EP4177910A1 - Device and method for twisting single lines - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (100) and a method for twisting individual lines (11, 12) about a twisting axis (V) to form a line bundle (10) along a pull-out axis (A) are provided. The device (100) comprises spaced individual turning units (41, 42) for separately holding wire ends (15, 16) at one end of the individual wires (11, 12), a twisting unit (30) for holding and twisting wire ends at the other end of the individual lines (11, 12), and a guide device (35) on which a guide mandrel (360) for at least regionally separating the individual lines 11, 12 during a twisting process using the twisting unit in an area in which a transition from an untwisted area to form a twisted section. The guide device (35) further comprises a moving element (355) for moving the guide mandrel (360) from an initial position into a moved-in position in which the guide mandrel is moved into the twisting axis (V); and a locking element (353) for holding the guide mandrel (360) in the position moved in from the twisting axis (V).

Description

technical field

The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for twisting individual lines, in particular for twisting individual lines in pairs to form a line bundle.

State of the art

In various industrial fields of application, bundles of lines are required, which are obtained from individual lines by twisting them. Usually, the individual lines are cut to a certain length before twisting, i. H. cut to length and, if necessary, also made up, d. H. provided with a contact part or the like.

In some conventional devices and methods according to the prior art, the line pair made up of the individual lines is clamped between a holding unit at one end of the line and a twisting unit at the other end of the line and twisted by rotating the twisting unit. The resulting shortening of the line pair is compensated for by a longitudinal displacement of the twisting unit. A corresponding device is for example in EP 1 032 095 A2 shown. In this type of conventional devices and methods, the individual lines are twisted, ie they rotate about their own individual line axis.

The EP 0 917 746 A1 discloses a device that makes it possible to twist pairs of lines without unduly twisting the individual lines. Here, the holding unit is replaced by untwisting units that individually grip the individual lines at one end of the line (the trailing end). A longitudinally displaceable guide device separates the two individual wires with a guide mandrel and moves in the direction of the untwisting units during the twisting process. This allows the lay length to be kept constant.

The DE 10 2017 109 791 A1 discloses a device with untwisting units which are aligned parallel to one another at the start of a twisting process and are motor-pivoted inward during the twisting process. The swivel angle is continuously increased by a control device during the twisting process.

problem to be solved

At the one from the EP 0 917 746 A1 known device, the guide mandrel is provided, which unifies the individual lines and the lay length. The guide unit with the guide mandrel is positioned by shifting before the twisting process begins, whereby the guide mandrel can have a disruptive effect on the individual cables.

Summary of the Invention

Aspects of the present disclosure address the problem outlined above. According to one aspect an apparatus according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 5 is provided. Other aspects, features, further training and advantages are evident from the dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying drawings.

According to one aspect, a device for twisting individual lines about a twisting axis to form a line bundle along a pull-out axis comprises individual rotating units, a twisting unit and a guide device. The individual turning units are spaced apart from one another. For example, the distance is variable. The single turning units are configured to separately hold, eg grip, wire ends at one end of the single wires. Each individual rotary unit can be mounted so that it can rotate about an associated pivot axis. The twisting unit is configured to hold and twist wire ends at the other end of the strands.

A guide mandrel is attached to the guide device. The guide mandrel is used for at least regionally separating the individual lines during a twisting process that is carried out by the twisting unit, specifically in a region in which there is a transition from an untwisted area of individual lines to a twisted area of a line bundle.

The guide device also includes a movement element for moving the guide mandrel from an initial position into a moved-in position in which the guide mandrel is moved into the twisting axis, for example pivoted into the twisting axis. The guide device also includes a locking element for holding the guide mandrel in the position moved into the twisting axis.

The guide mandrel in the starting position can be adjusted before the start of the Twisting process can be positioned without the guide mandrel interfering with the individual lines. For the twisting process, the guide mandrel is then suitably moved into the twisting axis, for example pivoted. Due to the design with the movement element and the locking element, no separate actuators are required for this.

In embodiments, moving in includes pivoting the guide mandrel into the twisting axis. Pivoting can be carried out very easily without having to provide additional installation space in the vertical direction for the guide mandrel moved out of the twisting axis.

In embodiments, the guide device also comprises a tensioning element for actuating the movement element, with the actuation taking place against a prestressing force of a spring element and the locking element being configured to latched in and maintain the moved-in position of the guide mandrel against the prestressing force and to be pushed back into the starting position of the guide mandrel with disengagement.

In embodiments, the locking member is configured to snap against a pawl in the in-moved position of the guide mandrel.

In embodiments, the guide device also includes a locking roller, rotatably mounted in a holder, for actuating the actuating element. It is actuated against the pretensioning force of a spring element. The locking roller is configured by a locking form of the actuating element and by means of a locking spring in such a way that these bring about the in-moved position of the guide mandrel against the biasing force.

In embodiments, the locking shape of the actuating element includes a locking contour. The locking roller acts against the locking contour.

In embodiments, the twisting unit also comprises a tensioning unit for bringing the actuating element into the moved-in position of the guide mandrel.

