This positioning corresponds to the correct straightening of an elongated product whose diameter in the straightening plane is equal to the measured diameter.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a straightening device is to be provided that improves the straightening of electrical or optical cables. Furthermore, methods for adjusting or setting a straightening mechanism in a straightening device are to be provided, which improves the straightening of cables, especially electrical or optical cables. In addition, cable processing machines are to be provided that enable improved straightening of a cable.

[0010] This problem is solved by the devices and methods defined in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the figures, the description, and especially in the dependent claims.

[0011] A straightening device according to the invention for straightening a pipe comprises a straightening unit with a first row of rollers and a second row of rollers that are movable relative to each other. The straightening device includes a measuring device for determining the pipe diameter.

[0012] The measured pipe diameter allows the operation of the first row of rollers relative to the second row to be adjusted to the specific pipe provided in the straightening unit, thus preventing excessive stress on the pipe when the straightening unit is in its closed state. The measuring device allows at least one specific pipe diameter to be determined directly during operation of the straightening device. This, in turn, improves the straightening of the pipe within the straightening unit.

[0013] A row of rollers comprises at least two rollers. The rollers are advantageously arranged on a common support. The second row of rollers is typically the row on which the pipe, in its inserted state in the straightening device, rests and which is directly and immovably connected to the straightening device.

[0014] According to the invention, the measuring device is arranged on the straightening machine. This allows the pipe diameter to be determined directly on the straightening machine, thus establishing a specific value for the pipe provided in the straightening machine. This makes it possible, for example, to at least partially characterize a quasi-endless pipe during the straightening process directly in the straightening machine, as well as multiple times at different pipe sections. An additional measuring device for determining a pipe diameter away from the straightening equipment is unnecessary.

[0015] Preferably, the measuring device for determining the pipe diameter is designed as an ultrasonic sensor. This allows the pipe diameter to be determined without contact.

[0016] Alternatively, the measuring device for determining the conductor diameter can be designed as a laser sensor. Laser sensors also determine the conductor diameter without contact, and a laser sensor can simply be positioned near the conductor. Laser sensors typically exhibit high long-term stability. They can be easily integrated into a straightening device and are easy to adjust.

[0017] In particular, the laser sensor is designed as a laser curtain. A laser curtain typically consists of several laser beams arranged side by side. These multiple laser beams can be easily positioned at various points along the measuring section of the cable, thus enabling precise determination of the cable diameter.

[0018] Preferably, the measuring device comprises at least one measuring roller and a pressure roller arranged opposite the measuring roller, such that a cable can pass between the measuring roller and the pressure roller. The distance between the measuring roller and the pressure roller is adjustable by means of a measuring roller drive for moving the measuring roller. The cable diameter can be determined by adjusting the distance between the measuring roller and the pressure roller. The measuring roller drive also allows the distance between the measuring roller and the pressure roller to be increased, so that a cable can easily be inserted between the measuring roller and the pressure roller. The measuring roller drive can also be used to decrease the distance so that the measuring roller contacts the cable with its circumference and, if necessary, presses it against the pressure roller.At least one measuring roller can be rotatably mounted on the support, thus protecting the cable as it passes through the measuring roller and the pressure roller. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure roller can be rotatably mounted on the support of the second row of rollers, thereby minimizing stress on the cable surface during passage.

[0019] In particular, the measuring roller drive is a pneumatic drive, which means that at least one measuring roller can easily exert a predefined contact pressure on the pipe to be straightened.

[0020] Preferably, the measuring device for determining the pipe diameter includes at least one sensor from the following group: displacement sensor, position sensor, distance sensor. These sensors can be used to determine the distance between the at least one measuring roller and the pressure roller. The pipe diameter can then be easily determined from the sensor's measurement data.

[0021] Preferably, the pressure roller is arranged on the second row of rollers. This allows the pressure roller to be firmly connected to the straightening unit at its axis, so that the pipe to be straightened rests stably on the pressure roller.

[0022] In particular, the second row of rollers has several rollers, with the pressure roller of the measuring device being one of these rollers. The pressure roller is thus mounted directly on the second row of rollers, ensuring that it is held stably on the straightening unit.

[0023] The straightening device includes a control unit. The control unit can be connected to at least one drive of the straightening device as described herein, thereby enabling automatic control of at least one drive. The components of the straightening device connected to the control unit are linked to the control unit for the exchange of measurement data, sensor data, and / or control data or control commands. This exchange can occur via a cable connection between the control unit and the component and / or wirelessly via WLAN, LAN, Bluetooth®, or other wireless communication methods.

[0024] Preferably, the control unit comprises a processing unit and a storage unit. The processing unit and the storage unit are interconnected. The processing unit is configured to generate at least one control command for the at least one drive of the straightening device and, if necessary, to transmit this command to the storage unit. The storage unit stores the at least one command. The processing unit receives measurement data from the measuring device and determines a setpoint directly or indirectly from this data. Furthermore, setpoints for positioning the first row of rollers relative to the second row of rollers can be stored in the storage unit and retrieved by the processing unit. The processing unit is thus subsequently capable of generating a control command for the at least one drive in the straightening unit based on the setpoint.

