Device and method for processing a plurality of electrical lines

Abstract

A device (100) for processing a plurality of electrical conductors (11, 12) is specified, comprising a feed-side holding device (110) configured to simultaneously hold all lagging ends of the conductors, an extension-side holding device (120) displaceable along a linear guide direction and configured to hold the leading end of the conductors, and a transfer device (111) for receiving the lagging ends of the conductors (11, 12) from a feed device (108) and transferring the lagging ends of the conductors (11, 12) to the feed-side holding device (110), wherein the extension-side holding device (120) is configured to twist the respective held end of the conductors, and wherein the transfer device comprises at least two cable grippers (211, 212) configured to assume at least two different distances (d1, d2) from each other.The feed-side holding device (110) is displaceable in the direction (A) of the cable bundle (10).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a device and a method for processing a plurality of electrical conductors, in particular in cable processing machines such as twisting machines. BACKGROUND

[0002] In various industrial applications, cable bundles are required, which are obtained from individual cables by twisting them together. Typically, the individual cables are cut to a specific length before twisting, and possibly also assembled, i.e., fitted with a contact element or similar component.

[0003] An example of a conventional device is a cable processing machine that twists several electrical conductors together after assembly (cutting to length, stripping, fitting ferrules, contacts, etc.). Such a cable processing machine is also called a twisting machine. It may be, for example, that a cable twisted using such a device, in particular a twisted pair of conductors, is subsequently inserted into a connector housing, either manually or automatically.

[0004] In some conventional devices and methods according to the prior art, the pair of individual cables is clamped between a holding unit at one end and a twisting unit at the other end and twisted by rotating the twisting unit. A corresponding device is shown, for example, in EP 1 032 095 A2. Here, two cables are pulled in and terminated simultaneously. After the termination of the first two, leading cable ends, the two cables are pulled out, and after the subsequent termination of the second, lagging cable ends, they are transferred to the actual twisting unit. This unit comprises a stationary holding module that holds the lagging cable ends during the twisting process, and a twisting head (twisting unit) that is movable in the direction of the cable and grips the leading cable ends and twists them together.The shortening of the conductor pair that occurs during twisting is compensated for by a longitudinal displacement of the twisting unit. For example, the twisting unit is adjusted according to the measured tensile force in the cable. The transfer of the two conductors from a swivel unit (or second swivel unit) to the holding unit is carried out using a transfer module or transfer device. In this process, the conductor ends are taken into account, brought into alignment with the twisting axis by a swivel and vertical movement, and their distance is reduced.

[0005] The length of the untwisted ends can vary, for example, to enable the production or processing of different products. If the length of the ends needs to be variable for processing different products, the transfer module must be able to transfer the cable ends at different positions relative to the handle position. Traditionally, the machines are reconfigured for this, for example, by replacing parts.

[0006] There is a need for easy adaptability for processing different products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to one aspect, a device for processing a plurality of electrical conductors, for example, two conductors, is specified. The device comprises a feed-side holding device, an extension-side holding device, and a transfer device. The feed-side holding device is configured to simultaneously hold all lagging ends of the plurality of electrical conductors. The extension-side holding device is displaceable along a linear guide direction and is configured to hold the leading end of the plurality of electrical conductors. The extension-side holding device is configured to twist the respective held end of the conductors. The transfer device is configured to take the lagging ends of the conductors from a feed-side holding device and transfer the lagging ends of the conductors to the feed-side holding device.The transfer device comprises at least two cable grippers, in particular exactly two cable grippers. The cable grippers are configured to assume at least two different distances from each other. The feed-side holding device is movable in the direction of travel of the cable bundle.

[0008] According to one aspect concerning a method that uses the device disclosed herein, such a method comprises assuming an end position of the cable grippers, moving the carrier into a transfer position, transferring the cables, moving the carrier into an end position, and pivoting away to receive further cables to be processed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Further aspects, features, advantages, and effects arise from the embodiments, which are described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a section of a cable bundle, to explain terms used herein; Fig. 2 a section of the conductor pair Fig. 1 with further aspects for explanation; Fig. 3 a schematic side view of a device for twisting individual wires according to one embodiment; Fig. 4 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 ; Fig. 6 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 during a re-reaching process; Fig. 7 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 during the re-reaching process; Fig. 8 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 during the re-reaching process; Fig. 9 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 during the re-reaching process; Fig. 10 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 , to explain a method according to one embodiment; Fig. 11 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 , to explain the procedure; Fig. 12 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 , to explain the procedure; Fig. 13 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 , to explain the procedure; Fig. 14 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 , to explain the procedure; Fig. 15 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 , to explain the procedure; and Fig. 16 a perspective view of parts of the device Fig. 3 , to explain the procedure. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0010] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a twisted pair of conductors 10 consisting of a first single conductor 11 and a second single conductor 12, thus a schematic representation of a section of a conductor bundle, which is designated as a whole by 10. The conductor bundle comprises a single conductor 11 and a single conductor 12, as a conductor pair. It should be noted that the number of two single conductors 11, 12 is exemplary and not limiting, and that the aspects and features described herein are wholly or partially applicable to conductor bundles with more than two single conductors 11, 12, and that similar or comparable effects result. In embodiments, however, two single conductors 11, 12 can be used for a conductor bundle 10.

