Device and method for twisting single lines

Abstract

A device (100) and a method for twisting individual conductors (11, 12) around a twisting axis (V) to form a conductor bundle (10) along an extension axis (A) are provided. The device (100) comprises spaced-apart individual rotary units (41, 42) for separately holding conductor ends (15, 16) at one end of the individual conductors (11, 12), a twisting unit (30) for holding and twisting conductor ends at the other end of the individual conductors (11, 12), and a guide device (35) to which a guide mandrel (360) is attached for at least partially separating the individual conductors 11, 12 during a twisting process by means of the twisting unit in a region where there is a transition from an untwisted region to a twisted region.The guide device (35) further comprises a movement element (355) for moving the guide mandrel (360) from a starting position into a moved position in which the guide mandrel is moved into the twisting axis (V); and a locking element (353) for holding the guide mandrel (360) in the position moved out of the twisting axis (V).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for twisting individual lines, in particular for twisting individual lines in pairs to form a line bundle. State of the art

[0002] Various industrial applications require cable bundles that are formed by twisting individual wires together. Typically, the individual wires are cut to a specific length before twisting, i.e., trimmed, and, if necessary, also assembled, i.e., provided with a contact element or the like.

[0003] In some conventional devices and methods according to the prior art, the wire pair consisting of the individual wires is clamped between a holding unit at one end and a twisting unit at the other end, and twisted by rotating the twisting unit. The resulting shortening of the wire pair is compensated for by a longitudinal displacement of the twisting unit. A corresponding device is shown, for example, in EP 1 032 095 A2. In this type of conventional device and method, the individual wires are twisted, i.e., they twist around their own individual wire axis.

[0004] EP 0 917 746 A1 discloses a device that allows pairs of wires to be twisted without excessively twisting the individual wires. Here, the holding unit is replaced by untwisting units, each of which grips the individual wires individually at one end (the trailing end). A longitudinally displaceable guide device separates the two individual wires with a guide mandrel and moves toward the untwisting units during the twisting process. This allows the lay length to be kept constant.

[0005] DE 10 2017 109 791 A1 discloses a device with untwisting units that are aligned parallel to each other at the beginning of a twisting process and are pivoted inward by a motor during the twisting process. The pivot angle is continuously increased by a control device during the twisting process.

[0006] DE 10 2016 109 151 B3 discloses a twisting device with two platforms, each for mounting a functional module. The platform supports are movable relative to each other. One functional module can be designed as an impact positioning module, which has three selectively extendable rams that are movable by drives. Problem to be solved

[0007] The device known from EP 0 917 746 A1 features a guide mandrel that standardizes the individual wires and the lay length. The guide unit with the guide mandrel is positioned by sliding it before the twisting process begins, although the guide mandrel can interfere with the individual wires. Summary of the invention

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure address the problem described above. According to one aspect, a device according to claims 1 and 4 and a method according to claim 11 are provided. Further aspects, features, developments, and advantages emerge from the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] According to one aspect, a device for twisting individual cables around a twisting axis to form a cable bundle along an extension axis comprises individual twisting units, a twisting unit, and a guide device. The individual twisting units are spaced apart from one another. For example, the spacing is variable. The individual twisting units are configured to separately hold, for example, grip, cable ends at one end of the individual cables. Each individual twisting unit can be rotatably mounted about an associated pivot axis. The twisting unit is configured to hold and twist cable ends at the other end of the individual cables.

[0010] A guide pin is attached to the guide device. The guide pin serves to at least partially separate the individual wires during a twisting process performed by the twisting unit, specifically in a region where there is a transition from an untwisted section of individual wires to a twisted section of a wire bundle.

[0011] The guide device further comprises a movement element for moving the guide mandrel from an initial position into a retracted position, in which the guide mandrel is moved into the twisting axis, for example, pivoted into the twisting axis. The guide device further comprises a locking element for holding the guide mandrel in the position moved into the twisting axis.

[0012] The guide pin can be positioned in the initial position before the twisting process begins, without the guide pin interfering with the individual wires. For the twisting process, the guide pin is then moved, for example, pivoted, into the twisting axis. Thanks to the design with the movement element and the locking element, no separate actuators are required.

[0013] In a first alternative according to claim 1, the guide device further comprises a tensioning element for actuating the movement element, wherein the actuation takes place against a prestressing force of a spring element and the locking element is configured to maintain the inwardly moved position of the guide pin in a locked state against the prestressing force and to be pushed back into the initial position of the guide pin in an unlocked manner.

[0014] In some embodiments, the inward movement includes pivoting the guide mandrel into the twisting axis. This pivoting can be accomplished very easily without requiring additional vertical space for the guide mandrel to be moved out of the twisting axis.

[0015] In embodiments, the locking element is designed to engage against a pawl in the retracted position of the guide pin.

[0016] In a second alternative according to claim 4, the guide device further comprises a locking roller rotatably mounted in a holder for actuating the actuating element. Actuation occurs counter to the preload force of a spring element. The locking roller is configured by a locking shape of the actuating element and by means of a locking spring such that they effect the retracted position of the guide pin against the preload force.