[0025] In particular, the control unit is connected to a database. This allows the control unit to retrieve externally generated control commands, externally stored setpoints, or externally stored line-specific parameters from the database. These stored setpoints, control commands, and / or line-specific parameters can be used in the processing unit to generate a control command for at least one drive in the straightening device. Furthermore, the database can be used to store the aforementioned setpoints. These stored setpoints are then transmitted to the processing unit of the control unit and processed there.

[0026] Preferably, the measuring device is connected to the control device for transmitting measurement data. The measurement data acquired by the measuring device can thus be transferred to the control device and the processing unit for further processing.

[0027] In particular, the measuring device is connected to the control device for transmitting the line diameter or a corresponding value, so that the control device receives the value of the line diameter directly, or can determine a line diameter in the computing unit using the corresponding value.

[0028] Preferably, the control device is connected to the measuring roller drive. The control device controls at least the measuring roller drive, which brings the at least one measuring roller close to the pressure roller in a controlled manner. As the at least one measuring roller approaches the pressure roller, it touches the line arranged between the at least one measuring roller and the pressure roller. The distance between the at least one measuring roller and the pressure roller is transmitted from the measuring device to the control device.

[0029] The straightening mechanism has a positioning drive with which the first row of rollers can be positioned relative to the second row of rollers.

[0030] This allows the first row of rollers to be moved relative to the second row, and a specific distance between them to be set. This distance is determined by the diameter of a cable inserted between the first and second rows of rollers. Once in position, the cable is held securely between the first and second rows of rollers.

[0031] Preferably, the measurement takes into account the distance from a previous measurement of the cable diameter. For this purpose, the control unit can be connected to the feed drive and corresponding control commands can be transmitted to the feed drive.

[0032] It may be possible to continuously compare a target distance value with an actual distance value, which is determined based on the pipe diameter. A measuring device may be provided on the delivery drive for this purpose.

[0033] In particular, the feed drive is designed as a pneumatic drive, which allows the feed of the straightening device to be controlled and a suitable holding pressure to be exerted on the pipe to be straightened.

[0034] The straightening unit features a swivel drive for setting an angle between a roller axis of the first roller row and a roller axis of the second roller row. The pipe to be straightened is clamped, at least section by section, between the first and second roller rows due to the set angle, thus holding the pipe in place within the straightening unit. This improves the straightening process outside the unit. Typically, the swivel drive is connected to the control unit, allowing the control unit to transmit control commands to the swivel drive. This ensures continuous monitoring of the pipe clamping and protects the clamped pipe. Each roller row comprises several rollers, which are arranged essentially along the conveying direction of the pipe within the straightening device.The rollers of a roller row can be spaced apart and offset from one another along the conveying direction of the pipe. The roller axis of the first roller row described here is a mathematical axis extending from the first roller of the first roller row to the next roller of the first roller row along the conveying direction of the pipe. The roller axis of the second roller row described here is a mathematical axis extending from the first roller of the second roller row to the next roller of the second roller row along the conveying direction of the pipe. Typically, when the straightening unit is open, the roller axis of the first roller row is aligned essentially parallel to the roller axis of the second roller row along the conveying direction of the pipe.

[0035] The straightening device includes a tensile force measuring device for determining the tensile force acting on the line. This further improves the straightening of the line. An additional specific value of the line within the straightening device can be determined, which further improves the positioning of the first row of rollers relative to the second row of rollers in the straightening system described here or subsequently, ensuring that the line is not overstretched during straightening, for example.

[0036] Preferably, the first row of rollers has several rollers, with the rollers of the first row being offset from the rollers of the second row. This allows the cable to be easily held between the rollers of the first and second rows, since the rollers of the first row are at least partially positioned between the rollers of the second row when the cable is closed. This enables targeted bending or flexing of the cable within the straightening device, thereby eliminating unwanted stresses in the cable. During flexing, the cable is deliberately deformed in different spatial directions to relieve stresses.

[0037] In particular, the rollers of the first row and the rollers of the second row are each arranged on a support. One of the supports has projections, and the other has recesses, with the projections designed to engage in the recesses. This allows for the construction of a compact straightening unit. When the two supports are spaced apart, this ensures that, as the first row of rollers is moved towards the second, the cable cannot be pinched between the two supports, but is instead positioned securely on the rollers of the first and second rows.

[0038] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a straightening mechanism in a straightening device described herein, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Providing an electrical or optical line between a first row of rollers and a second row of rollers in a straightening machine; determining the line diameter using a measuring device; calculating a target value for adjusting the first row of rollers relative to the second row of rollers based on the determined line diameter; adjusting the first row of rollers relative to the second row of rollers according to the target value.

[0039] This allows the first row of rollers to be positioned relative to the second row of rollers depending on the line provided in the guideway, thereby improving the straightening of the line.

[0040] Preferably the steps are carried out Determining the diameter of the cable using a measuring device; calculating a target value for adjusting the first row of rollers relative to the second row of rollers based on the determined cable diameter; and adjusting the first row of rollers relative to the second row of rollers according to the target value. repeated, thereby checking the delivery in the alignment system several times.

[0041] In particular, the aforementioned steps are carried out continuously, allowing the straightening device to be continuously adjusted. This ensures that the pipe diameter is continuously determined within the straightening device, guaranteeing consistent straightening quality for the pipe.