In embodiments, the actuating element includes an actuating contour. The clamping unit acts on the actuating contour in order to move the actuating element into the in-moved position of the guide mandrel.

In embodiments, the device also includes a triggering element for triggering or moving out the locking form of the actuating element against the locking force of the locking roller, so that the guide mandrel is moved out of the moved-in position, in particular into the starting position. The triggering element can in particular be designed as a stop against which a counter-stop of the guide device acts.

In embodiments, the trigger is configured to be actively deployable, i. H. it can be actively moved in the direction of the counter-stop of the guide device. This active movement can take place pneumatically, for example.

According to a further aspect, a method for twisting individual lines about a twisting axis into a line bundle along a pull-out axis is provided, using the device described herein. The method includes separately holding line ends at one end of the individual lines by means of the individual rotating units, holding line ends at the other end of the individual lines by means of the twisting unit, moving the guide mandrel from the twisting axis (V), moving the guide device in the direction of the twisting unit, moving the guide mandrel into the area of the twisting axis to define a boundary between an untwisted area and a twisted area during a twisting process; and rotating the twisting unit to perform a twisting operation.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Bereichs eines Leitungsbündels, zur Erläuterung von hierin verwendeten Begriffen;

Fig. 2

einen Bereich des Leitungspaars aus Fig. 1 mit weiteren Aspekten zur Erläuterung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Verdrilleinrichtung mit einer Verdrilleinheit und jeweils einer Einzeldreheinheit pro Einzelleitung, zur Erläuterung von hierin verwendeten Begriffen und Vorgängen;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Verdrillen von Einzelleitungen gemäss einer Ausführungsform;

Fig. 5

eine schematische dreidimensionale Ansicht einzelner Komponenten der Vorrichtung 100 aus Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

eine Entdrilleinheit gemäss einer Ausführungsform in einer vergrösserten Ansicht;

Fig. 7

Teile der Entdrilleinheit aus Fig. 6;

Fig. 8

eine parallele Stellung der Einzeldreheinheiten;

Fig. 9

eine teilweise geschnittene Draufsicht auf die Entdrilleinheit, in einer Parallelstellung;

Fig. 10

eine teilweise geschnittene Draufsicht auf die Entdrilleinheit, in einer geschwenkten Stellung;

Fig. 11

eine Entdrilleinheit in einer Variante mit einem Schwenkantrieb;

Fig. 12

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung der Führungseinrichtung und eines Teils der Verdrilleinheit;

Fig. 13

die Führungseinrichtung mit einem Führungsdorn in einer Zwischenstellung;

Fig. 14

die Führungseinrichtung mit dem Führungsdorn in einer Verdrillstellung;

Fig. 15

die Führungseinrichtung in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 16

den Führungsdorn in einer Detailansicht;

Fig. 17

die Bestandteile der Vorrichtung 100 in einer Ausgangsposition vor einem Verdrillvorgang;

Fig. 18

die Bestandteile der Vorrichtung 100 in einer Startposition eines Verdrillvorgangs;

Fig. 19

die Bestandteile der Vorrichtung 100 in einer Zwischenposition;

Fig. 20

eine Draufsicht auf die Einzeldreheinheiten kurz vor dem Abschluss des Verdrillvorganges, mit Kontakt des Führungsdorns;

Fig. 21

eine Draufsicht auf die Einzeldreheinheiten kurz vor dem Abschluss des Verdrillvorganges, ohne Kontakt des Führungsdorns;

Fig. 22

die Elemente der Vorrichtung in einer Position, in welcher die Führungseinrichtung ihre lineare Bewegung fortgesetzt hat, bis der Führungsdorn ungefähr die Leitungsenden erreicht hat;

Fig. 23

eine Ansicht analog zu Fig. 22 mit einer Stellung des Führungsdorns ausserhalb der Auszugsachse A;

Fig. 24

eine schematische dreidimensionale Ansicht einzelner Komponenten einer Vorrichtung zum Verdrillen von Einzelleitungen gemäss einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 25

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Führungseinrichtung und eines Teils einer Verdrilleinheit der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 24;

Fig. 26

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Führungseinrichtung und einer Spanneinheit der Verdrilleinheit aus Fig. 24 und 25;

Fig. 27

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Führungseinrichtung aus Fig. 24-26 in einer Zwischenstellung des Führungsdorns;

Fig. 28

eine schematische Seitenansicht von Teilen der Führungseinrichtung analog zu Fig. 27 in einer Verriegelungsstellung des Führungsdorns; und

Fig. 29

eine schematische Seitenansicht von Teilen der Führungseinrichtung analog zu Fig. 27 kurz vor Ausführung einer Entriegelung des Führungsdorns.

