Grommet station

Abstract

A grommet station (1) comprises a grommet fitting unit (2) for fitting cable ends with grommets, a grommet providing unit (3) and a support structure (4) for supporting the grommet fitting unit (2) and the grommet providing unit (3). The grommet fitting unit (2) and the grommet providing unit (3) are permanently interconnected, wherein the grommet fitting unit (2) and the grommet providing unit (3) form a joint exchangeable module (5) that can be coupled to and uncoupled from the support structure (3).

Description

[0001] Nozzle station

[0002] The invention relates to a grommet station for fitting cables according to the preamble of claim 1. With such grommet stations, grommets, which are required, for example, for moisture-tight feedthroughs of electrical cables through plug housings or housing walls of electrical appliances, can be efficiently applied to cables.

[0003] Grommets are sealing elements made of silicone, for example, that are typically used to seal connector housings. Cable assembly involves cutting and stripping cables, fitting them with grommets, crimping them, and, if necessary, fitting them with housings. A stripped cable is fitted with a grommet, then a metal contact is usually crimped onto the cable. This crimp contact is designed to hold the grommet firmly in place. Grommet fitting is performed on fully automated cable assembly systems with grommet fitting stations, with the grommets typically being fed into the station in bulk. Semi-automatic machines for cable assembly systems are also available (where the cable is inserted by hand), which can perform, among other operations, the fitting of grommets.Especially with fully automatic machines, it is advantageous if the nozzle station can be converted from one nozzle variant to another quickly and without errors.

[0004] A generically comparable grommet station is shown in EP 1 689 049 A1. The grommet station comprises a grommet storage unit with a drum filled with grommets and a grommet loading device for loading a stripped cable end with a grommet. The grommet storage unit is part of a grommet supply device for preparing grommets for loading, which grommet loading device further comprises a conveyor rail of a vibratory conveyor. The conveyor rail transports the grommets in the correct position to a separating unit, from which each grommet is individually pushed onto a mandrel of a rotatable transfer unit comprising four mandrels. In addition to the aforementioned transfer unit with the four mandrels, the grommet loading device further comprises a loading head with an expanding sleeve and a grommet receiving part.At the upper end of the separating unit there is an ejection device with a ram that can be moved up and down, and which feeds the first grommet in the conveyor rail to the transfer device. The transfer device can be rotated in steps through a 90° angle, with the grommet being pushed onto the mandrel by means of the aforementioned ram in a first position. After a 90° rotation, the grommet is pushed onto a larger diameter section of the mandrel in a second position of the transfer unit for the purpose of expanding it. The actual fitting of the cable end with the grommet takes place in a third position. In this third position of the transfer device, the grommet is pulled off the mandrel using the fitting head, the grommet is pushed onto the expansion sleeve, the expanded grommet is placed onto the cable and finally pushed onto it.As soon as the dome has been pivoted into the third position, the placement head, with its two-part expansion sleeve and the two-part grommet receiving part, encloses the grommet. The grommet station according to EP 1 689 049 A1, the grommet supply device comprising a grommet storage unit and a vibrating conveyor with a conveyor rail, is designed to be mobile and can be exchanged together. However, the parts of the grommet placement device, which depend on the grommet variant and are also referred to as placement tools, must be exchanged and assembled manually during conversion.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved grommet station which is particularly easy to handle and enables short changeover times.

[0006] These and other objects are achieved according to the invention with a grommet station having the features of claim 1. The grommet station has a grommet fitting device for fitting cable ends with grommets. Furthermore, it has a grommet supply device for supplying grommets for fitting with the grommet fitting device. The grommet supply device has at least one grommet storage device. The grommet storage device can be designed, for example, as a drum for loosely storing grommets. However, the grommet storage device could also be designed as another supply device for grommets as bulk material. The grommet station then has a support structure for supporting the grommet fitting device and the grommet supply device.The fact that the grommet loading device and the grommet supply device are firmly connected to one another and form a common interchangeable module that can be coupled to and detached from the support structure, so that the interchangeable module can be exchanged for another interchangeable module to change to different grommets, results in several advantages. The fixed connection of the grommet loading device and the grommet supply device is understood here to mean that the grommet loading device and the grommet supply device form a common machine component (here, an interchangeable module) that essentially remains together after its completion, and individual parts are not removed. However, the fixed connection does not necessarily mean an indetachable connection.For example, for repair or maintenance work, it is conceivable that the grommet placement device and the grommet supply device could be separated from each other using appropriate fastening devices. With the innovative grommet station, changeover times can be significantly reduced. The actual changeover process requires even fewer work steps. The grommet placement device and the grommet supply device are firmly connected to each other in such a way that the placement process can begin immediately after coupling; the grommet placement device is then already in the correct location in the grommet station. Handling is simple, and the risk of using incorrect placement tools can be eliminated. Special tools are not required. The arrangement is particularly suitable for an automated process for replacing the interchangeable module.

[0007] Mounting tools, such as a transfer unit with one or more domes onto which the grommets can be pushed, can be mounted on the grommet placement device. It can be advantageous if all the mounting tools, and preferably all the guides for their movement, are integrated into the exchange module.

