Binder for tying a coil of tubing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tying device (1) for tying a cable coil (2), comprising a rotatable tying wheel (10) with a gap (12), wherein the cable coil (2) can be inserted into the gap (12) up to a rotational axis (D) of the tying wheel (10), a coil body (14) which is rotatably fastened to the tying wheel (10) for receiving a strip section (9) from a strip (8), wherein the cable coil (2) can be tied off with the strip section (9), and a pressing element (16) which is arranged on the tying wheel (10) and which is designed to apply a predetermined compressive force to the strip section (9) on the cable coil (2), wherein the pressing element (16) is constructed from at least two identical segments (18a, 18b) which together form a closed pressing surface (18).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a binder for tying a cable coil, in particular for use in fully automated systems. State of the art

[0002] To tie off a cable coil, the cable coil is wrapped N times in one or more places with a tape, preferably an adhesive tape, to prevent the cable coil from falling apart into its individual windings and thus becoming unhandleable in subsequent production steps. Nowadays, binding is preferably carried out by automated binding. Automated binding machines generally have a high level of autonomy, i.e. the storage or spool capacity of the adhesive tape is approximately 20 - 500 m, so that the binding machine only needs to be stopped at long intervals. Such fully automated binding machines can be used both in stationary applications, i.e. permanently mounted in a system, and in mobile applications, for example as part of a robot end effector. A trend for future applications is towards shorter processing times for each cable coil.

[0003] The document DE 10 2019 121 634 A1 relates to a tying device and a method for tying a coiled, elongated product. The document describes that, to pick up a coil with a holder, the coil is positioned in the center of a disk and held stationary there. The disk is then rotated, for example, by at least 180°, so that a tying roll wound with an adhesive tape section is pivoted over the coil, and the adhesive underside of the adhesive tape section makes contact with the coil to be tied.

[0004] The publication WO 2022 / 053112 A2 relates to a winding device for wrapping an elongated bundle of goods and a method for wrapping the bundle of goods with an adhesive tape. In a winding device for wrapping an elongated bundle of goods with an adhesive tape, a roll for a predetermined length of adhesive tape is held in the winding head. The predetermined length is dimensioned for a section to be wrapped. This prevents the adhesive tape from cutting into the bundle of goods.

[0005] The document DE 10 2019 121 634 A1 relates to a tying device for tying a wound, elongated product. The tying device comprises a rotatable holder for holding the product; a tying roller rotatably mounted on the holder and circulating around the received product by means of the holder; a rotatable storage roller for holding a supply of adhesive tape; and a rewinding device for rewinding a section of the adhesive tape from the storage roller onto the tying roller.

[0006] US 2008 / 169042 A1 relates to a wire collecting device for positioning a plurality of electrical wires, regardless of the outer diameter of a bundle of electrical wires, in the center of a rotating drum using a simple configuration without momentum. The wire collecting device comprises the rotating drum with a recess into which the wires and an adhesive tape can be inserted together, and a band arranged in the recess, which elastically supports and collects the wires with a curved surface. The band is elastic. The wire collecting device further comprises a slider slidably arranged in the notch and fixes the band, wherein the slider is pressed toward an opening of the notch by an elastic element.

[0007] The state-of-the-art binders have at least the disadvantage that they are too slow for future applications. Description of the invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for tying a cable coil which enables shorter processing times and / or results in a better tied coil.

[0009] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a binder according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims, the description and the drawings.

[0010] Not part of the invention is a binder for tying a cable coil, comprising a rotatable tying wheel with a gap, wherein the cable coil can be inserted into the gap up to a rotational axis of the tying wheel, a spool body which is rotatably fastened to the tying wheel, for receiving a strip section from a strip, wherein the cable coil can be tied off with the strip section, a strip fixing and cutting unit for cutting the strip section from the strip and for fixing a free end of the strip, wherein the spool body is arranged offset to a longitudinal axis of the gap on the tying wheel, and a free end of the cut strip section can be provided between the spool body and the strip fixing and cutting unit transverse to the longitudinal axis of the gap, so that the cable coil can come into contact with the free end of the cut strip section when inserted.

