EP3012841A1 - Device for feeding pipe ends to a processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a feed device (1) for feeding line ends (2a..2c) of at least two lines (3a..3c) into a further processing device (4). The feeding device (1) has first clamping jaws (5a..5f) and the further processing device (4) has second clamping jaws (6a, 6b) for picking up and clamping the line ends (2a..2c). The first clamping jaws (5a..5f) are movable relative to one another in a clamping position in such a way that a distance (a) of clamped line ends (2a..2c) is changeable. When the first clamping jaws (5a..5f) are completely open, a gap between them extends lying gap in a direction of movement (A) for changing the distance between the clamped line ends (2a..2c) at least twice as far as in a clamping direction (B). The invention also relates to a method in which a variable position of the first jaws (5a..5f) is adjusted before clamping the line ends (2a..2c) according to a selected distance (a) between the line ends (2a..2c) and the first jaws (5a..5f) are moved by the further processing device (4) in a fixed predetermined position before clamping the line ends (2a..2c) in the second jaws (6a, 6b).

Description

The invention relates to a feeding device for feeding line ends of at least two lines in a further processing device for said lines. The feeder has first jaws for clamping the line ends, and the further processing device has second jaws for clamping the line ends. The feeding device and the further processing device are movable relative to one another into a transfer position, in which the first clamping jaws and the second clamping jaws face each other. In addition, the first jaws are movable in a clamping position against each other such that a distance between the clamped line ends is changeable.

The invention further relates to a method for clamping at least two lines by means of a feeder with first jaws and to transfer the lines to a further processing device with second jaws. In this case, line ends of said lines are clamped between the first jaws of the feeder and moves the feeder in a transfer position with the further processing device, in which the first jaws of the feed device and the second jaws of the further processing device face each other. As a result, the lead ends are clamped between the second jaws of the processing device and the first jaws of the feeder are released. Subsequently, a further processing of said lines in the processing device is carried out.

A feeder and a method of the above type are known in principle from the prior art. The EP 1 032 095 A2 discloses a method and apparatus for processing and twisting a pair of conductors. In this twisting the Leading conductor ends fed from a first pivoting unit for processing and assembly a first machine. Then an extract carriage takes over the leading conductor ends and pulls the ladder to the desired length. A feeder takes over the leading conductor ends and brings them to a twisting head. The trailing conductor ends are taken over by a second swiveling unit and fed to second machines for processing and assembly. A transfer module takes over the finished trailing conductor ends and transfers them to a holding module. The conductor pair located between the holding module and the twisting head is twisted and elongated with controlled traction.

In general, it is desirable to twist lines as far as possible over the entire length. The distance of the cable ends during twisting has a great influence on which shortest length can be achieved for the untwisted end section. The greater the distance between the ends of the line, the longer is the generally unwanted untwisted end section. However, the distance between the line ends can not be arbitrarily reduced, especially because line ends are processed with mounted seals and / or contacts.

In the prior art feeding device and the twisting head are therefore designed to the largest occurring distance of the line ends, whereby the untwisted end portion is only as short as possible when the line ends - due to mounted seals and contacts - not at a closer distance than in Twisting head can be arranged. All other twisted wires, and this represents the majority, thus have a long untwisted end portion.

Under certain circumstances, a quite similar problem arises even during the assembly of a seal and / or a (crimp) contact, in particular if a seal and / or a contact for the reception of several Lines is provided and different seals and / or contacts to be processed. Of course, the mentioned problem also arises when individual seals and / or contacts are to be mounted simultaneously on several lines.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved feeder and an improved method for transferring lines. In particular, the feeder should be used variably and, in particular, when used in a twisting device, keep the untwisted end section as short as possible.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are set forth in the figures and in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, when the first jaws are fully opened, a gap therebetween extends in a direction of movement for varying the distance of clamped leads at least twice as far as in a clamping direction of the first jaws for clamping the lead ends.

In particular, said clearance in a direction of movement for varying the distance of clamped conduit ends may be at least twice as large as a diameter of the conduit ends for which the delivery device is specified. It is also advantageous, moreover, if said intermediate space is at least 9 mm in a direction of movement for changing the distance of clamped cable ends.

According to the invention, in a method of the type mentioned above, a variable position of the first jaws is set prior to clamping the line ends according to a selected distance between the line ends, and the first jaws are placed in front of Clamps of the line ends in the second jaws of the further processing device moves to a fixed predetermined position.

It is advantageous if at least two different values can be selected for the distance between clamped line ends. However, it is also conceivable that the line ends are measured (for example optically) and a (minimum) distance is set automatically.