[0008] The support structure can be designed to be placed on the floor of a machine shop. It can be advantageous if the support structure is, for example, fixed to a machine table or integrated into the machine table of the grommet station in some other way. It is also conceivable, however, that the support structure could also be part of a machine platform of a cable assembly system. The grommet station described here does not necessarily have to be designed as a stand-alone cable processing machine. The assembly station can also be part of a cable assembly system. In addition to its function of supporting the grommet assembly device and the grommet supply device, the support structure can also serve to supply the grommet assembly device and the grommet supply device with electrical power and, if required, with compressed air.For this purpose, the support structure can comprise pneumatic and electrical lines, to which the grommet loading device and the grommet supply device of the interchangeable module can be connected via appropriate interfaces. The support structure can be designed to be placed on the floor of a machine shop. However, the support structure can also be assigned to a machine platform or table of a cable assembly system.

[0009] The grommet supply device can have a feed arrangement for feeding grommets from the grommet storage device to the grommet loading device. The feed arrangement can, for example, comprise a conveyor rail of a vibratory conveyor. The conveyor rail can be used to convey grommets one after the other in the correct position in a conventional manner.

[0010] It is also advantageous if the interchangeable module can be coupled and / or decoupled from the supporting structure without tools.

[0011] The interchangeable module can have a guide channel, for example, with a T-shaped cross-section, through which the interchangeable module can be inserted into the support structure (and vice versa) by sliding it in one direction. For this purpose, the support structure can have a guide and securing means complementary to the guide channel. The guide channel and the guide and securing means allow for simple yet precise coupling of the interchangeable module to the support structure.

[0012] The aforementioned guide and locking devices can be designed to be automatically actuated. Automatic actuation allows the corresponding guide and locking devices to be activated when the interchangeable module is inserted and reaches its end position, securing the interchangeable module in this position.

[0013] To secure the fully inserted interchangeable module, the guide channel can have at least one and preferably two recesses, and the support structure can have at least one and preferably two bolts as securing means, wherein each bolt engages in the corresponding recess, thus ensuring the aforementioned securing in a simple manner. The aforementioned means for securing the inserted position could also be arranged in reverse, i.e., the bolt(s) would then be assigned to the interchangeable module, and the recess(es) to the support structure.

[0014] The bolt can be displaceable transversely to the insertion direction and preloaded by a spring to the support structure, allowing it to automatically enter the recess, thus creating a convenient locking mechanism. The bolt or other securing means can additionally or alternatively be designed to clamp the counterpart, which is defined by the interchangeable module, to positionally secure the fully inserted interchangeable module.

[0015] It can be advantageous if all actuators for operating the grommet supply device, such as the vibrating conveyor or, if present, the drive for rotating the drum, are integrated in the exchange module.

[0016] The grommet placement device can comprise an expansion sleeve for holding the grommet in the expanded state and for placing the grommet on the cable end, and a transfer unit with at least one mandrel. A placement head of the grommet placement device can further comprise a grommet receiving device for receiving and holding the grommet during the placement process. The expansion sleeve and the grommet receiving device can be mechanically coupled to one another, wherein the expansion sleeve can be inserted into the grommet receiving device.

[0017] Actuators can be provided to operate the grommet placement device. At least some of these actuators, and preferably all of the actuators for operating the grommet placement device, can be integrated into the interchangeable module. The grommet placement device can comprise a transfer unit with at least one mandrel, wherein a grommet can be pushed onto the mandrel in a receiving position. An actuator, for example, comprising an electric motor, can be provided to move and preferably rotate or pivot the transfer unit. At least this actuator, i.e., the actuator for operating the transfer unit, can be integrated into the interchangeable module.If the grommet loading device has a separating unit, by means of which grommets are pushed individually from the conveyor rail onto a dome of the transfer unit, and an actuator for operating the separating unit, it is advantageous if this actuator - in addition to the actuator for operating the transfer unit - is integrated in the exchange module.

[0018] The interchangeable module may have connectors to form an interface for signals and energy.

[0019] To operate the grommet supply device and / or the grommet loading device, one or more control units can be provided for controlling the grommet supply device and / or the grommet loading device, respectively. These control units are arranged outside the interchangeable module, for example, in the support structure. Alternatively, one or more local control units can be provided for operating the grommet supply device, and one or more local control units can be provided for operating the grommet loading device, which local control units are integrated into the interchangeable module. Such local control units result in an advantageous interchangeable module that is optimally adapted to the grommets to be processed. The local control units can be connected to a central machine control unit.

[0020] It may also be advantageous if all guides for the necessary movements of the individual components or assembly tools of the grommet assembly device in order to fit the grommet onto the cable are provided in the exchange module.

[0021] The actuators for operating the grommet loading device and / or the grommet supply device of the interchangeable module can be pneumatic actuators, with the corresponding valves for controlling the pneumatic actuators preferably being arranged in the interchangeable module. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the valves for controlling the pneumatic actuators to be arranged in the support structure. A control device for controlling the actuators can be arranged on the interchangeable module.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the grommet station comprises a housing for the grommet supply device, in which at least the grommet storage device is accommodated. The housing is ergonomically shaped and has a substantially polyhedral and, in particular, cuboid-shaped outer contour with tapered corners and edges of the polyhedron or cuboid, resulting in a compact design and significantly facilitating handling, especially with regard to manual changes.