[0042] Preferably, a cable-specific parameter is considered when calculating the target value in the guide system. This allows a cable-specific parameter, typically the cable's structure itself – for example, the number of conductor strands – and / or information about the cable insulation – for example, the insulation material – to be taken into account when calculating the target value for advancing the first row of rollers relative to the second row of rollers.

[0043] Preferably, after the first row of rollers is closed relative to the second row, the first row is opened relative to the second row to relieve tension on the pipe. This prevents permanent plastic deformation of pipe sections in the closed state of the straightening device.

[0044] Advantageously, the first row of rollers opens relative to the second row to relieve tension on the pipe when the conveying movement of the pipe is interrupted by the straightening unit. It has been shown that even short interruptions lead to plastic deformation in the pipe. This plastic deformation makes further processing of the pipes virtually impossible.

[0045] Preferably, the straightening device includes a monitoring unit for tracking the straightening of the pipe. This allows the effect of the straightening mechanism to be monitored during the process, enabling the early detection of insufficient straightening. Insufficiently straightened pipes can then be removed from the processing process early on, ensuring that only sufficiently straightened pipes continue to be processed. The monitoring unit can directly monitor a predefined space, such as a cylindrical enclosure, or the space outside the cylindrical enclosure.

[0046] In particular, the monitoring device is optical, acoustic, or an airflow monitoring device. This allows for contactless monitoring of the straightened pipe or the effect of the straightening system. For example, one or more laser curtains, camera systems, or pressure relief valves can be used as monitoring devices, monitoring multiple angular planes around the predefined space.

[0047] Preferably, the monitoring device comprises at least one camera. This makes it possible to position the monitoring device at a distance from the straightening device or straightening assembly, so that no further components for monitoring the straightened pipes are arranged directly on the straightening device.

[0048] In particular, the monitoring device is supplemented with at least one camera equipped with at least two fiber optic cables. This camera uses the two fiber optic cables to capture two or more image sections, which can then be optically combined. Using these image sections, the effect of the straightening device on the straightened pipe can be determined. If necessary, the information obtained can be used to further improve the straightening of the pipe at the straightening device.

[0049] Preferably, the monitoring device comprises at least two cameras arranged essentially at an angle of 90° to each other. The cameras can capture multiple angular planes, thus enabling the monitoring of a predefined space, which is preferably designed essentially as a cylindrical enclosure.

[0050] Another aspect of the invention relates to a cable processing machine comprising a previously described straightening device with a measuring device for determining a cable diameter.

[0051] This creates a cable processing machine in which the cables are sufficiently straightened so that the final processing of the cable in the cable processing machine is problem-free and rejects are prevented.

[0052] Preferably, the cable processing machine has an additional straightening unit. This additional straightening unit can be designed as described herein. The additional straightening unit enables a further improvement in straightening the cable, since the cable to be straightened is guided through the additional straightening unit after passing through the first straightening unit.

[0053] Preferably, the additional straightening device is arranged rotated substantially by 90° relative to the respective straightening device. Each straightening device has a longitudinal axis that essentially corresponds to the conveying direction of the pipe. "Rotated" here and subsequently means that the straightening devices are rotated about their longitudinal axis. This allows the pipe to be straightened in a first spatial direction by one straightening device and additionally straightened in a further spatial direction by the additional straightening device.

[0054] In particular, the additional straightening device is arranged between the first straightening device and the measuring device for determining the pipe diameter. This allows the pipe to be straightened by both the first straightening device and the additional straightening device, and subsequently measured with the respective measuring device. This allows both the first straightening device and the additional straightening device to be adjusted based on the measurement data from their respective measuring devices.

[0055] Preferably, the cable processing machine described herein includes a cable conveying device. This allows the cable to be conveyed in a controlled manner through the straightening devices described above, so that the straightening of the cable can be carried out reproducibly.

[0056] In particular, the line conveying device has at least one conveying drive which is connected to the control device of the previously described straightening devices, so that the conveying of the line by the previously described straightening devices can be coordinated with the arranged drives.

[0057] Furthermore, a method for setting a straightening device in a straightening apparatus for straightening a line, in particular in a straightening apparatus as described above, is disclosed, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Providing the cable in a straightening unit and in a tensile force measurement of the straightening device; measuring measurement data with the tensile force measurement; determining an actual value for a cable tensile force based on the measured measurement data; providing, in particular calculating, a target value for pivoting a first row of rollers of the straightening unit; pivoting the first row of rollers of the straightening unit relative to a second row of rollers of the straightening unit based on the target value.

[0058] Using the tensile force measurement and the tensile force determined therein, this can be determined for each line to be straightened, whereupon the straightening device can be adjusted to the respective line to be straightened and overstretching of the line during straightening is prevented.

[0059] Preferably the steps Measuring data using tensile force measurement; determining an actual value for a line tensile force based on the measured data; calculating a target value for pivoting a first row of rollers of the straightening device; repeatedly pivoting the first row of rollers of the straightening device relative to a second row of rollers of the straightening device based on the target value.

[0060] Repeating the aforementioned steps multiple times allows for continuous improvement of the process steps involved in straightening the pipe. In particular, the aforementioned steps are performed continuously. This enables continuous adjustment.

