Wire guiding device, wire processing machine and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a wire guiding device (1) for guiding a longitudinal movement of a wire (2) coaxially with a through-axis (D) in a wire processing machine (100) during the production of shaped parts from wire (2), comprising: - a support (10) that can be mounted on a frame, - a base guide element (20) which is supported by the support (10) and has at least one base guide surface (21) provided for contact with the wire (2), which in the mounted state of the wire guiding device (1) serves as a support surface for the wire (2), - a side guide group (30') comprising a first side guide element (31) with at least one first side guide surface (32) facing the through-axis (D), a second side guide element (33) arranged oppositely with at least one second side guide surface (34) facing the through-axis (D),and a drive system (35) controllable via control signals of at least one control unit for generating a feed movement of at least one of the side guide elements (31, 33), such that the base guide surface (21) and the side guide surfaces (32, 34) define a guide channel of variable width for the wire (2) in a projection parallel to the through-axis (D).

Description

SCOPE OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to a wire guiding device for guiding a longitudinal movement of a wire coaxially with a through-axis in a wire processing machine during the manufacture of shaped parts made of wire, a wire processing machine with such a wire guiding device and a method for manufacturing shaped parts made of wire in such a wire processing machine.

[0002] Wire processing machines are machine tools that, with the aid of suitable tools, can produce small or large series of shaped parts, some with complex geometries, primarily through forming, from elongated workpieces such as wire, tube, strip, or the like in an automated manufacturing process. For the efficient production of large quantities of shaped parts, highly productive computer numerically controlled forming machines with numerous machine axes are used today, coordinated by a control unit.

[0003] In the production of wire-formed parts, the wire is fed from a workpiece supply into the wire processing machine by a feeder, controlled by an NC control program. The workpiece supply is provided in the form of a coil, i.e., a bundle of wire wound like a spool. Inside the wire processing machine, the fed wire is guided by at least one wire guide and formed into the desired part by at least one processing unit. In some wire processing machines, the finished part is cut from the fed wire by a cutting unit after all forming operations are completed, also controlled by the NC control program.There are also wire processing machines where a straight piece of wire of a predetermined length is first cut from the supplied wire, and this straight piece is then formed into the shaped part in one or more forming steps. In each case, the process steps are repeated cyclically for each shaped part to be produced.

[0004] A key function of the wire guide is to guide the wire with minimal play to a downstream processing unit in the material feed direction and / or away from an upstream processing unit, ensuring that the wire is optimally positioned for processing in the working position to which one or more tools of a processing unit are set. The processing unit could be, for example, a forming unit with at least one forming tool or a cutting unit.

[0005] Setting up a wire processing machine can be a technical challenge, even for experienced operators. If the machine is designed to process wires with different cross-sections (especially different diameters and / or shapes), the changeover time can be considerable. Long setup times reduce production efficiency.

[0006] There are already proposals to improve wire processing machines with regard to processing different wire cross-sections.

[0007] Utility model CN218310542U describes a guide wheel comprising a guide wheel body, a first, fixed guide element, and a second, adjustable guide element. The fixed guide element is arranged on the end face of the guide wheel body and projects radially beyond a guide surface of the adjustable guide element. The adjustable guide element is ring-shaped and is slid onto the outer circumference or guide surface of the guide wheel body on the side opposite the fixed guide element. The distance between the fixed guide element and the adjustable guide element can be manually adjusted to accommodate guide wires of different widths.

[0008] Patent specification KR102123402 B1 describes a steel wire guiding device that can guide steel wires of different diameters in such a way that the steel wires can be transported stably to a cutting unit or a processing unit of a forming device in order to be processed into a part such as a screw, a nut, etc.The steel wire guiding device comprises a bushing unit with a plurality of first guide holes of different diameters in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of guide units that are selectively inserted into or withdrawn from the first guide holes and have second guide holes in a longitudinal direction, wherein the second guide holes of the guide units are designed to have different diameters, and the steel wires can be selectively inserted into the first guide holes of the bushing unit or the second guide holes of the guide units mounted in the first guide holes. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0009] The invention addresses the technical problem of providing a wire guiding device of the type mentioned above, which offers further advantages over the prior art, particularly when processing different wire cross-sections, especially with regard to automation, functionality, setup time, workpiece quality, and / or manufacturing effort. Furthermore, a wire processing machine with such a wire guiding device and a method for manufacturing shaped parts from wire in such a wire processing machine are to be provided.

[0010] The invention solves this problem by providing a wire guiding device with the features of claim 1, a wire processing machine with the features of claim 10, and a method with the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the wording of which is hereby incorporated by reference into the description. This includes, in particular, all embodiments of the invention resulting from the combinations of features defined by the cross-references in the dependent claims.

