EP4304962A1

EP4304962A1 - Cable stacker

Info

Publication number: EP4304962A1
Application number: EP22710177.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roland Kampmann; Manuel BÜGLER; Michael Böhm
Original assignee: Schleuniger AG
Current assignee: Schleuniger AG
Priority date: 2021-03-09
Filing date: 2022-03-09
Publication date: 2024-01-17
Also published as: KR20230152712A; US20240150137A1; EP4304961A1; CN116963977A; CN116963976A; WO2022190005A1; US20240150131A1; WO2022189829A1; JP2024512920A; JP2024515437A; KR20230152711A

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable stacker comprising a belt conveyor (21) for conveying the cable along a conveying direction, a discharge device for dropping a cable into a collection tub (241), and a guide element (50) for damping a meandering movement of the cable that is to be put down.

Description

CABLE STACKER

The invention relates to cable stackers, cable processing devices with a cable stacker and a method for safely transporting a cable according to the independent patent claims.

Wire stackers are typically stand-alone devices and are typically attached to wire processing devices. Cable stackers of this type have a belt conveyor with a first conveyor roller and at least one further conveyor roller, with at least one of the two conveyor rollers being driven by a conveyor drive device. A belt is typically disposed on the conveyor rollers and moves a processed tow along a conveyor path when the belt conveyor is activated.

US Pat. No. 4,793,759 A discloses a cable stacker with a first belt conveyor for transporting the cable along a conveying direction, the first belt conveyor having a conveyor path with an input path section and an output path section. There is a base frame on which the first belt conveyor is mounted with a counter barrier for guiding the cable.

A disadvantage of this known solution is that in a cable processing process with a high production frequency, such a mechanism for ejecting the cable from the conveyor track can be faulty. DE 10 2017 202 502 A1 relates to a conveying device for cables, which includes a conveyor belt for conveying a piece of cable. The conveyor comprises a profile element which is transverse to Conveying direction can be moved over the conveyor belt in order to convey the piece of cable controlled by the conveyor belt into a collecting flap.

A disadvantage of this known solution is that such a mechanism for ejecting the cable from the conveyor belt is too slow in a cable processing process with a high production frequency.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved cable stacker which, in particular, does not have at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, a wire stocker is modified into a high-capacity wire stocker because the depositing speed is increased and misplacement is reducible.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are presented in the figures and in the dependent patent claims. A cable stacker according to the invention comprises a first belt conveyor for transporting the cable along a conveying direction, the first belt conveyor being suitable for receiving a belt and the first belt conveyor having a conveyor track with an input track section and an output track section. Furthermore, there is a main frame on which the first belt conveyor is arranged, with a counter-barrier for guiding the cable being present. In the area of the entry track section, the first belt conveyor has a first ejection barrier to prevent the cable from sliding off the conveyor track in an uncontrolled manner, the first ejection barrier being movable at least into an active position relative to the counter-barrier.

The first dropping barrier can be moved vertically to the counter-barrier and/or horizontally to the counter-barrier. Is the first Ejection barrier in its active position, it serves as an obstacle for the leading cable end of a cable. In addition to guiding the cable, a counter-barrier is also suitable for preventing the cable from slipping off the conveyor track in an uncontrolled manner. The leading end of the cable can die in the conveying process along the conveying direction

Do not climb through the discard barrier when the discard barrier is in its active position. Uncontrolled slipping of the cable from the conveyor track can be avoided in this way, so that the depositing speed can be increased and incorrect deposits can be reduced at the same time. For example, the first ejection barrier is arranged adjacent to a first conveyor roller of the belt conveyor. A further conveyor roller can be arranged in the area of the output web section, which can be actively driven or moved by a conveyor drive device. The counter-barrier is preferably in the entryway section of the

Conveyor track arranged so that it is arranged at least opposite the first drop barrier on the cable stacker. Thus, the guiding of the cable is further improved.

The first ejection barrier can preferably be moved orthogonally to the conveying direction from the active position into an inactive position. The first ejection barrier can be moved towards the conveyor track or away from the conveyor track, for example lowered or raised (vertically). The first ejection barrier does not cross the conveyor track of the belt conveyor, so that the processed cable can be conveyed onto the conveyor track unhindered.

Alternatively or in addition, the first ejection barrier can be moved along the conveying direction of the conveyor track. The first shedding barrier can be built small and compact. Depending on cable length and/or cable type the first ejection barrier can be positioned along the conveying direction of the conveyor track on the cable stacker.

Preferably, the first ejection barrier with a

Drive device mechanically connected to at least one drive for moving the first ejection barrier. The drive can be designed as an electric drive, so that the first ejection barrier can be moved easily.

The drive device is preferably pneumatic

Drive device, which has at least one pneumatic cylinder as a drive. The first release barrier can thus be easily transferred from the active position to the inactive position.

This drive device preferably has a valve. The valve can be designed as a compressed air valve and can be part of a valve battery, for example. With a valve, the electrical control signals can be easily converted into compressed air levels, which ensures a controlled compressed air supply to the pneumatic cylinder.

A control device is preferably present, which is electrically connected at least to the drive device for the exchange of control data. The drive device can thus be controlled in a reproducible manner. For example, the control device has a computing unit and is connected to a memory and/or a database for the exchange of control data.

A sensor device is preferably present, with which at least the inactive position of the first ejection barrier can be detected. The sensor device recognizes the inactive position of the first drop barrier and forwards corresponding sensor data to the

control device further. The sensor data can be stored in the computing unit be further processed by the control device. Alternatively or additionally, there is a sensor device with which at least the active position of the first ejection barrier can be detected. The sensor device recognizes the active position of the first drop barrier and forwards corresponding sensor data to the control device. The sensor data can be further processed in the computing unit of the control device to form control commands, at least for the first ejection barrier. For this purpose, this sensor device is electrically connected to the control device for exchanging sensor data. Preferably, the counter barrier is movably arranged on the first belt conveyor. The counter barrier can be manually moved by a user, or connected to an adjustment mechanism that powers or pneumatically moves the counter barrier. In this way, for example, a gap can be set between the counter-barrier and the conveyor track, in particular when a new belt has been arranged on the first belt conveyor, so that the processed cable can be prevented from being jammed on the belt conveyor.

The first belt conveyor is preferably arranged on the main frame such that it is tilted relative to the horizontal. The first belt conveyor is twisted or tilted about the conveying direction, so that it is more difficult for the cable to slide off the conveyor track. In particular, the tilt is between 1 degree and 15 degrees. The tilt is preferably 6 degrees. This prevents the cable from slipping off prematurely, or allows the cable to slide off the conveyor track in a controlled manner as desired.

There is preferably a collection area for collecting the cables, with the first ejection barrier being arranged adjacent to the collection area. Those processed cables which should overcome the first drop barrier can be stored safely in the collection area.

The collecting area is preferably designed as a movable collecting trough. The drip pan can be easily tilted with a pneumatic cylinder, for example moved from one end position (tilted up) to another end position (tilted down). For example, a tailings pan may also be provided to store the processed cables as they are conveyed from the tipped-down sump to the tailings pan. A belt for transporting the cable along the conveying direction is preferably arranged on the first belt conveyor. A belt can be positioned on the belt conveyor in a simple and reproducible manner and fixed using a tensioning device.

Preferably the belt is a flat belt. A flat belt has no longitudinal profile (or no belt bead) and is simple in construction and cheap to manufacture compared to a belt with a longitudinal profile. In particular, the flat band belt has a structure with increased adhesion on its supporting side opposite the running side or its outer surfaces, so that the processed cables can be conveyed better. The running side of a flat belt is typically in operative connection with at least one conveyor roller. Alternatively, the belt can be a toothed belt.

A movable protective cover is preferably arranged along the conveying direction of the first belt conveyor. The protective cover can be removed from the entrance track section of the first belt conveyor to allow a user easy access to the conveyor track. In particular, the protective cover is pivotable. To do this, the protective cover can be connected to the main frame using a hinge and a snap-in and/or spring mechanism with integrated damper elements (e.g. gas pressure springs), with the damper element fixing the opened position and/or reducing the effort required to open it or making it more even distributed throughout the movement.

