RECORDING DEVICE

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a receiving device for cables with at least one first cable end, in particular a receiving device for cables with two cable ends laid in a defined shape, for example wound into coils or laid in a U or ring shape. State of the art

[0002] The present invention is described in connection with the handling of electrical cables; it is understood that the handling of optical cables and electro-optical cables (so-called hybrid cables) is also included.

[0003] In the production of modern electronic systems, such as vehicle electrical systems, a large number of electrical cables are typically used. These cables must be handled efficiently within the production plant, particularly when transporting them between individual production stations using a receiving device and temporarily storing them in the receiving device as a cable magazine for automated removal and retrieval.

[0004] For transporting and storing cables in production facilities, trolleys or stands with corresponding cantilever arms are typically used as receiving devices. Cables are placed on these trolleys or stands by hand and removed from them by hand. The manually removed cables are then moved from one production station in the production facility to a second production station and removed at the second station.

[0005] When cables are placed on such cantilever arms, their ends are in an undefined position. Automatic removal of the cables from the respective stand is therefore either impossible or only possible with a very high level of technical effort.

[0006] It is known that a production station designed for cable processing comprises several substations, each performing a step-by-step processing of the cable. It is further known to provide a conveyor device to move the cables to be processed from a first substation of the production station to a second substation of the same production station; the conveyor device and the substations form a fixed unit within the production station.

[0007] A conveyor device is not suitable as a receiving device or cable magazine for the temporary storage of cables or for transporting cables between two production stations, since the conveyor device is an integral part of the respective production station and the distance at which adjacent cables are held within a conveyor device essentially corresponds to the distance between the substations of the respective production station.

[0008] US 2768425 A describes a conveying device arranged in a defined production station for conveying cables between substations of the production station, wherein the conveying device comprises a continuously driven chain, and wherein a spring-loaded, mechanically actuated gripper device is provided between adjacent chain links.

[0009] US 3029494 A also describes a production station for processing cables with a conveyor device arranged in the production station and structurally integrated into the production station, wherein the conveyor device has two driven endless chains by means of which the cables can be conveyed between the substations of the production station.

[0010] US 3795962 A describes a conveyor system structurally integrated into a production station for transporting cables between substations of the production station, wherein the conveyor system has two opposing driven endless belts onto which the cables to be processed are placed in order to be transported between the substations.

[0011] US 4858311 A describes a conveyor device for transporting cables between substations of a production station, wherein the conveyor device has a driven toothed belt as the conveyor belt, and wherein separate receiving sections are provided on the outside of the conveyor belt. A cable can be received in each of the receiving sections.

[0012] DE 2014146 A describes a conveying device for transporting cables between substations of a production station, wherein the conveying device has a driven closed conveying chain with chain links, and wherein the cables are held between chain links.

[0013] DE 2702188 A1 describes a conveying device for transporting cables between substations of a production station, wherein the conveying device comprises cable trolleys as a transport device, which are guided in a paternoster manner; in each of the cable trolleys, one cable is held.

[0014] DE 3015846 A1 describes a conveying device for transporting cables between substations of a production station, wherein the conveying device has a closed chain driven by two sprockets, wherein grippers are arranged on the chain with which the cables to be conveyed can be gripped.

[0015] US Patent 3,686,752 A describes a conveying device for transporting cable sections in pairs to processing stations of a production plant. The conveying device comprises two conveyor belts, such that the leading ends of the cable section pairs are gripped by one gripper and the trailing ends of the cable section pairs are gripped by a gripper on the other conveyor belt. The conveyor belts are flat and without profiling. Grippers project from these smooth, flat belts, and the cable ends are gripped between the jaws of these grippers.

[0016] EP 0 163 849 A2 describes a conveying device (transport device with a first conveyor and a second conveyor) within a production plant, wherein the conveyor has belts made of elastic material or having a soft, elastic surface. The belts are smooth and accommodate the cable sections between the soft, compliant surfaces of the belts.

[0017] The conveying devices described in the aforementioned publications are only suitable for conveying cables within a specific production station, specifically for moving the cables from one substation to a second substation within that station. However, these conveying devices are not suitable for removing the processed cables from the production station and temporarily storing them outside the station or transporting them to another production station.

[0018] DE 43 02 120 A1 describes a device for assembling all the strands in a single, multi-core cable for pre-assembly ready for connection, such that the individual coaxial cables can be mounted in a defined sequence; in other words, an assembly aid for mounting the individual conductors of a multi-core cable. The conductors at one end of the multi-core cable are already fixed in a connector housing, so that the conductors at the other end of the cable must be mounted in a specific sequence. The conductors at the other end of the cable are then inserted into the assembly aid in this defined sequence. The individual conductors are held in a belt-like conveying device.

[0019] DE 10 2016 116 453 A1 describes a cable storage device for temporarily storing cables in the manner of a cable magazine or for transporting them from one production station to another. The storage device comprises a transport frame for a plurality of cable containers, wherein each cable is held in a flat, coiled state within one of the cable containers, and wherein the cable containers are suspended vertically from the transport frame. The transport frame has rollers by means of which the cable containers can be transported from one production station to another.

[0020] US 2014 / 0263814 A1 describes a cable holding device in which the cable is held horizontally in a flat support element, allowing the cable ends to be fixed in a defined position on the flat support element. The support elements are spring-loaded and stacked one above the other in a frame.

[0021] US 5544273 A describes a cable receiving device wherein the cables are received horizontally in compartments, and wherein the compartments are stacked vertically within a rack. Description of the invention

[0022] It is therefore an object of the present invention to simplify the handling of cables.

[0023] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures. In particular, the independent claims of one claim category may also be further developed analogously to the dependent claims of another claim category.

[0024] The problem is solved according to the invention by a receiving device, namely a cable magazine for intermediate storage and transport of cables, for a number of cables with at least one first cable end, wherein the receiving device comprises: a first receiving element, which has movable receiving chambers between a first endpoint and a second endpoint, and which is configured to successively receive and fix the first cable ends between the first endpoint and the second endpoint in the movable receiving chambers; a second receiving element, which has movable receiving chambers between the first endpoint and the second endpoint, and which is configured to successively receive and fix the second cable ends of the cables between the first endpoint and the second endpoint in the movable receiving chambers; and a drive unit, which is configured to drive at least one of the receiving elements, wherein the first receiving element is configuredWhen the receiving chambers move towards the second endpoint, the first cable ends are successively received into the corresponding receiving chambers in a first receiving area, and when the receiving chambers move towards the first endpoint, the received first cable ends are successively released from the respective receiving chambers in the first receiving area, wherein the first receiving element has a first guide unit elongated parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein a carrier belt is arranged circumferentially on the first guide unit and the receiving chambers are arranged on the outside of the carrier belt in the direction of rotation, wherein the carrier belt is designed as a belt with a toothed belt back and the receiving chambers are each arranged between two of the teeth of the toothed belt back, wherein the toothing is dimensioned such that the spaces between the individual teeth are suitable,to accommodate the outer circumference or diameter of the cables, wherein the second receiving element is designed to receive the second cable ends one after the other in a second receiving area when the receiving chambers move towards the second endpoint, and to release the received second cable ends one after the other from the corresponding receiving chambers when the receiving chambers move towards the second endpoint in the second receiving area, wherein the second receiving element has a first guide unit elongated parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein a support belt is arranged circumferentially on the first guide unit and the receiving chambers are arranged on the outside of the support belt in the direction of rotation, wherein the receiving chambers each have a receiving opening oriented outwards in the direction of rotation,wherein at least one of the receiving elements has a second guide unit elongated parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein a cover belt is arranged circumferentially on the second guide unit, wherein the first guide unit and the second guide unit are arranged such that the outside of the cover belt at least partially covers the receiving openings of the carrier belt in a section lying parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the drive unit is configured to drive the first guide unit and the second guide unit of at least one of the receiving elements such that the outside of the cover belt moves synchronously with the receiving openings covered by the outside, and wherein the drive unit is configured to drive the first guide unit and the second guide unit of the first receiving element and the second receiving element in such a manner,that the belts of the first recording element move synchronously with the belts of the second recording element.

