Material carrier for a thread-shaped material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a material carrier (1) for a thread-like material (3) comprising at least a first and a separate second carrier element (10, 10'), wherein the first and the second carrier element (10, 10') form the material carrier (1) in the assembled state, and at least one guide (11) on the first and / or the second carrier element (10, 10') which extends through the material carrier (1) along a first direction (X) in the assembled state, and in which the thread-like material (3) can be arranged, wherein the material carrier (1) can be attached to the thread-like material (3) and can be moved with it in a direction-independent manner.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a material carrier for a thread-like material, in particular an electrical or optical conductor. State of the art

[0002] In the current state of the art, cables or lines are regularly clamped into so-called carriers for processing or transport between processing stations and transported using a transport device. The carriers are moved along predetermined transport paths. If a carrier cannot reach a subsequent processing station, the cable or line must be removed and transported to the next processing station by another route. In the process, the cable must be re-identified at least at the next processing station, possibly inserted into a new transport system, and realigned.

[0003] US 2023 / 0041384 A1 relates to a cable holding device that can be useful in cable processing. The cable holding device comprises a pivotable or rotatable clamping device in an end portion for selectively clamping the cable. In particular, a pivotable clamp or clamp end is rotatably attached to the end portion via a pin or a shoulder-shaped fastening element that is inserted through an opening formed in the clamp end and a corresponding coaxial opening in the end portion.

[0004] Prior art devices have several disadvantages, including the inability to move freely with the cable, difficulty in inserting the cable or requiring manual steps, and / or a complex design unsuitable for robust use in a factory setting. In particular, prior art devices insert a cable into a workpiece carrier manually. This manual insertion is time-consuming and prone to errors. Furthermore, after assembly, a cable is moved through a system as a loose component. Grippers or similar devices are necessary for this movement. However, these grippers only secure the cable imprecisely. Directed movement or processing then requires precise re-fixing of the cable. Finally, future cables will be more flexible, making handling with prior art workpiece carriers or grippers even more challenging. Description of the invention

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device that makes the handling of a cable in (automated) cable assembly simpler, faster and more process-reliable.

[0006] The aforementioned problem is solved by a material carrier according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0007] In particular, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a material carrier for a thread-like material comprising at least a first and a separate second carrier element, wherein the first and the second carrier element form the material carrier in the assembled state, and at least a guide on the first and / or the second carrier element, which in the assembled state extends along a first direction through the material carrier, and in which the thread-like material can be arranged, wherein the material carrier can be attached to the thread-like material and moved with it in a direction-independent manner.

[0008] The material carrier presented here features a very simple yet robust design. This design makes the material carrier very easy and user-friendly to handle. Handling includes not only the assembled material carrier but also the individual components. The material carrier deliberately omits moving mechanical elements such as hinges to minimize wear. This omission increases the material carrier's lifespan. Furthermore, the simple design allows for fully automated use and assembly. Due to its compact external dimensions and the way the material carrier is attached to the filament material or cable, it can remain attached to the cable throughout the entire assembly process.The cable is easy to grasp, align, and feed to various processing stations using the material carrier. The material carrier is reusable, and individual carrier elements are easily replaceable when worn. The material carrier provides stability, particularly for flexible cables or very thin cables, in its area, allowing the cables to be well aligned and processed. The at least two carrier elements can be releasably secured to one another in the assembled state using retention forces. Retention forces can include magnetic forces, adhesive forces, static friction forces, and / or mechanical retention forces, such as locking, clicking, elastic deformation, interlocking, and the like.The feature that the second support element is provided separately from the first means, in particular, that the second support element is only attached to the first support element after a thread-like material has been arranged between the first and second support elements. The separate provision of the support elements enables and / or simplifies automated handling of the material carrier.

[0009] Preferably, the first and second carrier elements are releasably fastened to one another via a securing element. The securing element is preferably a separate component. The securing element can preferably be arranged manually or automatically on the first and second carrier elements. If the material carrier is constructed from more than two carrier elements, the securing element secures all of the carrier elements to one another. The securing element has the task of fastening the carrier elements that form the material carrier to one another, whereby the securing element can be designed independently of the carrier elements and vice versa. This enables a multitude of design options, so that the material carrier as a whole can be very well adapted to products and processes.

