Grommet supply module support device

Abstract

To provide a grommet supply module support device (1) for connecting a grommet supply module (20) to a grommet loading device (30).SOLUTION: A grommet supply module support device (1) is characterized to include: a container (2) for detachably attaching a grommet supply module (20) to the support device (1); a mechanical connection (3) for detachably attaching the support device (1) to a grommet loading device (30); and at least one energy supply interface (4) that is preferably an electrical and / or pneumatic interface, and / or at least one signal transmission interface (5) for connecting to the grommet loading device (30).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a grommet supply module support device for connecting a grommet supply module to a grommet loading device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a grommet loading device for attaching grommets to electric cables. The grommet loading device comprises a grommet module and a base module for supporting the loading module, the grommet module providing grommets to be loaded into the loading module, and the loading module fitting the cable to the grommet. The grommet module, consisting of a grommet storage and a transport device, can be plugged into the base module.

[0003] In the case of the grommet supply module for cable processing areas (also called grommet module or seal loader), the grommets, also called (weatherproof) seals, are stored in a container. The grommets are then separated by the device and then transported via a transport system to a processing position, from where they are handed over and then fed or placed onto the electrical wiring. This serves to seal the contact connections of the cables against moisture and / or liquids. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] EP1689049A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] All currently known grommet supply modules are "closed" systems. In other words, each grommet supply module has its own pick-and-place solution and separation and transport unit. The grommet supply module and the device for loading grommets must therefore be precisely adapted to one another, which in practice means that they must come from the same manufacturer. However, this is a disadvantage for the customer and is also probably costly, since the customer is always bound to the same manufacturer.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome at least some of the drawbacks arising from the prior art, in particular to provide a grommet supply module support device that allows the use of different grommet supply modules or modules from different manufacturers. It should be possible to use the functions of the grommet supply modules as described above, in particular the storage, transport and separation of grommets. This should increase flexibility and reduce the required changeover times. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above-mentioned object is achieved by the grommet supply module support device mentioned at the beginning, which comprises: - A container for removably mounting the grommet supply module to a supporting device. - A mechanical connection for removably attaching the support device to the grommet loading device. - at least one energy supply interface, which is preferably an electrical and / or pneumatic interface, and / or at least one signal transmission interface for connection to a grommet loading device.

[0008] In the grommet supply module support device according to the invention, an adapter is provided which can receive and hold the grommet supply module on the one hand and can be fixed to the grommet loading device on the other hand. With the grommet supply module support device, an additional module is created, i.e. an adapter module, which allows the coupling of different grommet supply modules to the grommet loading device. A container for removably mounting the grommet supply module to the support device can be designed so that mounting is possible regardless of the type and size of the grommet supply module. For example, said container can include a simple, standardized mounting rail.

[0009] The mechanical connection is preferably manually operable and allows for quick connection and disconnection between the grommet loading device and the support device, while at the same time creating a connection to the components of the support device that can be supplied with electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic energy or controlled with a control signal.

[0010] The grommet supply module support device has a base, particularly in the form of a platform, frame, base or rack, which supports the individual components of the grommet supply module support device, in particular the mechanical connections, the container and one or more interfaces, and, if necessary, the drive device, the transport device and / or the positioning device.

[0011] In this context, a grommet supply module is understood to mean a module which provides cable grommets, preferably individually, and which may include several functions, in particular the functions of storage, transport and / or separation of the cable grommets. A grommet supply module can also be called a cable grommet supply module. A grommet supply module therefore typically comprises a grommet store, a transport device and a separation device.

[0012] A grommet loading device is understood to be a device which is used to attach and, if necessary, also fasten a cable grommet to the cable. A grommet loading device therefore usually comprises a handling device for the cable to be fitted, in particular in the form of a gripper or guide, and a handling device for the cable grommet, for example also in the form of a gripper. By means of a suitable drive, the cable grommet is pushed onto the cable or the cable is pushed into the cable grommet.

[0013] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the grommet supply module support device has at least one drive for driving the conveying and / or separating device of the grommet supply module, the drive preferably comprising a motor and a drive wheel and / or configured in the form of a drum drive. By this means, the functions of the grommet supply module can be directly actuated via the support device. In other words, the grommet supply module support device is an adapter module not only from a mechanical point of view but also from a functional point of view. The drive is designed to be operatively connected with the components of the grommet supply module to be driven when the grommet supply module is mounted on the support device (e.g. the drive wheel of the drive device faces towards the driven rotatably mounted drum).