The proposed measures, the line ends can be clamped by the feeder in the first terminals in different positions and thus at different distances from each other. The construction of the feeder and the functional processes in the same thus make it possible to transfer the line ends at a variable distance from one another to a further processing device. Thin lines, possibly with small (crimp) contacts and small seals, can be arranged to each other in a smaller line spacing than lines with a large outer diameter, which are equipped in particular with large-volume (crimp) contacts and seals.

In particular, but not only, the introduced feeding device is suitable for the transfer of the lines into a rotatably mounted twisting head, which then forms or comprises the further processing device. In this way, the lines can be twisted to the greatest possible length, or the non-twisted cable ends can remain as short as possible. In addition, a required line spacing and a required untwisted line length can be well maintained. However, the further processing feeder can also take on another task. For example, this can push a seal on the lines and / or (crimp) mount contacts on the line ends.

The lines are clamped according to the proposed method at an adjustable position in the first jaws. Of the set distance between the line ends results in consequence, that the first jaws and the second jaws are moved to each other in a fixed predetermined transfer position.

Further advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the description in conjunction with the figures.

It is advantageous if the feed device comprises a control, which is connected to a drive for the first jaws and adapted for its control, such that the distance between clamped line ends is brought to an adjustable value prior to transfer to the twisting head. In this way, the line spacing can be adjusted automatically.

It is particularly advantageous if the first clamping jaws have mutually facing clamping surfaces which are a) substantially flat or b) comprise more than one, in particular more than two, half-shell-shaped indentations for receiving one line end each. Case a) allows clamping in any position. The first clamps may also be toothed for a secure fit, the tooth height advantageously being less than 10% of the pipe diameter and / or less than 3% of the distance of the first clamping jaws in the clamping direction with the first jaws fully open and / or less than 0.3 mm. The clamping surfaces are then still substantially flat. The case b) allows the terminals of the line ends finally at several predetermined positions.

It is also particularly advantageous if the second clamping jaws have mutually facing clamping surfaces which are essentially flat or d) comprise more than two, in particular more than three, half-shell-shaped notches for receiving one line end each. What has been said about the first jaws applies analogously.

It is also advantageous if the first clamping jaws in a clamping position are movable relative to each other such that a distance between two clamped line ends is variable. In this way, twisted pair cables can be made with differently spaced cable ends.

It is also favorable if the first clamping jaws are movable relative to one another in a clamping position such that a distance between three clamped line ends can be changed. In this way, even three-wire cables with differently spaced line ends can be transferred to a further processing device. For example, the lines can then be twisted, or a seal is pushed onto the ends of the line, or contacts are mounted on the line ends. Of course, the aforementioned activities can also be performed jointly by a further processing device.

It is also advantageous if the first jaws and / or second jaws are slidably mounted to each other for clamping a line end. As a result, a precise clamping or precise compliance with a required distance of the line ends is possible.

It is also favorable if the first clamping jaws are mounted so as to be rotatable relative to each other for changing the distance of clamped line ends without influencing a clamping position. This results in a simple structural design for the feeder.

In the presented method, it is advantageous if the line ends of the feeder are successively detected individually and simultaneously clamped by the further processing device and simultaneously. In this way, the lead ends of the feeder can always be detected at the same position, thereby a simple structural design of that device results, with the weiterzuverarbeitenden lines are transported.

But it is also advantageous if the line ends are simultaneously detected and clamped together by the feeder together and simultaneously by the processing device together. In this way, the processing speed and the throughput can be increased.

It should be noted at this point that the variants disclosed to the feeder and the resulting advantages relate equally to the disclosed method and vice versa.

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. Identical reference symbols denote the same components, and reference symbols with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components.

Fig. 1

ein Beispiel einer Verdrilleinrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine erste, beispielhaft und schematisch dargestellte Ausführungsform von flachen Klemmbacken einer Zuführvorrichtung;

Fig. 3

wie Fig. 2, nur mit gezahnten Klemmbacken;

Fig. 4

wie Fig. 2, nur mit Vertiefungen für die Aufnahmen von Leitungen;

Fig. 5

eine Detailansicht von ersten Klemmbacken mit geklemmten Leitungen in geringem Abstand zueinander;

Fig. 6

eine Detailansicht von ersten Klemmbacken mit geklemmten Leitungen in grösserem Abstand zueinander;

Fig. 7

eine Detailansicht eines Verdrillkopfes mit geklemmten Leitungen in geringem Abstand zueinander;