[0023] The support structure can have a bulge that is designed complementarily to the housing, preferably in a step-like manner, into which at least a lower region of the housing can be fitted or is fitted when the exchangeable module is fully inserted.

[0024] The nozzle supply device of the exchange module can have a preferably vertically oriented suction pipe that opens into the nozzle storage unit. The suction pipe can be used to pneumatically convey nozzles from the nozzle storage unit. The preferably horizontally oriented conveyor rail can be connected to the suction pipe, via which the nozzles are conveyed further toward the separating unit. The suction pipe and the conveyor rail form an advantageous feed arrangement. The suction pipe ensures an advantageous, compact design of the nozzle supply device and enables a particularly ergonomic housing.

[0025] The advantageous feed arrangement formed by the suction pipe and conveyor rail could also be configured differently. Instead of a suction pipe, an endless annular vertical conveyor, such as that known from WO2011 / 158145, could be used. The suction pipe or the aforementioned vertical conveyor could also be replaced by the known drum under certain circumstances. It is also conceivable that the grommets could be fed without a conveyor rail, for example, using a toothed belt with cams between which the grommets are positioned, or even with a robotic pick-and-place system.

[0026] The grommet station can consist of a support structure and several interchangeable modules, with one of the several interchangeable modules being coupled to the support structure and thus ready for operation. Depending on requirements, one interchangeable module can be detached from the support structure and replaced by one of the other interchangeable modules. The several interchangeable modules of the grommet station can be designed in various ways; for example, different feeding principles can be selected depending on the type of grommet. For example, one interchangeable module can comprise a grommet supply device with a grommet storage unit and a suction pipe, while another interchangeable module can comprise a grommet supply device with a drum.

[0027] A further aspect of the invention relates to a grommet station with a grommet fitting device for fitting cable ends with grommets, a grommet supply device for providing grommets for fitting with the grommet fitting device, and a support structure for supporting the grommet fitting device and the grommet supply device. This grommet station can be constructed in particular in the manner described above, i.e. with an advantageous module comprising a grommet fitting device and a grommet supply device, which forms a common interchangeable module that can be coupled to and uncoupled from the support structure. According to this aspect, the grommet fitting device and / or the grommet supply device are designed for automatic changing of the respective devices, i.e. the grommet fitting device and / or the grommet supply device.With such a grommet station, changeover times can be shortened, particularly in combination with the interchangeable module comprising a grommet loading device and a grommet supply device. For automatically changing the devices, particularly interchangeable modules, the grommet station can have a changeover arrangement comprising a magazine for multiple grommet loading devices and / or grommet supply devices, particularly for interchangeable modules for different grommets. The changeover arrangement of the grommet station can further have a changer for removing a grommet loading device and / or a grommet supply device, particularly for removing an interchangeable module, from the magazine, for transferring it from the magazine to the support structure, and for coupling the grommet loading device and / or the grommet supply device and for coupling, in particular, the interchangeable module to the support structure.

[0028] The changer can have a horizontal linear axis, on or by means of which a carriage can be moved horizontally back and forth between the magazine and the support structure. The carriage temporarily carries (for transport between the magazine and the support structure) the respective device, i.e., the grommet loading device, the grommet supply device, or both the grommet loading device and the grommet supply device together.

[0029] The magazine can have a vertical conveyor system with several vertically movable consoles, on each of which one of the aforementioned devices (e.g., a change module) is or can be placed. Each console of the magazine can thus be designed, for example, to carry or accommodate one change module. This allows the grommet station to be operated particularly efficiently with regard to changing to different grommet variants.

[0030] The consoles can be self-propelled and each equipped with a climbing drive. Preferably, the consoles of the vertical conveyor device are vertically movable by means of lifting or supporting means. Supporting cables, belts, or chains can be used as lifting or supporting means. The vertical conveyor device could also be a hydraulic or pneumatic vertical conveyor device. Preferably, the vertical conveyor can have a console carrier having at least two consoles arranged one above the other, which can be moved along a vertical guide arrangement, for example in the form of a guide rail. The two consoles arranged one above the other are thus combined to form a console group, which can be moved up and down together.

[0031] Each console of the magazine's vertical conveyor can have a clamping device for securing the transported goods, i.e., the grommet loading device, the grommet supply device, or both the grommet loading device and the grommet supply device. This allows the goods to be safely transported to the desired vertical position using the vertical conveyor.

[0032] A further aspect of the invention relates to a grommet station with a grommet fitting device for fitting cable ends with grommets, a grommet supply device for providing grommets for fitting with the grommet fitting device, and a support structure for supporting the grommet fitting device and the grommet supply device. This grommet station can be constructed in particular in the manner described above, i.e. with an advantageous module comprising a grommet fitting device and a grommet supply device, which forms a common interchangeable module that can be coupled to and uncoupled from the support structure. The grommet station according to this aspect is characterized in that it has a protective hood for covering the grommet station, and in that the protective hood has a filling opening for filling the grommet storage unit with grommets.Thanks to this special protective hood, nozzles can be refilled easily and safely without having to remove the protective hood. The cover particularly covers areas of the nozzle station that would be accessible to people standing nearby. The protective hood prevents people from reaching into the nozzle station and being injured by moving machine elements in the nozzle station. The protective hood therefore covers the nozzle station at least to the sides and above. A cover is not necessary at the bottom, but is conceivable. The specially designed protective hood could also be used advantageously with a nozzle station of conventional design such as the nozzle station known from EP 0 626 738 B1.

