Holding device and fixing device, and method for holding and fixing an attachment to a cable-harness segment

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding device (1) and to a method for holding and fixing an attachment (3) to a cable-harness segment (5). The holding device (1) has a holding-base component (7), a carrier component (9), and a receiving component (11). The receiving component comprises a receiving region (19) for releasably receiving the attachment (3). The receiving component is designed and mechanically coupled to the carrier component (9) in such a way that the attachment (9) received in the receiving region (19) is held at a distance from the surface (15) of the presentation plate (13).

Description

[0001] Holding device and fixing device as well as method for

[0002] HOLD OR FIX A FITTING TO A CABLE TRAY SEGMENT

[0003] The present invention relates to a holding device and a fixing device as well as a method for holding or fixing an attachment part to a cable harness segment.

[0004] Wiring harnesses are used, for example, in vehicles or aircraft to transmit electrical signals or power between connected electrical devices. A wiring harness typically consists of numerous individual cables. These cables can be bundled together in harness segments and run individually or as branches, branching off from the harness in other segments. Consequently, a wiring harness can have a complex, branched structure. At the ends of the cables, appropriately assembled connectors with corresponding connector housings are usually attached.

[0005] A wiring harness can have one or more attachments, sometimes also called clips, attached to it. These attachments can, for example, be mounted on the side of the wiring harness and serve to fix the harness to suitable installation points within a vehicle or aircraft, or to attach other components to the wiring harness.

[0006] Traditionally, cable harnesses are often manufactured manually. Several cables are bundled into branches and stretched along a so-called laying board, as described in US 10,923,250 B2, and held in position using, for example, fork-like holders, as described in EP 2 672 490 A2. Before or after this process, the connectors or connector housings can be appropriately fitted to the cable ends. Cable bundles can be manually wrapped with adhesive tape or bundled together using cable ties.

[0007] At designated points or cable harness segments, attachments are also mounted to the prepared cable harness. For this purpose, the attachments are fixed to a desired cable harness segment in a desired position and orientation, for example by wrapping parts of the attachment together with the adjacent cable harness segment with adhesive tape or securing them with cable ties.

[0008] However, such manual manufacturing of cable harnesses is labor-intensive and costly.

[0009] Therefore, efforts are underway to at least partially automate corresponding manufacturing processes. For example, EP 706 725 B1 describes a method and a device in which a cable harness is stretched along a straight line in such a way that nodes can be identified and then processed sequentially. In an approach described in EP 673 091 A2, a cable harness is first fully stretched on a laying board, similar to manual methods, and then suitable work steps are carried out using processing robots.

[0010] However, known approaches usually require a large amount of space for the equipment used and / or have insufficient production output, often combined with complex machinery and the associated high costs.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND EMBODIMENTS There may therefore be a need for an alternative approach that allows attachments to be held and fixed to a cable harness in an improved manner. In particular, there may be a need for a holding device and a fixing device equipped with it, as well as a procedure to be carried out with it, by means of which attachments can be held and ultimately fixed to a segment of a cable harness in a simple and cost-effective manner, and can be positioned and oriented in a predetermined way. This should enable at least partial automation of the processes implemented for holding and fixing the attachments, preferably without the need for complex or bulky equipment.

[0012] The aforementioned needs can be at least partially met by the subject matter of one of the independent claims of the present application. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying figures.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a holding device for retaining an attachment on a cable harness segment is described. The holding device comprises at least the following components: a retaining foot component, a support component, and a receiving component. The retaining foot component is configured to be held on a presentation plate and to be slidably displaceable along a surface of the presentation plate. The support component is designed and mechanically coupled at one end to the retaining foot component such that the support component extends transversely to the surface of the presentation plate in a principal direction of extension. The receiving component has a receiving area for releasably receiving the attachment.The receiving component is configured and mechanically coupled to the support component in such a way that the attachment held in the receiving area is spaced apart from the surface of the presentation plate and held in a variable arrangement relative to the presentation plate. The receiving area is open on one side, allowing the attachment to be removed from the receiving area through the open side in a removal direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the cable harness segment.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a fixing device for fixing an attachment to a cable harness segment is described. The fixing device comprises at least the following components: a presentation plate, a holding device according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, a displacement device for displacing the holding device along a surface of the presentation plate, and a loading device for loading the attachment into the receiving area of ​​the receiving component of the holding device.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for fixing an attachment to a cable harness segment using a fixing device according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention is described. The method comprises at least the following steps, preferably, but not necessarily, in the order shown: (i) positioning the holding device in a loading position, (ii) loading the holding device by positioning the attachment in the receiving area of ​​the holding device, (iii) moving the holding device along the surface of the presentation plate to a target position adjacent to the cable harness segment, and (iv) fixing the attachment to the cable harness segment.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for fixing an attachment to a cable harness segment by means of a holding device according to the invention. The method comprises the following steps: - Arranging the attachment in the receiving component of the holding device,

[0017] - Moving the holding device along the surface of the presentation plate to a target position adjacent to the cable harness segment,

[0018] - Securing the attachment to the wiring harness segment,

[0019] - Moving the holding device along the surface of the presentation plate in a direction opposite to the removal direction, so that the attachment is moved out of the holding device through the open side of the receiving component.

[0020] Embodiments of the invention can be considered, among other things and without limiting the invention, as being based on the ideas or findings described below.

[0021] In the introduction, a basic idea regarding embodiments of the invention described herein will be briefly explained, whereby this explanation is to be interpreted as merely a rough summary and not as limiting the invention:

[0022] The applicant of the present patent application has developed a concept for the highly automated production of cable harnesses using relatively simple equipment. Cables, from which a cable harness is to be assembled, are arranged and aligned on a preferably vertically oriented presentation plate using handling elements. These handling elements can be moved along the presentation plate, preferably in any desired manner, to position the cables and the resulting branches of the cable harness in a desired geometric arrangement.The handling elements can, for example, be designed with a front handling part and a rear traversing part, which enclose the presentation plate between them and are attracted to each other, for example, magnetically, in order to ultimately be fixed to the presentation plate running between them. Pneumatics can potentially be used to create an air cushion between the handling element and the presentation plate, enabling the handling element to be moved along the presentation plate temporarily with minimal force.

[0023] Parts of the aforementioned concept are described in the applicant's previously filed patent applications with file numbers EP22213861 and EP23194246. Embodiments and details of the concept described therein may potentially be used in the same or a similar manner in the approach described in the present patent application. The content of the previously filed patent applications is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0024] The approach proposed in the present patent application describes a holding device, a fixing device, and a method by which attachments can be suitably positioned, oriented, and fixed to a segment of a cable harness. The cable harness can preferably be manufactured using the concept previously described by the applicant. In particular, the fixing device proposed herein and the method to be carried out with it can employ a holding device that can be moved, for example, by a displacement device such as a robot, in a targeted manner along the surface of a presentation plate. The holding device is specifically designed to position an attachment to be fixed to the cable harness in a desired position and orientation relative to the cable harness, which can be variably adapted to application-specific requirements.to be able to position the cable harness on the presentation plate. For this purpose, the holding device can be configured to slide along the surface of the presentation plate. Alternatively, the holding device can be equipped with a receiving component which, due to its mechanical coupling with other components of the holding device, can be arranged in a variable configuration relative to the presentation plate, so that an attachment held in the receiving component can be positioned and / or oriented relative to a cable harness segment in a desired manner using the holding device.

[0025] Possible features of embodiments of the invention and the advantages that can be achieved with them are described in detail below.

[0026] Embodiments of the holding device described herein are configured to hold at least one type of attachment, or preferably several different types of attachments, on a cable harness segment in a desired position and / or orientation. The holding device can therefore generally be referred to as an attachment holding device, or more specifically as a holding device for arranging an attachment relative to a segment of a cable harness.

[0027] An attachment, in this context, can be understood as a component that is positioned on a segment of the wiring harness and can be permanently or temporarily fixed there. The attachment can be configured for various functionalities. For example, it can be configured to fix the wiring harness segment to another object, such as a part of a vehicle or aircraft. Alternatively, it can be configured to allow the local attachment of another object, such as a sensor, actuator, protective sleeve, or similar item, to the wiring harness segment. The attachment can have a technically simple design. For example, it can be a single piece or composed of only a few components. The attachment can be made partially or entirely of plastic, or be formed with plastic components.The attachment can be, for example, an injection-molded part. Alternatively, the attachment can be made partially or entirely of metal. For example, the attachment can be a stamped and bent part.

[0028] The attachment can be elongated. When attached to the wiring harness, a longitudinal dimension of the attachment can extend parallel to a longitudinal dimension of the wiring harness. The attachment typically has a length of several centimeters, for example, between 2 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 20 cm. The thickness and / or width of the attachment can be significantly less than its length, for example, less than 5 cm or less than 2 cm. The attachment can have one or more projecting or protruding areas, for example, in the form of projections, bulges, protruding ribs, collars, protruding pins, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment can have one or more recessed areas, for example, in the form of cutouts, openings, through holes, grooves, or the like.

[0029] The attachment component may have a first area designed to interact with the wiring harness segment, in particular to enable the attachment component to be mechanically resilient, positionally fixed, and / or rotationally fixed to the wiring harness segment. For this purpose, the attachment component may, for example, have an outer surface in a partial area that is complementary to a portion of an outer surface of the wiring harness segment, allowing the attachment component to conform to or snag against the wiring harness segment, at least in certain areas. In particular, the attachment component may have one or more areas where the attachment component, together with the wiring harness segment, can be wrapped or surrounded with adhesive tape, a strap, a cable tie, or similar material to fix both components together.

