DEVICE FOR FIXING SINGLE CORDS OF MULTI-CORD ELECTRICAL SHEAR CABLES

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for fixing individual conductors of multi-core electrical sheathed cables for a subsequent joining process and a method for joining individual conductors of multi-core electrical sheathed cables using the said device. State of the art

[0002] In high-voltage cable harness manufacturing, one of the tasks is to produce so-called high-voltage connectors. This requires connecting the two individual conductors of shielded high-voltage sheathed cables with geometric precision to the respective other individual conductors of the other sheathed cables and relative to the shielding via two spatially separated, parallel splices. The connection is typically made using ultrasonic strand welding. For this, the individual conductors are fixed and positioned within a so-called "molded cavity"—a rigid block with slots—using a force-fit technique. Currently, several variations of the rigid molded cavity are required to reliably produce all product variants. However, this involves considerable effort and expense. Furthermore, problems arise during the insertion and fixing of the individual conductors, as well as during the removal of the finished connectors, as described below.After insertion, individual wires can slip, leading to insertion errors and tool breakage. Due to the high friction of the typically six to eight connected individual wires within the rigid mold cavity, removal from the cavity is difficult for the operator, requiring considerable force.

[0003] The publication EP 3 376 612 B1 describes a cable processing method for cable harnesses used in aircraft.

[0004] The publication DE 197 06 449 A1 describes a device for the production of partial wire sets for further processing from cut-to-length individual wires. Description of the invention

[0005] One object of the invention is therefore to create a suitable device for the safer insertion and fixing of the individual wires and for the easier removal of the finished connectors after the joining process, for example by means of ultrasonic strand welding, for high-voltage cable harness production.

[0006] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures.

[0007] The inventive solution is based on the idea of ​​using an opening and closing mold cavity instead of a rigid mold cavity with two slots in which two vertically stacked wires are held in place solely by friction. Here, the wires are secured by sliding and tilting jaws and, optionally, a sliding inner web. All of these jaws have two concave contours on their inner surface to accommodate the vertically stacked individual wires. In the open position, the operator can securely fix the wires because the tilting jaws can adapt to different outer diameters and exert a certain preload force via a spring element, while still remaining movable. During the manufacturing process, the preload force can be increased to prevent subsequent shifting of the individual wires.After welding, the preload force can be reduced again and the cables can be removed from the device with less effort.

[0008] The inventive solution enables the correct positioning of multiple individual conductors of varying outer diameters, fixed within sheathed cables, both vertically and axially, and within two cavities relative to each other. Variable clamping forces between the mold cavity elements facilitate insertion and removal. The concave contours in the clamping jaws improve the guidance of the individual conductors during the joining process. After joining, the cables can be removed with reduced effort. Furthermore, the two adjacent cavities allow for the fulfillment of geometric requirements for the individual conductors coupled within sheathed cables, extending beyond the mere longitudinal position of the conductors.

[0009] The inventive solution presented here can be used in the manufacturing of high-voltage distribution boards, such as those used in battery-powered vehicles. The device presented here enables a unique manufacturing process with significantly reduced risks of non-compliance with product specifications, as well as greater process stability with less scrap and downtime. Furthermore, it allows for a significant improvement in working conditions for operators through easier handling, loading, and unloading of the product.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the problem described above is solved by a device for fixing individual conductors of multi-core electrical sheathed cables for a subsequent joining process, wherein the device comprises: two vertically tiltable jaw elements; and an inner element arranged between the two jaw elements. Various embodiments are possible for implementing the variable clamping forces. In one embodiment, the two jaw elements are each displaceable relative to the inner element. In a first tilting position, each jaw element, together with the inner element, forms a receptacle for inserting the individual conductors, and in a second tilting position, it fixes the individual conductors inserted into the receptacle for the subsequent joining process. In another embodiment, the elements are not displaceable relative to each other.Instead, one or more elements on the inner surface have mechanical or pneumatic clamping elements, adjustable in the resulting force, which press the individual wires against the inner wall of the respective opposite clamping element and thus additionally fix them by force.

