EP4183700A1 - Apparatus and method for binding a bundle of cables or several thread- like elements and forming a bunch - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for binding a bundle of cables or several thread- like elements and forming a bunch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4183700A1
EP4183700A1 EP21759103.1A EP21759103A EP4183700A1 EP 4183700 A1 EP4183700 A1 EP 4183700A1 EP 21759103 A EP21759103 A EP 21759103A EP 4183700 A1 EP4183700 A1 EP 4183700A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bundle
tape
binding
heads
arms
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21759103.1A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Núria SALAN BALLESTEROS
Mario Sanchez Arroyo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP4183700A1 publication Critical patent/EP4183700A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B13/00—Bundling articles
    • B65B13/18—Details of, or auxiliary devices used in, bundling machines or bundling tools
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B27/00—Bundling particular articles presenting special problems using string, wire, or narrow tape or band; Baling fibrous material, e.g. peat, not otherwise provided for
    • B65B27/10—Bundling rods, sticks, or like elongated objects
    • B65B27/105—Bundling rods, sticks, or like elongated objects by means of adhesive tape
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B13/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing conductors or cables
    • H01B13/012—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing conductors or cables for manufacturing wire harnesses
    • H01B13/01263—Tying, wrapping, binding, lacing, strapping or sheathing harnesses
    • H01B13/01281—Harness wrapping apparatus