[0017] In some embodiments, the locking shape of the actuating element comprises a locking contour. The locking roller acts against the locking contour.

[0018] In embodiments, the twisting unit further comprises a clamping unit for moving the actuating element into the moved-in position of the guide mandrel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the actuating element comprises an actuating contour. The clamping unit acts on the actuating contour to move the actuating element into the retracted position of the guide pin.

[0020] In embodiments, the device further comprises a trigger element for triggering, or moving out, the locking shape of the actuating element against the locking force of the locking roller, so that the guide pin is moved out of the retracted position, in particular into the starting position. The trigger element can in particular be designed as a stop against which a counter-stop of the guide device acts.

[0021] In some embodiments, the trigger element is configured to be actively extendable, meaning it can be actively moved toward the counter-stop of the guide device. This active movement can be achieved, for example, pneumatically.

[0022] According to a further aspect, a method for twisting individual wires around a twisting axis into a wire bundle along a pull-out axis is provided, which method uses the device described herein. The method comprises separately holding wire ends at one end of the individual wires by means of the individual twisting units, holding wire ends at the other end of the individual wires by means of the twisting unit, moving the guide mandrel out of the twisting axis (V), displacing the guide device toward the twisting unit, moving the guide mandrel into the region of the twisting axis to define a boundary between an untwisted region and a twisted region during a twisting process; and rotating the twisting unit to perform a twisting process. Short description of the drawings

[0023] Further aspects, features, advantages, and effects will become apparent from the embodiments described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a portion of a line bundle, for explaining terms used herein; Fig. 2 a portion of the line pair from Fig. 1 with further aspects for explanation; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a twisting device with a twisting unit and one individual twisting unit per individual line, for explaining terms and processes used herein; Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a device for twisting individual lines according to an embodiment; Fig. 5 is a schematic three-dimensional view of individual components of the device 100 from Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6 a untwisting unit according to an embodiment in an enlarged view; Fig. 7 parts of the untwisting unit from Fig. 6; Fig. 8 a parallel position of the individual rotating units; Fig. 9 a partially sectioned plan view of the untwisting unit, in a parallel position; Fig. 10 a partially sectioned plan view of the untwisting unit, in a pivoted position; Fig. 11 a untwisting unit in a variant with a pivot drive; Fig. 12 a schematic perspective view of the guide device and part of the twisting unit; Fig. 13 the guide device with a guide mandrel in an intermediate position; Fig. 14 the guide device with the guide mandrel in a twisting position; Fig. 15 the guide device in a side view; Fig. 16 the guide mandrel in a detailed view; Fig. 17 the components of the device 100 in a starting position before a twisting process; Fig. 18 the components of the device 100 in a starting position of a twisting process; Fig. 19 the components of the device 100 in an intermediate position; Fig.Fig. 20: a plan view of the individual rotating units shortly before the twisting process is completed, with contact of the guide mandrel; Fig. 21: a plan view of the individual rotating units shortly before the twisting process is completed, without contact of the guide mandrel; Fig. 22: the elements of the device in a position in which the guide device has continued its linear movement until the guide mandrel has approximately reached the cable ends; Fig. 23: a view analogous to Fig. Fig. 22 with a position of the guide mandrel outside the extension axis A; Fig. 24 a schematic three-dimensional view of individual components of a device for twisting individual cables according to a further embodiment; Fig. 25 a schematic perspective view of a guide device and part of a twisting unit of the device from Fig. 24 ; Fig. 26 a schematic side view of the guide device and a clamping unit of the twisting unit from Figs. 24 and 25; Fig. 27 a schematic side view of the guide device from Fig. 24-26 in an intermediate position of the guide pin; Fig. 28 a schematic side view of parts of the guide device analogous to Fig. 27 in a locking position of the guide pin; and Fig. 29 a schematic side view of parts of the guide device analogous to Fig. 27 shortly before unlocking the guide pin. Description of embodiments

[0024] Fig. 1shows a schematic representation of a portion of a line bundle, designated overall by 10. The line bundle comprises a single line 11 and a single line 12 as a line pair. It should be noted that the number of two single lines 11, 12 is exemplary and not restrictive, and that the aspects and features described herein are also applicable in whole or in part to line bundles with more than two single lines 11, 12 and that identical or similar effects result. In embodiments, however, two single lines 11, 12 can be used for one line bundle 10.

[0025] In Fig. 1A first cable end 15 of the individual cable 11 and a first cable end 16 of the individual cable 12 are located on the same side. For example, the first cable ends 15, 16 are already pre-assembled, in the present case in the form of a contact 13a and a grommet 13b on the first cable end 15 and a contact 14a and a grommet 14b on the second cable end 16. In an area which is Fig. 1 to the right of the dashed line marked B, the individual lines 11, 12 are twisted, which results in a projection plane, for example in the plane of the drawing from Fig. 1 , points result in which the individual lines 11, 12 cross each other. In the twisted area to the right of line B, the cable bundle 10 runs along an extension axis A.