[0033] A preferably closable filling opening for filling and in particular for refilling the nozzle storage with nozzles can be provided in the protective hood.

[0034] An inlet can be arranged at the filling opening. Preferably, the inlet protrudes from the protective hood. In other words, the inlet is arranged so that it protrudes away from the protective hood. The inlet can be fixed, but a movable inlet is also conceivable, which can be closed when not in use. In the latter case, the filling opening can be closed by the closed inlet. In the open position, the inlet can protrude diagonally away from the protective hood, thus facilitating filling, and in the closed position, it can rest against the protective hood.

[0035] The inlet can be funnel-shaped, which makes it easy to ensure that no spouts fall accidentally during filling.

[0036] The housing for the spout supply device can comprise a lid, wherein an opening and closing mechanism is provided for opening the lid and vice versa. The housing can have a lower housing part 40 and the aforementioned lid 39, wherein the lid is preferably arranged on the upper side of the lower housing part. The lid can furthermore preferably be pivotally attached to the lower housing part via a hinge. The pivoting movement for opening the lid of the housing can be manual or automated by means of a corresponding actuator. A special variant can be directed towards the housing for the spout supply device comprising a lid, wherein the opening and closing mechanism for the inlet is designed to open the lid simultaneously with the opening process for the inlet.

[0037] For easy handling, at least one handle can be provided for manually opening and closing the filling opening and / or the lid.

[0038] The opening and closing mechanism for the lid comprises, for example, a slider. The slider, which can preferably be moved back and forth via the at least one handle, can be used to move the lid into the open or closed position.

[0039] Lateral guide elements can be arranged on the inside of the slider hood, which connect to the inlet when the lid and / or the closable filling opening are in the open position. The inlet, in turn, can include lateral guide elements that are approximately at the same level as the slider guide elements during filling or when in the open position. The guide elements ensure reliable filling with nozzles.

[0040] A pin (or other engagement element) can be arranged on the cover, which is operatively connected to a wedge-shaped flank section of the slide for opening the cover. The flank section forms a guide for the pin 42, along which it can travel. By moving the slide in the opening direction, the pin is pushed away by moving along the flank section, thus causing the cover to open.

[0041] Further individual features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the drawings. They show:

[0042] Figure 1: a perspective view of a grommet station according to a first embodiment with a support structure and a decoupled interchangeable module, Figure 2: the grommet station from Fig. 1 with the interchangeable module coupled to the support structure (interchangeable module fully inserted),

[0043] Figure 3: an enlarged detailed view of a coupling arrangement for securing the fully inserted exchange module in a sectional view,

[0044] Figure 4: the grommet station of Figure 2 with a housing in a cut-out view,

[0045] Figure 5 : an enlarged perspective detail view of a grommet assembly device (without assembly head) of the interchangeable module,

[0046] Figures 6 to 8: a side view of the grommet fitting device of the interchangeable module in three different positions, whereby a stripped cable end of a cable is fitted with a grommet,

[0047] Figure 9: a plan view of a cable assembly system with a grommet station in the manner according to the first embodiment, wherein the grommet station is, however, equipped with a change arrangement for changing interchangeable modules,

[0048] Figure 10: a perspective view of the changing arrangement of the grommet station according to the second embodiment,

[0049] Figure 11 shows the grommet station with the changing arrangement from Fig. 10 with two

[0050] interchangeable modules,

[0051] Figures 12 to 16: the grommet station with the change arrangement with the two change modules in different positions when changing from one change module to the other change module,

[0052] Figure 17: a perspective view of a cable assembly system in a partial view, with a grommet station of the cable assembly system covered by a protective hood,

[0053] Figure 18: another perspective view of the grommet station from Fig.

[0054] 17,

[0055] Figure 19: the nozzle station, with a housing of a nozzle supply device, which is half open, and

[0056] Figure 20: the grommet station with the housing fully opened.

[0057] Figure 1 shows a grommet station, designated overall by 1, with a grommet fitting device 2 for fitting cable ends with grommets, a grommet supply device 3 for providing grommets for fitting with the grommet fitting device, and a support structure 4 for supporting the grommet fitting device 2 and the grommet supply device 3. The grommet fitting device 2 and the grommet supply device 3 are firmly connected to one another. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the two devices 2 and 3 form a common module 5. This module 5 can be coupled to the support structure 4 and detached from it again. In the following, module 5 is referred to as an interchangeable module, since such modules can be easily exchanged for converting from one type of grommet to another using the grommet station explained in detail below.The interchangeable modules 5 can each be loaded with different grommets (e.g., grommets of different colors and / or grommet geometries), with the interchangeable module 5 being adapted to the grommet geometry. When changing grommets, i.e., when changing from one type of grommet to another, the interchangeable module 5 shown here can be exchanged for another (not shown here), which can significantly shorten changeover times. The other interchangeable module mentioned is essentially constructed in the same way and differs essentially only in its different loading of grommets and in that it is adapted to or configured for the grommets.

