DEVICE FOR INSTALLING ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR ELEMENTS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for setting conductor elements, in particular in connection with connecting the conductor elements to a connection component.

[0002] Corresponding devices and methods are known from the prior art in a variety of different embodiments. For example, reference is made to document WO 2020 / 038912 A1, which describes a wiring robot for wiring mounting panels, control cabinets, etc.

[0003] The main task and function of such devices, in connection with connecting electrical conductor elements to an electrical connection component, such as a spring-loaded terminal, is, in particular, to insert the electrical conductor elements, possibly with force, into an electrical connection element in a defined orientation and / or position in order to establish a mechanically stable, electrically conductive electrical contact. The same applies to other applications in which conductor elements are to be connected to a connection component.

[0004] Corresponding devices therefore typically require at least temporary fixation of the respective conductor elements in order to insert them into a respective connection element in the desired manner in the defined orientation and / or position. For this purpose, the known devices to date have sometimes been equipped with gripping devices that grip a respective conductor element, particularly at the end, and press it into a corresponding connection opening.

[0005] Corresponding gripper devices are in need of improvement in that, due to the gripper design, they do not ensure sufficient fixation of the respective conductor elements in certain directions and sometimes lead to marks or damage to the insulation of the respective conductor element, for example due to excessive local force.

[0006] EP 3 614 821 A1 discloses a principle of a device for setting conductor elements.

[0007] The present invention has the object of providing an improved device for setting conductor elements, in particular in connection with connecting the conductor elements to a connection component.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for placing conductor elements, particularly in connection with connecting the conductor elements to a connecting component. The device is thus configured for placing conductor elements, particularly in connection with connecting the conductor elements to a connecting component.

[0010] "Setting" is typically understood as the insertion, possibly with force, of at least one corresponding conductor element into a connection or contact opening of a connection component.

[0011] A connection component can be understood as an electrical connection component. A corresponding electrical connection component can be, for example, an electrical terminal, such as a spring-loaded terminal, or an electrical terminal connection, such as a spring-loaded terminal connection, possibly arranged or formed on a printed circuit board.

[0012] A conductor element can be understood as an electrical conductor element. An electrical conductor element can be understood, for example, as a wire, a cable, a core, a stranded wire, etc. Such a conductor element can be provided with electrical insulation, at least in sections.

[0013] However, a conductor element can also be understood as an optical conductor element, e.g. in the form of glass or polymer conductors, or a media-carrying conductor element.

[0014] Regardless of its specific design, a conductor element can be a pre-assembled conductor element, particularly with regard to its length, or - e.g. in the sense of a semi-finished product - a non-pre-assembled conductor element, such as an endless conductor.

[0015] The device, which may also be referred to as a dispensing device for dispensing conductor elements to be placed, comprises a clamping device for clamping at least one conductor element to be placed by means of the device as needed or temporarily. The clamping device is thus designed for clamping at least one conductor element to be placed by means of the device as needed or temporarily, i.e., generally for fixing at least one conductor element to be placed by means of the device as needed or temporarily. Clamping a conductor element as needed or temporarily can generally also be understood as fixing a conductor element as needed or temporarily; the clamping device can therefore generally also be understood as a fixing device.

[0016] The clamping device is formed by at least one bearing body and at least one clamping body or comprises at least one bearing body and at least one clamping body, the geometric-constructive and functional design of which will be explained in more detail below.

[0017] The at least one bearing body defines at least one receiving volume, which may also be referred to as the first receiving volume, for receiving a clamping body. The at least one bearing body thus has at least one receiving volume, defined by walls of the at least one bearing body, for receiving a clamping body. As will be apparent from the following, the at least one bearing body typically has a hollow cylindrical or sleeve-like basic shape. Accordingly, the receiving volume defined by the bearing body is typically a cylindrical receiving volume.

[0018] The at least one bearing body is typically formed from a dimensionally stable or rigid material or a dimensionally stable or rigid material structure; the at least one bearing body is therefore typically not reversibly deformable. A suitable material can be, for example, a hard plastic or a metal.