[0011] These embodiments of the device advantageously enable the simple insertion and fixing of the individual wires and the simple removal of the finished connectors after the joining process and are therefore well suited for the production of wiring harnesses, especially high-voltage cables.

[0012] The variable clamping forces advantageously facilitate insertion and removal. The recesses formed by the jaw elements and the inner element improve the guidance of the individual conductors during the joining process. After joining, the conductors can be removed from the device with reduced effort. Furthermore, the two adjacent recesses allow for the fulfillment of geometric requirements for the individual conductors coupled together in sheathed cables, going beyond simply the longitudinal position of the conductors.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the two jaw elements are additionally mounted so as to be slidable relative to each other and to the inner element. This advantageous slidable and tiltable mounting of the jaw elements results in easier insertion and fixing of the individual wires due to the additional degrees of freedom.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the inner element comprises one or more clamping elements which, during the transition from the first tilting position to the second tilting position of the jaw elements, clamp the individual wires inserted into the receptacle firmly in the receptacle.

[0015] These clamping elements advantageously provide additional fixation of the individual wires in the holder due to their clamping effect. This results in fixation at various points along the individual wires: firstly, at the point of contact with the jaw elements, and secondly, at the point of contact with the clamping elements.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the one or more clamping elements exert a mechanically or pneumatically adjustable force on the individual wires in order to clamp the individual wires firmly in the receptacle.

[0017] This offers the advantage that the force can be flexibly adjusted, allowing variable clamping forces to act on the individual wires, so that the fixation can be optimally adjusted depending on the shape of the wires.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the one or more clamping elements fix the individual wires in the receptacle by means of a force-fit connection.

[0019] This offers the advantage that a force-fit connection can be created.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, a first receptacle is formed by a first jaw element and the inner element, and is designed to receive a respective first single conductor of two or more electrical sheathed cables; and a second receptacle is formed by a second jaw element and the inner element, and is designed to receive a respective second single conductor of the two or more electrical sheathed cables.

[0021] This offers the advantage that the geometric requirements for the individual conductors to be joined, which are guided within sheathed cables, can be efficiently met. In this way, corresponding conductors from different sheathed cables can be positioned next to each other in a suitable manner, fixed, and subsequently joined.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the inner element comprises a symmetrically shaped central web, and the two jaw elements are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central web together with the respective receptacles.

[0023] This offers the advantage that, due to the symmetrical shape, the operator can grasp both jaw elements with one hand and slide them outwards (i.e., into the first position) to insert the wires, and then slide them back together (i.e., into the second position) with the wires inserted. This increases ease of use.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the two jaw elements are each transversely displaceable and rotatable about a respective axis of rotation.

[0025] This achieves the advantage that the two jaw elements have different spatial degrees of freedom, which are advantageous for inserting the wires into the device.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, a corresponding stop is formed on the inner element for each jaw element to limit a rotational movement of the respective jaw element.

[0027] This achieves the advantage that the jaw elements cannot twist and do not have to be laboriously returned to their starting position during the next joining step.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the device comprises two side elements which are movable relative to each other and relative to the inner element, which hold the respective jaw elements and move them from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

[0029] This offers the advantage that the side elements provide a socket or support for the jaw elements, allowing the device to be placed appropriately on a table or workbench.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the device comprises one or more guide rails which are coupled to the inner element and guide the two jaw elements when moving from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

[0031] This achieves the advantage that the movement of the jaw elements in the horizontal direction can be determined by the guide rails, so that the jaw elements, in addition to their rotational movement, only move along this axis and the reception of the individual wires is always shaped the same way in each work step.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the two jaw elements are pre-tensioned in the second position by means of respective spring elements and can be moved into the first position by overcoming a pre-tension force of the respective spring elements. Such spring elements can be coil springs, leaf springs, bending pins, or other elastic elements.

[0033] This achieves the advantage that the device is always initially in a defined position, namely the second, i.e. closed, position.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the two jaw elements are designed to move from the second position to the first position when the individual wires are inserted into the respective receptacles, overcoming the preload force.

