EP2882042A1 - Device and method for fitting an identification label - Google Patents

Abstract

Shown and described is a device (1) for mounting an identification plate (2) in a groove-shaped recess (3) of a terminal block (4).

With the device, the mounting of a license plate is particularly easy to carry out, that the device a base body (5), a base (5) fixed holding device (6) for receiving the identification plate (2) and a displaceable to the base body (5) mounted mounting punch (7), wherein the mounting punch (7) from a first position in which the free end (9) of the mounting punch (7) not opposite the end (8) of the holding device (6) protrudes, can be brought into a second position, in which the free end (9) of the mounting punch (7) projects relative to the end (8) of the holding device (6), so that an identification plate held by the holding device (6) and attached to the latching recess (3) of the terminal block (4) (2) by moving the mounting punch (7) in the second position in the latching recess (3) can be latched.

Description

The invention relates to a device for mounting a label in a groove-shaped recess of an electrical component, in particular a terminal. In addition, the invention also relates to a method for mounting a label in a groove-shaped recess of an electrical component with a corresponding device.

Identification labels are used in electrical and electronic components and devices, especially in terminal blocks, for marking and marking of the individual components. For easy attachment of the identification plates in the housings of the electrical components or terminal blocks usually groove-shaped recesses formed in the identification plates with their corresponding to the recesses formed locking elements and thereby can be locked. As latching elements two or four locking legs are often provided, which protrude from the identification carrier plate. The installation of such identification plates is carried out in practice, usually by hand, where appropriate, simple gripping tools are used to facilitate the handling of the relatively small identification plates during assembly.

Since in particular electrical terminal blocks are often mounted in larger numbers on mounting rails, of which several may be arranged in a cabinet, the assembly of the individual labels is associated with a considerable amount of time. In addition, there is a risk during manual assembly that the identification plates either not properly inserted into the recesses of the housing and locked, so that the labels can solve in retrospect, or the fitter loses the relatively small identification plates during manual assembly, which not only the number of required identification plates but in particular also increases the assembly time.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for mounting a label in a groove-shaped recess of an electronic component and a corresponding method by which or by which simplifies the assembly of the identification plates. With the help of the device preferably a partially or fully automatic mounting of the identification plates is to be made possible.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 11.

The device according to the invention has a base body, a holding device attached to the base body for receiving the identification plate and a mounting punch displaceably mounted to the base body. The mounting punch is designed and stored such that it can be moved from a first position in which the free end of the mounting post is not opposite the end of the holding device in a second position in which the free end of the mounting punch relative to the end of the holding device protrudes. As a result, a label held by the holding device and attached by means of the device to the latching recess of an electronic component can be latched into the latching recess when the assembly punch is moved into the second position.

The holding device and the mounting punch are arranged to each other such that the recording of the label plate serving end of the holding device and the free end of the mounting punch are adjacent to each other. With the device according to the invention can thus be accommodated easily and safely manner to be mounted identification plate and spent in the mounting position on the groove-shaped recess of the electrical component, the label then by moving the assembly stamp from a first position to a second position in the Locking recess is engaged. The assembly stamp is preferably mounted displaceably on or in the main body.

The holding device, which facilitates the recording of a label in comparison to manual mounting, is adapted to the dimensions of the label to be mounted with their dimensions, in particular with the dimensions of their end serving the recording. In order to enable a quick and easy recording of a label to be mounted, for example, an adhesive layer may be applied to the free end of the holding device to which a label to be mounted adheres and thereby can be safely transported to its mounting position on the groove-shaped recess of an electronic component.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the holding device is designed as a suction tube which is connected to an assembly for generating and switching a negative pressure. The formation of the holding device as a suction tube allows both a simple recording of a label and a secure release of the label, if this is to be locked by means of the mounting punch in the recess. For this purpose, the negative pressure provided via the assembly must be switched off so that an unwanted adherence of a label at the end of the suction tube after positioning of the label on the recess is prevented.

Preferably, the assembly for generating and switching a negative pressure is attached directly to the main body, so that long supply lines can be avoided by the assembly to the intake manifold and thus a quick on and off of the desired negative pressure is possible. In particular, when different types of identification plates are to be mounted with the device according to the invention, the assembly for generating and switching a negative pressure preferably also has a measuring device, which can ensure that always provided for receiving and holding an identification plate vacuum available becomes. With the help of the measurement of the negative pressure, it is also possible to check whether an identification plate has ever been sucked in or not. The module is then used to generate Switching and measuring a negative pressure and checking whether an identification plate has been recorded.

