Grommet Station

Abstract

The grommet station (1) includes a grommet attachment unit (2) for attaching the cable end to the grommet, a grommet supply unit (3), and a support structure (4) for supporting the grommet attachment unit (2) and the grommet supply unit (3). The grommet attachment unit (2) and the grommet supply unit (3) are permanently interconnected, and the grommet attachment unit (2) and the grommet supply unit (3) form a joint-exchangeable module (5) that can be coupled to the support structure (3) and decoupled from the support structure (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a grommet station for attaching a grommet to a cable as described in the preamble of claim 1. In such a grommet station, a grommet required, for example, for a moisture-proof feed-through of an electrical cable through a connector housing or a housing wall of an electrical appliance can be applied to the cable in an economical way.

Background Art

[0002] A grommet is, for example, a sealing element made of silicone that is commonly used to seal a connector housing. In the manufacture of cables, the cables are cut to length, stripped, attached to a grommet, crimped, and optionally provided with a housing. For this purpose, the stripped cable is attached to the grommet, and then, usually, metal contacts are crimped. This crimped contact is designed to fasten the grommet to the cable. Grommet attachment is carried out in a fully automatic cable assembly system having a grommet attachment station, and the grommet is usually added to the grommet attachment station as a bulk material. Semiautomatic machines for cable assembly systems are also known (where the cable is inserted by hand), which can perform the attachment of the grommet in addition to other operations. Especially in the case of fully automatic machines, it is advantageous if the conversion of the grommet station can be carried out quickly and error-free from one grommet deformation to another grommet deformation form.

[0003] A grommet station that is generally similar to that disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. 1689049. The grommet station includes grommet storage means comprising a drum filled with grommets and a grommet attachment unit for attaching the stripped end of a cable to the grommet. The grommet storage means forms part of a grommet providing unit for providing grommets intended to be attached, and the grommet attachment unit further comprises a conveyor rail of a vibrating conveyor. By means of the conveyor rail, the grommets are conveyed to the separating unit in the correct position, from where the grommets are individually pressed against the mandrels of a rotary transfer unit having four mandrels. In addition to the referenced transfer unit having four mandrels, the grommet attachment device further comprises an attachment head having an expansion sleeve and a grommet receiving part. At the upper end of the separating unit, a discharge device is arranged together with a tappet movable up and down, and the tappet supplies the first grommet in the conveyor rail to the transfer device in any case. The transfer device is continuously pivotable about its center at an angle of approximately 90°, and in the first position, the grommet is pressed against the mandrel by the said tappet. After rotating approximately 90°, the grommet is pushed into the second position of the transfer unit for the purpose of expanding it over the area of a mandrel having a larger diameter. The actual attachment of the grommet to the cable end is carried out in the third position. In this third position of the transfer device, the grommet is removed from the mandrel using the attachment head, the grommet is pressed onto the expansion sleeve, the grommet is placed on the cable in its expanded state, and finally pressed onto the cable. When the mandrel is pivoted to the third position, the attachment head surrounds the grommet by means of an expansion sleeve consisting of two parts, which is similarly formed by two parts, and a grommet receiving part consisting of two parts. In the grommet station according to European Patent Application Publication No. 1689049, the grommet providing unit comprises grommet storage means, and the vibrating conveyor having the conveyor rail is designed to be movable and can be exchanged together.However, the part of the grommet attachment unit, also called the mounting tool, which depends on the type of grommet, must be manually exchanged and assembled during switching.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved grommet station that is particularly easy to handle and enables short switching times.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] These and other objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by a grommet station having the features of claim 1. The grommet station has a grommet attachment unit for attaching a cable end to a grommet. Further, the grommet station has a grommet providing unit for providing a grommet to be attached by the grommet attachment unit. The grommet providing unit has at least one grommet storage means. The grommet storage means can, for example, be designed as a drum for the loose storage of grommets. However, the grommet storage means can also be formed by different storage sections for grommets as bulk material. The grommet station then has a support structure for supporting the grommet attachment unit and the grommet providing unit. The grommet attachment unit and the grommet providing unit form a common replaceable module that is rigidly connected to each other and can be coupled to and decoupled from the support structure, so that the replaceable module can be replaced with another replaceable module for different grommets, resulting in several advantages. The rigid connection of the grommet attachment unit and the grommet providing unit to each other means, in this case, that the grommet attachment unit and the grommet providing unit form a common mechanical part (here, the replaceable module) that basically stays together after its completion and whose individual parts are not removed again. However, a permanent connection does not necessarily mean an irreversible connection. For example, for repair or maintenance work, it is conceivable that the grommet attachment unit and the grommet providing unit can be separated from each other by appropriate fastening means.

[0007] With the innovative grommet station, the setup time can be significantly shortened again. There are even fewer work steps required for the actual setup process. The grommet mounting unit and the grommet supply unit are permanently interconnected, in particular so that the mounting process can start immediately after coupling. The grommet mounting unit is then already in the correct position of the grommet station. It is easy to handle and the risk of using the wrong mounting tool can be eliminated. No special tools are required. This arrangement is also particularly suitable for the automated process of replacing exchangeable modules.