Fig. 8

eine Detailansicht eines Verdrillkopfes mit geklemmten Leitungen in grösserem Abstand zueinander;

Fig. 9

die Zuführvorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in Bereitschaftsstellung;

Fig. 10

die Zuführvorrichtung mit positioniertem ersten Lineargreifer;

Fig. 11

wie Fig. 10, nur mit erfasster erster Leitung;

Fig. 12

die Zuführvorrichtung mit weggeschwenktem ersten Lineargreifer;

Fig. 13

die Zuführvorrichtung mit positioniertem zweiten Lineargreifer;

Fig. 14

wie Fig. 13, nur mit erfasster zweiter Leitung;

Fig. 15

die Zuführvorrichtung mit einem gewählten Leitungsabstand entsprechend eingestellten Lineargreifern;

Fig. 16

die Zuführvorrichtung in einer Übergabeposition zum Verdrillkopf;

Fig. 17

wie Fig. 16, nur mit aktivierten zweiten Klemmbacken des Verdrillkopfs;

Fig. 18

wie Fig. 17, nur mit gelösten ersten Klemmbacken der Zuführvorrichtung;

Fig. 19

eine schematische Darstellung von drei Greifern mit ersten Klemmbacken in einer Bereitschaftsposition;

Fig. 20

die Anordnung aus Fig. 19 mit einer ersten Leitung, die vom ersten Greifer erfasst wurde;

Fig. 21

die Anordnung aus Fig. 19 mit weggeschwenktem ersten Greifer und einer zweiten Leitung, die vom zweiten Greifer erfasst wurde;

Fig. 22

die Anordnung aus Fig. 19 mit weggeschwenktem ersten und zweiten Greifer und einer dritten Leitung, die vom dritten Greifer erfasst wurde;

Fig. 23

die Anordnung aus Fig. 19 mit einem gewählten Leitungsabstand entsprechend eingestellten Greifern;

Fig. 24

wie Fig. 23, nur mit zweiten Klemmbacken eines Verdrillkopfs, welche die drei Leitungen erfasst haben;

Fig. 25

wie Fig. 24, nur mit gelösten ersten Klemmbacken und

Fig. 26

wie Fig. 25, nur mit weggeschwenkten Greifern.

It shows:

Fig. 1

an example of a twisting device;

Fig. 2

a first, exemplary and schematically illustrated embodiment of flat jaws of a feeding device;

Fig. 3

as Fig. 2 , only with serrated jaws;

Fig. 4

as Fig. 2 , only with recesses for the recording of lines;

Fig. 5

a detailed view of first jaws with clamped lines at a small distance from each other;

Fig. 6

a detailed view of first jaws with clamped lines at a greater distance from each other;

Fig. 7

a detailed view of a twisting head with clamped lines at a small distance from each other;

Fig. 8

a detailed view of a twisting head with clamped lines at a greater distance from each other;

Fig. 9

the feeder off Fig. 1 in ready position;

Fig. 10

the feeder with positioned first linear gripper;

Fig. 11

as Fig. 10 , only with detected first line;

Fig. 12

the feeding device with the first linear gripper pivoted away;

Fig. 13

the feeding device with positioned second linear gripper;

Fig. 14

as Fig. 13 , only with detected second line;

Fig. 15

the feeder with a selected line spacing according to adjusted linear grippers;

Fig. 16

the feeding device in a transfer position to the twisting head;

Fig. 17

as Fig. 16 , only with activated second clamping jaws of the twisting head;

Fig. 18

as Fig. 17 , only with dissolved first jaws of the feeder;

Fig. 19

a schematic representation of three grippers with first jaws in a standby position;

Fig. 20

the arrangement Fig. 19 with a first line detected by the first gripper;

Fig. 21

the arrangement Fig. 19 with pivoted first gripper and a second line, which was detected by the second gripper;

Fig. 22

the arrangement Fig. 19 with the first and second grippers swung away and a third line detected by the third gripper;

Fig. 23

the arrangement Fig. 19 with a selected line spacing according to set grippers;

Fig. 24

as Fig. 23 , only with second clamping jaws of a twisting head, which have detected the three lines;

Fig. 25

as Fig. 24 , only with loosened first jaws and

Fig. 26

as Fig. 25 , only with swung-away grippers.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary twisting device, which comprises a feed device 1 for feeding line ends 2a, 2b of two lines 3a, 3b and a rotatably mounted twisting head 4 for twisting said lines 3a, 3b. The twisting head 4 thus forms the further processing device in this example. The feeding device 1 has first clamping jaws 5a..5d, and the twisting head 4 has second clamping jaws 6a, 6b for clamping the line ends 2a, 2b (note: the clamping jaw 5b is in the Fig. 1 obscured by line 3a and therefore not visible). The feeding device 1 and the twisting head 4 are movable relative to each other in a transfer position in which the first jaws 5a..5d and the second jaws 6a, 6b face each other, so that the line ends 2a, 2b are transferred from the feeder 1 in the twisting 4 can. With the help of the twisting head 4, the lines 3a, 3b then in in itself twisted known manner, for example, to produce such a twisted pair cable.

