METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ALIGNING A MULTI-PIRED THREAD-SHAPED MATERIAL

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for aligning a multi-stranded, thread-like material, in particular a multi-stranded cable, and to a device for carrying out such a method. State of the art

[0002] In cable assembly, a problem arises with multi-core cables: the orientation of the conductors after insertion into an assembly machine often does not correspond to the desired alignment. Generally, a horizontal orientation of the conductors with a defined position of the individual conductors is preferred. This orientation requires rotating the cable, and the angle of rotation can vary from cable to cable.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2019 122 706 A1 relates to an assembly device for the automated assembly and insertion of a cable into a connector. The assembly device comprises a first manipulator unit and a second manipulator unit, each designed to grip and guide the cable. An optical detection device is provided, designed to determine the position and orientation of the cable, wherein the first manipulator unit is designed to pre-position the cable and the second manipulator unit is designed to align and insert the pre-positioned cable.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2019 119 660 A1 relates to a method for assembling an electrical cable with one or more inner conductors, wherein the electrical cable has a first cable end and a second cable end. A control unit determines an actual and a target orientation of a connector component of a second connector mounted on the second cable end and / or an actual and a target orientation of the inner conductors of the first cable end, wherein the first cable end is aligned to match the actual orientation to the target orientation. The aligned first cable end is fixed to a workpiece carrier.

[0005] German patent application DE 44 00 444 A1 relates to a method and a device for inserting terminals with wires into terminal sockets. In the method, the terminal with the wire is gripped by terminal holding arms and wire holding arms; a spreading device is moved in one direction such that it pushes aside the wires of terminals already housed in adjacent terminal sockets, the spreading device being arranged between the terminal sockets and the terminal holding arms for backward and forward movement; and the wire holding arms and the terminal holding arms are moved toward the connector housing to insert the terminal with the wire into the terminal socket.

[0006] In the prior art, when processing a cable from both ends, both cable ends are clamped. For processing, the cable ends usually point in the same direction, which necessitates a 180° bend in the cable. The tighter the bend, i.e., the smaller the bending radius of the cable, the greater the compression or elongation in the bending area. The higher the stiffness of the cable, the greater the effect of the bending radius on the section modulus when the cable is rotated.

[0007] In practice, the cable ends are usually positioned as close together as possible and only as far apart as necessary to avoid unnecessarily increasing the system length and to save cycle time. With very stiff cables, current technology may prevent the cable from being processed or rotated. Description of the invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device that enable simplified alignment of a multi-core cable.

[0009] The aforementioned problem is solved by a method for aligning a multi-stranded, thread-like material according to claim 1, and by a device for carrying out a method for aligning a multi-stranded, thread-like material according to claim 13. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0010] In particular, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a method for aligning a multi-stranded, thread-like material, comprising the following steps: fixing a first end of the thread-like material with a first fixing device and fixing a second end of the thread-like material with a second fixing device, aligning the first and second fixing devices so that the thread-like material forms a loop between the first and second ends of the thread-like material, the loop having a first radius, performing a relative movement of the first and / or second fixing device so that the first radius is increased to a second radius, and rotating the first end by means of the first fixing device and / or the second end by means of the second fixing device so that the strands of the thread-like material are given a certain orientation.

[0011] As described in the prior art, the ends of a conductor or material are typically as close together as possible and only as far apart as necessary. In practice, the conductor forms a loop with a first radius, depending on its length, stiffness, and the distance between its ends. The inventors recognized that this arrangement, particularly the first radius of the loop, often conflicts with the effective and easy rotation of the material or conductor. Depending on the length of the material or conductor and / or its bending stiffness, a larger loop radius reduces the torque / section modulus required to align the ends of the multi-core material or conductor. Consequently, lower torque reduces the likelihood of mechanical damage to the conductor and the required mechanical effort, i.e., energy.This allows for high-quality processing and reduces costs.

[0012] Preferably, the alignment step includes aligning the first and second ends of the thread-like material in the same direction at a first distance from each other.

[0013] Preferably, the step of performing a relative movement of the first and / or second fixing device includes increasing the first distance to a second distance and / or aligning the first and second fixing devices transversely to each other. "Transversely" means that the first and second fixing devices (21, 22) are not aligned parallel. Increasing the first distance allows for a simple increase in the first radius. Particularly on linear transfer systems without rotatable material carriers or fixing devices, increasing the first distance can be easily implemented and leads to an increase in the first radius.