[0008] For example, a mounting tool can be attached to the grommet mounting device, including a transfer unit having a mandrel on which the grommet can be slid, or in some cases a plurality of mandrels. It may be advantageous if all mounting tools, preferably all guides for their movement, are integrated into the exchangeable module.

[0009] The support structure can be designed to be placed on the floor of a machine shop. It can be advantageous if the support structure is fixed, for example, on a machine table or integrated into the machine table of a grommet station. However, it is also conceivable that the support structure is part of the machine platform of a cable assembly plant. For this reason, the grommet station described here does not necessarily have to be designed as a stand-alone cable processing machine. The mounting station can also be part of a cable assembly plant. In addition to its function of supporting the grommet mounting unit and the grommet providing unit, the support structure can also serve to supply power to the grommet mounting unit and the grommet providing unit and, if necessary, compressed air. For this purpose, the support structure can be provided with pneumatic and electrical lines to which the exchangeable modules of the grommet mounting unit and the grommet providing unit can be connected via corresponding interfaces. The support structure can be designed to be placed on the floor of a machine shop. However, the support structure can also be assigned to the machine platform or table of a cable assembly plant.

[0010] The grommet providing unit can have a supply arrangement for supplying grommets from the grommet storage means to the grommet mounting unit. The supply arrangement can comprise, for example, the conveyor rails of a vibrating conveyor. By means of the conveyor rails, the grommets can be successively conveyed to the correct position in a manner known per se.

[0011] It can also be advantageous if the exchangeable module can be coupled to and / or detached from the support structure without using tools.

[0012] The replaceable module can have, for example, a guide channel with a T-shaped cross-section, and the replaceable module can be inserted into the support structure by pushing it in the insertion direction through the guide channel, or can be inserted into (and conversely removed from) the support structure. For this purpose, the support structure can have guiding and fixing means that complement the guide channel. The guide channel as well as the guiding and fixing means enable the replaceable module to be easily and at the same time accurately coupled to the support structure.

[0013] The aforementioned guiding and fixing means can be designed to be automatically actuated. By means of the automatic actuation, when the replaceable module is inserted and reaches the end position, the corresponding guiding and fixing means can be actuated, and it is possible to fix the replaceable module in this position.

[0014] To fix the fully inserted replaceable module, the guide channel can have at least one, preferably two recesses, and the support structure can have at least one, preferably two bolts as fixing means, each bolt engaging in the associated recess, thus facilitating the fixing of the replaceable module as described above. The aforementioned means for fixing the insertion position can also be arranged reversely, i.e., the bolt(s) can be assigned to the replaceable module and the recess(es) can be assigned to the support structure.

[0015] The bolts can be movable transversely to the insertion direction and can be fastened to the support structure such that they are pre-tensioned by a spring to automatically pass through the recesses, resulting in an advantageous latching mechanism. The bolts or other fixing means can additionally or alternatively be designed to act in a clamping manner on the mating side defined by the replaceable module to fix the position of the fully inserted replaceable module.

[0016] It may be advantageous if all actuators for operating the grommet providing unit, such as a vibrating conveyor or, if available, a drive for rotating a drum, are integrated into an exchangeable module.

[0017] The grommet mounting unit can comprise an expansion sleeve for holding the grommet in an expanded state and for placing the grommet on the cable end, and a transfer unit having at least one mandrel. The mounting head of the grommet mounting unit can further comprise a grommet receiving unit for receiving and holding the grommet during the mounting process. The expansion sleeve and the grommet receiving unit can be mechanically coupled to each other, and the expansion sleeve can be inserted into the grommet receiving unit.

[0018] Actuators for operating the grommet mounting unit can be provided. At least some of these actuators, preferably all actuators for operating the grommet mounting unit, can be integrated into an exchangeable module. The grommet mounting unit can comprise a transfer unit having at least one mandrel, and the grommet can be pressed against the mandrel at the transfer position. For example, an actuator comprising an electric motor can be provided for moving, preferably rotating or pivoting, the transfer unit. At least this actuator, i.e., the actuator for operating the transfer unit, can be integrated into an exchangeable module. If the grommet mounting unit has a separation unit by which the grommet is individually pressed from the conveyor rail onto the mandrel of the transfer unit, and an actuator for operating the separation unit, it is advantageous if this actuator is integrated into the exchangeable module in addition to the actuator for operating the transfer unit.

[0019] The exchangeable module can have connections for forming an interface for signals and power.

[0020] One or more control units can be provided for controlling the grommet providing unit and / or for operating the grommet mounting unit, and these can be arranged outside the replaceable module, for example within a support structure. Alternatively, one or more local control units can be provided for operating the grommet providing unit, and one or more local control units can be provided for operating the grommet mounting unit, and these local control units are integrated into the replaceable module. Such local control units enable the production of advantageous replaceable modules optimally adapted to the grommets to be processed. The local control units can be connected to a central machine control unit.

[0021] It can also be advantageous if all guides for the necessary movement of the individual components of the grommet mounting unit or the mounting tools for attaching the grommet to the cable are provided within the replaceable module.

