EP2320527B1 - Machine for mounting grommets - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a machine for transferring from this machine supplied hollow grommets and for mounting isolated hollow grommets to a cable. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for transferring and mounting hollow nozzles.

State of the art

Various devices and machines for grommet assembly are known in the art. Spouts - also referred to as "seals" - are used in the assembly of cable ends, and are usually made of rubber or a rubber-like material.

Spouts / hollow grommets are used to provide a moistureproof passage of cables e.g. to ensure by housing walls of electrical appliances. For this purpose, such a spout is usually applied to a stripped cable, so that the spout remains on the cable. This creates a tight connection between the cable sheath and the hollow grommet. The hollow spout itself can then be mounted in the housing of an electrical appliance.

As prior art is the European patent EP 0 881 720 B1 known. The device has a picking device (reference numeral 50) with a mandrel whose tip has a smaller diameter than the rest of the mandrel, wherein between the tip and the remaining mandrel sections a radial inner groove is provided (see Fig. 9 and 10 of the EP 0.881 720 B1 ). The construction and manufacture of such a mandrel are thus complex.

This picking device 50 is used to receive in a axial movement of the picking pin a spout / hollow nozzle, and impose in the same direction of movement on a mounting tube. For this purpose, the tip of the picking device's mandrel plunges into the mounting tube, and the outer circumference of the mounting tube is at least partially inserted into the radial inner groove between the tip and the remaining mandrel (see Fig. 2 of the EP 0 881 720 B1 ). The end portion of the mandrel, which forms a step to the further extending tip, serves to push the spout onto the mounting tube.

Subsequently, the mandrel returns to its original position, and another hollow spout is nachgefördert to later also "pushed open" on the mounting pipe.

After the grommet is on the mounting tube and the mandrel has been moved back to its original position, the mounting tube is turned and aligned in the direction of a stripped cable. Subsequently, the Hohltülle is applied to the cable by the movement of the mounting tube in the direction of the stripped cable. Next, the mounting tube is moved back, and then opened a hollow grommet on the cable stop holding. Then rotates the mounting tube in alignment with the mandrel, the scraper moves back.

The device of EP 0 8 81 720 B1 has the disadvantage that the mandrel and the mounting tube must be aligned exactly to each other in order to "push open" a hollow spout can. Due to the complex design of the mandrel, this alignment must be as accurate as possible in order not to damage either the mandrel or the mounting tube. Next, the hollow grommets are not isolated, but directly from the Conveyor used. The supply of the hollow grommets must therefore be so matched to the "belching" that, for example, does not get stuck on the next hollow grommet located in the conveyor. Further, it has proven to be disadvantageous that the conveyor is blocked during the transfer of the hollow nozzle of the picking device on the mounting tube, and no other process steps can be performed in parallel.

Another prior art is the document EP 1 022 821 A1 known. With this device, a hollow spout is picked up and held by means of a picking device with a mandrel. The mandrel is then guided to a Tüllenhalteteil into which the hollow spout is introduced. After the mandrel of the picking device has been led away, another mandrel is placed over the spout holding part. This further mandrel is then used to push the hollow spout through the spout support member and apply it to a mounting tube. The additional mandrel penetrates at least in sections into the mounting tube.

This device in turn has the disadvantage that the Tüllenhalteteil is provided as an additional component. In addition, the device has a first mandrel for loading the Tüllenhalteteils, and optionally a further mandrel for transferring the Hohltülle from Tüllenhalteteil on the mounting tube. Although the Hohltüllen be isolated by this structure, and then applied to the mounting tube, but this is a variety of individual elements necessary, so that the structure of the device EP 1 022 821 A1 is complex.

Presentation of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a machine for transferring and mounting hollow grommets on a cable, which simplifies the reception of grommets, without requiring a large number of parts. Compared to the prior art, it should also be avoided to have many matched components to assemble different sized and differently shaped hollow grommets on cables can. The hollow nozzles in question are essentially characterized by their inner and outer diameters, so that hollow sleeves with the same inner diameter do not necessarily have to have the same outer diameter.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by a machine according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 9. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

An apparatus according to claim 1 has the advantage that a minimum number of transfer components / mounting components is provided, and any slight deviations in the alignment of the receiving device and the mounting tube lead to any damage to any of the components, but can be compensated in a mechanical manner. In addition, the individual elements / components of the device according to claim 1 have a simple structure, which in turn leads to a cost-effective production.