[0011] The tying device not according to the invention has at least the advantage that the free end of the strip section can be optimally positioned to ensure immediate adhesion between the strip section and the cable coil, and to begin tying as soon as the cable coil is inserted into the gap. This shortens the tying time and cycle times at the tying device. In particular, so-called main times, i.e. times that a cable coil spends at the tying device, are reduced. The arrangement of the coil body offset from the longitudinal axis of the gap enables the free end of the strip section to be aligned transversely to the gap. Furthermore, the strip section for tying the cable coil has a predetermined length. The length can be freely selected by winding it onto the coil body. The respective strip section is already separated from the strip before tying and can be used in its entirety for tying.The separation of strip and strip section as well as the winding up take place during non-productive times, i.e. at times when no cable coil is being processed at the tying device, so that the subsequent tying can begin and be carried out immediately when a cable coil is inserted into the gap. This shortens the cycle times of the tying device. Furthermore, the free end of the strip section can be fixed when it is positioned transversely to the gap. For fixing it is possible on the one hand to clamp the free end of the strip section between a projection on a pressing element and a bracket element. On the other hand, an adhesive surface of the free end of the strip section can be fixed by adhering to a free end, in particular an adhesive surface, of a bracket of the bracket element.On the one hand, the fixation prevents the formation of flags, which would result in the free end being uncontrolled. On the other hand, the fixation creates a (slight) counter-tension on the tape section, which leads to a tighter winding during tying. Finally, this tying device features a simple design, without, for example, the need for a complex centering mechanism.

[0012] During cutting, a bracket element preferably serves as a counterpart for a cutting edge of the band fixing and cutting unit, wherein in particular a free end of a bracket on the bracket element serves to adhere the free end of the cut-off band section, and wherein the bracket element is pivotable in the direction of the coil body so that the free end of the cut-off band section can be provided centrally to the gap. By pivoting the bracket element, in particular with the free end of the bracket, the adhered free end of the band section can be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, the free end of the band section can be positioned in the center of the gap in order to achieve optimal adhesion of the free end to an inserted cable coil.When inserting, the frontmost area of ​​the cable coil is usually located essentially in the middle of the gap, so that the free end should touch the cable coil there first to ensure direct adhesion.

[0013] Preferably, the strip can be provided, preferably from a storage unit, on the spool body by means of the strip fixing and cutting unit. The storage unit enables the provision of a large quantity of strip, so that many binding processes can be performed before downtime occurs due to storage changes. The strip fixing and cutting unit enables the precise provision of a free end of the strip at a specific position, for example, at the second position for transferring to the spool body or at the third position when cutting off the strip section from the strip and fixing a new free end of the strip. A free end of the strip is fixed at all times and thus available in a controlled manner.

[0014] Preferably, the band fixing and cutting unit is arranged separately and spaced apart from the bracket element. This separation allows both units to be moved independently of each other. The assembly and the binding process are thus more flexible. The spaced arrangement offers possibilities for efficient installation, for example, close to the actual site of use, which can save time, for example, when moving one or both units.

[0015] Preferably, the bracket element is movable in the direction of the strip fixing and cutting unit. The mobility of the components avoids collisions during tying. In particular, the components are moved out of the rotation zone of the coil body. Another advantage could be that by moving the bracket element in the direction of the strip fixing and cutting unit, both units cover shorter distances than if only one unit is moved. By allowing both units to move, the cutting process can be better adapted to the strip and the cable coil. The movement of the bracket element in the direction of the strip fixing and cutting unit can occur at the same time as the strip fixing and cutting unit moves to the third position, i.e., towards the bracket element. This simultaneous movement can save time.

[0016] Preferably, the tying device further comprises a pressure element arranged on the tying wheel and configured to apply a predetermined pressure force to the strip section on the cable coil. Unlike brushes or similar devices, the pressure element enables the provision of a constant and pre-adjustable pressure with which the strip is pressed onto the inserted cable coil. This increases the reliability of the tying result.

[0017] Preferably, the pressure element and the coil body are located in one plane, with this plane preferably offset parallel to the plane of the tying wheel. This arrangement allows the pressure element to exert pressure on the strip and the coil from the moment the cable coil is inserted until the end of the tying process, thus securely pressing the strip against the cable coil. Furthermore, the coil body and the pressure element are clearly visible and accessible from the outside, allowing their condition to be easily inspected and both components to be replaced quickly. A quick change reduces downtime.