[0011] The wire guiding device according to the invention comprises a frame-mountable support, a base guide element, and a side guide assembly. The support can be mounted, for example, on the frame of a wire processing machine or on a frame-mounted component. The base guide element is supported by the support and has at least one base guide surface intended for contact with the wire. In the assembled state of the wire guiding device, the base guide surface serves as a support surface for the wire.The side guide assembly comprises a first side guide element, which is movably mounted relative to the carrier, and has at least one first side guide surface facing the axis of travel; a second side guide element, which is movably mounted relative to the carrier and arranged opposite it, and has at least one second side guide surface facing the axis of travel; and a drive system, controllable via control signals from at least one control unit, for generating a feed movement of at least one of the side guide elements. The base guide surface and the two side guide surfaces define a guide channel of variable width for the wire in a projection parallel to the axis of travel. The guide channel can be closed at least at the bottom and sides, and its guiding dimensions are limited or defined by the base guide surface and the side guide surfaces.Within the scope of this application, the term "through axis" refers to the axis within the machine coordinate system with which the longitudinal center axis of the guided workpiece or wire is to coincide.

[0012] One advantage of this solution is that the wire guide is suitable for guiding wires of different diameters and geometries without requiring a tool change on the wire guide itself. Conventional wire guides are usually designed for only one specific cross-section, meaning that different wire guides must be manufactured for different wire cross-sections and installed and adjusted when setting up the wire processing machine. These wire guides typically have a certain amount of play relative to the nominal wire dimension, allowing the inserted wire to pass through the guide with some clearance. In contrast, the solution according to the invention allows the wire guide to be adapted to different diameters and geometries by means of drive-controlled adjustment of the side guide elements, without requiring operator intervention.The clear width between the side guide surfaces can preferably be adjusted continuously by means of the drive system of the side guide group. The wire guide device according to the invention thus saves considerable time and costs in a wire processing machine when changing the wire cross-section. Furthermore, the stepless adjustment of the wire guide device eliminates the need for precise, cross-section-dependent guides. The wire guide device is suitable not only for guiding wire, but also other elongated workpieces such as pipes, strips, or the like.

[0013] One of the two side guide elements can be fixed or immovably mounted, so that only the other of the two side guide elements is adjustable. In this embodiment, to create a narrower guide channel, the adjustable side guide element is moved towards the fixed side guide element, and to create a wider guide channel, the adjustable side guide element is moved away from the fixed side guide element.

[0014] According to a further development, the side guide assembly is designed as a centering assembly, and the drive system is configured to generate opposing feed movements of the side guide elements. This represents a structurally and functionally advantageous implementation of the side guide assembly, as it enables the guided workpiece to be centered with respect to the through-axis. The opposing feed movements preferably occur synchronously or simultaneously. The drive system can be controlled via control signals from one or more control units. More than one control unit allows for independent feed of the two side guide elements.

[0015] According to further training, the base guide element has no drive mechanism. The base guide element can be fixed or immovably attached to the carrier. This results in a structurally simple and robust support. The preferably flat support surface, or base guide surface, then establishes a reference level that remains unchanged when the format is changed. Surprisingly, this also simplifies the adaptation of other components of the wire processing machine that depend on the workpiece format.

[0016] Conventional wire processing machines are generally designed so that the feed axis is the same for all wire cross-sections within the machine's working area, regardless of the wire cross-section, and serves as the reference axis. In contrast, the concept with a fixed base guide element defines a reference surface through the base guide surface or contact surface, which remains unchanged even when the wire cross-section or format changes. Therefore, with such a wire guiding device, the feed axis is generally dependent on the wire cross-section. For example, when processing round wire, the feed axis is located at a distance from the base guide surface that corresponds to the radius (half-circle) of the wire.For flat material with a rectangular cross-section, which preferably, but not necessarily, rests on the base guide surface with its broad side, the distance between the base guide surface and the longitudinal center axis of the flat material corresponds to half the thickness of the flat material measured perpendicular to the broad side. This departure from the conventional principle of designing all workpiece-contacting components of the wire processing machine with respect to a machine-fixed through-axis independent of the workpiece cross-section surprisingly results in simplifications when adapting other components that depend on the workpiece format.

[0017] According to a further development, at least one machining device is provided for with at least one workpiece-contacting machining tool for processing the wire, as well as a height adjustment device with a drive for, preferably stepless, adjustment of the height of the machining tool. This allows for automated adjustment of the working geometry of a machining unit, particularly in cases where a change in the position of the through-axis could lead to disadvantages for a machining device.

[0018] In a functionally and structurally advantageous embodiment, the side guide assembly comprises, in addition to the first pair of first and second side guide surfaces, at least one further pair of first and second side guide surfaces, which is arranged offset from the first pair along the through-axis. The pairs of first and second side guide surfaces are thus spaced apart from one another. This represents a structurally and functionally advantageous implementation for further vibration reduction, as it allows the guided wire to be guided and secured over a larger area or length. The side guide elements are preferably manufactured in one piece and each comprises two side guide arms, each of which has a side guide surface on its end faces.