Further aspects, features, advantages and effects result from the embodiments that are described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings show:

1

a schematic representation of a portion of a line bundle, to explain terms used herein;

2

an area of the line pair 1 with further aspects for explanation;

3

a schematic representation of a twisting device with a twisting unit and one individual twisting unit per individual line, to explain terms and processes used herein;

4

a schematic side view of a device for twisting individual lines according to an embodiment;

figure 5

a schematic three-dimensional view of individual components of the device 100 from 4 ;

6

an untwisting unit according to an embodiment in an enlarged view;

7

parts of the untwisting unit 6 ;

8

a parallel position of the individual rotary units;

9

a partially sectioned plan view of the untwisting unit, in a parallel position;

10

a partially sectioned plan view of the untwisting unit, in a pivoted position;

11

an untwisting unit in a variant with a rotary drive;

12

a schematic perspective view of the guide device and part of the twisting unit;

13

the guiding device with a guiding mandrel in an intermediate position;

14

the guide device with the guide mandrel in a twisting position;

15

the guide device in a side view;

16

the guide mandrel in a detailed view;

17

the components of the device 100 in a starting position prior to a twisting operation;

18

the components of the device 100 in a starting position of a twisting operation;

19

the components of the device 100 in an intermediate position;

20

a plan view of the individual turning units just before the end of the twisting process, with contact of the guide mandrel;

21

a plan view of the individual turning units shortly before the end of the twisting process, without contact of the guide mandrel;

22

the elements of the device in a position in which the guide means has continued its linear movement until the guide mandrel has approximately reached the pipe ends;

23

a view analogous to 22 with a position of the guide mandrel outside the extraction axis A;

24

a schematic three-dimensional view of individual components of a device for twisting individual lines according to a further embodiment;

25

a schematic perspective view of a guide device and part of a twisting unit of the device 24 ;

26

shows a schematic side view of the guide device and a clamping unit of the twisting unit Figures 24 and 25 ;

27

a schematic side view of the guide device 24-26 in an intermediate position of the guide mandrel;

28

a schematic side view of parts of the guide device analogous to 27 in a locking position of the guide mandrel; and

29

a schematic side view of parts of the guide device analogous to 27 just before executing an unlocking of the guide mandrel.

Description of Embodiments

1 FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of a portion of a line bundle, which is denoted by 10 in its entirety. The line bundle comprises a single line 11 and a single line 12 as a pair of lines. It should be noted that the number of two individual lines 11, 12 is exemplary and not limiting, and that the aspects and features described herein are also fully or partially applicable to line bundles with more than two individual lines 11, 12 and have the same or similar effects result. In embodiments, two individual lines 11, 12 can nevertheless be used for a line bundle 10.

In 1 a first line end 15 of the individual line 11 and a first line end 16 of the individual line 12 are on the same side. For example, the first line ends 15, 16 are already assembled, in the present case in the form of a contact 13a and a grommet 13b on the first line end 15 and a contact 14a and a grommet 14b on the second line end 16. In an area in 1 lies to the right of the dashed line labeled B, the individual lines 11, 12 are twisted, resulting in a projection plane, for example in the plane of the drawing 1 , Points result in which the individual lines 11, 12 intersect. In the twisted area to the right of line B, the cable bundle 10 runs along an extension axis A.

Twisted, as used herein, denotes a state in which the lines 11, 12 wrap around each other. A similar crossing in the projection plane occurs when the same sequence of individual lines is present at two crossings in the direction perpendicular to the projection plane. The distance between two adjacent crossings of the same type is referred to as the twist pitch length or simply as the pitch length, which is denoted by a2. Between two adjacent crossings of the same type, there are two eyes 19 in the projection plane, which should be as small as possible for a high-quality line bundle 10 .

The designations off 1 are adopted in the following sections and their description will not be repeated.

For explanation, a portion of the line pair is 10 in 2 shown again. The untwisted ends of the individual lines 11, 12 up to a first crossing point P1, at which the twisted area begins, have a length a1. As described above, the distance between two similar crossings or intersections of the lines 11, 12 in the twisted area is specified as the lay length a2.

The distance a3 is defined in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the wire pair 10 in which the distances a1, a2 are defined. The distance a3 indicates the distance between the individual lines 11, 12, here by way of example at the end at which the untwisted individual lines 11, 12 are present.

3 shows a schematic representation of a general twisting device 100 with a twisting unit 30, individual turning units 41, 42, which are each provided for a single line 11, 12, and a guide device 35.

For purposes of explanation, twisting device 100 according to FIG 3 the line bundle 10 off Figures 1 and 2 shown clamped. The single line 11 is clamped in the single turning unit 41 at its trailing end. This end is also referred to below as the first end 15 of the individual line 11 . The single line 12 is clamped into the single rotary unit 42 at its trailing end. This end is also referred to below as the first end 16 of the individual line 12 .

The single turning unit 41 is arranged to hold the first end 15 of the clamped single line 11 along its line axis v1 at the first end 15 . The single turning unit 42 is arranged to hold the first end 16 of the clamped single line 12 along its line axis v2 at the first end 16 . Each individual rotary unit 41, 42 can be rotated about the respective line axis v1, v2 of the individual line 11, 12, which is clamped in the respective individual rotary unit 41, 42, at least in a direction that allows the respective individual line 11, 12 causes. Each individual rotary unit can preferably be rotated forwards or backwards around the respective line axis v1, v2, which is shown in 3 is indicated with a double arrow Q1 or Q2. Each individual turning unit 41, 42 can also be referred to below as an untwisting unit.