[0018] The pressing element is preferably constructed from at least two identical segments that together form a closed pressing surface. The individual segments nestle individually against the coil during pressing, so that approximately the same pressing force is applied to each bent section of the coil. This allows for homogeneous pressing. The individual segments are preferably made of a hard material, such as hardened steel, so that no (or almost no) wear occurs. A closed pressing surface is achieved by arranging the segments directly adjacent to one another. Gaps and / or height differences at the transitions between the adjacent segments do not count as interruptions in the closed pressing surface.In particular, the pressure surface is permanently present as a closed pressure surface during use, so that no additional mechanics (or work steps) are necessary to combine the individual segments into a closed or common pressure surface.

[0019] The above-mentioned object is achieved in particular by a tying device for tying a cable coil, comprising a rotatable tying wheel with a gap, wherein the cable coil can be inserted into the gap up to a rotational axis of the tying wheel, a coil body which is rotatably fastened to the tying wheel for receiving a strip section from a strip, wherein the cable coil can be tied with the strip section, and a pressing element which is arranged on the tying wheel and which is designed to apply a predetermined compressive force to the strip section on the cable coil, wherein the pressing element is constructed from at least two identical segments which together form a closed pressing surface.

[0020] Because the pressure element is mounted on the tying wheel, it moves with the tying wheel and encircles the cable coil during tying. This ensures that the strap section is pressed against each tied point on the cable coil, resulting in a more effectively tied cable coil. The construction of the pressure surface from individual segments allows for varying the size of the pressure surface. Furthermore, the construction of identical segments is more efficient than using individually different segments.

[0021] Preferably, each of the at least two identical segments has a concave contact surface, which, upon contact with the cable coil, can extend partially around the cable coil in the circumferential direction of the cable coil. The concave contact surfaces extend at least partially around the cable coil, in particular in a direction transverse to the plane in which the cable coil is arranged at the tying device. The concave contact surfaces enable better adaptation to the curved (outer) shape of the cable coil, whereby the band section can be pressed more effectively against the cable coil, thus resulting in a better tied cable coil. Better tied means, in particular, more compact, efficient, and / or more reliable tying.

[0022] Preferably, each of the at least two identical segments can be individually displaced relative to the pressing element, resulting in a curved pressing surface. The displacement preferably takes place linearly. A linear displacement of the segments is easy to implement and low-maintenance. Preferably, the segments are spring-loaded. Displacement preferably takes place counter to a spring force. The displacement of the individual segments occurs due to a contact pressure that the cable coil exerts individually on each segment. The curved pressing surface enables better adaptation of the pressing surface to the (external) shape of the cable coil, along the cable coil, in the plane in which the cable coil is arranged on the tying device. Due to the better adaptation, the band section can be pressed better against the cable coil, thus resulting in a better tied cable coil.The curved pressing surface can be concave or convex relative to the cable coil. In particular, the curvature of the pressing surface can change during the binding process, i.e., during the circumferential movement of the cable coil. This variable curvature ensures optimal pressure from the pressing element to the cable coil via the pressing surface at every moment of the binding process.

[0023] Not part of the invention is a method for tying a cable coil, in particular with a tying device having a rotatable tying wheel with a gap, a coil body which is rotatably attached to the tying wheel, and a band fixing and cutting unit, the method comprising the following steps: receiving a band section of a band on the coil body, cutting the band section from the band by means of the band fixing and cutting unit, providing a free end of the band section between the coil body and the band fixing and cutting unit transversely to a longitudinal axis of the gap on the tying wheel so that the cable coil can come into contact with the free end, inserting the cable coil into the gap up to a rotation axis of the tying wheel, and tying the cable coil with the band section by rotating the tying wheel.

[0024] The method not according to the invention has the advantage that binding begins immediately upon insertion of the cable coil, since reliable contact between the cable coil and the free end of the strip section is established during insertion. No intermediate steps are necessary. This makes the process fast, allowing short cycle times. Furthermore, the only movement of the cable coil is along the gap, in and out. Shifting the cable coil across the gap is unnecessary. This also makes the process faster.

[0025] The tape section is preferably loaded onto the spool body by rotating the spool body. This rotation allows the tape section to be loaded onto the spool body relatively easily. No additional tools, such as grippers or similar tools, are required. Furthermore, the tape section can be selected to any length.