The first belt conveyor preferably has at least one second ejection barrier to prevent the cable from sliding off the conveyor track in an uncontrolled manner, the second ejection barrier being movable into an active position relative to the counter-barrier. The second ejection barrier can be arranged adjacent to the first ejection barrier in order to better prevent the uncontrolled slipping off of the cable. There is preferably at least one fixing device for fixing at least the first ejection barrier in the active position. The fixing device comprises, for example, an independent mechanical, electrical or magnetic fixing unit which prevents the first ejection barrier from being transferred into its inactive position by either blocking its drive device or blocking the movement of the first ejection barrier. The movable collecting trough can also serve as a fixing device, which prevents the transfer of the first ejection barrier into its inactive position if it is, for example, crouched. The first belt conveyor preferably comprises a plurality of module frames which can be connected to the main frame and are therefore held on the cable conveyor in a stable and stationary manner. Such module frames can be produced in standardized sizes, so that the conveyor track of the first belt conveyor is individually adjustable or extendable. The cable stacker with a modular structure also includes only one belt, one tensioning device and at least one belt drive, so that the production costs are not significantly increased, but the customer benefit is significantly improved, additional conveyor rollers can be dispensed with.

In particular, the module frames can be separated from one another and/or from the main frame, so that the modularity is improved and transport and assembly before the cable stacker is put into operation for the first time is simplified.

There is preferably at least one additional belt conveyor, which can be separated from the first belt conveyor, for transporting the cable along the conveying direction, with the first belt conveyor and the additional belt conveyor being suitable for receiving a single belt so that the production costs are not significantly increased.

There is preferably a single flat band belt for transporting the cable along the conveying direction. Flat belts can be installed easily and reproducibly.

There is preferably a further ejection barrier on one of the module frames and/or on one of the other belt conveyors to prevent the cable from sliding off the conveyor track in an uncontrolled manner, with the further ejection barrier being movable at least into an active position relative to the counter-barrier. This can prevent the cable from sliding off the conveyor track outside of the entry track section in an uncontrolled manner. There is preferably at least one ejection device for ejecting the cable from at least one of the belt conveyors, the ejection device being electrically connected to the control device for exchanging control data. The ejection device can be designed as a swivel arm or a linearly movable ejection arm, so that a controlled ejection is made possible and the ejection device is arranged on the cable stacker in a space-saving manner.

An inventive cable processing device with at least one cable processing station and with at least one cable processing tool for processing the cable and a cable stacker as described here comprises at least one ejection device for dropping the cable from at least one belt conveyor, which is arranged on the cable processing device or on the cable stacker. The at least one ejection device can thus be part of the cable processing device or part of the cable stacker. For example, a gripper arranged at the cable processing station is used as a dropping device and can be used for cable transport between different processing stations and/or for other functions. For example, the gripper is arranged on a swivel arm with a vertical axis of rotation.

The dropping device is preferably connected to the control device of the cable stacker for the exchange of control data. The at least one ejection device can thus be installed or put into operation independently of the cable processing device. As an alternative to this, the cable stacker is electrically connected to a central control of the cable processing device for the exchange of control data, with the at least one ejection device being connected to the central control for the exchange of control data. on a separate control device for the cable stacker can be dispensed with, so that the manufacturing costs of the cable stacker are optimized.

An inventive method for safely handling a cable on a cable stacker, the cable stacker having at least a first belt conveyor and a first dropping barrier, comprises at least the following steps: a) selecting at least one cable parameter; b) moving the first ejection barrier into an active position relative to a counter-barrier; c) conveying the cable on the first belt conveyor.

An uncontrolled slipping of the cable from the conveyor track of the belt conveyor can be avoided, so that the depositing speed can be increased and incorrect deposits are reduced at the same time.

The cable parameters here are the cable type (coaxial cable, multi-conductor cable, etc.), the cable geometry (structure, dimensioning, cable length, etc.) as well as the overall structure of the processed cable, whereby the overall structure can also include a cable connector arranged on the cable. In particular, the cable stacker is a cable stacker described here or a cable stacker as part of a cable processing device as previously described.

The at least one cable parameter is preferably retrieved from a database. The control device or the central control are connected to the database for exchanging cable parameters, so that already stored cable parameters can be accessed and the initialization of the cable stacker before starting production is improved.

After step b), at least one cable processing tool of a cable processing station is preferably activated. The processing of the cable can therefore only be started when the first ejection barrier is in its active position, so that incorrect placement on the cable stacker is further reduced. In particular, the cable processing tool of the cable processing station of the cable processing device described here is activated. Preferably, step c) is followed by the step of moving the first ejection barrier into an inactive position (step d). Alternatively or additionally, after step d), the cable is ejected with the ejection device (step e). This reliably ejects the cable without getting caught on the ejection barrier. A further cable stacker according to the invention comprises a first belt conveyor for transporting the cable along a conveying direction, the first belt conveyor being suitable for receiving a belt. The cable stacker includes at least one dropping device for dropping the cable. In the entry path section of the conveying direction, there is a collection area for collecting the cables. The collecting area is preferably designed as a (movable) collecting trough. Furthermore, there is a main frame on which the first belt conveyor is arranged, with at least one first guide element being present. The guide element is arranged to dampen a snake movement or undesired sideways movement of a cable to be laid down. The first guide element can preferably be positioned longitudinally displaceably along the conveying direction of the cable to be conveyed in the entry path section. With the help of the first guide element, when dropping the Cable whose guidance in the entry track section is improved, thus ensuring optimal placement quality. When the cable is ejected or when the cable is moved sideways (e.g. when swinging back from a processing station in the direction of the belt conveyor), a horizontal snake movement is formed, for example triggered by a horizontal pivoting movement of the ejection device or the pivot arm, starting from the trailing end of the cable to the leading end of the cable. This snake movement is pronounced depending on the cable parameters. For example, the movement is more pronounced for short cables and thin cables compared to long and/or thick cables. The geometric shape, e.g. a damped oscillation, of the snake movement is determined by the ejector impulse of the ejector on the Cable and the position of the first guide element specified, so that an unwanted slipping of the cable is prevented.The position of the first guide element is to be set depending on the cable length or cable parameters, with the position of the first guide element for short cables below is different from the position of the first guide element for long cables and in particular the position of the first guide element for thin cables is different from the position of the first guide element for thick cables. The difference is that the shorter the cable, the further the guide element has to be moved towards the trailing end of the cable. The longer the cable, the further the guide element is shifted in the direction of the leading end of the cable. The guide element is preferably arranged transversely to the conveying direction and obliquely to the vertical. The guide element preferably forms an angle β of less than 90°, preferably 50°-80°, more preferably 55°-75° with the surface of the conveyor belt. Advantageously, the angle ß favors the sliding of the cable from the conveyor track in the collection tray. A particularly good result is achieved at an angle of 57°.

The guide element is preferably at a distance from the belt conveyor, with the distance between the guide element and the belt conveyor preferably being between 20 and 50 mm, preferably between 30 and 40 mm, in the plane of the belt conveyor. Advantageously, the spaced guide element allows the cable to slip through the gap between the belt conveyor and the guide element and subsequent bending/sagging of the cable, which promotes the cable sliding off the conveyor track into the collecting trough.

The side of the guide element facing the conveyor track preferably has a rounded shape. This advantageously prevents the cable from being damaged during the damping of the snake movement and reduces any buckling stresses when feeding a trailing end of the cable to a processing machine.

The guide element preferably protrudes beyond the upper side of the belt conveyor to at least the working height of the discharge device or the gripper above the belt conveyor.