Untwisting (untwisting), as used herein, includes, for example, reducing or eliminating a torsional force or moment that would be created by twisting each individual conduit 11, 12 together. The detwisting, or untwisting, need not necessarily be complete to achieve the benefits described herein. i.e. Over the course of the twisting process, the (total) angle of rotation of the twisting unit can be 30 be smaller than the (total) angle of rotation of the individual rotating units 41, 42.

The guide device 35 is used for at least regionally separating the individual lines 11, 12, namely during a large part of the twisting process in a region in which the transition from the untwisted region to the twisted region exists, ie approximately on the line B 1 . The guide device 35 can be guided or displaced in a controlled manner during a twisting process, specifically in a direction x essentially parallel to a twisting axis V. The twisting axis V is generally identical to the extraction axis A.

The twisting unit 30 is configured to rotate in a twisting direction P about a twisting axis V to perform a twisting operation. In other words: The twisting unit 30 can be driven in rotation about the twisting axis V in order to carry out a twisting process, so that it rotates in the twisting direction P. To compensate for the shortening of the individual lines 11, 12 looping around one another during the twisting process, the twisting unit 30 can be displaced in a direction u, essentially parallel to the twisting axis V. A direction parallel to the twist axis V as used herein also includes the direction on the twist axis V itself.

4 shows a schematic side view of a device 100 for twisting the individual lines 11, 12 to form a line bundle 10, to explain an embodiment. It should be noted that related to 4 The components and acts discussed need not be performed in their entirety for the practice of the present invention.

In 4 the individual lines 11, 12 are fed with their respective leading ends to processing modules 103, 104, 105, 106, which perform manipulations on the lines 11, 12. For example and without limitation, the leading ends of the individual lines 11, 12 are each stripped by means of a cutting head 102 and fed to processing modules 103, 104 one after the other by means of a first pivoting unit 107. Here, for example, the contacts 13a, 14a and the grommet 13b, 14b 1 mounted on the respective conductor ends of the individual lines 11, 12. The first pivoting unit 107 then pivots the line pair 10 back again, and the leading ends of the individual lines 11, 12 can be gripped by a pull-out carriage 109. Depending on the desired line length, the individual lines 11, 12 are pulled out by the pull-out carriage along a guide rail 105 in the linear guide direction defined by the guide rail 105.

The individual lines 11, 12 are then gripped by a second pivoting unit 108 and cut through by the cutting head 102 and stripped of their insulation. The trailing conductor ends are fed from the second pivoting unit 108 to the processing modules 105, 106 on the other side and finished, i. H. for example in turn each provided with a grommet and a contact.

A transfer module 111 takes over the trailing end 17 of the individual lines 11, 12, brings them to a smaller distance and, after a pivoting movement, transfers them individually to the respective individual rotary unit 41, 42, which are combined in an untwisting device 40. A transfer module 112 transfers the leading end 16 of the individual lines 11, 12 to the twisting unit 30, which is also referred to as a twisting head becomes. To perform the actual twisting operation, the twisting unit 30 is rotated, as referred to above with reference to FIG 3 already described. During the twisting process, the twisting unit can simultaneously be moved in the direction of the untwisting unit 40 under tension control.

A control unit 200 controls individual or all elements of the device 100 .

figure 5 FIG. 12 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of individual components of the device 100. FIG 4 , where in figure 5 other components of the device 100 are not shown for better understanding. In 4 the untwisting unit 40, the guide device 35 and the twisting unit 30 are shown.

6 12 shows an untwisting unit 40 according to an embodiment in an enlarged view. The untwisting unit 40 comprises a first individual rotary unit 41 with an associated first individual rotary gripper 41a and a second individual rotary unit 42 with an associated second individual rotary gripper 42a. The first individual rotary gripper 41a is rotatably mounted in a first spindle housing 41b. The second single rotary gripper 42a is rotatably mounted in a second spindle housing 42b. The first single rotary hook 41a can be rotated by a first untwisting motor 41e. The second single rotary gripper 42a can be set in rotation by means of a second untwisting motor 42e. The first spindle housing 41b is fixed to a first housing support 41c. The second locker housing 42b is attached to a second housing support 42c.

The first housing support 41c is mounted in a first support housing 41d so that it can pivot about a first pivot axis 41f. The second housing carrier 42c is in a second carrier housing 42d pivoted about a second pivot axis 42f. The pivot axes 41f, 42f run essentially parallel to one another. Each pivot axis 41f, 42f runs essentially perpendicularly to the pull-out axis A of the line bundle 10.

The distance 45 between the carrier housings 41d, 42d along a direction parallel to the pivot axes 41f, 42f is variable. The distance 45 is also referred to herein as the distance between the individual rotary units 41, 42 in simplified form. To change the distance 45, the carrier housings 41d, 42d can be displaced relative to one another along a linear guide at right angles to the extension axis A by means of a distance adjustment device 50. In the embodiments shown here, two spindles, a coupling piece 56 and a spindle drive form the components of the distance adjustment device 50 by way of example. The two spindles are coupled to one another with a coupling piece 56 . The spindle drive (not shown) is suitably coupled to the coupled spindles. One of the spindles is right-handed and the other of the spindles is left-handed, as a result of which the distance 45 is adjusted symmetrically to the extraction axis A when the spindle coupled in this way is driven.