[0058] The grommet supply device 3 for supplying grommets for the grommet loading device 2 comprises a grommet storage device accommodated in a housing 19. The grommet storage device can be seen in the following Fig. 4 and is designated by 6 there. The grommet storage device is designed for storing grommets as bulk material. The grommet supply device 3 further comprises a conveyor rail 8, with which grommets can be conveyed in the direction of the grommet loading device 2. The conveyor rail 8 is a component of a vibrating conveyor. The actuator for operating the vibrating conveyor is designated by 47. The conveyor rail 8 has a groove in the longitudinal direction, the cross-section of which approximately corresponds to the outline of the longitudinal section of a grommet. A separating unit 48 is arranged at the end of the conveyor rail 8.The grommets are conveyed in the correct position via the conveyor rail 8 to the separating unit 48, from which each grommet is individually pushed onto a mandrel of a transfer unit. The separating unit 48 and the transfer unit with the mandrel are components of the grommet placement device 2, which further comprises a placement head 10. The grommet placement device 2 with the aforementioned components will be explained in more detail later with reference to Figures 4 to 8.

[0059] The support structure 4 can, for example, be fixed to a machine table (not shown). However, the support structure 4 could also be designed to be placed on the floor of a machine shop.

[0060] The support structure 4 has two bolts 14, 15 and centering elements 16 arranged in front of the bolts. The interchangeable module 5 has a guide channel 46 with a T-shaped cross-section, through which the interchangeable module 5 can be inserted into the support structure 4 by sliding it in the e-direction. The tapered centering elements 16, which are triangular in plan view, facilitate insertion. The bolts 14, 15 serve as guides when inserting the interchangeable module 5.

[0061] The support structure 4 forms a stationary structure of the grommet station 1, while the exchange module 5 is designed to be mobile.

[0062] The housing 19 for the grommet supply device 3 is ergonomically designed and has a roughly cuboid-shaped outer contour with rounded corners and edges, which makes the interchangeable module 5 easy to handle and, in particular, enables simple manual replacement. The support structure 4 has a stepped recess 31 complementary to the housing 19, into which the lower portion of the housing 19 can be fitted.

[0063] The fully inserted interchangeable module 5 is shown in Figure 2. In this coupled position, the grommet station 1 is ready for operation. This also shows that, thanks to the ergonomically shaped, comparatively narrow housing 19, the grommet station 1 has an overall compact and space-saving design.

[0064] Details of the design of the coupling arrangement for guiding and securing the interchangeable module 5 can be seen in Figure 3. The guide channel 46 of the interchangeable module 5 has two recesses 17, 18 into which the bolts 14, 15 engage when the interchangeable module is fully inserted. The bolts 14, 15 are displaceable transversely to the insertion direction e and can be preloaded by means of a spring (not shown) so that the bolts 14, 15 automatically penetrate into the associated recess 17, 18, thereby creating a locking mechanism. In the present exemplary embodiment, the bolts 14, 15 are designed as clamping bolts. As soon as the target position is reached when the interchangeable module 5 is inserted into the support structure 4, the two clamping bolts 14, 15 are moved downward into the recesses 17, 18.The recesses 17, 18 are designed such that a component of the clamping force acts forward in the e-direction and presses the interchangeable module 5 against a stop of the support structure 4. In this way, a stable and reliable connection between the support structure 4 and the interchangeable module 5 is ensured.

[0065] It is advantageous if the clamping bolts 14, 15 are pulled downward by springs and actively pushed upward only for inserting the interchangeable module 5. This can be achieved by active elements, such as a pneumatic cylinder, or passively, for example, by means of a lever mechanism (not shown). In the case of the aforementioned active elements, the clamping can be triggered automatically with the aid of a position sensor when the target position is reached; alternatively, the triggering could also be initiated by pressing a button. The coupling arrangement can also be released to release the safety device by means of a button or by a control signal sent from a control device.

[0066] As can be seen from Figure 4, the spout supply device 3 has a spout storage 6. The spout storage 6 is embodied in the present case as a container immovably received in the housing 19. Spouts are stored as bulk material in the spout storage 6. The spout supply device further has a vertically oriented suction pipe 7, which opens into the spout storage 6 and with which spouts can be pneumatically conveyed out. Via the suction pipe 7, spouts can be conveyed from the spout storage 6 to the previously mentioned horizontally oriented conveyor rail 8.

[0067] Except for a linear unit 56 for moving the dome of the placement head 10 of the grommet placement device 2, all actuators, such as the actuator 47 of the vibratory conveyor with the conveyor rail 8, for operating the grommet placement device 2 and the grommet supply device 3 are integrated in the interchangeable module 5. However, it would also be conceivable to assign the linear unit 56 to the interchangeable module 5 instead of—as shown—to the support structure 4. In this case, all actuators for operating the grommet placement device 2 and the grommet supply device 3 would be integrated in the interchangeable module 5.

[0068] The interface for supplying the various actuators of the interchangeable module 5 with power and for controlling the respective components is also clearly visible in Figure 4. Pneumatic lines 49 and electrical lines 50 are provided for the power supply. The respective lines 49, 50 are connected to each other during the insertion process, for example, via a plug connection (shown only schematically) in the interface between the support structure 4 and the interchangeable module 5.