In one embodiment, in the area of the first guiding element there is a sensor device with at least one sensor for determining a first position of the guiding element, the sensor device being electrically connected to the control device or to the central control of a cable processing device. With the help of the sensor, a positioning error of the first guide element relative to the conveyed cable can be detected, so that an undesired slipping off of the cable is better prevented. Alternatively or additionally, in a further embodiment, a drive device for moving the guide element is connected to the first guide element. This need not be. A canine adjustment is also conceivable, in which case a quick-release fastener then allows the guide element to be fixed or released relative to the base of the belt conveyor. The drive device enables automatic, precise and reproducible positioning of the first guide element on the cable stacker, in particular depending on the cable to be stacked. For this purpose, the drive device preferably comprises a spindle or a pneumatic cylinder, the spindle enabling stepless positioning of the first guide element and a pneumatic cylinder being a cost-effective variant of a drive device.

A light barrier, an inductive or magnetic sensor or a switch can be used as a sensor, for example, which detects the first position of the first guide element and can interact with a detection element. Alternatively, the drive device can include the sensor, for example by detecting a position of a pneumatic cylinder or the rotational movement of a spindle. The control device or the central control includes a computing unit and is connected to a database for the exchange of control data. The control data include control commands for controlling the drive device of the first guide element. The computing unit has a program that is suitable for evaluating the sensor data and checking or comparing it, for example with a preselected cable parameter of the cable to be stacked, and for calculating the first position and comparing it with a reference value from a database. For example, if the first position of the first guide element differs from the reference value, at least one warning is sent and if necessary, a conveying operation of the belt conveyor is prevented or delayed. Otherwise, the first belt conveyor can start conveying the cable that has been processed or is to be stacked.

Preferably, the drive device for moving the guide element is electrically connected to the control device, so that the positioning can be carried out in a precisely controlled manner and can be adjusted in particular for short cables, long cables, thick cables or thin cables.

As an alternative to this, the drive device is electrically connected to a central controller of a cable processing device. In this way, control commands for moving the first guide element can be created and transmitted directly from the central controller of a cable processing device and, if necessary, the first belt conveyor can be stopped. The drive device can include a pneumatic drive or also include an electric drive. A protective cover is preferably present and the first guide element is arranged on the protective cover. The first guide element can thus be removed together with the protective cover, so that improved accessibility to the conveyor belt is possible for the user. The protective cover is, for example, a protective cover as described above.

In particular, this protective cover is designed to be movable, preferably tiltable, and contains fixing, damping and/or spring elements. These fix the open position of the protective cover and/or reduce the effort required to open it and/or distribute the effort evenly over the entire movement. This improves the ease of use for the user. An inventive method for safely transporting a cable on a cable stacker as described herein comprises the following steps: a) moving the first guide element into a first position, the first position being coordinated with the cable length of the cable to be transported; b) checking the first position of the first guide element using the sensor device; c) transfer of control data to the control device; d) conveying the cable on the first belt conveyor.

This leads to a reduction in incorrect deposits in the cable stacker. If step b) is carried out manually by a user, the check in step c) recognizes that the position measured with the sensor device does not match the required position. This for stopping the belt conveyor and the user can a

Received warning/error message.

In particular, at least one cable parameter of the cable is selected before step a). The cable parameters here are the cable type (coaxial cable, multi-conductor cable, etc.), the cable geometry (structure, dimensioning, cable length, etc.) as well as the overall structure of the processed cable, whereby the overall structure can also include a cable connector arranged on the cable. In particular, the cable stacker is a cable stacker described here or a cable stacker as part of a cable processing device as previously described.

The at least one cable parameter is preferably retrieved from a database. The controller or the central controller are connected to the database for the exchange of cable parameters, so that cable parameters that have already been stored can be accessed and the initialization of the cable stacker before the start of production is improved. The first guide element is preferably transferred into the first position in step b) with the aid of the drive device. This allows the first guide element to be adjusted fully automatically.

A cable stacker according to the invention comprises a first belt conveyor for transporting the cable along a conveying direction, the first belt conveyor being suitable for receiving a belt. Furthermore, there is a main frame on which the first belt conveyor is arranged, with a counter-barrier for guiding the cable being present. The counter barrier is movable relative to the conveying direction to set a gap to the conveying path of the first belt conveyor.

By means of the movable counter-barrier, a gap can be adjusted between the belt and the counter-barrier when the belt is arranged on the first belt conveyor, so that the processed cable can be prevented from being undesirably caught in this gap. This leads to a reduction in incorrect deposits in the cable stacker.

Preferably, the counter-barrier is movable normal to the conveying direction to vertically adjust a horizontal gap between the first belt conveyor and the counter-barrier. Undesirable jamming of the processed cable in the horizontal gap can thus be prevented. Alternatively or in addition, the counter-barrier is movable normal to the conveying direction in order to set a vertical gap between the first belt conveyor and the counter-barrier horizontally. So that's one unwanted clamping of the processed cable in the vertical gap can be avoided.

The belt is preferably designed as a flat belt. A flat belt has at least one belt transport surface and at least one belt end surface. A flat belt has no longitudinal profile and is simple in construction and cheap to manufacture compared to a belt with a longitudinal profile. Such ribbon belts are exchanged by a user by hand. A belt with a longitudinal profile has at least one step-like projection on which the belt face is arranged.

Preferably, the counter-barrier is movable normal to the belt transport surface to vertically adjust a horizontal gap between the belt and the counter-barrier. Undesirable jamming of the processed cable in the horizontal gap can thus be prevented. Alternatively or additionally, the counter-barrier is movable normal to the belt face to horizontally adjust a vertical gap between the belt and the counter-barrier. Undesirable clamping of the processed cable in the vertical gap can thus be prevented. The counter-barrier is preferably arranged in the entry track section of the conveyor track, so that it is arranged opposite the collection area on the cable stacker. Thus, the guiding of the cable is further improved. In particular, the counter-barrier extends along the conveyor path of the belt conveyor. Preferably, an adjustment mechanism for moving the counter-barrier is arranged on the counter-barrier so that the counter-barrier is easily adjustable relative to the belt conveyor.

Alternatively, the counter-barrier is mechanically connected to an adjustment mechanism for moving the counter-barrier. Of the

Adjustment mechanism can have a spindle drive on which the first counter-barrier can be easily and steplessly adjusted.

This adjustment mechanism is preferably designed in such a way that this adjustment mechanism cannot be adjusted during the conveying operation of the first belt conveyor. This allows an unwanted adjustment of the

Counter-barrier can be prevented during operation. The adjustment mechanism can be self-locking for this purpose.

Preferably, the adjustment mechanism includes an elongated hole and a fastening device. For example, the adjustment mechanism is connected to the main frame of the cable stacker by means of at least one screw or bolt and a washer in the area of this slot. The washer is designed in such a way that the screw does not loosen when subjected to vibrations, for example as a ribbed washer or as a wedge lock washer (Nord-Lock). There are several screws or bolts per adjustment mechanism,

Washers and slotted holes provided. If the fastening device is slightly loosened by the user, then the adjusting mechanism and the counter-barrier attached to it can move freely. Once the screw or bolt is fixed, the counter-barrier is fixed and uniquely positioned relative to the main frame.

As an alternative or in addition to this, the adjustment mechanism can, for example, be a spindle or a screw with a high pitch have and / or have a fixing element, such as a lock nut. A counter-barrier with such an adjustment mechanism can also be easily adjusted by an untrained user with simple tools such as a torque wrench. Once the screw or bolt is fixed, the counter-barrier is fixed and uniquely positioned relative to the main frame.

The adjustment mechanism preferably includes an adjustment aid, so that the desired gap between the belt conveyor or the belt and the counter-surface can be adjusted in a reproducible manner. The adjustment aid can be pushed into the gap, motorized or manually by the user. The counter-barrier is then pushed towards the adjustment aid until the counter-barrier, adjustment aid and belt conveyor or belt touch each other. Before commissioning, the adjustment aid is now pulled out of the gap or removed. In this way, a reproducible gap of the optimum size for belts from different manufacturers can be created at any time and with little effort. If the belt is heavily worn (Dieken reduction due to wear/abrasion), the adjustment process can also be repeated several times for the same belt.

