EP2583362A1

EP2583362A1 - Apparatus for fitting cable sleeves onto a cable

Info

Publication number: EP2583362A1
Application number: EP11725978.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eugen Wosinski
Original assignee: Schleuniger Holding AG
Current assignee: Schleuniger Holding AG
Priority date: 2010-06-16
Filing date: 2011-05-24
Publication date: 2013-04-24
Anticipated expiration: 2031-05-24
Also published as: CN102918724A; TWI533540B; EP2583362B1; JP5858991B2; WO2011158145A1; BR112012027461A2; KR20130088824A; JP2013531963A; US20130104391A1; RU2013101776A; US9496076B2; CN102918724B; MX2012012561A; TW201223043A; CA2795059A1; MY165554A

Abstract

The invention specifies an apparatus (1a, 1b) for fitting cable sleeves (2) onto a cable, said apparatus comprising a scrap container (3) for accommodating a large number of loose cable sleeves (2), a conveying device for separating the cable sleeves (2) located in the scrap container and for conveying the separated cable sleeves (2) to a fitting location and a fitting device (8) for fitting the conveyed cable sleeves (2) onto the cable. The conveying device comprises a continuous, annular conveying means (4, 4a, 4b) which protrudes into the scrap container (3), and accommodating means (6) for accommodating the cable sleeves (2). The accommodating means (6) are arranged on the conveying means (4, 4a, 4b) on the inside of said ring.

Description

The invention relates to a device for applying cable grommets to a cable, comprising a bulk container for receiving a plurality of loose cable grommets, a conveying device for separating the cable grommets located in the bulk container and for conveying the separated cable grommets to a mounting location and a mounting device for mounting the subsidized

Cable grommets on the cable.

In the manufacture of cables or wiring harnesses cable sleeves are often applied to the same. The installation of the cable grommets takes place by a known per se assembly tool. In order to enable a rational production, both cables and cable grommets are constantly being conveyed to the mounting location or to the assembly tool. Usually, a bulk container is filled with the cable grommets to be processed, from which the

Cable sleeves are removed as needed. For this purpose, separating devices are known from the prior art, which remove the cable grommets from the bulk container and the assembly tool in an orderly manner, i. feed sequentially.

For example, EP 1 689 049 B1 discloses a device for this purpose

Tüllenbestückung of electrical cables consisting of a base module for supporting a Tüllenmoduls and a Bestückungsmoduls, wherein the

Spout module provides the spouts to be populated in the correct position for the component module and the component module populates the cables with the spouts. The Tüllenenspeicher and conveyor existing Tüllenmodul is pluggable attachable to the base module.

The disadvantage of this solution is that the drum conveyor used

is relatively bulky and the machine for Tüllenbestückung requires a relatively large footprint. In addition to the device for grommets of electrical cables mentioned in EP 1 689 049 B1, there are also known those which have a suction blow conveyor for separating and conveying cable grommets. However, these are relatively loud and require comparatively much energy for their operation

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved device for applying cable grommets on a cable, in particular one which is compact, quiet and energy efficient.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a device of the type mentioned, in which the conveyor:

an endless, annular, projecting into the bulk container conveyor and

- Receiving means for receiving the cable grommets comprises, wherein the

Receiving means are arranged on the conveying means on the inside of said ring.

Opposite to e.g. Suction blow conveyor, this separation device has the advantage of significantly lower noise and significantly lower energy consumption. In contrast to a drum conveyor this separating device has the advantage of a much lower

Space requirements. This type of separating device is therefore particularly suitable for a device for applying cable grommets on a cable.

Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the description in conjunction with the figures or are disclosed by them. It is favorable if, on the inside of the conveyor formed by the conveyor

Ringes at least one roller is arranged, around which the conveyor is guided. Advantageously, thus a frictional force can be kept low during movement of the conveyor. In addition, the mentioned role as a counter role one of be provided externally on the conveyor-pressing drive roller, so that the driving force can be well transferred to the conveyor.