[0014] Preferably, the rotation step involves rotating the first or second end into its specified orientation and simultaneously rotating the corresponding second or first end. Then, the second or first end, which was rotated along with the first end, is rotated alone into its specified orientation. Rotating the corresponding end reduces or limits the cable's torsion. The cable's torsion can be limited to a maximum of 180 degrees. The lower the torsion, the better for the cable's quality. Ideally, the torsion can be kept to zero during the rotation. Only the subsequent, potentially subsequent, individual rotation of the rotated end into its specified orientation can then lead to torsion. In this case, however, the torsion is also limited to a maximum of 180 degrees. A cable torsion of up to 360 degrees is impossible.

[0015] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of performing a relative movement of the first and / or second fixing device, such that the second radius is reduced to the first radius or a third radius. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of performing a relative movement of the first and / or second fixing device, such that the second distance is reduced to the first distance or a third distance. Reducing the radius and / or distance allows for space-saving further processing of the material or cable, for example, in cable assembly. The thread-like material does not need to assume its original first orientation if a different third distance or third radius is more advantageous for further material or cable handling.

[0016] Preferably, the first spacing ranges from 40 to 90 mm, more preferably from 50 to 80 mm, and most preferably from 65 to 75 mm. These spacings offer a good compromise in cable assembly between the system length and optimal processing of the cable ends.

[0017] Preferably, the second spacing is at least 1.2 times, more preferably at least 1.5 times, and most preferably at least twice the first spacing. A larger spacing reduces the torque required to rotate a material or a conductor. The higher the bending stiffness of a material and / or the greater the length of the material or conductor, the larger the spacing should be to facilitate rotation. The decisive factor is the smallest bending radius of the conductor, which predominantly generates the section modulus.

[0018] Preferably, the first and second ends are rotated simultaneously and in the same direction. Rotating both ends at the same time facilitates the process and speeds up the alignment.

[0019] Preferably, the thread-like material has at least two conductors, and the specified orientation includes a horizontal alignment of the at least two conductors, such that the at least two conductors at the first and second ends of the thread-like material lie on a straight line. The alignment of all conductors at both ends of the material or conductor on a straight line enables simpler and better further processing of the material or conductor.

[0020] Preferably, the thread-like material comprises a non-coiled conductor. One end of the thread-like material can be designated as the leading end during rotation. In a non-coiled conductor, the rotation of the leading end directly affects the other end, causing it to rotate to the same degree. This at least reduces or limits any torsion of the conductor that could negatively impact its performance.

[0021] Preferably, the relative movement comprises a movement of the first fixing device or a movement of the second fixing device or a movement of the first and second fixing devices.

[0022] Preferably, the rotation about the central axis of the material or conductor and the alignment of the conductors with respect to the central axis are performed at the first and / or second end. Preferably, the rotation is less than 360 degrees, more preferably less than 180 degrees, and most preferably less than 135 degrees. The angle of rotation is determined by the distance to a reference plane. The reference plane can be vertical, horizontal, or inclined.

[0023] The above-mentioned problem is further solved in particular by a device for carrying out a method for aligning a multi-stranded thread-like material.

[0024] The first and second fixing devices are separate, and each can be moved independently. The first and second fixing devices can be attached to a common base but remain independently movable. In particular, moving the first and second fixing devices simultaneously can reduce the time required to change the distance, while moving only one fixing device can reduce the complexity of the device.

[0025] The following description of embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an arrangement of a thread-like material in which a first and a second end of the material are arranged at a first distance from each other; Fig. 2 the representation from Fig. 1, in which the first and second ends are arranged at a second distance from each other; Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of the plane AA from Fig. 1 , in which the strands of the material or the conductor are arbitrarily aligned with respect to the central axis; and Fig. 4 the representation from Fig. 3 , in which all veins are aligned along a straight line after alignment.

[0026] Preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0027] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an arrangement of a conductor 1 with a first end 11 in a first fixing device 21 and a second end 12 in a second fixing device 22. The first and second ends 11, 12 do not necessarily have to be arranged with their cutting edge (plane AA) in the respective first or second fixing device 21, 22. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2As shown, the cut edge of the first and second conductor ends 11, 12 can be at a distance from the first and second fixing devices 21, 22, respectively, as long as the conductor ends 11, 12 are reliably held and aligned by the first and second fixing devices 21, 22. The conductor 1 can have a low or high bending stiffness. The length of the conductor 1 preferably comprises a range of 0.2–2 m, more preferably a range of 0.3–1.8 m, and most preferably a range of 0.4–1.5 m. Fig. 1 The cable is in a starting position. In this position, both ends 11 and 12 point in the same direction X, so that the cable 1 forms a bending section or loop 14. Assuming an idealized circular shape, the loop 14 has a first (bend) radius R1. In practice, the first radius R1 is more likely a circular segment at the maximum distance from the center point of the loop 14.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second fixing devices 21, 22 are separate and can be moved independently of each other. The first and second fixing devices 21, 22 include means for fixing a conductor. In particular, the two fixing devices 21, 22 can include gripping, clamping, suction, and / or holding devices, wherein the fixing devices 21, 22 are movable in one or more dimensions. The fixing devices 21, 22 are rotatably mounted. In one embodiment, the two fixing devices 21, 22 can be easily angled so that the first radius R1 is increased. In a preferred embodiment, the two fixing devices 21, 22 each include a workpiece carrier with at least one clamping device that is displaceable along a linear transfer system.