[0061] Preferably, the measurement data from the tensile force measurement are transmitted to a control unit of the straightening device and further processed in the control unit's processing unit. The control unit identifies the line to be straightened, with line-specific parameters being transmitted, for example, by a user of the control unit. The processing unit then determines or calculates an actual value for the line tensile force from the measurement data. Furthermore, the processing unit retrieves a target value for the line tensile force for the line to be straightened from a storage unit or a database.

[0062] In particular, the control unit's processing unit is designed to perform an actual-setpoint comparison of the line tensile force and then generate a corresponding control command for pivoting the rotary actuator. This command is then transmitted to the rotary actuator.

[0063] Preferably, the procedure further includes the following steps: Determining the pipe diameter using a measuring device; calculating a target value for adjusting the first row of rollers relative to the second row of rollers based on the determined pipe diameter; and adjusting the first row of rollers relative to the second row of rollers according to the target value.

[0064] This allows the straightening device to be sufficiently adjusted so that a subsequent tensile force measurement can be performed reproducibly. In particular, the aforementioned steps are carried out continuously, so that the straightening device can be continuously adjusted. This ensures that the pipe diameter is continuously determined within the straightening device, guaranteeing consistent straightening quality. Preferably, a pipe-specific parameter is provided, which is used to calculate the pipe tensile force. This allows the straightening device to be adjusted to the respective pipe characteristics.

[0065] Preferably, the effect of the adjusted alignment device on the line is checked by a monitoring device, and the verification data is stored in a memory unit. The verification data is transmitted to the control unit, which processes the verification data further.

[0066] Preferably, after the first row of rollers is closed relative to the second row, the first row is opened relative to the second row to relieve tension on the pipe. This prevents permanent plastic deformation of pipe sections in the closed state of the straightening device.

[0067] The opening of the first row of rollers relative to the second row is advantageous for relieving tension on the pipe when the conveying movement of the pipe is interrupted by the straightening unit. Even short interruptions in the conveying movement can lead to plastic deformation of the pipe. This plastic deformation makes further processing of the pipes virtually impossible.

[0068] Furthermore, a method for setting a straightening device in a straightening apparatus for straightening a line is disclosed, the method comprising the following steps: Preparing the line in a straightening device; positioning a first row of rollers relative to a second row of rollers; conveying the line through the positioned straightening device; opening the first row of rollers relative to the second row of rollers to release tension on the line in the straightening device; repositioning the first row of rollers relative to the second row of rollers.

[0069] This prevents plastic deformation from forming in the clamped pipe if the conveying movement of the pipe is interrupted by the straightening device. Even a brief interruption of the conveying movement can lead to plastic deformation (a wave-like shape) in the clamped pipe section in the area of ​​the straightening device's rollers. This plastic deformation in this pipe section renders it unusable for further processing.

[0070] Furthermore, a computer-implemented method for automatically determining and generating data sets and / or control commands for controlling at least one straightening device, in particular as described above, with a measuring device for determining a line diameter and / or one straightening device, in particular as described above, with a tensile force measurement, which performs a method for straightening or adjusting a line, in particular the methods described above, is disclosed.

[0071] Furthermore, a computer program product is disclosed, comprising control commands that cause the straightening devices described herein to perform the described process steps, as well as a computer-readable medium on which the computer program is stored.

[0072] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings.

[0073] The list of reference numerals, like the technical content of the patent claims and figures, forms part of the disclosure. The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. Identical reference numerals denote identical components; reference numerals with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components.

[0074] This shows: Fig. 1 a straightening device with open straightening mechanism and a measuring device for determining a pipe diameter in a side view, Fig. 2 the straightening device according to Fig. 1 with the straightening device in a side view, Fig. 3; a straightening device with a tensile force measurement in a side view, Fig. 4; the straightening device according to Fig. 3In a side view, Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the straightening device according to the invention, and Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the straightening device according to the invention. Fig. 5 in a side view, and Fig. 7 a cable processing machine according to the invention with a straightening device according to Fig. 6 in a side view.

[0075] The Figures 1 to 4 They primarily explain partial aspects of the present invention which, on their own, do not fall within the scope of protection of the claims. Figures 5 to 7 illustrate the invention as claimed.

[0076] Fig. 1Figure 15 shows a straightening device 15 for straightening an electrical or optical cable 11, comprising a straightening unit 20, a control device 50, and a monitoring device 100. The straightening unit 20 includes a base 22 on which a first row of rollers 21, with several rotatably mounted rollers 24, and a second row of rollers 31, with several rotatably mounted rollers 34, are arranged. In this figure and the following figures, a roller 24 and a roller 34 are designated as representing the multiple rollers 24 and 34, respectively, respectively. The straightening unit 20 is shown in an open position, with the cable 11 passing between the rollers 24 and 34 and resting on the rollers 34 along the cable axis 12. The rollers 24 are arranged offset from the rollers 34 along the cable axis 12.The first row of rollers 21 is arranged on a first support 23, and the second row of rollers is arranged on a second support 33. The first support 23 has projections 26, and the second support 33 has recesses 36 which interlock at least partially. The straightening unit 20 comprises a feed drive 27 and a swivel drive 28, each connected to the control unit 50. The feed drive 27 comprises a pneumatically controlled drive and moves the first row of rollers 21 toward the second row of rollers 31, so that the distance between the first row of rollers 21 and the second row of rollers 31 decreases until the rollers 24 of the first row of rollers 21 touch and hold the line 11, or until the line 11 is clamped between the rollers 24 and the rollers 34.The swivel drive 28 includes an adjusting spindle 29 which swivels the first row of rollers 21 at an adjustable angle to the second row of rollers 31, so that the line 11 to be straightened is clamped or held section by section in the straightening device 20.