It is also beneficial if a plurality of rollers are arranged on the inside of the ring formed by the conveyor, around which the conveyor is guided, wherein at least two of the rollers are arranged on the inside of the ring formed by the conveyor and vertically spaced. Advantageously, a frictional force against the aforementioned variant during movement of the

Conveyor be reduced even further.

It is advantageous if at least one of the rollers is driven and designed as a friction roller or as a friction wheel. The drive can be made particularly easy in this variant, since only a smooth or weakly structured funding and a smooth or weakly structured drive roller are needed. In addition, the drive roller can slip when overloaded, whereby damage to the drive motor or lying between the drive roller and drive motor transmission can be avoided. But it is also favorable if at least one of the rollers is driven and designed as a spiked, spiked or spiked or gearwheel. In this way, a positive connection with the conveyor can be produced. It is advantageous that not so high pressure forces of the roller to the conveyor are necessary as in a friction wheel. The storage of the role can therefore be made more fragile. Also, smaller drive motors can be used because of the reduced bearing forces. Finally, due to the reduced contact pressure, the risk of injury is reduced if an operator of the machine unintentionally between conveyor and

Drive role should be advised.

Due to the positive connection, a movement of the drive roller can also be assigned directly to a movement of the conveying means. This offers advantages when a position of the conveyor, for example, from the signal of a Stepping motor or a rotary encoder to be determined. In addition, you can

Dirt on the drive pulley or belt, even oily

Contamination, not so easily cause a malfunction of the machine. To produce the positive connection, for example, the spines of a

Spiked roller engage in recesses in the annular conveyor, similar to the drive roller of a film projector engages in recesses in the film material. The spiked roller can be arranged inside the ring formed by the conveyor or outside. Alternatively, the positive connection can also be produced by means of a toothed wheel which engages in a toothing of the conveying means. This can be at least partially formed as a toothed belt. The toothed wheel can be arranged like the toothing of the conveying means within the ring formed by the conveying means or also

outside.

It is particularly advantageous if:

instead of the at least one driven roller engaged with the conveyor, there is provided a drive roller engaged with an endless annular drive means, and

- The drive means is in sections with the conveyor on the outside of the ring formed by the conveyor engaged.

In this way, the drive is shifted to that side of the conveyor on which no receiving means are arranged, namely on the outside of the ring formed by the conveyor. Nevertheless, high frictional forces can be transmitted in this way. A form fit between the drive roller and conveyor is - although conceivable in principle - usually not necessary. The

Singling device can be designed structurally simpler in this variant of the invention under certain circumstances. For example, a narrower

Drive belts are combined with a wider conveyor.

It is also advantageous when compared to a driven with a conveyor, driven roller or one with a

endless, annular drive means engaged drive roller a another role is arranged. In this way, the contact pressure of a drive roller on the Förderin can ittel / Antriebsm ittel increased, or the subsidies / agents are better performed on the drive roller. The additional role can be idling or also driven.

It is also particularly advantageous if the conveying means is guided in a rail, in particular rollers which are arranged within the ring formed by the conveying means and over which the conveying means is guided can be dispensed with. In particular, when dispensing with such roles, virtually the entire width of the conveyor can be used for the receiving means, since no support surface must be provided for roles.

It is also advantageous if a projecting into the interior of said ring horizontal or inclined conveyor section is provided. The cable grommets fall in this variant in the region of top dead center of the conveyor on the additional conveyor section and are transported by this in already isolated form to the mounting location.

It is advantageous if one or more of the group: conveyor belt, chute, vibrator is provided as conveying section. Depending on the nature of the cable grommets to be separated and the transport path to the mounting location, the most suitable conveyor section can be provided in this variant.