The first clamping jaws 5. 5... 5 d are movable relative to one another in a clamping position such that a distance of clamped line ends 2 a, 2 b is variable. For this purpose, the twisting device on a controller 7, which is connected to a drive 8 for the first jaws 5a..5d and set up for its control, such that the distance between clamped line ends 2a, 2b before the transfer in the twisting 4 on a adjustable value is brought. How the setting of the distance works concretely, will be explained later in detail.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic front view of the first jaws 5a, 5b, from which it can be seen that the first jaws 5a, 5b facing facing clamping surfaces 9a, 9b, which are flat. The Fig. 2 shows the jaws 5a, 5b in the fully open position. From the Fig. 2 Furthermore, it can be seen that the width b of the intermediate space between the fully opened first clamping jaws 5 a, 5 b is greater than its height h. The width b is measured in a direction of movement A for changing the position of the line end 2a, the height h in a clamping direction B for clamping the line end 2a. In an advantageous embodiment, the width b is at least twice as large as the height h. In other words, when the first jaws 5a, 5b are fully opened, a gap between them in a moving direction A for changing the distance of the clamped line end 2a extends at least twice as far as in a clamping direction B of the first jaws 5a, 5b for clamping the line end 2a , The proposed measures, the line 3a and the line end 2a can be clamped in any position between the first jaws 5a, 5b.

In a further alternative embodiment, the width b is at least twice as large as the diameter d of the line 3a, respectively Line end 2a. In other words, the gap between the fully opened first jaws 5a, 5b in a direction of movement A for changing the position of the clamped line end 2a is at least twice as large as the diameter d of the line 3a or the line end 2a, for which the feeding device 1 is specified.

In yet another advantageous embodiment, the width b is at least 9 mm. In other words, the gap between the fully opened first jaws 5a, 5b is at least 9 mm in a direction of movement A for changing the position of the clamped line end 2a.

Fig. 3 now shows an embodiment in which the clamping surfaces 9a, 9b are toothed. The tooth height z is advantageously less than 3% of the height h or less than 10% of the diameter d, as a result of which the clamping surfaces 9a, 9b are still essentially flat and the line 3a or the line end 2a can be clamped at any position between the clamps 5a, 5b , Because of the teeth is clamping against the in Fig. 2 However, shown embodiment more effective.

An exemplary concrete twisting device is specified for twisting cables 3a, 3b having a cross section of 0.35 mm ² to 2.5 mm ² and can process cables with a diameter of up to 3 mm. The jaws have a width b of 9 mm, whereby the center distance of the lines 3a, 3b is a maximum of 15 mm (see also the distance a in the FIGS. 5 and 6 ). The tooth height z is 0.2 mm. Although these values are advantageous, they are not mandatory. If the twisting device can handle larger cables 3a, 3b, then the mass can be increased accordingly.

Fig. 4 now shows a variant in which the clamping surfaces 9a, 9b each have four half-shell-shaped notches for receiving the line 3a respectively of the line end 2a. The depth t of a notch is slightly smaller than half the diameter d of the line 3a and the line end 2a. The line 3a and the line end 2a can thus be clamped at any of the predetermined by the notches positions between the terminals 5a, 5b. In general, the clamping surfaces 9a, 9b may also have more or less than four half-shell-shaped indentations. In particular, more than one, in particular more than two, half-shell-shaped indentations are provided.

The FIGS. 5 and 6 Now show how the distance between two lines 3a, 3b or between two line ends 2a, 2b can be varied by varying the position in which they are clamped in the feeder 1 ,. In the upper representations, in each case the clamping jaws 5a..5d with two clamped lines 3a, 3b, in the lower representations the twisted lines 3a, 3b respectively are shown.