[0019] The at least one clamping body can be arranged or is arranged within the receiving volume delimited by the bearing body side and delimits a receiving volume, which can optionally also be referred to as a second receiving volume, for receiving a conductor element. The at least one clamping body therefore has at least one receiving volume delimited by walls of the at least one clamping body for receiving a conductor element. As will also become apparent below, the at least one clamping body typically has a hollow cylindrical or sleeve-like basic shape. Accordingly, the receiving volume delimited by the clamping body side is typically a cylindrical receiving volume. The dimensions, ie in particular the external dimensions, of the at least one clamping body are adapted to the dimensions, iein particular the internal dimensions of the at least one bearing body are adapted so that the at least one clamping body can be arranged within the receiving volume limited on the bearing body side.

[0020] In contrast to the at least one bearing body, the at least one clamping body is formed from a reversibly elastically deformable material or a reversibly elastically deformable material structure; the at least one clamping body is thus reversibly deformable. A corresponding material can, for example, be or comprise an elastic or flexible plastic or an elastomer.

[0021] Due to its reversibly elastic-deformable properties, the at least one clamping body is thus designed to be volume-variable; the volume of the at least one clamping body and thus also the receiving volume limited by the clamping body can thus be specifically varied. The at least one clamping body can thus be converted by changing its volume into at least one clamped state, in which a clamping force can be exerted on a section of a conductor element arranged in the receiving volume, and into at least one non-clamping state, in which no clamping force can be exerted on a section of a conductor element arranged in the receiving volume. The clamping body volume in the at least one clamped state is typically larger than the clamping body volume in the at least one non-clamping state, resulting in a clamping force acting on the respective conductor element.

[0022] By transferring the at least one clamping body into the at least one clamping state, the respective conductor element is fixed within the receiving volume delimited by the clamping body, such that movements of the conductor element, in particular in the longitudinal and / or circumferential direction, relative to the at least one clamping body are (largely) impossible. In particular, in the at least one clamping state, the respective conductor element is at least partially, in particular almost completely, possibly even completely, circumferentially enclosed by the at least one clamping body in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, resulting in the described clamping or fixing of the conductor element. This enables a largely homogeneous application of force to the respective conductor element, which precludes undesired marks or damage to the respective conductor element.

[0023] By transferring the at least one clamping body into the at least one non-clamping state, the respective conductor element is no longer fixed within the receiving volume limited by the clamping body, so that movements of the conductor element relative to the at least one clamping body are possible. In the at least one non-clamping state, the respective conductor element is no longer circumferentially enclosed by the at least one clamping body in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, so that the respective conductor element is also no longer clamped or fixed.

[0024] By using a variable-volume clamping body, a special clamping concept for clamping a conductor element on demand is realized, which eliminates the disadvantages mentioned in connection with the prior art mentioned above. Overall, this provides an improved device for positioning conductor elements, particularly in connection with connecting the conductor elements to a connecting component.

[0025] The at least one clamping body can be fastened to the at least one bearing body in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner, such that the at least one clamping body and the at least one bearing body are stably connected to one another. Form-fitting and / or force-fitting fastenings can be realized, for example, by clamping, snap-in, tensioning, or screw fastenings. Material-fitting fastenings can be realized, for example, by adhesive or welded fastenings. The at least one clamping body, which, as mentioned, is designed to be reversibly elastically deformable, can thus be glued into the at least one bearing body, for example, such that only the combination of at least one bearing body and the at least one clamping body leads to the described clamping-body-side receiving volume.

[0026] At this point, it should be noted that, in principle, a one-piece or integral design of the at least one clamping body with the at least one bearing body is also conceivable.

[0027] The at least one clamping body has at least one clamping body interior that can be filled with a possibly pressurized fluid - this can include a gas and / or a liquid - wherein the change in the volume of the at least one clamping body can be brought about by filling the at least one clamping body with the fluid. Accordingly, clamping states and non-clamping states of the at least one clamping body can correlate with different filling states of the at least one clamping body interior with a respective fluid. If the at least one clamping body has several, possibly communicating, clamping body interiors, the geometric shape of the at least one clamping body in respective clamping states and, associated with this, the clamping forces acting on the respective conductor element section can be specifically varied by a specific arrangement and / or orientation of the clamping body interiors.

