Device for fitting connector housings and operating method

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for mounting connector housings 15 with several carrier plate parts 11, each of which has receiving devices for connector housings 15, a placement machine 17 for mounting the connector housings 15 with at least one cable 16, and a positioning unit for moving the carrier plate parts 11, wherein the carrier plate parts 11 can be assembled into a mounting pallet 10, and wherein the carrier plate parts 11 have uniform outer contours so that their positions within the mounting pallet 10 are freely interchangeable. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a device.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for assembling connector housings. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a device. State of the art

[0002] In practice, assembling connector housings with cables is usually a time-consuming manual process. However, there are already options for using pick-and-place machines that populate connector housings arranged on a pallet with the cables. The pallet is typically positioned vertically in the machine, so cables already inserted into slots in the connector housings hang down and can overlap or obscure unused slots. These obscured slots can no longer be accessed by the machine. Furthermore, the overlapping of cables during assembly can lead to the problem of so-called "meshing." Meshing occurs when the cables connected to one connector housing become intertwined with the cables of a second. The cable strand of the first connector housing is then almost impossible to separate from the cable strand of the second.

[0003] The arrangement of the connector housings on the assembly pallet is therefore essential for the automation process. The experience of the operator of the pick-and-place machine usually plays a significant role in ensuring successful automation during the assembly of the connector housings.

[0004] While experienced and well-trained operators can reduce the problem of interconnection, initial approaches exist to use computer-aided methods to determine the optimal position of the connector housings. This process is complex and requires considerable preparation time. Furthermore, some slots still cannot be used without interconnection.

[0005] The publication DE 10 2015 119 754 A1 relates to a method for manufacturing a cable harness and a device with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] Document US 11 550 304 B2 relates to a system and a method for the automated production of a cable set.

[0007] Document DE 691 04 066 T2 relates to a method for the automatic production of electrical cable harnesses and the device for its application. Document EP 1 251 605 A1 relates to a method and a device for fitting connector housings with pre-assembled cable ends of a cable, wherein a fitting unit inserts the cable ends into cells of the connector housings in a specific cable sequence. Description of the invention

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device for assembling connector housings that avoids the cables becoming entangled during assembly and can be used efficiently for assembling connector housings overall. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for operating such a device.

[0009] The invention solves the aforementioned problem by means of a device according to claim 1 and by means of a method according to claim 9.

[0010] Specifically, the invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a device for assembling connector housings, wherein the device comprises the following: several carrier plate parts, each having receiving devices for connector housings, a pick-and-place machine for populating the connector housings with at least one cable and a positioning unit for moving the carrier plate parts, wherein the carrier plate parts can be assembled into a pick-and-place pallet, the carrier plate parts have uniform outer contours, so that their positions within the assembly pallet are freely interchangeable.

[0011] The advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the carrier plate comprises several carrier plate sections whose positions are interchangeable. This allows the positions of the individual connector housings arranged on the carrier plate sections to be changed during operation. After some connector housing slots have been populated with cables that overlap other slots, thus hindering or preventing further placement, the carrier plate sections within the placement pallet can be repositioned to expose the remaining unoccupied slots. The placement machine can then populate these unoccupied slots with additional cables. The ability to reposition the carrier plate sections within the placement pallet thus increases the level of automation. The placement pallet can be a segmented placement pallet.The assembly pallet can be a modular assembly pallet; the individual carrier plate parts can correspond to the modules of the modular assembly pallet.

[0012] A uniform outer contour of the support plate components exists if, for example, the support plate components have the same geometry, in particular the same outer dimensions. For example, the support plate components can be rectangular, in particular square.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier plate parts are identical. This identical design ensures that the carrier plate parts can be repositioned or interchanged with one another. Furthermore, this reduces the manufacturing costs for the carrier plate parts, as the proportion of identical parts is increased.

[0014] Preferably, the carrier plate components each include centering and / or connecting devices, enabling precise assembly and, in particular, connection. It is advantageous if the position of the connector housings relative to the pick-and-place machine is defined as accurately as possible. Consequently, correct alignment of the carrier plate components is crucial for the success of the assembly process. The centering and / or connecting devices ensure this alignment and thus guarantee high process accuracy.

[0015] Centering and / or connecting devices that create a positive-locking contact between the carrier plate components offer a particularly simple and efficient way to ensure high process accuracy. A positive-locking contact or connection is easy and cost-effective to manufacture and offers high accuracy in centering and joining. However, other centering and / or connecting devices, such as those using magnets, are also conceivable.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiving devices are formed by holes or a grid of holes. The use of a grid of holes offers a high degree of design freedom when populating the assembly pallet with connector housings. By appropriately positioning the connector housings on the individual carrier plate parts, the efficiency of the automation process can be further increased.