[0069] Figure 4 also shows a coupling element 51 with two bores for coupling the interchangeable module 5 to a carriage (not shown) of a change assembly, which is shown in Figures 10 to 16 and explained in detail below with reference to these figures. This coupling element 51 could also be omitted for manual change.

[0070] The housing 19 of the grommet supply device 3 comprises a cover 39, through which the grommet storage 6 can be filled with grommets when the cover is open. The cover 39 is pivotally attached to a lower housing part 40 of the housing 19, for example via a hinge. Design details for the configuration of the grommet fitting device 2 for fitting cable ends with grommets are shown in Figure 5. The grommet fitting device 2 comprises a transfer unit with a dome carrier 13 and a dome 9 attached thereto. The dome carrier 13 is pivotally mounted on a boom 55. The corresponding pivot axis is designated 53. The boom 55 is displaceable in the horizontal direction by means of a linear unit 56. The linear movement of the boom is effected by this linear unit, for example a spindle drive with a servo motor, which is arranged on the support structure 4.When inserting the interchangeable module 5, the extension arm 55 is coupled to the linear unit 56, which is achieved, for example, magnetically. A control pin 52 is attached to the mandrel support 13, which engages with a control cam 54 and can be guided therein. The linear movement of the extension arm 55 causes the mandrel support to be rotated by 90° and then moved linearly. Figures 6 to 8 show the operation of the placement head 10 and the placement process, and in particular the movements of the mandrel 9.

[0071] In the starting position according to Figure 6, the dome 9 is pointing vertically upwards. In this position, a grommet can be pushed from the conveyor rail 8 onto the dome 9 by means of the separating unit 48. The extension arm 55 is then moved a first distance to the right by means of the linear unit. The linear movement of the extension arm causes the dome 9 to pivot by 90°. This position is shown in Figure 7. The placement head 10 is then moved into a closed position in order to grip the grommet, designated here as 57, with stripper jaws. With a further linear movement of the extension arm 55, the dome 9 is pushed into the closed expansion sleeves (Fig. 8). As the placement process continues, the placement head 10 moves in the direction of the cable 58. This releases the dome 9 again and can be brought into the starting position by the linear unit 56 in order to accept the next grommet.The cable 58 is guided to the grommet fitting device 2 by a gripper (not shown). Such a grommet station 1 corresponds to a fully automatic design with regard to the fitting of grommets. Of course, it would also be conceivable, instead of a fully automatic machine, to design the grommet station 1 in a semi-automatic variant, in which cables are guided to the grommet fitting device 2 by hand, or in other variants. The grommet station 1 with the firmly connected grommet fitting device 2 and grommet supply device 3, which form a common interchangeable module 5 that can be coupled to and uncoupled from the support structure 4, could, however, also be designed differently than in the exemplary embodiment shown here. For example, an alternative grommet fitting device could be used, as shown in EP 3 651 288 A1.The grommet loading device of the grommet station could also have multiple domes, such as the grommet loading device with four domes disclosed in EP 0 626 738 B1. The exact design and operation of these grommet loading devices can be found in the aforementioned publications, to which reference is made.

[0072] According to the present embodiment, the interchangeable module 5 comprises a nozzle storage unit 6 with a container and a suction pipe 7. However, the nozzle supply device 3 could have a different design; for example, the suction pipe could be replaced by a conveyor belt. It is also conceivable to design the nozzle storage unit as a drum, as shown, for example, in EP 0 626 738 B1.

[0073] The presented concept with the support structure 4 and the mobile interchangeable module 5 also allows the use of interchangeable modules with other principles for sorting and loading the grommets. This can be achieved primarily by integrating all loading tools and all guides for their movements in the interchangeable module. The greatest flexibility in the design of the cassette is achieved when all actuators for moving the loading tools and, ideally, for sorting and feeding the grommets are integrated into the interchangeable module 5. If the interchangeable module 5 is to be designed as cost-effectively as possible, it may also be expedient to integrate some or even all of the actuators into the support structure 4. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 1 to 8, this is implemented for one movement, namely the pivoting and sliding movement of the mandrel 9 of the grommet loading device 2.The remaining movements of the grommet fitting device 2 are carried out, for example, by pneumatic cylinders for forming pneumatic actuators, which are integrated in the exchange module 5.

[0074] If these pneumatic actuators are integrated in the interchangeable module 5, their electrical switching valves can be located either in the support structure 4 or in the interchangeable module 5. In the first case, the switched supply air of the actuator is transmitted via the interface; in the second case, the control signals are transmitted. Generally, part of the control system for operating the grommet station can also be located in the interchangeable module 5. This would make it possible, for example, to use a bus system to reduce the number of control lines in the interface.

[0075] The grommet supply device 3 and the grommet loading device 2 can be controlled via a control unit (not shown) located outside the exchange module 5. However, other control systems are also conceivable. For example, local control units could be provided to operate the grommet supply device 3 and the grommet loading device 2, which local control units are integrated into the exchange module 5. The local control units can be connected to a central machine control system.