Further, the present invention is also advantageous in that hereby independent movements are provided and a subsequent spout can thus be fed earlier. As a result, the assembly is accelerated. In the prior art, however, individual movements of elements of the mounting device are interdependent, which is why only with a new spout can be charged again when the mounting device is fully released again.

According to a preferred embodiment, the picking device of the present invention is provided with a picking mandrel which enter into a hollow spout and at its Outer surface of the hollow grommet can absorb and hold on the inner surface. The hollow mandrels can be picked up particularly easily and practicably by a feed device by means of the picking mandrel. By receiving the hollow grommets on the inner surface of a sufficient holding force is provided to hold the Hohltüllen and further promote. In addition, the provision of a picking pin in the context of the picking device has the advantage that the transfer of a hollow spout from the picking device to a mounting tube is facilitated.

In the machine according to the invention, it is advantageous that the longitudinal axes of the picking mandrel, the mounting tube and the filling mandrel extend substantially in a same axial direction. Thus, the picking pin and the mounting tube with the filling mandrel can be easily aligned with each other, there is, inter alia, no further pivoting movement of the components to each other necessary.

In a further preferred embodiment, the scraper, by means of which the hollow grommets can be transferred from the picking device to the mounting tube, is arranged coaxially to the picking mandrel. As a result, an extremely compact design is made possible, and the scraper can well capture the hollow spout for transfer from the picking device to the mounting tube.

Furthermore, the machine according to the invention may be distinguished by the fact that the tip of the filling mandrel is designed in the shape of a truncated cone (with a rounded edge) in order to support the transfer of the hollow grommets from the picking device to the mounting tube.

In a further embodiment, the scraper for transferring the hollow grommets can be moved in the direction of the mounting tube such that the scraper at least partially surrounds the mounting tube. This will Ensures a complete application of the hollow grommets on the mounting tube. Consequently, the hollow grommets are also applied so far on the mounting tube, that in a subsequent retraction of the scraper, the hollow grommets remain safe on the mounting tube.

According to a further embodiment, the mounting tube is fixed to a mounting tube base and is held by this. It is provided here that the mounting tube base has a larger diameter than the outer surface of the mounting tube. Further, the mounting tube is preferably designed with a step at one end. If a sufficiently large spout is used, the mounting tube can also be used without a step, i. in alignment, be executed.

The machine according to the invention may be further characterized in that the grommet mounting device is pivotally mounted on the fixed base. Thus, after the hollow grommet is applied to the mounting tube, the grommet mounting device can be pivoted, in order subsequently to be able to transfer the hollow grommet to the cable. As a result, a compact construction of the machine according to the invention is achieved.

Furthermore, the present application relates to a method which offers the same advantages as the device according to the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Figur 1

zeigt die beispielhafte Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung bei der Übergabe einer Tülle von einer Zuführeinrichtung.

Figur 2

zeigt einen gegenüber Figur 1 nachfolgenden Verfahrensschritt.

Figur 3

zeigt einen gegenüber Figur 2 nachfolgenden Verfahrensschritt.

Figur 4

zeigt einen weiteren Verfahrensschritt, bei dem eine Tülle von einer Pickvorrichtung zu einer Tüllenmontagevorrichtung übergeben wurde.

Figur 5

zeigt einen Verfahrensschritt nach der Übergabe einer Tülle von einem Pickdorn zu einer Fülldornvorrichtung.

Figur 6

zeigt einen gegenüber Figur 5 nachfolgenden Verfahrensschritt.

Figur 7

zeigt einen weiteren Verfahrensschritt, bei dem eine Fülldornvorrichtung in einer geschwenkten Position dargestellt ist.

Figur 8

zeigt einen gegenüber Fig. 7 nachfolgenden Verfahrensschritt.