[0025] The present invention discloses in particular: A receiving device for a number, i.e., one or more, of cables with at least one first cable end, comprising: a first receiving element which has movable receiving chambers between a first endpoint and a second endpoint, and is configured to successively receive the first cable ends between the first endpoint and the second endpoint in the movable receiving chambers and to fix them therein, wherein the first receiving element is configured, when the receiving chambers move towards the second endpoint, to successively receive the first cable ends into corresponding receiving chambers in a first receiving area, and when the receiving chambers move towards the first endpoint, to successively release the received first cable ends from the respective receiving chambers in the first receiving area.The first receiving element comprises a first guide unit elongated parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein a carrier belt is arranged circumferentially on the first guide unit and the receiving chambers are arranged on the outside of the carrier belt in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the carrier belt is designed as a belt with a toothed back, i.e., a toothed outer surface or a toothed back. The receiving chambers are each arranged between two of the teeth of the toothed belt back; in particular, the receiving chamber is formed by the space between two of the teeth.

[0026] The receiving device according to the invention further comprises a drive unit which is designed to drive at least one of the receiving elements.

[0027] The aforementioned fixing of the cable in the respective receiving chamber can be achieved by simply clamping the cable between the opposing walls of the receiving chamber, so that the cable is clamped and thus fixed within the chamber wall. In particular, the cable sheath can be securely held between the chamber walls with slight elastic deformation, preventing loss, so that the cable can be held in the receiving chamber without any additional fixing means.

[0028] Furthermore, the carrier belt is designed as a belt with a toothed back, i.e., with a toothed outer surface or a toothed back. The receiving chambers are arranged between two of the teeth of the toothed back of the belt and are formed in particular by the space between two of the teeth.

[0029] According to the invention, the toothing is dimensioned such that the spaces between the individual teeth are suitable to accommodate the outer circumference or conductor diameter of the cables to be processed.

[0030] The present invention is based on the understanding that the difficulty in handling cables lies primarily in handling the ends of the respective cable. In particular, automated cable processing is hampered when the positions of the cable ends are unknown, as the cables are difficult to grip automatically.

[0031] The present invention takes this knowledge into account and provides the receiving device which enables automated processing of cables.

[0032] The receiving device includes a first receiving element. This first receiving element is elongated along a longitudinal axis and has movable receiving chambers that are movably positioned between a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The receiving chambers serve to receive and secure the cable ends. The cable ends can be inserted into the receiving chambers within a receiving area and secured there. If necessary, the cable ends can also be removed from the receiving chambers within this receiving area. The receiving chambers can, for example, be perforated, allowing the cable ends to be inserted frontally. Alternatively, the receiving chambers can be open on one side of their longitudinal axis, allowing the cable ends to be inserted laterally. It is understood that the receiving chambers secure the cable ends, for example, by clamping or with a suitable retaining element, e.g.,a clamping spring, can fix it.

[0033] The elongated guide unit can, for example, have an elongated strut with guide elements, such as rollers, for the carrier belt at each end. Such a strut can be designed, for example, as a profile strut, such as an extruded profile, or the like. These profile struts are available in various sizes and typically have grooves into which further elements can be easily attached using hammer nuts, T-nuts, and similar fasteners.

[0034] A wide variety of profile systems are available. If the various elements of the mounting device are manufactured from components of such profile systems wherever possible, the mounting device can be constructed very simply and efficiently. In particular, attachments such as rollers, drives, and the like can be easily mounted to such profiles.

[0035] If the carrier belt is arranged circumferentially on the guide unit, only the circumferential carrier belt needs to be driven to move the receiving chambers along the elongated guide unit.

[0036] To accommodate cables in the receiving device, the cables can be inserted one after the other or stacked on top of each other. In one embodiment, the cables can simply be fixed at their ends and suspended by these ends within the receiving device.

[0037] It is understood that the longitudinally extending cables are laid in a defined, space-saving shape relative to their length. The cables can, in particular, be wound into rings; such cables, laid in multiple turns, can also be referred to as coils or coiled cables. Such cables typically have two ends. It is understood that the cables can also be laid in a single turn, i.e., in a ring shape. It is also understood that the cables can be laid in another defined, space-saving shape, for example, a U-shape.

[0038] It is understood that, regardless of the arrangement of the cable as a coil, as a ring with only one possibly incomplete turn or in a U-shaped design, the two cable ends of such a cable end can be received, for example, in two successive receiving chambers of the receiving element.

[0039] The cables can also have only a single end that is to be received in the receiving device. For example, the other end of such cables may already be connected to a plug or device. Such a plug or device can simply be attached to the respective cable end. Alternatively, a cable end with a plug attached can be placed in the receiving chamber in such a way that the plug is on the opposite side of the chamber.

[0040] The longitudinal axis can, for example, be designed as a vertical axis. The first endpoint can then be the upper endpoint on the vertical axis. The second endpoint is consequently the lower endpoint on the vertical axis. It goes without saying that other orientations of the longitudinal axis are also possible.

[0041] If several cables are inserted into the receiving device, the cable ends can be fixed at precisely defined positions or can be automatically removed from the receiving area at the corresponding position.

[0042] The receiving device makes it possible to receive and store cables with defined positions and, in particular, with defined positions of their cable ends.

[0043] Further embodiments and developments are described in the dependent claims and in the description with reference to the figures.

[0044] According to the invention, the receiving device has a second receiving element which has movable receiving chambers between the first endpoint and the second endpoint and is configured to successively receive and fix the second cable ends of the cables between the first endpoint and the second endpoint in the movable receiving chambers, wherein the second receiving element can be configured to successively receive the second cable ends into corresponding receiving chambers in a second receiving area when the receiving chambers move towards the second endpoint, and to successively release the received second cable ends from the corresponding receiving chambers in the second receiving area when the receiving chambers move towards the second endpoint, wherein the second receiving element has a first guide unit that is elongated parallel to the longitudinal axis.wherein a support belt is arranged circumferentially on the first guide unit and the receiving chambers are arranged on the outside of the support belt in the direction of rotation.

[0045] The second mounting element is therefore essentially the same as the first. With the second mounting element, for example, the second cable ends can be held in a different position than the first cable ends. For this purpose, the second mounting element can be positioned next to the first. Other suitable positions for the second mounting element are also possible.

[0046] It is understood that the second recording element can be designed in accordance with the first recording element, and vice versa. The descriptions for one of the recording elements can therefore be applied analogously to the other recording element.

[0047] In a further embodiment, the receiving device can have a storage element which has a storage surface and can be designed to receive the cables on the storage surface, and which can be designed to be movable on a movement axis located at a predetermined angle to the storage surface between the first endpoint and the second endpoint, wherein the movement axis of the storage element is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first receiving element and the storage element is designed to follow a movement of the receiving chambers.

[0048] Preferably, the drive unit is designed to drive the storage element synchronously with the receiving elements.

[0049] The storage element, like the receiving chambers, is designed to be movable. The storage element moves between a first endpoint and a second endpoint along a movement axis. This movement axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first receiving element. The usable height of the receiving device as a cable magazine is therefore determined by the distance between the first and second endpoints.