[0029] In the Fig. 1In the illustrated initial position, the first distance L1 between the first and second ends 11, 12 is approximately 70 mm. This distance is optimal for assembling the cable 1. In other embodiments, different first distances L1 may be provided.

[0030] An embodiment of the method for aligning a multi-stranded, thread-like material 1 is described below with reference to the Figures 1 - 4 The described process involves the thread-like material 1 comprising, in this embodiment, a non-coiled conductor. Non-coiled means that the conductor 1 is not wound up, but rather comprises an exposed loop 14. The method comprises the following steps.

[0031] First, the first end 11 of the cable 1 is secured with a first fixing device 21, and the second end 12 of the cable 1 is secured with a second fixing device 22. This securing can be done manually, for example, by personnel positioning and securing the two cable ends 11, 12 in the first and second fixing devices 21, 22. Alternatively, the securing can be automated, for example, by a manipulator. In a preferred embodiment, the two cable ends 11, 12 are clamped in the first and second fixing devices 21, 22. The clamping is temporary and can be released.

[0032] The first and second fixing devices 21, 22 are then aligned so that the first and second ends 11, 12 of the cable 1 are aligned in the same direction X at a first distance L1 from each other. The resulting loop 14 has a first radius R1. The cable 1 is now in its starting position (for rotating the cable).

[0033] Before the line 1 is rotated, the first and / or the second fixing device 21, 22 perform a relative movement, so that the first radius R1 is increased to a second radius R2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first distance L1 is thereby increased to the second distance L2 (see Fig. 2The second distance L2 increases the second (bending) radius R2 of the loop 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ends of the cable 11, 12 remain aligned in the same direction X. The relative movement can include movement of the first clamping device 21, movement of the second clamping device 22, or movement of both the first and second clamping devices 21, 22. In the preferred embodiment described above, one or both workpiece carriers are moved away from each other along the linear transfer system. The first distance L1 covers a range of 40–90 mm, preferably 50–80 mm, and most preferably 65–75 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the first distance L1 is 70 mm. The second distance L2 is arbitrarily selectable and, in practice, depends on the cable length and a maximum process width.In preferred embodiments, the second distance L2 corresponds to at least 1.2 times, preferably at least 1.5 times, and most preferably at least 2 times the first distance L1. In an alternative embodiment, the workpiece carriers can be rotated relative to each other so that the two ends 11, 12 retain their first distance L1, but the two fixing devices 21, 22 are positioned transversely or obliquely to each other, thereby increasing the first radius R1 to the second radius R2.

[0034] When the second radius R2 is formed at the loop 14, the first end 11 is rotated by means of the first fixing device 21 and / or the second end 12 by means of the second fixing device 22, so that the conductors 31, 32 of the cable 1 are given a specific orientation. The rotation takes place about the central axis M of the cable 1 at one or each end 11, 12. Due to the larger second radius R2, the rotational resistance is reduced, especially in cables 1 with high flexural stiffness. The lower rotational resistance makes it easier to rotate a cable 1, or even allows cables 1 with high flexural stiffness to be rotated at all. Rotating a cable 1 also means that, after rotation, the cable 1 does not spring back due to its flexural stiffness, as can occur in prior art. Furthermore, it is crucial that a cable 1 can be rotated without damage.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second ends 11, 12 are rotated simultaneously and in the same direction of rotation D (see Fig. 3The rotation depends on the initial position of the different conductors 31, 32 of the cable 1. The angle of rotation can differ at the first and second ends 11, 12. Simultaneous rotation means that the start of a rotation occurs simultaneously, with the duration of the rotation varying depending on the angle of rotation. In an alternative embodiment, instead of the duration of the rotation, the rotational speed at the first and second fixing devices 21, 22 can differ, so that the rotational movements at the first and second cable ends 11, 12 start and end at the same time. In a preferred embodiment, the cable 1 has at least two conductors 31, 32, and the specified orientation includes a horizontal alignment of the at least two conductors 31, 32, such that the at least two conductors 31, 32 at the first and second ends 11, 12 of the cable 1 lie on a straight line G, which in this embodiment is the reference plane for both ends 11, 12 (see Fig. 4 The orientation of the conductors 31, 32, however, depends on subsequent processes. If an identical connector is assembled at both ends 11, 12, the same orientation is required. If different connectors are assembled at the first and second ends 11, 12, different orientations of the conductors 31, 32 at the first and second ends 11, 12, or different reference planes, may be required. The different orientations at the first and second ends 11, 12 are (also) possible with the present method and / or the corresponding device.