[0026] Preferably, for receiving the strip section onto the coil former, a free end of the strip can be provided on the coil former by means of the movable strip fixing and cutting unit. By providing the free end on the coil former, the strip section can be wound tightly onto the coil former. The strip fixing and cutting unit can be used to select the contact and possible contact pressure of the free end on the coil former depending on the strip.

[0027] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of pressing the strip section against the cable coil by means of a pressing element on the binding wheel, in particular from the time the cable coil is inserted until the end of the binding process. By pressing the strip section from the time the coil is inserted until the end of the binding process, additional displacement, for example, in the direction of the binding wheel as in the prior art, is eliminated. This accelerates the binding process compared to the prior art.

[0028] Preferably, the binding process is completed by the binding wheel performing an additional rotation after transferring the strip section from the coil body to the cable coil. During this additional rotation, the strip is pressed completely against the cable coil via the pressing element. Flagging is prevented.

[0029] The following description of exemplary embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures: Fig. 1 a side view of an embodiment of a binder not according to the invention in a basic state; Fig. 2 the side view from Fig. 1 with the binder not according to the invention in a first state for attaching a band section to a coil body; Fig. 3 the side view from Fig. 1 with the non-inventive binder in a second state for winding the band section onto the spool body; Fig. 4 the side view from Fig. 1with the binder not according to the invention in a third state before separating the band section from a band; Fig. 5 the side view from Fig. 1 with the non-inventive binder in a fourth state for separating the band section from the band; Fig. 6 the side view from Fig. 1 with the non-inventive binder in a fifth state ready to receive a cable coil; Fig. 7 the side view from Fig. 1 with the non-inventive binder in a sixth state when inserting the cable coil; Fig. 8 the side view from Fig. 1 with the non-inventive binder in the basic state and the tied cable coil in front of it; Fig. 9 a perspective view of Fig. 1with a focus on the embodiment of a pressing element; Fig. 10 shows a sectional view in the direction of insertion of the coil into the illustrated embodiment of the binder with the pressing element on an outer side of the coil; and Fig. 11 shows a sectional view in the direction of insertion of the coil into the illustrated embodiment of the binder with the pressing element on an inner side of the coil.

[0030] In the following, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the figures.

[0031] Fig. 1shows an embodiment of a tying device 1 not according to the invention for tying a cable coil 2. The tying device 1 has at least one rotatable tying wheel 10 with a gap 12. The tying wheel 10 is rotatable about a rotation axis D relative to a frame 4 of the tying device 1. The gap 12 extends at least to the rotation axis D or the center of the tying wheel 10. The gap 12 is wide enough to accommodate a section of the cable coil 2 so that the cable coil 2 can be wrapped or tied off in this section with a band 8. The cable coil 2 can be inserted into the gap 12 at least up to the rotation axis D of the tying wheel 10. The center of the tying wheel 10 coincides with the rotation axis of the tying wheel. If the cable coil 2 is arranged in the center or on the rotation axis D of the binding wheel 10, the binding wheel 10 can rotate without the cable coil 2 being moved.This makes it possible to wrap or tie the cable coil 2 with a tape 8, preferably an adhesive tape, using the tying wheel 10.

[0032] For tying purposes, the tying device 1 further comprises a coil body 14, which is rotatably mounted on the tying wheel 10. The coil body 14 is configured to receive a strip section 9 from the strip 8. The coil body 14 preferably has its own drive, which can rotate the coil body 14. By rotating the coil body 14, a strip section 9 of any length can be arranged on the coil body 14. The length of the strip section 9 is selected such that it can wrap or tie off the cable coil 2 with a predetermined number of wraps.

[0033] The coil body 14 is arranged offset to a longitudinal axis L of the gap 12. This offset arrangement allows the coil body 14 to be arranged on one side of the gap 12 and to align the strip section 9 wound on the coil body 14 transversely to the gap 12. Depending on the position of the tying wheel 10, the coil body 14 can be aligned to the gap 12 on an upper or lower side O, U. The terms upper and lower side O, U refer to an alignment in the earth's gravitational field or sections of a vertical axis Z, which is divided by the longitudinal axis L of the gap 12 in the basic position of the tying wheel 10 in the horizontal direction X (see Fig. 1 ).