[0028] In order to supply a corresponding fluid into the at least one clamping body interior and / or to discharge it from the at least one clamping body interior, the at least one bearing body and / or the at least one clamping body can have at least one connection interface for connecting a fluid supply device providing the fluid.

[0029] The transfer of the at least one clamping body into the at least one clamping state and / or into the at least one non-clamping state can thus be effected hydraulically or pneumatically. However, other principles can also be considered for transferring the at least one clamping body into the at least one clamping state and / or into the at least one non-clamping state; in this context, reference should be made to mechanical, electromechanical, and / or electrical actuators merely as examples.

[0030] The clamping device can be movably mounted along or around at least one movement axis into a first operating position, which can optionally also be referred to as the first plug-in position, and into at least one further operating position, which can optionally be referred to as a further plug-in position. This ensures that the clamping device can always be aligned and / or positioned as desired relative to a connecting component for a variety of different specific applications. Movements of the clamping device can be realized, for example, by connecting the bearing body and the clamping body to a receiving body mounted in at least one degree of freedom of movement and thus being (movement-)coupled to it.

[0031] A movement axis can basically be a translational or a rotational axis (axis of rotation). Thus, the clamping device can basically be set into a translational movement defined by the translational axis or into a rotational movement defined by the rotational axis (rotary movement or pivoting movement). Combined movements in one or more translational and / or rotational axes are basically also conceivable. By means of a clamping device moved into the first operating position, i.e., as will become apparent below, in particular pivoted, a first (free) end of a respective conductor element can be set, for example, and by means of a clamping device moved into at least one further operating position, i.e., as will become apparent below, in particular pivoted, a second (free) end of the respective conductor element can be set, for example.

[0032] In a specific embodiment, the clamping device can be mounted so as to be rotatable or pivotable about at least one rotational or pivotal axis into a first operating position and into at least one further operating position. The rotational or pivotal axis can be oriented at an angle, in particular at right angles, to a central axis of the clamping device defined, for example, by the longitudinal axis of the at least one bearing body and / or the at least one clamping body. Rotational or pivotal movements of the clamping device can, in principle, occur in any angular range in at least one rotational or pivotal direction.

[0033] In particular, rotational or pivoting movements of the clamping device can occur within an angular range of at least 180°. Starting from the first operating position, the clamping device can thus be transferred into the second operating position, for example, by rotating or pivoting through an angle of at least 180° in a first direction of rotation. Starting from the second operating position, the clamping device can be returned to the first operating position, for example, by rotating or pivoting through an angle of at least 180° in the first or a second direction of rotation. In this way, a conductor element can be inserted from both sides in a simple and practical manner.

[0034] Returning to the geometric-structural design of the at least one bearing body and the at least one clamping body, the following applies: The at least one bearing body can, as mentioned, have a hollow cylinder-like or sleeve-like basic shape which, viewed in cross-section, extends in the circumferential direction over an angular range of at least 180°, in particular of at least 270°, and more particularly of at least 300°. The at least one bearing body can therefore be a longitudinally slotted hollow cylinder or a longitudinally slotted sleeve. This results in a channel-like, elongated geometry of the receiving volume delimited by the bearing body. The longitudinal slits in the bearing body provide the option of removing the clamping body from the receiving volume delimited by the bearing body.

[0035] Likewise, the at least one clamping body can have a hollow cylinder-like or sleeve-like basic shape, which, viewed cross-sectionally, extends in the circumferential direction over an angular range of at least 180°, in particular of at least 270°, more particularly of at least 300°. The at least one clamping body can thus also be a longitudinally slotted hollow cylinder or a longitudinally slotted sleeve. This results in a channel-like, elongated geometry of the receiving volume delimited by the clamping body. The longitudinal slits in the clamping body provide the possibility of removing the respective conductor element from the receiving volume delimited by the clamping body.

[0036] In addition to the clamping device, the device may comprise further functional components, which are described below by way of example: The device may comprise a mounting device formed by one or more mounting device elements for mounting the clamping device. The mounting device may comprise at least one, e.g., flange-like or flange-shaped, fastening interface for attaching a drive device, in particular an (electric)motor drive device, which is configured to generate a drive force that displaces the clamping device in the degree of freedom of movement or at least one degree of freedom of movement.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the device can have at least one conveyor device formed by one or more conveyor device elements for conveying at least one conductor element into the clamping device and / or out of the clamping device. The conveyor device can have at least one drive device, in particular an (electric)motor drive device, which is designed to generate a conveying force conveying a respective conductor element into the clamping device and / or out of the clamping device. If the device has multiple conveyor devices, a first conveyor device can be arranged upstream of a separating device described below for separating a continuous conductor into discrete conductor elements, and a second conveyor device can be arranged or designed downstream of the separating device.