[0022] The actuator for operating the grommet mounting unit and / or the grommet providing unit of the replaceable module can be a pneumatic actuator, and the corresponding valve for controlling the pneumatic actuator is preferably arranged within the replaceable module. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the valve for controlling the pneumatic actuator is arranged within the support structure. The cassette can have a control unit for controlling the actuator and can be arranged on the replaceable module.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the grommet station comprises a housing for the grommet providing unit in which at least the grommet storage means are accommodated. The housing is ergonomically shaped and has an outer contour of a cuboid with essentially polyhedral, in particular polyhedral or cuboid rounded corners and edges, thereby enabling a compact design and making handling considerably easier, especially with regard to the manual change process.

[0024] The support structure can have a convex portion, preferably a stepped convex portion, designed to complement the housing, and at least the lower region of the housing can be fitted or engaged when the replaceable module is fully inserted.

[0025] The grommet providing unit of the replaceable module can have a preferably vertical suction tube opening into the grommet storage means. By means of the suction tube, the grommet can be pneumatically conveyed from the grommet storage means. The suction tube can be connected to a conveyor rail, preferably horizontal, via which the grommet is further conveyed towards the separation unit. The suction tube and the conveyor rail form an advantageous supply arrangement. The suction tube ensures an advantageous and compact design of the grommet providing unit and enables in particular an ergonomic housing.

[0026] The advantageous supply arrangement formed by the suction tube and the conveyor rail can also have different designs. Instead of the suction tube, for example, a continuous annular vertical conveyor as disclosed in WO 2011 / 158145 can also be used. The suction tube or the aforementioned vertical conveyor can also be replaced by a known drum depending on the situation. It is also conceivable that the grommet can be supplied without a conveyor rail, for example by means of a toothed belt having cams with grommets located therebetween or even by means of a robot pick-and-place system.

[0027] The grommet station can be composed of a support structure and a plurality of replaceable modules, whereby one of the plurality of replaceable modules is coupled to the support structure each time, thus making it ready for operation. Depending on the requirements, one replaceable module can be detached from the support structure and replaced by one of the other replaceable modules. The plurality of replaceable modules of the grommet station can have different designs, for example, different supply principles can be selected according to the type of grommet. For example, one replaceable module may comprise a grommet providing unit having a grommet storage means and a suction tube, and another replaceable module may comprise a grommet providing unit having a drum.

[0028] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a grommet station having a grommet attachment unit for attaching a cable end to a grommet, a grommet providing unit for providing a grommet attached by the grommet attachment unit, and a support structure for supporting the grommet attachment unit and the grommet providing unit. This grommet station can be constructed, in particular, as described above, i.e., using an advantageous module consisting of a grommet attachment unit and a grommet providing unit, which forms a common interchangeable module that can be coupled to and decoupled from the support structure. According to this aspect, the grommet attachment unit and / or the grommet providing unit are designed for automatic replacement of their respective units, i.e., the grommet attachment unit and / or the grommet providing unit. Such a grommet station can reduce the switching time, especially in combination with an interchangeable module consisting of a grommet attachment unit and a grommet providing unit. To automatically replace the units, in particular the interchangeable module, the grommet station can have a conversion arrangement with a magazine for a plurality of grommet attachment units and / or grommet supply units, in particular for interchangeable modules for different grommets. The conversion arrangement of the grommet station can further comprise a changer for removing the grommet attachment unit and / or the grommet providing unit, in particular for removing the interchangeable module from the magazine, for transferring the interchangeable module from the magazine to the support structure and for coupling the grommet attachment unit and / or the grommet providing unit, and in particular for coupling the interchangeable module to the support structure.

[0029] The changer can have a horizontal straight shaft, by means of which the carriage can be horizontally moved back and forth between the magazine and the support structure. The carriage temporarily carries the corresponding unit (for transportation between the magazine and the support structure), namely the grommet mounting unit, the grommet providing unit, or both the grommet mounting unit and the grommet providing unit.

[0030] The magazine can have a vertical conveyor with a plurality of vertically movable brackets, on each of which one of the aforementioned units (e.g., replaceable module) can be or is arranged. Thus, each bracket of the magazine can be designed to carry or accommodate, for example, one replaceable module. In this way, the grommet station can be operated particularly efficiently with respect to switching to other grommet types.

[0031] The brackets can be self-propelled and each can be provided with a climbing drive. Preferably, the brackets of the vertical conveyor can be vertically moved by lifting means or conveying means. A conveying cable, belt, or chain can be used as the lifting means or conveying means. The vertical conveyor can be a hydraulic or pneumatic vertical conveyor. Preferably, the vertical conveyor can have a bracket support having at least two brackets arranged vertically, and the bracket support can be moved along a vertical guide arrangement, for example, in the form of guide rails. Thus, two brackets arranged vertically are combined to form a bracket group and can be moved up and down together.

[0032] Each bracket of the vertical conveyor of the magazine can have a clamp unit for fixing the article to be transported, i.e., a grommet attachment unit, a grommet providing unit, or both a grommet attachment unit and a grommet providing unit. In this way, the article can be safely transported to the desired vertical position using the vertical conveyor.