The shortest distance between a tip 41g of the first individual rotary gripper 41a and a tip 42g of the second individual rotary gripper 42a depends on the one hand on the distance 45 of the individual rotary units 41, 42 and on the other hand also on a pivoting angle α defined by pivoting about the respective pivot axes 41f, 42f.

The distance 45 is adjusted, for example, by means of the control device 200. The distance 45 can be program-controlled—for example following the sequence of a method in the course of which a twisting process is carried out— user controlled, or programmatically and user controlled.

7 12 shows parts of the untwisting unit 40. FIG 6 , wherein the individual rotating units 41, 42 are omitted for better visibility. The first housing support 41c includes a first gear piece 51b, which meshes with a first gear counterpart 51c. The first gear counterpart 51c is fixed to a first sleeve 51a mounted on a spline shaft 54. As shown in FIG. The second housing support 42c includes a second gear piece 52b, which meshes with a second gear counterpart 52c. The second gear counterpart 52c is attached to a second bushing 52a mounted on the spline shaft 54 .

In the bushings 51a, 52a, the splined shaft 54 can be displaced longitudinally. The rotation of the splined shaft 54 is transmitted to the respective sleeve 51a, 52a during such a longitudinal displacement. Due to the meshing of the respective gear pieces 51b, 52b with the respectively associated gear counterpart 51c, 52c, the housing supports 41c, 42c pivot by an amount which is the same amount, but in opposite directions. The angle α is changed by this pivoting movement. An angle sensor 55 is provided for measuring the angle α and outputting an angle measurement signal. A brake 53, which can be actuated electromagnetically, for example, is controlled according to the angle measurement signal in order to lock the individual rotary units 41, 42 at a fixed or definable angle α relative to one another, depending on the angle measurement signal. The control is carried out by the control unit 200, for example.

Before the twisting process can begin, the line ends of the individual lines 11, 12 are attached to the untwisting grippers 41a, 42a of the individual rotary units 41, 42 passed. For this purpose, on the one hand, a defined distance 45 and, on the other hand, a defined angle α must be present; the individual rotary units 41, 42 must be aligned parallel to one another for this purpose. In 8 Such a parallel position of the individual turning units 41, 42 is shown, the distance 45 here corresponds to the defined distance 45, in which a transfer of the line ends of the individual lines 11, 12 to the untwisting grippers 41a, 42a is possible. Such a position (distance and angular position) of the individual rotary units 41, 42 is referred to herein as a parallel position. A position (distance and/or angular position) other than parallel is referred to herein as a pivoted position.

9 and 10 each show a partially sectioned plan view of the untwisting unit 40. In 9 the housing supports 41c, 42c of the individual rotary units 41, 42 are in the in 8 parallel position shown in perspective. In 10 the housing supports 41c, 42c of the individual rotary units 41, 42 are in a pivoted position.

A stop element 42g, for example a stop plate, is fastened to one of the spindle housings 41b, 42b, for example to the second spindle housing 42b. A movable stop 57 is fastened to one of the parts of the untwisting unit 40 which is stationary relative to the spindle housings 41b, 42b, for example to the carrier housing 42d. Movable stop 57 limits the amount by which each individual rotary unit can pivot by providing a stop surface for stop member 42g of spindle housing 42b. As a result of the coupling of the individual rotary units 41, 42 via the gear mechanism described above, the angle α is limited.

The movable stop 57 is designed to be adjustable, for example adjustable by an electric motor. To get the in 8 and 9 shown parallel position, the movable stop 57 is adjusted accordingly, so that the individual rotary units 41, 42 assume the parallel position. During the twisting process, the movable stop 57 is suitably adjusted so that pivoting is possible, but the pivoting is limited such that the tips 41g, 42g of the individual rotary grippers 41a, 42b do not touch one another or come too close together.

11 shows an untwisting unit 40 in a variant with a swivel drive 42h for the controlled swiveling of the housing support 42c. In 11 not shown, but nevertheless present is a swivel drive 41h for the controlled swiveling of the housing support 41c. Each swivel drive 41h, 42h has, for example, an electric motor and a gear in order to swivel the associated housing support 41c, 42c about the swivel axes 41f and 42f, respectively. An adjustment of the distance 45 takes place as in the above with reference to FIG Figures 6 to 10 shown variant. However, the pivoting is also limited by means of the controlled pivoting option in such a way that the tips 41g, 42g of the individual rotary grippers 41a, 42b do not touch one another or come too close together during a twisting process. The parallel position can be specified in a targeted manner by means of the controlled pivoting option.

12 shows a schematic perspective representation of the guide device 35 and a part of the twisting unit 30. An actuating device 31 with a parallel movable clamping cylinder 32 is provided on the twisting unit 30. FIG. The tensioning cylinder 32 is positioned on the twisting unit 30 because the positioning of the twisting unit depends on the cable length.