[0026] Twisted, as used herein, refers to a state in which the wires 11, 12 wrap around each other. A similar crossover in the projection plane occurs when the same sequence of individual wires is present at two crossovers in the direction perpendicular to the projection plane. The distance between two adjacent similar crossovers is referred to as the twist pitch, or simply the pitch, denoted by a2. Between two adjacent similar crossovers, two eyes 19 result in the projection plane, which should be as small as possible for a high-quality wire bundle 10.

[0027] The designations from Fig. 1 are adopted in the following sections and their description is not repeated.

[0028] For explanation, a section of the line pair 10 is shown in Fig. 2shown again. The untwisted ends of the individual wires 11, 12 up to a first intersection point P1, at which the twisted section begins, have a length a1. The distance between two similar crossovers or intersections of the wires 11, 12 in the twisted section is specified as the pitch length a2, as described above.

[0029] The distance a3 is defined in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the direction of the line pair 10, in which the distances a1, a2 are defined. The distance a3 indicates the distance between the individual lines 11, 12, here, for example, at the end where the untwisted individual lines 11, 12 are present.

[0030] Fig. 3shows a schematic representation of a general twisting device 100 with a twisting unit 30, individual twisting units 41, 42, each provided for a single cable 11, 12, and a guide device 35. For explanation purposes, in the twisting device 100 according to Fig. 3 the cable bundle 10 from Fig. 1 and 2 clamped. The individual cable 11 is clamped into the individual rotating unit 41 at its trailing end. This end is also referred to below as the first end 15 of the individual cable 11. The individual cable 12 is clamped into the individual rotating unit 42 at its trailing end. This end is also referred to below as the first end 16 of the individual cable 12.

[0031] The individual rotating unit 41 is arranged such that it holds the first end 15 of the clamped individual line 11 along its line axis v1 at the first end 15. The individual rotating unit 42 is arranged such that it holds the first end 16 of the clamped individual line 12 along its line axis v2 at the first end 16. Each individual rotating unit 41, 42 can be rotated about the respective line axis v1, v2 of the individual line 11, 12, which is clamped in the respective individual rotating unit 41, 42, at least in one direction, which causes untwisting (de-twisting) of the respective individual line 11, 12. Preferably, each individual rotating unit can be rotated optionally forwards or backwards about the respective line axis v1, v2, which in Fig. 3 indicated by a double arrow Q1 or Q2. Each individual turning unit 41, 42 may also be referred to as a untwisting unit.

[0032] Untwisting, as used herein, includes, for example, a reduction or elimination of a torsional force or moment that would be generated by the joint twisting in each individual line 11, 12. Untwisting does not necessarily need to be complete to achieve the advantages described herein. That is, over the course of the twisting process, the (total) angle of rotation of the twisting unit 30 may be smaller than the (total) angle of rotation of the individual twisting units 41, 42.

[0033] The guide device 35 serves to at least partially separate the individual lines 11, 12, namely during a large part of the twisting process in an area in which the transition from the untwisted area to the twisted area exists, ie approximately on the line B from Fig. 1. The guide device 35 can be guided or displaced in a controlled manner during a twisting process, namely in a direction x substantially parallel to a twisting axis V. As a rule, the twisting axis V is identical to the extension axis A.

[0034] The twisting unit 30 is configured such that it can rotate about a twisting axis V to perform a twisting process in a twisting direction P. In other words, the twisting unit 30 can be driven rotationally about the twisting axis V to perform a twisting process, so that it rotates in the twisting direction P. To compensate for the shortening of the individual cables 11, 12 looping around one another during the twisting process, the twisting unit 30 is displaceable in a direction u substantially parallel to the twisting axis V. A direction parallel to the twisting axis V, as used herein, also includes the direction along the twisting axis V itself.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of a device 100 for twisting the individual wires 11, 12 into a wire bundle 10, to explain an embodiment. It should be noted that the device described in connection with Fig. 4 discussed components and processes for the realization of the present invention do not necessarily need to be carried out in their entirety.

[0036] In Fig. 4 The individual wires 11, 12 are fed with their respective leading ends to processing modules 103, 104, 105, 106, which carry out manipulations on the wires 11, 12. For example and without limitation, the leading ends of the individual wires 11, 12 are each stripped by means of a cutting head 102 and fed successively to processing modules 103, 104 by means of a first pivoting unit 107. Here, for example, the contacts 13a, 14a and the grommet 13b, 14b are Fig. 1mounted on the respective conductor ends of the individual cables 11, 12. The first pivoting unit 107 then pivots the cable pair 10 back again, and the leading ends of the individual cables 11, 12 can be gripped by an extension carriage 109. Depending on the desired cable length, the individual cables 11, 12 are pulled out by the extension carriage along a guide rail 105 in the linear guide direction defined by the guide rail 105.

[0037] The individual conductors 11, 12 are then gripped by a second pivoting unit 108 and severed and stripped by the cutting head 102. The trailing conductor ends are fed by the second pivoting unit 108 to the processing modules 105, 106 on the other side and are then fully assembled, e.g., each provided with a grommet and a contact.