[0033] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a grommet station having a grommet attachment unit for attaching a cable end to a grommet, a grommet providing unit for providing a grommet attached by the grommet attachment unit, and a support structure for supporting the grommet attachment unit and the grommet providing unit. This grommet station can be constructed, in particular, using the advantageous modules consisting of the grommet attachment unit and the grommet providing unit as described above, which form a common replaceable module that can be coupled to and decoupled from the support structure. The grommet station according to this aspect is characterized by having a protective cover for covering the grommet station, and the protective cover is characterized by having a filling opening for filling the grommet storage means with grommets. By means of this special protective cover, the grommets can be easily and safely refilled without the need to remove the protective cover. The area of the grommet station that can be accessed by a person standing nearby is particularly covered. The protective cover prevents a person from reaching into the grommet station and being injured by moving the mechanical elements of the grommet station. Thus, the protective cover covers the grommet station, particularly at least on the sides and the top. A cover is not required at the bottom, but is conceivable. The specially designed protective cover can also be used in an advantageous manner in grommet stations having a conventional design, such as the grommet station known from European Patent No. 0626738.

[0034] The preferably closable filling opening can be provided within a protective cover for filling with grommets, in particular for refilling grommet storage means with grommets.

[0035] The inlet can be arranged at the filling opening. Preferably, the inlet protrudes from the protective cover. In other words, the inlet is arranged to protrude from the protective cover. The inlet can be fixed, but it is also possible to have a movable inlet that can be placed in a closed position when not in use. In the latter case, the filling opening can be closed by the closed inlet. In the open position, the inlet can protrude at an angle from the protective cover to facilitate filling, and in the closed position, it can abut against the protective cover.

[0036] The inlet can be funnel-shaped, which makes it easier to prevent the grommet from accidentally slipping out of the inlet during filling.

[0037] The housing for the grommet providing unit can comprise a cover, and an opening and closing mechanism is provided to open the cover, and vice versa. The housing can have a lower part of the housing 40 and the aforementioned cover 39, and the cover is preferably arranged on the upper side of the lower part of the housing. More preferably, the cover can be pivotally fastened to the lower part of the housing via a hinge. The pivotal movement to open the cover of the housing can be carried out manually or automatically by a suitable actuator.

[0038] A special variant can be directed to the housing of the grommet providing unit with a cover, and the opening and closing mechanism of the inlet is designed to simultaneously open the cover during the opening process of the inlet.

[0039] To facilitate handling, at least one handle can be provided for manually opening and closing the filling opening and / or the cover.

[0040] The cover opening and closing mechanism comprises, for example, a slide. Preferably, the cover can be moved to an open position or a closed position by a slide that can be moved back and forth by at least one handle.

[0041] The lateral guide element is arranged inside the cover on the slide and connects to the inlet when the cover and / or the closable filling opening is in the open position. The inlet can then, for filling purposes or in the open position, comprise a lateral guide element arranged at approximately the same height as the guide element of the slide. The guide element ensures reliable filling at the grommet.

[0042] A pin (or other engagement member) can be arranged on the cover, and the pin is operably connected to the wedge-shaped side portion of the slide for opening the cover. The side portion forms a guide for the pin 42 that can move along it. As the slide moves in the opening direction, the pin is pushed back as it moves along the side portion, thus causing the process of opening the cover.

[0043] Further individual features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0045] Figure 1 shows a grommet station generally designated 1 and comprising a grommet attachment unit 2 for attaching a cable end to a grommet, a grommet providing unit 3 for providing a grommet to be attached by the grommet attachment unit, and a support structure 4 for supporting the grommet attachment unit 2 and the grommet providing unit 3. The grommet attachment unit 2 and the grommet providing unit 3 are permanently interconnected. As can be seen from Figure 1, the two units 2, 3 constitute a common module 5. This module 5 is coupled to the support structure 4 and can be decoupled therefrom again. Hereinafter, the module 5 is called an exchangeable module because such a module can be easily exchanged by the grommet station, which will be described in detail below, in order to change from one type of grommet to another type of grommet. The exchangeable modules 5 can each be loaded with different grommets (for example, grommets of different colors and / or grommet shapes), whereby the exchangeable modules 5 are adapted to the grommet shape. When changing the grommet, i.e., when changing from one type of grommet to another type of grommet, the exchangeable module 5 shown here can be exchanged for another exchangeable module (not shown here), thereby significantly shortening the switching time. The other exchangeable modules mentioned are constructed in essentially the same way and differ only substantially in that they are loaded with different grommets and in the fact that they are adapted to or set for these grommets.