[0035] This achieves the advantage that the first, i.e. closed, position is always assumed in the resting state, and as soon as the conductors are inserted, the jaw elements can be moved into the second, i.e. open, position by overcoming the preload force of the spring elements.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, instead of the movableness of the elements, the device comprises one or more actuators on the inside of either the jaws or the inner web with adjustable preload force, wherein the actuators are configured to increase the preload force during the joining process and to decrease the preload force again after the joining process.

[0037] This offers the advantage that the wires can be easily inserted into the device and are securely fixed in place during the joining process. This makes it easy for the operator to insert the wires, and prevents any unintentional movement of the wires during the joining process, ensuring consistently high-quality products.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the two receptacles are slot-shaped and designed to accommodate several stacked single wires.

[0039] This offers the advantage that the respective conductors of several sheathed cables can be suitablely fixed in the device for the subsequent joining process.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the two receptacles each have two or more concave contours for receiving the multiple stacked individual wires.

[0041] This offers the advantage that these contours adapt well to the circumferential surfaces of the individual veins and, due to the large fixing surface, can grip or fix them well.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the two receptacles are designed to each accommodate several individual wires, at least two of which have a different cross-section.

[0043] This offers the advantage that even wires with different cross-sections can be fixed and joined together.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment of the device, the two jaw elements are mounted in a tilting manner and are designed to adapt to the different cross-sections of the individual wires when the individual wires are inserted.

[0045] This offers the advantage that the tilting or rotating movement of the jaw elements allows for the optimal holding of conductors with different cross-sectional areas. By tilting the jaw elements, a recess can be formed with a larger concave contour at the top than at the bottom, enabling the insertion and fixation of a conductor with a larger cross-section at the top and a conductor with a smaller cross-section at the bottom.

[0046] According to a second aspect, the problem described above is solved by a method for joining individual conductors of multi-core electrical sheathed cables, comprising the following steps: inserting the individual conductors into a respective receptacle of a device according to the first aspect; fixing the individual conductors in the respective receptacle; and joining the individual conductors inserted into the respective receptacle to form an assembled electrical cable.

[0047] This method advantageously allows for the execution of a joining process, such as welding, e.g., ultrasonic strand welding. Due to the simple insertion and fixing of the individual conductors and the easy removal of the finished connectors after the joining process, such a method is well suited for use in wiring harness manufacturing, especially for high-voltage cables. Brief character description

[0048] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a cross-sectional view of a device 100 according to a first embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 2 a three-dimensional view of the device 100 according to the invention. Figure 1 Fig. 3a shows a cross-sectional view of a device 200 according to a second embodiment in a first tilting position of the jaw elements; Fig. 3b shows a cross-sectional view of the device 200 according to the second embodiment in a second tilting position of the jaw elements; Fig. 4a shows a cross-sectional view of a device 300 according to a third embodiment in a first tilting position of the jaw elements; and Fig. 4b shows a cross-sectional view of the device 300 according to the third embodiment in a second tilting position of the jaw elements.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof and illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be implemented. It is understood that other embodiments can also be used and structural or logical modifications can be made without deviating from the concept of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be understood as limiting. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein can be combined with one another, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0051] The aspects and embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, where the same reference numerals generally refer to the same elements. For illustrative purposes, numerous specific details are presented in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of the invention. However, it may be obvious to a person skilled in the art that one or more aspects or embodiments can be implemented with a lesser degree of specific detail. In other cases, known structures and elements are shown schematically to facilitate the description of one or more aspects or embodiments. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications may be made without departing from the concept of the present invention.

[0052] The following describes sheathed electrical cables (or simply: sheathed cables). A sheathed cable consists of several conductors (inner conductors or cores), each with its own insulation, bundled together and enclosed by an insulating sheath (outer sheath). Sheathed cables are available in a wide variety of versions, designed according to their application, with varying insulation properties and numbers of inner conductors. The most familiar type of sheathed cable is the group of mains plugs that supply power to electrical devices. Of particular importance for this invention are high-voltage sheathed cables, which are used in wiring harnesses for battery-powered vehicles, such as electric vehicles, and are manufactured in high-voltage wiring harness production.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a device 100 according to the invention in a first embodiment.

