EP2776353B1 - Line transport device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a line transport device for transporting electrical or optical lines, such as wires, cables, optical fibers, etc., along a conveying path, with a line conveyor having for conveying a line at least two drivable pressure rollers, between which the conveying path, wherein the Line transport device for alternately conveying two lines at least one, relative to the conveying path movable guide means, through which a line in the conveying path between the pressure rollers can be brought and by another line from the conveying path between the pressure rollers can be brought out.

Liner devices are used particularly in cable processing to feed the cables to be processed into the cable processing machine. Accordingly, such devices are often referred to as a feeder.

Such a collection discloses, for example, the WO 2009/141794 A2 , It comprises two circulating belts pressed against the cable to be conveyed, which are driven by pressure rollers. It can be promoted in each case only a single cable. For complex and highly automated applications, however, several different cables must be alternately conveyed to the cable processing machine.

The EP 0 598 276 A1 discloses a cable feeding and changing device for a wire processing machine. For the simultaneous conveying of two cables, two identical, parallel belt drives are provided. The two coming from different directions cables are then united by a sleeve on a common conveyor. The disadvantage of this solution is that two identical construction belt drives are required, which doubles cost and cost.

The EP 0 708 050 A1 discloses a cable transport and pivot device. This has a consisting of two transport rollers conveyor mechanism.

The EP 1 447 888 A1 also discloses a belt conveyor, similar principle, which, however, does not solve the problems mentioned above. The JP 2004-071237 A discloses a crimping machine. Cables of different thickness are introduced into a (funnel-like) receiving device. However, this document does not teach how to convey the two cables.

The US 5,820,008 A discloses a cable processing machine with a cable conveyor having a particular guide.

The US 2005/0050713 A1 discloses a wire processing machine having a tool disposed between two conveyor belts. A special feature of this cable processing machine is that the conveyor belt devices can be moved laterally (back and forth) against each other. This construction is a manipulation device (cutting, machining), and not a cable conveyor.

The WO 2011/055336 A1 discloses, in the context of the present invention, a cable transport device in the form of a belt drive.

In the EP 1 213 800 A1 there is disclosed a wire transporting apparatus for transporting electrical or optical lines. In this case, a line conveyor is provided which has at least two pressure rollers between which the conveying path of the lines runs. In order to alternately convey two lines, at least one guide means movable relative to the conveying path is provided, through which a line can be brought into the conveying path and which brings another line out of the conveying path. The respectively not further transported cable is kept fixed with separate clamping units. On the inlet side, these clamping units are designed as a clamping / retracting unit to tension the lines in the axial direction and to prevent sagging.

The disadvantages of the known in the prior art transport devices is that either from the outset only one line can be transported, or two complete, parallel-acting transport devices are used to collect cables simultaneously or successively in a cable processing device. In the first case, the applications are limited. In the second case, the increased expense leads to duplicate manufacturing, maintenance and repair costs.

Also known are so-called multiple sequencers. The line change in the sequencers, however, requires a complex belt drive, which allows a penetration of the lines through the drive mechanism. The required construction is complex and associated with high costs, whereby manufacturing costs and maintenance costs are very high.

The object of the present invention is to obviate these drawbacks and to provide a line transporting device which enables alternately conveying different lines. Effort and costs should be significantly reduced in comparison to the previously known solution. At the same time a reliable and easily controllable transport of lines to be made possible.

The invention achieves this goal with a line transporting device of the type mentioned above in that the line conveying means and the guide means as a whole pivot about a pivot axis, wherein preferably the pivot axis is oriented substantially vertically. This allows the use of the line transporting device as a pivoting device for various applications, e.g. a lead sibling.