[0077] The straightening device 20 comprises a measuring device 40 for determining the diameter of the line 11, which is arranged on the straightening unit 20. The measuring device 40 comprises a rotatably mounted measuring roller 41, which is movably arranged on the first support 23, and a measuring roller drive 42. The measuring device 40 additionally comprises a rotatably mounted pressure roller 43, which is fixedly arranged on the second support 33. The pressure roller 43 is arranged essentially directly opposite the measuring roller 41, with the line 11 resting on the pressure roller 43 and being held in the open position by it within the measuring device 40. The measuring roller 41 is spaced apart from the pressure roller 43 (distance A) and is connected to the measuring roller drive 42, which moves the measuring roller 41 towards the line 11 or brings it close to the pressure roller 43. The measuring roller drive 42 is designed to remove the measuring roller 41 from the line 11 or to remove it.to remove the measuring roller 41 from the pressure roller 43. The measuring device 40 and the measuring roller drive 42 are connected to the control device 50. The measuring roller drive 42 comprises a pneumatic drive with which the measuring roller 41 is pressed against the line 11 with a contact pressure, so that the line 11 is pressed against the pressure roller 34.

[0078] Fig. 2 Figure 15 shows the straightening device 15 described above, with the first row of rollers 21 already positioned relative to the second row of rollers, meaning the straightening unit 20 is already in a closed state. The rollers 24 of the first row of rollers 21 rest on the line 11. A displacement sensor is arranged on the measuring roller drive 42, which measures the distance traveled by the measuring roller 41 from the open state according to Figure 1. Fig. 1The distance traveled by the measuring roller 41 is determined for the closed state shown here. This distance is transmitted as measurement data to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 comprises a processing unit 52 and a storage unit 54, which are integrated into the control unit 50 and interconnected. The control unit 50 is connected to a database 59. The control unit 50 transmits the received measurement data to the processing unit 52. Based on the transmitted measurement data, the processing unit 52 determines the diameter of the line 11 or the distance A between the measuring roller 41 and the pressure roller 43, which corresponds to the diameter of the line 11, and calculates a target value for adjusting the first row of rollers 21 to the second row of rollers 31 from the determined line diameter.The processing unit 52 takes into account line-specific parameters of line 11, which it retrieves either from the storage unit 52 or from the database 59. Based on the calculated setpoint, the processing unit 52 generates a control command to move the first row of rollers 21 to the second row of rollers 31. The calculated setpoint and / or the generated control command is then stored in the storage unit 54 and / or in the database 59. Alternatively, the processing unit retrieves a control command for the feeder drive 27 from the storage unit 54 or the database 59, which corresponds to the calculated diameter of line 11. The control unit 50 transmits the control command to the feeder drive 27. The feeder drive 27 moves the first row of rollers 21 to the second row of rollers 31 according to the calculated setpoint.The first row of rollers 21 is then pivoted towards the second row of rollers 34 by means of the pivoting drive 28, so that an angle is set between the roller axis 25 of the first row of rollers 21 and the roller axis 35 of the second row of rollers 31. This clamps the line 11 between the first row of rollers 21 and the second row of rollers 31, after which the line 11 is straightened by conveying along its axis 12, resulting in a sufficiently straightened line. The angle causes the line 11 to be straightened progressively, i.e., initially deformed relatively strongly and then deformed with decreasing amplitude by the subsequent rollers. As a result, the straightened line loses its "shape memory" for subsequent processing (not shown).A sufficiently straightened pipe 11 is recognizable by the fact that, after straightening, it can be inserted into a predefined space, for example, a cylindrical enclosure, without leaving the boundaries of this space. It should also be noted that, due to its shape memory, the pipe 11 absorbs the plastic deformation it experiences between the rollers 24 and 34 when the conveying motion of the pipe 11 is interrupted by the straightening device 20. Therefore, when the conveying motion of the pipe 11 is interrupted, the straightening devices 20 can be relaxed by opening the first row of rollers 21 relative to the second row of rollers 31, so that the pipe 11 does not undergo any plastic deformation. As soon as the conveying motion of the pipe 11 is restarted, the straightening devices 20 are reset to their previously determined setpoint. In this way, deformation of the pipe during conveying standstill is reliably prevented.

[0079] The straightening device 15 includes a monitoring device 100 for monitoring the straightening of the line 11. The monitoring device 100 includes two cameras 101 and 102, which are connected to the control device 50 and are arranged around the straightened line 11 (see Fig. 1The two cameras 101 and 102 are arranged at a 90° angle to each other. Cameras 101 and 102 generate inspection data by capturing multiple images. They are positioned in the vicinity of the straightened pipe 11, such that the angular plane of each camera captures a predefined space, such as a cylindrical enclosure, and records images of the straightened pipe 11 within this space. These images are then transmitted as inspection data to the control unit 50. The images are further processed in the control unit 50 and, if necessary, taken into account when calculating the target value for advancing the first row of rollers 21 to the second row of rollers 31.