Figur 9

zeigt einen weiteren Verfahrensschritt, bei dem die Fülldornvorrichtung nach der Übergabe der Tülle an ein Kabel in die Ausgangsposition zurückgeschwenkt wurde.

Figur 10

zeigt einen gegenüber Figur 9 nachfolgenden Verfahrensschritt, bei dem eine weitere Tülle vom Pickdorn übergeben wird.

Figur 11

zeigt einen gegenüber Figur 10 nachfolgenden Verfahrensschritt.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the following figures.

FIG. 1

shows the exemplary embodiment of the present invention in the transfer of a spout from a feeder.

FIG. 2

shows one opposite FIG. 1 subsequent process step.

FIG. 3

shows one opposite FIG. 2 subsequent process step.

FIG. 4

shows a further process step in which a spout has been handed over from a picking device to a spout mounting device.

FIG. 5

shows a method step after the transfer of a spout from a picking mandrel to a Fülldornvorrichtung.

FIG. 6

shows one opposite FIG. 5 subsequent process step.

FIG. 7

shows a further process step, in which a Fülldornvorrichtung is shown in a pivoted position.

FIG. 8

shows one opposite Fig. 7 subsequent process step.

FIG. 9

shows a further method step, in which the Fülldornvorrichtung was swung back after the transfer of the spout to a cable in the starting position.

FIG. 10

shows one opposite FIG. 9 subsequent process step, in which a further spout is transferred from the picking mandrel.

FIG. 11

shows one opposite FIG. 10 subsequent process step.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment

Based on Figures 1-11 Below, the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are explained in detail. In the following, the device-related features will be described first.

The device according to the invention has a feed rail 1 in which grommets 3 are conveyed. In FIG. 1 are shown several spouts 3, which are conveyed along the arrow shown to a stop 2 and then separated.

Furthermore, the device has a picking device 10, which in turn comprises a holder 11 and a picking pin 12. The picking mandrel 12 has a cylindrical mandrel 12a and a likewise cylindrical picking mandrel body 12b. At the end of the picking pin 12 opposite the mandrel 12 a, a profile 12 c is provided in order to receive and hold the picking pin 12 in the picking device 10. The profile 12c may be a member connected to the picker body 12b, or is integrally formed therewith. Thus, the picking pin 12 is exchangeable in the picking device 10.

Next, the picking device 10 on a scraper 13. As explained in more detail in the course of the description of the method, the holder 11, is attached to the scraper 13, relative to the picking mandrel 12 movable. Both the picking pin 12 and the holder 11 are received and mounted on the picking jig 10, but movable relative to each other.

Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises a grommet mounting device 20. In the figures, a control curve 21 is schematically indicated to illustrate the mobility of a Fülldornvorrichtung 22. The mobility of the Fülldornvorrichtung 22 along the control cam 21 suppressed in the present embodiment by a pivoting and translational displacement. For this reason, 21 guide tracks 21a, 21b are provided on the cam, along which the Fülldornvorrichtung 22 pivots and possibly can be moved translationally.

The Fülldornvorrichtung 22 has a Fülldorn 23. The Fülldorn 23 has at a tip 23 a (a front end) on a taper, which is designed such that a spout 3, as explained later in detail, can be pushed over the mandrel 23 on the mounting tube. Next, the Fülldorn 23 on a pin-shaped portion 23b and a base portion 23c. The base region 23 c is designed in the present embodiment as a separate component, which is firmly connected to the pin-shaped portion 23 b of the Fülldorns 23. The pin-shaped portion 23b and the tip 23a are integrally formed. The Fülldorn 23 is movable relative to the Fülldornvorrichtung 22.

Next, the Fülldornvorrichtung 22 on a mounting tube 24 through which the Fülldorn 23 extends. In other words, the mounting tube 24 is arranged concentrically with the filling mandrel 23. In this case, protrudes in a basic position, the tip 23a of the Fülldorns 23 on one side of the mounting tube, while on the other side of the mounting tube 24, the pin-shaped portion 23b of the Fülldorns 23 extends. The described basic position is in FIG. 1 displayed. In this situation, the grommet mounting device 20 is ready to receive a grommet 3.