[0019] In In a further development of the invention, the wire guiding device comprises an upper guide element. The upper guide element can be moved towards the base guide surface (and in the opposite direction) via a drive. This represents a structurally and functionally advantageous implementation of the wire guiding device. The upper guide element is designed to bear against an outer surface of the wire with at least one contact surface when the wire guiding device is closed, thus holding the wire on the base guide surface. This ensures that the wire lies flat on the base guide surface. This measure can, among other things, help to prevent the wire from bulging due to cutting forces during a cutting operation, for example, in cutting devices that use a wedge cut (see, e.g., EP4093565B1). The movement can be adjusted so that the wire makes contact and, if necessary,The wire is held down but not clamped, so that axial displacement of the held-down wire within the closed wire guide device is still possible.

[0020] With the aid of the upper guide element, it is also possible, if necessary, to clamp the guided wire onto the base guide surface by adjusting the upper guide element accordingly. The contact surface of the upper guide element can therefore also be referred to as a clamping surface.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the upper guide element has a carrier which, on its workpiece-facing side, has at least one contact element with a contact surface for workpiece contact with the wire. The contact element is thus a separately manufacturable, workpiece-contacting component of the upper guide element. This results in an advantageously simple design of the upper guide element.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one contact element has a friction lining on one side facing the base guide surface. This friction lining can be designed in the manner of a brake lining or a sliding lining.

[0023] In other embodiments, the at least one contact element is a rotatably mounted guide roller, wherein a lateral surface or the outer circumference of the guide roller, in a closed state of the wire guide device, rests against or on the wire as a guide surface.

[0024] In a functionally and structurally advantageous embodiment, the base guide element and / or the side guide elements also feature rotatably mounted guide rollers for workpiece contact, with the outer surface or circumference of the guide rollers bearing against the guided wire when the wire guide is closed. This allows, on the one hand, for backlash-free wire guidance and, on the other hand, for simultaneous movement of the wire guide relative to a clamped wire. This represents a structurally and functionally advantageous implementation, particularly for the mechanical stripping of coated wires, for example, for the mechanical stripping of copper enameled wire for so-called hairpins used in stators of electric motors and generators.

[0025] In many cases, wire stripping can be carried out particularly efficiently and with minimal material damage using milling. The wire guide can contribute to reducing vibrations. Vibration-reduced milling results in fewer chatter marks on the wire's surface during mechanical stripping. In a functionally and structurally advantageous design, the upper guide element has at least two contact elements, each with a contact surface, spaced apart from each other along the axis of travel. This secures the wire over a wider area or a greater length, further reducing vibrations in the wire, especially during milling.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one contact surface of the upper guide element and the at least one pair of first and second side guide surfaces of the side guide elements are arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel, i.e., along the axis of travel. This represents a structurally and functionally advantageous implementation for further vibration reduction, since it also guides or secures the wire over a wider area or a greater length. This is particularly advantageous during a milling operation of a clamped wire. Furthermore, this allows the guide channel, projected parallel to the axis of travel, to be reduced to a minimum; that is, the distance between the two side guide elements and the distance between the upper guide element and the base guide surface can each be reduced to a minimum independently of one another.In designs with more than one contact surface of the upper guide element and / or more than one pair of first and second side guide surfaces, these are arranged alternately along the through-axis. Thus, the contact surfaces of the upper guide element and the side guide surfaces or the side guide arms of the side guide elements interlock.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, the base guide element is fixedly attached to the support. When the wire guide device is installed in the wire processing machine, the support, and thus also the base guide element, can be machine-fixed, i.e., permanently attached to a machine frame of the wire processing machine. In alternative embodiments, the wire guide device can be movable along the length of the wire, i.e., along the feed axis.

[0028] In a further development of the invention, the first side guide surface and the second side guide surface are arranged parallel to each other, so that a rectangular guide channel is formed in a projection parallel to the axis of travel. In alternative embodiments, the first side guide surface and the second side guide surface are arranged inclined relative to each other in the direction of the axis of travel, so that, depending on the embodiment, a triangular or a trapezoidal guide channel is formed in a projection parallel to the axis of travel.

[0029] The wire processing machine according to the invention is configured for the production of shaped parts from wire and comprises at least one wire guiding device as previously described. The wire guiding device can be fixedly arranged on a machine frame of the wire processing machine. In alternative embodiments, the wire guiding device is movable in the direction of the through-axis.

[0030] The wire processing machine further comprises at least one processing unit for processing the wire. This at least one processing unit can be, for example, a bending unit, a straightening unit, a cutting unit, a notching unit (see, for example, EP4093565B1), a stripping unit (see, for example, DE102019213976B4), or a part thereof, such as a milling unit, or the like.