[0017] It is particularly advantageous if the repositioning of the carrier plate components is also automated. This can be achieved, for example, if the positioning unit has a sliding device, especially one guided by rails. Alternatively or additionally, a gripper for the individual carrier plate components can be provided, preferably robot-assisted. After the connector housings have been partially populated with cables, the device can thus automatically move or reposition the carrier plate components to expose unused slots and populate the remaining slots. In this way, a particularly high degree of automation can be achieved.

[0018] With a high degree of automation, occupational safety becomes a crucial consideration. Therefore, the invention preferably provides that the pick-and-place machine has a lockable receiving chamber for the pallet. Preferably, the pick-and-place machine is controlled such that it is deactivated when the receiving chamber is open. The receiving chamber can be closed manually. Once the operator has closed the open frame, thus preventing access to the receiving chamber, the pick-and-place machine is preferably started automatically by the control system.

[0019] The pick-and-place machine can also have a storage unit for several different cables. In this sense, it can also be described as a storage system for various cables. The cables can differ in their thickness, insulation color, and / or the material used. With a pick-and-place machine configured in this way, it is possible for the device to automatically assemble various connector housings with different cables.

[0020] According to a subordinate aspect of the invention, a method for operating a previously described device is provided, comprising the following steps, preferably in the specified order: Inserting the assembly pallet into the pick-and-place machine, populating slots in connector housings arranged on at least one carrier plate part of the assembly pallet with cables, whereby some slots may remain unpopulated, rearranging the carrier plate parts so that the unpopulated slots are exposed, and populating the unpopulated slots with cables by the pick-and-place machine.

[0021] The preferred embodiments and advantages specified in connection with the device also apply analogously to the method described here. Brief description of the characters

[0022] The various and exemplary features described above can be combined with one another according to the invention, insofar as this is technically sensible and suitable. This applies regardless of whether the respective features are disclosed as device and / or process features. Further features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures and the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying schematic drawings. Fig. 1 a top view of a placement pallet of the device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a rear view of the placement pallet according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a top view of the assembly pallet according to Fig. 1 in a first step of the placement process using a pick-and-place machine; Fig. 4 a top view of the placement pallet according to Fig. 1in a second step of the placement process using a pick-and-place machine; and Fig. 5 a top view of the placement pallet according to Fig. 1 in a third step of the assembly process using a pick-and-place machine. Detailed description

[0023] In the Figures 1 and 2 A pallet for the device according to the invention is shown in a preferred embodiment. Figure 1 This shows a top view of the assembly pallet 10. Figure 2 In contrast, a rear view of the component pallet 10 is shown.

[0024] The assembly pallet 10 comprises several carrier plate parts 11, which in the embodiment shown here are rectangular in shape. The assembly pallet 10 is made up of several identical carrier plate parts 11. The carrier plate parts 11 are arranged in a grid such that each side edge of the assembly pallet 10 comprises three carrier plate parts 11. In the embodiment shown here, a total of 9 carrier plate parts 11 are assembled to form one assembly pallet 10. Other arrangements and numbers of carrier plate parts 11 are possible.

[0025] Each carrier plate part 11 has a hole pattern 12. The hole pattern 12 consists of several holes arranged regularly in rows and columns. The hole pattern 12 serves to accommodate connector housings 15. Different connector housings 15 can be positioned using the hole pattern 12. The carrier plate parts 11 are connected to each other, with the connection being made on the underside or rear side of the assembly pallet 10.

[0026] The back, which is in Figure 2The diagram shows connecting elements 13. Each connecting element 13 can be permanently connected to a carrier plate part 11 and can be coupled to another carrier plate part 11. Alternatively or additionally, individual connecting elements 13 can be formed by separate elements that are coupled to two adjacent carrier plate parts 11. Preferably, the connecting elements 13 also have a centering function. In general, the connecting elements 13 provide a positive-locking connection between the carrier plate parts 11.

[0027] The positive-locking connection can be designed such that an insertion contour is present, enabling self-centering. For secure fixation of the carrier plate parts 11, it is advantageous if the connecting elements 13 form an undercut. For example, the connecting elements 13 can provide a dovetail joint or another profile connection with two interlocking profiles.

[0028] Gripper contacts 14 are also provided on the reverse side of the assembly pallet 10. These gripper contacts 14 can, for example, be formed by cylindrical protrusions. In any case, the gripper contacts 14 are designed so that a robot arm with a gripper can grasp the individual carrier plate parts 11. Such a robot arm can be used to reposition the carrier plate parts 11. In particular, the carrier plate parts 11 can be placed at any position within the assembly pallet 10. Exchanging carrier plate parts 11 is also possible and desirable.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the carrier plate parts 11 can be slid against each other in a rail system. In particular, it can be provided that after removing one carrier plate part, the remaining carrier plate parts 11 can be slid against each other like a sliding puzzle. In this design, the carrier plate parts 11 alternately comprise tongues and grooves that interlock and thus form rails or guides for sliding the carrier plate parts within the grid defined by the size of the assembly pallet 10.