The mounting tube 24 has a mounting tube end 24a, which is sleeve-shaped. Further, the mounting tube 24 has a mounting tube body 24b integrally formed with the mounting tube end 24a and having a cylindrical shape. The mounting tube 24 is movable relative to the Fülldornvorrichtung 22 and relative to the Fülldorn 23. Furthermore, the device according to the invention has a stripping mask 30 in the region of the grommet mounting device 20. The stripping mask 30, which in Fig. 1 is shown in an open position, relative to the sleeve mounting device 20 is relatively movable. Next, the stripping mask 30 has a Tüllenabstreifmaske 31 which is adapted to receive a grommet and possibly enclose. The inner region 31a of the Tüllenabstreifmaske 31 in this case has a spout substantially corresponding shape, on which a funnel-shaped Einführmaske 32 is mounted, which is also referred to as insertion funnel. The insertion mask 32 has a smaller inner diameter than the inner diameter of the mounting tube 24 in the region of the mounting tube end 24a at the tapered portion (the portion facing the mounting tube 24 and facing away from the supplied cable 4). However, the insertion mask 32 may also be integrally formed with the spout stripping mask 31. The Einführmaske 32 has an inner bore 32a, which is funnel-shaped, so that, as explained later in detail, a cable 4 can be threaded.

However, as can be seen, the stripping mask 30 is adapted to surround and receive a spout 3, wherein the stripping mask 30 can touch the spout 3, but need not touch. The stripping mask 30 is made of several parts, and is moved in the corresponding process step, as explained in more detail later, so as to enclose the spout 3. Furthermore, the stripping mask 30 has a stop 33, which is provided on that side of the insertion mask 32 opposite side of the Tüllenabstreifmaske.

An exemplary method of assembling a grommet 3 on a cable 4 will now be described, thus making the device features already described more comprehensible. The basic procedure is based on the order of the Figures 1-11 ,

In FIG. 1 a situation is shown in which a spout 3 has been supplied by means of the feed rail 1, and abuts against the stopper 2. The picking pin 12 was guided through the nozzle 3. By the profile of the picking pin 12 or by spreading the spout is picked up by the picking pin. The picking mandrel can lie flat on the inside of the spout, or in line or point contact.

Below, as in a synopsis of FIGS. 1 and 2 can be seen, the picking pin 12 moves in a translational direction perpendicularly away from feed rail 1, and leads the spout 3 from the feed rail 1 to the picking device 10. The picking 12 moves in the illustrated embodiment so far until the spout 3 touches the scraper 13 , Alternatively, a certain distance between the end of the spout 3 and the scraper 13 may be provided. It is only important that the spout when disconnecting the picking pin 12 "stuck".

As FIG. 2 compared to FIG. 1 can be seen, the picking pin 12 continues a little further after the nozzle 3 has touched the scraper 13. In other words, the spout 3 is already stripped off some of the picking mandrel 12, but a sufficient length of the picking mandrel 12 protrudes beyond the spout 3, so that the spout 3 is still held by the picking mandrel 12.

In FIG. 3 the next step of the exemplary procedure is shown. As indicated by the arrow, the picking jig device 10 has been moved relative to the feed rail 1. This movement corresponds approximately to the feed direction of the grommets 3 in the feed rail. 1

After the picking jig device 10 has been moved in this way, the picking pin 12 is located opposite the filling mandrel 23, wherein the respective axes are aligned substantially the same. The Fülldorn 23 and the picking pin 12 do not touch this, but they are sufficiently approximated to pass the spout 3 can. The situation just described is in an enlarged view in FIG FIG. 4 shown.

The spout 3 will now, as in FIG. 4 represented by a movement of the scraper 13 in the direction of the sleeve mounting device 20 passed. After the picking mandrel 12 and the filling mandrel 23 are aligned substantially linearly to each other, the spout is stripped from the picking mandrel 12 when moving the scraper 13, and passed over the tip 23 a of Fülldorns on the mounting tube 24 to which the spout in turn abut either flat or can be held over a line or point contact.

