DE102013014753A1 - Device for loading a pallet of components with secondary locks - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for equipping a pallet with at least one component, in which a secondary lock is inserted, a push-in and a control device. The insertion device serves to insert the secondary lock into the component and to monitor the end position of the secondary lock. The control device controls the sequence of the locking operation by measuring the insertion path. This increases the automation of wiring harness assembly and secures the secondary locking process reliably, which eliminates some manual activities when testing the wiring harness. Since the test for the secondary locking seat is integrated into the production according to the invention, the lead time in production is shortened and expenses in a subsequent testing station are eliminated.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a device for equipping a range of components with secondary locking, which are installed in vehicles. Such devices are needed in machines that connect connectors to electrical leads and to provide a reliable and strong mechanical fit and electrical contact.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The cable harness production is carried out manually due to the many different components used, in particular connector. Parts of the preparation of electrical lines can be performed on placement machines, so that a partial automation of the cable harness production is present.

Particular difficulties arise when connectors must be used, which in addition to a primary lock have a secondary lock to produce a final backup of all contacts after assembly. Plug housings in the automotive sector usually have a secondary lock (SV), which must be activated (closed) after assembly in the delivery state. The secondary lock can be plugged into the housing of the plug, but not yet locked. A plurality of plugs are mounted on a pallet for assembly and assembly. Access to secondary locking is only possible from selected sites and requires manual operation.

• 1. Kabelschneiden am Bestückungsautomaten: Leitungen werden auf die benötigte Länge geschnitten, mit einer Einzeladerabdichtung (EAD) bestückt und mit einem Kontaktteil angeschlagen;
• 2. Stecken am Automaten: Kontaktteile der angeschlagenen Leitungen werden in die dafür vorgesehenen Steckergehäuse gesteckt;
• 3. Endmontage: In der Endmontage werden bei Bedarf weitere Leitungen und Module hinzugefügt. Sobald alle elektrischen Leitungen gesteckt sind, wird manuell bei jedem Gehäuse eine Sekundärverriegelung geschlossen. Die Sekundärverriegelung stellt sicher, dass die gesteckten Kontaktteile in der richtigen Position verrastet sind und sichert diese zusätzlich.
• 4. Montage Anbauteile: Im nächsten Schritt werden Anbauteile, wie Kabelschächte, Halteteile, Abdeckkappen usw. montiert.
• 5. Prüfstation: Der Leitungssatz wird auf einer Prüfstation nach folgendem Schema geprüft: – Elektrisch: Wurden die Kontaktteile in die richtigen Kammern gesteckt und kommt es zwischen benachbarten Kammern zum Kurzschluss? – Dichtigkeit: Dichten die Einzeladerabdichtungen (EAD) den Anforderungen entsprechend? – Sekundärverriegelung: Ist bei jedem Gehäuse die Sekundärverriegelung geschlossen? – Anwesenheit: Sind die Anbauteile montiert und in der richtigen Verbaulage?
• 6. Versand: Sind alle Prüfungen positiv verlaufen wird der Kabelbaum verpackt und ausgeliefert.

Usually, the following manufacturing steps are carried out:

• 1. Cable cutting at the assembly machine: Cables are cut to the required length, equipped with a single wire seal (EAD) and struck with a contact part;
• 2. Plugging in the machine: Contact parts of the damaged cables are plugged into the connector housing provided for this purpose;
• 3. Final assembly: In the final assembly further lines and modules are added if necessary. As soon as all electrical lines are plugged in, a secondary interlock is manually closed for each housing. The secondary lock ensures that the inserted contact parts are locked in the correct position and additionally secures them.
• 4. Mounting add-on parts: In the next step, add-on parts such as cable ducts, holding parts, cover caps etc. are mounted.
• 5. Test station: The cable set is tested on a test station according to the following scheme: - Electrical: Have the contact parts been inserted in the correct chambers and is there a short circuit between adjacent chambers? - Tightness: Does the single-wire seal (EAD) seal the requirements? - Secondary lock: Is the secondary lock on each housing closed? - Presence: Are the attachments assembled and in the correct position?
• 6. Shipping: If all tests are positive, the wiring harness is packed and delivered.

In particular, the electrical test, the tests for leaks, correctness of secondary locking and presence of attachments require considerable manual testing and also extend the cycle times.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a device which guarantees a higher reliability in the assembly and reduces the testing effort.

The object is achieved with a device having the features of claim 1 and the method having the features of claim 15. Advantageous embodiments of the device are listed in the further claims.