It is also favorable if one or more of the group: belt, belt, rope, chain are provided as conveying means. Depending on the type of

Receiving means, which are attached to the conveyor, as well as depending on the type of drive can be provided in this variant, the most suitable funding. It is also favorable if one or more of the

Group: scoop, fork, pin, plate are provided. Depending on the type of cable grommets to be separated, the most suitable receiving means can be provided in this variant. It is advantageous, finally, if the funding from an elastic

Plastic or rubber existing band with plastic blades arranged thereon comprises. It is particularly advantageous if the blades are glued or riveted to the tape. In this way, the band can be easily manufactured, or even a conventional, actually intended for a different purpose, band can be used, are arranged on the blades or plates. Since the band is made of rubber or elastic plastic, also tolerances of the band or its storage can be compensated.

The above embodiments and developments of the invention can be combined in any manner.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures of the drawing. It shows:

1 shows a greatly simplified, schematically illustrated embodiment of an inventive device.

Fig. 2 shows a concrete embodiment of an inventive

Device diagonally from the front; 3 shows the device of Figure 2 obliquely from behind ..;

4 shows the device from FIGS. 2 and 3 in side view;

Fig. 5 is a schematically illustrated conveyor belt, which is driven by an inner drive roller;

Fig. 6 is a schematically illustrated and perforated conveyor belt, which is driven by an inner spiked roller; Figure 7 is a schematically illustrated conveyor belt, which is driven by an internal auxiliary roller. a schematically illustrated conveyor belt which is driven by an external auxiliary roller; a schematically illustrated conveyor belt with an inner and an outer auxiliary roller; an assembly of the inventive device with a conveyor belt obliquely from behind; the assembly of FIG. 10 in side view and the assembly of FIG. 10 and 1 1 in section.

In the figures of the drawing are the same and similar parts with the same reference numerals and functionally similar elements and features - unless otherwise stated - provided with the same reference numerals but different indices.

Fig. 1 shows a greatly simplified, schematically illustrated embodiment of an inventive device 1 a for applying cable grommets 2 on a cable (not shown). The device 1 a comprises a bulk container 3 for receiving a plurality of loose cable grommets 2 and a conveyor for separating the cable spouts 2 located in the bulk container and for conveying the separated cable grommets 2 to a mounting location. The conveyor essentially consists of an endless, annular conveyor 4, a plurality of rollers 5 around which the conveyor 4 is guided, receiving means 6 for receiving the cable grommets 2, as well as from a relative to the horizontal slightly inclined slide 7, which in the interior of the protrudes through the conveyor 4 formed ring. The rollers 5 (here in concrete 2 pieces) are arranged on the inside of said ring and vertically spaced. At least one of the rollers 5 is driven. The

Receiving means 6 are arranged on the conveyor 4 on the inside of the ring. The rollers 5 have for this purpose a puncture, so that the

Recording means 6, the rollers 5 can also happen. Of course, additional guide and / or drive rollers are also possible on the outside of the ring (see also Figures 5 to 9). If now the conveyor 4 driven by the rollers 5, the receiving means 6 are moved through the bulk container 3 and take it

Cable grommets 2 on. These are moved upward, fall in the region of top dead center of the conveyor 4 on the chute 7 and roll to the mounting location. There they are mounted by means of a mounting tool 8 on a cable (not shown). Of course, it is also conceivable that the cable grommets 2 in a different position, i. lying, are transported to the assembly tool 8.

As conveyor 4, instead of the band shown here, for example, belts, ropes or chains into consideration. As receiving means 6 come, for example, also blades, forks or pins in place of the plate shown here. Instead of the slide 7, for example, a

Be provided conveyor belt or a vibrator.

Figures 2 and 3 show a concrete embodiment of a

inventive device 1 b obliquely from the front (Fig. 2) and obliquely from the rear (Fig. 3).