[0046] The grommet providing unit 3 for providing a grommet to the grommet mounting unit 2 includes grommet storage means housed in the housing 19. This grommet storage means is shown in FIG. 4 below and is denoted by reference numeral 6. The grommet storage means is designed to store grommets as a bulk material. The grommet providing unit 3 further includes a conveyor rail 8 through which the grommets can be conveyed in the direction of the grommet mounting unit 2. The conveyor rail 8 is part of a vibrating conveyor. The actuator for operating the vibrating conveyor is denoted by reference numeral 47. The conveyor rail 8 has a groove in the longitudinal direction, and its cross-section substantially corresponds to the contour of the longitudinal cross-section of the grommet. A separation unit 48 is arranged at the end of the conveyor rail 8. By means of the conveyor rail 8, the grommets are conveyed to the separation unit 48 in the correct position, from where the grommets are individually pressed against the mandrels of the transfer unit. The separation unit 48 and the transfer unit having the mandrels are components of the grommet mounting unit 2 and further include a mounting head 10. The grommet mounting unit 2 having the above-described components will be further described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0047] The support structure 4 can be fastened, for example, to a machine table (not shown). However, the support structure 4 can also be designed to be arranged on the floor of a machine shop.

[0048] The support structure 4 has two bolts 14, 15 and a centering element 16 arranged in front of the bolts. The replaceable module 5 has a guide channel 46 with a T-shaped cross-section by which the replaceable module 5 can be inserted into the support structure 4 by being pushed in the e direction. The pointed centering element 16, which is triangular when viewed from above, facilitates the insertion. The bolts 14, 15 function as guide means during the insertion of the replaceable module 5.

[0049] The support structure 4 forms the fixed structure of the grommet station 1, and the replaceable module 5 is designed to be movable.

[0050] The housing 19 for the grommet providing unit 3 is ergonomically shaped and has a generally cuboid outer contour with rounded corners and edges, whereby the replaceable module 5 is easy to handle and, in particular, enables an easy manual replacement process. The support structure 4 is complementary to the housing 19 and has a stepped recess 31 into which the lower region of the housing 19 can be fitted.

[0051] The fully inserted replaceable module 5 is shown in FIG. 2. At this coupling position, the grommet station 1 is ready for operation. Also from this, it can be seen that due to the ergonomically shaped and relatively narrow housing 19, an overall compact and space-saving design of the grommet station 1 is achieved.

[0052] Details regarding the design of the coupling arrangement for guiding and fixing the replaceable module 5 can be seen in FIG. 3. The guide channel 46 of the replaceable module 5 has two recesses 17, 18 into which the bolts 14, 15 engage when the replaceable module is fully inserted. The bolts 14, 15 can be moved in a direction transverse to the insertion direction i and can be pre-tensioned by a spring (not shown) so that the bolts 14, 15 automatically enter the corresponding recesses 17, 18, thereby generating a latching mechanism. In the present embodiment, the bolts 14, 15 are designed as clamp bolts. As soon as the two clamp bolts 14, 15 reach the target position during the insertion of the replaceable module 5 into the support structure 4, they move into the lower recesses 17, 18. The recesses 17, 18 are designed such that the component of the clamping force acts in the forward e direction and presses the replaceable module 5 against the stop of the support structure 4. In this way, a stable and highly reliable connection between the support structure 4 and the replaceable module 5 is ensured.

[0053] It is advantageous if the clamping bolts 14, 15 are only pulled downward by a spring and actively pushed upward for the insertion of the replaceable module 5. This can be carried out by an active element such as a pneumatic cylinder or passively, for example, by a lever mechanism (not shown). In the case of the above-mentioned active element, the clamping can be automatically initiated by a position sensor when the target position is reached, or the clamping can also be initiated by pressing a button. The coupling arrangement can also be released by a button or by a control signal transmitted by a control unit to release the fixing system.

[0054] As can be seen from FIG. 4, the grommet providing unit 3 has a grommet storage means 6. The grommet storage means 6 is formed in this case by a container that is immovably accommodated within the housing 19. Grommets are stored in the grommet storage means 6 as a bulk material. The grommet providing unit further comprises a vertical suction tube 7 that opens into the grommet storage means 6 and through which the grommets can be pneumatically conveyed. Through the suction tube 7, the grommets can be conveyed from the grommet storage means 6 to the horizontal conveyor rail 8 already described above.

[0055] All actuators, such as the actuator 47 of the vibrating conveyor with the conveyor rail 8 for operating the grommet mounting unit 2 and the grommet providing unit 3, except for the linear unit 56 for moving the mandrel of the mounting head 10 of the grommet mounting unit 2, are integrated into the replaceable module 5. However, it is also conceivable to assign the linear unit 56 to the replaceable module 5 instead of the support structure 4 as shown. In this case, all actuators for operating the grommet mounting unit 2 and the grommet providing unit 3 are integrated into the replaceable module 5.

[0056] Power is supplied to the various actuators of the replaceable module 5, and an interface for controlling each component can also be clearly seen in FIG. 4. The pneumatic line 49 and the electric wire 50 are provided for supply. Each line 49, 50 is connected to each other during the insertion process via a plug connection that is only schematically shown, for example, within the interface between the support structure 4 and the replaceable module 5.

[0057] Furthermore, FIG. 4 shows a coupling element 51 having two holes for coupling the replaceable module 5 to a carriage (not shown) in a conversion arrangement, which is shown in FIGS. 10 to 16 and will be described in detail below with reference to these figures. This coupling element 51 can also be omitted for the manual change process.