For this purpose, the device for equipping a pallet with at least one component, in which a secondary lock is inserted, a Einschiebe- and a control device. The insertion device is used for inserting the secondary lock into the component and the control device of the measurement of insertion path, the comparison of Einschiebeweg with a setpoint and the signaling when a deviation of the insertion path from the setpoint exceeds a tolerance threshold.

This increases the automation of wiring harness assembly and secures the secondary locking process reliably, eliminating the need to carry out manual tasks when testing the wiring harness. Since the test for the secondary locking seat is integrated into the production according to the invention, the lead time in production is shortened and expenses in a subsequent testing station are eliminated.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insertion device includes a pneumatic cylinder for insertion of the secondary fuse. Other cylinders may be used, but pneumatic actuation has two advantages. Compressed air is used in apparatus for moving components and Equipping is readily available and produces a gentler pressure against hydraulic or electrical actuation in the event of tilting of the secondary lock.

It is possible to let the pneumatic cylinder act parallel or perpendicular to the pallet, so that a variety of components, in particular connectors can be fitted, which require insertion of the secondary locking of arbitrary pages (except the attachment side of the device). According to one embodiment of the invention, the components are mounted on the pallet in such a way that the side for inserting the secondary lock is located on one side of the pallet, which is easily accessible for the insertion device. These are the sides that are different from the attachment side of the pallet and the center of gravity side. The latter is the side in which connected to the device electrical lines hinder insertion.

Advantageously, a sensor per insertion device is provided for the pneumatic cylinder, which measures the movement of a piston in the cylinder and sends the control device information about the distance traveled for evaluation. The sensor can be mounted directly on the cylinder and thus measure the insertion path and / or the insertion position corresponding to the insertion path without adulteration. Magnets can be attached to the cylinder in a simple manner, so magnetic sensors are particularly suitable. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insertion device comprises a second sensor, wherein the first sensor measures an end and the second sensor a starting position of the piston of the pneumatic cylinder. If the piston of the cylinder or the part of the piston (magnet) to which the magnetic sensor responds is in the measuring range (within the allowable tolerance) of the end position sensor, a successful insertion of the secondary locking for this component can be determined. The distance between the starting position of the piston, which is also possibly measured, is the insertion path, around which the secondary lock is to be moved. The signaling of reaching the end position within the tolerance of the end position sensor thus corresponds to the determination of the insertion path, the comparison with the setpoint and the determination of compliance with a tolerance around the setpoint.

The freedom of movement and exact positioning of the insertion device are important for a reliable process and reliable testing. Thus, advantageously, the piston is connected to a tip, which rests on the secondary lock and at least partially penetrates into the component in the absence of a secondary lock. Thus, the intended insertion path is exceeded and the absence of the secondary lock with the same device can be measured. A further embodiment provides a positioning device, which rests on the component before the secondary locking mechanism is pushed in, thus forcing a desired relative position of the insertion device to the component. With regard to process reliability, the correctness of the positioning of the insertion device, which is applied for example on an auxiliary pallet together with further insertion devices and moved over an arm, and the execution of the insertion process are also monitored. Advantageously, the push-in device is locked by a locking device against unintentional movements and vibrations during insertion.

In a corresponding method according to the invention for locking an inserted but unlocked secondary locking of a component applied to a pallet, in particular a plug, a control device controls the following sequence:
in a first step, an auxiliary pallet with a push-in device for inserting the secondary lock into the component is positioned next to the pallet,
in a second step, the secondary lock is inserted into the component, wherein the insertion path of the insertion device is measured,
in a third step, the insertion path is compared with a desired value, and
in a fourth step, it is signaled if a deviation from the insertion path to the nominal value exceeds a tolerance threshold.

According to advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention described improvements to the above device are integrated into the process flow. The steps, in particular steps 2 and 3, can also be carried out simultaneously.

In addition, other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described therein may be implemented alone or in combination with one or more of the above-mentioned features insofar as the features are not contradictory. The following description of the preferred embodiments will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

1 shows a plug and a secondary latch prior to insertion.

2 shows a pallet with eight mounted plugs, each requiring a secondary lock.

3 shows a device for moving and positioning an auxiliary palette with respect to the pallet with the plugs.

4 and 5 show the positioning of push-in devices with respect to the connectors.

6 shows a push-in device.

7 shows an auxiliary palette with several insertion devices.

8th shows the positioning of pneumatic cylinder and sensors for position measurement.

9 shows the steps of the method according to the invention.

Embodiment

1 shows a plug 1 for receiving three electrical conductors on its upper end face, which after inserting the lines through an in 1 invisible primary locking can be secured. On a side surface of the plug 1 there are openings for introducing a secondary lock 2 in the direction of R. The secondary lock 2 is symmetrical and has four legs connected by a slightly widened pressure piece. The legs are in the openings of the plug 1 introduced until they sit at a first contact point. In this position sits the secondary lock 2 however, it is not strong enough not to fall out until all the electrical conductors are primary locked.