[0030] The attachment may have a second area configured to implement a functionality provided by the attachment. For example, this second area may be designed to mechanically connect the attachment fixed to the wiring harness to another object. For example, the second area may be designed as a clamping device, gripping device, or similar.

[0031] The attachment may optionally have a third area designed to temporarily hold the attachment, for example, during an assembly process. This third area may be designed, for example, to allow the attachment to be received in a receiving area provided for this purpose in the holding device proposed herein.

[0032] It may be possible to implement the functionalities described above for the second and third areas with a common area of ​​the attachment, i.e., the attachment can, for example, be received in the receiving area of ​​the holding device during the assembly process with an area that will later act as a clamping device.

[0033] The attachment can be a clip. The attachment can have a contact area for mounting on the cable harness segment. This contact area can correspond to the first area. The attachment can have an insertion area with which the attachment can be positioned on the holding device. In particular, the insertion area can be inserted into the receiving area of ​​the holding device. The insertion area can correspond to the third area.

[0034] In this context, a cable harness segment can be understood as a subsection of a cable harness. The cable harness comprises a large number of cables, for example, more than 10, more than 50, or even more than 100 cables, which are bundled together and / or grouped into branches within segments of the harness. At least some of the cables may be long, for example, more than 1 m, more than 3 m, or even more than 10 m. The cables in the cable harness may have different properties, such as different lengths, diameters, materials, and / or similar characteristics, and may be designed for different functionalities, for example, as data cables or power transmission cables.The wiring harness can be composed of several wiring harness segments, which may differ from one another in terms of the cables they contain, their length, their functionality, and other properties. Adjacent wiring harness segments can merge into one another and / or be combined to form a larger wiring harness segment. The wiring harness segments can form different branches of the overall wiring harness. The wiring harness segments can be designed and arranged in such a way that they can run to various devices such as sensors, actuators, controllers, etc., depending on the application, for example, within a vehicle or aircraft. For this purpose, the wiring harness segments can run in different directions relative to each other, merge into one another, branch off from each other, etc.At the ends of the cables forming the cable harness, connectors, for example in the form of plugs, sockets or similar, can be mechanically attached and electrically connected to the respective assigned cable.

[0035] The holding device presented herein comprises several components, including in particular the holding foot component, the support component, and the receiving component. The components interact with one another. Preferably, the components are mechanically coupled so that they can be handled together as a unit, for example, during a fixing or assembly process. In the manufacture of a cable harness, several holding devices can be used to first position and then fix several identical or different attachments on different segments of the cable harness.

[0036] The support foot component is specifically designed to hold, i.e., position and fix, the holding device on a presentation plate serving as a counterpart.

[0037] A presentation plate can be understood as a large, thin plate or disc on which the wiring harness can be clamped during an assembly process. The presentation plate can have a flat surface to which one or more holding devices, each with its mounting base component, can be attached and fixed. The presentation plate can have similar dimensions to the object, i.e., for example, the vehicle in which the wiring harness is later to be installed. For example, the presentation plate can have a length and width of up to several meters, for example, between 0.5 m and 20 m, usually between 1 m and 10 m, and a thickness of only a few millimeters, for example, between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm. The presentation plate can be made of any material. For example, the presentation plate can be made of plastic and / or metal.Preferably, the presentation plate is made of a non-magnetic or non-magnetizable material. However, it can also be made of a permanent magnetic or ferromagnetic material, although in this case, repositioning the handling elements on the presentation plate may be more complex than with a presentation plate made of non-magnetic or non-magnetizable material. The presentation plate may optionally have a plurality of through-holes. The through-holes may be arranged in a pattern or matrix. Lateral distances between adjacent through-holes can be regular and preferably smaller than the lateral dimensions of the mounting base component of the holding device, so that a holding device attached to the presentation plate always covers at least one of the through-holes with its mounting base component.

[0038] The support foot component can be configured to be held on the presentation plate in any reversible manner.

[0039] For example, the mounting base component can be designed to be held to the presentation board by magnetic forces. For this purpose, the mounting base component can, for instance, have an integrated permanent magnet or an integrated magnetic array with several permanent magnets, which allows the mounting base component to attract itself to the presentation board or to a counterpart located on the opposite side of the presentation board from the mounting base component. Alternatively, ferromagnetic material can be provided on the mounting base component, so that the mounting base component is attracted to, for example, a permanent magnet located on the opposite side of the presentation board and is thereby pulled towards the presentation board. Possible designs of a mounting base component that is held to the presentation board by magnetic forces are described in more detail below.

[0040] Alternatively, the mounting component can be designed to be held in place by locally generated pressure on the presentation plate. For example, the mounting component can have a type of suction cup or vacuum suction cup, by means of which it can temporarily and reversibly adhere to the presentation plate or, through through holes provided in the presentation plate, to a counterpart located behind the presentation plate.

[0041] The retaining foot component is configured such that it can be moved along the surface of the presentation plate by sliding, if necessary. In other words, the retaining foot component can be designed such that it can be moved along the presentation plate without damage in response to a lateral force, i.e., a force acting parallel to the presentation plate. Preferably, the retaining foot component is thus held in place with respect to movement along the surface of the presentation plate only by friction, but not by positive locking or even by material bonding.

[0042] The mounting foot component can have a surface facing the presentation plate that is shaped complementarily to the presentation plate. For example, if the presentation plate is flat, the surface of the mounting foot component is also flat. This surface can be smooth and / or made of a material with a low coefficient of friction to adequately limit friction between the surface of the mounting foot component and the adjacent surface of the presentation plate. The mounting foot component can thus slide or glide along the presentation plate with minimal friction when a lateral force is applied.

[0043] The support component of the holding device extends between the support foot component and the receiving component of the holding device, preferably mechanically coupling them. The support component is designed such that one end mechanically interacts with the support foot component. From there, the support component extends longitudinally in a principal direction of extension, which is transverse, and preferably orthogonal, to the surface of the presentation plate or the interacting surface of the support foot component. In other words, the support component can extend essentially orthogonally to the surface of the presentation plate to which the support foot component is held. The support component can be rigid or form a rigid framework to which other components and parts, such as the receiving component or parts of this receiving component, are attached.Accordingly, the receiving component can be held by the support component in a fixed relative position with respect to the holding foot component and, in particular, at a predetermined distance with respect to the presentation plate.

[0044] The receiving component comprises a receiving area designed to reversibly and detachably hold an attachment. For this purpose, the receiving area may, for example, be provided with a recess into which the attachment or a protruding part thereof can be inserted. In particular, the receiving area may be designed such that the attachment can be temporarily fixed within it during an assembly process and then selectively detached from the receiving area after completion of the assembly process. For example, the receiving component may include a retaining bolt, a retaining screw, a locking mechanism, or similar device by means of which the attachment or a portion thereof can be secured in the receiving area by frictional or positive locking and which can be released as needed to free the attachment.

[0045] The holding device, with its receiving component and its support component, is designed such that the attachment component held in the receiving area of ​​the receiving component is positioned at a distance from the presentation plate to which the holding base component is attached, and that the position and / or orientation of this component relative to the presentation plate can be deliberately varied as desired. The attachment component can thus be moved into a suitable position and / or orientation as required using the specially designed holding device, in order to then attach and, if necessary, fix it to a correspondingly positioned and / or oriented cable harness segment.This allows not only the entire holding device to be moved along the presentation plate as desired, but also changes to be made within the holding device in order to be able to variably reposition and / or reorient the attached component relative to the presentation plate.

[0046] In order to enable such a variation in the arrangement of the attachment held by the receiving component, one or more mechanisms are optionally provided on the holding device, which are described in more detail below.

[0047] The receiving area is open on one side, so that the attachment received in the receiving area can be removed from the receiving area through the open side in a removal direction parallel to a longitudinal extension direction of the cable harness segment.

[0048] In other words, the receiving area on the receiving component is preferably designed to be open on one side such that the attached component can be removed from the receiving area in a plane parallel to the plane in which the cable harness segment extends. An opening provided in the receiving area can be sufficiently large for the attached component to pass through. Due to this laterally open design of the receiving area, it is possible, among other things, to move the receiving component or the entire holding device parallel to the cable harness segment or parallel to the presentation plate in order to move the attached component out of the receiving area. The attached component can thus be removed from the receiving component, for example, after it has been fixed to the cable harness segment.The holding device can be easily separated by appropriately sliding the holding device along the presentation plate.

[0049] One advantage can be that by simply moving the holding device, the attachment can be removed from the holding device, especially after the attachment has been fixed to the wiring harness.

[0050] The holding device can be reloaded after the attachment is removed, and another attachment can be properly fitted to the wiring harness. Fewer holding devices are required, resulting in a significant cost reduction.

[0051] In one embodiment, the support component can be fixed to the mounting foot component and the receiving component can be fixed to the support component, so that a position of the receiving component is defined in relation to the mounting foot component.

[0052] The receiving component can be integrated into the support component at a predetermined distance from the mounting foot component. The receiving component can also be formed by a recess in the support component.

[0053] The holding device can be advantageously designed to be particularly simple. Manufacturing costs for the holding device can be advantageously reduced.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the holding device can have a pivoting mechanism. The receiving component is mechanically coupled to the support component via the pivoting mechanism in such a way that the receiving component can be pivoted about a longitudinal axis of rotation parallel to a longitudinal extension direction of the cable harness segment, in order to laterally position the attachment part received in the receiving area adjacent to an outer circumference of the cable harness segment in various pivot angle positions according to the current longitudinal orientation of the pivoting mechanism.