The line transporting device thus comprises a line changer, which allows the automatic exchange of two (or more) lines, which are previously required, for example, at any time. manually inserted into the device. These may be lines of the same cross-section, but different identifier (color), or lines of different cross-section. The conveying path is the same for both lines and runs between the pressure rollers. It is therefore necessary only a line conveyor, whereby the design effort can be significantly reduced. The advantage of the invention is, in particular, that - as needed - the straight desired line is promoted, while the other line outside the conveying path remains in rest position. The pressure rollers on both sides of the conveying path are mutually displaceable to allow in the open position (greater distance) to change the lines and in the closed (oppressive against the line or applied to the line) position to promote the line.

A special field of application is the use of a line transport device according to the invention in a line twisting device (wire twister). Here, the transport device according to the invention assumes the function of a Cable changer for the cable feed to the twisting unit. Two lines can be pulled one after the other into the twisting unit. As soon as all two lines have arrived one after the other in the twisting unit, the twisting operation can be started.

However, the field of application is not limited to the above example. A line transport device can be used wherever two or more different lines have to be conveyed. Another application example would be a line changer for the generation of branched lines (double crimps) with different cross sections or identifiers (colors).

The achievable advantages are independent of the field of application and are mainly seen in a low expenditure on equipment coupled with low production costs and space-saving design. With only small extensions of existing Schwenkbandeinzügen can be upgraded to an inventive transport device. There is only one line drive.

Advantageous developments are set forth in the figures and in the dependent claims.

In one embodiment, the line transport device for each line at least one brake for fixing that line, which is just outside the conveying path, on, and are preferably the brakes pneumatically actuated. The brake ensures that the line in the rest position is fixed and can not unthread.

Preferably, the respective brake as a terminal (or line terminal) is formed. The fixation of the line takes place in this embodiment by clamping (or clamping) of the line.

Preferably, the operation of the brake or the line terminal is effected by a pneumatically adjustable air cylinder. This means that the line is pneumatically clamped and switched via a pneumatic cylinder drive. This has the advantage that the clamping force can be switched on and off as needed and the supply pressure air can be adjusted in the air cylinder, so that the Clamping force of the respective line, eg with different line / insulation resistance, can be adjusted.

In one embodiment, the brake acts in the region of the guide means on the lines. This allows a particularly simple construction, since in this case the brake can act against a wall of the guide and can pinch the line between the brake and the wall. Through the guide thus already a counter or pressure surface is created, against which the brake can press the line.

In one embodiment, the brakes are secured to and movable with the guide means while the actuator for the brakes is stationary with respect to the guide means. In this embodiment, the brakes can be biased in the closing direction, so that the brakes fix the lines without external influence. By moving a line in the conveying path, the associated brake enters the effective range of the actuator, which then opens this brake. In other words, the brake, which is assigned to a line located in the conveying path, is located in the effective range of the actuating device, while the brake, which is assigned to a line located in the rest position, is outside the effective range of the actuating device. The actuator is an opener that keeps the brake open for the duration of the delivery process. In this embodiment, an actuator is assigned simultaneously two brakes, namely the brake for the first line and the brake for the second line.

In one embodiment, the brakes comprise actuatable pins which are movable in the direction of the guide means, preferably perpendicular to the conveying path. As a result, an optimal braking effect is achieved.

In one embodiment, the conduit conveyor and the guide means are supported by a common frame. This allows a compact design.

In one embodiment, the guide means comprises a base body having at least two guides formed therein and spaced from each other for the lines to be transported, wherein preferably the guides are formed in the form of passages. Guides specially designed for each line increase the reliability of line changes and ensure well-defined Promotion or rest positions. The design effort is also reduced by this measure.

In one embodiment, the conduit transport device has two guide means which are spaced apart along the conveying path. The lines can be lifted out of or into the conveying path in their entire length. The zurückzulegende way of the guide means relative to the conveying path can be minimized, resulting in a space-saving solution. Such a line transport device preferably consists of guides that can be moved relative to the line conveyor in the starting area and end area of the conveyor line defined by the line conveyor.

In one embodiment, a guide means is arranged upstream of the line conveyor and the other guide means is arranged downstream of the line conveyor. As a result, the line conveyor and the guide means do not get in the way during their relative movement, which allows a simplified construction.