In the Fig. 5 the lines 3a, 3b are clamped at a relatively small distance a from each other, in the Fig. 6 at a relatively great distance a from each other. Assuming that these distances a are also maintained during twisting, different lengths l of the untwisted end sections result. This shows the Fig. 7 one with the Fig. 5 corresponding clamping of the lines 3a, 3b between the second terminals 6a, 6b of the twisting head 4, the Fig. 8 one with the Fig. 6 Corresponding clamping of the lines 3a, 3b between the second terminals 6a, 6b of the twisting 4. For turning the twisting head 4, this has a gear 10, in which engages a drive pinion, not shown, or a drive belt. The Indian Fig. 6 shown, untwisted end portion is now recognizable larger than that in the Fig. 5 illustrated, untwisted end portion.

Thin lines 3a, 3b, possibly with small (crimp) contacts and small seals, can be at a smaller line spacing to each other a be arranged as lines 3a, 3b with a large outer diameter, which are particularly equipped with large-volume (crimp) contacts and seals. In this way, the lines 3a, 3b can be twisted to the greatest possible length.

The previous illustrations show examples in which the first jaws 5a..5d are movable relative to one another in a clamping position in such a way that a distance between two clamped line ends 3a, 3b can be changed, whereby in particular twisted pair lines with differently spaced line ends 2a, 2b can be produced.

But this is not the only conceivable embodiment. It is also possible, for example, for the first clamping jaws 5a..5d to be movable relative to one another in a clamping position such that a distance between three clamped line ends can be changed (see FIG FIGS. 19 to 26 ). In this way, three-core twisted lines can be produced with differently spaced line ends.

A method for twisting two lines 3a, 3b by means of the feeding device 1 and the twisting head 4 will now be described with reference to FIGS FIGS. 9 to 18 explained in more detail.

Fig. 9 shows the feeding device 1 from the Fig. 1 in a first state, in which the first line 3a, although already arranged in the region of the first terminals 5a, 5b, but not yet clamped. In addition, in the Fig. 9 further details called. On the line 3a, a (crimp) contact 11a and a seal 12a is arranged. Both project beyond the cross section of the line 3a and thus determine the smallest achievable distance between a plurality of lines 3a, 3b.

Furthermore, in the Fig. 9 the two linear grippers 13a, 13b, which have the jaws 5a..5d, a pneumatic cylinder 14, a horizontal guide 15, a slide 16 mounted thereon, a Pivot bearing 17, with which the first linear gripper 13 is rotatably mounted, and a vertical guide 18, with which the second linear gripper 13b is mounted vertically displaceable, concretely designated. With the aid of the drive 8, the carriage 16 and thus the linear grippers 13a, 13b mounted thereon can be moved horizontally along the horizontal guide 15. In addition, the first linear gripper 13a can be pivoted about the pivot bearing 17 with the aid of the pneumatic cylinder 14. Finally, the second linear gripper can be pneumatically displaced vertically along the vertical guide 18. Finally, the jaws 5b, 5d relative to the jaws 5a, 5c are displaced. In general, instead of a pneumatic drive, it is of course also possible to provide another drive, for example an electric or hydraulic drive. In the in Fig. 9 shown first state, the first linear gripper 13a are pivoted upward, the second linear gripper 13b pushed up and the jaws 5a..5d opened.

Fig. 10 shows the feeding device 1 in a second state in which the first linear gripper 13a pivoted downward, the second linear gripper 13b is still pushed upwards and the jaws 5a..5d are still open.

Fig. 11 shows the feeding device 1 in a further state in which the jaws 5a, 5b are closed and have clamped the line 3a. Before clamping, the first linear gripper 13a is horizontally positioned according to a required position of the line 3a by means of the controller 7 and the driver 8.

Fig. 12 shows the feeder 1 in a further state in which the first linear gripper 13a pivoted together with the clamped line 3a upwards, the second linear gripper 13b pushed down and the jaws 5c, 5d are still open. In the area of the clamping jaws 5c, 5d, the line 3b is already arranged.

Fig. 13 shows the feeding device 1 in a further state in which the second linear gripper 13b has been positioned horizontally by means of the controller 7 and the drive 8 according to a required position of the line 3b.

Fig. 14 shows the feeder 1 in a further state in which the jaws 5c, 5d have been closed and have clamped the line 3b.

Fig. 15 shows the feeding device 1 and the twisting head 4 in a state in which the first linear gripper 13a is pivoted downward and the lines 3a, 3b are arranged at a required distance from each other.

Fig. 16 shows the feeder 1 and the twisting head 4 in a state in which the feeder 1 has been moved to a transfer position with the twisting head 4, in which the first jaws 5a..5d of the feeder 1 and the second jaws 6a, 6b of the twisting head 4 to each other stand opposite.