[0055] In other words, a pivoting mechanism on the holding device can be designed such that it is coupled to the support component of the holding device on the one hand, and interacts with the receiving component of the holding device on the other hand in such a way that the receiving component can be rotated or pivoted around the cable harness segment to be fitted using the pivoting mechanism, allowing the attachment, which was previously received in the receiving area of ​​the receiving component, to be variably positioned at different locations laterally on the cable harness segment. With the help of the pivoting mechanism, the attachment can thus be moved at least around a portion of the outer circumference of the cable harness segment in order to hold and ultimately fix it at different circumferential positions on the cable harness segment.

[0056] In this context, the "current longitudinal angular orientation" of the swivel mechanism is understood to be an angle around a longitudinal axis of rotation that coincides with, or at least runs parallel to, the longitudinal extent of the wiring harness segment to which the attachment is to be mounted. Accordingly, the various swivel positions, based on the current longitudinal angular orientation, can be understood as the angle formed by a straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wiring harness segment and passing through a reference point in the attachment held by the mounting device, relative to a reference line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wiring harness segment and passing through a reference point defined as the zero position.

[0057] The swivel mechanism can be designed such that the attachment can be pivoted into various positions within a swivel range of, for example, -45° to +45° or -90° to +90°, i.e., over a swivel range of usually more than 90°, typically 180° ± 20°, but usually less than 270°. Depending on the swivel position, the attachment is located adjacent to a different area along the outer circumference of the wiring harness segment and can be fixed there accordingly.

[0058] As detailed below with reference to the accompanying figures, the swivel mechanism can, for example, be implemented using a turntable that can be moved into different swivel positions along a curved, for example semicircular, area of ​​the support component, which acts similarly to a backdrop.

[0059] According to a more specific embodiment, the pivoting mechanism can be set in several different longitudinal angle orientations, in particular it can be locked in place.

[0060] In other words, the attachment component held in the receiving element can be fixed in various pivot positions around the wiring harness segment using the pivoting mechanism. The pivoting mechanism can assume at least two, and preferably a larger plurality, such as between three and 20 different longitudinal angular orientations. The longitudinal angular orientations can be equidistant from each other. For example, the longitudinal angular orientations can differ from each other by angular increments of at least 1°, at least 2°, or at least 5°, but typically less than 50°, less than 30°, or less than 15°. In other words, the pivoting mechanism can be rotated into different longitudinal angular orientations using angular increments. The pivoting mechanism can also optionally be continuously, i.e., steplessly, shiftable between different longitudinal angular orientations.

[0061] The swivel mechanism can be fixed or locked in different longitudinal angular orientations using various technical measures. For example, once the swivel mechanism has been pivoted into a longitudinal angular orientation, it can be fixed to a positionally fixed part of the support component or the receiving component using a screw, bolt, or similar fastener.

[0062] In particular, a locking block can be provided, as explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, which fixes the pivoting mechanism in a currently assumed longitudinal angle orientation by means of an elastic preload, i.e., for example, by means of a preloaded spring, so that it can only be pivoted further into another longitudinal angle orientation if the preloaded locking mechanism is first released or overcome.

[0063] According to a further embodiment, the holding device can have a spacing mechanism. In this embodiment, the receiving component is mechanically coupled to the support component via the spacing mechanism in such a way that the receiving component can be translationally displaced transversely to a longitudinal direction of the cable harness segment in order to arrange the attachment part received in the receiving area in different spacing positions relative to a central axis of the cable harness segment, according to the current lateral positioning of the spacing mechanism.

[0064] In other words, the spacing mechanism on the holding device can be designed such that it is coupled to the support component of the holding device on the one hand, and interacts with the receiving component of the holding device on the other hand in such a way that the receiving component can be displaced laterally, i.e., in a radial direction, relative to the cable harness segment to be fitted, by means of the spacing mechanism. The component held in the receiving component can thus be variably displaced to different distance positions relative to the central axis of the cable harness segment. With the aid of the spacing mechanism, the component can therefore be displaced laterally, i.e., in a radial direction, towards an outer circumferential surface of the cable harness segment. The component can be displaced towards different cable harness segments with different diameters.

[0065] In this context, the "current lateral positioning" of the spacing mechanism refers to a positioning along a displacement direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the cable harness segment, i.e., in a radial direction. Accordingly, the various spacing positions, based on the current lateral positioning of the spacing mechanism, can be understood as distances at which the receiving component or the attached part can be positioned relative to the central axis of the cable harness segment.

[0066] The spacing mechanism can be designed such that the attachment can be moved to different positions within a spacing range of, for example, 1 mm to 50 mm, preferably 2 mm to 20 mm, relative to the central axis of the cable harness segment. This means a displacement range of usually more than 5 mm or more than 10 mm, but usually less than 50 mm or less than 20 mm. Accordingly, the attachment can be moved by means of the spacing mechanism to a position corresponding to the radius of the cable harness segment to be fitted, so that it can be positioned against the outer circumference of this cable harness segment.

[0067] As explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, the spacing mechanism can be implemented, for example, by means of two or more components that can be displaced relative to each other. This displacement can preferably be linear and translational. The receiving component, or the attached part it holds, can thus be indirectly coupled to the support component via these components, allowing both to be displaced translationally relative to each other in the radial direction. To enable the two components to be displaced relative to each other, a screw or similar element can be provided between them, allowing one component to be moved towards or away from the other.

[0068] According to a more detailed embodiment, the spacing mechanism can be set in several different lateral positions, in particular it can be locked in place.

[0069] In other words, the attachment component held in the receiving part can be fixed at various distances relative to the central axis of the cable harness segment using the spacing mechanism. The spacing mechanism can assume at least two, and preferably a larger plurality, such as between 3 and 20 different current lateral positions. The distances can be equidistant from each other. For example, the distances can differ by increments of at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.5 mm, or at least 1 mm, but typically less than 3 mm or less than 1.5 mm. In other words, the spacing mechanism can be linearly shifted between different current lateral positions using a grid pattern.Alternatively, the spacing mechanism can also be continuously, i.e. steplessly, shifted into different current lateral positions.

[0070] The spacing mechanism can be brought into different lateral positions and / or fixed or locked in place using various technical measures. For example, the spacing mechanism can interact with a fixed part of the support component or the receiving component using a screw, bolt, or similar fastener, thereby fixing it in a previously assumed spacing position.

[0071] According to another embodiment, the holding device can have a rotation mechanism. In this embodiment, the support component is mechanically coupled to the holding foot component via the rotation mechanism in such a way that the support component can be rotated about a transverse rotation axis orthogonal to the surface of the presentation plate, in order to arrange the attachment received in the receiving area in different rotation positions relative to the transverse rotation axis according to the current transverse angular orientation of the rotation mechanism.

[0072] In other words, the rotation mechanism on the holding device can be designed such that it is coupled to the holding foot component of the holding device on the one hand, and interacts with the support component of the holding device on the other hand in such a way that the support component can be rotated around a transverse axis of rotation relative to the holding foot component by means of the rotation mechanism. The transverse axis of rotation runs transversely, preferably orthogonally, to a surface along which the holding foot component abuts the presentation plate.

[0073] The support component, the attached mounting component, and the attachment itself can thus be rotated or pivoted relative to the mounting base and the presentation plate using the rotation mechanism. Accordingly, the attachment can be moved, for example, by suitable rotation into a position and orientation where its longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cable harness segment to which it is to be attached. Thus, the attachment can be mounted, for example, vertically to a vertically extending segment of the cable harness, or horizontally or diagonally to a horizontally or diagonally extending segment of the cable harness. In other words, the rotation mechanism allows the support component to be oriented so that it can be attached to the attachment from above or below.It can be attached to the cable harness segment from the left or right. The angular range around the cable segment (180° ± 20°) can thus cover a full 360°.

[0074] It should be noted that the holding device described herein also functions in principle without a rotation mechanism, i.e., even without the possibility of reorientation around the transverse axis of rotation, for example, by first bringing the cable mast in question or the cable harness segment to be fitted to it into the required orientation. However, providing the rotation mechanism and the transverse axis of rotation can simplify the process to such an extent that the cable mast does not need to be reoriented / positioned.

[0075] In this context, "transverse angle orientation" refers to an orientation or angle around a transverse axis that runs transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to the longitudinal extent of the cable harness to which the attachment is to be mounted. Accordingly, the various rotation positions according to the current transverse angle orientation can be understood as angles that a plane, in which the support component and / or the receiving component extends and within which, in particular, the receiving component can be moved into the various pivot positions via the pivoting mechanism, encloses relative to a reference plane that includes the transverse axis and a reference point defined as the zero position.

[0076] The rotation mechanism can be designed in such a way that the support component and ultimately the attachment can be rotated or pivoted into different rotational positions within a rotation range of, for example, up to 360°, but preferably at least 90° or at least 180° around the transverse axis.