[0014] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the grommet supply module support device comprises a positioning device, preferably in the form of a centering device, for positioning the position of the grommet supply device in the grommet supply module, in particular the position of the linear transport. The provision of the positioning device allows for an accurate and precise alignment of the grommet supply device. As a result, different grommet supply modules can be connected to the grommet loading device more accurately and reliably by means of the support device.

[0015] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the positioning device has a preferably tapered, in particular conical, positioning element which can be moved, preferably by a lever mechanism, from a rest position, for example vertically, to a positioning position. The positioning device preferably has a handle, in particular a grip, for manually actuating the positioning element. In the positioning position, the positioning element interacts with the grommet supplying device or engages in a corresponding recess of the grommet supplying device, which allows for precise alignment.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the grommet supply module support device has a transfer device for transferring grommets from the grommet supply module to the grommet loading device, which can be used to uniformly accommodate different types and sizes of grommet supply modules.

[0017] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer device has an actuator for removing the grommets from the grommet supplying device of the grommet supplying module, in particular in the form of a linear conveyor. The actuator can be configured, for example, to push down the cable grommet moving on the grommet supplying device through a hole in the grommet supplying device, so that the grommet is removed from the grommet supplying device.

[0018] The grommet supply device of the grommet supply module is preferably configured as a linear conveyor (in particular with a vibratory conveyor drive) or in the form of a guide track.

[0019] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer device has a carrier for moving the grommets, which carrier preferably has a linearly movable container for the grommets, which container is preferably arranged on a linearly guided slide. The grommets transported by the grommet supply device are then transported forward by the carrier of the support device and enter the grommet loading device, which makes the support device an adapter also for the transportation of cable grommets.

[0020] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transport part interacts with the actuator to pick up and move the grommets removed by the actuator from the grommet supply device of the grommet supply module, whereby the moving element of the actuator interacting with the grommet is preferably arranged above the transport part, the actuator removing a single grommet from the grommet supply device of the grommet supply module and ensuring that the grommet lands on the transport part of the support device.

[0021] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the actuator can move together with the container in the carrier, so that the relative position between the actuator and the container is always maintained and a reliable transfer is guaranteed.

[0022] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one energy supply interface and / or signal transmission interface of the grommet supply module support device is connected to a drive device for driving the conveying and / or separating device of the grommet supply module and / or at least one energy supply interface and / or signal transmission interface of the grommet supply module is connected to an actuator and / or a conveying part.

[0023] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one energy supply interface and at least one signal transmission interface are integrated in a multifunctional connection, preferably in the form of a connector plug or connector socket. At least one pneumatic interface and at least one electrical interface and at least one signal technology interface are preferably integrated in the multifunctional connection. The multifunctional connection ensures a simple and error-free connection to the grommet loading device. The multifunctional connection is preferably fixed to the base of the support device as a plug or socket.

[0024] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the mechanical connection comprises a locking mechanism and a handle, in particular a grip, for manual activation of the locking mechanism.

[0025] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the container for removably mounting the grommet supply module on the grommet supply module support device comprises a rail, preferably a rail with a T-shaped cross section or a dovetail-shaped cross section.

[0026] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the grommet conveying direction of the conveying part faces in the same direction as the at least one energy supply interface and / or the at least one signal transmission interface is oriented.

[0027] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one energy supply interface is arranged on a first side of the grommet supply module support device and a handle of the mechanical connection is arranged in the area of ​​a second side of the grommet supply module support device opposite the first side.

[0028] The object is also achieved by a modularly constructed cable assembly apparatus for attaching a grommet to a cable, said cable assembly apparatus comprising: - Grommet loading device, a grommet supply module support device according to the invention, and -Grommet supply module.

[0029] The cable assembly device is characterized in that the grommet supply module support device is removably attached to the grommet loading device by a mechanical connection and connected to the grommet loading device via at least one energy supply interface and / or at least one signal transmission interface, and the grommet supply module is removably fixed to the grommet supply module support device via a container.

[0030] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the grommet supply module has a grommet conveying and / or grommet separating device which can be driven by a drive device of the grommet supply module support device.

[0031] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the grommet supply module has a grommet supply device, in particular in the form of a linear conveyor, and a transport device of the grommet supply module support device interacts with the grommet supply device to remove the grommets from the grommet supply device.

[0032] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the grommet supply module has a grommet supply device, in particular in the form of a linear transport, and that the positioning device of the grommet supply module support device interacts with the grommet supply device.