[0050] The movable receiving chambers move, at least in a section of the first receiving element, parallel to its longitudinal axis and thus parallel to the direction of movement of the storage element. The storage element can be dimensioned such that the receiving chambers move synchronously, at least in the area between the first and second endpoints, parallel to the direction of movement of the storage element. Consequently, when the storage element moves between the first and second endpoints, the receiving chambers follow the storage element at a constant distance.

[0051] When a cable is placed on the support, the support element can be moved along its axis of movement towards the second endpoint. Specifically, the support element can be moved by the thickness of the cable or coil towards the second endpoint. The cable resting on the support surface is thus also moved towards the second endpoint, freeing up space for another cable to be placed on top of the one just inserted. It goes without saying that a separating element, such as a plate, can be placed between two cables if required. Such a plate can, in particular, incorporate additional retaining elements, for example, for a connector that is coupled to one end of the cable.

[0052] At the start of the filling process, the storage element is typically positioned at the first endpoint. When a cable is placed on the storage surface, one end of the cable can be positioned in a corresponding receiving chamber within the receiving area. These receiving chambers can be elongated, and their longitudinal axis can be oriented in the desired direction for the cable ends.

[0053] As the storage element moves towards the second endpoint, for example downwards, the cable on the storage surface also moves downwards. The receiving chambers move synchronously with the storage element in the area between the first and second endpoints. Therefore, the receiving chamber containing the cable end follows the storage element as it moves.

[0054] When several cables are placed on the storage element, a compact stack is formed. The stacked arrangement of the cables results in a very high packing density.

[0055] According to the invention, the receiving chambers of at least one of the receiving elements each have a receiving opening oriented outwards in the circumferential direction. The corresponding receiving element further comprises, according to the invention, a second guide unit elongated parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein a cover strap is arranged circumferentially on the second guide unit. According to the invention, the first guide unit and the second guide unit are arranged such that the outer surface of the cover strap at least partially covers the receiving openings of the receiving chambers of the carrier belt in a section parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0056] The receiving element can therefore have two belts which, in the linear area of ​​the receiving element or the guide units, face each other with their outer sides. In this area, the cover belt covers the receiving chambers. In the area where the belt reverses direction, i.e., at the ends of the guide units, the reverse side of the cover belt detaches from the receiving chambers, providing access to them. The receiving space for inserting the cable ends into the receiving chambers can therefore be provided in this area, e.g., at the upper end of the guide units.

[0057] It is understood that if there is only one guide unit for the carrier belt, a rigid cover element, such as a strut or a sheet metal plate, can also be provided in the linear area of ​​the guide unit, against which the outer surface of the carrier belt rests. In the linear area of ​​the guide unit, receiving chambers containing the cable ends are thus closed by the cover element. When the carrier belt moves, the receiving chambers or their openings can slide along this cover element.

[0058] The drive belt can be designed as a so-called toothed flat belt or a toothed belt with double teeth. Such a toothed belt has teeth on both the inside and the outside. Alternatively, the belt can also be designed as a V-belt on the inside.

[0059] By using a belt that has teeth at least on its outer surface, the receiving chambers are implicitly provided by the carrier belt. Consequently, separate receiving chambers do not need to be provided on a belt.

[0060] The length of the receiving chambers corresponds to the width of the carrier belt, and the cable ends can be inserted lengthwise into the individual receiving chambers. It goes without saying that the size of the carrier belt and the dimensioning of the teeth can be adapted to the cables being processed.

[0061] The material of the belts can be designed to provide a flexibility that allows for the use of cables with different diameters, or at least within a corresponding range.

[0062] The tooth spacing can be, for example, 10 mm. This means that the distance between the start of one receiving chamber and the start of the next is 10 mm. Consequently, 10 cable ends can be accommodated within 10 centimeters. This results in a high packing density. It goes without saying that other spacings of less than 10 mm, e.g., 5 mm, or more than 10 mm, e.g., 20 mm or 30 mm, can also be selected to adapt the receiving chambers to the cables being processed.

[0063] In one embodiment, the cover strap can be designed as a strap with a toothed back or as a strap with an unstructured back, i.e., an unstructured outside.

[0064] The cover belt forms a cover for the spaces between the teeth of the carrier belt and thus closes the receiving chambers in the area where it rests on the outside of the carrier belt.

[0065] In one embodiment, at least one of the guide units can have a deflection roller at a first end. At an end opposite the first end along the longitudinal direction of the respective guide unit, the guide unit can have a drive roller. The deflection roller and the drive roller can be configured to accommodate the carrier belt or the cover belt, with the drive roller each being driven by an external drive.

[0066] At least in the area of ​​the deflection and on the sides of the guide units that point away from the other guide element, the cover belt does not rest on the carrier belt. Consequently, the receiving chambers are not closed in this area.

[0067] In the deflection area, the carrier belt and the cover belt converge and diverge in a wedge shape. On the one hand, a cable end that is not precisely positioned in its designated receiving chamber can be inserted into or removed from the chamber in a defined manner, particularly if the insertion or removal is synchronized with the movement of the carrier belt and the cover belt. On the other hand, a cable end can be removed from a precisely known position. This area is therefore particularly suitable as the receiving area for inserting and removing cable ends in an automated device, provided that the insertion and removal of the cable ends is coordinated with the movement, especially the speed, of the carrier belt and the cover belt.

[0068] In yet another embodiment, the receiving device can have a pressure element for at least one of the guide units, which is designed to press the respective belt, i.e. the carrier belt or the cover belt, towards its outer side in at least one section of the elongated guide unit.

[0069] The pressure element can, for example, include springs or the like, which press a linear element, such as a rail, onto the inside of the belt and towards the outside of the belt.

[0070] If a cover belt is provided, a pressure element can also be provided for the cover belt, which presses it against the carrier belt in the area where the cover belt covers the receiving chambers.

[0071] In another embodiment, the receiving device can have a drive unit configured to drive at least one of the receiving elements and the storage element, particularly synchronously. The drive unit can, for example, comprise an electric motor, especially a stepper motor. The use of a stepper motor simplifies the control of the receiving device, since counting the steps performed by the stepper motor in the motor controller makes it possible to calculate the current position of the storage element and the receiving elements. If no stepper motor is used, a corresponding position detection system for the storage element and the receiving elements can be provided. In any case, corresponding switches can be provided at the end stops in the first end position and the second end position to detect when the respective end position has been reached.

[0072] The receiving elements can be designed in such a way that the receiving chambers can be moved via the drive unit. For this purpose, appropriate rollers or wheels, e.g., toothed belt pulleys, can be coupled to the drive unit via shafts and gears, i.e., a type of transmission.

[0073] It is understood that a suitable rail or similar component may be provided for the storage element, in which the storage element can be movably mounted. Such a rail lies parallel to the axis of movement and can be coupled to the drive unit, for example, via a belt and / or a threaded rod, such as a trapezoidal threaded rod or a ball screw rod. It is understood that the gear ratios of such threaded rods or the drives of the receiving elements can be coordinated in such a way that the receiving elements and the storage element move synchronously.

[0074] According to the invention, the drive unit is designed to drive the first guide unit and the second guide unit of at least one of the receiving elements in such a way that the outside of the cover belt moves synchronously with the receiving openings covered by the outside.

[0075] When using a carrier belt and a cover belt, the corresponding pulleys can each be driven in opposite directions at the same speed. With such a drive, the carrier belt and the cover belt run in the same direction and at the same speed in the area where the cover belt covers the carrier belt.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the invention, the drive unit is designed to drive the first guide unit and the second guide unit of the first receiving element and the second receiving element in such a way that the belts, i.e. the drive belt and the cover belt, of the first receiving element move synchronously with the belts of the second receiving element.