[0010] Preferably, the first and second support elements each have at least one first fixing means. The first fixing means enables the first and second support elements to be aligned relative to each other. Furthermore, the first fixing means prevents the first and second support elements from sliding relative to each other along the central axis.

[0011] Preferably, the first and second support elements have at least one second fixing means, wherein the second fixing means is complementary to the first fixing means. In particular, the first and second fixing means engage with each other in the assembled state. The second complementary fixing means increases the reliability of the arrangement of the first and second support elements relative to one another.

[0012] Preferably, the first and second carrier elements each have an identification feature or a partial identification feature that, when the material carrier is assembled, results in a common identification feature. A (partial) identification feature comprises, in particular, an optically or electronically detectable feature, such as an RFID tag or QR code, with which a carrier element or material carrier can be uniquely identified. If each carrier element has an identification feature, inferences can be drawn about the use of the carrier element, for example, its wear after a number of uses. If each carrier element has only a partial identification feature, the identification feature only becomes valid upon assembly of the material carrier and can then uniquely identify the enclosed conductor.The latter case would have the advantage that the number of identifying features could be kept smaller, and thus, for example, a QR code with fewer elements would be sufficient.

[0013] Preferably, the first and second support elements each comprise a front section with a chamfered surface, the front sections preferably forming a conical shape when the tool carrier is assembled. The chamfered surfaces or the conical shape enable automatic centered alignment of the material carrier when inserted into a corresponding opening at a machining station. The conical shape is radially symmetrical, so that the centered alignment can occur independently of the rotation angle of the guide.

[0014] Preferably, the first and second support elements each have a positioning feature, with the positioning features forming a common positioning in the assembled state. This common positioning ensures quick and reliable positioning of the material carrier relative to a gripping device or processing station. Furthermore, the common positioning can serve to provide a defined second length to the tip of the free end.

[0015] Preferably, the material carrier is designed to accommodate the free end of the thread-like material. In particular, the free end can be easily positioned within the material carrier by sliding it relative to the conductor or vice versa. Positioning the free end within the material carrier protects it from accidental damage.

[0016] Preferably, the first and second support elements are identical in structure. This identical structure makes the construction of the material carrier very simple and user-friendly. In practice, any two support elements can be combined to form a single material carrier.

[0017] Preferably, the first and second support elements, and especially the entire support structure, are made of plastic. The plastic makes the support structure lightweight yet robust. Plastic is an inexpensive material and can be easily formed into a support structure using a suitable process, such as injection molding. Furthermore, using plastic, as opposed to a harder material like metal, reduces the risk of damage to the conduit.

[0018] The following description of embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a material carrier in the mounted state on a thread-like material; Fig. 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of a first carrier element; and Fig. 3 a perspective view of an embodiment of a first and a second carrier element when joined together.

[0019] Preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0020] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a material carrier 1 for a thread-like material 3 in its assembled state with an inserted material or a inserted conductor 3. The illustrated material carrier 1 has at least one first and one separate second carrier element 10, 10'. The first and the second carrier elements 10, 10' form the material carrier 1 in the assembled state. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second carrier elements 10, 10' are detachably fastened to one another by means of a locking element 7. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second carrier elements 10, 10' adhere to one another by means of holding forces. For this purpose, in one embodiment, the inner surfaces 19 of the first and second carrier elements 10, 10' can be magnetically formed. In further embodiments, the first and second carrier elements 10, 10' can be fastened to one another by means of other (chemical or mechanical) holding forces.

[0021] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the first support element 10. Preferably, the first and second support elements 10, 10' are identical in construction. The illustrated first (and second) support element 10 (10') has at least one first fixing means 12 (12'). In the illustrated embodiment, the first fixing means 12 is formed as a projection. The first and second support elements 10, 10' can be visually and haptically aligned with each other via the first fixing means 12. Furthermore, the illustrated first (and second) support element 10 (10') has at least one second fixing means 13. The second fixing means 13 is designed to be complementary to the first fixing means 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the second fixing means 13 is a recess into which the projection of the first fixing means 12 can be inserted.