The equipment of the plug 1 with electrical lines, for example, in a pick and place machine that assembles the electrical lines and can equip a plurality of plugs. These are, for example, eight plugs 1 different design on a pallet 3 mounted, being careful that the openings of the plugs 1 to record the secondary locks in a preferred direction. This preferred direction is one of the outer sides A, B, C facing the pallet, except the side, in the direction of gravity according to gravity to the center of the earth, the assembled electrical wires will hang. Another possible preferred direction D is the mounting side of the pallet 3 , So the side opposite to a palette for fixing the pallet, for example, in a machine serving side 3 ,

To actuate the Sekundärverrieglung for a final locking or latching is accordingly 3 the pallet 3 an auxiliary pallet 10 compared. The auxiliary pallet 10 is controlled by a control device 12 over an arm 11 emotional. Is the help palette 10 in a position which allows the beginning of a secondary locking insertion operation, the position of the auxiliary pallet is locked by means of a locking means 13 fixed. The locking device 13 is a pneumatic cylinder that retracts into a counterpart and further movement of the arm 11 blocked during the assembly process.

In the position in which accordingly 4 , the auxiliary pallet 10 and pallet 3 are positioned on top of each other, are mounted on the auxiliary palette slide-in devices 5 next to the respective plugs 1 and their protruding secondary locks 2 , The positioning of the insertion devices 5 is more advantageous from the plug 1 seen in the direction of the outsides A, B, C of the pallet 3 , The movement of the push-in devices 5 is not by example in only one plug 1 impeded electrical lines hanging in a direction that is not a preferred direction. Through interaction of pallet 3 and support palette 10 is the simultaneous actuation of a plurality, here eight, secondary locks 2 possible.

5 shows with more details the positioning of two insertion devices 5 next to the plugs and their secondary locks. The auxiliary pallet contains a positioning device 4 , before inserting the secondary lock 2 on the plug 1 seated and the position of the insertion device 5 with respect to the connector. When inserting the secondary locking, the start position S and the end position E are important. The starting position S refers to the position of the secondary lock in the inserted, but not locked state, to which the movement of the insertion device 5 touches down. The end position E describes the stop position into which the secondary lock must be moved for a complete locking or latching. The insertion path between the start S and end position E can be 25 mm.

To 6 includes the insertion device 5 a pneumatic cylinder 7 with a piston 15 with which a tip 9 connected is. The summit 9 sets for inserting the secondary lock 2 laterally offset at the level of one of the two middle legs on the thrust piece of the secondary locking 2 and moves it into the plug. On the piston 15 There is also a magnet on the sensors 8a . 8b speak to. To measure the insertion path, the two magnetic sensors 8a and 8b on the pneumatic cylinder 7 arranged and connected to the control device. The first sensor 8a measures at the secondary locking end position 2 , the second sensor 8b at the start position of the secondary lock 2 ,

The insertion of the Sekundärverrieglung is described below with reference to 8th and 9 explains, wherein the position of the insertion device 5 on the support palette 7 , please refer 7 , to the position of secondary locking 2 is tuned. The movement of the pneumatic cylinder 7 usually takes place parallel to the mounting surface of the auxiliary pallet 10 and thus also the pallet that carries the plugs. For some plugs, the insertion device 5 However, be rotated by 90 °, that a movement is perpendicular to the mounting surface (from direction D 2 ).

The two magnetic sensors 8a and 8b are positioned so that they reach the end E or start position S of the pneumatic cylinder 7 give a signal. If the magnet on the piston is near a magnetic sensor at the start or end of insertion 8a or 8b , This sends a signal to the control device, which thus the inserted insertion path W1 of the pneumatic cylinder 7 can determine. If this insertion path W1 deviates more than a tolerance threshold from the setpoint value W2, which indicates the distance between start position S and end position E, then an error signal is generated. The start and end positions E are determined by the mounting position of the sensors with respect to the cylinder 7 established. This error signal then leads to an additional manual inspection of the components, otherwise it can be assumed that a proper interlock and waive a separate test in the following test station. A source of error in the lock is, for example, the lack of secondary locking. In this case, the pneumatic cylinder will move too far into the plug due to the lack of stop, the insertion path W1 is too long. In another type of fault, the tilting of the secondary lock in the plug and thus unfinished insertion path W1, the insertion path W1 is too short. This only applies to connectors with loose secondary locking parts as in 1 shown.

The magnetic sensor parked at the starting position S. 8b is used to control the auxiliary pallet. Only when all the pistons are retracted and are in the starting position, the auxiliary pallet is moved.