[0058] The housing 19 of the grommet providing unit 3 is provided with a cover 39, and the grommet storage means 6 can be filled with grommets when the cover is open. The cover 39 is pivotally fastened, for example via a hinge, to the lower part of the housing 40 of the housing 19.

[0059] Structural details regarding the design of grommet attachment unit 2 for attaching a cable end to a grommet are shown in FIG. 5. The grommet attachment unit 2 comprises a transfer unit having a mandrel carrier 13 and a mandrel 9 fastened thereto. The mandrel carrier 13 is pivotally mounted on a cantilever arm 55. The corresponding pivot axis is indicated by reference numeral 53. The cantilever arm 55 can be moved horizontally by a linear unit 56. The linear movement of the cantilever arm is achieved by this linear unit, for example, a spindle drive having a servo motor arranged on a support structure 4. During the insertion of the exchangeable module 5, the cantilever arm 55 is coupled to the linear unit 56, for example, magnetically. A control pin 52 is attached to the mandrel carrier 13 and the control pin can engage and be guided within a control cam 54. By the linear movement of the cantilever arm 55, the mandrel carrier is rotated 90° and then moved linearly. FIGS. 6 to 8 show the operating mode and the mounting process of the mounting head 10, in particular the movement of the mandrel 9.

[0060] In the initial position according to FIG. 6, the mandrel 9 is in a vertically upright position. In this position, the grommet can be pressed from the conveyor rail 8 onto the mandrel 9 by the separation unit 48. Then, the cantilever arm 55 is moved to the right by a first distance by the linear unit. The linear movement of the cantilever arm pivots the mandrel 9 by 90°. This position is shown in FIG. 7. Then, the mounting head 10 is moved to the closed position in order to engage with the stripper jaw around the grommet, here indicated by reference numeral 57. By further linear movement of the cantilever arm 55, the mandrel 9 is pushed into the closed expansion sleeve (FIG. 8). As the mounting process continues, the mounting head 10 moves in the direction of the cable 58. Thereby, the mandrel 9 is released again and can be moved to the initial position by the linear unit 56 to receive the next grommet. The cable 58 is guided to the grommet mounting unit 2 by a gripper (not shown). Such a grommet station 1 corresponds to a fully automatic design for mounting grommets. However, of course, it is also conceivable to design the grommet station 1 semi-automatically, and the cable is conveyed to the grommet mounting unit 2 manually, rather than fully automatically, or in other variant forms.

[0061] However, the grommet station 1 having the permanently interconnected grommet mounting unit 2 and grommet providing unit 3, which can be coupled to and decoupled from the support structure 4, can also have a design different from that of the exemplary embodiment shown here. For example, as disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. 3651288, an alternative grommet mounting unit can be used. The grommet mounting device of the grommet station can also have a plurality of mandrels, such as a grommet mounting device having four mandrels known from European Patent No. 0626738. The exact design and mode of operation of these grommet mounting units can be found in the aforementioned publications referred to.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the replaceable module 5 includes grommet storage means 6 having a container and a suction pipe 7. However, the grommet providing unit 3 can have a different structure. For example, the suction pipe can be replaced by a conveyor belt. For example, as disclosed in European Patent No. 0626738, it is also conceivable to design the grommet storage means as a drum.

[0063] The concepts presented for the support structure 4 and the movable replaceable module 5 also enable the use of replaceable modules based on other principles for sorting and attaching grommets. This can mainly be achieved by integrating all mounting tools and all guides for the movement of said tools into the replaceable module. The greatest flexibility with regard to the cassette design is achieved when all actuators for moving the mounting tools and, ideally, for sorting and supplying the grommets are also integrated into the replaceable module 5. If the replaceable module 5 is designed as cost - effectively as possible, it may also be useful to integrate some or even all of the actuators into the support structure 4. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 - 8, this is realized for one movement, namely the pivotal and sliding movement of the mandrel 9 of the grommet attachment unit 2. The remaining movements of the grommet attachment unit 2 are carried out, for example, by a pneumatic cylinder for forming a pneumatic actuator integrated into the replaceable module 5.

[0064] When these pneumatic actuators are integrated into the replaceable module 5, their electric switching valves can be arranged either in the support structure 4 or in the replaceable module 5. In the first case, the switched supply air of the actuator is sent through the interface, and in the second case, it is a control signal. Generally, a part of the control system for operating the grommet station can also be arranged in the replaceable module 5. This makes it possible, for example, to reduce the number of control lines within the interface using a bus system.

[0065] The grommet providing unit 3 and the grommet mounting unit 2 can be controlled via a control unit (not shown) disposed outside the replaceable module 5. However, it is also conceivable that they are controlled in other ways. For example, a local control unit can be provided for operating the grommet providing unit 3 and operating the grommet mounting unit 2, and this local control unit is integrated within the replaceable module 5. The local control unit can be connected to a central machine control unit.