[0033] The positioning device is preferably arranged below the grommet supplying device, particularly preferably below the actuator or a moving element of the actuator. Particularly preferably, the positioning element is arranged at a positioning position below a hole (e.g. a through hole) formed in the grommet supplying device, through which the actuator presses the grommet downwards.

[0034] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the grommet loading device comprises a control unit configured to control the grommet supply module support device via at least one energy supply interface and / or at least one signal transmission interface, said control unit being configured in particular to control a drive unit for driving a conveying and / or separating device of the grommet supply module and / or an actuator for removing grommets from the grommet supply device and / or a conveying unit for moving the grommets.

[0035] The grommet loading device preferably includes a receiving device (eg, a gripper) that receives the grommets from the transport device and delivers them to a downstream process (ie, the grommet loading process onto the cable).

[0036] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the grommet supply module comprises a grommet store (for storing cable grommets). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1A-1C show an embodiment of a grommet supply module support device according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a view showing the grommet supply module support device shown in FIG. 1 from another side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 shows a grommet supply module support device with a grommet supply module attached. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing a transfer device of the grommet supply module support device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a multi-function connection portion of the grommet supply module support device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a modularly constructed cable assembly device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] The list of reference symbols, as well as the technical content of the claims and drawings, are part of this disclosure. The figures are described in a consistent and comprehensive manner. Identical reference symbols indicate identical components, and reference symbols with different symbols indicate functionally identical or similar components.

[0040] 1 and 2 show, from different sides, a grommet supply module support device 1 for connecting a grommet supply module 20 to a grommet loading device 30 (see also FIG. 6). The grommet supply module support device 1 comprises a container 2 for removably mounting a grommet supply module 10 to the support device 1. The container 2 can, for example, comprise a rail 2a, preferably a rail having a T-shaped or dovetail-shaped cross-section.

[0041] The mechanical connection 3 is used to removably secure the support device 1 to a grommet loading device 30 (FIG. 6). The mechanical connection 3 can have a locking mechanism 3a and a handle 3b, in particular a grip, for manually activating the locking mechanism 3a.

[0042] The supporting device 1 also comprises an energy supply interface 4, preferably an electrical and / or pneumatic interface, and a signal transmission interface 5 for connection to a grommet loading device 30. These interfaces 4, 5 are in particular connected to a drive device 6 of the supporting device 1 for driving a conveying and / or separating device 21 of the grommet supply module 20 and / or to a transport device 13 of the supporting device 1 (see actuator 15 or transport part 17). These interfaces 4, 5 can be integrated in a multifunctional connection 18, preferably in the form of a connector plug or connector socket, i.e. in a common housing (see enlarged view of FIG. 5). For example, at least one pneumatic interface, at least one electrical interface and at least one signal technology interface can also be integrated in the multifunctional connection 18.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the grommet supply module support device 1 has at least one drive device 6 for driving the conveying and / or separating device 21 of the grommet supply module 20. The drive device 6 may include a motor 7 and a drive wheel 8 and / or may be configured in the form of a drum drive.

[0044] 3 shows the support device 1 with the grommet supply module 20 mounted thereon. The grommet supply module 20 can be fixed to the mounting rail 2a of the support device 1, preferably by means of a clamping lever. In the assembled state, the grommet supply module 20 or its grommet supply device 22 may comprise play, so that subsequent positioning or fine adjustments are possible or necessary.

[0045] The grommet supply module support device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 further comprises a positioning device 9, preferably in the form of a centering device, for positioning the grommet supply device 22 (here linear transport) of the grommet supply module 20. Such adjustment or centering of the grommet supply device 20 is used in particular for accurate alignment with the transport device 13 described below.

[0046] The positioning device 9 comprises a positioning element 10 which tapers (here conically) towards the top and which can be moved from a rest position to a positioning position (here from bottom to top) by means of a lever mechanism 11. The positioning device 9 can be actuated by means of a handle 12, in particular a grip.

[0047] The positioning mechanism can be moved to a centering position. The positioning mechanism is biased to two end positions via a spring mechanism.

[0048] The positioning element 10 is pushed up via a lever mechanism into the hole (through-hole) of the grommet feeder 22, which positions the grommet feeder 22. The lever can only be actuated in the forward position by a machine stop, monitored by a light barrier. The hole or through-hole is used at the same time to position the grommet feeder 22 and to push through the grommet 14. In the positioning position, the positioning element 10 and the moving element 16 of the actuator 15 are precisely aligned above and below each other.