[0077] The rotation mechanism can preferably be designed such that the support component is not freely rotatable relative to the mounting base component, but can only be rotated by overcoming a minimum resistance and / or after disengagement. In other words, the support component should not be able to rotate freely via the rotation mechanism, i.e., without forces such as those already exerted on components of the mounting device by gravity alone. Instead, the support component should only be able to be rotated via the rotation mechanism due to the application of additional forces, such as those required for the targeted alignment of the mounting device and the attached component.Accordingly, if the mounting bracket attached to the presentation plate is rotated, the mounting component and the component it holds do not remain in their previous orientation due to gravity, but rotate with the mounting bracket. To align the mounting device into one of the rotational positions, a minimum force or torque and / or a force for disengagement may be required, which must be applied externally to at least one of the components of the mounting device. Therefore, during an assembly process, the mounting device allows the component to first be rotated into the desired rotational position by applying the minimum force or torque, and then held there stably and oriented relative to the cable harness segment to be fitted.Alternatively or additionally, a locking mechanism can be provided which must be unlocked by applying a release force, for example parallel to the transverse axis and thus perpendicular to a direction of rotation, before the holding device can be rotated into another rotational position.

[0078] The holding device presented herein therefore differs fundamentally from the handling elements described in one of the applicant's earlier patent applications. The handling elements described earlier were preferably designed to be freely rotatable so that their rotational orientation could adapt to the cable harness segments being held solely by the force of gravity acting upon them. In contrast, the holding device described herein is preferably designed not to be freely rotatable. Such a lack of free rotation allows for a simpler design of the holding device. In particular, a freely rotatable head in the holding device would necessitate guide elements to, for example, engage with and align itself with the cable harness segment.However, such guide elements could mean limitations in positioning, as, for example, a larger minimum distance to other parts such as a connector housing, branches of the cable harness or other attachments might be required.

[0079] According to a more detailed embodiment, the rotation mechanism can be set in several different transverse angular orientations, and in particular, it can be locked in place. In other words, the attachment part received in the receiving component, together with the support component, can be fixed in different rotational positions relative to the mounting foot component using the rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism can assume at least two, and preferably a larger plurality, such as between three and 20 different transverse angular orientations. The transverse angular orientations can be equidistant from each other. For example, the transverse angular orientations can differ from each other by angular increments of at least 1°, at least 2°, at least 5°, or at least 10°, but typically less than 50°, less than 30°, or less than 15°.In other words, the rotating mechanism can be rotated into different transverse angle orientations using discrete increments. Alternatively, the rotating mechanism can also be continuously, i.e., steplessly, shifted into different transverse angle orientations.

[0080] The rotating mechanism can be fixed or locked in different transverse angle orientations using various technical measures. For example, the rotating mechanism can have two components that can be rotated or pivoted relative to each other with friction or low friction, and then fixed in position relative to each other using a fixing device such as a screw, a bolt, or similar.

[0081] In particular, a locking mechanism can be provided, as explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, which fixes the rotating mechanism in a currently adopted transverse angular orientation by means of an elastic preload, i.e., for example, by means of a preloaded spring, so that it can only be pivoted further into another transverse angular orientation if the preloaded locking mechanism is first released or overcome. According to a further specified embodiment, the holding device can also have a locking mechanism that is reconfigurable between a locking configuration, in which the locking mechanism prevents the attachment from leaving the receiving area at the open side, and a release configuration, in which the locking mechanism releases the attachment from leaving the receiving area at the open side.

[0082] In other words, the open side of the receiving area can be selectively closed using a locking mechanism, thus preventing the component held within it from leaving the receiving area in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wiring harness segment. For this purpose, the locking mechanism can be configured to lock, in which at least parts of the mechanism, for example, block the opening on the side of the receiving area. The locking mechanism can then be selectively reconfigured to release, in which the previously locked side of the receiving area is released, allowing the component to be moved out of the receiving area parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wiring harness segment.

[0083] Reconfiguring the locking mechanism between the locking and unlocking configurations can be performed selectively, for example, by a control unit. In particular, such reconfiguration can be automated. For this purpose, the locking mechanism can, for example, include an actuator. The actuator can, for instance, move a locking element into or away from the lateral opening of the receiving area. Thus, the locking element can cover the lateral opening in the locking configuration and release it in the unlocking configuration. For example, the actuator can be controlled pneumatically, i.e., by applying a gas overpressure or a gas underpressure.Such a pneumatic design can be particularly advantageous if other functionalities within the holding device or the fixing device equipped with it are already pneumatically actuated and therefore a corresponding pneumatic system is already provided on the holding device or the fixing device equipped with it.

[0084] In one embodiment, the receiving component can have a stop that is opposite the open side of the receiving area.

[0085] The stop can be formed by a wall that limits the receiving area. The stop can be fixed to the supporting component.

[0086] The stop can simplify the positioning of the attachment within the receiving component. It can also advantageously prevent the attachment from passing through the receiving area.

[0087] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism can transition from the release configuration to the locking configuration when the attachment strikes the stop. Advantageously, this simplifies the process of securing the attachment within the receiving area. Advantageously, it also automates the process of securing the attachment within the receiving area.

[0088] In one embodiment, the receiving area can extend along a receiving direction from the open side to the stop, wherein the receiving direction is perpendicular to the main extension direction of the support component. In another embodiment, the receiving direction can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation. In yet another embodiment, the receiving direction can extend perpendicular to the main extension direction and parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation.

[0089] The direction of intake can be opposite to the direction of removal. The direction of intake can be parallel to the presentation plate.

[0090] In one embodiment, the receiving component can have an opening that is arranged perpendicular to the open side, wherein the opening is configured such that the attachment received in the receiving area extends through the opening.

[0091] The opening and the open side can be arranged in such a way that the receiving area (through the opening and the open side) is accessible from two different directions, in particular two directions perpendicular to each other.

[0092] The attachment, which can be removed from the holding device through the open side, can be arranged in the receiving component in such a way that the attachment extends through the opening, so that the insertion area is located below the opening in the receiving area and the contact area is positioned above the opening.

[0093] The opening can be located in an inner area of ​​the C-arm.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the mounting foot component has a magnetic holding mechanism by means of which the mounting foot component can be fixed to the surface of the presentation plate. In other words, the mounting foot component can be designed such that it is held relative to the presentation plate by the effect of magnetic forces.

[0095] The magnetic holding mechanism can comprise a permanent magnet element or a magnetizable element that is integrated into or attached to the holding base component. This element can interact with a corresponding counter-element, which is itself also designed as a permanent magnet and, if necessary, oppositely polarized counter-element, or as a magnetizable counter-element, so that both attract each other.

[0096] The counter-element can, in principle, be the presentation plate. However, it may be preferable to make the presentation plate from a non-magnetic and non-magnetizable material and instead provide the counter-element as a separate component, or within a separate component, which, for example, is to be arranged on the opposite side of the presentation plate. The separate component can be considered part of the mounting base component; that is, the mounting base component in this case consists of a first element to which the support component is coupled and which rests against one side of the presentation plate, and a second (counter-)element which rests against the presentation plate on the opposite side. The presentation plate is enclosed and preferably clamped between the two elements of the mounting base component, with the magnetic holding mechanism pressing one or, preferably, both of the elements towards the presentation plate.In such a configuration, the separate counter-element can be moved along the back of the presentation plate, for example, by a transfer device such as a robot. Due to magnetic attraction, the retaining foot component attached to the front of the presentation plate is magnetically attracted and thus pulled both towards the presentation plate and moved laterally along with the counter-element.

[0097] The holding foot component of the holding device presented herein can therefore be equipped with a magnetic holding mechanism in the same or a similar manner as already explained in detail by the applicant in one of the aforementioned earlier patent applications for the handling elements specified therein.

[0098] According to another embodiment, the retaining foot component has a pneumatic mechanism by means of which the retaining foot component can be fixed and released on the surface of the presentation plate in a controlled manner.

[0099] In other words, the mounting foot component can have a pneumatically actuated mechanism that allows the mounting foot component to be reversibly fixed to and released from the presentation plate in a controllable manner. The pneumatic mechanism can be designed to generate a controllable gas overpressure and / or a gas underpressure. When generating gas overpressure, gas can, for example, be forced from nozzles between the mounting foot component held to the presentation plate and the presentation plate or a counter element held behind the presentation plate, thus creating an air cushion and facilitating lateral movement of the mounting foot component along the presentation plate. Alternatively or additionally, when generating gas underpressure, a vacuum-induced attractive force can be created between the mounting foot component and the presentation plate or a counter element held behind the presentation plate.The counter-element held behind it generates pressure, allowing the retaining foot component to be temporarily fixed relative to the presentation plate. The retaining foot component can have a nozzle or air connection on either a first element, which rests against the front of the presentation plate, or a second element, which rests against the back of the presentation plate. Compressed air and / or a vacuum can be introduced into the interior of the retaining foot component through these connections, ultimately generating a pressure differential in the volume between the respective element and the presentation plate. Through-holes can be provided in the presentation plate to allow pressure equalization between the two opposite sides of the presentation plate and the respective elements of the retaining foot component located there.

[0100] The holding foot component of the holding device presented herein can therefore be equipped with a pneumatic mechanism in the same or a similar manner as already explained in detail by the applicant in one of the aforementioned earlier patent applications for the handling elements specified therein.

[0101] In one embodiment, a rotation of the support foot component can mediate a corresponding rotation of the support component around the transverse rotation axis.

[0102] In one embodiment, the support component can have a C-shaped curved section, wherein the support component is mechanically coupled to the receiving component in the C-shaped curved section.

[0103] In one embodiment, the receiving component can be movable along the C-shaped curved section.

[0104] By moving the receiving component along the C-shaped curved section (C-bend), the receiving component can be easily brought into the pivoting position. The C-bend can be designed such that the clip held in the device can be positioned around the center of the cable bundle. The pivoting position can be adjusted without changing the distance to the cable bundle segment.