[0031] In a further development of the invention, the wire processing machine has several wire guide devices, e.g., two, three, four, five, or more wire guide devices. The base guide surfaces of the base guide elements lie on a common plane, i.e., the base guide surfaces of the base guide elements form a common zero plane. The wire guide devices can be arranged either stationary on the machine frame of the wire processing machine or movable relative to the machine frame of the wire processing machine.

[0032] In a functionally and structurally advantageous embodiment, a first wire guide is fixedly arranged on the machine frame of the wire processing machine, and a second wire guide is movable relative to the first wire guide, preferably along the wire guide axis. The processing unit can be arranged along the wire guide axis between the two wire guides or downstream of the wire guides in the material conveying direction.

[0033] A wire processing machine can be, for example, a bending machine for producing two- or three-dimensionally bent parts from wire, strip, or tube material by bending. A bending machine for manufacturing complex bent parts, such as hairpins in the field of electromobility, is shown, for example, in patent application WO 2022 / 073786 A1. Furthermore, a wire processing machine can also be, for example, a straightening machine for straightening workpieces, a nailing machine, or a spring manufacturing machine for producing compression springs, extension springs, torsion springs, or other spring-like components by spring winding or coiling.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for producing shaped parts from wire in a previously described wire processing machine is provided. In this method, to center a wire passing through the wire guide in a longitudinal plane extending through the feed axis, the first and second side guide elements are moved parallel to a feed direction, in a direction towards the feed axis; that is, the first and second side guide elements are moved parallel to the feed direction such that the distance between the two side guide elements decreases. The movement of the two side guide elements preferably occurs synchronously.

[0035] Preferably, in a further step, an upper guide element, if present, is moved in a feed direction towards the base guide surface to hold the wire on the base guide surface. The upper guide element can be moved before, during, and / or after the side guide elements are moved. Subsequently, at least one processing operation, such as a bending operation, a milling operation, or a cutting operation, is performed.

[0036] In a further development of the invention, the wire guide opens to feed the wire into the wire guide by retracting the side guide elements and / or the upper guide element parallel to their respective feed directions, or by moving them in such a way that the cross-section of the guide channel of the wire guide increases. This measure allows the wire guide to be adapted to a larger diameter and / or a different geometry of the wire being fed, and also makes automated threading of the wire into the wire guide less prone to errors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Further advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a wire processing machine according to an embodiment with wire guiding devices according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows an oblique perspective view of an assembly of a wire processing machine according to a further embodiment with a combination of a wire guiding device according to a first embodiment and a cutting device according to Fig. 1 Fig. 3 shows another oblique perspective, enlarged view of the wire guide device of Fig. 2 Fig. 4 shows another oblique perspective, enlarged view of the wire guide device of Fig. 2 , where a side guide element of a centering group is hidden, Fig. 5A a sectional view along a line VV of Fig. 4 , wherein a wire lies freely on a base guide surface of a base guide element and the side guide element is shown, Fig. 5B the sectional view of Fig. 5a , wherein the wire guide is in a closed state and holds the wire on the base guide surface, Fig. 6 shows an oblique perspective view of a wire guide mounted in a wire processing machine according to a second embodiment, Fig. 7 shows an oblique perspective view of a wire guide mounted in a wire processing machine according to a third embodiment, wherein the wire guide is in an open state, Fig. 8 shows a schematic front view of the wire guide according to Fig. 7 Fig. 9 shows a schematic side view of the wire guide device according to Fig. 7 , and Fig. 10 shows a schematic side view of a wire processing machine according to a further embodiment with a first wire guiding device according to Fig. 6 and a second wire guide device according to Fig. 7 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0038] The Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a wire processing machine 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The wire processing machine 100 is designed and configured to process elongated workpieces in the form of metallic wires 2, which are available as a workpiece stock 105 in the form of a so-called coil, i.e., a bundle of wire wound like a spool. From the workpiece material, which is originally present in a long length on the workpiece stock 105, more or less large quantities of similar or dissimilar shaped parts are produced in a forming process using several successive processing steps in a computer numerically controlled manufacturing process. Shaped parts can generally be bent in two dimensions or three dimensions, and possibly also straight (e.g., in straightening machines or in bar forming machines, such as in...). Fig. 1 ).

[0039] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a side view of a wire processing machine 100, designed as a rod forming machine, according to an exemplary embodiment. The wire processing machine 100 is configured for the production of pre-formed parts in the form of straight wire rods. The wire processing machine 100 has a rectangular machine coordinate system MK, designated by lowercase letters x, y, and z, with a vertical z-axis and horizontal x- and y-axes. In the illustrated example, the x-axis runs parallel to a feed direction R, through which wire material 2 passes. The coordinate axes of the machine coordinate system MK are to be distinguished from the controlled, driven machine axes, which are usually designated by uppercase letters (e.g., A-axis, etc.). A control unit 110 of the wire processing machine 100 controls and coordinates the working movements of all machine axes.