The method according to the invention starts when previous steps for assembling the plugs with electrical lines have been completed. Furthermore, it can be ensured by a sealing position monitor that single core seals sit in the correct position, whereby the tightness of the housing is given. After each assembly, the correct seating of the contact element with the primary lock is checked by means of a retraction test. This could eliminate the electrical and pneumatic test if the secondary latch on each housing is activated.

The pallet with the assembled plugs is moved to an activation position. This is signaled to the controller. Thereafter, the controller moves over an arm in a first step 101 the auxiliary palette, which remained in a waiting position, into the activation position above the pallet. Now the auxiliary palette is locked and this signaled the control device. Then, in a second step, the secondary lock is inserted into the component. The magnetic sensors monitor the insertion path of the piston of the pneumatic cylinder. The insertion path is then in a third step 103 compared with the setpoint. This is done for a plurality of pneumatic cylinders, ie all of the pushers of interest. In a fourth step 104 signals the controller if a deviation from insertion path to setpoint exceeds a tolerance threshold. If this is the case, a manual check and, if necessary, correction must be carried out. However, if a correct insertion was signaled for all insertion devices, the control device generates a release signal, the z. B. starts a label printer that prints a test label that confirms the successful test within the method according to the invention and a further examination is unnecessary.

Claims (15)

Device for loading a pallet ( 3 ) with at least one component ( 1 ), wherein the component ( 1 ) with an inserted, but unlocked secondary lock ( 2 ) against unintentional opening, with a slide-in device ( 5 ) for inserting the secondary lock ( 2 ) in the component ( 1 ), and a control device ( 12 ) for measuring the insertion path (W1) of the insertion device ( 5 ), for comparing the insertion path (W1) with a target value (W2), for signaling when a deviation of the insertion path (W1) from the target value (W2) exceeds a tolerance threshold. Device according to claim 1, wherein the insertion device ( 5 ) a pneumatic cylinder ( 7 ) for inserting the secondary lock ( 3 ) contains. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pneumatic cylinder ( 7 ) parallel to the pallet ( 3 ) acts. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pneumatic cylinder ( 7 ) perpendicular to the pallet ( 3 ) acts. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion device ( 5 ) a sensor ( 8a ), which detects the movement of a piston ( 15 ) of the pneumatic cylinder ( 7 ) measures. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sensor ( 8a ) is a magnetic sensor. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the insertion device ( 5a ) a second sensor ( 8b ) and the first sensor has a start (S) and the second sensor has an end position (E) of the piston ( 15 ) of the pneumatic cylinder ( 7 ) measures. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the piston ( 15 ) of the cylinder ( 7 ) with a tip ( 9 ) connected to the secondary interlock ( 2 ) and in the absence of a secondary lock ( 2 ) at least partially into the device ( 1 ) penetrates. Device according to one of the preceding claims, with a positioning device ( 4 ), prior to the insertion of the secondary lock ( 2 ) on the component ( 1 ) is seated. Device according to claim 2, wherein the insertion device ( 5 ) an arm ( 11 ) and an auxiliary ( 10 ), which corresponds to the one on the 10 ) applied pneumatic cylinder ( 7 ) next to the component ( 1 ) inserted secondary lock ( 3 ). Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the insertion device ( 5 ) a locking device ( 13 ) containing the arm ( 11 ) fixed in the position at which the pneumatic cylinder ( 7 ) next to the component ( 1 ) inserted secondary lock ( 3 ) is located. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component ( 1 ) is a plug. Device according to claim 12, wherein the plug ( 1 ) one after being fitted with electrical lines ( 14 ) has firmly latched primary fuse. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the components ( 1 ) on the pallet ( 3 ) are mounted so that the side for inserting the secondary locking ( 2 ) on one side (A, B, C, D) of the pallet ( 3 ), which extends from the attachment side of the pallet ( 3 ) and the side closest to the center of the earth. Method for locking an inserted but unlocked secondary lock ( 2 ) one on a pallet ( 3 ) applied component ( 1 ), in which by a control device ( 12 ) in a first step ( 101 ) an auxiliary pallet ( 10 ) with a slide-in device ( 5 ) for inserting the secondary lock ( 2 ) in the component ( 1 ) next to the palette ( 3 ), in a second step ( 102 ) the secondary locking ( 2 ) in the component ( 1 ) is pushed, wherein the insertion path (W1) of the insertion device ( 5 ), in a third step ( 103 ) the insertion path (W1) is compared with a desired value (W2), in a fourth step ( 104 ) is signaled if a deviation from the insertion path (E1) to the setpoint (E2) exceeds a tolerance threshold.

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