[0030] In Figure 3 A component placement pallet 10 is shown, analogous to the embodiment shown in the illustration. Figures 1 and 2The assembly consists of nine carrier plate parts 11. For unambiguous identification, each of the carrier plate parts 11 is numbered. The numbering from 1 to 9 is done in rows, starting with the carrier plate part 11 in the top left corner. The carrier plate part 11 in the upper left corner, or in the first row of the first column, therefore bears the number 1. The carrier plate part 11 in the top row of the second column (top center) bears the number 2. The carrier plate part 11 in the upper right corner, or in the first row of the third column, is assigned the number 3.

[0031] Each carrier plate section 11 is fitted with at least one connector housing 15. A placement machine 17 with a placement arm 18 and a storage unit 19 is also shown schematically. The storage unit 19 can be a rotary storage unit or equipped with one. The placement arm 18 takes a cable 16 from the storage unit 19 and guides it to the individual slots 15a formed in the respective connector housings 15. The slots 15a can have different sizes and geometries.

[0032] As in Figure 3 It is clearly visible that some slots 15a of the connector housings 15, already positioned on the eighth and ninth carrier plate parts 11, are connected to cables 16. It is also evident that some cables 16 already cross and overlap. This can become problematic for the further process because the cables 16 become entangled.

[0033] To avoid this entanglement, it is therefore provided that the individual carrier plate parts 11 within the assembly pallet 11 can be removed and placed in other positions. This allows for a further process step, which is described in Figure 4 As an example, the ninth carrier plate part 11 is shown removed from the assembly pallet. The removed ninth carrier plate part 11 is preferably positioned so that the cable routing of the cables 16 is tangle-free and orderly.

[0034] Removing the eighth carrier plate part 11 creates a space within the assembly pallet 10 that can be filled by other carrier plate parts 11. In the exemplary process step according to Figure 4The second carrier plate part 11 fills the gap previously occupied by the ninth carrier plate part 11. In other words, the second carrier plate part 11 has been moved into the position of the ninth carrier plate part 11. This allows the connector housings 15 on the second carrier plate part 11 to be easily populated with cables 16 by the pick-and-place machine 17. In this case, the cables 16, which are arranged with the connector housing 15 on the ninth carrier plate part 11, are secured at their other ends in the connector housing 15 on the second carrier plate part 11.

[0035] On the second carrier plate part 11, another connector housing 15 is arranged, which is also to be fitted with cables 16. These cables 16 are in turn to be connected to a connector housing 15 on the fifth carrier plate part 11. To achieve this, the eighth carrier plate part 11 is also removed from the assembly pallet 10, as shown by way of example in Figure 5 shown.

[0036] The second carrier plate part 11 now moves to the original position of the eighth carrier plate part 11. The fifth carrier plate part 11 is positioned in the place originally occupied by the ninth carrier plate part 11. This allows cables to be routed between the connector housing 15 on the second carrier plate part 11 and the connector housing 15 on the fifth carrier plate part 11. As in Figure 5 Being clearly visible prevents entanglement or meshing of cables 16.

[0037] A further advantage of the invention is that the travel distance for the placement arm 18 of the placement machine 17 is minimized. Preferably, the travel distance for the placement arm 18 is limited to the bottom row of the placement pallet 10. This reduces the required cable lengths and speeds up the automated placement process. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0038] 10 Assembly pallet 11 Carrier board part 12 Perforated board 13 Connection device 14 Gripper contact 15 Connector housing 15a Slot 16 Cable 17 Placement machine 18 Placement arm 19 Storage unit

Claims

1. Apparatus for populating plug housings (15) having - a plurality of carrier plate parts (11), which each have receiving devices for plug housings (15), - an automatic populating machine (17) for populating the plug housings (15) with at least one cable (16), and - a positioning unit for moving the carrier plate parts (11), wherein the carrier plate parts (11) can be assembled to form a populating pallet (10), characterized in that the carrier plate parts (11) have uniform outer contours, such that their positions within the populating pallet (10) are freely exchangeable.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the carrier plate parts (11) are of identical design.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the carrier plate parts (11) each have centring and / or connecting devices (13), such that the carrier plate parts (11) can be assembled, in particular connected, in a positionally accurate manner.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the centring and / or connecting devices (13) form a form-fitting contact between the carrier plate parts (11).

5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving devices are formed by holes or a hole pattern (12).

6. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning unit comprises an (in particular, rail-guided) displacement device and / or a (preferably robot-assisted) gripper.

7. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic populating machine (17) has a closable receiving space for the populating pallet (10).

8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic populating machine (17) has a storage unit (19) for a plurality of different cables (16).

9. Method for operating an apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - inserting the populating pallet (10) into the automatic populating machines (17), - populating plug-in locations (15a) in plug housings (15), which are arranged on at least one carrier plate part (11) of the populating pallet (10), with cables (16), wherein some plug-in locations (15a) remain unpopulated, - rearranging the carrier plate parts (11), such that the unpopulated plug-in locations (15a) are exposed, and - populating the unpopulated plug-in locations (15a) with cables (16) by automatic populating machines (17).

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