In one embodiment, the two guide means are driven by a common drive. As a result, a particularly easy to achieve synchronization of the guide means is achieved.

In one embodiment, the two guide means are connected to each other by a connecting element, preferably in the form of a rail. Such a connection element allows a very quick setup and change of cable pairs, because both guide means can be removed together. When removing the cables remain in the rail and are held if necessary via line brakes. For the purpose of changing only the rail must be removed from the transport device, threaded new lines in the guides and the rail are placed back on the transport device. Or a new, already threaded rail is inserted into the line changer.

Preferably, the guide means are interchangeable on the connecting element, for example rail, fixed and it can be performed with the use of appropriate guide means lines with different cable diameter.

Preferably, the guide means are each formed in one piece or in two pieces with the connecting element.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element extends above the conveying path. This will prevent the line conveyor and the line changer (which includes the movable guide means) from colliding during the course of the movement.

In one embodiment, the rail between the guide means on a flat portion, wherein the planar portion is aligned substantially parallel to the conveying path and substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the pressure rollers. In addition to low space requirements and optimum mechanical stability, this solution is characterized by optimum handling. In particular, space for additional elements, such as line brakes, can be created by this design.

In one embodiment, the rail has a recess in the region of the conveying path between the pressure rollers. There, the line conveyor presses on both sides of the line and drives them. The recess that clears the conveying path elegantly prevents the line conveyor and the line changer from getting in the way.

In one embodiment, the guide means is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the pressure rollers. This allows a particularly simple construction, the line conveyor and guide means separates from each other.

In one embodiment, the line conveying means comprises at least two drive belts, between which the conveying path runs and which are carried and driven by pressure rollers. By the drive belt results in a larger contact surface with the lines, so that slipping is excluded from the outset.

So that two lines can be conveyed one after the other, the guide means (eg guide tubes) have one groove for each line. On the base plate of the cable intake additional devices are arranged, which allow the guide means between the open pressure rollers or belt move so that once the first and once the second line is exactly between the drive belt and can be promoted by these clamped. So that the lines in the guide means can not slip, suitable brakes are installed. If the brakes are actively activated, there are corresponding actuators for this purpose.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any desired combination.

The list of reference numerals is part of the disclosure. The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. The same reference symbols denote the same components, reference symbols with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components.

Fig. 1

eine seitliche Ansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Leitungstransportvorrichtung,

Fig. 2

die Leitungstransportvorrichtung aus Fig. 1 im Detail,

Fig. 3

einen Querschnitt durch den Förderweg normal zur Förderrichtung,

Fig. 4

in perspektivischer Ansicht eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 5

eine Leitungstransportvorrichtung, zur besseren Darstellung ohne Leitungswechsler,

Fig. 6

in perspektivischer Ansicht eine Schiene mit zwei integrierten Führungsmitteln.

It shows:

Fig. 1

a side view of a line transport device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

the line transport device Fig. 1 in detail,

Fig. 3

a cross section through the conveying path normal to the conveying direction,

Fig. 4

in perspective view an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 5

a line transport device, for better illustration without line changer,

Fig. 6

in perspective view, a rail with two integrated guide means.

Fig. 1 shows a line transport device 22 according to the invention for alternately conveying two lines 1, 2 in a conveying direction F. For this purpose, the line transport device 22 comprises a line conveyor 23, the opposing pressure rollers 20, 21, between which the conveying path 24 extends. In the present embodiment, each additional circumferential drive belt 5, 6 are provided, which are held by the pressure rollers 20, 21 and driven (also called tape feeder, see Fig. 4 ). Preferably, pressure rollers 20, 21 and drive belts 5, 6 act together via a toothing. Thus, the line conveyor 23 comprises two opposing parts which press against the line to be conveyed and thereby drive them. Structure and operating principle of the line conveyor 23 go from the embodiments of

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 clearly visible. Upstream of the line transport device 22 so-called straightening units 3 are provided, which prepare the lines 1, 2 and provide aligned for further promotion available. There is a straightening system for each line.