Now that the spout 3 has been stripped off the picking mandrel 12, the scraper 13 moves, as in FIG. 5 shown away from the grommet mounting device 20. This movement is substantially opposite to the previously described movement for the transfer of the spout. Subsequently, the scraper 13 no longer impedes the moving away of the picking jig device 10 from the grommet mounting device 20.

As in FIG. 6 shown, the Tüllenmontagevorrichtung 20 is now pivoted, in the present embodiment by <90 °, preferably 87 °. During this pivoting movement of the Fülldorn 23 retracts a piece, and the mounting tube 24 moves against a not shown stop the Abstreifmaske 30. This process can be from a synopsis of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 clearly recognize.

As clearly understood in this connection, the stripping mask 30 becomes so in the direction of that on the mounting tube 24 received spout 3 moves that the Tüllenabstreifmaske 31 surrounds the spout 3.

As in FIG. 6 to recognize the Fülldorn 23 is retracted relative to the mounting tube 24 that the outer end of the mounting tube end 24a forms the outermost position, and the tip 23a of the Fülldorns 23 disappears in the mounting tube 24.

As in further FIG. 7 To recognize, a cable 4 has been supplied, which already has an exposed wire 4b and a cable sheath 4a. However, in another embodiment, the cable 4 may also be provided without exposed wire. The Fülldorn 23, the mounting tube 24 and the cable 4 are located approximately in a linear orientation to each other.

The following will, as in FIG. 8 to recognize, the mounting tube 24 moves further in the direction of the cable 4. Together with the movement of the mounting tube 24, the stripping mask 30 is moved. The filling mandrel 23, however, remains exactly in the same retracted position.

As in FIG. 8 To recognize the spout 3 was now raised with the advanced mounting tube 24 and the same time moving stripping mask 30 via the cable 4. Subsequently, the mounting tube 24 is moved back, whereby the spout 3 is stripped by the stripping mask 30 from the mounting tube 24 is stripped. In FIG. 9 the Fülldornvorrichtung 22 is already shown again in the swung back position in the transfer of a new spout 3. In the course of this pivoting movement of Fülldorn 23 is again shifted so that it protrudes from the mounting tube 24 (basic position), and so supports the transfer of a spout 3 from the picking pin 12.

While now the other spout 3 is transferred from the picking mandrel 12 to the mounting tube 24, the stripping mask 30 opens, as in FIG. 10 shown. Subsequently, the stripping mask 30 moves in the direction of the grommet mounting device 20, and forms a stop for the pivoting and advancing grommet mounting device 20. As a result, the grommet mounting device can be moved independently until it comes into contact with the stop. The remaining residual stroke is then dealt with together. Fig. 11 then shows a position of the device described, which is essentially that of Fig. 5 equivalent.

As already described, the grommet mounting device 20 is pivoted by <90 °, preferably 87 °, in order to be aligned with the cable 4. Consequently, the picking pin 12 also forms a corresponding angle, preferably of 87 °, relative to the cable 4. The picking mandrel 12 in turn is aligned perpendicular to the feed rail 1. The picking pin deviates before pivoting about 3 ° from a vertical to the ground (gravitational direction). The slight deviation results from the fact that the feed rail at about. 3 ° inclined to a horizontal direction, so that a steady supply of grommets is guaranteed or supported. The tip 23a of the Fülldorns 23 can take various forms. It is important here that the tip 23a is designed in such a way as to support the transfer of the spout 3 from the picking mandrel 12 to the mounting tube 24.

By dividing the Tüllenmontagevorrichtung 20 into a picking mandrel 23 and a Fülldorn 24, the number of different diameter pairings can be drastically reduced. Thus, various combinations of grommets and cable cross-sections can be processed by the sleeve mounting device 20. For this purpose, it is necessary that the picking pin 12 and the filling mandrel 23, and also the mounting tube 24, are interchangeable. However, different spouts 3 with different inner diameters, the only vary by a relatively small amount, with the help of a Fülldorns 23 according to the present invention put on a common mounting tube 24, so that an excessive change of mounting tubes 24 is omitted.