The counter-barrier preferably extends along the conveying path of the first belt conveyor, so that improved routing of a cable on the belt conveyor over a longer conveying distance is ensured.

A method according to the invention for adjusting a gap on a cable stacker, in particular on one as described above

Cable stacker, includes at least the following steps: a) arranging a belt on a belt conveyor, b) moving a counter-barrier from a first position to a further position to adjust a gap between the belt and the counter-barrier.

With the movable counter-barrier, a gap between the belt and the counter-barrier can be easily adjusted when the belt is placed on the first belt conveyor, so that the processed cable is prevented from being undesirably caught in this gap. This leads to a reduction in incorrect deposits in the cable stacker and to increased operational reliability. An adjustment aid is preferably arranged between the counter-barrier and the belt before step b). In this way, a reproducible gap of the optimum size for belts from different manufacturers can be created at any time and with little effort. If the belt is heavily worn (Dieken reduction due to wear/abrasion), the adjustment process can also be repeated several times for the same belt.

After step b), the adjustment aid between the counter-barrier and the belt is preferably removed in order to prevent the processed cable from being undesirably jammed with the adjustment aid.

The further position of the counter-barrier preferably depends on at least one cable parameter, in particular on the cable diameter. The cable parameters here are the cable type (coaxial cable, multi-conductor cable, etc.), the cable geometry (structure, dimensioning, cable length, etc.) as well as the overall structure of the processed cable, whereby the overall structure can also include a cable connector arranged on the cable. In particular, the adjustment mechanism is connected to a control device for exchanging control data. Such an adjusting mechanism comprises a drive device with a drive for moving the counter-barrier, which drive can be controlled by the control device in a reproducible manner, for example as a function of the cable parameters.

In particular, there is a sensor device with which the gap between a conveyor belt and the counter-barrier can be identified. The sensor device includes, for example, a distance sensor for detecting the distance between the belt and the first counter-barrier and sends the sensor data to the control device. The control device includes a computing unit and is connected to a database for the exchange of control data. The control data include control commands for controlling the drive device of the counter-barrier and/or control commands for controlling the conveyor rollers of the belt conveyor. The computing unit has a program that is suitable for evaluating the sensor data and calculating a gap width and comparing it with a reference value. If the gap width is too large for the cable to be processed, at least one warning is sent out and, if necessary, conveying operation of the belt conveyor is prevented or delayed. In particular, the sensor device is designed to measure the gap width directly. For example, the sensor device includes an imaging sensor, such as a camera. Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings. Like the technical content of the patent claims and figures, the list of reference symbols is part of the disclosure. The figures and embodiments are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner. The same reference symbols denote the same components, while reference symbols with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components. Enumerations such as first, second, ... others are only used to distinguish between components.

They show:

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a

Cable processing device with a cable stacker according to the invention, in a schematic top view (XY plane),

Fig. 2 Cable processing device according to FIG. 1 with a schematic side view (XZ plane),

3 shows the cable stacker according to FIG. 2 in a sectional view, corresponding to the sectional plane (AA) drawn in FIG. 2,

4 shows the cable stacker according to FIG. 3, as an isometric sectional view, with the protective cover hidden and the drip pan folded down,

5a shows the ejection barrier device of the cable stacker according to FIG. 4 with the first ejection barrier in the active position in a side view,

5b shows the ejection barrier device of the cable stacker according to FIG. 4 with the first ejection barrier in the inactive position, in a side view, 6a shows an alternative embodiment of a ejection barrier for the cable stacker according to FIG. 4 with the first ejection barrier in the active position, in a side view,

6b shows the ejection barrier device of the cable stacker according to FIG. 6a with the first ejection barrier in the inactive position, in a

side view,

7a shows an alternative embodiment of a cable stacker according to FIG. 4 in a modular design, in a side view

7b another alternative embodiment of a cable stacker according to FIG. 4 with several belt conveyors and several discharge barriers, in a side view,

8a shows an alternative embodiment of a cable stacker for a cable processing device according to FIG. 1, with a modified counter-barrier, with a belt with a longitudinal profile, in a sectional view (Y-Z plane),

8b shows an alternative embodiment of a cable stacker for a cable processing device according to FIG. 1, with a modified counter-barrier, with a flat belt, in a sectional view (Y-Z plane), FIG. 9a shows an alternative embodiment of a cable stacker for a cable processing device according to FIG the counter barrier in a first position, in a sectional view

(Y-Z plane),

9b shows the cable stacker according to FIG. 9a, with the counter-barrier in a second position, in a sectional view (YZ plane), 9c shows the cable stacker according to FIG. 9a, with the counter-barrier in a third position, in a sectional view (YZ plane),

Fig. 10a shows an alternative embodiment of a cable stacker for a cable processing device according to FIG. 1, with an expanded guide element in a first position, in a

Section view (Y-Z plane),

10b shows the cable stacker according to FIG. 10a, with the expanded guide element in a second position, in a sectional view (Y-Z plane), FIG. 11 shows the cable stacker according to FIG. 10 in a sectional view or side view in the conveying direction,

12 shows an alternative embodiment of a cable stacker for a cable processing device according to FIG. 10, with a table-shaped storage plate, and FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of a cable storage system according to the invention of a cable processing machine. 1 and FIG. 2 show a first embodiment of a cable processing device 90 with a cable stacker 20 according to the invention, in a top view (XY plane, FIG. 1) and in a side view (XZ plane, FIG. 2). For a better view of the inner workings of the cable stacker 20, the protective cover 25 (visible in Fig. 3) is hidden. The cable processing stations 70, 71 and the control devices 29, 99 are shown only schematically; hoses, control cables and other details that are irrelevant to the invention are also not shown.

The cable processing device 90 is designed as a swivel arm machine and consists of two swivel arms 60, 61, which move or swivel both ends of the cable 80 (not shown) to the respective cable processing stations 70, 71. After processing in the cable processing stations 70, 71, the cable 80 is transferred to the cable stacker 20. This consists of a first belt conveyor 21, which promotes the cable 80 along the conveying direction X. The first belt conveyor 21 comprises a belt 211, two matching conveyor rollers or deflection rollers 213a, 213b and a drive device 214 for actively rotating one of the two deflection rollers 213a. The drive device 214 has an electric motor, for example with an integrated gear, as a drive. The conveyor track 22 of the cable stacker 20 comprises an entry track section 221 and an exit track section 222. In the entry track section 221, the cable 80 is dropped by the ejection device 60, with a swivel arm of the cable processing device 90 taking over the function of this ejection device 60 in this embodiment.

As an alternative to this, the ejection device 60 can also be an independent assembly which is arranged on the cable stacker 20 . This makes sense and is necessary with alternative cable processing devices (not shown), designed for example as a transfer or rotary transfer machine.

The ejected cables 80 fall into the catch area 24, which typically includes a tiltable catch pan 241 (FIG. 3).

In order to prevent cables 80 from falling off the first belt conveyor 21 unintentionally and/or prematurely, an ejection barrier device 30 with a first ejection barrier 31a and with a first counter-barrier 40 is provided at least in the entry area 221 . The first ejection barrier 31a is used to prevent an uncontrolled sliding of the cable 80 from the conveyor track 22, wherein the first ejection barrier 31a relative to Counter barrier 40a is movable. The ejection barrier device 30 is arranged in the area of the deflection roller 213b, which moves passively with the belt 211.

To control all the sensors and drive elements of the cable stacker 20, these are electrically connected to a control device 29. This control device 29 is part of the cable stacker 20 and is in turn connected to a central control 99 of the cable processing device 90.

As an alternative to this, the local control device 29 in the cable stacker 20 can be dispensed with. For this purpose, the control cables of all sensors and drive elements of the cable stacker 20 are electrically connected directly to the central control 99 of the cable processing device 90.