[0080] The aid of the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2The described steps for adjusting the first row of rollers 21 relative to the second row of rollers 31 of the straightening device 20 are carried out continuously and, if necessary, repeated several times until a sufficiently straightened line can be produced. The previously described measuring device 40 can be spaced apart from the straightening device 20 and thus be a measuring device arranged independently within the straightening device 15 (not shown).

[0081] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows another straightening device 115 for straightening an electrical or optical line 11, comprising a straightening unit 120, a control device 150, and a monitoring device 100. In contrast to the straightening device described above, the straightening device 115 described below has a tensile force measurement 70 for determining a tensile force acting on the line 11.

[0082] The following description of the Fig. 3 and the Fig. 4With identical components, the Figures 1 and 2 Reference made to.

[0083] The tensile force measuring device 70 has a roller assembly 74, which is connected to the control device 150. The roller assembly 74 comprises a support 75 and a press roller 85, wherein the support 75 is in two parts and includes a first support roller 80 and a second support roller 81, each rotatably mounted on the support 75. The two support rollers 80 and 81 are spaced apart from each other. The line 11 is arranged in the roller assembly 74, with the line 11 resting on the two support rollers 80 and 81. The press roller 85 is arranged on the line 11. The press roller 85 rests on the line 11 in such a way that the line 11 is pressed, at least section by section, between the first support roller 80 and the second support roller 81, so that the guided line 11 is deflected in a substantially V-shape. The press roller 85 is advantageously positioned relative to the two support rollers 80 and 85 by means of a press roller drive 87.The press roller 81 is movable, such that the line 11 is deflected by the press roller 85 as it passes through the roller group 74. A sensor device 90 is arranged on the press roller 85, which measures the radial force acting on the press roller 85 when the press roller 85 is deflected. For this purpose, a force transducer for measuring the radial force acting on the press roller 85 is arranged between the press roller 85 and the press roller drive 86. The force transducer has several strain gauges whose stresses can be calibrated using a Wheatstone bridge. The press roller 85 is arranged on a carriage and is movable along a carriage guide (not shown). The distance D between the press roller 85 and the support rollers 80 or 81 can be adjusted using the press roller drive 86. The press roller 85 is rotatably mounted on the carriage.The sensor device 90 is connected to the control device 150 and transmits the radial force acting on the press roller 85, measured by the strain gauge, as well as the aforementioned distance D, as measurement data to the control device 150. Additionally, as in the... Fig. 1 and Fig. 2As described, the measured pipe diameters and the distance between the support rollers 80 and 81 are stored in the control unit 150. The computing unit 152, located in the control unit 150, calculates an actual value of the tensile force acting on the pipe 11 from the measured data and the stored data. The computing unit 152 is connected to the storage unit 154 and the database 159, so that the computing unit 152 can retrieve pipe-specific parameters for the pipe 11 and, if necessary, take these into account when calculating the tensile force acting on the pipe 11. The computing unit 152 calculates a target value for the tensile force of the pipe 11 to be straightened or retrieves a target value for the tensile force of the pipe 11 from the storage unit 154 or the database 159.Subsequently, the computing unit 152 performs an actual value / target value comparison of the line tensile force and, based on the actual value / target value comparison, creates a control command for the rotary actuator 28.

[0084] If the actual value of the line tensile force corresponds to the target value, no change in angle β is required. If the actual value of the line tensile force is less than the permissible target value, the angle β is changed by the rotary actuator 28 so that the line 11 is flexed more, resulting in a greater line tensile force during conveying. If the actual value of the line tensile force is greater than the permissible target value, the angle β is opened accordingly by the rotary actuator 28, resulting in a lesser line tensile force during conveying. Following the described correction of angle β, a new measurement of the line tensile force with a subsequent comparison of the actual and target values ​​is required, possibly several times. The aim is to adhere to the permissible target value as precisely as possible.

[0085] The aforementioned control command is transmitted by the control unit 150 to the rotary drive 28, which, using the adjusting spindle 29, pivots the first row of rollers 21 relative to the second row of rollers 31, thus setting the angle β between the roller axis 25 of the first row of rollers 21 and the roller axis 35 of the second row of rollers 31, as calculated by the control unit 150. The calculated setpoint of the angle β can be stored in the memory unit 154 or in the database 159.