Since both the end of the holding device or of the suction tube and the free end of the assembly stamp must come into contact with the identification carrier plate of the identification plate to be mounted, at least the end of the suction tube and the end of the mounting punch are arranged closely adjacent to each other. Preferably, the suction tube and the mounting post are at least partially parallel to each other, so that the "tip" of the mounting device formed from the suction tube and mounting temple have a small cross-section and thus even in tight spaces, for example when next to one another aufgerasteten terminal blocks, can be used. In order to further increase safety in the recording of a label and at the same time to prevent damage to a label, the end of the suction tube serving to receive the identification plate preferably has a sealing element, for example a sealing lip. As a result, the adaptation of the end of the suction tube is improved to the surface of the male identification plate, which increases the adhesion of the identification plate at the end of the suction tube. The arrangement or design of a sealing element can be dispensed with, if the identification plate itself is so flexible or soft that a good and reliable conditioning of the end of the suction tube is ensured on the surface of the male identification plate.

It has previously been stated that an identification plate received by means of the holding device is positioned on the groove-shaped recess of the electrical component. In principle, this is possible because the device as a whole is moved by hand in space and brought to the respective component. Preferably, however, the device is attached to a corresponding transport and positioning system, so that the device can be automatically moved to the position required for mounting a license plate.

There is a label on the associated groove-shaped recess, so the label is characterized in the recess pressed and engaged that the assembly stamp is moved from a first position to a second position, wherein the free end of the mounting post protrudes in the second position relative to the end of the holding device. In order to facilitate the engagement of the identification plate in the recess, the identification plate is preferably positioned on the groove-shaped recess, that the label has an angle to the base of the groove-shaped recess. If the identification plate has two mutually opposite latching legs, this can already be used to insert a latching leg into the latching recess. When moving the assembly stamp then the label is tilted and thereby pressed the second detent leg in the recess and thus the label overall locked in the recess.

In principle, the method of the assembly stamp from the first position to the second position could be done manually, for example by means of a lever. Preferably, however, for this purpose, a linearly moving drive, in particular a linear drive is arranged on the base body, wherein there are different possibilities with respect to the specific configuration of the drive. A very simple and practical, while at the same time reliable and precise design of the linear drive is preferably that the linear drive has an electric linear motor with a linear guide and a sliding guide, the sliding guide is firmly connected to the linear guide and the direction of movement of the linear guide in one of them deviating, suitable direction of movement of the assembly stamp deflects. Due to the design of the linear guide it is achieved that as little or as little as possible transverse forces and moments act on the linear motor. About the slide guide, the direction of movement of the linear motor or the linear guide can be deflected in the desired direction of movement of the mounting punch. In addition, can be adapted to different requirements only by replacing the slide guide in a simple way, both the travel and the direction of travel of the assembly stamp.

According to a simple embodiment, the slide guide has at least one inclined, straight slot in which a arranged on the mounting post Bolt is guided. In this way, the direction of movement of the linear guide can be deflected in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the mounting punch, wherein on the inclination of the slot, the transmission ratio can be adjusted. In order to ensure a good and secure guidance of the assembly punch, the slotted guide preferably has two opposing slots, in which the assembly punch is guided in each case with a bolt. Alternatively to the formation of a two-arm slide guide, between the two arms of the mounting punch is arranged, and a one-armed slide guide can be provided, in which case a recess for the sliding guide is formed in the mounting punch. Also, the assembly temple is guided by bolts in a slot in the slotted guide. In addition, the mounting stamp is preferably mounted with its end facing away from the free end in corresponding plain bearing bushes in the body.

In order to enable a simple adaptation of the device according to the invention to different identification plates, the assembly stamp is preferably formed at least in two parts, wherein it has an exchangeable mounting syringe. If identification plates with different dimensions are used, the device can be easily adapted to the respective type of identification plate by using a suitable mounting tip. The attachment of the mounting tip to the mounting punch is preferably realized so that their replacement can be done without special tool, preferably even without tools.