[0054] The device 100 serves to fix individual conductors 111, 112, 121, 122 of multi-core electrical sheathed cables 110, 120, as in Figure 1 schematically represented, for a subsequent joining process, for example ultrasonic strand welding.

[0055] The device 100 comprises two tiltable jaw elements 130, 140; and an inner element 150 arranged between the two jaw elements 130, 140.

[0056] In a first tilting position 101, each jaw element 130, 140 forms a receptacle (131, 141) for inserting the individual wires (111, 112, 121, 122) together with the inner element (150), and in a second tilting position 102 fixes the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 inserted into the receptacle 131, 141 for the subsequent joining process.

[0057] In this one in Figure 1In the first embodiment shown, the two jaw elements 130, 140 are, in addition to their tiltable mounting, each displaceable relative to the inner element 150.

[0058] Each jaw element 130, 140, i.e., the first jaw element 130 and the second jaw element 140, is in a first sliding position 101b, which corresponds to an open position as in Figure 1 As shown, the first jaw element 130 is pushed away from the inner element 150 and, together with the inner element 150, forms the receptacle 131, 141 for inserting the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122. That is, the first jaw element 130 forms the first receptacle 131 with the inner element 150, and the second jaw element 140 forms the second receptacle 141 with the inner element 150, into which the individual wires are inserted as shown in the illustration. Figure 1 can be inserted.

[0059] The respective jaw element 130, 140 is in the second sliding position 102b, which corresponds to a closed position as in Figure 1 As shown, the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 inserted into the receptacle 131, 141 are pushed towards the inner element 150 or pushed towards the inner element 150 and fix the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 for the subsequent joining process.

[0060] The first recording 131 can be formed by the first jaw element 130 and the inner element 150 and according to the illustration in Figure 1 be trained to receive a respective first single conductor 111, 121 of two or more electrical sheathed conductors 110, 120.

[0061] The second intake 141 can be formed by the second jaw element 140 and the inner element 150 and according to the illustration in Figure 1 be trained to accommodate a respective second single conductor 112, 122 of the two or more electrical sheathed conductors 110, 120.

[0062] According to a specification, the first single conductor 111 of the first sheathed cable 110 and the first single conductor 121 of the second sheathed cable 120 may be joined or welded together, as may the second single conductor 112 of the first sheathed cable 110 and the second single conductor 122 of the second sheathed cable 120, as well as other corresponding single conductors from further sheathed cables, which for the sake of simplicity are not included in Figure 1 are shown. For identification purposes, the individual conductors of the sheathed cables can be color-coded accordingly, so that the operating personnel or alternatively a machine can correctly insert the individual conductors into the device 100.

[0063] The inner element 150 comprises a symmetrically shaped central web 155. The two jaw elements 130, 140, together with their respective receptacles 131, 141, can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the central web 155. Figure 1A vertical axis of symmetry 156 is shown, which runs in the middle of the inner element 150.

[0064] As previously described, the two jaw elements 130, 140 can each be moved transversely from the first sliding position 101b to the second sliding position 102b and back. The transverse sliding axis, as indicated by the two arrows pointing left and right in Figure 1 The line shown here is orthogonal to the axis of symmetry 156.

[0065] The two jaw elements 130, 140 can also be tilted or rotated about a respective axis of rotation 132, 142 and can be rotated or tilted from the first tilting position 101 to the second tilting position 102 and back.

[0066] On the inner element 150, a corresponding stop 153, 154 can be formed or shaped for each jaw element 130, 140 to limit a rotational movement or tilting movement of the respective jaw element 130, 140.

[0067] The device 100 further comprises two side elements 160, 170 which are movable relative to each other and relative to the inner element 150, which hold and tilt the respective jaw elements 130, 140 and move them from the first sliding position 101b to the second sliding position 102 and vice versa.