[0022] Furthermore, the first and second carrier elements 10, 10' can each have an identification feature. In a preferred embodiment, the identification feature comprises an RFID tag or a QR code. In other embodiments, alternative identification features can be used to uniquely identify a carrier element. Optically or electronically readable identification features are particularly suitable. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second carrier elements 10, 10' each have a partial identification feature, which, when the material carrier is assembled, result in a common identification feature. Here, in one embodiment, each carrier element 10, 10' could have part of a QR code, which is arranged on the carrier elements in such a way that, when assembled, they result in a complete QR code.A conductor 3 could be uniquely identified via this QR code as long as it is held in the assembled material carrier 1.

[0023] Furthermore, the first and second support elements 10, 10' shown each comprise a front section 14, 14'. The front section 14, 14' each terminates in a front end 16, 16'. A first length L1 can be defined between the front ends 16, 16' and the tip of the free end 5 of the line 3. The first length L1 indicates how far the free end 5 projects forward along the first direction X beyond the material carrier 1. The front sections 14, 14' shown each have a chamfered surface. In the assembled state of the material carrier 1, the front sections 14, 14' form a conical shape. This conical shape is particularly suitable for self-centering the material carrier 1 at a machining station.

[0024] When aligning the illustrated material carrier 1 at a processing station, it is further advantageous that the first and second carrier elements 10, 10' each have a positioning 18, 18', wherein the positionings 18, 18' form a common positioning in the assembled state. In the illustrated embodiment, the common positioning includes a circumferential recess. The material carrier 1 can be clearly gripped and aligned via the recess. Furthermore, a second length L2, from the recess to the tip of the free end 5 of the line 3, can be defined via the common recess. The line 3 can be precisely aligned, for example at a processing station, via the second length L2.

[0025] The illustrated material carrier 1 further has at least one guide 11 on the first and / or the second support element 10, 10' (see. Fig. 2The guide 11, in its assembled state, extends along a central axis M in a first direction X through the material carrier 1. The thread-like material or the illustrated conductor 3 can be arranged within the guide 11. If required, the conductor 3 can be fully enclosed within the guide 11 with its free end 5. This might be necessary, for example, to protect the free end 5 during (extended) transport of the conductor 3. At the front end 16, 16', the guide 11 forms a first opening 15 for the conductor 3. At the opposite end of the material carrier 1, the guide 11 forms a second opening 17.

[0026] In, as in Fig. 1In the assembled state shown, the material carrier 1 is attached to the thread-like material or conductor 3 and can be moved with it in any direction. Due to the elongated and compact shape of the material carrier 1 along the conductor 3, it can remain attached to the conductor 3 without being at risk of serious damage. By permanently attaching the material carrier 1 to the conductor 3 (during cable assembly), it stabilizes, for example, thin or highly flexible conductors 3, making them easier to grip and process. In particular, the thread-like material or conductor 3 is held in the guide 11 by frictional engagement. And the material carrier 1 allows a conductor 3 to be supplied to any processing station in any direction.Preferably the first and second support elements 10, 10', and in particular the entire material support 1, are made of plastic.

[0027] In the following, with particular reference to Fig. 3 , one embodiment of the use of the material carrier 1 is described. The use can be carried out manually or automatically.

[0028] For the use of a material carrier 1 as shown, at least one material carrier 1 is attached to each cable 3 to be processed / assembled. Attachment can be automated, for example, after the cable 3 has been cut or trimmed to length. Preferably, the material carrier 1 is attached to the cable 3 at the beginning of the cable assembly process and only removed at the end, for example, shortly before the cable 3 is packaged. Because the material carrier 1 remains attached to the cable 3 at all times, the cable 3 can be easily and precisely fixed via the material carrier 1, processed at process stations, and always identified.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the material carrier 1 is formed from two identical plastic carrier elements 10, 10'. For assembly, a first carrier element 10 is provided so that the guide 11 is clearly visible as a recess. A line 3 is then arranged in the guide 11. The size of the guide 11 or recess is adapted to the line 3 to be held. Various carrier elements 10 with different guide sizes can be provided. A distinction can be made, for example, by color coding. The line 3 should lie snugly in the guide 11 so that the line 3 is held in the material carrier 1 by frictional engagement in the assembled state. The length L1 can be selected appropriately when inserting the line 1.When the conductor 3 is arranged in the guide 11 of the first support element 10, a second support element 10' is placed appropriately on the first support element 10, so that the conductor 3 is arranged in the combined guide 11 of the two support elements 10, 10' and both support elements 10, 10' are arranged next to each other.