Coming back to Fig. 1 upstream and downstream of the line conveyor 23 is provided in each case a guide means 7, 8 for the lines 1, 2, which is movable relative to the conveying path 24, whereby a line 1 in the conveying path 24 between the pressure rollers 20, 21 can be brought (conveying position) and the other line 2 out of the conveying path 24 can be brought out (rest position). The directions of movement of the guide means 7, 8 are perpendicular to the conveying direction F and are each represented by an arrow P. The guide means 7, 8 each comprise a basic body with two guides 7a, 7b or 8a, 8b (see, for example, FIG Fig. 6 ) for the lines 1, 2 to be transported. The guides are preferably in the form of passages, such as holes or tubes, into which the lines 1, 2 are threaded. The lines 1, 2 are kept spaced in the threaded state of the guides. A displacement actuator 9 is for driving the guide means 7 and a displacement actuator 10 is provided for driving the guide means 8. The displacement actuators are actuated synchronously, whereby the lines 1, 2 are brought with their entire, extending in the line conveyor 23 length from or into the conveying path 24.

In Fig. 1 is just the second line 2 in the conveying position, while the first line 1 remains in its rest position 12. The rest position 13 of the second line 2 is indicated by dashed lines. In this, the second line 2 passes through the fact that the guide means 7, 8 move down. The or the guide means 7, 8 is (are) in the illustrated embodiment in a direction substantially parallel to the axes of rotation 20 ', 21' of the pressure rollers 20, 21 stationary direction P movable.

The two opposing parts of the line conveyor 23, so the pressure rollers 20 and 21 with the respective circulating belts 5 and 6, are relatively movable toward each other in a direction normal to their axes of rotation 20 'and 21', whereby the pressure rollers against the straight in the Press conveyor line 24 located line. The pressure rollers 20, 21 and thus the drive belt 5, 6 are driven by a preferably common drive.

The line conveyor 23 and the guide means 7, 8 and their displacement actuators 9, 10 are supported by a common frame 4, for example a platform, a table or a mounting plate. To be used as a pivoting conveyor the line conveyor 23 and the guide means 7, 8 as a whole by one Swivel axis 4 'pivotally, preferably the pivot axis 4' is oriented substantially vertically, which is favorable for most applications.

Fig. 2 shows the line transport device 22 from Fig. 1 in detail. The actuator 15 for opening and closing the tape feeder (relative movement of the pressure rollers 20, 21 with the drive belt 5 held by these, 6) is arranged below the frame 4 in the illustrated embodiment.

Fig. 3 shows a cross section normal to the conveying direction F. To see are arranged on both sides of the conveying path 24 arranged drive belt 5, 6, between which is just the first line 1 (in the conveying position). The second line 2 is located below the conveying path 24 in the rest position 13 and is not driven by the rotating pressure rollers 20, 21. Above the conveying path 24, the rest position 12 of the first line 1 is indicated, which assumes this when the guide means moves the spaced apart lines 1, 2 upwards. Then the second line 2 enters the conveying path 24 and thus into the conveying position and the first line 1 in the rest position 12. Also visible is the frame 4, wherein space between the drive belt 5, 6 and frame 4 is provided for the second line 2 ,

Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the guide means 7 upstream of the line conveyor 23 and the guide means 8 are connected downstream of the line conveyor 23 by a rail 16 as a connecting element. The guiding means used in the presentation of Fig. 4 remain hidden, are each in the (right and left) end portion of the rail 16. One can imagine the position of the guide means in the area on which the brakes 17 (will be discussed in detail later) act.

In the preferred embodiment of Fig. 4 the guide means 7, 8 are each formed integrally with the rail 16. By removing the rail 16, the lines 1, 2 held therein can be changed or threaded in one step.