[0105] The position of the receiving component within the holding device can be changed. The position and / or orientation of the receiving area can be changed within the holding device without having to move the support component. The position and / or orientation of the opening can be changed within the holding device without having to move the support component.

[0106] The position of the recording area, in particular of a clip in the recording area, can be adjusted within the area in the C-arm, in particular by means of the swivel mechanism and / or the spacing mechanism.

[0107] The positioning of the clamping area, particularly of a clip within the clamping area, can be changed without requiring additional space around the clamping device for repositioning. This can advantageously reduce the space required. Furthermore, multiple clamping devices can simultaneously attach clips to segments of the wiring harness without interfering with each other. This can speed up the process.

[0108] The C-bend can be designed so that it can be positioned around the cable harness segment.

[0109] In one embodiment, the holding device has:

[0110] - a pivoting mechanism to displace the attachment in a longitudinal rotation direction about a longitudinal axis of rotation, and / or - a spacing mechanism to displace the attachment in a transverse rotation direction about a transverse axis of rotation, and / or

[0111] - a rotating mechanism to displace the attachment in a transverse direction translationally relative to the cable harness segment, wherein the receiving area is open on one side, so that the attachment received in the receiving area can be removed from the receiving area through the open side in a removal direction parallel to a longitudinal extension direction of the cable harness segment.

[0112] The holding device can be designed to transmit different movements for aligning the clip, in particular by means of the pivoting mechanism and / or spacer mechanism and / or rotation mechanism, whereby an absolute position of the holding device on the presentation plate is maintained, and wherein the holding device is designed such that it is moved out of this absolute position for removing the clip. The configurations of the pivoting mechanism and / or spacer mechanism and / or rotation mechanism can be retained.

[0113] The clip can be aligned on the wiring harness segment using the swivel mechanism, the spacing mechanism, and / or the rotation mechanism. The positional coordinates of the holding device on the presentation plate can remain unchanged.

[0114] Removing the clip from the holding device after securing it to the wiring harness segment can be achieved by moving the holding device away from the display plate. The respective settings of the swivel mechanism, spacer mechanism, and / or rotation mechanism can remain unchanged. To remove the clip, the holding device can be moved in the opposite direction to the removal direction.

[0115] The holding device can be configured in such a way that the removal of the attachment is made possible by moving the holding device, in particular in the opposite direction to the removal direction, regardless of the pivot position in which the receiving component is arranged.

[0116] Despite different positions (positions, orientations) of the clip, it can be advantageous that it can be easily removed from the holding device.

[0117] The holding device can be configured in such a way that the removal of the attachment is made possible by moving the holding device, in particular in the opposite direction to the removal direction, regardless of the distance at which the receiving component is arranged to the holding foot component.

[0118] Despite different positions (positions, orientations) of the clip, it can be advantageous that it can be easily removed from the holding device.

[0119] In one embodiment, the holding device can be configured such that the removal of the attachment is made possible by moving the holding device, in particular in the opposite direction to the removal direction, regardless of the angle by which the support component is rotated around the transverse axis of rotation.

[0120] Despite different positions (positions, orientations) of the clip, it can be advantageous that it can be easily removed from the holding device.

[0121] Embodiments of the fixing device according to the second aspect of the invention are configured for fixing an attachment to a cable harness segment. In addition to the holding device described above, such a fixing device comprises a presentation plate, a repositioning device, a fastening device, and a loading device.

[0122] The relocation device is configured to move the holding device, including its support foot component, along a surface of the presentation plate. For this purpose, the relocation device can include an actuator that enables movement in at least one, preferably two, dimensions parallel to the presentation plate. For example, the relocation device can be designed using a robot, either as a whole unit or, for instance, with just a robot arm, which can be moved along the presentation plate. The relocation device can directly engage the holding device and transmit forces to it in order to move it along the presentation plate. However, a preferred configuration is one in which the relocation device interacts indirectly with the holding device. For example, the relocation device can move a counter element to which the holding device is held by magnetic forces.In this case, the counter element and / or the relocation device can, for example, be arranged on the back side of the presentation plate. The relocation direction is preferably configured to automatically relocate the holding device.

[0123] The fastening device is configured to attach the component to the wiring harness segment. For example, the fastening device may have a suitable mechanism designed to wrap or loop the component together with the wiring harness segment using adhesive tape, a cable tie, or similar material, thus securing them together. The fastening device is preferably configured to automate the fastening process. The loading device is configured to load the component into the receiving area of ​​the holding device's receiving component. For this purpose, the loading device may, for example, include a magazine in which several components are stored.Furthermore, the loading device can have suitable mechanics, for example in the form of a movable gripper or similar device, by means of which individual attachments can be removed from the magazine, moved towards the holding device, and then inserted into the receiving area of ​​the holding device. The loading device is preferably configured to automate the loading process.

[0124] The fixing device may further comprise a central control device designed to control some or all of the individual sub-devices of the fixing device with regard to the functionalities to be implemented by you, preferably in a partially or fully automated manner.

[0125] According to a more specific embodiment, the loading device is configured to adjust the arrangement of the attachment received in the receiving area relative to the presentation plate with regard to a longitudinal angular orientation, a lateral positioning and / or a transverse angular orientation.

[0126] In other words, the loading device should preferably not only be able to place the attachments into the holding device, but also to adjust their position and / or orientation in a predetermined manner relative to the presentation plate and the cable harness segment held against it. For example, the loading device should be able to rotate or pivot the swivel mechanism into a desired longitudinal angular orientation to set a swivel position of the attachment relative to the cable harness segment, move the spacing mechanism into a desired position to set a distance position of the attachment relative to a central axis of the cable harness segment, and / or rotate or pivot the rotation mechanism into a desired transverse angular orientation to arrange the attachment into a required rotational position relative to the cable harness segment.The loading device can be designed to control and / or automate the position and / or orientation of the attachment received in the receiving area.

[0127] Embodiments of the method according to the third aspect of the invention serve to fix an attachment part to a cable harness segment using a fixing device according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0128] The holding device is first positioned in a loading position. For this purpose, the holding device can be moved towards the loading position, for example, using the transfer device. The loading position can be located, for example, in a specially designated area of ​​the presentation plate, such as near an edge of the presentation plate.

[0129] The holding device is then loaded by positioning the attachment within its receiving area. This can be achieved, for example, by using a loading mechanism, which may be part of the displacement direction or a separate component, to grasp the attachment and move it into the receiving area.

[0130] The holding device is then moved along the surface of the presentation plate to a target position adjacent to the cable harness segment to be fitted. For this purpose, the holding device can be slid to the target position using the repositioning device. The target position can be predefined so that the component is held directly adjacent to, or only a short distance from, the cable harness segment to which it is to be attached. Finally, the component is fixed to the cable harness segment. For this purpose, the fastening device can, for example, provide suitable fixing means. In particular, adhesive tape, a retaining ring, a cable tie, or similar can be wrapped around the cable harness segment and the component attached to it.

[0131] The described procedure, or at least some or all of its steps, can be carried out partially or preferably completely automatically.

[0132] According to a more detailed embodiment, when loading the holding device, the attachment can be automatically arranged in a position and / or orientation intended for fixing to the cable harness segment.

[0133] In other words, even during the loading of the holding device, i.e., preferably while the holding device is in the loading position, the attachment or the receiving area of ​​the holding device that accommodates the attachment can be positioned and / or oriented such that the resulting position of the attachment is set so that, as soon as the holding device has been moved to its final target position, it is adjacent to the cable harness segment and can be fixed to it. This positioning and / or orientation should be automated and can be implemented, for example, by the loading device, the transfer device, or a combined interaction of both devices.

[0134] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for fixing an attachment to a cable harness segment by means of a holding device according to the invention, comprising the steps:

[0135] - Positioning the attachment in the receiving component of the holding device, - Moving the holding device along the surface of the presentation plate into a target position adjacent to the cable harness segment,

[0136] - Securing the attachment to the wiring harness segment,

[0137] - Moving the holding device along the surface of the presentation plate in a direction opposite to the removal direction, so that the attachment is moved out of the holding device through the open side of the receiving component.

[0138] The attachment can be fixed to the wiring harness segment using a fastening device, for example by attaching it with an adhesive strip.

[0139] In one embodiment, the method may include the step:

[0140] - Setting a position of the receiving component within the holding device, particularly in the C-shaped curved section, by means of the swivel mechanism and / or the spacing mechanism.

[0141] The position of the receiving component can still be adjusted by the rotating mechanism.

[0142] The position of the holding component can be adjusted before the attachment is inserted into the holding component. The position of the holding component can also be adjusted when the holding device is unloaded.

[0143] The position of the holding component can be adjusted after the attachment has been inserted into the holding component. The position of the holding component can also be adjusted when the holding device is loaded.

[0144] In one embodiment, the method may include the following steps:

[0145] - Arranging the holding device in a loading position, - Loading the holding device by arranging the attachment in the receiving area of ​​the holding device, in particular wherein, during the loading of the holding device, the attachment is automatically arranged in a position and / or orientation intended for fixing to the cable harness segment.

[0146] It is noted that possible advantages and embodiments of the invention are described herein partly with reference to a holding device according to the invention, partly with reference to a fixing device according to the invention, and partly with reference to a method for fixing the attachment. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the described features can be appropriately transferred, adapted, exchanged, or modified to arrive at further embodiments of the invention.

[0147] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0148] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereby neither the drawings nor the description are to be interpreted as limiting the invention.

[0149] Fig. 1 shows a holding device according to the invention in a first configuration.