[0077] If two receiving elements are provided in the receiving device, the two cable ends of a cable should not be received sequentially in the same receiving device, but rather at different positions. If the belts of the two receiving devices are driven synchronously, it is ensured that the relative position of the two cable ends to each other remains unchanged during operation of the receiving device.

[0078] In one embodiment, the storage element can be mechanically coupled to at least one of the receiving chambers or at least one of the receiving elements.

[0079] If the storage element is mechanically coupled to one or more of the recording chambers, the storage element automatically follows every movement of the recording chambers. A separate control or drive for the storage element is therefore not necessary.

[0080] In yet another embodiment, the storage element can have at least one coupling element which has a first coupling surface which is mechanically coupled to the storage surface, and which has a second coupling surface which is arranged orthogonally to the first coupling surface and is mechanically coupled to at least one of the receiving chambers of at least one of the receiving elements.

[0081] The coupling element can be designed, for example, as an angle, particularly a 90° angle, or as a cube with two faces at a 90° angle to each other, or as a chamfered portion of the support surface. One of the faces of the angle or cube can be coupled to the support element or the support surface of the support element. The second face of the angle or cube, or the chamfered portion of the support surface, can be coupled to a receiving chamber or the corresponding belt. It is understood that, when using a support belt and a cover belt, the second face of the angle or cube can be coupled to both belts. Furthermore, when using two receiving elements, two coupling elements, one for each receiving element, can be provided.

[0082] In another embodiment, the receiving device can include a centering element, also called a centering mandrel. The storage surface can also have an opening. In this embodiment, the centering element can be arranged parallel to the axis of movement of the storage element and protrude through the opening of the storage surface.

[0083] The centering element can be, for example, in the form of a round bar, a profile strut, or the like, which is arranged parallel to the axis of movement of the storage element. During its movement, the storage element or the storage surface slides along such a round bar or profile strut.

[0084] For cables laid in a defined shape, especially U-shaped or ring-shaped cables, or coiled cables, the centering element is located inside the cable. This centering element ensures that the cable does not slip off the support surface.

[0085] In another embodiment, the centering element can include a centering element designed to center the cable, which is laid in the defined shape, on the centering element. The centering element can, for example, include brushes or the like, extending radially from the centering element. For instance, four brushes, each arranged at a 90° angle to one another, can be provided along the length of the centering element.

[0086] The stabilizing element can be used to stabilize cables, especially those stacked on top of each other, laid in a defined shape, particularly in a U-shape, ring shape, or coil. Even with a large number of stacked cables, these can therefore be stored and transported safely.

[0087] In one embodiment, the receiving device has only one receiving element. In this embodiment, the receiving element is arranged horizontally in the longitudinal direction such that the longitudinal axes of the receiving chambers are vertical, and thus the cable ends lie vertically within the receiving chambers. In this embodiment, the cables, which are laid in a defined shape (e.g., in a ring or U-shape, or wound into a ring), can be slid over the guide unit and placed on it. The cable ends can be inserted into the receiving chambers from bottom to top, i.e., with the end pointing upwards. An additional cable holder is not required; the cables, laid in the defined shape, hang downwards in a stable manner due to gravity.The defined shape into which the cable is laid is specifically chosen so that the cable retains its shape under the influence of gravity and is easily stackable. The defined shape into which the cable is laid is specifically designed so that the cable can be stacked in a space-saving manner in a single plane, i.e., flat and thus perpendicular to that plane.

[0088] In a further embodiment with only one receiving element, the first receiving element can be configured to receive a first cable end of a corresponding cable in a first receiving chamber and a second cable end of the corresponding cable in a second receiving chamber. This second receiving chamber is spaced apart from the first receiving chamber in the conveying direction such that the cable lies between the first and second receiving chambers. In particular, the second receiving chamber, located further back in the conveying direction, can be adjacent to the first receiving chamber, located further forward in the conveying direction, so that the coil is arranged between each pair of receiving chambers in succession in the conveying direction. As explained above, the cable can be supported or rest on the guide unit and is pulled along it via the cable ends or moved with the movement of the receiving chambers.

[0089] In yet another embodiment, the first receiving element can include a support element for the received cables. The support element can be elongated, at least between the first and second endpoints, and arranged vertically at a predetermined distance above the first receiving element, parallel to the first guide unit. With such a support element, the received cables do not rest on the guide unit. Rather, they rest on the support element. The support element can, for example, be designed as a rail along which the received cables can slide. Alternatively, the support element can include a driven support belt that is driven synchronously with the movement of the receiving chambers and thus actively moves the received cables along with their cable ends. Brief character description

[0090] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Figure 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a recording device according to the present invention; Figure 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a recording device according to the present invention; Figure 3 a section-by-section representation of an embodiment of a recording device according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of a recording area in the exemplary embodiment of the recording device of the Figure 3 ; Figure 5 a section-by-section representation of a further embodiment of a recording device according to the present invention; Figure 6 a section-by-section representation of a further embodiment of a recording device according to the present invention; Figure 7a representation of a further embodiment of a recording device according to the present invention; Figure 8 a further illustration of the further embodiment of the receiving device of the Figure 7 ; Figure 9 a further illustration of the further embodiment of the receiving device of the Figure 7 . Figure 10 a front view of a further embodiment of a recording device according to the present invention; Figure 11 a section-by-section top view of the embodiment of the receiving device of the Figure 10 ; Figure 12 a section-by-section perspective view of the embodiment of the recording device Figure 10 ; and Figure 13 a front view of a further embodiment of a recording device according to the present invention.

[0091] The figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are consistently identified by the same reference numerals. Detailed description

[0092] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a receiving device 1. The receiving device 1 serves to receive a cable end 91 of a cable 90.

[0093] The receiving device 1 has a first receiving element 8 extending elongated along a longitudinal axis 3. In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis 3 of the receiving element 8 is horizontal. The first receiving element 8 has a plurality of receiving chambers 10, which are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another and are movable along the longitudinal axis 3 of the first receiving element 8 between a first endpoint 4 and a second endpoint 5. For clarity, only one of the receiving chambers 10 is provided with a reference numeral.

[0094] A first recording chamber 10 is positioned at the level of the first endpoint 4 on the recording element 8 and hangs below it. The subsequent recording chambers 10 are arranged counterclockwise in a circumferential direction on the recording element 8. As the recording chambers 10 move towards the second endpoint 5, they are guided clockwise. Consequently, at least in the linear section between the first endpoint 4 and the second endpoint 5, the recording chambers 10 lie in a straight line.

[0095] As the receiving chambers 10 move towards the second endpoint 5, each receiving chamber 10 can receive a cable end 91 of the cable 90 in a first receiving area 9. As the receiving chambers 10 move towards the first endpoint 4, the receiving chamber 10 located in the first receiving area 9 can release the received cable end 91.

[0096] If several cables 91 are inserted into the receiving device 1, the cables 91 hang side by side below the first receiving element 8. It is understood that a second cable end of a cable 90 can be placed, for example, in the receiving chamber 10 that follows the receiving chamber 10 in which the first cable end 91 lies.

[0097] The receiving device may also include an arm-like holding element which may be arranged below the receiving element 8 in such a way that coiled cables 91 can be placed on this arm-like holding element.

[0098] With the receiving device 1, it becomes possible, for example in a production process, to automatically store cables 90 after a production step with very high packing density and defined positions of the cable ends 91. For a subsequent production step, the cables 90 can be automatically removed. It is understood that the receiving device 1 is suitable for transport. The cables 90 can therefore be transported between two production steps using the receiving device 1 without the cables 90 or the cable ends 91 becoming mixed up.