[0066] The grommet station is a replaceable module that can be coupled to and decoupled from a support structure, and can have a common replaceable module consisting of a grommet mounting unit and a grommet providing unit, and this grommet station is designed to automatically replace the replaceable module. Such a grommet station is shown in FIG. 9. The grommet station 1 is, in this case, part of a cable assembly plant. The cable assembly plant designed as a swivel machine for assembling cables (not shown here) comprises a supply unit 8 having a straightening arrangement 26 and a cable conveyor 27 designed as a belt conveyor for conveying the cable along the longitudinal axis of the plant to a first pivot unit 25. The pivot unit 25 has grippers for holding the cable. A stripping station for cutting the cable to a certain length and stripping the cable is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the machine. Two crimping stations 22, 24 and the grommet stations 1, 23 are arranged adjacent to the longitudinal axis of the machine. The processing stations 22 and 1 are assigned to the cable tip, and the processing stations 24 and 23 serve to assemble the cable rear end. Such a cable assembly plant is described, for example, in European Patent Application Publication No. 1251605, and this cable assembly plant has a novel grommet module 1.

[0067] Two replaceable modules 5, 5' of the grommet station 1 of the cable assembly plant can be seen. The replaceable module 5 is coupled to the support structure and is ready for operation. The second replaceable module 5' is in a kind of parking position. In order to automatically replace the replaceable modules 5, 5', an exchange arrangement is provided which comprises a magazine for a plurality of replaceable modules for different grommets and an exchanger for removing the replaceable module from the magazine, transporting it from the magazine to the support structure and coupling the replaceable module to the support structure, which is shown in FIGS. 10 to 16 below and will be described in detail with reference to these figures.

[0068] To better understand the basic structure, FIG. 10 shows the aforementioned conversion arrangement without the replaceable module. The conversion arrangement according to this embodiment comprises a magazine 20 for two replaceable modules. The magazine 20 includes a vertical conveyor having two vertically movable brackets 21, 21' in which the replaceable modules can be respectively arranged. The changer has a horizontal linear shaft 29, whereby the carriage 28 can be moved back and forth between the support structure 4 and the magazine 20. The carriage 28 is used to transport the replaceable module in the horizontal direction. One support structure 4 and the other replaceable module 5 have substantially the same design as in the first exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 8. One difference is that, in addition to the exchange arrangement for automatic exchange, in this case the support structure 4 is fastened to the machine table 59 of the cable assembly plant.

[0069] The vertical conveyor 32 has a bracket support 33 having two brackets 21, 21' arranged vertically. The bracket support 33 combines the two brackets to form a group of brackets that can be moved together. To move the bracket support 33 in the z direction, for example, a transport cable or belt or other lifting means or transport means can be used. The bracket support 33 can be moved by a lifting means or transport means along a vertical guide arrangement in the form of a guide rail, and the lifting means or transport means is actuated by a drive device (not shown here). A hydraulic or pneumatic vertical conveyor or a vertical linear shaft is also conceivable.

[0070] From FIG. 10, it can be further seen that each bracket 21, 21' has a clamp unit 44 for fixing the replaceable module to be transported.

[0071] To couple the replaceable module 5 for horizontal transport, the carriage 28 has a coupling portion 60 in the form of a mating side for the coupling element 51. It can be seen that the coupling portion 60 has two cylindrical extensions designed to be complementary to the two holes of the coupling element 51. Due to these coupling means 51, 60, the carriage temporarily carries the replaceable module (for transport between the magazine 20 and the support structure 4).

[0072] The module change procedure is shown in FIGS. 11 to 16. FIG. 11 shows the initial position where the replaceable module 5 is inserted into the support structure 4 and the carriage 28 is not connected to the replaceable module 5. In the magazine 20, the replaceable module 5' is in a position where the replaceable module 5' can be manually removed from the magazine 20.

[0073] In FIG. 12, the carriage 28 has moved to the left and the replaceable module 5 is coupled. Next, the bolts (14, 15) are removed in order to separate the replaceable module 5 from the support structure 4. The bracket support 33 of the vertical conveyor 32 of the magazine 20 has been moved downward to lower the upper bracket 21 under the linear shaft 29. In FIG. 13, the carriage 28 has moved into the magazine 20 and the replaceable module 5 is located above the upper bracket 21. Next, the vertical conveyor 32 moves upward and receives the replaceable module 5 clamped onto the bracket 21 (FIG. 14). To change to the replaceable module 5', as described above, the carriage 28 separates from the replaceable module 5 and moves slightly to the right, allowing the vertical conveyor 32 to move upward (FIG. 15). The carriage 28 couples the lower replaceable module 5' and transports it to the support structure 4, into which the carriage 28 is inserted and fixed (FIG. 16).

[0074] FIG. 17 shows details of another cable assembly plant comprising at least one grommet station 1 of the kind according to the first exemplary embodiment. The grommet station 1 comprises a protective cover 34 for covering the grommet station. In this case, the protective cover 34 covers further processing stations of the cable assembly plant shown by way of example, such as the swivel unit 25 and the crimping station 22. Of course, such a protective cover 34 can also be provided for a stand-alone grommet station or for one or more grommet stations of a cable assembly plant having a plurality of processing stations.