How out Fig. 4 it can be seen that the rail 16 has a planar configuration and is essentially parallel to the conveying path 24 and substantially parallel to the axes of rotation 20 ', 21'. the pressure rollers 20, 21 aligned. At the top, a bracket 19 connects to the rail 16. In order not to get into collision with the parts of the line conveyor 23, the rail 16 in the region of the conveying path 24 between the pressure rollers 20, 21 a recess. Exactly in this recess, the lines run 1, 2 and there are driven by the opposite drive belt 5, 6.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a rail 16 with a flat shape, in which the two guide means 7, 8 are integrated. To change the lines 1, 2 thus only the rail 16 has to be removed from the line changer and the lines are re-threaded. In this case, a guide means 7, 8 comprises two guides 7a, 7b or 8a, 8b which are spaced apart in the direction perpendicular to the conveying path 24 and which hold the two lines 1, 2 at a distance. Between the guide means 7, 8, the planar portion of the rail 16 has a recess 26. Right there press the drive rollers 20, 21 and the drive belt 5, 6 on both sides against one of the two lines 1, 2. A (not shown) drive moves the rail 16 along the double arrow P.

In order for that line, which is currently in a rest position, can not move and jumps out of their leadership, the line transport device 22 for each transportable line 1, 2 at least one brake 17 for fixing that line, just outside the conveying path 24 is located. The brakes 17 preferably act on the lines 1, 2 in the region of the guide means 7, 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the brakes 17 include pneumatically actuated bolts which are movable in the direction of the guide means 7, 8 and there press the lines against a pressing surface, for example against one wall of the guide. Preferably, the force of the brakes 17 is directed perpendicular to the conveying path 24. An actuator 18 for opening the brakes 17 is in Fig. 4 also shown. The brakes 17 move up and down with the rail 16 while the actuator (s) 18 are fixedly mounted on the platform 4. The brakes 17 may, for example, be biased in the closing direction, so that without actuation a brake 17 always fixes the line assigned to it. The actuator 18 acts in this case as an opener and acts on the respective brake 17 during the entire conveying process. At the end of the conveying process of one of the lines, the brake 17 is released by the actuating device 18, whereby this in turn enters the closing position. The construction can thereby The upwards and downwards movement of the guides 7a, 7b or 8a, 8b and thus of the brakes 17 associated therewith brings the "correct" brake 17 into the effective range of the actuating device 18, which then feeds them for the time of delivery keeps open.

Fig. 5 shows a line transport device 22, which is shown for better visibility without the line changer. Also missing here the drive belt 5, 6. On a pivotable about a vertical pivot axis 4 platform 4, the entire tape feed is arranged. The drive for pivoting the platform 4 is partially seen by drive rollers and circulating belts. The tape feeder (line conveyor 23) consists of pressure rollers 20, 21 which are rotatable about mutually parallel axes of rotation 20 ', 21'. Between opposite pressure rollers 20, 21 and optionally provided intermediate rollers 25 of the conveying path 24 extends. A first line 1 is being moved in the conveying direction F.

The embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 6 differ in certain characteristics from each other. Further embodiments within the scope of the claimed invention are also possible. For example, the pressure rollers can press directly on the lines and drive them, ie without additional drive belt. Also, the line changer may be configured for more than just two lines. Accordingly, he would only have one lead per line. Corresponding space would have to be considered for the rest positions of just not funded lines.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

• 1 first line
• 2 second line
• 3 straightener
• 4 frame, swivel
• 5 (right) drive belt
• 6 (left) drive belt
• 7 first guide means
• 7a, 7b guides in the first guide means 7
• 8 second guide means
• 8a, 8b guides in the second guide means 8
• 9 Displacement reactor for first guide means 7
• 10 displacement actuator for second guide means 8
• 11 conveying position
• 12 rest position of the first line 1
• 13 rest position of the second line 2
• 15 Actuator for opening and closing the tape feeder
• 16 rail for connecting the first and second guide means (guide rail)
• 17 brake for one line
• 18 Actuation device of the line brake
• 19 Holder for guide rail
• 20 pressure roller
• 21 pressure roller
• 22 line transport device
• 23 pipe conveyor
• 24 funding route
• 25 intermediate rolls
• 26 recess in the rail 16
• F Direction of the line (s)
• P direction of movement of the guide means