[0099] In the receiving device 1, the longitudinal axis 3 is arranged horizontally. It is understood that the longitudinal axis 3 can also be oriented in another direction, e.g., obliquely or vertically.

[0100] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a recording device 100.

[0101] The receiving device 100 has a storage element 101 with a storage surface 102. An example of a cable 190 wound into a coil is shown on the storage surface 102. In contrast to the illustrated cable 190 wound into a coil with several turns within a plane, the cable can also be laid in an approximately ring-shaped configuration (with a single turn within a plane, which may not close completely) or in a U-shape. In any case, the cable 190 is laid in a defined shape that is space-saving compared to a longitudinally extending cable, such that the cable 190 laid in the defined shape has a smaller diameter than its length. For example, the defined shape can also be arranged so that the cable 190 is laid within a plane perpendicular to which several cables can be stacked to save space.The storage element 101 is designed to be movable and can be moved along a movement axis 103 between a first endpoint 104 and a second endpoint 105. In the illustrated receiving device 100, the storage surface 102 is positioned orthogonally on the movement axis 103.

[0102] The receiving device 100 has a first receiving element 108, extending elongated parallel to the axis of movement 103 and adjoining the storage element 101, positioned parallel to the axis of movement 103. The first receiving element 108 has a plurality of receiving chambers 110, arranged at a predetermined distance from one another, which follow the movement of the storage element 101 along the longitudinal axis of the first receiving element 108. For clarity, only one of the receiving chambers 110 is labelled.

[0103] A first recording chamber 110 is arranged at the level of the storage element 101 on the side of the recording element 108 facing the storage element 101. The subsequent recording chambers 110 are arranged counterclockwise in a circumferential direction on the recording element 108. If the recording chambers 110 now follow a movement of the recording element 108 towards the second endpoint 105, the individual recording chambers 110 are synchronously pulled clockwise along the recording element 108. Consequently, at least in the linear region between the first endpoint 104 and the second endpoint 105, the distance between each recording chamber 110 and the recording surface 102 remains constant.

[0104] When the storage element 101 moves towards the second endpoint 105, the receiving chambers 110 can each receive a cable end 191 of the cable 190 in a first receiving area 109. When the storage element 101 moves towards the first endpoint 104, the receiving chamber 110 located in the first receiving area 109 can release the received cable end 191.

[0105] As the storage element 101 moves towards the second endpoint 105, several cables 191 can be placed one on top of the other on the storage surface 102, and their cable ends 191 can each be received and fixed in one of the receiving chambers 110. It is understood that a second cable end of a cable 190 can, for example, be placed in the receiving chamber 110 that follows the receiving chamber 110 in which the first cable end 191 is located.

[0106] With the holding device 100, it becomes possible, for example in a production process, to automatically store cables 190 after a production step with very high packing density and defined positions of the cable ends 191. For a subsequent production step, the cables 190 can be automatically removed. It goes without saying that the holding device 100 is suitable for transport. The cables 190 can therefore be transported between two production steps using the holding device 100 without the cables 190 or the cable ends 191 becoming mixed up.

[0107] In the receiving device 100, the axis of movement 103 is arranged vertically. It is understood that the axis of movement 103, and thus also the longitudinal axis of the receiving element 108, can be oriented in a different direction, e.g., obliquely.

[0108] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a section-by-section representation of an embodiment of a receiving device 200. The receiving device 200 is shown in a view of two adjacent receiving elements 208, 213. In this representation, the storage element is obscured by the receiving elements 208, 213. The storage surface extends behind the receiving elements 208, 213 into the plane of the image.

[0109] The recording elements 208, 213 are arranged side by side in such a way that their longitudinal axes lie vertically next to each other or parallel to each other and the longitudinal axes of the recording chambers 210, 214 point out of the image plane.

[0110] Each of the receiving elements 208, 213 has two elongated guide units 215, 216; 217, 218. The guide units 215, 216; 217, 218 each have a deflection roller 219, 220, 221, 222, which is arranged at the upper end of the respective guide unit 215, 216; 217, 218 on a profile strut 224, 225, 226. The connection between the profile struts 224, 225, 226 and the deflection rollers 219, 220, 221, 222 is made by a substantially elongated sheet 227, 228, 229, 230. The plates 227, 228, 229, 230 are screwed to the respective profile struts 224, 225, 226 and, above the end of the respective profile struts 224, 225, 226, accommodate the axis of the respective deflection pulley 219, 220, 221, 222. The axes of the deflection pulleys 219, 220, 221, 222 are arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axes of the profile struts 224, 225, 226 and point into the plane of the image, thus lying parallel to the longitudinal axes of the receiving chambers 210, 214.

[0111] It is understood that on the side of the profile struts 224, 225, 226 opposite the first sheet 227, 228, 229, 230, a further sheet or a receptacle for the axles of the deflection pulleys 219, 220, 221, 222 may be provided. In the illustration of the Figure 3 The drive rollers, which are located at the ends of the profile struts 224, 225, 226, opposite the deflection rollers 219, 220, 221, 222, are not visible.

[0112] A belt 231, 232, 233, 234 runs around the profile struts 224, 225, 226 and is supported by the deflection pulleys 219, 220, 221, 222 and the drive pulleys. The guide unit 215 has a carrier belt 231 with double teeth, i.e., teeth on both the inside and outside. The guide unit 216 has a cover belt 232 with a smooth outer surface. The guide unit 217, in turn, has a carrier belt 233 with double teeth, and the guide unit 218 has a cover belt 234 with a smooth outer surface.

[0113] The belts 231, 232 of the first receiving element 208 and the two belts 233, 234 of the second receiving element 213 together each form a functional unit which provides the receiving chambers 210, 214 and their cover and at the same time enables movement of the receiving chambers 210, 214.

[0114] The receiving chambers 210, 214 are formed in the receiving elements 208, 213 by the recesses between each pair of teeth of the support belts 231, 233. This means that the receiving elements 208, 213 are open to the outside, at least in the area of ​​the deflection pulleys 219, 220, 221, 222. If the support belts 231, 233 are moved synchronously with the respective cover belt 232, 234 towards the second endpoint or downwards, i.e., such that their overlapping outer surfaces move in the same direction, the individual receiving chambers 210, 214 move around the respective deflection pulley 219, 220.

[0115] Starting from the plane that intersects the axes of the deflection pulleys 219, 220, 221, 222 in the direction of the second endpoint, the outer surface of the respective cover belt 232, 234 closes the receiving chambers 210, 214. In the illustration of the Figure 3The first cable ends 291 and second cable ends 292 are shown, which are located in the receiving chambers 210 and 214. When moving in the opposite direction, i.e., towards the first endpoint or upwards, the cable ends 291 and 292 are released one after the other and can be removed.

[0116] Behind the receiving elements 208, 213, a centering element 235 is shown. This serves to secure the cables on the support surface. When such a coil is placed over the centering element 235, the centering element 235 protrudes through the opening of the coil and thus prevents the coil from slipping sideways off the support surface.

[0117] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows an enlarged view of a receiving area 209 between the guide units 215 and 216 in the embodiment of the receiving device 200. Figure 3 .

[0118] As the storage element moves towards the second endpoint, the carrier belt 231 is guided clockwise over the deflection pulley 219. Simultaneously, the cover belt 232 is guided counterclockwise over the deflection pulley 220. From the point where a line through the two axes of the deflection pulleys 219 and 220 intersects the belts 231 and 232, in the direction of the second endpoint, the outer surface of the cover belt 232 covers the receiving chambers 210 on the outer surface of the carrier belt 231. The cable ends 291 can therefore be inserted or removed above this line. In particular, it is possible to automate the insertion and removal of the cable ends 291 with a timing sequence that is synchronized with the movement of the carrier belt 231 and the cover belt 232.