[0038] A transfer module 111 receives the trailing end 17 of the individual cables 11, 12, brings them to a smaller distance, and, after a pivoting movement, transfers them individually to the respective individual twisting unit 41, 42, which are combined in a untwisting device 40. A transfer module 112 transfers the leading end 16 of the individual cables 11, 12 to the twisting unit 30, which is also referred to as a twisting head. To carry out the actual twisting process, the twisting unit 30 is rotated, as described above with reference to Fig. 3 As already described. During the twisting process, the twisting unit can be moved simultaneously in the direction of the untwisting unit 40, controlled by the tension force.

[0039] A control unit 200 controls individual or all elements of the device 100.

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of individual components of the device 100 from Fig. 4 , where Fig. 5 For clarity, other components of the device 100 are not shown. Fig. 4 the untwisting unit 40, the guide device 35 and the twisting unit 30 are shown.

[0041] Fig. 6shows an enlarged view of a untwisting unit 40 according to one embodiment. The untwisting unit 40 comprises a first individual rotary unit 41 with an associated first individual rotary gripper 41a and a second individual rotary unit 42 with an associated second individual rotary gripper 42a. The first individual rotary gripper 41a is rotatably mounted in a first spindle housing 41b. The second individual rotary gripper 42a is rotatably mounted in a second spindle housing 42b. The first individual rotary gripper 41a can be rotated by means of a first untwisting motor 41e. The second individual rotary gripper 42a can be rotated by means of a second untwisting motor 42e. The first spindle housing 41b is attached to a first housing support 41c. The second spindle housing 42b is attached to a second housing support 42c.

[0042] The first housing support 41c is pivotally mounted in a first support housing 41d about a first pivot axis 41f. The second housing support 42c is pivotally mounted in a second support housing 42d about a second pivot axis 42f. The pivot axes 41f, 42f run essentially parallel to each other. Each pivot axis 41f, 42f runs essentially perpendicular to the extension axis A of the cable bundle 10.

[0043] The distance 45 between the support housings 41d, 42d is variable along a direction parallel to the pivot axes 41f, 42f. The distance 45 is also referred to herein for simplicity as the distance between the individual rotary units 41, 42. To change the distance 45, the support housings 41d, 42d can be displaced relative to one another along a linear guide at right angles to the extension axis A by means of a distance adjustment device 50. In the embodiments shown here, two spindles, a coupling piece 56, and a spindle drive form, by way of example, the components of the distance adjustment device 50. The two spindles are coupled to one another by a coupling piece 56. The spindle drive (not shown) is suitably coupled to the coupled spindles. One of the spindles is right-handed and the other of the spindles is left-handed, which results in a symmetrical adjustment of the distance 45 to the extension axis A when the spindle coupled in this way is driven.

[0044] The shortest distance between a tip 41g of the first single rotary gripper 41a and a tip 42g of the second single rotary gripper 42a depends on the one hand on the distance 45 of the individual rotary units 41, 42, and on the other hand on a pivot angle α defined by a pivoting about the respective pivot axes 41f, 42f.

[0045] An adjustment of the distance 45 is carried out, for example, by means of the control device 200. The distance 45 can be program-controlled, user-controlled, or both program-controlled and user-controlled - for example, following the sequence of a method in the course of which a twisting process is carried out.

[0046] Fig. 7 shows parts of the untwisting unit 40 from Fig. 6, wherein the individual rotating units 41, 42 have been omitted for clarity. The first housing support 41c comprises a first gear piece 51b, which meshes with a first gear counterpart 51c. The first gear counterpart 51c is fastened to a first bushing 51a, which is mounted on a splined shaft 54. The second housing support 42c comprises a second gear piece 52b, which meshes with a second gear counterpart 52c. The second gear counterpart 52c is fastened to a second bushing 52a, which is mounted on the splined shaft 54.

[0047] The splined shaft 54 ​​can be displaced longitudinally within the bushings 51a, 52a. The rotation of the splined shaft 54 ​​is transmitted to the respective bushing 51a, 52a during such a longitudinal displacement. Through the meshing of the respective gear pieces 51b, 52b with the corresponding gear counterpart 51c, 52c, the housing supports 41c, 42c pivot by an equal amount, but in opposite directions. This pivoting movement changes the angle α. An angle sensor 55 is provided for measuring the angle α and outputting an angle measurement signal. A brake 53, which can be actuated electromagnetically, for example, is controlled according to the angle measurement signal in order to lock the individual rotary units 41, 42 at a fixed or definable angle α to one another depending on the angle measurement signal. The control is carried out, for example, by the control unit 200.

[0048] Before the twisting process can begin, the cable ends of the individual cables 11, 12 are transferred to the untwisting grippers 41a, 42a of the individual twisting units 41, 42. For this purpose, a defined distance 45 and a defined angle α must be present; the individual twisting units 41, 42 must be aligned parallel to each other. Fig. 8 Such a parallel position of the individual rotating units 41, 42 is shown; the distance 45 here corresponds to the defined distance 45 at which a transfer of the cable ends of the individual cables 11, 12 to the untwisting grippers 41a, 42a is possible. Such a position (distance and angular position) of the individual rotating units 41, 42 is referred to herein as a parallel position. A position (distance and / or angular position) that differs from the parallel position is referred to herein as a pivoted position.