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus and method for binding a bundle of cables or several thread-like elements and forming a bunch.
  • the apparatus and method are particularly suitable for binding, with the aid of adhesive tape, electrical cables, optical fibre cables, wires, etc.
  • Twisting machines for bringing together and combining bundles of cables or several thread-like elements which, in a facility, must be extended in an orderly manner between two common or very close connection points for each individual cable or thread-like element are known today.
  • the machine comprises two heads prepared for holding a bundle of cables to be twisted at respective ends and having the capability to rotate in opposite directions, such that by keeping one head stationary and causing the other head to rotate or causing both heads to rotate but in opposite directions, the twisting of the cables, the ends of which are held by said heads, around themselves takes place.
  • One way to bind a bundle of cables is by means of an adhesive tape, namely by tightly coiling or winding it around the previously twisted bundle of cables.
  • the device comprises a wrapping head rotatably mounted on a bearing, having two swivel jaws between which the bundle to be bound can be manually arranged.
  • the binding device comprises a tape supply mechanism which arranges an extended adhesive tape on the entry of the wrapping head, as a type of entry barrier, having a length that is much greater than that of the perimeter of the bundle to be bound.
  • This tape is arranged with an adhesive face oriented opposite the wrapping head and is pulled into the wrapping head when the bundle to be bound is introduced in said head, namely between its two jaws, furthermore bringing about the tape being adhered to the bundle and being folded over itself, determining at least one tail end of excess tape.
  • the rotation of the wrapping head about the bundle which is kept stationary, is achieved, and the jaws bring about the coiling or winding of the tail end of excess tape by its adhesive face on said bundle.
  • Apparatuses which combine the twisting technique described above with binding devices also of the type herein described are known for automating to a greater extent the twisting and subsequent binding process.
  • the binding devices are mounted in the apparatus with the capability to move closer to and move away from the bundle, which is held at its ends by respective heads. That is, instead of manually introducing the bundle into the wrapping head of the binding devices, the binding devices are displaced in order to introduce and extract, in each binding operation, the bundle from between the swivel jaws of the wrapping head.
  • the technical solution implementing a binding device of this type is mechanically complex.
  • the wrapping head must be rotatably mounted in the binding apparatus, whereby implying the incorporation of means for transmission means from a power unit. Since the binding device must be displaced towards or away from the bundle in each binding operation, this complicates the transmission or requires mounting the power unit so as to be integral with the binding apparatus in order to move jointly with same. This circumstance is further complicated when apparatuses comprise more than one binding device, each with its wrapping head which must be actuated for rotation.
  • the rotational actuation of the wrapping head, or where appropriate, heads must be very precise. For example, it must be assured that the movement thereof is stopped, with the swivel jaws always being oriented so that the bundle being bound can be extracted and the new bundle to be bound can be introduced. In other words, the wrapping head must always be stopped in the same angular position with respect to the chassis of the binding device, which requires specific controls.
  • a first objective of the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method that are alternatives to known apparatuses and methods.
  • the new apparatus prefferably simpler, without renouncing the quality of the binding operations, the performance speed of known apparatuses, and without renouncing the level of automatism either.
  • the proposed apparatus is suitable for wrapping an adhesive tape around a thread-like element whether said element is formed by a bundle of individual thread-like elements or by a single thread-like element.
  • the apparatus allows the bundle of thread-like elements, for example, cables, to be bound to form a bunch.
  • the apparatus comprises a first head prepared for holding the cables of the bundle at a first end; a second head prepared for holding the cables of the bundle at a second end, where the first and second heads can be arranged at a distance suitable for tensing the bundle; and a binding unit for binding the bundle arranged between the first and second heads suitable for holding the bundle with the interposition of a tape with an adhesive face applied against the bundle, for example exerting pressure between the bundle and the tape, for which purpose the binding unit is equipped with a tape supply mechanism and a cutting mechanism for separating the tape from a tape store.
  • the apparatus is characterised in that with the binding mechanism being stationary, holding the bundle with the interposition of the tape, the apparatus comprises drive means conferring to the first and second heads the capability to rotate in a synchronised manner about the longitudinal axis of the bundle to cause the bundle to rotate around itself and, by taking advantage of the greater friction force existing between the bundle and the tape than between this tape and the binding unit, to bring about the coiling or winding of the tape by its adhesive face around the bundle.
  • the binding unit has a clamp mechanism suitable for clamping the bundle, holding it such that with the clamp mechanism being stationary, clamping the bundle with the interposition of the tape, the drive means of the apparatus conferring to the first and second heads the capability to rotate in a synchronised manner about the longitudinal axis of the bundle to cause the bundle to rotate around itself and, by taking advantage of the greater friction force existing between the bundle and the tape than between this tape and the clamp mechanism of the binding unit, to bring about the coiling or winding of the tape by its adhesive face around the bundle. Better control of the held bundle and tape assembly is thereby achieved.
  • the clamp mechanism comprises a set of first and second arms linked to one another so that they can move away from or move closer to one another to a sufficient extent so that they can receive and clamp, respectively, the bundle with the interposition of the tape, holding them, configured such that they determine between one another a seating for tightly housing the bundle with the interposition of the tape during the clamping thereof, the clamp mechanism further comprising an actuator to prearrange or tighten the first and second arms against one another when the rotation of the bundle around itself is achieved, with the clamp mechanism being stationary.
  • the seating has a general teardrop shape, there being distinguished a bottom with an essentially semi-circular shape, which allows to be adapted to different thicknesses of the bundle to be bound, being prolonged towards an entry of the clamp mechanism defining a pulling space for a first tail end of the tape to be coiled or wound about the bundle and the width of which decreases towards the entry of the clamp mechanism.
  • the first and second arms can be configured such that there are distinguished a proximal or receiving area for the bundle and the opposing faces of which determine respective pushing ramps enabling the automatic separation of the first and second arms by simple pushing of the pack formed by the bundle and the tape; and a distal area, the surfaces of the opposing faces of which determine between one another the seating for tightly housing the bundle with the interposition of the tape.
  • the first and second arms of the clamp mechanism are rotatably mounted in the binding unit with respect to respective parallel shafts located in the proximal area of the first and second arms, such that the rotation of the first and second arms in opposite directions causes them to move away from or move closer to one another.
  • the actuator is formed by a component or components with elastic properties which press the first and second arms of the clamp mechanism, by default, against one another and which force must be overcome in order to separate the first and second arms to a sufficient extent so as to receive and house in the seating the bundle with the interposition of the tape, thus dispensing with motors, actuators or the like.
  • the tape supply mechanism and the cutting mechanism are configured for arranging, in each binding operation, the tape previously separated from the tape store between the clamp mechanism and the bundle to be bound, forming a type of barrier between the entry of the clamp mechanism and the bundle.
  • the tape supply mechanism and the cutting mechanism act in a coordinated manner to leave a portion of tape of unequal length on each side of the bundle.
  • the tape supply mechanism and the cutting mechanism may be configured for arranging, in each binding operation, the tape previously separated, and furthermore drawn, from the tape store between the clamp mechanism and the bundle to be bound, forming a type of barrier between the entry of the clamp mechanism and the bundle. Since the tape is previously drawn, correct attachment between the tape and the bundle is favoured.