[0119] Figure 5Figure 1 shows a section-by-section representation of a further embodiment of a receiving device 300. The receiving device 300 is based on the receiving device 100 in that the in Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment of a receiving device 100 according to the invention has been further developed. The receiving device 300 also has two receiving elements 308, 313. Each of the receiving elements 308, 313 has two guide units 315, 316; 317, 318. The guide units 315, 316; 317, 318 each have a substantially elongated profile strut 323, 324; 325, 326, at the upper end of which a deflection roller 319, 320, 321, 322 is arranged. The drive rollers at the lower end of the profile struts 323, 324; 325, 326 are not shown. The sheets of the Figure 3 are for better understanding in Figure 5 Not shown. A centering element 335 is shown behind the receiving elements 308, 313.

[0120] In the receiving device 300, each of the guide elements 315, 316, 317, 318 has a pressure element 340, 341, 342, 343. The pressure elements 340, 341, 342, 343 are designed as elongated elements, at least in a section of the linear area of ​​the guide elements 315, 316, 317, 318, which are tensioned orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the guide elements 315, 316, 317, 318 by a spring 344, 345, 346, 347 in the direction of the respective belt 331, 332, 333, 334.

[0121] The pressure element 340 is arranged on the guide element 315 on the side facing the guide element 316. The pressure element 341 is arranged on the guide element 316 on the side facing the guide element 315. The pressure elements 340 and 341 thus press the carrier belt 331 and the cover belt 332 together.

[0122] The pressure element 342 is arranged on the guide element 317 on the side facing the guide element 318. The pressure element 343 is arranged on the guide element 318 on the side facing the guide element 317. The pressure elements 342 and 343 thus press the carrier belt 333 and the cover belt 334 together.

[0123] The clamping elements 340, 341, 342, 343 ensure that the respective receiving chambers 310, 314 are securely closed along the entire length of the receiving elements 308, 313 and that the cable ends cannot fall out of the receiving chambers 310, 314. For this purpose, the carrier belt 331 and the cover belt 332 are securely pressed together along the entire length of the receiving elements 308, 313 by the clamping elements 340, 341, 342, 343.

[0124] Figure 6Figure 1 shows a section-by-section perspective view of a further embodiment of a receiving device 400. The receiving device 400 is based on the receiving device 100 in that the in Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment of a receiving device 100 according to the invention has been further developed. The receiving device 400 also has two receiving elements, each with two guide units, which are not designated separately for the sake of clarity. The guide units each have a substantially elongated profile strut 423, 424; 425, 426, at the lower end of which the drive unit 450 is arranged. The receiving device 400 is shown with a storage element 401 in the second end position. The storage element 401 is thus moved completely downwards. In particular, the illustration shows Figure 6the lower end of the receiving elements, i.e. the end located at the second endpoint, with a drive unit 450.

[0125] In the presentation of the Figure 6 The profile struts 423, 424; 425, 426 are cut in the plane of the storage surface, so that the storage surface and parts of the connection of the storage element 402 are visible.

[0126] The storage surface 402 of the storage element 401 has an edge parallel to the profile struts 423, 424, 425, 426 and is bent downwards at this edge by 90°. The storage surface can, for example, be made of sheet metal, in particular sheet metal bent at a 90° angle. The storage element 402 can be coupled to at least some of the belts 431, 432, 433, 434 via the downward-facing part of the storage surface.

[0127] The coupling between the storage element 402 and the belts 431, 432, 433, 434 is achieved by rods or pins which are inserted into receiving chambers of the belts 431, 433. At one end, the rods are coupled to the downwardly angled part of the storage surface 402. At their other end, the rods are received by the support elements 451, 452. Consequently, when the belts 431, 432, 433, 434 or their receiving chambers move, the storage element 401 moves synchronously with them.

[0128] Two linear guides are provided to guide the storage element 401. Each linear guide has a guide rail 453, 454 and a corresponding carriage 455, 456. Guide rail 451 is arranged on the profile strut 424 between the profile strut 424 and the storage element 401. Guide rail 452 is arranged on the profile strut 425 between the profile strut 425 and the storage element 401. The guide carriages 455, 456 are each coupled to the storage element 401.

[0129] Figure 7 Figure 1 shows a representation of a further embodiment of a receiving device 500. The receiving device 500 is based on the receiving device 100 in that the in Figure 7The illustrated embodiment of a receiving device 100 according to the invention has been further developed. The receiving device 500 also has two receiving elements, each with two guide units, which are not designated separately for the sake of clarity. A drive unit 550 is arranged at the lower end of the guide units. A holder is provided on the side of the receiving elements opposite the storage element 501, which couples the profile struts of the guide units to each other in order to give them mechanical stability.

[0130] In the receiving device 500, the storage element 501 is in the first end position and a cable 590 is placed on the storage element 501. The cable ends 591, 592 of the cable 590 are inserted into the corresponding receiving chambers and secured. The centering element 535 is arranged in the middle of the storage surface of the storage element 501.

[0131] Figure 8shows another illustration of the recording device 500. In the illustration of the Figure 8 The storage element 501 is in the second end position and a large number of cables 590 are stacked on top of each other above the centering element 535.

[0132] In the presentation of the Figure 8 It becomes clear how a very high packing density for cable storage is achieved with the aid of the receiving device. At the same time, the cable ends are placed in defined positions and can therefore be gripped automatically; for this purpose, a cross-profile part 555 is provided, which is firmly attached to the profile struts 423 to 426 ( Fig. 5 ) is arranged and connects the profile struts 423 to 426 to each other, thus stabilizing the entire structure. The cross-section part 555 has U-shaped recesses in plan view, through which the cable ends can be guided without coming into contact with the cross-section part 555.

[0133] Figure 9Figure 1 shows an enlarged representation of the receiving device 500 in a view from below, in particular of the lower area in which the drive unit 550 is arranged.

[0134] The drive unit 550 has two cheeks 558, 559, which are arranged parallel to each other and accommodate the guide units 518 on the drive side, i.e., at their lower end. For the sake of clarity, only one of the guide units with drive roller 564 and cover belt 534 is labeled with a reference number. The explanations for the one guide unit shown section by section therefore apply analogously to the other guide units.

[0135] The guide unit has a drive roller 564 at its drive-side end, which receives the belt 534. The drive roller 564 is arranged with a gear 560 on a common shaft, so that the respective drive roller 564 also rotates when the corresponding gear 560 is rotated. Each of the drive rollers of the other guide units is also arranged with a corresponding gear 561, 562, 563 on a shaft.

[0136] Gear 560 engages with gear 561, which engages with gear 562, which in turn engages with gear 563. Gears 560, 561, 562, and 563 therefore all rotate simultaneously and in the opposite direction to their directly adjacent counterparts. This ensures synchronous and counter-rotating movement of the belts in all guide units.

[0137] In the mounting device 500, the axis of the gear 561 extends through the web 558 and serves as a shaft 565 for coupling to a motor 566. The motor 566 is fixed to the web 558 by means of a motor mount 567. The axis of the motor 566 is coupled to the shaft 565 via a shaft coupling 568.

[0138] It is understood that this embodiment, in particular the drive unit 550, is merely exemplary and the drive can also be designed in other ways.