[0150] Fig. 2 shows the holding device from Fig. 1 in a second configuration rotated by 180°.

[0151] Fig. 3 shows a perspective sectional view through another holding device according to the invention. Fig. 4 shows a side view of another holding device according to the invention.

[0152] Fig. 5 shows a holding device according to the invention in various current longitudinal angle orientations.

[0153] Fig. 6 shows a fixing device according to the invention.

[0154] Fig. 7 illustrates a holding device according to the invention during a method according to the invention for fixing an attachment to a cable harness segment.

[0155] Fig. 8 shows an unloaded holding device according to the invention, wherein the attachment is located outside the receiving component.

[0156] Fig. 9 shows a holding device according to the invention, wherein the attachment part is located outside the receiving component.

[0157] Fig. 10A shows a holding device according to the invention in a first perspective view.

[0158] Fig. 10B shows a holding device according to the invention in a second perspective view, wherein the attachment part is located outside the receiving component.

[0159] Fig. 11 A shows a holding device according to the invention in a first perspective view.

[0160] Fig. 11 B shows a holding device according to the invention in a second perspective view, wherein the attachment part is located outside the receiving component.

[0161] Fig. 12A shows a sectional view of one embodiment of a retaining foot component. Fig. 12B shows a sectional view of another embodiment of a retaining foot component.

[0162] Fig. 13 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a retaining foot component.

[0163] The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. Identical reference symbols in the different figures denote identical or equivalent features.

[0164] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0165] Figures 1 and 2 show a holding device 1 from different perspectives or in transverse angle orientations rotated by 180°. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate slightly modified versions of such a holding device 1.

[0166] The holding device 1 holds an elongated attachment 3, which is ultimately to be arranged and fixed on a cable harness segment 5 (shown only as a dashed line in Figure 1 and Figure 4 for clarity).

[0167] The holding device 1 comprises a holding foot component 7, a support component 9, and a receiving component 11. All these components 7, 9, and 11 are mechanically coupled to one another and are displaceable relative to each other about specific axes or along specific directions in order to position and / or orient the attachment 3, which is held on the receiving component 11 and received there in a receiving area 19, relative to a presentation plate 13, to which the holding foot component 7 is to be attached, in different positions relative to a mounting plate 13. This allows the attachment 3 to be arranged and positioned such that it rests laterally against the outer circumference 25 of the cable harness segment 5 and can be attached to the cable harness segment 5 in such a configuration.

[0168] The retaining foot component 7, while held against the presentation plate 13, can be moved by sliding along a surface 15 of the presentation plate 13. For this purpose, the retaining foot component 7, on its side facing the presentation plate 13, as well as the surface 15 of the presentation plate 13, is flat, so that it can lie flat against the presentation plate 13 and interact with it along the surface 15 solely by frictional engagement.

[0169] To hold the retaining foot component 7 to the presentation plate 13, the latter has a magnetic holding mechanism 41 and / or a pneumatic mechanism 43, as indicated in Figure 4. Such mechanisms 41, 43 can be configured in different ways, as explained in further detail, for example, in the applicant's earlier applications mentioned above.

[0170] In the example shown in Figure 4, the retaining foot component 7 for forming the magnetic holding mechanism 41 has a first front element 63, which is arranged on the front surface 15 of the presentation plate 13, and a second rear element 65, which serves as a counter element and is arranged on the opposite rear surface 16 of the presentation plate 13. Permanent magnet elements 53 are accommodated in the first element 63. Oppositely polarized permanent magnets 55 or magnetizable elements are arranged in corresponding positions in the second element 65. The permanent magnet elements 53 and the oppositely polarized permanent magnets 55 or 55 are arranged in the second element 65.The magnetizable elements 55 attract each other, so that the magnetic forces thus generated draw the two elements 63, 65 of the retaining foot component 7 from opposite sides towards the presentation plate 13 arranged between them, thereby clamping the presentation plate 13 between them. For example, an integrated magnetic arrangement can have two, three, four, or more pairs of permanent magnets 53, 55, whose poles are oriented in opposite directions. By using pairs of magnets, the alignment of the retaining foot component 7 or the magnetic holding mechanism 41 can be controlled better and more precisely.

[0171] In the example shown in the figure, a nozzle 59 and an associated channel 57 are provided on the rear second element 65 of the retaining foot component 7 to form the pneumatic mechanism 43. Components (not shown) of the pneumatic mechanism 43 can be connected to the nozzle 59, by means of which an overpressure and / or a vacuum can be generated in the channel 57. The channel 57 extends to the presentation plate 13. Several through-holes 61 are provided in the presentation plate 13, through which a pressure difference generated in the channel 57 can be transmitted to the front surface 15 and the first element 63 of the retaining foot component 7 located there.By generating overpressure, the magnetic forces generated by the magnetic holding mechanism 41 can be counteracted, and, for example, a kind of air cushion can be generated between the two elements 63, 65 of the holding foot component 7 and the presentation plate 13 running between them. This allows the forces holding the holding foot component 7 to the presentation plate 13 to be temporarily and controllably reduced, so that the holding foot component 7 can be moved laterally along the presentation plate 13. Alternatively or additionally, by generating underpressure, the force that pulls the two elements 63, 65 towards each other and thus presses them against the presentation plate 13 from opposite sides can be temporarily and controllably increased. The holding foot component 7 also has a rotation mechanism 31.This is designed such that the support component 9 connected to the retaining foot component 7 can be rotated around a transverse rotation axis 33 by means of the rotation mechanism 31 in a transverse rotation direction 34. The transverse rotation axis 33 runs orthogonally to the surface 15 of the presentation plate 13.

[0172] In the example shown in Figure 4, the retaining foot component 7 is designed in multiple parts. The retaining foot component has a sliding ring 67 and a foot 69, which run parallel to each other and are adjacent to one another. The sliding ring 67 rests on one side against the front surface 15 of the presentation plate 13. The foot 69 is indirectly coupled to the support component 9 via a locking mechanism 71. The support component 9 can thus be rotated about the transverse axis of rotation 33 by turning the locking mechanism 71.

[0173] The locking mechanism 71 can, for example, have two toothed rotary discs 72 on opposite sides, which are biased against each other in the opposite direction of a disengagement direction 18 such that rotation of the two rotary discs 72 can only occur after prior disengagement, for example by applying a disengagement force in the disengagement direction 18 parallel to the transverse axis 33. Additionally or alternatively, rotation of the rotary mechanism 31 can be achieved by applying a torque against a predefined friction, whereby the friction to be overcome can be caused, for example, by rotary discs 72 of the rotary mechanism 31 that are rotatable relative to each other but biased against each other.

[0174] Due to the rotation mechanism 31 designed in this way, the support component 9 can be rotated about the transverse axis of rotation 33 relative to the presentation plate 13. However, it is not freely rotatable; rather, a predefined force or torque must be applied to rotate the retaining foot component 7 or the two rotating discs 72 against the friction acting between them or against the detent forces caused by the locking mechanism 71. Thus, the support component 9 can, for example, be selectively rotated into a desired orientation with respect to the transverse axis of rotation 33 during an assembly process and then remains passively in this orientation despite forces acting upon it, such as those caused by gravity.

[0175] The support component 9 is mechanically coupled at a first end to the holding foot component 7 and extends in a principal extension direction 17 orthogonally to the surface 15 of the presentation plate 13. The principal extension direction 17 coincides with the transverse rotation axis 33.

[0176] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the support component 9 has a C-shaped curved section 73. In the area of ​​this C-shaped curved section 73, the support component 9 is mechanically coupled to the receiving component 11. The support component 9 and the receiving component 11 are designed such that the attachment 9, which is received in a receiving area 19 of the receiving component 11, is arranged at a distance from the surface 15 of the presentation plate 13 and can be held in a variable arrangement relative to the presentation plate 13.

[0177] In the illustrated example (see especially Figure 1), the holding device 1 has a pivoting mechanism 21. The receiving component 11 is coupled to the support component 9 via the pivoting mechanism 21 such that it can be rotated or pivoted about a longitudinal axis 23 in a longitudinal rotation direction 24. The longitudinal axis 23 runs parallel to the surface 15 of the presentation plate 13 and thus along or parallel to a longitudinal extension direction of the cable harness segment 5 held there. The attachment 3 received in the receiving area 19 can therefore be pivoted into different pivot positions according to the current longitudinal angular orientation of the pivoting mechanism 21 in order to be positioned laterally adjacent to the outer circumference 25 of the cable harness segment 5.

[0178] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pivoting mechanism 21 is formed by means of a locking block 75. The locking block 75 can move along an arc-shaped track 77 that extends along the C-bend 73. The locking block 75 can be moved into various pivoting positions along the C-bend 73 and fixed there by clamping or locking. The locking block 75 is coupled to the receiving component 11, so that the attachment 3, which is received in its receiving area 19, can be pivoted around the cable harness segment 5, located, for example, in the center of the C-bend 73, according to the currently assumed pivoting position.

[0179] The receiving component 11 is designed such that a spacer mechanism 27 is formed. The spacer mechanism 27 is configured such that the receiving component 11 is mechanically coupled to the support component 9 via it and can be translationally displaced along a transverse direction 28. The transverse direction 28 runs transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the longitudinal extension direction of the cable harness segment 5, i.e., in a radial direction. The attachment 3 received in the receiving area 19 can thus be arranged in different distance positions relative to a central axis 29 of the cable harness segment 5, according to the current lateral positioning of the spacer mechanism 27.