[0075] In order to fill or refill the grommet storage means 6 with grommets, a filling opening is provided in the protective cover 34. The inlet 35 is arranged in the region of the filling opening within the protective cover 34. The housing 19 of the grommet providing unit 3 comprises a cover 39 pivotally fastened to the lower part of the housing 40 via a hinge. The grommet station 1 has an opening and closing mechanism for opening the cover 39, which will be described in detail below (and vice versa).

[0076] In this case, the pivotal movement for opening the housing 19 is manually executed. To open and close the cover 19, as can be seen from FIG. 18, for example, two handles 36 are provided which are connected to a slide 37 guided along a horizontal slot 61. A pin 42 is arranged on the cover 39 and is operatively connected to the wedge-shaped side portion 43 of the slide 37 for opening the cover. The side portion 43 forms a guide for the pin 42 along which it can move. In FIG. 18, the cover 39 is in the closed position. By moving the slide 37 in the opening direction s, the pin 42 moves along and is pushed back on the side portion 43, starting the opening process of the cover 39. FIG. 19 shows the cover 39 in an intermediate position (the cover 39 is approximately half open). FIG. 20 shows the cover 39 in the open position.

[0077] The lateral guide element 41 is arranged inside the cover on the slide and connects to the inlet 35 when the cover 39 is in the open position. The inlet 35 also comprises a lateral guide element arranged at approximately the same height as the guide element 41 of the slide 37. These guide elements ensure reliable filling of the grommet by the grommet of the grommet storage means 6.

Claims

1. A grommet station (1), comprising: A grommet attachment unit (2) for attaching a cable end to a grommet; A grommet supply unit (3) having grommet storage means (6); A support structure (4) for supporting the grommet attachment unit (2) and the grommet supply unit (3); wherein the grommet attachment unit (2) and the grommet supply unit (3) are permanently interconnected and form a common replaceable module (5) that can be coupled to and decoupled from the support structure (3); characterized in that it is a grommet station (1).

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

3. The grommet station (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide channel has at least one, preferably two, recesses (17, 18) for fixing the inserted replaceable module, and the support structure (4) has at least one, preferably two, bolts (14, 15) as fixing means, and each bolt (14, 15) engages with the associated recess (17, 18).

4. The grommet station (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least some, preferably all, of the actuators for operating the grommet attachment unit (2) and the grommet supply unit (3) are integrated within the replaceable module (5).

5. The grommet station (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the station has a housing (19) for the grommet supply unit (3), at least the grommet storage means (6) is accommodated therein, and the housing (19) is ergonomically shaped, and the outer contour of the essentially polyhedral, particularly cuboid, has rounded corners and edges of the polyhedron or cuboid.

6. The grommet station (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the support structure (4) has a convex portion (31) designed to complement the housing (19), preferably having a stepped design to which at least the lower region of the housing (19) can be attached.

7. The grommet station (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the grommet providing unit (3) has a preferably vertical suction pipe (7) opening into the grommet storage means (6).

8. A grommet mounting unit (2) for attaching the cable end to the grommet, a grommet providing unit (3) having a grommet storage means (6), and a support structure (4) for supporting the grommet mounting unit (2) and the grommet providing unit (3), in particular, the grommet mounting unit (2) and the grommet providing unit (3) are connected to each other and form a common replaceable module (5) that can be coupled to and decoupled from the support structure, the grommet station (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the grommet mounting unit (2) and / or the grommet providing unit (3) are designed to automatically exchange each unit (2, 3, 5 and 2', 3', 5').

9. The grommet station (1) according to claim 8, comprising a magazine (20) for a plurality of grommet mounting units (2, 2') and / or grommet providing units (3, 3'), in particular for replaceable modules (5, 5') for different grommets, the magazine (20) comprising a vertical conveyor (32) having a plurality of vertically movable brackets (21, 21'), on each of which one of the units (2, 3, 5 and 2', 3', 5') can be arranged in any case.

10. The grommet station (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that each bracket (21, 21') has a clamping unit (44) for fixing each unit (2, 3, 5 and 2', 3', 5') arranged thereon during the lifting movement.

11. The grommet station (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a changer having a horizontal linear shaft (29) for removing the grommet attachment unit (2) and / or the grommet supply unit (3) from the magazine, in particular for removing the replaceable module from the magazine, for transferring the replaceable module from the magazine to the support structure, and for coupling the grommet attachment unit (2) and / or the grommet supply unit (3) to the support structure (4), in particular for coupling the replaceable module (5, 5') to the support structure (4).

12. A grommet attachment unit (2) for attaching a cable end to a grommet and a grommet supply unit (3) having grommet storage means (6), the station having a protective cover (34) for covering the grommet station (1), the protective cover (34) having a filling opening for filling the grommet storage means (5) with grommets, characterized in particular by the grommet station (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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

14. The filling opening is designed as a closable filling opening, and the grommet station (1) optionally has a housing (19) with a cover (39) for the grommet supply unit (3), and an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the filling opening of the housing (19) and / or the cover (39) which can be actuated from the outside of the protective cover (34), characterized by the grommet station (1) according to any one of claims 12 or 13.

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

16. The grommet station (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the opening / closing mechanism includes a slide (37) which can be moved back and forth and the cover (39) can be moved to an open position or a closed position by at least one handle (36).

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