Claims (15)

1. Machine for transferring supplied hollow bushes (3) and for assembling single hollow bushes on a cable (4), comprising:

   a bush assembly device (20) for assembling single hollow bushes (3) on the cable (4),

   wherein the bush assembly device (20) has an assembly tube (24) which at its outer surface (24a) may receive and hold the hollow bushes (3) at their inner surface, and in which the cable (4) may be arranged for assembling the hollow bushes (3);

   a picking device (10) which may receive the hollow bushes (3) and may arrange them to be axially aligned in front of the assembly tube (24); and

   a transfer device for transferring the hollow bushes (3) from the picking device (10) onto the bush assembly device (20),

   wherein the transfer device has:

   a slip-over device (13), which can be moved relative to the picking device (10), and by means of which the hollow bushes (3) may be transferred from the picking device (10) onto the assembly tube (24),

   characterised in that

   the transfer device has:

   a filling mandrel (23) which may protrude through the assembly tube (24) to transfer the hollow bushes (3) from the picking device (10) onto the bush assembly device (20) and may withdraw from the assembly tube to assemble the hollow bush (3) on the cable (4).
2. Machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the picking device (10) comprises a picking mandrel (12) which may enter the hollow bush (3) and at its outer surface may receive and hold the hollow bush at its inner surface.
3. Machine according to claim 2, in which the longitudinal axes of the picking mandrel (12), of the assembly tube (24) and of the filling mandrel (23) are aligned essentially in the same axial direction.
4. Machine according to claim 2 or 3, in which the slip-over device (13) is arranged coaxially around the picking mandrel (12).
5. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which the tip of the filling mandrel (23) is designed to be frustum-shaped to assist the transfer of the hollow bushes (3) from the picking device (10) to the assembly tube (24).
6. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which the slip-over device (13) for transferring the hollow bushes (3) may be moved in the direction of the assembly tube (24) such that the slip-over device (13) surrounds the assembly tube (24) at least in some sections.
7. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which the assembly tube (24) is attached to an assembly tube base (24b) and is held by the latter.
8. Machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which the bush assembly device (20) is attached pivotably to a fixed base (21).
9. Method for transferring supplied hollow bushes (3) and for assembling hollow bushes (3) on a cable (4), wherein the method has the following steps:

   receiving a hollow bush (3) by means of a picking device (10),

   aligning the picking device (10) with an assembly tube (24) of a bush assembly device (20), wherein a filling mandrel (23) protrudes through the assembly tube (24) in the direction of the picking device (10),

   moving a slip-over device (13) which can be moved relative to the picking device (10) to transfer the hollow bushes (3) from the picking device (10) onto the outer surface (24a) of the assembly tube (24),

   aligning the assembly tube (24) with a cable (4), and moving the assembly tube (24) in the direction of the cable (4) so that the filling mandrel (23) withdraws from the assembly tube (24) and the cable (4) enters the assembly tube (24),

   transferring the hollow bush (3) by withdrawing the assembly tube (24), wherein the hollow bush (3) is retained on the cable (4).
10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that the picking device is moved in a translational movement to align the picking device (10) with the assembly tube (24).
11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, in which the bush assembly device (20) is pivoted with the assembly tube (24) to align the assembly tube (24) with a cable (4).
12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, in which during movement of the slip-over device (13), the latter is moved in the direction of the assembly tube (24) such that the slip-over device (13) surrounds the assembly tube (24) at least in some sections.
13. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, in which the assembly tube (24) of the bush assembly device (20) is pivoted and abuts against a stop in order to be aligned with the cable (4).
14. Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, in which the picking device (10) comprises a picking mandrel (12) which may enter the hollow bush (3) and at its outer surface may receive and hold the hollow bush at its inner surface.
15. Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, in which the filling mandrel (23) is withdrawn during alignment of the assembly tube (24) with the cable (4), and during the movement of the assembly tube (24) in the direction of the cable (4), the filling mandrel (23) remains in its position.

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