The degree of automation of the mounting of the identification plates can be further increased by the fact that in the device, a process monitoring is integrated, by means of which a proper mounting of a label in the corresponding recess can be monitored. In particular, the process monitoring has a force sensor and a displacement sensor, wherein the force sensor is preferably arranged directly on the assembly punch, so that the force applied when pressing in an identification plate in the recess can be monitored and optionally controlled. Also, the displacement sensor can in principle be assigned directly to the mounting punch, so that the displacement sensor directly measures the travel path of the assembly stamp. Preferably, however, the displacement sensor is associated with the linear guide or the link guide, so that the displacement sensor measures the travel path of the linear guide or the link guide, from which the travel path of the mounting punch can be calculated. This indirect measurement of the travel of the assembly stamp is selected when the travel of the slide guide is greater than the corresponding path of the Montagestempels, since then for a given maximum resolution of the displacement sensor a more accurate measurement of the travel is possible.

Overall, the inventive device thus allows depending on the design of a partially or fully automatic mounting of license plates in recesses of electrical components, in particular in groove-shaped recesses of terminal blocks.

• Aufnehmen eines Kennzeichnungsschildes mit dem Ende der Haltevorrichtung,
• Positionieren des Kennzeichnungsschildes mit der Haltevorrichtung an einer nutförmigen Rastausnehmung des elektrischen Bauelements, und
• Verbringen des Montagestempels aus einer ersten Position, in der das freie Ende des Montagestempels nicht gegenüber dem Ende der Haltevorrichtung vorsteht, in eine zweite Position, in der das freie Ende des Montagestempels gegenüber dem Ende der Haltevorrichtung vorsteht, so dass das von der Haltevorrichtung gehaltene und an der Rastausnehmung des elektrischen Bauelements angesetzte Kennzeichnungsschild durch das freie Ende des Montagestempels in die Rastausnehmung eingerastet wird.

In the inventive method for mounting an identification plate in a groove-shaped recess of an electrical component, which is preferably carried out with the device according to the invention, the object is achieved with the features of claim 11. The method is characterized by the following steps, which are carried out in succession:

• Receiving a label with the end of the holder,
• Positioning of the identification plate with the holding device on a groove-shaped recess of the electrical component, and
• Spend the assembly stamp from a first position in which the free end of the mounting post does not project from the end of the holding device, in a second position in which the free end of the mounting post protrudes from the end of the holding device, so that held by the holding device and attached to the recess of the electrical component identification plate is engaged by the free end of the mounting punch in the recess.

As has been stated above in connection with the device according to the invention, the holding device for receiving the identification plate is preferably also formed in the inventive method as a suction tube which is connected to an assembly for generating and switching and optionally measuring a negative pressure. To record a label while a negative pressure at the end of the suction tube is generated, wherein the negative pressure is preferably turned off when the mounting temple has been moved to the second position, so that then the label can be pressed into the recess that the mounting temple in his second position is spent.

Alternatively, the negative pressure can only be turned off when the identification plate has been pressed into the recess with the aid of the mounting punch. This prevents the identification plate from falling down before it is securely locked in the latching recess. Such an approach is particularly useful when the electrical component is located with its recess at a hard to reach place or the label must be mounted overhead. Since the force of the mounting punch, with which the label is pressed into the recess, without problems greater than the force acting in the opposite direction of the negative pressure can be selected, the impressions of the label in the recess is not hindered by the fact that the negative pressure is not turned off has been.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

die Montage eines Kennzeichnungsschildes in einer Rastausnehmung einer Reihenklemme, zu drei aufeinander folgenden Zeitpunkten, und

Fig. 4

eine vergrößerte Detaildarstellung der Montageschritte des Kennzeichnungsschildes in einer Rastausnehmung einer Reihenklemme gemäß Fig. 3.

In particular, there are now a large number of possibilities for designing and developing the device or the method according to the invention. Reference is made to both the patent claims 1 and 11 subordinate claims as well as the following description of a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawing show

Fig. 1

a side view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a perspective view of the embodiment of the device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

the mounting of a label in a recess of a terminal, at three consecutive times, and

Fig. 4

an enlarged detail of the assembly steps of the identification plate in a recess of a terminal according to Fig. 3 ,

The Fig. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention, once from the side ( Fig. 1 ) and once in perspective obliquely from above ( Fig. 2 ). The device 1 is used for mounting identification plates 2 in designated groove-shaped recesses 3 of electrical components, which may be in the electrical components in particular electrical terminal blocks 4, as this in the Fig. 3 and 4 are shown.