[0034] The binder 1 further comprises at least one band fixing and cutting unit 30 for cutting the band section 9 from the band 8. The band fixing and cutting unit 30 preferably comprises means for mechanical cutting or separating, such as a blade or cutting edge 34. In alternative embodiments, other cutting means, such as lasers, may also be used.

[0035] As a counterpart during cutting, the illustrated binder 1 further comprises a bracket element 40. The bracket element 40 comprises at least one bracket 42, which forms a free end at one end. The free end of the bracket 42 has at least one adhesion surface 44 (see Fig. 5). The adhesive surface 44 is designed to adhere an adhesive surface (i.e. the sticky side of the adhesive tape) of a free end 9a of the cut-off tape section 9. By adhering the free end 9a to the adhesive surface 44, the free end 9a is fixed. By the fixation or adhesion, so-called flag formation, which can cause the free end 9a to flutter around uncontrolled, is prevented. Even if the free end 9a does not adhere or should come loose again, the free end 9a is still closer to the coil than in the prior art. The adhesive surface 44 can in particular have a rough or coated surface in order to improve the adhesive properties.In addition to the free end 9a adhering when the strip section 9 is cut from the strip 8, the free end 9a should, however, be easily detachable when the cable coil 2 is inserted into the gap 12, so that the free end 9a of the strip section 9 connects quickly and securely to the inserted cable coil 2. In an alternative embodiment, the free end 9a of the strip section 9 is clamped between a projection 17 on the pressing element 16 and the bracket 42 or the adhesive surface 44 until the free end 9a is released from the clamp when the coil 2 is inserted. All embodiments have in common that, due to the fixation and / or shortness of the free end 9a, unwanted contact of an adhesive surface of the free end 9a with an adhesive surface on the strip section 9 is prevented.

[0036] In particular, the bracket element 40 is pivotable in the direction of the coil body 14. The pivoting movement can be achieved by a joint 46 (see Fig. 6) on the bracket element 40. The pivoting movement allows the free end 9a of the cut-off strip section 9, when it adheres to the adhesion surface 44, to be positioned centrally relative to the gap 12. The pivoting movement can be triggered by a spring mechanism, so that the bracket element 40 can be pressed away from the coil body 14 via the joint 44 when the conductor coil 2 is inserted.

[0037] The illustrated band fixing and cutting unit 30 is further configured to fix a free end 8a of the band 8. The band 8 is preferably provided from a storage unit 20. The storage unit 20 can be arranged on the binder 1 or remotely. The storage unit 20 contains large quantities of the band 8.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the tape 8 is provided to the tape fixing and cutting unit 30 via feed means 22. The tape fixing and cutting unit 30 has at least one surface or tape fixing 32 configured to fix the free end 8a of the tape 8. In one embodiment, the tape fixing 32 may comprise a suction mechanism to fix the free end 8a.

[0039] The band fixing and cutting unit 30 is movable relative to the tying wheel 10 so that the free end 8a of the band 8 can be provided on the spool body 14 or the bracket element 40. In particular, the band fixing and cutting unit 30 can be moved at least between a first, second, and third position FP1, FP2, FP3. The movement is preferably a linear displacement. In the first position FP1, the band fixing and cutting unit 30 is spaced from the tying wheel 10 so that no unwanted contact can occur between the band fixing and cutting unit 30 and components on the tying wheel 10 (see Fig. 1 ). In the second position FP 2, the tape fixing and cutting unit 30 can contact the spool body 14 (see Fig. 2). Upon contact, a transfer of the free end 8a of the band 8 to the coil body 14 is possible. The band fixation 32 preferably has a flexible surface so that the transfer can take place without damage or hard contacts. The band fixation 32 preferably has a resilient surface so that the free end 8a of the band 8 is pressed against the coil body 14. This pressing improves adhesion. In the third position FP 3, the band fixation and cutting unit 30 is moved so far in the direction of the opening 6 of the binder 1 or in the direction of the bracket element 40 that the band fixation 32 vertically fixes the band 8, which is vertically aligned by the coil body 14. The term vertical or essentially vertical refers to the representation in Fig. 5 and in other embodiments comprises a corresponding orientation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the gap 12.