The device 1 b comprises a frame 9 and a mounted therein, known per se and not designated in detail assembly tool 8. Furthermore, the device 1 b comprises a bulk container 3 for receiving a plurality of loose cable grommets 2 and a conveyor for separating the in

Bulk container located cable grommets 2 and for conveying the isolated cable grommets 2 to the mounting tool. 8 Instead of the illustrated in Fig. 1 with the conveying means 4 in engagement, driven roller 5 is provided with an endless, annular drive means 10 in engagement and driven by a motor 1 1 drive roller 12 in this embodiment. As drive means 10, a band is provided in this example. It would also be conceivable that as

Drive means 10, for example, a belt, a rope or a chain is used. The drive means 10 is in sections with the conveyor 4 on the outside of the ring formed by the conveyor 4 in engagement. On the inside of the conveyor 4 in turn receiving means 6 are mounted.

In addition, the conveyor 4 is guided in a rail and not on rollers. The rail has the shape of an oval. Of course, it would also be conceivable for this variant embodiment that the conveying means 4 is guided alternatively or additionally via rollers 5 as in FIG.

The conveyor comprises in this example a relation to the

Horizontally slightly inclined vibrating rail 13, which projects into the interior of the ring formed by the conveyor 4. The Rüttelschiene 13 is driven by a Rüttelmotor 14, which the Rüttelschiene 13 in

Vibrations offset and thus the promotion of cable grommets 2 causes.

The function of the device 1 b shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is similar to the device 1 a shown in FIG. 1. If the drive means 10 driven by the drive motor 1 1 and the drive roller 12, so transmits the

Movement of the drive means 10 also on the conveyor 4 (realized here by a chain). In this way, the receiving means 6 by the

Bulk tank 3 moves and take on cable grommets 2. These are moved upward, fall in the region of top dead center of the conveyor 4 on the Rüttelschiene 13 and are transported by the vibrations to the mounting location. There they are using a mounting tool 8 on a

Cable (not shown) mounted. Advantageously, the bulk container 3 and the conveying section 4..6 form a structural unit. As a result, the conveying section 4. 6 can be optimally adapted to the cable grommets 2 located in the respective bulk container 3. For example, round cable grommets 2 require other receiving means 6 than rectangular, thin others than thick, etc. Preferably, so filled with a certain type of cable grommets 2 bulk containers 3 are combined with a specially tailored to the respective cable grommets 2 conveyor section 4..6. Advantageously, the bulk containers 3 therefore do not need to be emptied when converting a machine. An unintentional combination of poorly matched components and associated gaps in the flow and an associated jamming cable grommets 2 is also effectively avoided in this way.

Of course, the drive belt 10 and the drive motor 1 1 parts of said assembly be, so that application of the drive belt 10 during conversion of the device 1 b can be omitted. But it would be possible

for example, that the drive of the conveyor 4 via a friction wheel takes place (see also Figures 7 and 8). In such a variant, the

Conveyor 4 during conversion simply pressed against said friction wheel.

Finally, the Rüttelschiene 13, in particular with the

Rüttelmotor 14, part of the above-mentioned unit. In this way, this conveyor section optimally on the cable grommets to be funded. 2

be coordinated.

4 now shows the device 1 b already shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in a side view. In addition to the units already described, an adapter plate 15, which is connected to the frame 9 by means of fitting screws 16, can be seen here well. The previously described assembly is fastened in this example by means of its base plate 17 with the clamping screw 19 without tools on the adapter plate 15 on the frame 9. The base plate 17 carries both the Rüttelmotor 14 (formed by an acting as a linear motor electromagnet) and the springs 18 mounted Rüttelschiene 13. About the base plate 17 is still the conveyor 4, the rail in which the conveyor 4 is guided (alternatively or additionally to rollers corresponding to the rollers 5 of FIG. 1), the drive means 10, the motor 1 1, the drive roller 12 and the bulk container 3 are fixed.

Figures 5 to 9 now show different variants of how the conveyor 4 can be driven.