FIG. 3 shows the cable stacker 20 of FIG. 2 in a sectional view, taken along section plane (A-A), with the processed cable 80 and a protective cover 25 shown schematically, with the first ejection barrier 31a in the inactive or passive (bottom) position and the catch pan 241 is shown folded up so that a dropped cable 80 can be stored in the catch pan 241 . 4 shows the cable stacker 20 in an isometric sectional view with the protective cover 25 and cable 80 hidden, but with the first ejection barrier 31a in the active position (up) and the drip pan 241 folded down.

The first ejection barrier 31a is moved by a drive device 32a. This drive device 32a consists of two pneumatic cylinders 321a, 321b (only visible in FIG. 4), which are connected to a valve battery 322 via hoses 323 (shown schematically in FIG. 3). This valve battery 322 is in turn using the Control cable 332 with the control device 29, 99 electrically connected. A sensor device 33 is provided in order to reliably detect the two end positions of the pneumatic cylinders 321a, 321b and thus when the ejection barrier 31a has reached the active and the inactive position. This typically consists of two sensors 331 per pneumatic cylinder 321a (shown schematically in FIG. 3) and the associated control cables 332, which also electrically connect the sensors 331 to the control device 29, 99. These sensors 331 are designed as magnetic proximity switches and are fastened in grooves provided for this purpose in the pneumatic cylinders 321a, 321b. Alternatively, to save costs, only one sensor 331 per pneumatic cylinder 321a, 321b can be used, which detects either the active or the inactive position of the ejection barrier 31a.

In order to prevent unwanted falling of the cable 80 from the belt conveyor 21, this is opposite the main frame 23 and the

Horizontal Y tilted by the tilting angle a, which is 6° here. The tilted coordinate system is identified by the letters Y′ and Z′ and is tilted about the X axis with the tilting angle a compared to the normal coordinate system Y, Z (horizontal, vertical).

The counter-barrier 40 also prevents the cable 80 from falling on the opposite side. The belt 211 designed as a flat belt 211f overlaps the counter-barrier 40 in its width direction Y' and the gap SZ between the flat belt 211f and the counter-barrier 40 is in Z' direction. As a result, lateral guidance of the flat band belt 211f can be dispensed with (as in FIG. 8b) and the width of the flat band belt 211f does not have to have a particularly precise tolerance. Also, a simple and inexpensive ribbon belt 211f can be used instead of one expensive belt with longitudinal profile 211w (as in Fig. 8a). In order to set the gap SZ as small as possible and thus prevent the cables 80 from jamming in this gap SZ, the counter-barrier 40 can be adjusted via an adjustment mechanism 41 (shown schematically as a block arrow, details in FIGS. 9a and 9b) perpendicular to the flat belt 211f ( ie in the Z' direction) can be adjusted precisely, simply and reproducibly. Thus, flat band belts 211f of different thicknesses can be used, which enables these flat band belts 211f to be procured inexpensively. The replacement of a flat band belt 211f that is only partially worn (with a reduced thickness due to signs of abrasion) can also be delayed a little further by adjusting the gap SZ with the aid of the adjustment mechanism 41.

In an alternative embodiment of the cable stacker (Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b), the counter-barrier 40 described here with the associated adjustment mechanism 41 without the combination with a

Ejection barrier 31 or ejection barrier device 30 are used.

The flat band belt 211f has, in particular, a special surface finish which enables a particularly high coefficient of friction with the cable 80 in the conveying direction X. Furthermore, the surface quality of the ribbon belt 211f is designed in such a way, on the one hand, to keep wear and tear as low as possible and thus enable a long service life, and on the other hand to touch the cable 80 as gently as possible so as not to cause any damage there. The cables 80 are moved in the direction of the collection area 24 when they are dropped (block arrow) and then fall into the collection area 24 in which the tiltable collecting tray 241 is arranged. The tilting takes place using a drive 242, designed here as a pneumatic cylinder, and in turn connected to the valve battery 322 and the control device 29, 99 with hoses, sensors and control cables (not shown). Underneath the tiltable collecting tray 241 there is typically another tray (not shown) for the user to remove the cables from.

The tiltable drip tray 241 has a fixing device 35 . The fixing device 35 fixes the first ejection barrier 31a in its inactive position.

As an alternative to this (not shown), such a fixing device can also be designed in such a way that it fixes the first ejection barrier 31a in the active position (up). In an extended embodiment (not shown), the fixing device can also be designed in such a way that the movement of the collecting tray 241 is mechanically coupled to the movement of the discharge barrier 31a and therefore only one drive is necessary for both movements, i.e. the drive device 32a can be omitted and/or or be replaced by a simple, passive force element (e.g. a spring).

To improve user safety and to prevent the cable 80 from being ejected beyond the containment area 24, a protective cover 25 is provided (shown schematically). The protective cover 25 typically contains transparent areas in order to enable the user to visually observe the process even when closed and can be folded up for service purposes. For this purpose, the protective cover 25 is equipped with a hinge and a latching and/or spring mechanism with integrated damping elements (e.g. gas pressure springs, not shown), which fixes the opened position and/or reduces or eliminates the effort required to open it. more evenly distributed throughout the movement. The protective cover 25 is preferably connected to the main frame 23 . In order to further improve the placement quality, a guide element 50 is preferably also integrated in this protective cover 25 (FIG. 9). 5a and 5b show the elements of the cable stacker 20 to the left of the section plane AA (FIG. 2), ie as in FIGS. 3 and 4, in a detailed side view (XZ plane). In both figures, the processed cable 80 and the protective cover 25 are not shown and the drip pan 241 is folded down (as in Fig. 3). In Figure 5a, the first ejection barrier 31a is in the active position (up); and in Figure 5b the first ejection barrier 31a is in the inactive position (bottom, Figure 5b). The first ejection barrier 31a is a long plate, which can be moved orthogonally to the conveying direction X from the active position into an inactive position (represented by bold arrows in the Z direction). The pneumatic cylinders 321a, 321b are arranged on the two opposite ends of the first ejection barrier 31a, which are connected to the main frame 23 and move the entire first ejection barrier 31a evenly. Guide grooves 311a, 311b, 311c, through which guide attachments 231a, 231b extend, are arranged on the first ejection barrier 31a.

The method for safely transporting a cable 80 on the cable stacker is illustrated using the example of the cable stacker 20 according to FIGS. 1 to 5b and comprises at least the following steps: a) selecting at least one cable parameter which is retrieved from a database; b) moving the first ejection barrier 31a relative to a counter-barrier 40 into an active position; c) conveying the cable 80 on the first belt conveyor 21.

The control device 29 or the central control 99 are connected to the database for exchanging cable parameters, so that cable parameters that have already been stored can be accessed. After step c), at least one cable processing tool of a cable processing station 70 for the trailing end of the cable 80 is activated.

After the cable has been transported on the first belt conveyor 21 (step c)), the first ejection barrier (31a) is moved into an inactive position (step d, Fig. 5b) and then or after all processing of the trailing cable end is ejected Cable 80 with the ejection device 60, preferably integrated in the swivel arm for the cable processing stations 70 of the trailing end of the cable (step e)). This reliably ejects the cable without getting caught on the ejection barrier.

The transfer of the first ejection barrier (31a) into an inactive position (step d, FIG. 5b) takes place before the processing of the trailing end of the cable 80 in the intended purpose

Cable processing stations 70 (Fig. 1). Steps a) and b) are preferably carried out in parallel or at the same time as the processing of the leading end of the cable 80 in the machines provided for this purpose

Cable processing stations 71 (Fig. 1). The parallel execution of the steps saves cycle time.

6a and 6b show an alternative embodiment of a cable stacker 20a with an alternative ejection barrier device 30a, in a detailed side view (XZ plane), and once again with the ejection barrier 31c in the active position (top, Fig. 6a). and once in the inactive position (below, Fig. 6b). The drip pan is not shown.