[0086] Fig. 4 The straightening device 115 shows according to Fig. 3with a first row of rollers 21 pivoted in the straightening unit 20 relative to the second row of rollers 31, wherein the roller axis 25 of the first row of rollers 21 is pivoted by an angle β relative to the roller axis 35 of the second row of rollers 31. This pivoting causes the line 11 to bend section by section in the straightening unit 20, with the rollers 24 of the first row of rollers 21 being offset from the rollers 34 of the second row of rollers 31. This holds the line between the rollers 24 and 34. If the line 11 is pulled in the straightening unit 20, the radial force acting on the press roller 85 changes, thereby altering the deflection of the press roller 85. The additional measurement data measured by the sensor device 90 are transmitted to the control device 150.Using the additional measurement data, a new target value for the tensile force acting on line 11 is created in the processing unit 152, as described previously. The aforementioned steps are then repeated until the pivoting of the first row of rollers 21 relative to the second row of rollers 31 has been gradually optimized to such an extent that the tensile force corresponds to a value that correlates with a sufficiently straightened line 11 and is permissible for the line, i.e., it does not overstretch or damage the line. These steps are repeated continuously. If necessary, the new target value for the line or the tensile force of line 11 is assigned and stored in a table in the storage unit 154 or the database 159.

[0087] The described straightening device 115 includes a monitoring device 100 for monitoring the straightening of the line 11, as already described previously in the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 described.

[0088] The Fig. 5 shows a straightening device 215 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 Additionally, this straightening device 215 has a tensile force measurement 70, as described with reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is described.

[0089] In the following description, the same components are used, but the following applies: Figures 1 to 4 Reference made to.

[0090] The straightening device has a straightening unit 20. The measuring device 40 is arranged on this straightening unit (see also in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 Downstream in the conveying direction of conductor 11 is the tensile force measurement 70, as it relates to the straightening device 115 according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 The straightening of line 11 takes place in this straightening device 215, as already described in detail in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 as in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 described. The straightening device 215 has a control unit 250 which is configured to receive control commands from the control unit 50 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 as well as the control commands of the control unit 250 according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 to create and transmit to the drives as described above. For this purpose, the control unit 250 has a computing unit 252, which is suitable for performing the calculations of the computing unit according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 as well as the calculations of the computing unit according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4to execute and, if necessary, combine. After the line 11 is provided in the straightening unit 20, the line diameter of the line 11 is determined using the measuring roller 41 and the pressure roller 43 of the measuring device 40. The measurement data taken by the measuring device 40 are then transmitted to the processing unit 252, and a target value for advancing the first row of rollers 21 to the second row of rollers 31 is calculated based on the determined line diameter. The control command generated based on the target value is transmitted to the advancing drive 27, and the first row of rollers 21 is advanced as previously described. Subsequently, the line 11 is provided in the tensile force measurement unit 70 by guiding the line 11 through the roller group 74.The radial force acting on the press roller 85 is then measured by the sensor device 90, and the measurement data is transmitted to the control unit 250, which calculates an actual value with the computing unit 252 and / or performs an actual value-setpoint comparison. Subsequently, the computing unit 252 determines a line tensile force on the line 11, as already described in [reference]. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 described. Subsequently, the first row of rollers 21 of the straightening device 20 is pivoted to the second row of rollers 31 of the straightening device 20 based on the calculated actual value or the actual-target value comparison. The aforementioned steps are repeated and executed continuously. The control unit 250 has a storage unit 254 and a database 259. The straightening device 215 described includes a monitoring device 100 for monitoring the straightening of the line 11, as already described in the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 described.

[0091] Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the straightening device 315 according to the invention with a straightening device according to Fig. 5 as well as with a further straightening device 60. In the following description, the same components are used, referring to the Figures 1 to 5Reference is made to the following. The further straightening unit 60 is arranged rotated by 90° about its longitudinal axis relative to the first straightening unit 20 and is positioned between the first straightening unit 20 and the roller group 74. The further straightening unit 60 has essentially the same components as the straightening unit 20. The line 11 is provided between the first row of rollers 62 and the second row of rollers 63 of the further straightening unit 60 and is held by their rollers. The measuring roller drive 65 of the measuring device 66 for determining the diameter of the line 11 is connected to the control device 350 for exchanging measurement data. The feed drive 67 and the swivel drive 68 of the further straightening unit 60 are connected to the control device 250 for receiving control commands. The straightening device 315 described according to Fig. 6 includes a monitoring device 100 for monitoring the straightening of line 11, as already described in the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 described.

[0092] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a cable processing machine 400 according to the invention in a side view with a straightening device 315 according to Figure 2. Fig. 6 In the following description, the following applies to identical components: Figures 1 to 6Reference is made to the cable processing machine 400. The cable processing machine 400 has a cable feeder 402 and a cable conveying device 405, wherein the cable conveying device 405 conveys the cable 11 to be straightened through one straightening unit 20, through the other straightening unit 60, and through the tensile force measuring device 70. The cable conveying device 405 has a guide tube 406 for guiding the cable 11 and a conveying drive 407 for conveying the cable 11 through the cable processing machine 400. The conveying drive 407 is connected to the control unit 450. The control unit 450 generates control commands, as previously described, based on the measurement data from the measuring device 40 to determine the cable diameter and / or based on the measurement data from the tensile force measuring device 70 to determine the cable tensile force.These control commands control the conveying speed of the line 11 through the straightening device 315, so that a sufficiently straightened line is created.