[0040] The wire-like starting material (wire 2) is in the form of a wound material supply 105 (coil), which in this example is wound onto a reel. The starting material is in the form of electrically insulated flat material, which has an electrically conductive substrate that is encased in an electrically insulating insulating layer. The term "flat material" here generally refers to workpieces whose electrically conductive substrate has paired, parallel surfaces. The substrate can, for example, have a rectangular cross-section with relatively sharp, slightly rounded, or completely rounded edges and / or chamfered edges. Flat materials in the form of insulated copper or aluminum wires with a rectangular cross-section can be used, for example, to manufacture coil elements for electric motors or busbars.

[0041] After leaving the reel, the flat material enters a downstream assembly more or less coaxially with the through-axis D. This assembly comprises, in this order along the through-axis D, a straightening device 120 with two straightening units with orthogonal straightening planes, a length measuring device 130 with a measuring wheel, a stripping device 200, a brushing device 160 downstream of the stripping device 200, a feeding device 140 downstream of the brushing device 160, and a cutting device 300 downstream of the feeding device 140, which can also be referred to as a separating device.

[0042] The basic structure can correspond to the basic structure of the wire processing machine of the first embodiment of EP4093565B1.

[0043] The integrated stripping unit 200 is used to strip sections of the insulated flat material before separating the shaped part from the supplied flat material. The milling unit 200 comprises two axially offset sub-units, 200-1 and 200-2. Each sub-unit 200-1 and 200-2 is designed to strip two opposing sides of the flat material simultaneously in a single milling operation using peripheral milling. The milling units 200-1 and 200-2 are mounted offset from each other by 90°.

[0044] In other embodiments, the stripping device 200 operates according to a different principle, e.g., using laser processing or by means of a peeling operation with knives with a straight cutting edge. A stripping device 200 can also be omitted, e.g., if the starting material to be processed is bare, i.e., not covered by an insulating layer. The same applies, if applicable, to the brushing device 160.

[0045] The feed motion is generated by the feed unit 140 located behind the stripping unit 200. This feed unit pulls the workpiece (wire 2) through the upstream components with a feed profile that can be preset via the control unit 110 and conveys it to the downstream cutting unit 300. The feed force in the feed direction (x-direction) is generated by friction between the feed rollers or feed belts of the feed unit 140 and the flat material. Alternatively, a gripper feed can be used, for example.

[0046] The cutting device 300 is directly downstream of the feeding device 140. No bending or forming of the flat material takes place within the stripping device 120, so that the cutting device 300 cuts straight shaped parts of a predetermined length, i.e., wire rods, from the fed stripped flat material.

[0047] After separation from the supplied wire material 2, the wire rods can, for example, be collected in a collection device (not shown) or fed to a further processing facility by means of a transport device.

[0048] The wire processing machine 100 according to Fig. 1 The system comprises several wire guides 1, 1', 1" and at least one associated processing unit for processing the wire 2 guided by the wire guide 1, 1', 1". A wire guide 1, 1', 1" is a device designed and constructed to guide the wire 2 during its feed movement such that, during feeding, the longitudinal center axis of the wire 2 is as coaxial as possible with the feed axis D. When processing units are precisely aligned with this feed axis D, optimal processing results can be achieved during trouble-free operation. With the aid of a wire guide 1, 1', 1" a wire 2 can, for example, be threaded into the working area of ​​a downstream processing unit and / or guided through it without interference.

[0049] In accordance with Fig. 1 In the embodiment shown, a first wire guide device 1, 1', 1" is arranged between the milling units 200-1, 200-2, a second wire guide device 1, 1', 1" is connected downstream of the milling device 200 and a third wire guide device 1, 1', 1" is connected upstream of the cutting device 300.

[0050] The Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows an assembly of the wire processing machine 100. The assembly comprises a processing device in the form of a cutting device 300, with which the finished formed part (straightened wire rod of a predetermined length, partially sheathed with an insulating layer, bare ends) is separated from the fed wire 2. The cutting device 300 includes a notching device 305 for 4-way notching similar to the cutting device of WO 2021 / 148343 A1.

[0051] In contrast, the notching device 305 is automatically adjustable in height by means of a height adjustment device 310 in order to be able to adjust the center of the workpiece-contacting component(s) of the notching device 305 to the wire guide axis D for each wire cross-section.

[0052] The wire guide device 1, 1', 1" (see Fig 2 The wire guide 1 is designed and configured to guide the wire 2 longitudinally, coaxially with the through-axis D in the wire processing machine 100 during the production of shaped parts from wire 2. For this purpose, the wire guide 1 comprises a frame-mountable support 10, a base guide element 20, and a side guide group 30'. The base guide element 20 is supported by the support 10 and has at least one base guide surface 21 intended for contact with the wire 2, as shown, for example, in the Fig. 2 and 4The support 10 is fixedly mounted on a machine frame 180. The base guide surface 21 is designed as a support surface for the wire 2, as shown in particular in the Fig. 5A shown.