  • the binding unit is mounted with the capability to move closer to and move farther away from the bundle to be bound to a sufficient extent so that, starting from a position away from the bundle to be bound in a first phase, it is moved towards the bundle to a sufficient extent so as to receive and arrange between the first and second arms of the clamp mechanism, namely in the seating, the bundle to be bound with the interposition of the tape; in a second phase, it, and with it the mechanism or, where appropriate, the associated clamp mechanisms, are kept stationary, while the synchronised rotation of the first and second heads about the longitudinal axis of the bundle in order to cause it to rotate around itself and to bring about the coiling or winding of the tape by its adhesive face around the bundle is achieved; and in a third phase, it is moved towards the position away from the bundle with the tape already coiled or wound around same, thus releasing the bound bundle from between the first and second arms of the clamp mechanism.
  • the apparatus according to the invention is readily adaptable for binding more than one bundle in a simultaneous or coordinated manner.
  • it may comprise several pairs with first and second heads each having and holding respective associated bundles in parallel; and it may comprise one or more binding units each with the same number of clamp mechanisms as pairs of first and second heads the apparatus has and which are displaced, by the movement of the corresponding binding unit, in unison or en bloc, towards and away from the mentioned bundles in order to perform the binding operations.
  • the set of first heads is operated by a first common servomotor; and the set of second heads is operated by a second common servomotor, the apparatus having programmable means for synchronising the actuation of the first and second servomotors.
  • both the set of first heads and the set of second heads are operated by a single motor, this motor being appropriately connected by means of transmissions and clutch systems to the set of first and second heads, such that such heads can rotate in the same direction, in the inverse direction, or one of the sets of heads can be stopped.
  • the apparatus comprises guide means, to which there are coupled with the capability to slide along said guide means at least the first or second head or, where appropriate, at least one of the sets of first and second heads; as well as the binding unit or, where appropriate, at least one of the binding units.
  • a method for binding a bundle of cables or several thread-like elements and forming a bunch which comprises a first head holding the cables of the bundle at a first end; a second head holding the cables of the bundle at a second end; arranging the first and second heads at a distance suitable for tensing the bundle; a binding unit for binding the bundle arranged between the first and second heads holding the bundle with the interposition of a tape with an adhesive face applied against the bundle, for which purpose the binding unit is equipped with a tape supply mechanism and a cutting mechanism for separating the tape from a tape store; and with the binding unit being stationary, holding the bundle with the interposition of the tape, causing the bundle to rotate around itself through drive means conferring to the first and second heads the capability to rotate in a synchronised manner about the longitudinal axis of the bundle and, by taking advantage of the greater friction force existing between the bundle and the tape than between this tape and the binding unit, to bring about the coiling or winding of the tape by its adhesive face around the bundle.
  • This method can be
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus 1 which exemplifies the invention.
  • the apparatus 1 is versatile and suitable both for binding a bundle 2 of thread-like elements by means of an adhesive tape and forming a bunch and for applying the adhesive tape to a single thread-like element, for example, for visual marking or labelling purposes.
  • the exemplary apparatus 1 is prepared for working on a total of three different or identical bundles 2 simultaneously.
  • the apparatus For each bundle 2 to be bound and in a known manner, the apparatus comprises a pair of first and second heads 3, 33 prepared for firmly holding the ends 2a and 2b of the associated bundle 2. Accordingly, the apparatus 1 is equipped with three pairs of heads 3, 33, with each pair intended for holding a corresponding bundle 2 at its opposing ends.
  • the apparatus 1 is prepared so that the sets of first and second heads 3, 33 can be arranged at a distance suitable for tensing the bundles 2.
  • the apparatus 1 is equipped with guide means 7, exemplified in the form of a pair of bars determining a type of rail, fixed to the frame of the apparatus and extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the bundles 2 to be bound; and the set of second heads 33 is supported by a common carriage 331 mounted so as to slide along these guide means 7.
  • the first and second heads 3, 33 of each pair of heads has the capability to rotate about the longitudinal axis L of the bundle 2 held between them.
  • a rotation in the opposite direction may be used for tightly twisting, providing a braided-like finish, the thread-like elements, where appropriate cables, forming the bundle 2.
  • a synchronised rotation in the same direction will cause the held bundle 2 to rotate around itself.
  • the apparatus 1 may comprise drive means 6 formed by a single motor or can be equipped with independent motors, one dedicated to the set of first heads 3 and the other one dedicated to the set of second heads 33, or even independent motors per head.
  • the use of belt, chain, or similar transmissions is envisaged for driving the first and second heads 3, 33 from an output shaft of a common drive motor should this be the case.
  • the necessary synchronism of the motors can be achieved in a known manner using controllers and/or servomotors.
  • the apparatus 1 comprises a binding unit 4 arranged between the first and second heads 3, 33.
  • the binding unit 4 is also mounted so as to slide along the guide means 7, where it can be arranged in the desired area along the bundles 2.
  • the apparatus 1 can have more similar binding units 4 for the purpose of binding one and the same bundle 2 in more than one desired area.
  • the depicted binding unit 4 has, in correspondence with the number of bundles 2, three clamp mechanisms 41 suitable for each one to clamp, that is to hold, a bundle 2 to be bound by means of an adhesive tape.
  • each clamp mechanism 41 has associated therewith a tape supply mechanism 45 for supplying tape 5 which will be used for binding and a cutting mechanism 46 for separating the tape from a tape store, all this as explained in greater detail below.
  • each clamp mechanism 41 will have at least two degrees of freedom: for being positioned along the associated bundle 2 and for moving closer to or moving away from the bundle 2 in order to operate on same during the binding operation. This mobility is known and will therefore not be explained in further detail.
  • a clamp mechanism 41 according to the invention and its linking with the bundle 2 to be bound and the tape 5 to be used for that end has been illustrated in Figures 2a to 2d in different instants during a binding operation which is characteristic of the apparatus 1 of the invention.
  • Figures 2a to 2d allow showing that the clamp mechanism 41 comprises a set of first and second arms 42, 43 linked to one another to change their relative position.
  • the first and second arms 42, 43 are rotatably mounted in the binding unit with respect to respective parallel shafts 42a, 43a, such that the rotation of the first and second arms 42, 43 in opposite directions causes them to move away from or move closer to one another.
  • the first and second arms 42, 43 are further configured such that there are distinguished therein a proximal area, the opposing faces of which determine respective pushing ramps 42b, 43b; and a distal area, the opposing faces of which have respective surfaces 42c, 43c which determine between one another a seating 44 for tightly housing the bundle 2 with the interposition of the tape 5.
  • the clamp mechanism 41 further has actuating means for prearranging or keeping the clamp mechanism 41 in a standby position, similar to a closed clamp position A.
  • actuating means may be formed by elastic means acting between the first and second arms 42, 43 or individual elastic means which each press a corresponding arm against the other arm.
  • the elastic means can be implemented in the form of a spring or the like.
  • binding unit 4 may be provided with other elements which allow the holding of the bundle 2 with the interposition of the tape 5 with its adhesive face 5a applied against the bundle 2, such that it will also allow a winding or coiling to be performed as described above.
  • Figures 4a to 4c present an alternative embodiment in which the binding unit is provided with a surface 49 which determines a seating for tightly housing and holding the bundle 2 with the interposition of the tape 5, as illustrated in Figure 4a .
  • the binding unit 4 can have one or more surfaces 49 which allow the housing of different bundles 2. It can be observed that in the variant of Figures 4a to 4c , the holding surface 49 is curved to facilitate the seating of the bundle 2 and the tape 2. Logically, the surface 49 could also be straight or have a groove to facilitate the holding of the bundle 2 and the tape 5.
  • the winding or coiling can be carried out as described above, performing the synchronised rotation in one and the same direction about the longitudinal axis L of the first and second heads 3, 33 holding the bundle 2 in order to cause it to rotate around itself and to bring about the coiling or winding of the long tail end 51 of tape 5 by its adhesive face 5a around the bundle 2, gripping the short tail end 52 of the tape 5 with it.
  • This rotational movement of the bundle 2 is schematically shown in Figure 4c , thus achieving the coiling or winding of the tape 5 by its adhesive face 5a around the bundle 2 as well.
EP21759103.1A 2020-07-20 2021-07-19 Apparatus and method for binding a bundle of cables or several thread- like elements and forming a bunch Pending EP4183700A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES202031584U ES1254814Y (es) 2020-07-20 2020-07-20 Un aparato para atar un haz de cables o elementos filiformes varios y formar un mazo
PCT/ES2021/070536 WO2022018313A1 (es) 2020-07-20 2021-07-19 Un aparato y procedimiento para atar un haz de cables o elementos filiformes varios y formar un mazo