[0040] The band fixing and cutting unit 30 is arranged separately and at a distance from the bracket element 40 on the binder 1. As described, the band fixing and cutting unit 30 can be moved toward the bracket element 40. In the third position FP 3, with the bracket element 40 in its home position (see Fig. 1 ), the tape fixing and cutting unit 30 remains spaced apart from the bracket element 40. The bracket element 40 is movable in the direction R towards the tape fixing and cutting unit 30.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the binder 1 further comprises a pressing element 16 (see Fig. 9). The pressing element 16 is arranged on the tying wheel 10. The pressing element 16 is configured to apply a predetermined compressive force to the strip section 9 on the cable coil 2. In particular, the pressing element 16 has a pressing surface 18, which can be in direct contact with the strip section 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressing surface 18 is formed as a type of slider. In alternative embodiments, the pressing surface 18 can be constructed from other components, such as rollers. In particular, the pressing element 16 has at least two segments, which together form the pressing surface 18. The pressing surface 18 is preferably spring-mounted and can exert a predetermined compressive force on the strip section 9. If the pressing element 16 has the individual segments, the pressing surface 18 can adapt very well to the curvature of the coil 2 and thus optimally apply the pressing force.In an alternative embodiment, the pressing surface 18 can be formed by a component made of a (friction-resistant), elastically deformable material. The pressing surface 18 is preferably movable relative to the pressing element 16 by a width B. Due to this mobility, the pressing surface 18 can be adjusted to a diameter of the cable coil 2 or a force to be applied. The pressing element 16 and the coil body 14 preferably lie in a plane XZ. Thus, the pressing element 16 can act simultaneously with the coil body 14, i.e. while the coil body 14 transfers the wound strip section 9 to the cable coil 2, the pressing element 16 can apply a force to the strip section 9 in the direction of the cable coil 2. The effect of this force can improve the durability of the winding. In particular, the plane XZ of the coil body 14 and the pressing element 16 is offset parallel to the binding wheel plane X'-Z'.It is not necessary to move the cable coil 2 between the levels XZ, X'-Z'.

[0042] Due to the described arrangement, in one embodiment, the free end 9a of the cut strip section 9 can be provided between the coil body 14 and the strip fixing and cutting unit 30 transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the gap 12. Transverse means essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the gap 12, and in particular offset in a plane XZ parallel to the tying wheel plane X'-Z'. Due to this orientation of the free end 9a, the cable coil 2 can come into contact with the free end 9a of the cut strip section 9 immediately upon insertion. Tying, which requires the step of contacting strip section 9 with the cable coil 2 to be tied, can thus be started directly upon insertion of the cable coil 2 into the tying device 1.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment of a pressing element 16, each of the illustrated three identical segments 18a, 18b, 18c has, for example, in an XZ plane in Fig. 8a concave contact surface. This contact surface formed in this way can, upon contact with the cable coil 2, extend partially around the cable coil 2 in the circumferential direction of the cable coil 2. The concave curvature of each segment 18a, 18b, 18c is preferably adapted to the diameter of the cable coil 2 to be bound. In addition to the just described adaptation of the pressing surface 18 to the curved (outer) shape of the cable coil 2 along a first direction X, which lies transversely to the cable coil plane YZ, the pressing surface 18 can also be adapted along the cable coil 2 in the cable coil plane YZ on the pressing element 16 shown. For this last-mentioned adaptation, each of the three identical segments 18a, 18b, 18c shown can be individually displaced relative to the pressing element 16.Thus, in the event that the pressing surface 18 is located on an outer wall of the line coil 2 in the line coil plane YZ, the two outer segments 18a, 18c are displaced up to a second plane E2 relative to the pressing element 16, while the middle segment 18b is displaced only up to a first plane E1 due to the curvature of the line coil 2 (cf. . Fig. 10 ). The first plane E1 is pressed more deeply into the pressing element 16 than the second plane E2. A first distance A1 lies between the first and second planes E1, E2. The result is a concavely curved pressing surface 18. If the binding process is continued, the pressing element 16 moves with the binding wheel 10 to an inner side of the cable coil 2 in the cable coil plane YZ. There, a convexly curved pressing surface 18 is formed due to the curvature of the cable coil 2 (cf. Fig. 11). In the convex pressing surface 18, the two outer segments 18a, 18c lie on a first plane E1 and the middle segment 18b on a second plane E2. The first plane E1 is pressed more deeply into the pressing element 16 than the second plane E2. Between the first and second planes E1, E2 there is a second distance A2, which can be the same as or different from the first distance A1. When circling the cable coil 2 several times, the curvature of the pressing surface 18 alternates several times between a concave and convex curvature.