Fig. 17 shows the feeding device 1 and the twisting head 4 in a state in which the second jaws 6a, 6b of the twisting head 4 have been closed and the lines 3a, 3b clamp.

Fig. 18 shows the feeding device 1 and the twisting 4 in a state in which the first jaws 5a..5d of the feeder 1 are opened and the lines 3a, 3b were therefore passed to the twisting 4. The first linear gripper 13a is already pivoted upwards, so that the feeding device 1 can be moved away from the region of the twisting head 4. By fixing the other line ends (not shown) and turning the twisting head 4, the lines 3a, 3b can be subsequently twisted in a conventional manner.

• Klemmen der Leitungsenden 2a, 2b der besagten Leitungen 3a, 3b zwischen den ersten Klemmbacken 5a..5d der Zuführvorrichtung 1,
• Bewegen der Zuführeinrichtung 1 in eine Übergabestellung mit dem Verdrillkopf 4, in der die ersten Klemmbacken 5a..5d der Zuführvorrichtung 1 und die zweiten Klemmbacken 6a, 6b des Verdrillkopfs 4 einander gegenüber stehen,
• Klemmen der der Leitungsenden 2a, 2b zwischen den zweiten Klemmbacken 6a, 6b des Verdrillkopfs 4,
• Lösen der ersten Klemmbacken 5a..5d der Zuführvorrichtung 1 und
• Verdrillen der besagten Leitungen 3a, 3d durch Drehen des Verdrillkopfs 4.

The method for twisting the two lines 3a, 3b by means of the feeding device 1 with first jaws 5a..5d and the Twisting device 1 with the twisting head 4 with second clamping jaws 6a, 6b, thus comprises the following steps:

• Clamping the line ends 2a, 2b of said leads 3a, 3b between the first jaws 5a..5d of the feeder device 1,
• Moving the feeder 1 in a transfer position with the twisting head 4, in which the first jaws 5a..5d of the feeder 1 and the second jaws 6a, 6b of the twisting head 4 face each other,
• Clamping the line ends 2a, 2b between the second jaws 6a, 6b of the twisting head 4,
• Loosening the first jaws 5a..5d of the feeder 1 and
• Twisting said lines 3a, 3d by turning the twisting head 4th

The distance between clamped line ends 2a, 2b is brought by moving the first jaws 5a..5d in a clamping position before clamping the line ends 2a, 2b in the second jaws 6a, 6b of the twisting 4 to an adjustable value. In particular, at least two different values can be selected for the distance between the clamped line ends 2a, 2b.

In the example shown, the line ends 2a, 2b are detected by the feeder 1 individually one after the other and simultaneously by the twisting head 4 simultaneously and clamped. Of course, it is also conceivable that the line ends 2a, 2b are also detected and clamped together by the feeder 1 at the same time.

Furthermore, a variable position of the first jaws 5a..5d before clamping the line ends 2a, 2b at a selected distance a corresponding between the line ends 2a, 2b set, and the first jaws 5a..5d are before clamping the line ends 2a, 2b in the second jaws 6a, 6b of the twisting 4 moves in a fixed predetermined position (see in particular the FIGS. 2 to 6 as well as the Horizontal guide 15, with which the linear grippers 13a, 13b can be moved horizontally. Specifically, the distance a desired in the twisting head 4 is determined already during clamping by the feeding device 1, in that the linear grippers 13 a, 13 b move into a corresponding (variable) position when detecting the lines 2 a, 2 b (see in particular FIG Fig. 10 and Fig. 13 ). The position of the linear gripper 13a, 13b in the transfer to the twisting 4, however, is fixed. That is, the linear grippers 13a, 13b are always moved to the same position for the transfer of the lines 2a, 2b in the twisting head.

In general, the first clamping jaws 5a..5d for clamping a line end 2a, 2b to each other displaceable and for changing the distance between the clamped line ends 2a, 2b without affecting a clamping position be rotatable to each other, as in the FIGS. 1 to 18 is shown. However, it is also conceivable that the first jaws 5a..5d are slidably mounted relative to one another both for clamping a line end 2a, 2b and for changing the distance of clamped line ends 2a, 2b. Likewise, the first jaws 5a..5d can be rotatably mounted to each other both for clamping a line end 2a, 2b and for changing the distance between clamped line ends 2a, 2b. Finally, it is also possible that the first jaws 5a..5d for clamping a line end 2a, 2b are rotatable relative to each other and for changing the distance between clamped line ends 2a, 2b are mounted to each other displaced without affecting a clamping position.