[0049] Fig. 9 and Fig. 10each show a partially sectioned top view of the untwisting unit 40. In Fig. 9 the housing supports 41c, 42c of the individual rotary units 41, 42 are in the Fig. 8 perspectively shown parallel position. In Fig. 10 the housing supports 41c, 42c of the individual rotary units 41, 42 are in a pivoted position.

[0050] A stop element 42g, such as a stop plate, is attached to one of the spindle housings 41b, 42b, for example, the second spindle housing 42b. A movable stop 57 is attached to one of the parts of the untwisting unit 40 that is stationary relative to the spindle housings 41b, 42b, for example, the support housing 42d. The movable stop 57 limits the amount by which the respective individual rotary unit can be pivoted by providing a stop surface for the stop element 42g of the spindle housing 42b. The coupling of the individual rotary units 41b, 42b via the gear mechanism described above limits the angle α.

[0051] The movable stop 57 is adjustable, for example, by an electric motor. To maintain the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9In the parallel position shown, the movable stop 57 is adjusted accordingly so that the individual rotary units 41, 42 assume the parallel position. During the twisting process, the movable stop 57 is adjusted so that pivoting is possible, but the pivoting is limited so that the tips 41g, 42g of the individual rotary grippers 41a, 42b do not touch each other or come too close together.

[0052] Fig. 11 shows a untwisting unit 40 in a variant with a swivel drive 42h for controlled swiveling of the housing carrier 42c. In Fig. 11 Not shown, but nevertheless present is a pivot drive 41h for the controlled pivoting of the housing support 41c. Each pivot drive 41h, 42h comprises, for example, an electric motor and a gear to pivot the associated housing support 41c, 42c about the pivot axes 41f and 42f, respectively. Adjustment of the distance 45 is carried out as described above with reference to the Fig. 6 to Fig. 10 The variant shown. The controlled pivoting mechanism also limits the pivoting movement so that the tips 41g, 42g of the individual rotary grippers 41a, 42b do not touch each other or come too close together during a twisting process. The controlled pivoting mechanism allows the parallel position to be precisely specified.

[0053] Fig. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of the guide device 35 and a portion of the twisting unit 30. An actuating device 31 with a parallel-movable tensioning cylinder 32 is provided on the twisting unit 30. The tensioning cylinder 32 is positioned on the twisting unit 30, since the positioning of the twisting unit depends on the cable length.

[0054] The guide device 35 has a guide mandrel 360, which serves to separate and guide the individual cables 11, 12 during a twisting process. The cable ends 15, 16 of the individual cables 11, 12, which are clamped in the individual twisting units 41, 42, are clamped individually to each other at this end and thus not rotationally fixed. Without the guide device 35, no predictable lay length is achieved. The guide device 35 is rotated along the direction x (see Fig. 3 ) is displaceable. If the guide mandrel 360 separates the individual wires 11, 12 during the twisting process and the guide device 35 is moved accordingly, the lay length a2 can be kept essentially constant or can be varied in a controlled manner. The displacement movement of the guide device 35 is coordinated with the speed of the twisting device 30 in order to achieve a desired lay length a2.

[0055] The guide device 35 is designed such that the guide mandrel 360 can be moved out of the twisting axis V, for example, can be pivoted out of the twisting axis V. Advantageously, the guide mandrel 360 is moved out of the twisting axis V when the guide device 35 is moved toward the twisting device 30 before completion of a twisting process.

[0056] In the Fig. 12In the structure shown, the guide device 35 has a tensioning element 352, a tension spring 351, a locking rocker 353, a pawl 354, and a toggle lever 355. The guide mandrel 360 is pivotally mounted in the guide device 35 so that it can be pivoted out of the twisting axis V by actuating the toggle lever 355. The actuating direction of the toggle lever corresponds to the direction in which the tensioning element 352 can be moved. The tensioning element 352 is arranged such that it can interact with the tensioning cylinder 32 when there is a corresponding distance between the twisting unit 30 and the guide device 35. In other words: When there is a corresponding distance between the twisting unit 30 and the guide device 35, the tensioning element 352 of the guide device 35 can be actuated by means of the tensioning cylinder 32 of the twisting unit.

[0057] Fig. 12shows an initial position in which the guide pin 360 is pivoted out of the twisting axis V. Actuation of the tensioning element 352 toward the toggle lever 355 causes the toggle lever 355 to pivot the guide pin 360 into the twisting axis V, ultimately assuming a twisting position, which is mentioned further below. The actuation occurs against the pretensioning force of the tension spring 351. The pawl 354 and the locking rocker 353 cause the guide pin 360 to engage in the twisting position.