[0038] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the device can have at least one separating device formed by one or more, e.g., blade-like or -shaped, separating elements for separating a continuous conductor into discrete conductor elements. Alternatively or additionally, the separating device can also be configured to at least partially separate the insulation of a conductor element. The separating device can have at least one drive device, in particular an (electric)motor drive, which is configured to generate a separating force that sets a respective separating element in a separating movement. The separating device can be arranged or configured, in particular, connected between the clamping device and the conveying device.

[0039] If present, at least two of the aforementioned devices, i.e., the clamping device and / or the separating device and / or the conveying device, can form an assembly that can be handled jointly by means of at least one manipulator device. The assembly typically has an output channel formed by respective channel-like sections of the clamping device, separating device, and conveying device, in particular by an aligned arrangement of these, via which a conductor element can be moved through the assembly. In the case of the clamping device, corresponding channel-like sections are formed by the receiving volume delimited on the clamping body side.

[0040] The assembly typically comprises at least one coupling interface via which the assembly can be coupled to a corresponding manipulator device. The coupling interface can be arranged or formed on at least one device forming a component of the assembly, i.e. in particular the clamping device and / or the separating device and / or the conveying device, and can enable, for example, a mechanical coupling of the assembly to the at least one manipulator device. A mechanical coupling can specifically be implemented, for example, by a screw connection; a corresponding coupling interface can therefore be designed, for example, as a screw connection interface or at least comprise such a connection. A corresponding manipulator device can, for example, be designed, for example, as a component of an industrial robot or comprise such a robot.

[0041] All of the aforementioned drive devices can be assigned at least one hardware and / or software-implemented control device, via which control information can be generated to control the operation of the respective drive devices. Corresponding control information can determine continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous operation of the respective drive devices.

[0042] The device can comprise several clamping devices, which differ in the geometric and structural properties of the respective bearing bodies and / or clamping bodies, so that the best-fitting clamping device can always be used with regard to the dimensions of a conductor element to be installed. This means that each clamping device can be designed as an interchangeable clamping device module, which can, for example, be connected to the other components of a corresponding assembly as needed.

[0043] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for setting conductor elements, in particular in connection with connecting the conductor elements to a connection component, by means of a device according to the first aspect of the invention. The method comprises at least the steps of: transferring the at least one clamping body into at least one clamping state in which a clamping force can be exerted on a section of a conductor element arranged in the receiving volume, in particular before and during the insertion of the conductor element into a connection or contact opening of a connection component, and / or transferring the at least one clamping body into at least one non-clamping state in which no clamping force can be exerted on a section of a conductor element arranged in the clamping body volume, in particular after the insertion of the conductor element into a connection or contact opening of a connection component.The clamping device can be moved in at least one degree of freedom within the scope of the method. Alternatively or additionally, the device can be moved in at least one degree of freedom within the scope of the method, in particular by coupling it to a manipulator device, in order to move a free end of a conductor element protruding from the clamping device into an orientation and / or position relative to a connection or contact opening that is suitable for a setting process.

[0044] The invention is described again below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 - 3 a schematic diagram of a device for setting conductor elements according to an embodiment; and Fig. 4 a schematic diagram of a device for setting conductor elements arranged on a manipulator device according to an embodiment.

[0045] The Fig. 1 - 3 show a schematic diagram of a device 1 for setting conductor elements 2 according to an embodiment in a side view ( Fig. 1 ) and two perspective views ( Fig. 2 , 3 ).

[0046] The device 1 is designed for setting conductor elements 2, such as wires, cables, etc., in particular in connection with connecting the conductor elements to a connection component (not shown), such as an electrical connection component, such as a spring-loaded terminal.