Claims (15)

1. A conductor transport device (22) for purposes of transporting electrical or optical conductors (1, 2), such as wires, cables optical fibres, etc, along a conveyance route (24), with a means of conductor conveyance (23), which has at least two pressure rollers (20, 21) that can be driven, between which the conveyance route (24) runs, wherein the conductor transport device (22) has at least one means of guidance (7, 8) for purposes of conveying two conductors (1, 2) in alternative order, which means of guidance (7, 8) can be moved relative to the conveyance route (24), and which can bring one conductor (1) into the conveyance route (24) between the pressure rollers (20, 21), and which can bring the other conductor (2) out of the conveyance route (24) between the pressure rollers (20, 21), characterised in that the means of conductor conveyance (23) and the means of guidance (7, 8) can be together pivoted as a whole about a pivot axis (4'), wherein the pivot axis (4') is preferably aligned so as to be essentially vertical.
2. The conductor transport device in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the conductor transport device (22) has at least one brake (17) for each conductor (1, 2), for purposes of fixing that conductor (1, 2) which is at that moment located outside the conveyance route (24), and in that the brakes (17) can preferably be actuated pneumatically.
3. The conductor transport device in accordance with claim 2, characterised in that the brake (17) acts on the conductors (1, 2) in the region of the means of guidance (7, 8), and/or in that the brakes (17) are pre-loaded in the closing direction.
4. The conductor transport device in accordance with one of the claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the brakes a(17) are in each case attached to the one or more means of guidance (7, 8) and can be moved with the latter, while an actuation device (18) for purposes of actuating the brakes (17) is stationary with respect to the means of guidance (7, 8).
5. The conductor transport device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means of conductor conveyance (23) and the means of guidance (7, 8) are supported by a common frame (4).
6. The conductor transport device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means of guidance (7, 8) comprises a base body with at least two guides formed in the latter, and spaced apart from one another, for the conductors (1, 2) that are to be transported, wherein the guides are preferably designed in the form of passages.
7. The conductor transport device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means of conductor conveyance (22) has two means of guidance (7, 8), which are spaced apart from one another along the conveyance route (24).
8. The conductor transport device in accordance with claim 7, characterised in that one means of guidance (7) is arranged upstream of the means of conductor conveyance (23) and the other means of guidance (8) is arranged downstream of the means of conductor conveyance (23).
9. The conductor transport device in accordance with one of the claims 7 or 8, characterised in that the two means of guidance (7, 8) can be driven by a common drive.
10. The conductor transport device in accordance with one of the claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the two means of guidance (7, 8) are connected with one another by a connecting element, preferably in the form of a rail (16), wherein the means of guidance (7, 8) are preferably attached to the connecting element such that they can be replaced.
11. The conductor transport device in accordance with one of the claims 7 to 10, characterised in that the two means of guidance (7, 8) are each formed in one piece or two pieces with the connecting element (16).
12. The conductor transport device in accordance with claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the connecting element (16) has a two-dimensional section between the means of guidance (7, 8), wherein the two-dimensional section is aligned essentially parallel to the conveyance route (24), and essentially parallel to the axes of rotation (20', 21') of the pressure rollers (20, 21).
13. The conductor transport device in accordance with one of the claims 10 or 11, characterised in that in the region of the conveyance route (24) the connecting element (16) has an opening (26) between the pressure rollers (20, 21).
14. The conductor transport device in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means of guidance (7, 8) can be moved in a direction essentially parallel to the axes of rotation (20', 21') of the pressure rollers (20, 21).
15. The conductor transport device in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means of conductor conveyance (23) comprises at least two drive belts (5, 6), between which the conveyance route (24) runs, and which are supported and driven by pressure rollers (20, 21).

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