[0058] Fig. 13shows the guide device 35 with the guide mandrel 360 in an intermediate position. In the intermediate position, the guide device 35 is moved toward the twisting unit 30. The clamping cylinder 32 causes the clamping element 352 to stop, and the movement of the guide device 35 against the stationary clamping cylinder 32 pivots the guide mandrel 360 via the toggle lever 355.

[0059] Fig. 14 shows the guide device 36 with the guide mandrel 360 in a twisting position in which it is pivoted into the twisting axis V between the individual cables 11, 12 to be twisted. Fig. 15 shows the guide device 35 in a side view. In front of the Fig. 14 In the twisted position shown, the latch 354 has moved over a locking piece 358 and engaged. The locking rocker 353 is spring-loaded by a spring 356. When a point 357 is actuated, the locking is released again.

[0060] After the Fig. 14 shown position, the clamping cylinder 32 is retracted. The guide mandrel 360 remains in the position shown in Fig. 14 shown twisting position. The guide device 35 can then be moved further closer to the twisting unit 30.

[0061] Fig. 16shows the guide mandrel 360 in a detailed view. The guide mandrel 360 has a thickened portion 361 on the side opposite its attachment to the guide device 35. In the case of a guide mandrel 360 with a circular cross-section, the guide mandrel has a larger diameter, at least in some sections, in the area of ​​the thickened portion 361. The guide mandrel 360 is also thickened toward the shaft, for example, with a circular cross-section, by a larger diameter. A guide region 362 is formed between the two thickened portions. The individual cables 11, 12 are in contact with the guide region 362 during a twisting process. Such a geometry can contribute to effectively preventing vibrations in the individual cables 11, 12, particularly when twisting long cables in the range of over five meters, preferably over seven meters.

[0062] Fig. 17shows the components of the device 100 in a starting position before a twisting process. The extended, pre-assembled individual cables 11, 12 are clamped into the respective elements of the untwisting unit 40 and the twisting unit 30. The untwisting grippers 41a, 42a are in the parallel position at the corresponding fixed distance 45. The guide mandrel 360 lies outside the extension axis A.

[0063] After the transfer of the individual cables 11, 12, the twisting unit 30 moves slightly away from the untwisting unit 40 in order to stretch the individual cables 11, 12.

[0064] The guide device 35 is then moved towards the twisting unit 30. The clamping cylinder 32 is retracted so that the guide device 35 can be brought very close to the twisting unit 30. This position is shown in Fig. 18shown and is referred to as the starting position. The guide mandrel 360 is pivoted into the extension axis A and separates the twisting area, in which the twisting of the individual wires 11, 12 takes place and the twisted wire bundle 10 is created (in the drawings to the right of the guide mandrel 360), from the untwisted area (in the drawings to the left of the guide mandrel 360).

[0065] The twisting process begins with the twisting unit 30 rotating and twisting the individual cables 11, 12 into the cable bundle 10. The individual twisting units 41, 42 ensure, through their rotation, that the individual cables do not twist within themselves, i.e., around their respective cable axes v1, v2. During the twisting process, the guide device 35 moves at a controlled speed toward the untwisting unit 40, wherein the controlled speed results from the rotational speed of the twisting unit 30 and the desired lay length a2. The twisting unit 30 is also moved slightly toward the untwisting unit 40 to compensate for the twist-induced shortening of the twisted cable bundle 10. This movement can, for example, be controlled by tension force.Especially for long cables of more than 5 meters, especially more than 7 meters, the thickened portion 361 on the guide pin 360 reduces the vertical vibration of the cables 11, 12 and thus improves the quality of the twisting process. In . Fig. 19 an intermediate position is shown which is taken after the start of the twisting process and before the completion of the twisting process.

[0066] Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 each show a top view of the individual turning units 41, 42 shortly before the completion of the twisting process. Fig. 20 the guide pin 360 still has contact with the individual lines 11, 12. In order to bring the first crossing point P1 even closer to the line ends of the individual lines 11, 12, the guide device 35 moves the guide pin 360 further so that it loses contact with the individual lines 11, 12, as in Fig. 21 shown. In Fig. 21Additionally, the distance 45 between the individual twisting units 41, 42 was further reduced. The actual twisting process is complete. This is followed by a final twisting process, during which the twisting unit 30 is rotated again in the twisting direction, with the first crossing point P1 being moved even closer to the conductor ends.

[0067] The twisting process and the subsequent final twisting process are then completed, and the fully twisted cable is released from the twisting unit 30 and the individual twisting units 41, 42 and placed, for example, in a cable tray 160 (see Fig. 4 ) is dropped. Before disengaging, the no longer rotating twisting unit 30 can be moved further toward the untwisting unit 40 to relieve the tension in the twisted cable bundle. In this case, the angular position of the individual rotating units 41, 42 can be locked by actuating the brake 53.

[0068] Fig. 22shows the elements of the device 100 in a position in which the guide device 35 has continued its linear movement until the guide pin 360 has approximately reached the cable ends. A release cylinder (not shown) then actuates the point 357, whereby the released spring force moves the guide pin 360 into the position shown in Fig. 23 shown position outside the extension axis A. Now the guide device 35 can be moved to the starting position without the guide mandrel 360 interfering with this movement.