[0047] The device 1, which may also be referred to as a dispensing device for dispensing conductor elements to be placed, comprises a clamping device 3, which is configured for the on-demand or temporary clamping of at least one conductor element 2 to be placed by means of the device 1. On-demand or temporary clamping of a conductor element 2 can generally also be understood as the on-demand or temporary fixing of a conductor element 2; the clamping device 3 can therefore generally also be understood as a fixing device.

[0048] From the figure it can be seen that the clamping device 3 is formed by a bearing body 4 and a clamping body 5 or comprises a bearing body 4 and a clamping body 5.

[0049] The figure also shows that the bearing body 4 defines a receiving volume 4.1, which may also be referred to as the first receiving volume, for receiving the clamping body 5. The bearing body 4 thus has a receiving volume 4.1 delimited by walls for receiving the clamping body 5. The clamping body 5 can be arranged or is arranged within the receiving volume 4.1 delimited by the bearing body side.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiments, the bearing body 4 has a longitudinally slotted, hollow-cylindrical or sleeve-like basic shape. Accordingly, the receiving volume 4.1 defined on the bearing body side is a cylindrical receiving volume. As can be seen, the bearing body 4, viewed cross-sectionally in the exemplary embodiments, extends in the circumferential direction at least over an angular range of at least 270°. From the longitudinally slotted hollow-cylindrical or sleeve-like basic shape,

[0051] The sleeve geometry results in a channel-like, elongated geometry of the receiving volume 4.1 limited on the bearing body side. The longitudinal slit of the bearing body 4 provides the possibility of removing the clamping body 5 from the receiving volume 4.1 limited on the bearing body side.

[0052] In the exemplary embodiments, the bearing body 4 is formed from a dimensionally stable or rigid material or a dimensionally stable or rigid material structure; the bearing body 4 is therefore typically not reversibly deformable. A suitable material can be, for example, a hard plastic or a metal.

[0053] The figure also shows that the clamping body 5 defines a receiving volume 5.1, which may also be referred to as a second receiving volume, for receiving a conductor element 2. The clamping body 5 thus has at least one receiving volume 5.2 defined by walls for receiving a conductor element 2.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiments, the clamping body 5 also has a longitudinally slotted, hollow cylindrical or sleeve-like basic shape. Accordingly, the receiving volume 5.1 delimited on the clamping body side is a cylindrical receiving volume. The dimensions, i.e. in particular the external dimensions, of the clamping body 5 are adapted to the dimensions, i.e. in particular the internal dimensions, of the bearing body 4, so that the clamping body 5 can be arranged within the receiving volume 4.1 delimited on the bearing body side. As can be seen, in the exemplary embodiments, the bearing body 5, viewed in cross-section, also extends in the circumferential direction at least over an angular range of at least 270°. The longitudinally slotted hollow cylindrical or sleeve geometry also results in a channel-like, elongated geometry of the receiving volume 5.1 delimited on the clamping body side.The longitudinal slit of the clamping body 5 provides the possibility of removing the conductor element 2 from the receiving volume 5.1 limited on the clamping body side.

[0055] In contrast to the bearing body 4, the clamping body 5 in the exemplary embodiments is formed from a reversibly elastically deformable material or a reversibly elastically deformable material structure; the clamping body 5 is thus reversibly deformable. A corresponding material can, for example, be or comprise an elastic or flexible plastic or an elastomer.

[0056] Due to its reversibly elastic-deformable properties, the clamping body 5 is designed to be volume-variable; the volume of the clamping body 5, and thus also the receiving volume 5.1 defined by the clamping body, can thus be specifically varied. By changing its volume, the clamping body 5 can thus be converted into at least one clamped state, in which a clamping force can be exerted on a section of a conductor element 2 arranged in the receiving volume 5.1, and into at least one non-clamping state, in which no clamping force can be exerted on a section of a conductor element 2 arranged in the receiving volume 5.1. The clamping body volume in the at least one clamped state is typically larger than the clamping body volume in the at least one non-clamping state, resulting in a clamping force acting on the respective conductor element 2.