The alternative drive device 32b for the alternative ejection barrier device 30a contains a single pneumatic cylinder 321c which moves the alternative ejection barrier 31c on one side. On the other side, the alternative ejection barrier 31c is rotatably mounted, for example with a plain bearing 34. In order to prevent overdetermination and thus keep the movement smooth, some play in the X direction is provided in the area of the plain bearing 34, for example by means of a slot ( not shown) in the ejection barrier 31c. Furthermore, the ejection barrier 31c is fastened to the pneumatic cylinder 321c in such a way that small rotations around the Y′ axis are made possible by means of an elastic design or by using an additional swivel joint (not shown).

Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b show two further alternative embodiments of a cable stacker 20b, 20c in a schematic side view (XZ plane), constructed here in a modular design, once with several module frames 212 in a single belt conveyor 21d (cable stacker 20b, Fig. 7a ) and once with several belt conveyors 21a, 21b, 21c and several discharge barriers 31a, 31b (cable stacker 20c, Fig. 7b).

The alternative cable stacker 20b according to FIG. 7a consists of only a single belt conveyor 21d. The structure of this belt conveyor 21d is modular with three module frames 212. This belt conveyor 21d contains only a single flat belt 211f, with only a single drive device 214 and two deflection rollers 213a, 214b and an associated tensioning system for tensioning the flat belt (not shown). The counter-barriers 40a are also modular, with the same lengths as the respective module frames 212.

The alternative cable stacker 20c according to FIG. 7b consists of three belt conveyors 21a, 21b, 21c. All of these belt conveyors 21a, 21b, 21c use the same flat belt 211f, with only a single drive device 214 and two deflection rollers 213a, 214b and an associated tensioning system for tensioning the flat belt (not shown). The counter barriers 40a are also of modular design, in the same lengths as the respective belt conveyors 21a, 21b, 21c. In addition, a second ejection barrier 31b is provided in the cable stacker 20c, with an associated drive and sensor device (not shown), which structurally and functionally corresponds to the first ejection barrier 31a.

In both of the embodiments described above, it is also possible to arrange two or more than two modules next to one another in order to increase the length of the conveyor track.

Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b show two further alternative embodiments of a cable stacker 20d, 20e, which are constructed essentially functionally and structurally like the previously described cable stacker 20 according to Figs

Counter barrier 41a is present. Figure 8a. shows the cable stacker 20d with a belt with a longitudinal profile 211w and FIG. 8b shows the cable stacker 20e with a flat belt 211f and a side guide 215. Both cable stackers are shown only schematically in a sectional view in the YZ plane. This embodiment can also be used at least in combination with the alternatives for the ejection barrier (FIGS. 6a and 6b) and/or in combination with the variants for the modular design (FIGS. 7a and 7b). In contrast to the embodiment of the cable stacker 20 with flat band belts 211f (FIG. 3), a belt with a longitudinal profile 211w is used in the cable stacker 20d shown in FIG. 8a. The previously customary embodiment (prior art) is now supplemented with a movable counter-barrier 40a. This belt with a longitudinal profile 211w is spaced apart from the counter-barrier 40a in the Y′ direction, or the gap SY is formed there. In comparison to flat band belts 211f, belts of this type with a longitudinal profile 211w are somewhat more expensive, more difficult to obtain from only a few manufacturers, more complex to assemble and wear out more quickly.

The cable stacker 20e shown in FIG. 8b represents the embodiment in which the belt with longitudinal profile 211w is replaced by a flat belt 211f, but the counter-barrier 40a is still configured as in the alternative cable stacker 20d of FIG. 8a. Here again, the gap SY is formed in the Y′ direction, in which the cable 80 (not shown) can now become jammed due to the longitudinal profile no longer being present—which would lead to disruptions. To ameliorate this problem, a side guide 215 is provided.

An adjusting mechanism 41a for the counter-barrier 40a is arranged on the two other embodiments of the cable stacker 20d (FIG. 8a) and the cable stacker 20e (FIG. 8b). This alternative adjustment mechanism 41a differs from the adjustment mechanism 41 of the embodiment of the cable stacker 20 according to FIG Adjustment mechanism 41 in the embodiment of the cable stacker 20 enables a displacement of the counter-barrier 40 in the Z' direction and thus creates a gap SZ between the belt transport surface 2111 and the counter barrier 40.

9a to 9c show another embodiment of a cable stacker 20f, which does not include an ejection barrier, but has essentially the same functional and structural elements as the cable stacker according to FIGS. 1 to 5b, in a sectional view in the YZ plane of the section plane defined by the position of a screw 411 of the adjustment mechanism 41. Also shown are the elements of the adjustment mechanism 41 and the method for adjusting the desired gap SZ.

The main body of the adjustment mechanism 41 is connected to the counter-barrier 40 and includes at least one slot 413 which allows adjustment/displacement in the Z' direction. The adjustment mechanism 41 is connected to the main frame 23 of the cable stacker 20f in the area of this elongated hole 413 with the aid of at least one screw 411 and one washer 412 as a fastening device. The washer 412 is designed in such a way that the screw 411 does not loosen in the event of vibrations, for example as a ribbed washer or as a wedge lock washer (Nord-Lock). A plurality of screws 411, washers 412 and elongated holes 413 are provided for each adjustment mechanism 41 (only one is visible in this sectional view). If all screws 411 are slightly loosened by the user (FIG. 9a), then the adjustment mechanism 41 and the counter-barrier 40 attached thereto can be freely moved in the Z' direction, for example by a user. Once the screws 411 are tightened (Figs. 9a, 9b), the counter-barrier 40 is fixed and clearly positioned relative to the main frame 23 and the remaining elements of the cable stacker 20f. In order to set the desired gap SZ between the belt transport surface 2111 of the flat belt 211f and the counter surface 40, the adjustment mechanism 41 includes an adjustment aid 414. To do this, all screws 411 are first loosened slightly and the adjustment mechanism 41 with the counter barrier 40 is moved in such a way that the gap between the flat belt 211f and counter barrier 40 becomes maximum. The adjustment aid 414 is pushed into this gap (FIG. 9a), preferably by hand by the user. The counter-barrier 40 is then pushed back in the opposite direction (arrow in the Z′ direction) up to the stop, ie until the counter-barrier 40, adjustment aid 414 and ribbon belt 211f touch each other. After this, all the screws 411 are tightened again (arrow in the Y′ direction).

The position with the adjustment aid 414 still in position but the screws 411 already tightened is shown in FIG. 9b. Before starting up, the adjustment aid 414 is pulled out or removed (arrow in the Y' direction).

The position with the adjustment aid 414 removed is shown in FIG. 9c. The gap SZ forms between the belt transport surface 2111 of the flat band belt 211f and the counter-barrier 40 . This corresponds approximately to the thickness of the adjustment aid 414 and is independent of the thickness of the flat belt 211f. In this way, a reproducible gap SZ of the optimum size for flat band belts 211f from different manufacturers can be produced at any time and with little effort. If the flat band belt 211f is heavily worn (Dieken reduction due to wear/abrasion), the adjustment process can also be repeated several times for the same flat band belt 211f. In a further, alternative embodiment of a cable stacker as described above, there is also a sensor device with which the gap between a belt and the counter-barrier can be detected (not shown). The sensor device includes a distance sensor for detecting the distance between the belt and the first counter-barrier and sends the sensor data to the control device. The control device includes a computing unit and is connected to a database for the exchange of control data. The control data include control commands for controlling the drive device of the counter-barrier and/or control commands for controlling the conveyor rollers of the belt conveyor. The computing unit has a program that is suitable for evaluating the sensor data and calculating a gap width and comparing it with a reference value. For example, the sensor device includes an imaging sensor, such as a camera.