[0036] After rotation, the process can further include the step of performing a relative movement of the first and / or second fixing device 21, 22, such that the second radius R2 is reduced to the first radius R1 or a third radius R3, or, if the distance is varied, to a third distance L3. The third radius R3 can be selected in accordance with subsequent process steps, since the assembly of the cable 1 may include further processing steps of one or both ends 11, 12. In a preferred embodiment, the third distance L3 covers a range of 40–90 mm, more preferably 50–80 mm, and most preferably 65–75 mm. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0037] 1. Conduit 11. First end 12. Second end 14. Loop 21. First fixing device 22. Second fixing device 31, 32. Wires A-A. Section plane D. Direction of rotation G. Straight L1. First distance L2. Second distance L3. Third distance M. Center axis R1. First radius R2. Second radius R3. Third radius X. Direction

Claims

1. Method for aligning a multi-core thread-like material (1), comprising the following steps: a) fixing a first end (11) of the thread-like material (1) with a first fixing device (21) and fixing a second end (12) of the thread-like material (1) with a second fixing device (22); b) subsequently orienting the first and second fixing device (21, 22), such that the thread-like material (1) forms a loop (14) between the first and the second end (11, 12) of the thread-like material (1), wherein the loop (14) has a first radius (R1); c) performing a relative movement of the first and / or second fixing device (21, 22), such that the first radius (R1) is increased to a second radius (R2); and, d) when the second radius (R2) is formed on the loop (14), turning the first end (11) by means of the first fixing device (21) and / or the second end (12) by means of the second fixing device (22), such that the cores (31, 32) of the thread-like material (1) are given a certain orientation.

2. Method according to Claim 1, in which the step of aligning comprises that the first and the second end (11, 12) of the thread-like material (1) are oriented in the same direction (X) at a first distance (L1) from each other.

3. Method according to Claim 2, in which the step of performing a relative movement of the first and / or second fixing device (21, 22) comprises that the first distance (L1) is increased to a second distance (L2).

4. Method according to Claim 2 or 3, in which the step of performing a relative movement of the first and / or second fixing device (21, 22) comprises that the two ends (11, 12) maintain their first distance (L1), but the two fixing devices (21, 22) lie transversely or obliquely with respect to each other and, as a result, increase the first radius (R1) to the second radius (R2).

5. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the step of turning comprises that the first or the second end (11, 12) is turned into its intended orientation and the corresponding second or first end (12, 11) is also turned, and subsequently the second or first end (12, 11), which was also turned, is turned alone into its intended orientation.

6. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the method further comprises the step: performing a relative movement of the first and / or second fixing device (21, 22), such that the second radius (R2) is reduced to the first radius (R1) or a third radius (R3).

7. Method according to Claim 3 or 4, in which the method further comprises the step: performing a relative movement of the first and / or second fixing device (21, 22), such that the second distance (L2) is reduced to the first distance (L1) or a third distance (L3).

8. Method according to Claim 2, in which the first distance (L1) comprises a range of 40 - 90 mm, preferably of 50 - 80 mm, and most preferably of 65 - 75 mm.

9. Method according to Claim 3 or 4, in which the second distance (L2) corresponds to at least 1.2 times, preferably at least 1.5 times, and most preferably at least 2 times the first distance (L1).

10. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the first and second end (11, 12) are turned simultaneously and in the same direction of rotation (D).

11. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, in which the thread-like material (1) has at least two cores (31, 32), and the intended orientation comprises a horizontal orientation of the at least two cores (31, 32), such that the at least two cores (31, 32) lie at the first and second end (11, 12) of the thread-like material (1) on a straight line (G).

12. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, in which the thread-like material (1) comprises a non-coiled line (1), wherein the line (1) is not wound, but rather comprises an exposed loop (14).

13. Device for carrying out a method for orienting a multi-core thread-like material (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the device comprises at least: a) a first fixing device (21) with means for fixing a first end (11) of the thread-like material (1) and a second fixing device (22) with means for fixing a second end (12) of the thread-like material (1); wherein b) the first and the second fixing device (21, 22) are separate, and the first and the separate second fixing device (21, 22) can be moved independently of each other and are mounted rotatably.