[0180] In the example shown particularly in Figures 3 and 4, the receiving component 11 for forming the spacer mechanism 27 is constructed in two parts. A component designated as the first receiving part 79 is coupled to the locking block 75 (not shown in the figures mentioned) and thus connected to the C-arm 73 of the support component 9 via the locking block. A second receiving part 81 is held translationally on the first receiving part 79 by means of a displacement screw 83. The receiving area 19 is formed in the second receiving part 81, in which the attachment part 3 is to be received. The attachment part 3 can, for example, as can be seen in Figure 3, project into a recess 87 in the receiving area 19 with a laterally projecting extension 85 and be locked or clamped there by means of a bolt 89 or a screw.The second receiving part 81, together with the attachment part 3 contained therein, can be displaced in the transverse direction 28 using the displacement screw 83. In this way, the attachment part 3 can be brought laterally close to the outer circumference 25 of the cable harness segment 5. Using the spacer mechanism 27, attachment parts 3 can thus be positioned against cable harness segments 5 of different diameters and then fixed to them.

[0181] In order to be able to remove the attachment part 3, for example, after it has been fixed to the cable harness segment 5, in a removal direction 37 parallel to the longitudinal extension direction of the cable harness segment 5 from the receiving area 19 (as indicated in Figure 2), this receiving area 19 is provided on one side 35 with a lateral opening 91.

[0182] To prevent the attachment 3 from unintentionally escaping through the side opening 91, this opening can be opened and closed controllably using a locking mechanism 39. The locking mechanism 39 has an actuator that can be activated by a controller. In a locking configuration, this actuator closes a locking element 93 to the side opening 91 at least to the extent that the attachment 3 cannot escape laterally from the receiving area 19. For example, after the attachment 3 has been attached to the cable harness segment 5, the locking mechanism 39 can be reconfigured into a release configuration, in which the actuator moves the locking element 93 away from the side opening 91, thereby releasing it.

[0183] Various types of actuators can be used for such a locking mechanism 39. In particular, if the holding device 1 is already connected to a pneumatic system for implementing other functionalities, for example, for realizing the pneumatic mechanism 43 described above, the actuator of the locking mechanism 39 can also be pneumatically actuated. The locking mechanism 39 can then be activated by means of a temporarily generated overpressure or underpressure, or vacuum.

[0184] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the holding device 1 has, in addition to the first receiving part 79 and the second receiving part 81, a further component on its receiving component 11, which serves as a cable entry 95. The cable entry 95 has a guide surface 97 extending obliquely towards the attachment part 3 received in the receiving area 19. This allows the cable entry 95 to assist in the correct positioning of the cable harness segment 5 relative to the attachment part 3.

[0185] Figure 5 shows the holding device 1 in various configurations, in which the receiving component 11 is oriented relative to the support component 9 in different current longitudinal angle orientations by means of the pivoting mechanism 21. The attachment 3 held on the receiving component 11 is oriented at 80° in Figure 5(A), at 40° in Figure 5(B), at 20° in Figure 5(C), and at 0° in Figure 5(D).

[0186] Figure 6 shows a partially schematic example of a fixing device 45. The fixing device 45 comprises the presentation plate 13, on which several cables 105 of a cable harness are clamped using handling elements 103, as explained in detail in the applicant's aforementioned earlier applications. The cables 105 are bundled on the presentation plate 13 in such a way that they form individual branches or cable harness segments 5. A front-facing robot 101 can be used to bandage several of the bundled cables 105 using a winding head 107. The handling elements 103 can be moved along the presentation plate 13 using a first rear-facing robot (not shown in Figure 6, as it is obscured). The cables 105 were previously fitted with connectors at their ends, for example, in a termination unit 99.

[0187] In order to attach components 3 to the cable harness segments 5, the fixing device 45, in addition to one or more holding devices 1, has a displacement device 47 in the form of a second rear robot 102, which is arranged on a side of the presentation plate 13 opposite the front robot 101 (only partially indicated in Figure 6, as it is obscured). Furthermore, a fastening device 49 arranged on the rear of the presentation plate 13 and a charging device 51 (only very schematically indicated) are provided.

[0188] In the loading device 51, an attachment 3 can be loaded into the receiving area 19 of the holding device 1. The loading device 51 is preferably also additionally capable of configuring the holding device 1 by appropriately manipulating its pivoting mechanism 21, spacing mechanism 27 and / or rotating mechanism 31 such that the attachment 3 held therein is arranged in a desired position and / or orientation.

[0189] The prepared holding device 1 can then be grasped using the transfer device 47 and slid along the presentation plate 13 to a target position adjacent to a cable harness segment 5 to be fitted. The attachment 3, held by the holding device 1, can then be fixed to the cable harness segment 5 using the fastening device 49. As illustrated by way of example in Figure 7, the fastening device 49 can be equipped with a winding head 107, which allows, for example, adhesive tape to be wound both around the cable harness segment 5 and around parts of the attachment 5 that extend along the outer circumference 25 of the cable harness segment 5.

[0190] In summary, attachments 3 can be arranged and fixed in a highly automated manner on various cable harness segments 5, which differ, for example, in their position, orientation, and / or diameter, using the holding device 1 and the fixing device 45 and the associated procedure. For this purpose, the holding device 1 can have a pivoting mechanism 21, a spacing mechanism 27, and / or a rotation mechanism 31 to enable the attachment 3 to be rotated in a longitudinal direction 24 about a longitudinal axis 23, in a transverse direction 34 about a transverse axis 33, and / or translationally in a transverse direction 28 relative to the cable harness segment 5.

[0191] Figures 8 and 9 show an unloaded holding device 1 according to the invention in different configurations. The attachment part 3 (clip 3) can be located outside the receiving area 19 of the receiving component 11. Before loading, the receiving component 11 can be positioned such that, after loading, the clip 3 is arranged in the orientation in which it is applied to the cable harness segment 5. In one embodiment, the position of the receiving component 11 can be adjusted before loading. In another embodiment, the position of the receiving component 11 can be adjusted after loading. The attachment part 3 can have a contact area 3a for contact with the cable harness segment 5. The attachment part 3 can have an insertion area 3b that can be inserted into the receiving area 19. The insertion area 3b can extend perpendicular to the contact area 3a.The insertion area 3b can have a fir tree structure, allowing it to rest against the walls 20 of the receiving component 11. This enables the attachment part 3 to be held in the receiving component 11.

[0192] The receiving component 11 can comprise a receiving area 19. The receiving area 19 can be cuboid. In one embodiment, the receiving area 19 is bounded by a base 19a and three walls 20, 20a, 20b, 20c. The receiving area 19 can have an open side 35. The open side 35 can be without a wall. The wall 20a opposite the open side 35 can form a stop 36. The receiving area 19 can be accessed through the open side 35 in the opposite direction to the removal direction 37. The receiving area 19 can be accessed through the open side 35 perpendicular to the main extension direction 17 of the support component 9. The open side 35 can extend in a plane spanned by the C-shaped arc 73. In one embodiment, the holding device 1 has a locking mechanism 39 which is arranged and designed to reversibly close at least one area of ​​the open side 35.This allows the attachment 3, located in the receiving area 19, to be held in place.

[0193] The receiving component 11 can have an opening 38 opposite the base 19a. The receiving area 19 can be accessible through the opening 38. The opening 38 can be configured such that a section of the clip 3 passes through the opening 38 when the holding device 1 is loaded with the clip 3, so that the contact area 3a of the clip 3 is located outside the receiving area 19 and the insertion area 3b of the clip 3 is located within the receiving area 19. The receiving component 11 can have two open areas, in particular the opening 38 and the open side 35. The opening 38 and the open side 35 can be arranged such that the receiving area 19 is accessible from two different directions, in particular from two directions, both of which are perpendicular to the main extension direction 17 of the support component 9.

[0194] In one embodiment, the receiving component 11 can have a projection 111 (see, for example, Figures 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B). The projection 111 can reduce the diameter of the opening 38 compared to the diameter of the receiving area 19. The projection 111 can help to retain the clip 3 in the receiving component 11.

[0195] Figures 10A and 10B show an embodiment of a holding device having a C-shaped section 73. The receiving component 11 can be fixed in a predetermined position on the support component 9. In this embodiment, the position can be easily set without a detent block.

[0196] In one embodiment, the holding device 1 can have a plurality of position sensors 109. The receiving component 11 can be fixed in a predetermined position on the support component 9, in particular on the C-shaped section 73, by means of the position sensors 109. An advantage is that the design of the holding device 1 is simplified. The position sensors 109 can be designed as screws. The receiving component 11 can have elongated holes. The respective screws can be positioned in their respective corresponding elongated holes. This allows the position of the receiving component 11 in the C-shaped section 73 to be easily adjusted. In another embodiment, the holding device 1 can be designed without a rotation mechanism. In another embodiment, the holding device 1 can be designed without a pivoting mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the holding device 1 can be designed without a spacer mechanism.

[0197] In one embodiment, the support component 9 can be fixed to the retaining foot component 7 (see Figs. 11A, 11B). The receiving component 11 can be integrally formed with the support component 9. The support component 9 can have the receiving area 19. One advantage is that the design of the holding device 1 is simplified. Costs can be advantageously reduced.