[0139] Figure 10 Figure 1 shows a front view of another embodiment of a receiving device 600. The receiving device 600 has only one first receiving element, which is located in Figure 10not separately designated. The first receiving element has two guide units. The first guide unit has a carrier belt 615, on the outside of which the receiving chambers are located, as already explained above. The second guide unit has a cover belt 616 with a smooth outer surface, which serves to close the receiving chambers. In the receiving device 600, the two guide units are arranged such that the outer surfaces of the belts, and consequently also the receiving chambers, are vertical.

[0140] When cable ends 691, 692 of a cable are inserted into the receiving chambers, they lead, for example, from bottom to top through the receiving chambers and protrude above the receiving chambers with their ends pointing upwards.

[0141] In Figure 10A coiled cable 690 is held in the receiving device 600. The cable ends 691, 692 lie in the receiving chambers pointing upwards from bottom to top, and the cable 690 rests on the outer upper edges of the support belt 615 of the first guide unit (not shown) and the cover belt 616 of the second guide unit (not shown).

[0142] Consequently, when the recording chambers move, the cable ends 691, 692 and cable 690 are pulled along. Cable 690 therefore slides on the outer upper edges of the support belt 615 and the cover belt 616.

[0143] The receiving device 600 can be configured, in particular, to receive a first cable end 691 of the cable 690 in a first receiving chamber within the first receiving element. The second cable end 692 of the cable 690 can be received in a second receiving chamber, which is spaced apart from the first receiving chamber in the conveying direction. The distance between the two receiving chambers can be at least equal to the width of the cable 690 laid in the defined shape, in particular the coiled cable 690 as shown. The cable 690 can be arranged between the first receiving chamber and the second receiving chamber. This arrangement is shown in the top view of the Figure 11 shown in detail.

[0144] The ends 691, 692 of cable 690 protrude in the illustration of the Figure 10beyond the outer circumference of the cable 690, which rests on the outer upper edges of the support belt 615 of the first guide unit and the cover belt 616 of the second guide unit. The length of the ends 691, 692 can be shorter or longer in other embodiments. If the ends 691, 692 protrude beyond the cable, they can be easily grasped from the outside.

[0145] Figure 11 shows a section-by-section top view of the embodiment of the receiving device 600 of the Figure 10 . The Figure 11 Figure 600 shows the recording device with a large number of recorded cables, whereby for the sake of clarity only the last recorded cable 690 is marked with a reference symbol.

[0146] The first cable end 691 of cable 690 lies in a first receiving chamber 610. The second cable end 692 of cable 690 lies in a second receiving chamber 614. The second receiving chamber 614 is spaced from the first receiving chamber 610 such that the ends 691 and 692 enclose the cable 690, and the cable 690 lies between the first end 691 and the second end 692. It is understood that the distance between the first receiving chamber 610 and the second receiving chamber 614 can be adjusted to the thickness of the respective cable 690. The distance can therefore be larger or smaller than shown in the diagram. Figure 11 The distance is set by waiting for a corresponding advance of the guide units when inserting the second end 692.

[0147] Figure 12 shows a section-by-section perspective view of the embodiment of the recording device of the Figure 10 In the presentation of the Figure 12It is clearly visible that the ends 691, 692 of the cable 690 extend beyond the outer circumference of the cable 690, which is wound into a ring several times within a plane.

[0148] Automated insertion or gripping of the ends 691, 692 at a predefined position is therefore possible. Furthermore, the ends 691, 692 serve as a guide for the cable 690 and push it in the appropriate direction when inserting and removing cables.

[0149] Figure 13 Figure 700 shows a front view of another embodiment of a receiving device 700. The receiving device 700 is based on the receiving device 600 in that the in Figure 10 The illustrated embodiment of a receiving device 600 according to the invention has been further developed. The receiving device 700 has only one first receiving element, which is Figure 13not separately designated. The first receiving element has two guide units. The first guide unit, not shown in the illustration, has a carrier belt 715, on the outside of which the receiving chambers are located, as already explained above. The second guide unit, not shown in the illustration, has a cover belt 716 with a smooth outer surface, which serves to close the receiving chambers. In the receiving device 700, the two guide units are arranged such that the outer surfaces of the belts, and consequently also the receiving chambers, are vertical.

[0150] In the receiving device 700, the inner circumference of the cable 790, which is laid in the defined shape and, in particular, wound into a ring as shown, does not rest on the outer upper edges of the belts. The receiving device 700 has a support element with two support rails 770, 771, which are arranged vertically above the first guide unit and the second guide unit. It is understood that the horizontal arrangement of the support rails 770, 771 shown is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, the support rails 770, 771 can be arranged horizontally in any desired configuration such that the inner circumference of the cable 790 does not rest on or touch elements of the guide units.

[0151] The support rails 770 and 771 can be, for example, square or round bars made of plastic or metal. It goes without saying that other profiles, such as L- or C-profiles, are also possible.

[0152] In another embodiment, the support rails 770, 771 can be replaced by driven elements, e.g., belts or straps. In such embodiments, the cable 790 is conveyed or moved by the driven element and not pushed through the cable ends 790, 791. It is understood that such driven elements can be moved synchronously with the carrier belt 715 of the first guide unit or the cover belt 716 of the second guide unit.

[0153] Since the devices described in detail above are exemplary embodiments, they can be modified extensively by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the mechanical arrangements and the relative sizes of the individual elements are merely exemplary. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0154] 1, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 Receiving device 101, 401, 501 Storage element 102, 402 Storage surface 3 Longitudinal axis 103 Axis of movement 4, 104 First endpoint 5, 105 Second endpoint 8, 108, 208, 213, 308, 313 Recording element 9, 109, 209 Recording area 10, 110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614 Recording chamber 215, 216, 217, 218, 315, 316, 317, 318 Guide unit 219, 220, 221, 222, 319, 320, 321, 322 Deflection pulley 224, 225, 226, 323, 324, 325, 326 Profile strut 423, 424, 425, 426 Profile strut 227, 228, 229, 230 Sheet metal 231, 233, 331, 333, 431, 433, 615, 715 Carrier belt 232, 234, 332, 334, 432, 434, 534, 616, 716 Cover strap 235, 335, 435, 535 Centering element 340, 341, 342, 343Pressure element 344, 345, 346, 347Spring 450, 550 Drive unit 451, 452 Support element 453, 454 Guide rail 455, 456 Slide 555 Cross-section section 558, 559 Cheek 560, 561, 562, 563 Gear 564 Drive roller 565 Shaft 566 Motor 567 Motor mount 568 Shaft coupling 770,771Stützschiene 90, 190, 590, 690, 790Kabel 91, 191, 291, 292, 391, 591, 592Kabelende 691, 692, 791, 792Kabelende