[0053] The side guide assembly 30' comprises a first side guide element 31 with at least one first side guide surface 32 facing the through-axis D and a second side guide element 33 arranged opposite the through-axis D with at least one second side guide surface 34 facing the through-axis D. Each of the side guide elements 31, 33 consists of a one-piece angled metal piece with two inwardly directed side guide arms 31A, 31B, 33A, 33B and has exactly two side guide surfaces 32, 34, which are formed by the inwardly directed end faces of the side guide arms 31A, 31B, 33A, 33B. In the illustrated embodiments, the side guide assembly 30' is designed as a centering assembly 30. The side guide elements 31, 33 are each mounted in a linearly movable manner relative to the support 10 in a feed direction that is essentially horizontal and perpendicular to the through-direction R.

[0054] In an embodiment not shown, one of the two side guide elements 31, 33 is fixed and only the other of the two side guide elements 31, 33 is adjustable or linearly movable.

[0055] The centering group 30 further comprises a pneumatic drive system 35, controllable via control signals from a control unit, for generating simultaneous, opposing feed movements of the side guide elements 31, 33, as for example in the Fig. 3 shown.

[0056] The base guide surface 21 and the side guide surfaces 32, 34 define, in a projection parallel to the through-axis D, a guide channel 22 of variable width for the wire 2, as shown in particular in the Fig. 5A und 5B As shown, in this projection, the guide channel 22 is closed at least at the bottom (by the base guide surface 21) and laterally (by the side guide surfaces 32, 34). Due to the variable width of the guide channel 22, the wire guide device 1, 1', 1" enables the guiding of wires of different diameters and geometries without requiring a tool change. No operator intervention is required for adjustment. The adjustment is drive-controlled and stepless, thus achieving cross-section-independent guidance.

[0057] In the embodiments shown, the centering group 30 has side guide elements 31, 33, each with two side guide surfaces 32, 34. The centering group 30 therefore has two pairs of first and second side guide surfaces 32, 34.

[0058] A centering group 30 can also have more than two pairs of first and second lateral guide surfaces 32, 34, e.g. three or four; if necessary, a single lateral guide surface 32, 34 may suffice.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiments, the wire guide device 1, 1', 1" comprises an upper guide element 50. The upper guide element 50 can be moved towards the base guide surface 21 (downwards) and in the opposite direction (upwards) by means of, for example, a hydraulic or pneumatic drive 56.

[0060] In a closed state of the wire guide device 1, 1', 1" the upper guide element 50 is provided to bear against an outer side of the wire 2 with at least one contact surface 51, here with two axially spaced contact surfaces, and to hold the wire 2 on the base guide surface 21, as shown in particular in the Fig. 5B This is shown. As a result, the wire 2 lies not only in a longitudinal plane extending through the through-axis D, but also flatly on the base guide surface 21, as shown, for example, in the Fig. 4 as shown. With the help of the upper guide element 50, it is also possible to clamp the wire 2 onto the base guide surface 21 if required.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiments, the upper guide element 50 has at least one contact element 53 with contact surface 51 on a side 52 of a carrier 57 facing the base guide surface 21, as for example in the Fig. 4 and 9 shown.

[0062] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 bis 5B The upper guide element 50 has two contact elements 53, each with flat, essentially planar contact surfaces. In the embodiment according to the Fig. 7 bis 9 The upper guide element 50 has three contact elements 53. In both embodiments, the contact elements 53 are spaced apart from each other along the through-axis D. This secures the wire 2 over a wider area or a greater length.

[0063] In some embodiments, the at least one contact element 53 has a friction lining 54, as in the Fig. 1 bis 5B As shown. Depending on the desired function, the friction lining 54 can be designed in the manner of a brake lining with a high coefficient of friction or in the manner of a sliding lining with a low coefficient of friction.

[0064] In alternative embodiments, the at least one contact element 53 is a rotatably mounted guide roller 55, as in the Fig. 7 bis 9 As shown. In a closed state of the wire guide device 1', the outer surface or the outer circumference of the guide roller 55 rests on the wire 2.

[0065] During the Fig. 7 bis 9 In the illustrated embodiment of a wire guide device 1', in addition to the upper guide element 50, both the base guide element 20 and the side guide elements 31, 33 also have rotatably mounted guide rollers 23, 36, which in a closed state of the wire guide device 1' bear against the guided wire 2 with its outer surfaces or circumferences.

[0066] In the corresponding embodiments, the at least one contact surface 51 of the upper guide element 50 and the at least one pair of first and second side guide surfaces 32, 34 of the side guide elements 31, 33 are arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel, as in particular in the Fig. 2 As shown. In embodiments with more than one contact surface 51 and / or more than one pair of first and second side guide surfaces 32, 34, these are arranged alternately along the through-axis D, as shown in the embodiments. Thus, the contact surfaces 51 of the upper guide element 50 and the side guide surfaces 32, 34 or the side guide arms 31A, 31B, 33A, 33B of the side guide elements 31, 33 interlock, as shown in particular in the Fig. 3 , 6 and 9 shown.