[0198] The holding device 1 can have a cable inlet 95. The cable inlet can have a guide surface 97 that slopes towards the receiving area 19. The cable inlet 95 can be designed as a separate element (see, for example, Figures 3, 10A, 10B). In one embodiment, the cable inlet 95 can be integrated into the receiving component 11 (see, for example, Figures 11A, 11B). The cable inlet 95 can be designed to assist in positioning the cable harness segment 5 relative to the attachment 3. The cable inlet 95 can also prevent the clip 3 from twisting in the receiving component 11. In another embodiment, the holding device then has the guide surface 97 and a further guide surface 97a. The further guide surface 97a can slope towards the receiving area 11. The guide surface 97 and the further guide surface 97a can be arranged opposite each other and spaced apart.The distance between the two guide surfaces 97, 97a can decrease in the direction of the receiving area 19 (see Figs 11A, 11B).

[0199] In one embodiment, the holding foot component 7 can have a first element 63 on which the support component 9 is arranged. The first element 63 can have a sliding ring 67 and a foot 69. A seal can be arranged between the sliding ring 67 and the foot 69 (see, e.g., Figs. 3, 10). The seal can be designed and arranged such that pressure drop is reduced. The holding device 1 can be easily moved along the presentation plate by means of compressed air.

[0200] The first element 63 can be arranged on the presentation plate 13 such that the sliding ring 67 rests against the presentation plate 13. At least one magnet can be arranged in the sliding ring 67. The locking mechanism 71 can be arranged on the base 69. The support component 9 can be fixed to the base 69 (see, for example, Figures 3, 4, 10).

[0201] In another embodiment, the first element 63 of the retaining foot component 7 can be formed in one piece (see Figs. 12A, 12B). The sliding ring and the foot can be integrally formed. An advantage may be that no additional seal is required to reduce pressure drop. In another embodiment, the second element 65 of the retaining foot component 7 can be formed in one piece (see Figs. 12A, 12B). An advantage may be that no additional seal is required. The first element 63 of the retaining foot component 7 and the second element 65 of the retaining foot component 7 can each be formed in one piece (see Figs. 12A, 12B).

[0202] In one embodiment, the second element 65 of the holding foot component 7 can have a channel 57, while the first element 63 has no channel (see Fig. 12A). In another embodiment, the holding device 1 can be designed such that air can be introduced into the holding device 1 at a first pressure via the nozzle 59 (see Figs. 3, 4, 12A). The holding foot component 7, in particular the second element 65 of the holding foot component 7, can have a first valve V1. Air can be directed through the channel 57 towards the presentation plate 13. An air cushion can be created between the elements 63, 65 of the holding foot component 7 and the presentation plate 13. The resulting air cushion allows the holding device 1 to be moved easily on the presentation plate 13.

[0203] In one embodiment, the second element 65 of the holding foot component 7 can have a channel 57, and the first element 63 can have a further channel 58 (see Fig. 12B). The channel 57 and the further channel 58 can be aligned with each other when the holding device 1 is arranged on the presentation plate 13.

[0204] In one embodiment, the holding device 1 can be configured such that air at a first pressure and / or at a higher second pressure can be supplied to the holding device 1 via the nozzle 59 (see Fig. 12B). The second element 65 of the holding base component 7 can have the first valve V1. Air can enter the further channel 58 through the through-holes 61 of the presentation plate 13. The first element 63 of the holding base component 7 can have a second valve V2. The second valve V2 can be configured such that it opens only at the higher second pressure and, in particular, is closed at the lower first pressure. In one embodiment, at least one actuator, which is arranged downstream of the further channel 58, is designed for a higher minimum operating pressure, for example, the second pressure.

[0205] One advantage is that the first pressure can build up an air cushion, enabling simple movement of the holding device 1, while the second, higher pressure can be used to modify the holding device, for example, to open the locking mechanism. Since a higher pressure may be required to modify the holding device, the device can be positioned using the air cushion and the first pressure without, for example, unintentionally opening the locking mechanism. Different pressures may be required for the two functionalities, allowing them to be controlled separately. In one embodiment, the swivel mechanism can be adjusted by opening the second valve V2 and / or activating the actuator with the second pressure.In one embodiment, the spacing mechanism can be adjusted by opening the second valve V2 and / or activating the actuator with the second pressure. In another embodiment, the rotation mechanism can be adjusted by opening the second valve V2 and / or activating the actuator with the second pressure.

[0206] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising," "encompassing," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps from other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

Claims:

1. Holding device (1) for holding an attachment (3) on a cable harness segment (5), wherein the holding device (1) comprises: a holding foot component (7), a support component (9), and a receiving component (11), wherein the holding foot component (7) is configured to be held on a presentation plate (13) and to be slidably displaceable along a surface (15) of the presentation plate (13), wherein the support component (9) is configured and mechanically coupled at one end to the holding foot component (7) such that the support component (9) extends transversely with a principal extension direction (17) relative to the surface (15) of the presentation plate (13), wherein the receiving component (11) has a receiving area (19) for releasably receiving the attachment (3), and wherein the receiving component (11) is configured and mechanically coupled to the support component (9) in such a manner.that the attachment part (9) received in the receiving area (19) is spaced apart from the surface (15) of the presentation plate (13) and is held with a variable arrangement relative to the presentation plate (13), wherein the receiving area (19) is open on one side (35) so that the attachment part (3) received in the receiving area (19) can be removed from the receiving area (19) through the open side (35) in a removal direction (37) parallel to a longitudinal extension direction of the cable harness segment (5).

2. Holding device according to claim 1, wherein the support component (9) is fixed to the holding foot component (7) and the receiving component (11) is fixed to the support component (9) such that a position of the receiving component (11) is determined in relation to the holding foot component (7).

3. Holding device according to claim 1, further comprising a pivoting mechanism (21), wherein the receiving component (11) is mechanically coupled to the support component (9) via the pivoting mechanism (21) in such a way that the receiving component (11) can be pivoted about a longitudinal rotation axis (23) parallel to a longitudinal extension direction of the cable harness segment (5) in order to laterally attach the component (3) received in the receiving area (19) according to a current longitudinal angular orientation of the pivoting mechanism (21) in various pivot positions adjacent to an outer circumference (25) of the cable harness segment (5), in particular wherein the pivoting mechanism (21) can be fixed, in particular locked, in several different longitudinal angular orientations.

4. Holding device according to one of claims 1 or 3, further comprising a spacer mechanism (27), wherein the receiving component (11) is mechanically coupled to the support component (9) via the spacer mechanism (27) such that the receiving component (11) is translationally displaceable transversely to a longitudinal extension direction of the cable harness segment (5) in order to position the attachment part (3) received in the receiving area (19) according to a current lateral positioning of the The spacing mechanism (27) can be arranged in different spacing positions relative to a central axis (29) of the cable harness segment (5), in particular wherein the spacing mechanism (27) can be fixed in several different lateral positions, in particular locked in place.

5. Holding device according to one of claims 1, 3 or 4, further comprising a rotating mechanism (31), wherein the support component (9) is mechanically coupled to the holding foot component (7) via the rotating mechanism (31) in such a way that the support component (9) is rotatable about a transverse rotation axis (33) orthogonal to the surface of the presentation plate (13) in order to arrange the attachment part (3) received in the receiving area (11) in different rotation positions relative to the transverse rotation axis (33) according to a current transverse angular orientation of the rotating mechanism (31), in particular wherein the rotating mechanism (31) can be fixed in several different transverse angular orientations, in particular locked in place.

6. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a locking mechanism (39) which is reconfigurable between a locking configuration in which the locking mechanism (39) prevents the attachment (3) from leaving the receiving area (19) at the open side (35) and a release configuration in which the locking mechanism (39) releases the attachment (3) from leaving the receiving area (11) at the open side (35).

7. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the receiving component (11) has a stop (36) opposite the open side (35) of the receiving area (19).

8. Holding device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the receiving component (11) has an opening (38) which is arranged perpendicular to the open side (35), wherein the opening (38) is configured such that the attachment part (3) received in the receiving area (19) extends through the opening (38).

9. Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding foot component (7) has a magnetic holding mechanism (41) by means of which the holding foot component (7) can be fixed to the surface (15) of the presentation plate (13).

10. Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding foot component (7) has a pneumatic mechanism (43) by means of which the holding foot component (7) can be controlled to be fixed and / or released on the surface (15) of the presentation plate (13).

11. Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support component (9) has a C-shaped curved section (73), wherein the support component (9) is mechanically coupled to the receiving component (11) in the C-shaped curved section (73).

12. Holding device according to claim 11, wherein the receiving component (11) is movable along the C-shaped curved section (73).

13. Method for fixing an attachment part (3) to a cable harness segment (5) by means of a holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps: - Arranging the attachment (3) in the receiving component (11) of the holding device (D, - Moving the holding device (1) along the surface (15) of the presentation plate (13) into a target position adjacent to the cable harness segment (5), - Fixing the attachment (3) to the wiring harness segment (5), - Moving the holding device (1) along the surface (15) of the presentation plate (13) in a direction opposite to the removal direction (37), so that the attachment (3) is moved out of the holding device (1) through the open side (35) of the receiving component (11).

14. Method for fixing an attachment (3) according to claim 13, wherein the method comprises the step: - Setting a position of the receiving component (11) within the holding device (1), in particular in the C-shaped curved section (73), by means of the pivoting mechanism (21) and / or the spacer mechanism (27).

15. Method for fixing an attachment (3) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the The procedure includes: Arranging the holding device (1) in a loading position, Loading the holding device (1) by arranging the attachment (3) in the Receiving area (19) of the holding device (1), in particular wherein, when loading the holding device (1), the attachment (3) is automatically arranged in a position and / or orientation intended for fixing to the cable harness segment (5).

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