The device 1 has a main body 5, a suction device designed as a 6 holding device for receiving a label 2 and a mounting punch 7, which is slidably mounted in the base body 5. Preferably, the device 1 itself is attached to a - not shown here-transport and positioning, so that the device 1 is movable in space such that a held at the end 8 of the suction tube 6 identification plate 2 according to the Fig. 3a and 4a can be positioned on the groove-shaped recess 3 of the terminal 4.

In the in the Fig. 3a and 4a illustrated first position of the mounting punch 7, the end 9 of the mounting punch 7 and the end 8 of the suction tube 6 - are arranged at a level relative to the identification plate 2 - so that the free end 9 of the mounting punch 7 is not opposite the end 8 of the suction tube 6 in the direction of the identification plate 2 protrudes. In this first position of the mounting punch 7, the free end 9 of the mounting punch 7 thus sits only on the top of the identification plate 2, wherein the identification plate 2 by means of negative pressure at the end 8 of the suction tube 6 is held. To generate the required negative pressure at the end 8 of the suction pipe 6, the suction pipe 6 is connected to an assembly 10 for generating, switching and measuring the negative pressure. So that the supply line 11 can be made as short as possible from the assembly 10 to the suction pipe 6, the assembly 10 is attached directly to the base body 5.

From the Fig. 1 and 2 It can be seen that the suction tube 6 and the mounting temple 7 are arranged parallel to each other at a very small distance at least in the vicinity of their free ends 8, 9. In order to facilitate the deliberate picking up and holding of a label 2, a sealing lip 12 is arranged at the lower end 8 of the suction tube 6, which is in direct contact with the identification plate 2 in the positioning of the identification plate 2.

To the mounting stamp 7 from the in the Fig. 3a and 4a shown in the first position in the Fig. 3c and 4c To move the second position shown, the device 1, a linear motor 13 which is connected via a linear guide 14 with a slotted guide 15. In this case, the slide guide 15 is screwed to the linear guide 14 so that the slide guide 15 is on the one hand firmly connected to the linear guide 14, on the other hand, however, can also be replaced by another slide guide, whereby the direction of movement of the mounting temple 7 is variable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slotted guide 15 - in the illustration according to Fig. 1 - In each case on the front and on the back of an inclined, straight slot 16, in each of which a arranged on the mounting temple 7 bolt 17 is guided. One - according to the arrangement in Fig. 1 - Horizontal movement of the linear guide 14 and the slide guide 15 leads thereby deflected in a vertical movement of the mounting punch 7, so that the end 9 of the mounting temple 7 in its second position according to Fig. 1 opposite the end 8 of the suction tube 6 and the sealing lip 12 protrudes. By the method of the assembly stamp 7 while a label 2 according to the representations in the Fig. 3b and 3c or 4b and 4c pressed into the groove-shaped recess 3 of the terminal 4, so that the identification plate 2 locked in the recess 3.

From the representations according to the Fig. 3 and 4 It can be seen that the suction pipe 6 is arranged substantially centrally to the longitudinal extension of the identification plate 2, while the end 9 of the mounting punch 7 is arranged slightly laterally offset from the center of the identification plate 2. As a result, the desired tilting and locking of the first positioned at an angle to the base of the groove-shaped recess 3 identification plate 2 is facilitated and ensured so that the label 2 due to the elasticity of its struts 18 securely engages in the groove-shaped recess 3.

Thus, the device 1 can be used even with different identification plates 2, in particular the mounting punch 7 is formed in two parts, wherein it has an exchangeable mounting tip 19. The attachment of the mounting tip 19 is preferably designed such that a replacement of the mounting tip 19 can be done without tools. If this is necessary, the suction pipe 6 or the tip of the suction pipe 6 can be made interchangeable, so that the suction pipe 6 can be adapted to different size labels 2.