[0068] The mounting of the two jaw elements 130, 140 on the corresponding side element 160, 170 can be done via a bearing which rotatably mounts the jaw elements 130, 140 on the corresponding side element 160, 170.

[0069] Furthermore, the device 100 can comprise one or more guide rails 151, which are coupled to the inner element 150 and guide the two side elements 160, 170, and thus also the jaw elements 130, 140, when moving from the first sliding position 101 to the second sliding position 102 and vice versa. The guide rails 151 can, for example, be two rods attached to the inner element 150 and extending through horizontally provided cavities in the two side elements 160, 170, so that when the two side elements 160, 170 are moved outwards, the movement in the transverse direction occurs along the axes of the two rods, as shown in Figure 1 and even more precisely in Figure 2 depicted.

[0070] The two jaw elements 130, 140 can be pre-tensioned in the second tilting position 102 via respective spring elements and can be moved into the first tilting position 101 by overcoming a pre-tension force of the respective spring elements.

[0071] The two jaw elements 130, 140 can be designed to move from the second tilting position 102 to the first tilting position 101 when the individual conductors 111, 112, 121, 122 are inserted into the respective receptacles 131, 141, overcoming the preload force.

[0072] The device 100 can further include an actuator for adjusting a preload force for tilting the jaw elements. The actuator can be configured to increase the preload force during the joining process and to decrease the preload force again after the joining process.

[0073] The two images 131, 141 can be slit-shaped, as in Figure 1shown. They can be designed to accommodate several stacked single wires 111, 112, 121, 122.

[0074] While in Figure 1 Since only two stacked single conductors are shown, namely conductors 121 and 111 in the first recess 131 or cavity and conductors 122 and 112 in the second recess 141 or cavity, further conductors from other sheathed cables to be joined together can be accommodated or stacked in these recesses 131, 141.

[0075] The two recordings 131, 141 can each have two or more concave contours 133, 134 for receiving the several stacked single veins 111, 112, 121, 122, as shown from Figure 1This is evident. Such concave contours can be formed by circular segments or by oval or other round or even angular shapes. With more than two individual wires per image, there can also be more than two such concave contours per image. It is also possible that each concave contour accommodates more than one individual wire.

[0076] The two receptacles 131, 141 can each be configured to accommodate several individual conductors 111, 112, 121, 122, at least two of which have different cross-sections. This allows sheathed cables with conductors of different cross-sections or diameters to be fixed and subsequently joined using the device 100 presented here.

[0077] The two jaw elements are mounted in a tilting manner and are designed to adapt to the different cross-sections of the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 when the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 are inserted.

[0078] Fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional representation of the device 100 according to the invention. Figure 1 .

[0079] In this 3D representation, the individual components of the device 100 are more easily recognizable and their function is easier to understand.

[0080] As described above, the device 100 comprises two tiltable jaw elements 130, 140; and an inner element 150 arranged between the two jaw elements 130, 140. In a first tilting position 101, each jaw element 130, 140, together with the inner element 150, forms a receptacle 131, 141 for inserting the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122, and in a second tilting position 102, it fixes the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 inserted into the receptacle 131, 141 for the subsequent joining process.

[0081] In this one in Figure 2In the first embodiment shown, the two jaw elements 130, 140 are, in addition to their tiltable mounting, each displaceable relative to the inner element 150.

[0082] In other words, the device in this first embodiment comprises movable, opposing jaw elements (or simply jaws) 130, 140 and an inner web 155 movable relative to the inner surfaces of the jaws, or an inner element 150 with an inner web 155.

[0083] On the inside of the jaws 130, 140 and the inner web 155, two concave "wave" contours 133, 134 are provided to accommodate the vertically stacked single wires 111, 112, 121, 122.

[0084] The jaws 130, 140, which can be tilted when open, can adapt to the different outer diameters of the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122.

[0085] A certain preload force can be exerted via a spring, but the jaws 130, 140 still remain movable.

[0086] During the processing procedure, the preload force can be increased by actuator to prevent subsequent changes in the position of the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122.

[0087] After welding, any applied preload force can be reduced again and the cables can be removed from the device 100 with less effort.