[0057] Such as the Fig. 1 - 3 show, the conductor element 2 is fixed by the transfer of the clamping body 5 into the at least one clamping state within the receiving volume 5.1 delimited on the clamping body side, so that movements of the conductor element 2, in particular in the longitudinal and / or circumferential direction, relative to the clamping body 5 are (largely) impossible. In particular, the respective conductor element 2 in the at least one clamping state is at least partially, in particular almost completely, possibly even completely, circumferentially enclosed by the clamping body 5 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, resulting in the described clamping or fixing of the conductor element 2. This enables a largely homogeneous application of force to the respective conductor element 2, which rules out undesired marks or damage to the respective conductor element 2.

[0058] By transferring the clamping body 5 into the at least one non-clamping state, the conductor element 2 is no longer fixed within the receiving volume 5.1 delimited by the clamping body, so that movements of the conductor element 2 relative to the clamping body 5 are possible. In the at least one non-clamping state, the conductor element 2 is therefore no longer circumferentially enclosed by the clamping body 5 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, so that the respective conductor element 2 is also no longer clamped or fixed.

[0059] The clamping body 5 can be fastened to the bearing body 4 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner, so that the clamping body 5 and the bearing body 4 are stably connected to one another. Form-fitting and / or force-fitting fastenings can be realized, for example, by clamping, snap-in, tensioning, or screw fastenings. Material-fitting fastenings can be realized, for example, by adhesive or welded fastenings. The clamping body 5, which, as mentioned, is designed to be reversibly elastically deformable, can thus be glued into the bearing body 4, for example, so that only the combination leads to the described clamping-body-side receiving volume 5.1.

[0060] At this point it should be noted that in principle a one-piece or integral design of the clamping body 5 with the bearing body 4 is also conceivable.

[0061] The clamping body 5 has at least one clamping body interior (not labeled) that can be filled with a fluid, optionally pressurized—this fluid can be a gas and / or a liquid. The change in the volume of the clamping body 5 can be brought about by filling the clamping body 5 with the fluid. Accordingly, clamping states and non-clamping states can correlate with different filling states of the at least one clamping body interior with a respective fluid. If the clamping body 5 has several, optionally communicating, clamping body interiors, the geometric shape of the clamping body 5 in respective clamping states and, associated with this, the clamping forces acting on the respective conductor element section can be specifically varied by a specific arrangement and / or orientation of the clamping body interiors.

[0062] In order to supply a corresponding fluid into the at least one clamping body interior and / or to discharge it from the at least one clamping body interior, the bearing body 4 and / or the clamping body 5 has at least one connection interface 4.2, 5.2 for connecting a fluid supply device (not shown) providing the fluid.

[0063] The transfer of the clamping body 5 into the respective clamping and non-clamping states can thus be achieved hydraulically or pneumatically, as shown in the exemplary embodiments. However, other principles are also generally possible; in this context, reference should be made to mechanical, electromechanical, and / or electrical actuators as examples.

[0064] The clamping device 3 can be moved along or around at least one movement axis into a first operating position (cf. Fig. 1 , 2) and into at least one further operating position, which may be designated as a further plug-in position (cf. Fig. 3 ) be movably mounted. Movements of the clamping device 3 are realized in the exemplary embodiments by connecting the bearing body 4 and the clamping body 5 to a receiving body 15 mounted in at least one degree of freedom of movement and thus being (movement-)coupled thereto.

[0065] Based on the Fig. 1 - 3 It is therefore evident that the clamping device 3 in the exemplary embodiments is mounted so as to be rotatable or pivotable about a rotation or pivot axis A1 into a corresponding first operating position and into a second operating position. The rotation or pivot axis A1 is, for example, oriented at right angles to a central axis of the clamping device 3, which is defined, for example, by the longitudinal axis of the bearing body 4 and / or the clamping body 5. Rotation or pivoting movements of the clamping device 3 can - as indicated by the double arrow P1 - basically take place in at least one rotation or pivot direction in any angular range. Specifically, the Fig. 1 -3 that rotational or pivoting movements of the clamping device 3 can take place in an angular range of at least 180°. Based on the Fig. 1 , 2The clamping device 3 can then be rotated or pivoted by an angle of at least 180° in a first direction of rotation into the position shown in Fig. 3 The clamping device 3 can be transferred from the second operating position shown. Starting from the second operating position, the clamping device 3 can be returned to the first operating position by rotating or pivoting it through an angle of at least 180° in the first or a second direction of rotation. In this way, a conductor element can be inserted on both sides in a simple and practical manner.