• c) im Wesentlichen flach sind oder
• d) mehr als zwei, insbesondere mehr als drei, halbschalenförmigen Einkerbungen zur Aufnahme je eines Leitungsendes 2a, 2b umfassen.

Furthermore, the second jaws 6a, 6b for clamping a line end 2a, 2b to each other as in the FIGS. 1 to 18 shown displaced, but also be rotatably mounted. In addition, it is also conceivable that the second jaws 6a, 6b as in the FIGS. 2 to 4 are shown formed. That is, the second jaws 6a, 6b may have facing clamping surfaces, the

• c) are essentially flat or
• d) comprise more than two, in particular more than three, half-shell-shaped indentations for receiving a respective line end 2a, 2b.

The FIGS. 19 to 26 now schematically show an exemplary sequence for clamping (and twisting) of three lines 3a..3c.

In the Fig. 19 For this purpose, the first clamping jaws 5a..5f are in an initial position, and a first line 3a is located in the region of the feeding device 1

Fig. 20 shows the arrangement in a state in which the jaws 5a, 5b have been moved up to the first line 3a and have detected or clamped.

Fig. 21 shows the arrangement in a state in which the jaws 5c, 5d have moved up to a second, brought into the region of the supply device 1, line 3b and have detected or clamped. The jaws 5a, 5b with the clamped first line 3a have been moved away in the meantime from the region of the line 3b.

Fig. 22 shows the arrangement in a state in which the jaws 5e, 5f have been brought up to a third, brought into the region of the supply device 1, line 3c and have detected or clamped. The jaws 5c, 5d with the clamped second line 3b have been moved away in the meantime also from the region of the line 3c.

Subsequently, the jaws 5a..5f are moved to each other in the position in which they pass the lines 3a..3c to the twisting head 4. This condition is in Fig. 23 shown.

In the Fig. 24 were the lines 3a..3c detected or clamped by the second jaws 6a, 6b of the twisting 4. As before, the lines 3a..3c but also of the jaws 5a..5f of Feeding device 1 held. In the Fig. 25 the jaws 5a..5d are already solved.

Fig. 26 finally shows a state in which the jaws 5a..5f were moved away from the region of the clamped in the twisting head 4 lines 3a..3c. The lines 3a..3c can thus be twisted in a conventional manner.

At this point it is noted that the to the in the FIGS. 1 to 18 similarly disclosed embodiments in the in the FIGS. 19 to 26 disclosed embodiments are applicable. In particular, this relates to the shape and storage of the first jaws 5a..5f and the second jaws 6a, 6b.

Although the disclosed feeding device 1 is advantageous in connection with the twisting of lines 3a..3c and the FIGS. 1 to 18 merely treating this application, the delivery device 1 is by no means bound to this specific application. Rather, other processing devices 4 are conceivable. For example, the further processing device 4 may be formed by a machine for pushing seals 12a on the line ends 2a, 2b or by a machine for mounting a (crimp) contact 11a on the line ends 2a, 2b. In general, the problem also occurs here that the lines 3a..3c are to be differently spaced, depending on the size of the seal 12a or the contact 11a, in particular if a seal 12a or a contact 11a receives a plurality of lines 3a..3c and the line spacing a must be properly adjusted during assembly of such a seal 12a or such a contact 11a. However, the mentioned problem also arises when several seals 12a or contacts 11a are to be mounted simultaneously on several lines 3a..3c. Of course, machines are also conceivable that can take over several of the tasks mentioned.

Finally, it is also noted that the illustrated arrangements can in reality also comprise more components than illustrated. Furthermore, it is noted that the above embodiments and developments of the invention can be combined in any manner.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

feeder

2a, 2b

cable end

3a..3c

management

4

further processing device (twisting head)

5a..5f

first jaws of the feeding device 1

6a, 6b

second jaws of the twisting 4

7

control

8th

drive

9a, 9b

clamping surfaces

10

gear

11a

(Crimp) contact

12a

poetry

13a, 13b

linear gripper

14

pneumatic cylinder

15

horizontal guide

16

carriage

17

Rotary bearing of the first linear gripper 13a

18

Vertical guide of the second linear gripper 13b

A

movement direction

B

clamping direction

a

line spacing

b

Gap width

d

Diameter line

H

Gap height

l

untwisted cable length

t

Depth of notch

z

tooth height

Claims (17)