[0088] The inner web 155 and the inner element 150 can be configured as a rigid central web to which the linear guide system 151 is coupled. The two side elements 170, 180 are configured as movable components that extend outwards in a direction corresponding to the Figure 1These movable side elements 170, 180 can be moved in the direction of the inner element 150 or inner web 155 by means of a counterforce, for example by means of springs, push pins, or similar.

[0089] The jaw elements 130, 140 can be designed as movable clamping jaws that are mechanically coupled to the two side elements 170, 180. The jaw elements 130, 140 are movably mounted and can be rotated around the in Figure 1 The depicted axis of rotation 132, 142 rotates.

[0090] During the insertion process, the cable or the corresponding conductors of the sheathed cables can be inserted into the device 100 from above / the side. The initial counterforce acting on the right and left presses the jaw elements 130, 140, which are connected to the respective side elements 160, 170, against the inner element 150 or the inner web 155. As the cable is inserted, the jaw elements 130, 140 and the side elements 160, 170 are pushed outwards. The cable is secured in the provided recesses or receptacles 131, 141. After the first cable or conductor 121, the second cable or conductor 111 can be positioned above the first, as shown in Figure 1 As shown. Due to the tilting or rotational function of the jaw elements 130, 140, the respective holder 131, 141 can fix conductors with different cross-sections.

[0091] In further embodiments of the device 100, an additional receptacle for receiving further individual conductors, e.g., a third inner conductor of the two sheathed cables 110, 120, can be provided in the inner element 150, or more precisely in the central web 155, so that sheathed cables with three conductors can also be joined in one operation. This additional receptacle can, for example, be located along the axis of symmetry 156, as shown in Figure 1 depicted, designed. While the inner element 150 can be a rigid element as described above, the inner element 150 of embodiments with three or more receptacles can be designed as a movable element, which makes it easier for the operating personnel to insert and remove the respective wires into the corresponding receptacle.

[0092] The device 100 presented here is well suited for fixing individual conductors of multi-core electrical sheathed cables in joining processes. Such a joining process or joining method for joining individual conductors 111, 112, 121, 122 of multi-core electrical sheathed cables 110, 120 comprises, for example, the following steps: inserting the individual conductors 111, 112, 121, 122 into a respective receptacle 131, 141 of a device 100 as described above; fixing the individual conductors 111, 112, 121, 122 in the respective receptacle 131, 141; and joining the individual conductors 111, 112, 121, 122 inserted into the respective receptacle 131, 141 to form an assembled electrical cable.

[0093] The Figures 3a and 3b show a cross-sectional view of a device 200 according to the invention in a second embodiment, wherein Figure 3a a first tilting position 101 of the jaw elements represents a insertion position, while Figure 3bA second tilting position of the jaw elements corresponds to a clamping position.

[0094] Figure 3a This shows an insertion position in which the movable side jaws or jaw elements 130, 140 are in an open position and the middle connecting rod with the clamping elements 210 is in a basic position. Figure 3b In contrast, the figure shows a clamping position in which the movable side jaws 130, 140 are adapted to a conductor diameter of the individual conductors and the middle connecting rod with the clamping elements 210 performs a vertical upward movement, so that the connecting rods or the clamping elements 210 clamp the conductors.

[0095] As already mentioned above regarding the Figure 1 and 2 As described, this device 200 also serves to fix individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 of multi-core electrical sheathed cables 110, 120 for a subsequent joining process.

[0096] The device 200 comprises two tiltable jaw elements 130, 140; and an inner element 150 arranged between the two jaw elements 130, 140. In a first tilting position 101, each jaw element 130, 140, together with the inner element 150, forms a receptacle 131, 141 for inserting the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122, and in a second tilting position 102, it fixes the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 inserted into the receptacle 131, 141 for the subsequent joining process.

[0097] The inner element 150 comprises one or more clamping elements 210, which, during the transition from the first tilting position 101 to the second tilting position 102 of the jaw elements 130, 140, clamp the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 inserted into the receptacle 131, 141 in the receptacle 131, 141. This allows for additional fixation by the clamping elements 210, in addition to the fixation provided by the jaw elements, resulting in improved fixation of the individual wires.