[0069] A further embodiment is described with common reference to the Fig. 24 to 29 explained. Fig. 24 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of individual components of the device 100 for twisting individual lines according to the further embodiment. Fig. 25shows a schematic perspective view of a guide device 1035 and a part of a twisting unit 1030 of the device from Fig. 24. Fig. 26 shows a schematic side view of the guide device 1035 and a clamping unit 1032 of the twisting unit from Figs. 24 and 25 . Fig. 27 shows a schematic side view of the guide device 1035 from Fig. 24 to 26 in an intermediate position of the guide pin 1360. Fig. 28 shows a schematic side view of parts of the guide device 1035 analogous to Fig. 27 in a locking position of the guide pin 1360. Fig. 29 shows a schematic side view of parts of the guide device 1035 analogous to Fig. 27 shortly before unlocking the guide pin 1360.

[0070] For better understanding, the differences to the design from the Fig. 1-23explained, and identical or similar features may be omitted from the explanation.

[0071] In Fig. 24 is a schematic three-dimensional view of individual components of the device 100 analogous to Fig. 5 shown. In Fig. 24 For better understanding, not all components of the device 100 are shown.

[0072] Fig. 24 shows the untwisting unit 40, which is similar to Fig. 5 can be configured. Fig. 24 also shows the guide device 1035 and the twisting unit 1030 according to the present embodiment.

[0073] Parts of the device made of Fig. 24 , in particular the guide device 1035 and a part of the twisting unit 1030, as well as a stop 1040 are shown in the perspective view of Fig. 25shown enlarged. A clamping unit 1032 is arranged on the twisting unit 1030 (with the twisting head). The guide device 1035 and the clamping unit 1032 are shown in a schematic side view in Fig. 26 shown again. The description is given here with joint reference to the Figs. 25 and 26 The guide device 1035 comprises a locking spring 1355, a locking roller 1354, a holder 1353, a counter-stop 1359, a pivot plate 1370, a compression spring 1351 in a spring housing 1357, a pull rod 1356, a guide pin 1360, an inner control contour 1371, and an outer control contour 1372.

[0074] The swivel plate 1370 is mounted so that it can rotate or pivot about a swivel axis 1352. In Fig. 26The pivot plate 1370 and thus the guide pin 1360 are held in the initial position of the guide pin 1360, which represents the pivoted-out position, by means of the pull rod 1356 and the compression spring 1351. In other words: The pivot plate 1370 is pulled upward in the drawing view via the pull rod 1356 by the compression spring 1351 located in the spring housing 1357.

[0075] For a better overview, the Fig. 27 to 29 the spring housing 1357 is no longer shown. Fig. 27 shows a side view analogous to Fig. 26, wherein the pivot plate 1370 and thus the guide pin 1360 are in an intermediate position between the starting position (moved out or pivoted out position) and the moved in (pivoted in) position. This position is achieved by guiding or moving the guide device 1035 relative to the twisting unit 1030 in such a way that the clamping unit 1032 (a roller 1033 of the clamping unit at its front end) abuts the outer control contour 1372 of the pivot plate 1370. The pivot plate 1370 is thereby moved about its pivot axis 1352, ie in the drawing the guide pin 1360 is pressed downwards. The locking roller 1354 follows the inner control contour 1371 of the pivot plate 1370. The inner control contour 1371 has a recess 1375 for the locking roller 1354.When the locking roller 1354 has moved along the inner control contour 1371 over the recess 1375 by further actuation by means of the tensioning unit 1032, a locking position is reached, as in . Fig. 28 shown. In this locking position, the locking spring 1355 maintains the locking by the locking roller 1354, and the clamping unit 1032 can be removed from the outer control contour 1372 while maintaining the locking position. The guide mandrel 360 is then in the position in which it is moved into the twisting axis.

[0076] To unlock, the locking roller 1354 is moved to the right as shown in the drawing. Fig. 29 shows a view analogous to Fig. 28shortly before an unlocking process is triggered. The stop 1040 is opposite a counter-stop 1359 on the guide device 1350. The counter-stop is, for example, one of the guide rods of the holder 1353, as shown in Fig. 29shown. Upon movement of the stop 1040 against the counter-stop 1359, the guide roller 1354 is moved out of the recess 1375, whereby the guide pin 1360 is moved back from the moved-in position to the starting position by the compression spring 1351. The movement of the guide roller 1354 in this direction beyond the recess 1375 defines an unlocking point or trigger point, which is defined by the relative position of the stop 1040 with respect to the counter-stop 1359. This relative position can be achieved by moving the guide device 1035 against the stop 1040. The stop 1040 can additionally be designed, for example, such that it can be actively extended in the direction of the counter-stop 1359, for example pneumatically. This makes it possible to vary the trigger point within a certain range.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for twisting individual lines (11, 12) about a twisting axis (V) to form a line bundle (10) along an extension axis (A), wherein the apparatus comprises: individual rotary units (41, 42) spaced apart from one another for separately holding line ends (15, 16) at the one end of the individual lines (11, 12); a twisting unit (30) for holding and twisting line ends at the other end of the individual lines (11, 12); a guide device (35) to which there is fastened a guide mandrel (360) for at least regional separation of the individual lines (11, 12) during a twisting operation by means of the twisting unit in a region in which there is a transition from an untwisted region to a twisted region; characterized in that the guide device (35) further comprises: a movement element (355) for moving the guide mandrel (360) from a starting position into a moved-in position, in which moved-in position the guide mandrel has been moved into the twisting axis (V); and a locking element (353, 354) for holding the guide mandrel (360) in the position in which it has been moved into the twisting axis (V), wherein the guide device (35) further comprises a clamping element (352) for actuating the movement element (355), wherein the actuation is realized counter to a preload force of a spring element (351) and the locking element (353) is configured for maintaining the moved-in position of the guide mandrel (360) in a latched-in manner counter to the preload force and for returning into the starting position of the guide mandrel in an unlatching manner.