[0011] One end 16 of the wire pair 10 is defined as the leading end, which is twisted in a device 100 described later. The other end 17 of the wire pair is defined as the lagging end.

[0012] At the trailing end 17, a first contact 13 and a second contact 14 are attached to the conductors 11 and 12, respectively. A section between the ends 16 and 17 is twisted, meaning the conductors 11 and 12 interlock. Starting from the leading end 16, the conductors 11 and 12 first overlap or cross each other at a first crossing point P2. Similarly, starting from the trailing end 17, the conductors 11 and 12 first overlap or cross each other at a first crossing point P1.

[0013] In other words: In Fig. 1 17 denotes a first side, for example, on the side of the lagging line ends, and 16 denotes a second side, for example, on the side of the leading line ends. In an area that is in Fig. 1 To the right of an adhesive strip 18, the individual wires 11, 12 are twisted, resulting in a projection plane, for example in the drawing plane, from Fig. 1 , points are formed where the individual lines 11, 12 cross.

[0014] The term "twisted," as used herein, refers to a state in which the conductors 11 and 12 are intertwined. A similar crossing in the projection plane exists when the same sequence of individual conductors is present at two crossings in the direction perpendicular to the projection plane.

[0015] For clarification, a section of the conductor pair 10 is shown in Fig. 2 shown again. The untwisted ends of the individual conductors 11, 12 at the trailing conductor end have a length a1. The distance between two identical crossings or overlaps of the conductors 11, 12 in the twisted area is specified as the lay length a2.

[0016] The distance a3 is defined in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the conductor pair 10, in which the distances a1, a2 are defined. The distance a3 specifies the distance between the individual conductors 11, 12 at their respective ends. Fig. 2 at the lagging end 17. A corresponding distance a3, which is equal to or different from the distance a3 at the lagging end, is also defined at the leading end 16.

[0017] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a device 100 for twisting individual wires according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 The leading end 16 of the individual conductors 11, 12 is guided into a processing region 101, from where they can be guided further along a guide rail 115 along a machine axis. Processing modules 103, 104, 105, 106 can perform manipulations on the conductors 11, 12 in the processing region 101.

[0018] The leading ends of the individual conductors 11, 12 are stripped by a cutting head 102 and fed successively to processing modules 103, 104 on one side by a first swiveling unit 107. Here, for example, a grommet and a contact can be mounted at the conductor end.

[0019] The first swivel unit 107 then returns the pair of cables 10 to the direction of the machine axis. There, the individual cables 11 and 12 are guided through until they can be gripped by a pull-out carriage 109. Depending on the desired cable length, the individual cables 11 and 12 are pulled out from the pull-out carriage 109 along the guide rail 105 in the defined linear guide direction.

[0020] The individual conductors 11, 12 are then gripped by a second swivel unit 108 and cut and stripped by the cutting head 102. The trailing conductor ends are fed by the second swivel unit 108 to the processing modules 105, 106 on the other side and fully assembled, i.e., each fitted with a ferrule and a contact.

[0021] A transfer module 111 (a transfer unit) takes the trailing end 17 of the individual conductors 11, 12, brings them closer together, and, after a pivoting movement, transfers them to a feed-side holding device (holding module, holding gripper) 110. A transfer module 112 transfers the leading end 16 of the individual conductors 11, 12 to a twisting head (extension-side holding device) 120. The device 100 is now ready for the actual twisting process. This is carried out by rotating the twisting head 120, which is simultaneously moved towards the holding module 110 by means of a tension-controlled force. The fully twisted cable then falls, for example, into a trough-shaped cable tray.

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of parts of device 100 from Fig. 3 , namely the second swivel unit 108, the transfer unit 111, the holding gripper 110 and the twisting head 120 with a twisted bundle of conductors (pair of conductors) 10 during the transfer of another pair of conductors made of individual conductors 11, 12 from the second swivel unit 108 to the transfer module 111.