[0076] The grommet station can have a common interchangeable module that can be coupled to and detached from a support structure, consisting of a grommet loading device and a grommet supply device, which grommet station is designed for automatically changing the interchangeable module. Such a grommet station 1 is shown in Figure 9. The grommet station 1 is part of a cable assembly system. The cable assembly system, designed as a swivel machine for assembling cables (not shown here), comprises a feed unit 8 with a straightening arrangement 26 and a cable conveyor 27 designed as a belt conveyor, which transports the cables along the longitudinal axis of the system to the first swivel unit 25. The swivel unit 25 has a gripper for holding the cable. A stripping station for cutting and stripping the cables is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the machine. Two crimping stations 22, 24 and grommet stations 1, 23 are arranged next to the machine's longitudinal axis.The other processing stations 3 and 4, however, are. Processing stations 22 and 1 are assigned to the leading cable end; processing stations 24 and 23 are used to assemble the trailing cable ends. Such cable assembly systems are described, for example, in EP 1 251 605 A1, whereby the present cable assembly system has a novel grommet station 1.

[0077] Two interchangeable modules 5, 5' can be seen from the grommet station 1 of the cable assembly system. The interchangeable module 5 is coupled to a support structure and is in a ready-to-use state. The second interchangeable module 5' is in a kind of parking position. For the automatic interchange of the interchangeable modules 5, 5', a change arrangement is provided comprising a magazine for several interchangeable modules for different grommets and a changer for removing an interchangeable module from the magazine, for transferring it from the magazine to the support structure, and for coupling the interchangeable module to the support structure. This change arrangement is shown below in Figures 10 to 16 and described in detail with reference to these figures.

[0078] Figure 10 shows the above-mentioned changeover arrangement without interchangeable modules for a better understanding of the basic structure. The changeover arrangement according to this exemplary embodiment comprises a magazine 20 for two interchangeable modules. The magazine 20 contains a vertical conveyor with two vertically movable consoles 21, 21', on each of which an interchangeable module can be placed. The changer has a horizontal linear axis 29, by means of which a carriage 28 can be moved back and forth between the support structure 4 and the magazine 20. The carriage 28 serves to horizontally transport an interchangeable module. The support structure 4, on the one hand, and the interchangeable module 5, on the other hand, are designed approximately similarly to those according to the first exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 to 8. One difference - in addition to the changeover arrangement for automatic changing - is that the support structure 4 is attached to a machine table 59 of the cable assembly system.

[0079] The vertical conveyor 32 has a console support 33 with two consoles 21, 21' arranged one above the other. The console support 33 combines the two consoles into a jointly movable console group. Support cables or belts, for example, or other lifting or supporting means can be used to move the console support 33 in the z-direction. The console support 33 can be moved by means of lifting or supporting means along a vertical guide arrangement in the form of a guide rail, with the lifting or supporting means being set in motion by means of drives (not shown here). A hydraulic or pneumatic vertical conveyor device or a vertically aligned linear axis is also conceivable.

[0080] From Figure 10 it can further be seen that each console 21, 21' has a clamping device 44 for securing the transported exchange module.

[0081] To connect the interchangeable module 5 for horizontal transport, the carriage

[0082] 28, a coupling part 60 serves as a counterpart for the coupling element 51. The coupling part 60 evidently has two cylindrical extensions that are complementary to the two bores of the coupling element 51. Thanks to these coupling means 51, 60, the carriage temporarily supports the interchangeable module (for transport between the magazine 20 and the support structure 4).

[0083] The module change procedure is illustrated in Figures 11 to 16. Figure 11 shows the initial position: The interchangeable module 5 is inserted into the support structure 4, and the carriage 28 is not connected to the interchangeable module 5. In the magazine 20, the interchangeable module 5' is in a position where the interchangeable module 5' could be removed from the magazine 20 by hand.

[0084] In Figure 12, the carriage 28 has moved to the left and coupled the interchangeable module 5. The securing bolts (14, 15) are then released to separate the interchangeable module 5 from the support structure 4. The console support 33 of the vertical conveyor 32 of the magazine 20 has been moved downwards to position the upper console 21 below the linear axis 29. In Figure 13, the carriage 28 has moved into the magazine 20 and the interchangeable module 5 is located above the upper console 21. The vertical conveyor 32 then moves upwards, engages the interchangeable module 5, which is clamped onto the console 21 (Figure 14). To switch to the interchangeable module 5', the carriage 28 separates from the interchangeable module 5 and moves slightly to the right so that the vertical conveyor 32 can move upwards as described above (Figure 15). The carriage 28 couples the lower exchange module 5' and brings it to the support structure 4, in which it is inserted and secured (Figure 16).

[0085] Figure 17 shows a section of another cable assembly system, which has at least one grommet station 1 of the type according to the first exemplary embodiment. The grommet station 1 has a protective hood 34 for covering the grommet station. In this case, the protective hood 34 also covers additional processing stations of the cable assembly system shown as an example, such as the pivoting unit 25 and the crimping station 22. Of course, such a protective hood 34 could also be provided for a stand-alone grommet station or for one or more grommet stations of cable assembly systems with multiple processing stations.

[0086] A filling opening is provided in the protective hood 34 for filling or refilling the nozzle storage 6 with nozzles. An inlet 35 is arranged on the protective hood 34 in the area of ​​the filling opening. The housing 19 for the nozzle supply device 3 comprises a cover 39, which is pivotally attached to the housing base 40 via a hinge. The nozzle station 1 has an opening and closing mechanism for opening the cover 39 (and vice versa), which is described in detail below.