[0098] The clamping elements 210 can be extendable connecting rods which perform a vertical upward movement and thus clamp the lines, as in Figure 3b depicted.

[0099] The one or more clamping elements 210 can exert a mechanically or pneumatically adjustable force on the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 in order to clamp the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 in the receptacle 131, 141.

[0100] In particular, the one or more clamping elements 210 can force-fit the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 into the receptacle 131, 141.

[0101] The Figures 4a and 4b show a cross-sectional view of a device 300 according to the invention in a third embodiment, wherein Figure 4a a first tilting position 101 of the jaw elements represents a insertion position, while Figure 4ba second tilting position 102 of the jaw elements represents a clamping position.

[0102] Figure 4a This shows an insertion position in which the middle rubber membrane is not actuated, so that the cable can be inserted with counter-pressure from the rubber element. Figure 4b In contrast, the diagram shows a clamping position where the rubber diaphragm is pressurized with compressed air and expands. This expansion clamps the individual lines. Due to the material, it adapts to any diameter.

[0103] As already mentioned above regarding the Figures 1 to 3 As described, this device 300 also serves to fix individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 of multi-core electrical sheathed cables 110, 120 for a subsequent joining process.

[0104] The device 300 comprises two tiltable jaw elements 130, 140; and an inner element 150 arranged between the two jaw elements 130, 140. In a first tilting position 101, each jaw element 130, 140, together with the inner element 150, forms a receptacle 131, 141 for inserting the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122, and in a second tilting position 102, it secures the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 inserted into the receptacle 131, 141 for the subsequent joining process.

[0105] The inner element 150 comprises one or more clamping elements 220, here designed as a rubber membrane or expandable balloon, which, during the transition from the first tilting position 101 to the second tilting position 102 of the jaw elements 130, 140, clamp the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 inserted into the receptacle 131, 141. The clamping effect is achieved due to the expansion of the rubber membrane or balloon. Thus, in addition to the fixation by the jaw elements, further fixation by the clamping elements 220 or the rubber membrane or balloon can be achieved, resulting in improved fixation of the individual wires.

[0106] The clamping elements 220 can be designed here as one or more rubber or flexible membranes, which in a collapsed state exert no pressure on the individual conductors and in an expanded state or when pressurized with compressed air expand to take up more space and thus clamp the conductors, as in Figure 4b depicted.

[0107] The one or more clamping elements 220 or the balloon can exert a mechanically or pneumatically adjustable force on the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 in order to clamp the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 in the receptacle 131, 141.

[0108] This allows the one or more clamping elements 220 or the stretchable membrane to fix the individual wires 111, 112, 121, 122 forcefully in the receptacle 131, 141. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0109] 100 Device for fixing individual conductors according to the first embodiment 101 First tilting position or open position 102 Second tilting position or closed position 101 First sliding position or open position 102 Second sliding position or closed position 110 First sheathed cable 111 First individual conductor in the first sheathed cable 112 Second individual conductor in the first sheathed cable 120 Second sheathed cable 121 First individual conductor in the second sheathed cable 122 Second individual conductor in the second sheathed cable 130 First or left-hand jaw element or jaw 131 First or left-hand receptacle or cavity 132 First or left-hand axis of rotation 133, 134 Concave contours 140 Second or right-hand jaw element or jaw 141 Second or right-hand receptacle or cavity 142 Second orRight-hand axis of rotation 150 Inner element 153 Stop for the first jaw element to limit its rotational movement 154 Stop for the second jaw element to limit its rotational movement 155 Inner web 156 Axis of symmetry 160 First or left side element 170 Second or right side element 200 Device for fixing individual wires according to the second embodiment 210 Clamping elements or clampable connecting rods . 300 Device for fixing individual wires according to the third embodiment 220 Clamping elements or expandable membrane or rubber membrane

Claims

1. Device (100, 200, 300) for fixing individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) of multi-core electrical sheathed cables (110, 120) for a subsequent joining process, wherein the device (100, 200, 300) comprises the following: two tiltably mounted jaw elements (130, 140); characterized by an inner element (150), which is arranged between the two jaw elements (130, 140), wherein, in a first tilted position (101), a respective jaw element (130, 140) together with the inner element (150) forms a respective receptacle (131, 141) for the insertion of the individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) and, in a second tilted position (102), it fixes the individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) inserted into the respective receptacle (131, 141) for the subsequent joining process.