FIG. 10 (ab) shows a further embodiment of a cable stacker 20g with an actively movable guide element 50 which is arranged on the protective cover 25. This guide element 50 is embodied here as a sliding plate and serves to improve the guidance of the cable 80 (not shown) in the entry path section 221 when it is ejected and thus to ensure optimal stowage quality. The optimal position of this guide element 50 is dependent on cable parameters such as cable length, cable thickness, cable stiffness. Therefore, the guiding element 50 is designed in such a way that it can be shifted in the X-direction (represented by the thick arrow). In Fig. 10a the guide element 50 is shown in the first position, in which the first guide element is positioned close to the first deflection roller 213b and in Fig. 10b in the other position, further away from the first deflection roller 213b. The first position is advantageous for a short cable, and the other farther position is advantageous with a long cable. Short and long are defined relative to the radius of the swivel arm of the release device 60: a cable length less than 3x the swivel arm radius, preferably less than 2.5x, more preferably less than 1.5x, is defined as "short", greater than "long". The swivel arm radius is typically in the range of 300-400 mm. These dimensions refer to typical universal cable stackers. For special cases, however, the dimensions can also deviate, eg for particularly thin cables or lines or wires. After the final processing of the trailing cable end in one of the cable processing stations 70, the swivel arm of the ejection device 60 moves into the ejection position (approximately 10°-20° obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor track 22). As a result of this (and earlier) pivoting movement, which is often violent due to the high speed, a snake movement occurs in the cable 80 which, depending on the cable parameters, can lay the leading end of the cable outside the collection area 24, for example. This problem is more serious with shorter cables, shorter cycle times, or higher conveying speeds (e.g. 12 m/s) of the cable stacker 20. Advantageously, the guide element 50 dampens the snake movement of longer cables and thus ensures an increased storage quality of the cables 80 to be stored of the guide element 50 results not only in damping but also in a force acting on the cable from top to bottom in the direction of storage. In the case of short cables or lines, it is less a question of dampening a lateral movement than of preventing a cable section or the leading end of the cable from deflecting sideways beyond the collecting tray. This is why the guide element is particularly important, especially with short cables. In the embodiment of FIGS. 10a and 10b, the sliding plate is bent by approximately 80° and ends in a finger-shaped bar, which is positioned as a guide element 50 to the side of the conveyor track 22 (see cross-sectional view in FIG. 11). The beam preferably protrudes above the conveyor track 22 to at least the working height of the ejection device 60 above the conveyor track 22 in order to dampen the lateral snake movement of the cable 80.

In the plane of the conveyor track 22, the distance between the beam and the conveyor track is preferably between 20 and 50 mm, preferably between 30 and 40 mm. Advantageously, the spaced-apart guide element 50 allows the cable 80 to bend, which promotes the cable sliding off the conveyor track 22 into the collecting trough 241 .

As depicted in FIG. 11, the guide element 50 preferably forms an angle β of less than 90° (e.g. 50°-80°, preferably 55°-75°, in particular 57°) with the top of the belt conveyor. Furthermore, the bar can form an angle of preferably 20°-30° in the plane of the sliding plate (not shown in FIG. 11). Such angles promote the sliding of the cable from the conveyor track 22 into the collecting trough 241. The conveying speed of the belt conveyor 21 is preferably set about 10% faster than the feed speed of the cable 80 from the processing machine. This results in a permanent friction-induced pull on the cable as long as it is held by the gripper of the release device 60 . Since the cable 80 - with the ejection device 60 in an ejection position (10° -20° to

conveying direction) - bends around the guide element, this exerts a force on the cable. Due to the inclined position of the guide element 50, a force component acts on the cable 80 downwards in the throwing direction. Therefore, the cable tries to pull itself off the belt conveyor in discharge direction. Advantageously, this configuration according to the invention does not require any lateral ones

Tilting/shifting of a cable on the belt conveyor as long as the belt conveyor is conveying and the cable is held in the gripper and bends around the guide element 50.

The side of the guide element facing the conveyor track 22 preferably has a rounded shape. Advantageously, this prevents the cable from being damaged or materially stressed in dampening the snake movement. So that the user can ensure that the cable is properly laid down and does not forget to shift it depending on the cable parameters, it is advantageous to use a sensor device 52 to detect the position of guide element 50 or a detection element 501 arranged thereon (e.g. a magnet) and/or to detect the Movement of the guide element 50 to be driven actively using a drive device 51, both electrically connected to the control device 29, 99 of the cable stacker 20 or the

Cable processing device 90. As an alternative to this, the detection element can be integrated in the drive device, preferably in the cylinder piston of the pneumatic cylinder.

In a supplementary embodiment (not shown), this drive device 51 is designed as an electric drive axle and the sensor device 52 as a rotary encoder or absolute value encoder. Thus, the position of the guide element 50 can be actively adjusted, steplessly or with any number of positions.

In a further embodiment (not shown), a drive device is dispensed with and the sensor device consists of at least one binary sensor for a position of the first guiding element. If this position does not match the currently processed cable length, the cable stacker or its drive devices or the cable processing device or its drive devices stops and informs the user that the guide element must be moved to the correct position.

In an extended embodiment (not shown), a plurality of sensors are installed or an absolute encoder, in which case a drive device can still be dispensed with.

An embodiment is shown schematically in FIGS. 10a and 10b, which can move to two positions and which can be actively driven. The drive device 51 is designed as a pneumatic cylinder, which is connected via hoses 323 to the same valve battery 322 as most of the other pneumatic cylinders of this cable stacker 20g. The sensor device 52 consists of two binary sensors or limit switches, which are arranged in such a way that they send a signal at the respective end positions. An arrangement in the area of guide element 50 is shown here.

As an alternative to this, the sensor device 52 can also be integrated in the area of the pneumatic cylinder, as shown in FIG. 3 for the drive device 32a. Here, too, the valve battery 322 and the sensor device 52 are electrically connected to the control device 29, 99 (not shown) via the control cable 332.

As an alternative to integrating the guide element 50 into the protective cover 25, this can also be attached to another element of the cable stacker. It is also possible to use several guide elements per cable stacker. The method for safely transporting a cable 80 on the cable stacker is illustrated using the example of the cable stacker 20g according to Figs. 10a and 10b and comprises at least the following steps: a) moving the first guide element 50 into a first position, the first position being equal to the cable length of the cable 80 to be transported is matched; b) checking the first position of the first guide element 50 using the sensor device 52; c) transfer of control data to the control device 29.99; d) conveying the cable on the first belt conveyor.

Before step a), at least one cable parameter of the cable can be selected, for example from a database which is stored in the control device 29, 99. The control device 29 or the central control 99 are connected to the database for the exchange of cable parameters. The first guide element 50 is moved into the first position (step a) with the aid of the drive device 51.

A further embodiment of the invention includes an additional, table-shaped storage plate 243, which can be attached to the edge of the collecting tray 241 and protrudes approximately horizontally from it, in order to skip the free collecting area in the collecting tray in the case of particularly short cables 80 and lines 80 to be stored 241 to suppress. If necessary, short lines can also be placed directly on the tray 243 and then fall inwards from there into the collecting tray 241. A cable stacker 20 according to the invention comprises a belt conveyor 21 for conveying a cable 80 along a conveying direction (X) and Dropping device 60 for dropping the cable into a collecting trough 241 on the side of the belt conveyor, the dropping device being arranged such that it can rotate about an axis which is aligned transversely to the conveying direction and is approximately perpendicular to the belt conveyor, and the axis is positioned above the belt conveyor (see Fig. 1). A guide element 50 is arranged in the region of the collecting trough, which can be positioned in a longitudinally displaceable manner along the conveying direction X. Of the

The positioning area of the guide element extends from a first position in the conveying direction in front of the axis to a second position in the conveying direction after the axis.

In one embodiment, the ejection device comprises a swivel arm with a radius, and the positioning range of the guiding element is at least 40%, preferably at least 50% of the radius.

In a further embodiment, the positioning area of the guide element extends 2/3 in front of the axis and 1/3 behind the axis viewed in the cable conveying direction (X).

In a further embodiment, the second position is so far behind the axis that the angle enclosed by the cable 80 guided by the ejection device or by the gripper when the ejection device 60 is rotated by 120° (in the direction of a cable processing station 70) is at least 90°, preferably at least 100°. This has the advantage that when the cable is long, the cable 80 is not pulled out of the belt conveyor 21 by the rotation of the ejection device 60 about the guide element 50 and that loops are formed which prevent or make it difficult to lay down the cable.