Feeding device (1) for feeding line ends (2a..2c) of at least two lines (3a..3c) into a further processing device (4) for said lines (3a..3c), wherein - the feeding device (1) has first clamping jaws (5a..5f) for clamping the line ends (2a..2c), the further processing device (4) has second clamping jaws (6a, 6b) for clamping the line ends (2a..2c), - The feed device (1) and the further processing device (4) are movable toward each other in a transfer position, in which the first jaws (5a..5f) and the second jaws (6a, 6b) face each other, and the first clamping jaws (5a..5f) are movable relative to each other in a clamping position such that a distance (a) of clamped line ends (2a..2c) is variable, characterized in that
a fully open first jaws (5a..5f) between these lying gap in a direction of movement (A) for changing the distance between the clamped line ends (2a..2c) extends at least twice as far as in a clamping direction (B) of the first jaws (5a..5f) for clamping the cable ends (2a..2c). Feeding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at fully opened first jaws (5a..5f) lying between these intermediate space in a direction of movement for varying the distance (A) clamped line ends (2a..2c) at least twice as large is like a diameter (d) of the line ends (2a..2c) for which the feeding device (1) is specified. Feeding device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when fully opened first Jaws (5a..5f) between these lying gap in a direction of movement (A) for changing the distance between the clamped line ends (2a..2c) is at least 9 mm large. Feeding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by a controller (7), which is connected to a drive (8) for the first clamping jaws (5a..5f) and adapted for its activation, such that the distance (A) is brought to an adjustable value between clamped line ends (2a..2c) prior to transfer to the further processing device (4). Feeding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first clamping jaws (5a..5f) facing each other clamping surfaces (9a, 9b), the a) are substantially flat or b) more than a half-shell-shaped notch for receiving a respective line end (2a..2c) include. Feeding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first clamping jaws (5a..5d) in a clamping position against each other are movable such that a distance (a) between two clamped line ends (2a, 2b) is variable , Feeding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first clamping jaws (5a..5f) in a clamping position are movable relative to each other such that a distance (a) between three clamped line ends (2a..2c) changeable is. Feeding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first clamping jaws (5a..5f) for clamping a line end (2a..2c) are mounted to each other displaceable. Feeding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first clamping jaws (5a..5f) for changing the distance (a) of clamped line ends (2a..2c) are mounted rotatably to each other without affecting a clamping position. Twisting device (1) for twisting at least two lines (3a..3c), characterized by a rotatably mounted twisting head, which forms the further processing device (4), and a feed device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9. Twisting device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that
the second clamping jaws (6a, 6b) have mutually facing clamping surfaces which c) are essentially flat or d) comprise more than two half-shell-shaped indentations for receiving a respective line end (2a..2c). Twisting device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the second clamping jaws (6a, 6b) for clamping a line end (2a..2c) are mounted to each other displaceable. Method for clamping at least two lines (3a..3c) with the aid of a feed device (1) with first clamping jaws (5a..5f) and for transferring the lines (3a..3c) into a further processing device (4) with second clamping jaws (6a, 6b) comprising the steps Clamping terminals (2a..2c) of said leads (3a..3c) between the first jaws (5a..5f) of the feeder (1), - Moving the feeder (1) in a transfer position with the further processing device (4), in which the first jaws (5a..5f) of the feeder (1) and the second jaws (6a, 6b) of the further processing device (4) each other face, Clamping the line ends (2a..2c) between the second clamping jaws (6a, 6b) of the further processing device (4), - Loosen the first jaws (5a..5f) of the feeder (1) and Further processing of said lines (3a..3c) in the further processing device (4), characterized in that
a variable position of the first clamping jaws (5a..5f) is set before clamping the line ends (2a..2c) according to a selected distance (a) between the line ends (2a..2c) and the first clamping jaws (5a..5f ) are moved by the further processing device (4) in a fixed predetermined position before clamping the line ends (2a..2c) in the second jaws (6a, 6b). A method according to claim 13, characterized in that for the distance (a) between clamped line ends (2a..2c) at least two different values can be selected. A method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the line ends (2a..2c) of the feeder (1) successively individually and simultaneously detected and clamped by the further processing device (4) together. A method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the line ends (2a..2c) of the feeder (1) at the same time together and simultaneously detected and clamped by the further processing device (4) together. Method according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the further processing device as a twisting head (4) for twisting at least two lines (3a..3c) and / or for mounting at least one seal (12a) on the Lines (3a..3c) and / or for the mounting of at least one contact (11a) on the lines (3a..3c) is formed.

Images