[0066] The figure shows that the device 1 can have further functional components in addition to the clamping device 3, which are described below by way of example: The device 1 can have a holding device 6 formed by one or more holding device elements for holding the clamping device 3. The holding device 6 can have at least one, e.g. flange-like or -shaped, fastening interface for fastening a, in particular (electric)motor-driven, drive device 7, which is designed to generate a drive force that displaces the clamping device 3 in the or at least one degree of freedom of movement.

[0067] Furthermore, the device 1 can have a conveying device 8 formed by one or more conveying device elements for conveying a conductor element 2 into the clamping device 3 and / or out of the clamping device 3. The conveying device 8 can have at least one, in particular (electric)motor-driven, drive device 9, which is configured to generate a conveying force conveying a respective conductor element 2 into the clamping device 3 and / or out of the clamping device 3. Fig. 1 shows purely by way of example that 8 roller-like conveying elements (not designated) can be arranged within the conveying device.

[0068] Furthermore, the device 1 can be a cutting element (in Fig. 1 shown as an example in dashed lines) formed separating device 10 - this is only in Fig. 1 indicated - for separating a continuous conductor into discrete conductor elements 2. Alternatively or additionally, the separating device 10 may also be configured for at least partially separating the insulation of a conductor element 2. The separating device 10 may have at least one drive device (not shown), in particular an (electric) motor drive device, which is configured to generate a separating force that sets a respective separating element in a separating movement. As can be seen, the separating device 10 may be arranged or configured, for example, between the clamping device 3 and the conveying device 8.

[0069] In particular, based on Fig. 4 It can be seen that at least the clamping device 3 and the conveying device 8 can form an assembly 12 that can be handled jointly by means of a manipulator device 11, which, for example, forms a component of an industrial robot. The assembly 12 typically has an output channel (not designated) formed by respective channel-like sections of the clamping device 3 and the conveying device 8, in particular by an aligned arrangement of these, over which a conductor element 2 can be moved by the assembly 12. In the case of the clamping device 3, corresponding channel-like sections are formed by the receiving volume 5.1 delimited on the clamping body side.

[0070] The assembly 12 typically comprises a coupling interface 13, via which the assembly 12 can be coupled to a corresponding manipulator device 11. In the exemplary embodiment, the coupling interface 13 is designed, for example, in a flange-like or flange-shaped manner and is arranged or formed on the conveyor device 8 and enables a mechanical coupling of the assembly 12 to the manipulator device 11. A mechanical coupling can be realized, for example, by a screw connection; a corresponding coupling interface 13 can therefore comprise, for example, a screw connection interface.

[0071] All of the aforementioned drive devices 7, 9 can be assigned a hardware and / or software-implemented control device (not shown), via which control information can be generated to control the operation of the respective drive devices 7, 9. Corresponding control information can require continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous operation of the respective drive devices 7, 9.

[0072] Finally, the figures show an optional support body 14, which has a support contour (not labeled) adapted to the outer geometry of the respective conductor element 2. As can be seen, the support body 14 can optionally have a stop surface 14.1 for the clamping device 3, i.e., in particular, the receiving body 15 receiving the bearing body 4 and the clamping body 5, which can stabilize the receiving body 15 and thus the bearing body 4 and the clamping bodies 5 in at least one operating position.

[0073] Although not shown in the figures, the device 1 can comprise a plurality of clamping devices 3, which differ in the geometric-structural properties of the respective bearing bodies 4 and / or clamping bodies 5, so that, with regard to the dimensions of a conductor element 2 to be installed, a clamping device 3 that best fits the dimensions can always be used. This means that each clamping device 3 can be designed as an exchangeable clamping device module, which can, for example, be connected to the other components of a corresponding assembly 12 as needed.