In order to control and monitor the proper mounting of a label 2, the device 1 still has a process monitoring, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a force sensor 20 and a displacement sensor 21. The force sensor 20 is arranged directly in the power flow between the linear drive and the mounting punch 7 below the slide guide 15 on the mounting temple 7. The displacement sensor 21, however, is not directly associated with the mounting punch 7 but the linear guide 14, so that the displacement sensor 21 measures the travel of the linear guide 14. With knowledge of the design of the slotted guide 15 but this is simply the path of the assembly temple 7 can be calculated. This indirect measurement of the travel path of the assembly punch 7 has the advantage in the illustrated embodiment that a more accurate measurement signal can be determined for the given maximum resolution of the displacement sensor 21 because the linear guide 14 or the slide guide 15 covers a greater distance than the assembly punch 7 ,

Claims (14)

Device (1) for mounting an identification plate (2) in a groove-shaped recess (3) of an electrical component, in particular a terminal block (4), with a base body (5), with a holding device (6) attached to the base body (5) for receiving the identification plate (2) and with a to the main body (5) slidably mounted mounting punch (7),
wherein the mounting punch (7) from a first position in which the free end (9) of the mounting punch (7) not opposite the end (8) of the holding device (6) protrudes, can be brought into a second position in which the free end (9) of the mounting punch (7) opposite the end (8) of the holding device (6) protrudes, so that one of the holding device (6) held and attached to the latching recess (3) of an electrical component identification plate (2) by moving the mounting punch (7) in the second position in the latching recess (3) can be latched. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding device (6) is designed as a suction tube which is connected to an assembly (10) for generating and switching a negative pressure, wherein the assembly (10) is preferably attached to the base body (5) , Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the recording of the identification plate (2) serving end (8) of the suction pipe (6) has a sealing element (12). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that on the base body (5) a linearly moving drive for moving the mounting punch (7) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the drive comprises a linear motor (13) with a linear guide (14) and a slotted guide (15), wherein the slide guide (15) is fixedly connected to the linear guide (14) and the slotted guide (15 ) the direction of movement of Linear guide (14) deflected in a deviating movement direction of the mounting punch (7). Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that in the sliding guide (15) at least one inclined, straight slot (16) is arranged, in which a on the mounting punch (7) arranged bolt (17) is guided. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the mounting punch (7) is formed at least in two parts and preferably a tool-exchangeable mounting tip (19). Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a process monitoring is integrated. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the process monitoring comprises a force sensor (20) and a displacement sensor (21), wherein the force sensor (20) on the mounting punch (7) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 4 and 9, characterized in that the displacement sensor (21) of the linear guide (14) or the slotted guide (15) is assigned, so that the displacement sensor (21) the travel of the linear guide (14) or the slotted guide (15). measures, from which the travel path of the assembly stamp (7) is calculable. Method for mounting an identification plate (2) in a groove-shaped recess (3) of an electrical component, in particular a terminal block (4), with a device (1) having a base body (5), a holding device (6) attached to the base body (5) ) for receiving the identification plate (2) and in the base body (5) slidably mounted mounting punch (7), wherein the recording of the identification plate (2) serving end (8) of the holding device (6) and the free end (9) of the Montagestempels (7) are arranged adjacent to each other,
characterized by the following steps: - receiving a label (2) with the end (8) of the holding device (6), Positioning the license plate (2) with the holding device (6) on a groove-shaped latching recess (3) of the electrical component, - Spend the mounting punch (7) from a first position in which the free end (9) of the mounting punch (7) and the end (8) of the holding device (6) are arranged at a height, in a second position in which free end (9) of the mounting punch (7) opposite the end (8) of the holding device (6) protrudes, so that held by the holding device (6) and attached to the latching recess (3) of the electrical component identification plate (2) by the free end (9) of the mounting punch (7) in the latching recess (3) is engaged. A method according to claim 11, wherein the holding device (6) is designed as a suction tube, which is connected to an assembly (10) for generating and switching a negative pressure, characterized in that for receiving the identification plate (2) a negative pressure at the end (8) of the suction pipe (6) is generated. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the negative pressure is turned off before the assembly punch (7) spent in the second position and the identification plate (2) by the free end (9) of the mounting punch (7) in the latching recess (3) becomes. Method according to claim 11 to 13, characterized in that the license plate (2) with the holding device (6) is positioned on the groove-shaped recess (3) of the electrical component that the license plate (2) forms an angle to the base of the groove-shaped Having recessed recess (3).

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