[0087] The pivoting movement for opening the housing 19 is carried out manually in this case. For opening and closing the cover 19, as can be seen from Figure 18, two handles 36 are provided, which are connected to a slide 37 guided along a horizontal slot 61. A pin 42 is arranged on the cover 39 and is operatively connected to a wedge-shaped flank section 43 of the slide 37 for opening the cover. The flank section 43 forms a guide for the pin 42, along which the pin can travel. In Figure 18, the cover 39 is in a closed position. By moving the slide 37 in the opening direction s, the pin 42 is pushed away by moving along the flank section 43, thus causing the cover 39 to open. Figure 19 shows the cover 39 in an intermediate position (cover 39 approximately half-open). Figure 20 shows the cover 39 in the open position.

[0088] Lateral guide elements 41 are arranged on the inside of the hood of the slide, which, when the cover 39 is in the open position, connect to the inlet 35. The inlet 35, in turn, also includes lateral guide elements that are located approximately at the same level as the guide elements 41 of the slide 37. These guide elements ensure reliable filling of the nozzle storage 6 with nozzles.

Claims

1. Nozzle station ( 1 ) with - a grommet fitting device (2) for fitting grommets to cable ends, - a nozzle supply device (3) with a nozzle storage device (6), and - a support structure (4) for supporting the nozzle assembly device (2) and the nozzle supply device (3) characterized in that the nozzle assembly device (2) and the nozzle supply device (3) are firmly connected to each other and the nozzle assembly device (2) and the nozzle supply device (3) form a common interchangeable module (5) that can be attached to and detached from the support structure (3).

2. Nozzle station (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the interchangeable module (5) has a guide channel (46) via which the interchangeable module (5) can be inserted into the support structure (4).

3. Nozzle station (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide channel has at least one and preferably two recesses (17, 18) to secure the inserted interchangeable module and that the support structure (4) has at least one and preferably two bolts (14, 15) as a securing means, wherein the respective bolt (14, 15) engages in the corresponding recess (17, 18).

4. Nozzle station (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least a part and preferably all actuators for operating the nozzle loading device (2) and the nozzle provision device (3) are integrated in the exchange module (5).

5. Nozzle station (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has a housing (19) for the nozzle supply device (3) in which at least the nozzle storage (6) is accommodated, wherein the housing (19) is ergonomically shaped and has a substantially polyhedral andin particular a cuboid outer contour with rounded corners and edges of the polyhedron or cuboid. Nozzle station (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the support structure (4) has a bulge (31) designed complementarily to the housing (19), preferably in a stepped form, into which at least a lower region of the housing (19) can be fitted. Nozzle station (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the nozzle supply device (3) has a preferably vertically oriented suction tube (7) which opens into the nozzle reservoir (6).Grommet station (1) in particular according to one of claims 1 to 7 comprising a grommet assembly device (2) for fitting grommets to cable ends, a grommet supply device (3) with a grommet storage (6) and a support structure (4) for supporting the grommet assembly device (2) and the grommet supply device (3), wherein the grommet assembly device (2) and grommet supply device (3) are in particular connected to each other and form a common interchangeable module (5) that can be attached to and detached from the support structure, characterized in that the grommet assembly device (2) and / or the grommet supply device (3) is / are designed for automatically changing the respective devices (2, 3, 5; 2', 3', 5').Nozzle station (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the nozzle station (1) comprises a magazine (20) for several nozzle loading devices (2, 2') and / or nozzle supply devices (3, 3') and in particular for interchangeable modules (5, 5') for different nozzles, wherein the magazine (20) comprises a vertical conveying device (32) with several vertically movable consoles (21, 21') on which one of the respective devices (2, 3, 5; 2', 3', 5') is placed or can be placed.

10. Groove station (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that each console (21, 21') has a clamping device (44) for securing the device (2, 3, 5; 2', 3', 5') placed thereon during a lifting movement.

11. Nozzle station (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises a changer having a horizontal linear axis (29) for removing a nozzle loading device (2) and / or a nozzle supply device (3) and in particular for removing a change module from the magazine, for transferring it from the magazine to the support structure and for coupling the nozzle loading device (2) and / or the nozzle supply device (3) to the support structure (4) and for coupling in particular the change module (5, 5') to the support structure (4).

12. Grommet station (1) in particular according to one of claims 1 to 7 with a grommet fitting device (2) for fitting cable ends of cables with grommets and a grommet provision device (3) with a grommet storage device (6), characterized in that it has a protective hood (34) for covering the grommet station (1), wherein the protective hood (34) has a filling opening for filling the grommet storage device (5) with grommets.

13. Nozzle station (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that an inlet (35) is arranged at the filling opening.

14. Nozzle station (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the filling opening is designed as a closable filling opening and that the nozzle station (1) optionally has a housing (19) comprising a lid (39) for the nozzle provision device (3), wherein an opening and closing mechanism for opening or closing the filling opening and / or the lid (39) of the housing (19) is provided, which can be activated from outside the protective hood (34).

15. Dispensing station (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one handle (36) is provided for manually opening and closing the filling opening and / or the lid (19).

16. Dispensing station (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the opening and closing mechanism comprises a reciprocally movable slider (37) by means of which the lid (39) can be moved into the open position or into the closed position via the at least one handle (36).

Images