[0030] To secure the two support elements 10, 10' to each other, in the described embodiment, a securing element 7 in the form of a ring is pushed onto the material carrier 1. This step can also be automated. In alternative embodiments, the securing element 7 can be implemented differently, for example, in the form of a bayonet lock, a tensioning strap, a buckle, a winding, etc.

[0031] The material carrier 1 is then attached to the conductor 3 and can be moved with it in any direction. The conductor 3 is easier to grip on the material carrier 1 and has a defined position. In particular, the material carrier 1 enables on-the-fly processing of the conductor 3, as it can be easily guided in any direction. If necessary, an (unterminated) free end 5 of the conductor 3 can be protected by pulling it into the material carrier 1. For this, the locking element 7 may need to be briefly released to reduce or eliminate the force transmission. After the conductor has been terminated, the illustrated material carrier 1 can be easily dismantled by removing the locking element 7 and separating the first and second carrier elements 10, 10' from each other.In the case that the locking element 7 comprises a ring, as shown, the (inner) diameter of the locking element 7 is usually larger than a connector that has been terminated on the free end 5 of the conductor 3. Therefore, in the illustrated ring embodiment, the locking element 7 can simply be pulled off over the free end 5 of the conductor 3. The two support elements 10, 10' can then be separated from each other transversely to the first direction X, in particular along the second or third direction Y, Z, regardless of how the conductor 3 is terminated.

[0032] Each material carrier 1 or its individual components can be reused. For example, identical carrier elements 10, 10' can be stored in a repository for later use. When needed later, any two carrier elements 10, 10' can be taken from the repository and assembled to form a material carrier 1. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0033] 1 Material carrier 3 Thread-like material 5 Free end 7 Locking element 10 First carrier element 10' Second carrier element 11 Guide 12, 12' First fixing means 13 Second fixing means 14, 14' Front area 15 First opening 16, 16' Front end 17 Second opening 18, 18' Positioning 19 Inner surface L1 First length L2 Second length M Center axis X First direction Y Second direction Z Third direction

Claims

1. Material carrier (1) for a thread-like material (3), comprising: a) at least a first and a separate second carrier element (10, 10'), wherein the first and the second carrier element (10, 10') form the material carrier (1) in the assembled state; and b) at least one guide (11) on the first and / or the second carrier element (10, 10'), which, in the assembled state, runs along a first direction (X) through the material carrier (1) and in which the thread-like material (3) can be arranged; wherein c) the material carrier (1) is fastened to the thread-like material (3) and can be moved with it regardless of direction.

2. Material carrier (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second carrier elements (10, 10') are releasably fastened to one another via a securing element (7).

3. Material carrier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and the second carrier element (10, 10') have at least one first fixing means (12, 12').

4. Material carrier (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first and the second carrier element (10, 10') have at least one second fixing means (13), wherein the second fixing means (13) is designed to be complementary to the first fixing means (12, 12').

5. Material carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the first and the second carrier element (10, 10') each have an identification feature or each have a partial identification feature which, in the assembled state of the material carrier, results in a common identification feature.

6. Material carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the first and the second carrier element (10, 10') each comprise a front region (14, 14') which has a bevelled surface, wherein the front regions (14, 14') preferably form a conical shape in the assembled state of the tool carrier (1).

7. Material carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the first and the second carrier element (10, 10') each have a positioning (18, 18'), wherein the positionings (18, 18') form a common positioning in the assembled state.

8. Material carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the material carrier (1) is designed so that it can receive the free end (5) of the thread-like material (3).

9. Material carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the first and the second carrier element (10, 10') are constructed identically.

10. Material carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 - 9, wherein the first and the second carrier element (10, 10'), and in particular the entire material carrier (1), are formed from plastic.

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