The guide device 35 has a guide mandrel 360, which is used to separate and guide the individual lines 11, 12 during a twisting process. The line ends 15, 16 of the individual lines 11, 12, which are clamped in the individual rotary units 41, 42, are clamped to one another at this end individually and therefore not in a rotationally fixed manner. Without the guide device 35 there is no foreseeable lay length. The guide device 35 is in the direction x during the thickening process (see 3 ) moveable. If the guide mandrel 360 separates the individual lines 11, 12 during the twisting process and the guide device 35 is moved accordingly, the lay length a2 can be kept essentially constant or can also be varied in a controlled manner. The displacement movement of the guide device 35 takes place in coordination with the rotational speed of the twisting device 30 in order to obtain a desired lay length a2.

The guide device 35 is designed in such a way that the guide mandrel 360 can be moved out of the twisting axis V, for example can be pivoted out of the twisting axis V. The guide mandrel 360 is advantageously moved out of the twisting axis V when the guide device 35 is moved towards the twisting device 30 before a twisting process is completed.

in the in 12 Structure shown, the guide device 35 has a tensioning element 352, a tensioning spring 351, a locking rocker 353, a pawl 354 and a toggle lever 355. The guide mandrel 360 is pivotably mounted in the guide device 35 so that it can be pivoted out of the twisting axis V by actuating the toggle lever 355 . The direction of actuation of the toggle lever corresponds to the direction in which the tensioning element 352 can be displaced. The Clamping element 352 is arranged in such a way that it can interact with the clamping cylinder 32 at a corresponding distance from the twisting unit 30 and the guide device 35 . In other words: With a corresponding distance between twisting unit 30 and guide device 35, the tensioning element 352 of the guide device 35 can be actuated by means of the tensioning cylinder 32 of the twisting unit.

12 shows an initial position in which the guide mandrel 360 is in the position pivoted out of the twisting axis V. Actuation of the clamping element 352 towards the toggle lever 355 causes the toggle lever 355 to pivot the guide mandrel 360 into the twisting axis V in order to finally assume a twisting position, which will be mentioned further below. The actuation takes place against the biasing force of the tensioning spring 351. The pawl 354 and the locking rocker 353 cause the guide mandrel 360 to engage in the twisting position.

13 shows the guide device 35 with the guide mandrel 360 in an intermediate position. In the intermediate position, the guide device 35 is moved in the direction of the twisting unit 30 . The clamping cylinder 32 causes the clamping element 352 to stop and the movement of the guide device 35 against the stationary clamping cylinder 32 pivots the guide mandrel 360 via the toggle lever 355 .

14 shows the guide device 36 with the guide mandrel 360 in a twisting position, in which it is pivoted into the twisting axis V between the individual lines 11, 12 to be twisted. 15 shows the guide device 35 in a side view. in front of 14 twisted position shown, the pawl 354 has run over a locking piece 358 and latched. The locking rocker 353 is spring-loaded by means of a spring 356. If a point 357 is actuated, the lock is released again.

After the in 14 shown position is taken, the clamping cylinder 32 is retracted. The guide mandrel 360 remains in the in 14 twisted position shown. Then the guide device 35 can be brought closer to the twisting unit 30 .

16 shows the guide mandrel 360 in a detailed view. The guide mandrel 360 has a thickened area 361 on the side opposite its attachment to the guide device 35. In the case of a guide mandrel 360 with a circular cross-section, the guide mandrel has a larger diameter in the area of the thickened area 361, at least in sections. The guide mandrel 360 is also thickened upwards on the shaft, for example with a circular cross-section due to a larger diameter. A guide area 362 is formed between the two thickenings. The individual lines 11, 12 are in contact with the guide area 362 during a twisting process. Such a geometry can help to effectively prevent vibration processes in the individual lines 11, 12, in particular when long lines in the range of more than five meters, preferably more than seven meters, are twisted.

17 shows the components of the device 100 in a starting position before a twisting process. The pulled, assembled individual lines 11, 12 are clamped in the respective elements of the untwisting unit 40 and the twisting unit 30. The untwisting grippers 41a, 42a are in the parallel position at the corresponding specified distance 45. The guide mandrel 360 lies outside the extraction axis A. After the transfer of the individual lines 11, 12, the twisting unit 30 moves away somewhat from the untwisting unit 40 in order to separate the individual lines 11, 12 to stretch.

The guide device 35 is then moved in the direction of the twisting unit 30 . The clamping cylinder 32 is retracted so that the guide device 35 can be brought very close to the twisting unit 30 . This position is in 18 shown and is referred to as the starting position. The guide mandrel 360 is pivoted into the extraction axis A and separates the twisting area in which the twisting of the individual lines 11, 12 takes place and the twisted line bundle 10 results (in the drawings to the right of the guide mandrel 360) from the untwisted area (in the drawings to the left from the guide mandrel 360).