[0067] During the Fig. 1 bis 5 In the embodiment shown, in a state of installation in the wire processing machine 100, the support 10 and thus also the base guide element 20 are fixed to the machine, i.e. fixed in place to a machine frame 110 of the wire processing machine 100.

[0068] In alternative embodiments, the wire guide device 1' is movable relative to the machine frame 10 along the wire 2, i.e., along the through-axis D, as in the Fig. 6 shown.

[0069] In advantageous embodiments, the first side guide surface 32 and the second side guide surface 34 are arranged parallel to each other, as particularly shown in the Fig. 4 and 8 As shown. In a projection parallel to the through-axis D, this forms a rectangular guide channel 22.

[0070] The Fig. 10 Figure 1 illustrates an arrangement with two wire guide devices 1', 1", which are spaced apart from each other in the area of ​​the stripping device 200 along the through-axis D.

[0071] The base guide surfaces 21 of the two wire guide devices 1', 1" lie on a common plane, i.e. the base guide surfaces 21 form a common zero plane.

[0072] At the in Fig. 10 In the embodiment shown, a first wire guide 1' is fixedly arranged on the machine frame 180 of the wire processing machine 100, and a second wire guide 1" is movable relative to the first wire guide 1' along the wire guide axis D. A processing device in the form of a milling device 200, which is used for stripping the wire, is arranged between the two wire guides 1' and 1".

[0073] The inventive method for producing shaped parts from wire 2 is carried out in one of the wire processing machines 100 described above. In this method, to center a wire 2 passing through the wire guide device 1, 1', 1" in a vertical longitudinal plane extending through the through-axis D, the first and second side guide elements 31, 33 are each moved in a feed direction Z S1, Z S2 towards the through-axis D until the side guide elements 31, 33 with their side guide surfaces 32, 34 bear against the wire 2 and the wire is thereby centered in the transverse direction, as shown in particular in the Fig. 5A und 5B shown.

[0074] Subsequently, in a further process step, the upper guide element 50 is moved in a feed direction ZF, in a direction towards the base guide surface 21, to hold the wire 2 on the base guide surface 21.

[0075] After positioning both the side guide elements 31, 33 and the upper guide element 50, at least one machining operation is performed. This can be, for example, a bending operation, a milling operation or a cutting operation.

[0076] In an alternative method, to guide a wire 2 passing through the wire guide device 1, 1', 1", one of the two side guide elements 31, 33 is stationary and the other of the two side guide elements 31, 33 is moved towards the stationary side guide element 31, 33 until the side guide elements 31, 33 with their side guide surfaces 32, 34 are in contact with the wire 2.

[0077] In advantageous embodiments, to feed the wire 2 into the wire processing machine 100 or into the wire guide 1, 1', 1", the wire guide 1, 1', 1" opens by the side guide elements 31, 33 and / or the upper guide element 50 retracting parallel to their respective feed directions (see arrows Z S1, Z S2, ZF). This increases the cross-section of the guide channel 22 of the wire guide 1, 1', 1", making, for example, automated threading of the wire 2 into the wire guide 1, 1', 1" less prone to errors.

[0078] In the cross-section-independent guidance of the wire 2 to a cutting device 300, the wire 2 is clamped for cutting to prevent bulging due to the wedge cut. The floating cutting device 300 floats towards the rod transfer. The wire 2 is aligned with the cutting device 300, and is always clamped centrally; the lower edge remains at the same level as the base guide surface 21, regardless of the cross-section.

[0079] During the cross-section-independent guidance of wire 2 in the context of mechanical stripping, the wire 2 is aligned with the milling device 200 and clamped centrally, while the lower edge remains constant. For milling, the wire 2 is clamped at the correct position depending on the pitch length. The wire guide 1, 1', 1" which can be used as a clamping device can be moved for this purpose.

[0080] In all cases, different wire dimensions can be produced or processed; no tool change is required for format changes. Precisely manufactured, cross-section-dependent guides are not needed. Automated threading becomes less prone to errors.

[0081] Both the wire processing machine 100 and the wire guiding device 1, 1', 1" are shown and described here using the example of processing and guiding wire 2, respectively. However, wire 2 is to be understood as purely exemplary or representative of an elongated workpiece and could be a tube, a strip, or the like in further embodiments.

[0082] A wire processing machine can have more than two or more wire guide devices 1, 1', 1".