2. Device (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the two jaw elements (130, 140) are additionally mounted so as to be movable in translation relative to one another and relative to the inner element (150).

3. Device (200, 300) according to Claim 1, wherein the inner element (150) comprises one or more clamping elements (210, 220) which, during the transfer from the first tilted position (101) into the second tilted position (102) of the jaw elements (130, 140), firmly clamp in the receptacle (131, 141) the individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) inserted into the receptacle (131, 141).

4. Device (200, 300) according to Claim 3, wherein the one or more clamping elements (210, 220) exert a mechanically or pneumatically adjustable force on the individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) in order to firmly clamp the individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) in the receptacle (131, 141).

5. Device (200, 300) according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the one or more clamping elements (210, 220) fix the individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) non-positively in the receptacle (131, 141).

6. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first receptacle (131) is formed by a first jaw element (130) and the inner element (150), and is designed to receive a respective first individual core (111, 121) of two or more electrical sheathed cables (110, 120); and wherein a second receptacle (141) is formed by a second jaw element (140) and the inner element (150), and is designed to receive a respective second individual core (112, 122) of the two or more electrical sheathed cables (110, 120).

7. Device (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner element (150) comprises a symmetrically formed central web (155), and the two jaw elements (130, 140), together with the respective receptacles (131, 141), are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central web (155).

8. Device (100) according to Claim 2, wherein the two jaw elements (130, 140) are each transversely movable and rotatable about a respective axis of rotation (132, 142).

9. Device (100) according to Claim 8, wherein a corresponding stop (153, 154) for each jaw element (130, 140) is formed on the inner element (150) in order to limit a rotary motion of the respective jaw element (130, 140).

10. Device (100) according to Claim 2, having: two side elements (160, 170), which are movable in translation relative to one another and relative to the inner element (150) and which hold and tiltably support the respective jaw elements (130, 140).

11. Device (100) according to Claim 10, having: one or more guide rails (151), which are coupled to the inner element (150) and guide the two side elements (160, 170) during the movement.

12. Device (100) according to Claim 2, wherein the two jaw elements (130, 140) are preloaded by means of respective spring elements in the second tilted position (102) and can be moved into the first tilted position (101), overcoming a preloading force of the respective spring elements.

13. Device (100) according to Claim 12, wherein the two jaw elements (130, 140) are designed to tilt from the second tilted position (102) into the first tilted position (101), overcoming the preloading force, when the individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) are inserted into the respective receptacles (131, 141).

14. Device (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, having: one or more actuators for adjusting a preloading force for tilting the respective jaw elements, wherein the one or more actuators are designed to increase the preloading force during the joining process and to lower the preloading force again after the joining process.

15. Device (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two receptacles (131, 141) are slot-shaped and are designed to receive a plurality of individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) stacked one on top of the other.

16. Device (100, 200, 300) according to Claim 15, wherein the two receptacles (131, 141) each have two or more concave contours (133, 134) for receiving the plurality of individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) stacked one on top of the other.

17. Device (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two receptacles (131, 141) are each designed to receive a plurality of individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122), of which at least two have a different cross section.

18. Device (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two jaw elements are designed to adapt to the different cross sections of the individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) during the insertion of the individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122).

19. Method for joining individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) of multi-core electrical sheathed cables (110, 120), having the following steps: inserting the individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) into a respective receptacle (131, 141) of a device (100, 200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims; fixing the individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) in the respective receptacle (131, 141); and joining the individual cores (111, 112, 121, 122) inserted into the respective receptacle (131, 141) to form an assembled electrical cable.