Claims

1. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700), namely cable magazine for interim storage and transport of cables, for a number of cables (190, 590, 690, 790) with at least one first cable end (191, 291, 292, 391, 591, 592, 691, 692, 791, 792), having: a first receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313), which has receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) which can be moved between a first end point and a second end point, and is formed to receive the first cable ends (191, 291, 292, 391, 591, 592, 691, 692, 791, 792) between the first end point and the second end point successively in the movable receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) and fix them therein, a second receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313), which has receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) which can be moved between the first end point and the second end point, and is formed to receive second cable ends (191, 291, 292, 391, 591, 592, 691, 692, 791, 792) of the cables (190, 590, 690, 790) between the first end point and the second end point in sequence in the movable receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) and fix them therein, and a drive unit (450, 550), which is designed to drive at least one of the receiving elements (108, 208, 213, 308, 313), wherein the first receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313) is designed, in the event of a movement of the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) in the direction of the second end point (105), to receive, in each case in a first receiving region (109, 209), the first cable ends (191, 291, 292, 391, 591, 592, 691, 692, 791, 792) successively into corresponding receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) and, in the event of a movement of the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) in the direction of the first end point (104), release, in the first receiving region (109, 209), the received first cable ends (191, 291, 292, 391, 591, 592, 691, 692, 791, 792) successively from the respective receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614), wherein the first receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313) has a first guide unit (215, 217, 315, 317) of elongate design parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein a carrier belt (231, 233, 331, 333, 431, 433) is arranged so as to circulate on the first guide unit (215, 217, 315, 317), and the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) are arranged so as to lie on the outside of the carrier belt (231, 233, 331, 333, 431, 433) in the direction of circulation, wherein the carrier belt (231, 233, 331, 333, 431, 433) is designed as a belt with a toothed belt back, and the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) are each arranged between two of the teeth of the toothed belt back, wherein the toothing is dimensioned such that the gaps between the individual teeth are suitable for receiving the outer circumference or the line diameter of the cables, wherein the second receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313) is designed, in the event of a movement of the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) in the direction of the second end point (105), to receive, in each case in a second receiving region, the second cable ends (191, 291, 292, 391, 591, 592, 691, 692, 791, 792) successively into corresponding receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) and, in the event of a movement of the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) in the direction of the second end point (104), to release, in the second receiving region (109, 209), the second cable ends (191, 291, 292, 391, 591, 592, 691, 692, 791, 792) successively from the corresponding receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614), wherein the second receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313) has a first guide unit (215, 217, 315, 317) of elongate design parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein a carrier belt (231, 233, 331, 333, 431, 433, 615) is arranged so as to circulate on the first guide unit (215, 217, 315, 317), and the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) are arranged so as to lie on the outside of the carrier belt (231, 233, 331, 333, 431, 433, 615) in the direction of circulation, wherein the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) each have a receiving opening oriented outwardly in the direction of circulation, and wherein at least one of the receiving elements (108, 208, 213, 308, 313) has a second guide unit (216, 218, 316, 318) of elongate design parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein a covering belt (232, 234, 332, 334, 432, 434, 534, 616) is arranged so as to circulate on the second guide unit (216, 218, 316, 318), wherein the first guide unit (215, 217, 315, 317) and the second guide unit (216, 218, 316, 318) are arranged such that the outside of the covering belt (232, 234, 332, 334, 432, 434, 534, 616) covers the receiving openings of the carrier belt (231, 233, 331, 333, 431, 433, 615) at least in part in a section lying parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the drive unit (450, 550) is designed to drive the first guide unit (215, 217, 315, 317) and the second guide unit (216, 218, 316, 318) of at least one of the receiving elements (108, 208, 213, 308, 313) in such a way that the outside of the covering belt (232, 234, 332, 334, 432, 434, 534, 616, 716) moves synchronously with the receiving openings covered by the outside, and wherein the drive unit (450, 550) is designed to drive the first guide unit (215, 217, 315, 317) and the second guide unit (216, 218, 316, 318) of the first receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313) and the second receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313) in such a way that the belts of the first receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313) move synchronously with the belts of the second receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313).

2. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to Claim 1, comprising a deposition element (101, 401, 501), which has a deposition surface (102, 402) and is designed to receive the cables (190, 590, 690, 790) on the deposition surface (102, 402), and which is designed movably on a movement axis (103), lying at a predetermined angle with respect to the deposition surface (102, 402), between the first end point (104) and the second end point (105), wherein the movement axis (103) of the deposition element (101, 401, 501) is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313), and the deposition element (101, 401, 501) is designed to follow a movement of the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614).

3. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to Claim 2, wherein the drive unit is designed to drive the deposition element (101, 401, 501) synchronously with the receiving elements (108, 208, 213, 308, 313).

4. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the covering belt (232, 234, 332, 334, 432, 434, 534, 616) is designed as a belt with a toothed belt back or as a belt with an unstructured back.

5. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pressing element (340, 341, 342, 343) for at least one of the guide units (215, 216, 217, 218, 315, 316, 317, 318) which is designed to press the respective belt in the direction of its outside in at least one section of the guide unit (215, 216, 217, 218, 315, 316, 317, 318) of elongate design.

6. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the guide units (215, 216, 217, 218, 315, 316, 317, 318) has, in each case at a first end, a deflection roller (219, 220, 221, 222, 319, 320, 321, 322) and, at an end lying opposite the first end along the longitudinal extent direction of the respective guide unit (215, 216, 217, 218, 315, 316, 317, 318), a drive roller (564), wherein the deflection roller (219, 220, 221, 222, 319, 320, 321, 322) and the drive roller (564) are designed to receive the carrier belt (231, 233, 331, 333, 431, 433, 615, 715) or the covering belt (232, 234, 332, 334, 432, 434, 534, 616, 716), wherein the drive roller (564) can be driven in each case via an external drive.

7. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to the preceding claim, wherein the receiving regions (109, 209) are each arranged between the deflection rollers (219, 220, 221, 222, 319, 320, 321, 322) of the corresponding first guide unit (215, 217, 315, 317) and the corresponding second guide unit (216, 218, 316, 318).

8. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 7, wherein the deposition element (101, 401, 501) is mechanically coupled to at least one of the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) of at least one of the receiving elements (108, 208, 213, 308, 313).

9. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to Claim 2, wherein the deposition element (101, 401, 501) has at least one coupling element having a first coupling surface, which is coupled mechanically to the deposition surface (102, 402), and which has a second coupling surface, which is arranged at a predetermined angle, in particular orthogonally, with respect to the first coupling surface and is coupled mechanically to at least one of the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) of at least one of the receiving elements (108, 208, 213, 308, 313).

10. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to Claim 2, having a centring element (235, 335, 435, 535), which is designed to centre the cables on the deposition surface (102, 402), in particular wherein the deposition surface (102, 402) has an opening, and the centring element (235, 335, 435, 535) is arranged parallel to the movement axis (103) of the deposition element (101, 401, 501) and protrudes through the opening of the deposition surface (102, 402).

11. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to the preceding Claim 9, wherein the centring element (235, 335, 435, 535) has a centrally aligning element which is designed to centrally align cables (190, 590, 690, 790) on the centring element (235, 335, 435, 535).

12. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to Claim 1, wherein the first receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313) is arranged in the longitudinal extent direction horizontally in such a way that received cable ends (191, 291, 292, 391, 591, 592, 691, 692, 791, 792) lie vertically in the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614).

13. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to the preceding Claim 12, wherein the first receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313) is designed to receive a first cable end (191, 291, 292, 391, 591, 592, 691, 692, 791, 792) of a corresponding cable (190, 590, 690, 790) placed in a defined shape in a first one of the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614), and a second cable end (191, 291, 292, 391, 591, 592, 691, 692, 791, 792) of the corresponding cable (190, 590, 690, 790) placed in the defined shape in a second one of the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614), which is spaced apart in the conveying direction from the first one of the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614), wherein the cable (190, 590, 690, 790) is arranged between the first one of the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614) and the second one of the receiving chambers (110, 210, 214, 310, 314, 610, 614).

14. Receiving device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to either of the preceding Claims 12 or 13, wherein the first receiving element has a support element (770, 771), which is of longitudinal design at least between the first end point and the second end point and is arranged parallel to the first guide unit (215, 217, 315, 317) in the vertical direction at a predetermined distance above the first receiving element (108, 208, 213, 308, 313).

15. Receiving device (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600; 700) according to Claim 14, wherein the respective support element (770, 771) has a driven support belt, which is driven synchronously with the movement of the receiving chambers.