In FIG. 5, a conveyor belt 4a, as is also the case in FIG. 1, is driven via an inner drive roller 5a. The roller 5b is designed as an idler roller. Of course, it would also be conceivable that the roller 5b is driven alternatively to the roller 5a or in addition thereto. It can also be clearly seen in FIG. 5 that the middle region of the conveyor belt 4a is free of rollers 5a, 5b because of the receiving means 6.

The drive roller 5a is formed in this example as a friction roller or as a friction wheel. This can slip under overload, causing damage to the drive motor or between a drive roller 5a and

Drive motor lying gear can be avoided.

6 now shows a variant of the invention with a perforated conveyor belt 4b, which engages with the two drive rollers 5c, 5d designed as a sprocket roller. Of course, here too only one of the rollers 5c, 5d as

Drive roller are formed. In the loose-running role can then be dispensed with the spines.

Advantageously, in this variant of the invention, a movement of the

Drive rollers 5c, 5d are assigned directly to a movement of the conveyor belt 4b. This offers advantages if a position of the conveyor belt 4b is to be determined, for example, from the signal of a stepping motor or a rotary encoder. In addition, soiling of the drive rollers 5 c, 5 d or the Conveyor belts 4b, even oily impurities, not easily cause a malfunction of the machine.

Advantageously, in this variant of the invention, the pressing forces of the rollers 5c, 5d are reduced to the conveyor belt 4b with respect to a friction wheel. The storage of the rollers 5c, 5d can therefore be made more fragile. Also, smaller drive motors can be used because of the reduced bearing forces. Fig. 7 now shows a variant of the invention, in which the rollers 5a and 5b, around which the conveyor belt 4a is wound, are designed as idle rollers. The drive is here via additional inside the through the

Conveyor belt 4a formed ring arranged drive rollers 5e. Fig. 8 shows an arrangement which is very similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 7. In contrast, 5e, outer drive rollers 5f are provided instead of lying in the interior of said ring drive rollers. This variant of the invention can offer advantages when converting the machine, for example when a unit formed from the conveyor belt 4a and the rollers 5a and 5b is simply pressed during the changeover to the drive roller 5e fixedly connected to the machine. In addition - because the

Outside free of receiving means 6 is - used broader drive rollers 5f and thus higher driving forces are transmitted. Finally, FIG. 9 shows a variant of the invention in which the two rollers 5e and 5f face each other. In this case, the roller 5e or the roller 5f can be driven. Of course, both rollers 5e, 5f be driven. With the help of the arrangement shown, high contact forces of

Drive roller 5e, 5f applied to the conveyor belt 4a and thus higher

Driving forces are transmitted to this. In contrast to the arrangements shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in which the conveyor belt 4 a is pressed against a guide rail, at least in the region of the drive rollers 5 e and 5 f, the loss-making frictional forces can thus be reduced. The rollers 5e and 5f are formed in FIGS. 7 to 9 as friction rollers.

It would also be conceivable, of course, that these are designed as spiked rollers. In general, the positive connection can also be produced via a toothed wheel, which engages in a toothing of the conveyor belt. This can be designed at least in sections as a tooth emen (for example, in the area in which the conveyor belt 4b has the perforation). The gear may be arranged as the teeth of the conveyor within the ring formed by the conveyor or outside. Finally, it is also conceivable that the drive rollers 5a, 5b, 5e, 5f and / or the drive belt 4a are slightly structured, for example embossed, in order to improve the frictional connection.

Fig. 10 shows an assembly of the inventive device for applying cable grommets 2 obliquely from behind, specifically a module comprising an endless, annular, in a bulk container (not shown) projecting conveyor 4a with receiving means 6 for receiving the cable grommets 2. Fig. 1 1 shows the assembly in side view, FIG. 12 in section.

The receiving means 6 are formed in this example by plates or blades, which formed on the rubber band

Conveyor 4a are riveted. At the upper end of the ring formed by the rubber band 4a, a roller 5a is arranged, around which the rubber band 4a is guided, and against which an outside acting on the rubber band 4a

Drive roller 5f presses. The drive roller 5f is driven by a motor 1 1. At the lower end of the ring formed by the rubber band 4a is a guide rail in which the rubber band 4a is guided.

Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that a roller is arranged at the lower end of the ring around which the rubber band 4a is guided. Furthermore, the assembly comprises a Rüttelschiene 13, a jolting motor 14, a base plate 17 and two springs 18. The function of said components is similar to the function of the same named components of the device 1 b of Figures 2 to 4. Finally, it should be noted that the variants shown represent only a part of the many possibilities for the invention, and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. It should be easy for those skilled in the art to adapt the invention to its needs based on the considerations presented herein, without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it should be understood that portions of the devices illustrated in the figures may also form the basis of independent inventions.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 a, 1 b Device for applying cable grommets to a cable

2 cable grommet

3 bulk containers

4, 4a, 4b conveying means (band, chain)

5, 5a..5f roll

6 receiving means (plate, shovel)

7 slide

8 assembly tool

9 frames

10 drive means (band)

1 1 drive motor

12 drive roller for drive means 10

13 vibrating rail

14 vibrating motor (electromagnetic)

15 adapter plate

16 fitting screw

17 base plate

18 spring

19 clamping screw

Claims

16 claims

1 . Device (1 a, 1 b) for applying cable grommets (2) to a cable, comprising:

- A bulk container (3) for receiving a variety of loose

Cable grommets (2),

a conveyor for separating the in the bulk container (3)

located cable grommets (2) and for conveying the isolated cable grommets (2) to a mounting location and

- An assembly device (8) for mounting the funded cable grommets (2) on the cable,

characterized in that the conveyor:

an endless, annular, in the bulk container (3) projecting

Conveying means (4, 4a, 4b) and

- Receiving means (6) for receiving the cable grommets (2), wherein the receiving means (6) on the conveying means (4, 4a, 4b) are arranged on the inside of said ring.

2. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to claim 1, characterized by at least one on the inside of the ring (4, 4a, 4b) formed by the conveyor (4, 4b) arranged roller (5, 5a..5f) around which the conveyor ( 4, 4a, 4b) is guided.

3. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to claim 1, characterized by a plurality of rollers (5, 5a..5f), about which the conveying means (4, 4a, 4b) is guided, wherein at least two of the rollers (5, 5a .. 5f) on the inside of the through the

Conveying means (4, 4a, 4b) formed ring are arranged and vertically spaced.

4. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one of the rollers (5, 5 a, 5 b, 5 e, 5 f) is driven and formed as a friction roller. 17

5. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one of the rollers (5 e, 5 f) is driven and designed as a spiked roller or gear.

6. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized

marked that

a driving roller (12) engaged with an endless annular drive means (10) is provided, and

the drive means (10) is engaged in sections with the conveying means (4, 4a, 4b) on the outside of the ring formed by the conveying means (4, 4a, 4b).

7. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized

in that a further drive roller (12), which is in engagement with a conveying means (4, 4a, 4b), is provided with a driven roller (5, 5a..5f) or with an endless, annular drive means (10) Roll is arranged.

8. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized

characterized in that the conveying means (4, 4a, 4b) is guided in a rail.

9. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by a projecting into the interior of said ring horizontal or inclined conveyor section (7, 13).

10. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to claim 9, characterized in that as conveying section (7, 13) one or more of the group: conveyor belt, chute, vibrator is provided.

1 1. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that as conveying means (4, 4 a, 4 b) one or more of the group: belt, belt, rope, chain are provided.

12. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that as receiving means one or more of the group: blade, fork, pin, plate are provided.

13. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to claim 1 1 and 12, characterized in that the conveying means (4, 4 a, 4 b) comprises a made of elastic plastic or rubber band with plastic blades arranged thereon.

14. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to claim 13, characterized in that the blades are glued to the tape.

15. Device (1 a, 1 b) according to claim 13, characterized in that the blades are riveted to the tape.