Claims

1. Wire guiding device (1, 1', 1") for guiding a longitudinal movement of a wire (2) coaxially with a through-axis (D) in a wire processing machine (100) during the production of shaped parts from wire (2), comprising: - a support (10) that can be mounted on a frame, - a base guide element (20) which is supported by the support (10) and has at least one base guide surface (21) provided for contact with the wire (2), which in the mounted state of the wire guiding device (1, 1', 1") is provided as a support surface for the wire (2), - a side guide group (30') comprising a first side guide element (31) with at least one first side guide surface (32) facing the through-axis (D), a second side guide element (33) arranged oppositely with at least one second side guide surface (34) facing the through-axis (D),and a drive system (35) controllable via control signals of at least one control unit for generating a feed movement of at least one of the side guide elements (31, 33), such that the base guide surface (21) and the side guide surfaces (32, 34) define a guide channel (22) of variable width for the wire (2) in a projection parallel to the through-axis (D).

2. Wire guide device (1, 1', 1") according to claim 1, further characterized by the fact that - the side guide group (30') is designed as a centering group (30) and - the drive system (35) is set up to generate opposing feed movements of the side guide elements (31, 33).

3. Wire guide device (1, 1', 1") according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized by the fact that the base guide element (20) has no drive and / or is fixedly attached to the carrier (10).

4. Wire guide device (1, 1', 1") according to one of claims 1 to 3, further characterized by the fact thatThe side guide group (30') has, in addition to the one pair of first and second side guide surfaces (32, 34), at least one further pair of first and second side guide surfaces (32, 34), which is arranged along the through-axis (D) offset from the first pair of first and second side guide surfaces (32, 34).

5. Wire guide device (1, 1', 1") according to one of claims 1 to 4, further characterized by the fact that the wire guide device (1, 1', 1") comprises an upper guide element (50) which can be moved towards the base guide surface (21) via a drive (56) and is designed to bear against an outside of the wire (2) with at least one contact surface (51) in a closed state of the wire guide device (1, 1', 1") and to hold the wire (2) on the base guide surface (21).

6. Wire guide device (1, 1', 1") according to claim 5, further characterized by the fact thatthe upper guide element (50) has a carrier (57) which has at least one contact element (53) with a contact surface (51) for workpiece contact with the wire (2) on its workpiece-facing side (52), in particular wherein the at least one contact element (53) has a friction lining (54).

7. Wire guide device (1, 1', 1") according to claim 6, further characterized by the fact that the at least one contact element (53) is a rotatably mounted guide roller (55), wherein preferably the base guide element (20) and / or the side guide elements (31, 33) also have rotatably mounted guide rollers (23, 36) for workpiece contact.

8. Wire guide device (1, 1', 1") according to one of claims 5 to 7, further characterized by the fact thatthe at least one contact surface (51) of the upper guide element (50) and the at least one pair of first and second side guide surfaces (32, 34) of the side guide elements (31, 33) are arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel (R), wherein preferably in embodiments with more than one contact surface (51) of the upper guide element (50) and / or more than one pair of first and second side guide surfaces (32, 34) these are arranged alternately along the axis of travel (D), wherein contact surfaces (51) of the upper guide element (50) and the side guide surfaces (32, 34) or side guide arms (31A, 31B, 33A, 33B) of the side guide elements (31, 33) interlock.

9. Wire guide device (1, 1', 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 8 further characterized by the fact that- the first side guide surface (32) and the second side guide surface (34) are arranged parallel to each other, or - the first side guide surface (32) and the second side guide surface (34) are arranged inclined to each other.

10. Wire processing machine (100) for the production of shaped parts from wire (2) with at least one wire guiding device (1, 1', 1") according to one of claims 1 to 9 and at least one processing device for processing the wire (2), wherein the wire guiding device (1, 1', 1") is arranged stationary on a machine frame (180) of the wire processing machine (100) or is movable in the direction of the through-axis (D).

11. Wire processing machine (100) according to claim 10, further characterized by the fact that the wire processing machine (100) has several wire guide devices (1, 1', 1"), wherein the base guide surfaces (21) of the base guide elements (20) lie on a common plane.

12. Wire processing machine (100) according to claim 10 or 11, further characterized by the fact that - the processing device has at least one workpiece-contacting processing tool for processing the wire (2) and a height adjustment device (310) with a drive for, preferably stepless, adjusting the height of the processing tool, and / or - the processing device is selected from the group: - a bending device, a straightening device, a cutting device, a notching device, a stripping device, a milling device or the like.

13. Method for producing shaped parts from wire (2) in a wire processing machine (100) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the method comprises the steps: - adjusting the first and second side guide element (31, 33) each in an adjustment direction (Z S1 , Z S2) to center the wire (2) in a longitudinal plane passing through the through-axis (D), and - performing at least one machining operation.

14. Method according to claim 13, further characterized by the next step: - adjusting the upper guide element (50) in a feed direction (Z) F ) to hold the wire (2) on the base guide surface (21).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, further characterized by the fact that to feed the wire (2) into the wire guide device (1, 1', 1"), the wire guide device (1, 1', 1") opens by the side guide elements (31, 33) and / or the upper guide element (50) each along their feed directions (Z) S1 , Z S2 , Z F ) will be reversed.

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