[0023] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows the transfer unit 111 and the holding gripper 110 in further detail. The transfer unit 111 comprises a first cable gripper 211 for gripping and holding the first single cable 11 and a second cable gripper 212 for gripping and holding the second single cable 12. The two cable grippers 211, 212 are actuated pneumatically, for example, but are not limited to this; they can also be actuated electrically or in another way. The two cable grippers 211, 212 are arranged on a carrier 250. The two cable grippers 211, 212 are configured such that they can assume at least two different distances d1, d2 from each other, as described below with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 12 This will be explained in more detail later. For example, the distance d1, d2 between the cable grippers 211, 212 can be changed pneumatically, for instance on a guide using a pneumatic cylinder. However, the actuation method is not limited to this, and the distance can also be changed, for example, by an electric motor or in another way. The distance between the grippers refers to a distance perpendicular to the cable direction. By changing this distance, the distance between the individual cables 11, 12 is altered without moving the individual cables in their extension direction (along the cable axis).

[0024] The support 250 encloses a column 240 and can be moved into a central position and at least one of two positions from a lower end position and an upper end position by means of an actuating device, for example, and without limitation, by means of a pneumatic lifting cylinder 220. The central position is described below with reference to Fig. 14 explained in more detail. Fig. 5 Figure 260 shows the support 250 in its upper end position. A stroke limiting element or stroke limiter 260 serves as a stop for the support 250. The support 250 is linearly displaceable on the column 240 in a rotationally secured manner, in the drawings in the upward-downward direction or vertical direction. To achieve the rotationally secured linear movement, the column 240 can, for example, be designed as a splined shaft. The support 250, which is linearly displaceable about the column without rotation, can be pivoted together with the column 240, for example, and without restriction, by means of a hydraulically actuated swivel cylinder 230. Therefore, the stroke limiting element 260 only acts within a specific pivoting angle range of the support 250. The stroke limiting element 260 causes the support 250, when it is in the relevant pivoting angle range, to abut the stroke limiting element 260 in the vertical direction shown in the drawings in order to reach the center position.

[0025] In other words, the vertical position of the stroke limiting element 260 defines the center position of the support 250 for a certain swivel angle range.

[0026] The feed-side holding device 110 (the holding gripper) is displaceable in the direction of the twisting axis (i.e., towards or away from the pull-out-side holding device 120 – the twisting head), preferably linearly displaceable, and in particular, displaceable by program control. For example, the feed-side holding device 110 is mounted on a linear guide and can be moved, for example, by means of a threaded or ball screw. The gripper jaws of the holding gripper 110 are designed such that they can grip the two conductor ends 11, 12 in one pair of jaws. Alternatively, the holding gripper 110 has a pair of gripping elements, each of which holds one conductor end 11, 12. In this case, the gripping elements are displaceable together in the cable direction. In both cases, the distance between the conductor ends 11, 12 can advantageously be kept very small.

[0027] The Fig. 6 bis 9 Figure 1 shows a re-gripping process during the transfer of cables 11, 12 from the second swivel unit 108 to the transfer device 111. The second swivel unit 108 comprises a first swivel unit cable gripper 118 and a second swivel unit cable gripper 119. The second swivel unit 108 transfers in Fig. 6 The lines 11, 12 between the two arms of the cable grippers 211, 212, open the swivel unit cable grippers 118, 119 in Fig. 7 , travels back along the cable axis and closes in Fig. 8 The swivel unit cable grippers 118, 119 then open again. Subsequently, the cable grippers 211, 212 of the transfer device 111 open, and the second swivel unit 108 moves again to the front area to transfer the cables 11, 12 there. This re-gripping can be repeated several times to achieve the desired position of the cables. Although such a re-gripping process can also be used in principle with a device and a method disclosed herein, it is no longer strictly necessary. The displaceability of the holding gripper (the feed-side holding device 110) in the direction of travel of the cable bundle in the device and method disclosed herein can serve the same or a similar purpose, so that a time-consuming re-gripping process, as described above, can be advantageously avoided.

[0028] Figs. 10-16 each shows a perspective view of parts of the device 100. Fig. 3 , to explain a procedure and its procedural steps. Fig. 10 Figure 1 shows an initial position or a starting configuration for carrying out the procedure. The cable grippers 211, 212 of the transfer unit 111 have been moved into a lower end position by means of the carrier 250, and their distance d1 from each other is a comparatively large distance. For example, the distance d1 corresponds approximately to the distance between the swivel unit cable grippers 118, 119. The second swivel unit 108 is located above the cable grippers 211, 212 of the transfer unit 111 and holds the two (usually single-ended) cables 11, 12.

[0029] In Fig. 11 The carrier 250 is moved into its upper end position, thus bringing the cable grippers 211, 212 of the transfer unit into a transfer position. Within this swivel angle range of the carrier 250, the carrier 250 can move freely past the stroke limiting element 260; the stroke limiting element 260 is therefore ineffective at this angle of the carrier, and the upper end position can be reached.