[0044] Figs. 2 to 8 show an embodiment of a method for tying a cable coil 2. The method is particularly suitable for being carried out with a tying device 1 comprising a rotatable tying wheel 10 with a gap 12, a coil body 14 which is rotatably fastened to the tying wheel 10, and a band fixing and cutting unit 30.

[0045] In the method, in a first step, a strip section 9 of the strip 8 is picked up onto the spool body 14. For this purpose, the binding wheel 10 is moved from a basic position (see Fig. 1 ), in which the gap 12 is aligned, preferably horizontally, with an opening 6 of the binder 1, so that a distance between the spool body 14 and the band fixing and cutting unit 30 becomes small. The band fixing and cutting unit 30 is then moved with a free end 8a of the band 8 from the first position FP1 to the second position FP2. In the second position FP2, the band fixing and cutting unit 30, in particular the band fixing 32, contacts the spool body 14, whereby the free end 8a of the band 8 remains adhered to the spool body 14 with its adhesive side (see Fig. 2 ).

[0046] Preferably, the tape fixation 32 exerts pressure on the free end 8a to improve adhesion. The spool body 14 can be rotated by a separate drive, so that a tape section 9 of the tape 8 is wound onto the spool body 14 as a result of the rotation (see Fig. 3 ). The length of the band section 9 can be freely selected. The cable coil 2 should be able to be tied off with the band section 9. By winding the band section 9 onto the coil body 14, even very long band sections 9 can be selected and provided without requiring additional space or extensive mechanics on the tie-off device 1.

[0047] In the pressing element 16, a pressing surface 18 is further displaced by a width B along the gap 12. The pressing surface 18 is preferably spring-mounted. The displacement of the pressing surface 18 can be achieved by releasing a fixing mechanism or by a separate drive. The width B is preset and, in particular, adapted to the cable coil 2 to be connected.

[0048] In a subsequent step, the band section 9 is cut from the band 8. The cutting is carried out by means of the band fixing and cutting unit 30, in particular with the cutting edge 34. For cutting, the binding wheel 10 is moved back to its home position so that the gap 12 is aligned along the longitudinal axis L (see Fig. 4). In the illustrated embodiment, the band 8 with band section 9 hangs essentially vertically between the coil former 14 and the storage device 20. The pressing surface 18 is aligned with the band 8 with band section 9 and at least partially touches the band 8 or the band section 9. The pressing surface 18 preferably has a curved shape that can adapt well to the shape of an inserted conductor coil 2. The band 8 or the band section 9 preferably contacts at least the two end points of the curved pressing surface 18 on the non-adhesive side of the band 8. As a result of the contact, the band 8 or the band section 9 is slightly fixed and can still be adapted to the shape of the pressing surface 18 when the conductor coil 2 is inserted.

[0049] The tape fixing and cutting unit 30 then moves from the first position FP1 to a third position FP3 (see Fig. 5). In the third position FP3, the band fixing device 32 contacts the band 8 and fixes it. As a result of the fixation, the band 8 is arranged essentially taut between the spool body 14 and the band fixing device 32. The taut arrangement facilitates the separation of the band 8 from the band section 9. At the same time, during the movement into the third position FP3, the band section 9 was separated from the band 8 by the cutting edge 34. In order to facilitate or enable the separation, the bracket element 40 also moves from its basic position (see Fig. 5 ) along a direction of movement R towards the band fixing and cutting unit 30. During the cutting process, when the band fixing and cutting unit 30 and the bracket element 40 move relative to one another in order to separate the band section 9 from the band 8, the cutting edge 34 can penetrate into a free space 43 on the bracket element 40 (see Fig. 9). The free space 43 protects the blade 34 and prevents it from touching the bracket element 40, which protects the cutting edge 34. The free end of the bracket 42 clamps the band 8 or the free end 9a of the band section 9 created after separation between itself and a projection 17 on the pressing element 16. In the embodiment shown, the free end of the bracket 42 has an adhesive surface 44, so that during the cutting process or severance, a free end 9a of the cut-off band section 9 adheres to the adhesive surface 44 of the bracket element 40. By the free end 9a of the band section 9 adhering to the adhesive surface 44, the free end 9a is fixed. This fixing prevents the formation of flags, in which a free end 9a hangs uncontrolled in space. At the same time, a free end 8a of the tape 8 was fixed to the tape fixing and cutting unit 30 by means of the tape fixing 32.The tape fixing and cutting unit 30 has then moved back to the first position FP1 so that it does not hinder the binding.