[0074] By means of the device 1, a method for setting conductor elements 2, in particular in connection with connecting the conductor elements to a connection component, can be implemented. The method comprises at least the steps of: transferring the clamping body 5 into at least one clamped state in which a clamping force can be exerted on a section of a conductor element 2 arranged in the receiving volume 5.1, in particular before and during the insertion of the conductor element 2 into a connection or contact opening of a connection component, and / or transferring the clamping body 5 into at least one non-clamping state in which no clamping force can be exerted on a section of a conductor element 2 arranged in the clamping body volume 5.1, in particular after the insertion of the conductor element 2 into a connection or contact opening of a connection component. The clamping device 3 can be moved in at least one degree of freedom of movement within the scope of the method.In addition, the device 1 can be moved in at least one degree of freedom of movement within the scope of the method, in particular by coupling with the manipulator device 11, in order to bring a free end of a conductor element 2 projecting from the clamping device 3 into an orientation and / or position relative to a connection or contact opening that is suitable for a setting process. BEZUGSZEICHENLISTE

[0075] 1Device 2Conductor element 3Clamping device 4Bearing body 4.1Receiving volume 4.2Connection interface 5Clamping body 5.1Receiving volume 5.2Connection interface 6Holding device 7Drive device 8Conveyor device 9Drive device 10Separating device 11Manipulator device 12Assembly 13Coupling interface 14Support body 14.1Stop surface 15Receiving body

Claims

1. Device (1) for setting conductor elements (2), in particular in connection with connecting the conductor elements (2) to a connection component, comprising: at least one clamping device (3) for clamping at least one conductor element (2) to be set by means of the device (1) as required, wherein the clamping device (3) comprises at least one bearing body (4) defining a receiving volume (4.1) for receiving a clamping body (5) and a volume-variable clamping body (5) arranged within the receiving volume (4.1) delimited by the bearing body and delimiting a receiving volume (5.1) for receiving a conductor element (2), which clamping body (5) can be brought into at least one clamping state, in which a clamping force can be exerted on a section of a conductor element (2) arranged in the receiving volume (5.1) and into at least one non-clamping state in which no clamping force can be exerted on a section of a conductor element (2) arranged in the receiving volume (5.1), wherein the at least one clamping body (5), in contrast to the at least one bearing body (4), is formed from a reversibly elastically deformable material or a reversibly elastically deformable material structure, and the at least one clamping body (5) is therefore reversibly deformable; and the at least one clamping body (5) has at least one clamping body interior that can be filled with a fluid, which may be pressurised, whereby the change in volume of the at least one clamping body (5) can be brought about by filling the at least one clamping body interior with the fluid.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one bearing body (4) and / or the at least one clamping body (5) has at least one connection interface (4.2, 5.2) for connecting a fluid supplying the fluid.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping device (3) is movable by at least one axis of motion, in particular pivot axis, in a first operating position and in at least one further operating position, in particular pivotable, is mounted.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one bearing body (4) has a hollow cylinder-like basic shape, which extends cross-sectionally in the circumferential direction at least by an angular range of at least 180°, in particular of at least 270°, further in particular of at least 300°.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clamping body (5) has a hollow cylinder-like basic shape, which extends cross-sectionally in the circumferential direction at least by an angular range of at least 180°, in particular of at least 270°, further in particular of at least 300°.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a retaining device (6) for holding the clamping device (3), wherein the retaining device (6) a fastening interface for fastening a drive device (7) for generating a the clamping device (3) in the or at least a degree of freedom of movement shifting drive force is arranged.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a conveying device (8) for conveying at least one conductor element (2) into the clamping device (3) and / or out of the clamping device (3).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a separating device (10) for separating a continuous conductor into discrete conductor elements (2), wherein the separating device (10) is arranged or designed to be connected in particular between the clamping device (3) and the conveyor device (8).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the clamping device (3) and / or the separating device (10) and / or the conveying device (8) form a jointly by means of a manipulator device (11) manageable assembly (12).

10. Method for setting conductor elements (2), in particular in connection with connecting the conductor elements (2) to a connecting component, by means of a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: transferring the at least one clamping body (5) to at least one clamping state, in which a clamping force is exercisable on a portion of a conductor element (2) arranged in the receiving volume (5.1), in particular before and during the insertion of the conductor element (2) into a connection or contact opening of a connection component, and / or transferring of the at least one clamping body (5) to at least one non-clamping state, in which no clamping force is exercisable on a portion of a conductor element (2) arranged in the clamping body volume (5.1), in particular after inserting the conductor element (2) into a connection or contact opening of a connection component.