The twisting process begins when the twisting unit 30 rotates and the individual lines 11 , 12 are twisted to form the line bundle 10 . The rotation of the individual rotary units 41, 42 ensures that the individual lines do not twist in themselves, ie about their respective line axis v1, v2. During the twisting process, the guide device 35 moves at a controlled speed in the direction of the untwisting unit 40, the controlled speed resulting from the rotational speed of the twisting unit 30 and the desired lay length a2. The twisting unit 30 is also minimally towards the untwisting unit 40 in order to compensate for the shortening of the twisted line bundle 10 caused by the twisting. This movement can take place, for example, under tension control. Particularly in the case of long lines of more than 5 meters, in particular more than 7 meters, the thickening 361 on the guide mandrel 360 reduces the vertical oscillation of the lines 11, 12 and thus improves the quality of the twisting process. In 19 an intermediate position is shown, which is assumed after the start of the twisting process and before the completion of the twisting process.

20 and 21 each show a plan view of the individual rotating units 41, 42 shortly before the twisting process is completed. In 20 the guide pin 360 is still in contact with the individual lines 11, 12. In order to bring the first crossing point P1 even closer to the line ends of the individual lines 11, 12, the guide device 35 moves the guide pin 360 further so that it is in contact with the individual lines 11, 12 loses, as in 21 shown. In 21 In addition, the distance 45 between the individual rotary units 41, 42 was further reduced from one another. The actual twisting process is complete. A final twisting process follows, in which the twisting unit 30 is again rotated in the twisting direction, with the first crossing point P1 being moved even closer to the conductor ends.

The twisting process and the subsequent final twisting process are then completed, and the finished twisted cable is released from the twisting unit 30 and the individual turning units 41, 42 and placed, for example, in a cable trough 160 (see 4 ) dropped. Before it is released, the twisting unit 30 that is no longer rotating can be moved further in the direction of the untwisting unit 40 in order to relax the twisted line bundle. In this case, by actuating the brake 53, the angular position of the individual rotating units 41, 42 can be blocked.

22 Figure 12 shows the elements of the device 100 in a position in which the guide means 35 has continued its linear movement until the guide mandrel 360 has approximately reached the ends of the line. An unlocking cylinder (not shown) now actuates the point 357, whereby the released spring force causes the guide mandrel 360 to move into the in 23 shown position outside of the extension axis A pans. The guide device 35 can now be moved to the starting position without the guide mandrel 360 having a disruptive effect on this movement.

Another embodiment is provided with joint reference to FIG Figures 24 to 29 explained. 24 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of individual components of the device 100 for twisting individual lines according to the further embodiment. 25 FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a guide device 1035 and part of a twisting unit 1030 of the device from FIG Fig. 24. Fig. 26 10 shows a schematic side view of the guide device 1035 and a tensioning unit 1032 of the twisting unit Figures 24 and 25 . 27 1035 shows a schematic side view of the guide device 1035 Figures 24 to 26 in an intermediate position of the guide mandrel 1360. 28 shows a schematic side view of parts of the guide device 1035 analogous to FIG 27 in a locked position of the guide mandrel 1360. 29 shows a schematic side view of parts of the guide device 1035 analogous to FIG 27 shortly before unlocking the guide mandrel 1360.

For better understanding here are mainly the differences to the embodiment from the Figures 1-23 explained, and the same or similar features are omitted in the explanation where appropriate.

In 24 10 is a schematic three-dimensional view of individual components of the device 100 analogous to FIG figure 5 shown. In 24 not all components of the device 100 are shown for better understanding. 24 shows the untwisting unit 40, which is similar to that in figure 5 can be configured. 24 also shows the guide device 1035 and the twisting unit 1030 according to FIG the current embodiment.

parts of the device 24 , in particular the guide device 1035 and a part of the twisting unit 1030, as well as a stop 1040 are shown in the perspective view 25 shown enlarged. A tension unit 1032 is attached to the twisting unit 1030 (with the twisting head). The guide device 1035 and the clamping unit 1032 are shown in a schematic side view in FIG 26 shown again. The description is made here with joint reference to the 25 and 26 . The guide device 1035 comprises a locking spring 1355, a locking roller 1354, a holder 1353, a counter-stop 1359, a swivel plate 1370, a compression spring 1351 in a spring housing 1357, a pull rod 1356, a guide mandrel 1360, an inner control contour 1371 and an outer control contour 1372.

The swivel plate 1370 is mounted such that it can rotate or swivel about a swivel axis 1352 . In 26 the pivot plate 1370 and thus the guide mandrel 1360 is held in the initial position of the guide mandrel 1360 by means of the pull rod 1356 and the compression spring 1351, which represents the position pivoted out. In other words, the swivel plate 1370 is pulled upwards in the drawing view via the pull rod 1356 by the compression spring 1351 located in the spring housing 1357 .

For a better overview is in the Figures 27 to 29 the spring housing 1357 is no longer shown. 27 shows a side view analogous to 26 , wherein the pivot plate 1370 and thus the guide mandrel 1360 is in an intermediate position between the initial position (moved out or pivoted out position) and the moved in (pivoted in) position. This position is reached by guiding or moving the guide device 1035 relative to the twisting unit 1030 in such a way that the clamping unit 1032 (a roller 1033 of the clamping unit at its front end) against the outer control contour 1372 of the swivel plate 1370 abuts. The swivel plate 1370 is thereby moved about its swivel axis 1352, ie in the drawing the guide mandrel 1360 is pressed downwards. The locking roller 1354 follows the inner control contour 1371 of the pivot plate 1370. The inner control contour 1371 has a recess 1375 for the locking roller 1354. When the locking roller 1354 has moved along the inner control contour 1371 over the depression 1375 by further actuation by means of the tensioning unit 1032, a locking position is reached, as in FIG 28 shown. In this locked position, the locking spring 1355 maintains the locking by the locking roller 1354, and the tensioning unit 1032 can be removed from the outer control contour 1372, the locking position being maintained. The guide mandrel 360 is then in the position in which it has been moved into the twisting axis.