2. The apparatus (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the guide mandrel (360) is designed so as to be pivotably movable into the twisting axis (V).

3. The apparatus (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking element (352) is configured for latching in with respect to a pawl (354) in the moved-in position of the guide mandrel (360).

4. An apparatus (100) for twisting individual lines (11, 12) about a twisting axis (V) to form a line bundle (10) along an extension axis (A), wherein the apparatus comprises: individual rotary units (41, 42) spaced apart from one another for separately holding line ends (15, 16) at the one end of the individual lines (11, 12); a twisting unit (1030) for holding and twisting line ends at the other end of the individual lines (11, 12); a guide device (1035) to which there is fastened a guide mandrel (1360) for at least regional separation of the individual lines (11, 12) during a twisting operation by means of the twisting unit in a region in which there is a transition from an untwisted region to a twisted region; characterized in that the guide device (1035) further comprises: a movement element (1370) for moving the guide mandrel (1360) from a starting position into a moved-in position, in which moved-in position the guide mandrel has been moved into the twisting axis (V); and a locking element (1353, 1354, 1355) for holding the guide mandrel (1360) in the position in which it has been moved into the twisting axis (V), wherein the guide device (1035) further comprises a locking roller (1354) which is mounted rotatably in a holder (1353) and which serves for actuating the actuating element (1370), wherein the actuation is realized counter to the preload force of a spring element (1351) and the locking roller (1354) is configured for maintaining the moved-in position of the guide mandrel (1360) counter to the preload force by way of a locking shape of the actuating element (1370) and by means of a locking spring (1355).

5. The apparatus (100) according to Claim 4, wherein the guide mandrel (1360) is designed so as to be pivotably movable into the twisting axis (V).

6. The apparatus (100) according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the locking shape of the actuating element (1370) comprises a locking contour (1371) against which the locking roller (1354) acts.

7. The apparatus (100) according to one of Claims 4-6, wherein the twisting unit (1030) further comprises a clamping unit (1032) for bringing the actuating element (1370) into the moved-in position of the guide mandrel (1360).

8. The apparatus (100) according to Claim 7, wherein the actuating element (1370) comprises an actuation contour (1372) on which the clamping unit (1032) acts in order to bring the actuating element (1370) into the moved-in position of the guide mandrel (1360).

9. The apparatus (100) according to one of Claims 4-8, further comprising a release element (1040), in particular a stop, for releasing the locking shape of the actuating element (1370) counter to a locking force of the locking roller (1354) in order for the guide mandrel (1360) to be moved into the starting position.

10. The apparatus (100) according to Claim 9, wherein the release element (1040) is configured to be actively extendable, in particular pneumatically extendable, in the release direction.

11. A method for twisting individual lines (11, 12) about a twisting axis (V) to form a line bundle (10) along an extension axis (A), wherein, for carrying out the method, use is made of an apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: separately holding line ends (15, 16) at the one end of the individual lines (11, 12) by means of the individual rotary units (41, 42); holding line ends at the other end of the individual lines (11, 12) by means of the twisting unit (30); moving the guide mandrel (360) out of the twisting axis (V), and displacing the guide device (35) in the direction of the twisting unit (30); moving the guide mandrel (360) into the region of the twisting axis (V) for defining a boundary between an untwisted region and a twisted region during a twisting operation, wherein the movement of the guide mandrel is realized by means of the clamping element (352) for actuating the movement element (355) counter to a preload force of the spring element (351) and the locking element (353) maintains the moved-in position of the guide mandrel (360) counter to the preload force and returns into the starting position of the guide mandrel in an unlatching manner, or wherein the movement of the guide mandrel is realized by means of the locking roller (1354) for actuating the actuating element (1370) counter to a preload force of the spring element (1351), and the locking roller (1354) maintains the moved-in position of the guide mandrel (360) counter to the preload force by way of the locking shape of the actuating element and by means of the locking spring (1355); rotating the twisting unit (30) in order to carry out a twisting operation, and displacing the guide unit (35) according to a time-dependent desired position of a first crossing point (P1) at the twisted line bundle (10).

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