[0050] The bracket element 40 can be moved toward the coil former 14 via a joint 46. The movement via the joint 46 can be provided, for example, via a pre-tensioned system that is released for movement toward the coil former 14. By moving the bracket element 40, and in particular the adhesion surface 44, toward the coil former 14, the free end 9a of the band section 9 can be provided between the coil former 14 and the adhesion surface 44 of the bracket 42 transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the gap 12 on the tying wheel 10. This arrangement allows the cable coil 2, which is inserted into the gap 12, to come into contact with the free end 9a (see Fig. 7). When the cable coil 2 is inserted into the gap 12 up to the center or axis of rotation D of the tying wheel 10, the free end 9a immediately adheres to the cable coil 2 and tying can begin. Due to the shape of the pressing surface 18, the free end 9a, and later the entire strip section 9, is pressed against the cable coil 2. This pressing improves adhesion, with the pressure force on the pressing element 16 being adjustable. The complete tying of the cable coil 2 with the strip section 9 takes place by rotating the tying wheel 10. Since the cable coil 2 is arranged in the center or on the axis of rotation D of the tying wheel 10, the strip section 9 is guided around the cable coil 2 as it is unrolled from the spool body 14, is pressed onto the cable coil 2 by the pressing element 16 and thus ties off the cable coil 2. The pressing takes place automatically until the end of the setting.The binding process or binding is preferably completed by the binding wheel 10 performing an additional rotation after the (complete) transfer of the strip section 9 from the coil body 14 to the cable coil 2. The additional rotation can also comprise only a partial rotation, i.e., not a full 360-degree rotation, or several full revolutions. The additional rotation serves to completely press the strip section 9 onto the cable coil 2 so that no flag remains. After binding, the tied cable coil 2 can be removed from the gap 12 (see . Fig. 8 ). At this point in time, the binding wheel 10 and the bracket element 40 are in their respective home positions, the band fixing and cutting unit 30 is in the first position FP1 with a free end 8a of the band 8, so that a new binding can be started immediately. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0051] 1 Binder 2 Cable coil 4 Frame 6 Opening 8 Strap 8a Free end 9 Strap section 9a Free end 10 Binder wheel 12 Gap 14 Coil body 16 Pressing element 17 Projection 18 Pressing surface 18a, b, c Segments 20 Storage 22 Feeding means 30 Strap fixing and cutting unit 32 Strap fixing 34 Cutting edge 40 Bracket element 42 Bracket 43 Free space 44 Adhesive surface 46 Joint 48 Movement means A1 First distance A2 Second distance B Width D Rotation axis E1 First plane E2 Second plane FP 1 First position FP 2 Second position FP 3 Third position L Longitudinal axis 0 Top side R Direction of movement S Axis UB Bottom side X Horizontal direction X-Z plane X'-Z' Binder wheel plane Y-ZCable coil level Zvertical direction

Claims

1. A tying device (1) for tying a cable coil (2), comprising: a) a rotatable tying wheel (10) with a gap (12), wherein the cable coil (2) can be inserted into the gap (12) up to a rotational axis (D) of the tying wheel (10); b) a coil body (14) rotatably attached to the tying wheel (10) for receiving a strip section (9) from a strip (8), wherein the cable coil (2) can be tied off with the strip section (9); and c) a pressing element (16) arranged on the tying wheel (10) and configured to apply a predetermined compressive force to the strip section (9) on the cable coil (2); wherein d) the pressing element (16) is constructed from at least two identical segments (18a, 18b) which together form a closed pressing surface (18).

2. Binder (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two identical segments (18a, 18b) has a concave contact surface which, when in contact with the line coil (2), can extend partially around the line coil (2) in the circumferential direction of the line coil (2).

3. Binder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the at least two identical segments (18a, 18b) can be individually displaced relative to the pressing element (16), so that a curved pressing surface (18) is produced.

Images