[0049] The transfer device 13 serves to transfer the cable grommets 14 from the grommet supply module 20 to the grommet loading device 30. The transfer device 13 in the illustrated embodiment comprises an actuator 15 for removing the grommets 14 from the grommet supply device 22 of the grommet supply module 20. The transfer device further comprises a conveyor 17 for moving the grommets 14. The conveyor 17 can have a linearly movable container 17a for the grommets 14, which is preferably arranged on a linearly guided slide 17b.

[0050] The conveyor 17 interacts with the actuator 15, which allows the latter to pick up the grommets 14 removed by the actuator 15 from the grommet supply device 22 and to move them further. The moving element 16 of the actuator 15, which interacts with the grommets 14 (for example in the form of a ram), is preferably arranged above the conveyor 17 (see FIG. 4). The ram-like moving element 16 presses the grommets 14 directly onto the container 17a through the holes in the linear conveyor 22. The container 17a is then moved along the illustrated arrow to bring the grommets 14 to the grommet loading device 30 (FIG. 6). The actuator 15 may be arranged so that it can move together with the container 17a of the conveyor 17.

[0051] Finally, Fig. 6 shows a modular cable assembly apparatus for loading grommets onto cables. The cable assembly apparatus comprises a grommet loading device 30, a grommet supply module support device 1 and a grommet supply module 20. The grommet loading device 30 presses incoming grommets against the respective cables or presses cables into the respective incoming grommets. As can be seen from Fig. 6, the grommet supply module support device 1 is removably attached to the grommet loading device 30 by a mechanical connection 3 and is connected to the grommet loading device 30 via at least one energy supply interface 4 and / or at least one signal transmission interface 5. The grommet supply module 20 is removably attached to the grommet supply module support device 1 via a container 2.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 3, the grommet supply module 20 has a grommet conveying and / or grommet separating device 21 which can be driven by the drive device 6 of the grommet supply module support device 1. The grommet conveying and / or grommet separating device 21 can be, for example, a drum conveyor formed of a drum and a driver (for example a blade) arranged on the inner wall of the drum. The grommet conveying device 21 conveys the grommets 14 from the grommet storehouse 23 onto the feed device 22, whereby the grommets 14 are also separated at the same time. Alternatively, the grommet conveying and / or grommet separating device 21 can be configured in the form of a conveyor belt. Any other configuration is possible here.

[0053] The grommet supply device 22 (here a linear conveyor) cooperates with the transfer device 13 of the grommet supply module support device 1 to remove the grommets 14 from the grommet supply device 22 .

[0054] FIG. 3 shows that the positioning device 9 of the grommet supply module support device 1 is arranged below the grommet supply device 22 and cooperates in the positioning position (ie when the positioning element 10 is pressed upwards).

[0055] 6 also shows that the grommet loading device 30 has a control unit 31, which is configured to control the grommet supply module support device 1 via at least one energy supply interface 4 and / or at least one signal transmission interface 5. This grommet supply module support device 1 in particular comprises a drive device 6 for driving a conveying and / or separating device 21 of the grommet supply module 20, and / or an actuator 15 for removing the grommets 14 from the grommet supply device 22, and / or a conveyor unit 17 for moving the grommets 14.

[0056] When the grommet 14 passes through the conveyor section 17 in the direction of the grommet loading device 30, a transfer device 32 (FIG. 6), e.g. a gripper, can take over the grommet from the container 17a and supply it to a further process (i.e. grommet loading of the cable).

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and the aspects emphasized therein. Rather, numerous modifications are possible within the concept of the present invention, which are within the scope of the handling of those skilled in the art. Further variations of implementation can also be realized by combining the described means and features without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 grommet supply module support device, 2 receiving part, 2a rail, 3 mechanical connection part, 3a locking mechanism, 3b handle, 4 energy supply interface, 5 signal transmission interface, 6 drive device, 7 motor, 8 drive wheel, 9 positioning device, 10 positioning element, 11 lever mechanism, 12 handle, 13 transport device, 14 grommet, 15 actuator, 16 moving element, 17 conveying part, 17a receiving part, 17b slide, 18 multifunctional connection part, 19 base, 20 grommet supply module, 21 conveying and / or separating device, 22 grommet supply device, 23 grommet storage part, 30 grommet loading device, 31 control part, 32 receiving device.