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4183700A1 true EP4183700A1 (en) 2023-05-24

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21759103.1A Pending EP4183700A1 (en) 2020-07-20 2021-07-19 Apparatus and method for binding a bundle of cables or several thread- like elements and forming a bunch

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EP (1) EP4183700A1 (es)
ES (1) ES1254814Y (es)
WO (1) WO2022018313A1 (es)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113937667A (zh) * 2021-09-30 2022-01-14 中船重工海为郑州高科技有限公司 一种电缆敷设过程中实现动态捆扎的方法及装置
CN114634054B (zh) * 2022-02-08 2023-09-29 昆明鼎承科技有限公司 一种丝状物料抱紧装置

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008015629A1 (de) * 2008-03-22 2009-09-24 Josef Gack Vorrichtung zum Abbinden und Isolieren von elektrischen Leitern und/oder Bündeln von elektrischen Leitern
PL2777053T3 (pl) 2011-11-11 2016-06-30 Schleuniger Holding Ag Urządzenie do skręcania
DE202017002929U1 (de) 2017-06-02 2017-07-04 Kabatec GmbH & Co. KG Wickeleinrichtung für ein zum Umwickeln eines länglichen Bündelgutes mit einem Klebeband ausgebildetes Bündelgerät
EP3511954B1 (de) * 2018-01-12 2023-08-30 Komax Holding Ag Vorrichtung und verfahren zum bearbeiten einer mehrzahl von elektrischen leitungen

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Publication number Publication date
ES1254814U (es) 2020-10-26
WO2022018313A1 (es) 2022-01-27
ES1254814Y (es) 2021-01-15

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