To unlock, the locking roller 1354 is moved to the right when viewed as indicated in the drawing. 29 shows a view analogous to 28 just before an unlocking process is triggered. The stop 1040 faces a counter-stop 1359 on the guide device 1350 . The counter-stop is, for example, one of the guide rods of the holder 1353, as in 29 shown. When the stop 1040 moves against the counter-stop 1359, the guide roller 1354 is moved out of the recess 1375, as a result of which the guide mandrel 1360 is moved again by the compression spring 1351 from the moved-in position into the starting position. Movement of the guide roller 1354 in this direction across the indentation 1375 defines a release or trip point defined by the relative position of the stop 1040 with respect to the counter-stop 1359 is defined. This relative position can be achieved by moving the guide device 1035 against the stop 1040. The stop 1040 can also be designed in such a way, for example, that it can be actively extended in the direction of the counter-stop 1359, for example pneumatically. This makes it possible to vary the trigger point within a certain range.

Although the above description has been made in terms of some embodiments, it is understood that individual objects, features, aspects and/or effects of the embodiments can be combined with one another and/or can be omitted as appropriate.

Claims (11)

Device (100) for twisting individual lines (11, 12) about a twisting axis (V) to form a line bundle (10) along a pull-out axis (A), the device comprising: spaced-apart single turning units (41, 42) for separately holding wire ends (15, 16) at one end of the single wires (11, 12); a twisting unit (30, 1030) for holding and twisting wire ends at the other end of the stranded wires (11, 12); a guide device (35, 1035) on which a guide mandrel (360, 1360) for at least regionally separating the individual lines 11, 12 during a twisting process using the twisting unit in a region in which there is a transition from an untwisted region to a twisted region, is fixed; the guide means (35, 1035) further comprising: a moving member (355, 1370) for moving the guide mandrel (360) from a home position to a moved-in position in which the guide mandrel is moved into the twisting axis (V); and a locking element (353, 354; 1353, 1354, 1355) for holding the guide mandrel (360) in the position moved into the twisting axis (V). Device (100) according to Claim 1, in which the guide mandrel (360) is designed to be movable in a pivotable manner into the twisting axis (V). Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide device (35) further comprises a tensioning element (352) for actuating the movement element (355), wherein the actuation takes place against a pretensioning force of a spring element (351) and the locking element (353) for latched maintenance of the moved-in position of the guide mandrel (360) against the biasing force and is configured to disengage and fall back into the home position of the guide mandrel. The device (100) of claim 3, wherein the locking member (352) is adapted to snap against a pawl (354) in the in-moved position of the guide mandrel (360). Device (100) according to one of claims 1-2, wherein the guide device (1035) further comprises a locking roller (1354) rotatably mounted in a holder (1353) for actuating the actuating element (1370), the actuation against the prestressing force of a spring element ( 1351) and the locking roller (1354) is configured by a locking form of the actuating element (1370) and by means of a locking spring (1355) for maintaining the moved-in position of the guide mandrel (360) against the biasing force. Device (100) according to Claim 5, in which the locking shape of the actuating element (1370) comprises a locking contour (1371) against which the locking roller (1354) acts. Device (100) according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein the twisting unit (1030) further includes a tensioning unit (1032) for bringing the actuating element (1370) into the in-moved position of the guide mandrel (360). Device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the actuating element (1370) comprises an actuating contour (1372) on which the tensioning unit (1032) acts to bring the actuating element (1370) into the moved-in position of the guide mandrel (360). Device (100) according to one of Claims 5-8, further comprising a trigger element (1040), in particular a stop, for triggering the locking form of the actuating element (1370) against a locking force of the locking roller (1354) for moving the guide mandrel (360) into the Starting position includes. Device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the triggering element (1040) is configured to be actively extendable in the triggering direction, in particular configured to be pneumatically extendable. Method for twisting individual lines (11, 12) about a twisting axis (V) to form a line bundle (10) along a pull-out axis (A), wherein a device (100) according to one of the preceding claims is used to carry out the method, wherein the method includes: separately holding line ends (15, 16) at one end of the individual lines (11, 12) by means of the individual turning units (41, 42); holding line ends at the other end of the individual lines (11, 12) by means of the twisting unit (30); Moving the guide mandrel (360) out of the twisting axis (V), and shifting the guide means (35) toward the twisting unit (30); moving the guide mandrel (360) into the region of the twist axis (V) to define a boundary between an untwisted region and a twisted region during a twisting operation; rotating the twisting unit (30) to perform a twisting operation, and shifting the guide unit (35) according to a time-dependent desired position of a first crossing point (P1) on the twisted wire bundle (10).

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