[0030] After the handover, the vehicle drives into Fig. 12 The carrier 250 moves into the lower end position, and the second swivel unit 108 is freed. It can then, for example, as shown in Fig. 12 The cable grippers 211 and 212 of the transfer unit 111 are swung away to take over the next pair of cables to be processed. This pair can, for example, be assembled in parallel with the twisting process. The cable grippers 211 and 212 of the transfer unit 111 are controlled so that they maintain a distance d2 from each other that is smaller than the distance d1. For example, the distance d2 corresponds to the distance between the cable ends in the gripper jaws of the feed-side holding unit 110.

[0031] As in Fig. 13 As shown, the swivel cylinder 230 retracts and thereby pivots the column 240 and the support 250 so that the cable ends lie parallel to the twisting axis. In Fig. 13 The feed-side holding device 110 is shown in an open position; however, this position can also be assumed earlier.

[0032] As in Fig. 14 As shown, the feed-side holding device 110 is linearly displaced until the gripper jaws are in a desired gripping area. The feed-side holding device 110 can assume a position inside or outside the legs of the cable grippers 211, 212 of the transfer device 111.

[0033] The carrier 250 is now moved towards the stroke limiting element 260 (vertically upwards in the drawings), is stopped by the stroke limiting element 260 and thus assumes the central position. Subsequently, the cables 11, 12 are transferred by successively closing the feed-side holding device 110 and opening the cable grippers 211, 212.

[0034] The carrier 250 can then be moved back into its lower end position ( Fig. 15 ).

[0035] The trailing ends of lines 11 and 12 can then be twisted together.

[0036] By swiveling back and increasing the distance between the cable grippers 211, 212, the transfer device 111 can then be returned to its initial position ( Fig. 16 ).

[0037] The device 100 is characterized in that the lines 11, 12 can lie close together, particularly in the feed-side holding device (the holding gripper) 110, resulting in an advantageous twisting quality.

[0038] If the stroke limiting element 260 is provided, it allows the center position to be defined in a simple way without the need for an additional actuator (for example, another pneumatic cylinder).

Claims

1. Device (100) for processing a plurality of electrical conductors (11, 12), comprising: a feed-side holding device (110) configured to simultaneously hold all lagging ends of the conductors; an extension-side holding device (120) displaceable along a linear guide direction, configured to hold the leading end of the conductors, wherein the extension-side holding device (120) is configured to twist the respective held end of the conductors;a transfer device (111) for receiving the trailing ends of the cables (11, 12) from a feed device (108) and for transferring the trailing ends of the cables (11, 12) to the feed-side holding device (110), wherein the transfer device comprises at least two cable grippers (211, 212) configured to assume at least two different distances (d1, d2) from each other, wherein the feed-side holding device (110) is displaceable in the direction (A) of the cable bundle (10).

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the feed-side holding device (110) is predeterminable, in particular program-controlled, and displaceable in the direction (A) of the cable bundle (10).

3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the feed-side holding device (110) is linearly displaceable, in particular linearly displaceable along a linear guide (310).

4. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cable grippers (211, 212) are arranged on a support (250) which is displaceable transversely to a direction of travel of the conductors (11, 12), in particular perpendicular to the direction of travel (A) of the conductors (11, 12).

5. Device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the support (250) is linearly displaceable along a column (240) in a rotationally secured manner.

6. Device (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the carrier (250) is displaceable at least between a central position and an end position.

7. Device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the end position is defined by a stroke limiting element (260).

8. Device (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the support (250) and the column (240) are configured such that they perform a common pivoting movement when the column (240) is rotated.

9. Device (100) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the column (240) is designed as a splined shaft.

10. Device (100) according to one of claims 5 to 9, which further comprises a swivel cylinder (230) for rotating the column (240).

11. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed-side holding device (110) comprises a pair of gripper jaws for receiving all trailing ends of the lines (11, 12).

12. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the feed-side holding device (110) comprises several holding grippers each for receiving the trailing ends of the lines (11, 12), wherein the holding grippers are jointly displaceable in the direction (A) of the lines (11, 12).

13. Method for processing a plurality of electrical conductors using a device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: assuming an end position of the cable grippers (211, 212); moving the carrier (250) into a transfer position; transferring the conductors (11, 12); moving the carrier (250) into an end position, and pivoting away to receive further conductors to be processed.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: retracting the swivel cylinder (230) to pivot the column (240) and the support (250) so that the cable ends run parallel to the direction of travel (A); positioning the cable grippers (211, 212) at a distance corresponding to the distance between the ends of the cables (11, 12) on the feed-side holding device (110); opening the feed-side holding device (110) and linearly displacing the feed-side holding device (110); moving the support (250) against the stroke limiting element (260) into the central position; transferring the cables (11, 12); moving the support (250) into the end position; increasing the distance between the cable grippers (211, 212).

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