[0093] These in the Figs. 1 to 7 The steps described are, if necessary, applied in a computer-implemented procedure for automatically determining and generating data sets and / or control commands for controlling the straightening device and / or cable processing machines described herein, which perform a procedure described herein for straightening or adjusting the conductor 11. The data sets and / or control commands are stored in a computer program and saved on a computer-readable medium. Reference symbol list

[0094] 11 Line 12 Line axis 15 Straightening device 20 A straightening unit 21 First row of rollers 22 Base 23 First support 24 Rollers of 21 25 Roller axis of 21 26 Projection 27 Feed drive 28 Swivel drive 29 Adjusting spindle 31 Second row of rollers 33 Second support 34 Rollers of 31 35 Roller axis of 31 36 Recess 40 Measuring device 41 A measuring roller 42 Measuring roller drive 43 Pressure roller 50 Control device 52 Computing unit 54 Storage unit 59 Database 60 Another straightening unit 62 First row of rollers of 60 63 Second row of rollers of 60 65 Measuring roller drive 66 Measuring device 67 Feed drive 68 Swivel drive 70 Tensile force measurement 74 Roller group 75 Support 80 First support rollers 81 Second support rollers 85 Press roller 87 Press roller drive 90 Sensor device 100 Monitoring device 101 Camera 102 Second camera 115 Alignment device 150 Control device 152 Computing unit 154 Storage unit 159 Database 215 Alignment device 250 Control device 252 Computing unit 254 Storage unit 259 Database 315 Alignment device 350 Control device 400 Cable processing machine 402 Cable feeder 405 Cable conveying device 406 Guide tube 407 Conveyor drive 450 Control device A Distance between 41 and 43 D Distance between 80 or 81 and 85 β Angle between 25 and 35

Claims

1. A straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) for straightening an electrical or optical line (11), including a straightening assembly (20) with a first roller row (21) and a second roller row (31) that can be moved relative to each other, wherein the straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) includes a measurement unit (40) for determining a line diameter, wherein the measurement unit (40) is preferably arranged on the straightening assembly (20), wherein the straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) includes a control unit (50; 150, 250; 350; 450), wherein the straightening assembly (20) includes a positioning drive (27) with which the first roller row (21) can be positioned relative to the second roller row (31); characterised in that the straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) has a tensile-force measurement unit (70) for determining a tensile force acting on the line (11), and the straightening assembly (20) includes a rotary drive (28) for setting an angle between a roller axis (25) of the first roller row (21) and a roller axis (35) of the second roller row (31).

2. A straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) according to claim 1, characterised in that the measurement unit (40) for determining the line diameter takes the form of an ultrasonic sensor or a laser sensor, in particular a laser curtain.

3. A straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) according to claim 1, characterised in that the measurement unit (40) includes at least one measurement roller (41) and one pinch roller (43) arranged opposite the measurement roller (41), which are arranged in such a manner that the line can be conducted between the measurement roller (41) and the pinch roller (43), wherein a distance (A) between the measurement roller (41) and the pinch roller (43) can be adjusted by means of a measurement-roller drive (42) for moving the measurement roller (41).

4. A straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) according to claim 3, characterised in that the measurement unit (40) for determining the line diameter includes at least one sensor from the following group: travel sensor, position sensor, distance sensor, goniometer.

5. A straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the pinch roller (43) is arranged in the second roller row (31), which second roller row (31) in particular includes a plurality of rollers (34), wherein the pinch roller (43) takes the form of one of the plurality of rollers (34) .

6. A straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the control unit (50; 150; 250; 350; 450) preferably includes a computing unit (52; 152; 252) and a memory unit (54; 154; 254) and is in particular connected to a database (59).

7. A straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) according to claim 6, characterised in that the measurement unit (40) is connected to the control unit (50; 150; 250; 350; 450) to communicate measurement data, in particular to communicate the line diameter or a corresponding value, and the control unit (50; 150; 250; 350; 450) is preferably connected to the measurement-roller drive (42).

8. A method for operating a straightening assembly (20) in a straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method includes the following steps: - providing an electrical or optical line (11) between a first roller row (21) and a second roller row (31) in a straightening assembly (20); - determining the line diameter of the line (11) by means of a measurement unit (40); - calculating a target value for positioning the first roller row (21) relative to the second roller row (31) on the basis of the determined line diameter; - positioning the first roller row (21) relative to the second roller row (31) according to the target value.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the steps - determining the line diameter of the line by means of a measurement unit (40); - calculating a target value for positioning the first roller row (21) relative to the second roller row (31) based on the determined line diameter; and - positioning the first roller row (21) relative to the second roller row (31) according to the target value are repeated and are in particular carried out continuously.

10. A method according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that a line-specific parameter is taken into account for the calculation of the target value in the straightening assembly (20).

11. A method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that, after the positioning of the first roller row (21) relative to the second roller row (31), the first roller row (21) is loosened relative to the second roller row (31) to lessen the tension in the line (11).

12. A straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) according to one of claims 1 to 7, including a monitoring unit (100) for monitoring the straightening of the line (11), wherein the monitoring unit (100) is in particular a monitoring unit (100) based on optics, acoustics or airflow.

13. A cable-processing machine (400) including a straightening device (15; 115; 215; 315) according to one of claims 1 to 7 as well as a further straightening assembly (60), wherein the further straightening assembly (60) is preferably arranged so as to be pivoted essentially by 90° relative to the existing straightening assembly (20).

14. A cable-processing machine (400) according to claim 13, characterised in that the cable-processing machine (400) includes a line conveying unit (405).