Claims

1. A grommet supply module support device (1) for connecting a grommet supply module (20) to a grommet loading device (30), comprising: a container (2) for removably mounting the grommet supply module (20) on the support device (1); - a mechanical connection (3) for releasably attaching the support device (1) to the grommet loading device (30); at least one energy supply interface (4), which is an electrical and / or pneumatic interface, and / or at least one signal transmission interface (5) for connection to a grommet loading device (30), We are equipped with the grommet supply module support device (1) has at least one drive device (6) for driving a conveying and / or separating device (21) of the grommet supply module (20), The drive device (6) has a motor (7) and a drive wheel (8) and / or is configured in the form of a drum drive; A grommet supply module support device comprising:

2. The grommet supply module support device (1) comprises a positioning device (9) for positioning the grommet supply device (22) of the grommet supply module (20); said positioning device (9) being in the form of a centering device, 2. The grommet supply module support device according to claim 1, characterized in that:

3. The positioning device (9) has a positioning element (10) that can be moved from a rest position to a positioning position by a lever mechanism (11), the positioning element (10) having a tapered shape; The positioning device (9) has a handle (12) for manual actuation of the positioning element (9).

3. The grommet supply module support device according to claim 2, characterized in that:

4. The grommet supply module support device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the grommet supply module support device (1) has a transfer device (13) for transferring grommets (14) from the grommet supply module (20) to a grommet loading device (30).

5. 5. The grommet supply module support device of claim 4, characterized in that the transfer device (13) has an actuator (15) for removing the grommet (14) from the grommet supply device (22) in the form of a linear conveyor of the grommet supply module (20).

6. The transport device (13) has a conveying portion (17) for moving the grommet (14), The conveying section (17) has a linearly movable container (17a) for the grommets (14), The container (17a) is placed on a linearly guided slide (17b), 6. The grommet supply module support device according to claim 5, characterized in that:

7. The conveying unit (17) cooperates with the actuator (15) to pick up and move the grommet (14) removed from the grommet supply device (22) of the grommet supply module (20) by the actuator (15); a moving element (16) of said actuator (15) interacting with a grommet (14) is arranged above said conveying part (17); 7. The grommet supply module support device according to claim 6, characterized in that:

8. 8. The grommet supply module support device according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuator (15) is movable together with the container (17a) of the conveying section (17).

9. At least one energy supply interface (4) and / or signal transmission interface (5) of the grommet supply module support device (1) is connected to a drive device (6) for driving a conveying and / or separating device (21) of the grommet supply module (20), and / or At least one energy supply interface (4) and / or signal transmission interface (5) of the grommet supply module support device (1) is connected to an actuator (15) and / or a carrier (17); 9. A grommet supply module support device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:

10. at least one energy supply interface (4) and at least one signal transmission interface (5) are integrated in a multifunctional connection (18) in the form of a connector plug or a connector socket, at least one pneumatic interface and / or at least one electrical interface and / or at least one signal transmission interface are integrated into said multifunctional connection (18); 10. A grommet supply module support device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:

11. The grommet supply module support device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the mechanical connection (3) has a locking mechanism (3a) and a grip for manually activating the locking mechanism (3a).

12. The grommet supply module support device of claim 7, characterized in that the container (2) for removably mounting the grommet supply module (20) to the grommet supply module support device (1) is provided with a rail having a T-shaped cross section or a dovetail-shaped cross section.

13. 1. A modular cable assembly apparatus for loading a grommet onto a cable, the modular cable assembly apparatus comprising: a grommet loading device (30), - a grommet supply module support device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, a grommet supply module (20), the grommet supply module support device (1) is removably attached to the grommet loading device (30) by a mechanical connection (3) and is connected to the grommet loading device (30) via at least one energy supply interface (4) and / or the at least one signal transmission interface (5); and, The grommet supply module (20) is removably attached to the grommet supply module support device (1) via a container (2); A modular cable assembly apparatus comprising:

14. the grommet supply module (20) has a grommet conveying and / or grommet separating device (21) which can be driven by the drive device (6) of the grommet supply module support device (1), and / or The grommet supply module (20) has a grommet supply device (22) in the form of a linear conveyor, the transfer device (13) of the grommet supply module support device (1) interacting with the grommet supply device (22) to remove the grommets (14) from the grommet supply device (22) and / or the grommet supply module (20) has a grommet supply device (22) in the form of a linear transport, the positioning device (9) of the grommet supply module support device (1) interacting with the grommet supply device (22) and / or the grommet loading device (30) has a control unit (31) configured to control, via at least one energy supply interface (4) and / or at least one signal transmission interface (5), a drive device (6) for driving a conveying and / or separating device (21) of the grommet supply module support device (1) and / or an actuator (15) for removing the grommets (14) from the grommet supply device (22) and / or a transport device (17) for moving the grommets (14); and / or 14. A modular cable assembly device according to claim 13, characterized in that the grommet supply module (20) comprises a grommet storage section (23).

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