A cable storage system 600 according to the invention (see Fig. 13) of a cable processing machine comprises a pivotable gripping arm 604 for holding, guiding and dropping a cable (dropping device 60) in a working space 601 which adjoins a storage space 602 in the cable feed direction, the cable storage system having a boundary edge 603 which delimits the working space from the storage space. The delimiting edge serves as an entry guide for guiding a cable 80 to be stored in the storage space 602. The delimiting edge 603 or the entry guide is arranged in a displaceable manner. It thus creates a relative spatial relationship between work space and storage space. In one embodiment of the cable storage system 600, the storage space 602 comprises two (oppositely aligned) side boundaries between which the cable 80 is routed in the cable advance direction in the operating state. The first side boundary is arranged so that it cannot be moved and extends into the working space 601. The second side boundary includes the boundary edge 603 and is arranged so that it can be moved.

In one embodiment of the cable storage system 600, the working space 601 and storage space 6002 are arranged horizontally adjacent, and the boundary edge 603 or the entry guide is inclined at an angle to the perpendicular, preferably at an angle of 50°-80°, more preferably 55°-75°. especially 57°.

In one embodiment of the cable system 600, all boundary edges 603 of the storage space 602 or the entire storage space are arranged to be displaceable relative to the working space 601 depending on the cable parameters of the cables 80 to be stored. Reference List

20, 20a-g cable stacker

21, 21a-d belt conveyors 211 belts 211f flat belts

2111 belt transport surface 2112 belt front surface 211w belt with longitudinal profile (belt bead) 212 module frame 213, 213a-b deflection roller (conveyor roller)

214 drive device (electric motor)

215 Lateral guide 22 Conveyor track 221 Entry track section 222 Exit track section

23 (main) frames

231, 231a-b Leadership Principles

24 collection area 241 collection tray (tipping tray) 242 drive (for 241)

243 tray

25 protective cover 29 control device

30, 30a ejection barrier device

31 dropping barriers

31a-c dropping barriers

311, 311a-c guide grooves 32, 32a-b drive means

321, 321a-c pneumatic cylinders

322 valve (battery) 323 hose/hoses

33 sensor setup

331 sensor(s) (for 31)

332 control cable

34 slide bearing 35 fixing device

40, 40a counter barrier

41, 41a adjustment mechanism

411 screw 412 washer

413 slotted hole

414 setting aid

50 (first) guide element (guide plate) 501 detection element (detection surface)

51 drive device (for 50)

52 sensor setup (for 50)

60 discharge device (pivoting arm) 600 cable storage system 601 work space 602 storage space

603 boundary edge

604 swivel gripper arm 61 main swivel (swivel arm) 70 cable processing station(s)

71 cable processing station(s)

80 (processed) cable or line, wire, fiber optic cable or the like. 90 cable processing device

99 central control

A section plane a tilting (s-angle) ß first guide element angle SY, SZ gap X (conveying) direction for 80 Y direction (horizontal, transverse to X) Y' direction (parallel to the belt, transverse to X) z direction (vertical) Z' direction (orthogonal to belt, transverse to X)

Claims

patent claims

A cable stacker (20) having a first belt conveyor (21a) for conveying the cable (80) along a conveying direction (X), the first belt conveyor (21a) being suitable for receiving a belt (211) and having a main frame (23). on which the first belt conveyor (21a) is arranged, and there is a dropping device (60) for dropping a cable (80) into a collecting trough (241), characterized in that in the area of the collecting trough (241) to the side of the belt conveyor (21a ) a first guide element (50) is arranged for damping a snake movement of a cable to be laid down.

2. Cable stacker (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide element (50) can be positioned in a longitudinally displaceable manner along the conveying direction (X).

3. Cable stacker (20) according to Claim 2, characterized in that there is a sensor device (52) with at least one sensor for determining a first position of the guide element (50), the sensor device (52) being connected to the control device (29, 99) or with the central control (99) one

Cable processing device (90) is electrically connected and / or a drive device (51) for moving the guide element (50) with the first guide element (50) is connected.

4. Cable stacker (20) according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive device (51) for the movement of the

Guide element (50) electrically connected to the control device (29, 99) is connected, or is electrically connected to a central control (99) of a cable processing device (90).

5. Cable stacker (20) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a protective cover (25) is present and the first guide element (50) is arranged on the protective cover (25), this protective cover (25) being particularly movable, preferably tiltable , is designed and contains fixing, damping and/or spring elements.

6. cable stacker (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the guide element (50) transversely to

Conveying direction (X) and is arranged obliquely to the vertical.

7. Cable stacker (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that the guide element (50) has an angle ß of less than 90°, preferably 50°-80°, more preferably 55°-75°, in particular 57° with the upper side of the Belt conveyor forms.

8. Cable stacker (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (50) is spaced from the belt conveyor (21), the distance between the guide element (50) and the belt conveyor preferably being in the plane of the belt conveyor (21). (21) between 20 and 50 mm, preferably between

is 30 and 40 mm.

9. Cable stacker (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor track (22) facing side of the guide element (50) has a rounded shape.

10. Cable stacker (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (50) projects beyond the belt conveyor (21a) to at least the working height of the ejection device (60) above the belt conveyor (21a), the height of this projection being at least is about 20mm and at most about 60mm.

11. A method for safely transporting a cable (80) on a cable stacker (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising the following steps: a) selecting at least one cable parameter; b) moving the first guide element (50) into a first position, the first position being matched to the cable length of the cable to be conveyed; c) checking the first position of the first guide element (50) using the sensor device (52); d) transfer of control data to the control device (29, 99); e) conveying the cable (80) on the first belt conveyor (21a).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the transfer of the first guide element (50) into the first position in step b) takes place with the aid of the drive device (51).

13. Cable stacker (20) comprising a belt conveyor (21) for transporting a cable (80) along a conveying direction (X) and an ejection device (60) for gripping, holding and ejecting the cable into a collecting trough (241) at the side of the belt conveyor, wherein the discharge device by one transverse to the conveying direction aligned and approximately perpendicular to the belt conveyor, and the axis is positioned above the belt conveyor, characterized in that a guide element (50) is arranged in the area of the collecting trough and can be positioned in a longitudinally displaceable manner along the conveying direction X.

14. Cable stacker (20) according to claim 13, characterized in that a positioning area of the guide element (50) extends from a first position in the conveying direction in front of the axle to a second position in the conveying direction behind the axle.

15. Cable stacker (20) according to claim 14, characterized in that the ejection device comprises a swivel arm with a radius, and the positioning range of the guide element (50) is at least 40%, preferably at least 50% of the radius.

16. Cable stacker (20) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the positioning area of the guide element extends 2/3 in front of the axis and 1/3 behind the axis in cable conveying direction (X).

17. Cable stacker (20) according to claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the second position is so far behind the axis that the angle of the ejection device (60) guided or held cable (80) during a rotation of the ejection device (60) around which the guide element forms is at least 90°, preferably at least 100°.

18. Cable storage system (600) of a cable processing machine comprising a pivotable gripper arm (604, 60) for holding, Guiding and shedding of a cable (80) in a working space (601) which adjoins a storage space (602) in the cable advance direction, the cable storage system having at least one boundary edge (603) which delimits the working space from the storage space, the boundary edge serving as an entry guide for the guide a cable (80) to be stored in the storage space, characterized in that the boundary edge (603) or the entry guide is arranged to be displaceable.

19 cable storage system (600) according to claim 18, characterized in that the storage space (602) has two

Includes lateral boundaries between which the cable (80) is guided in the cable advance direction in the operating state, the first lateral boundary being arranged immovably and reaching into the working space (601), and the second lateral boundary comprising the boundary edge (603) and being arranged to be displaceable.

20. Cable storage system according to claim 19, characterized in that the working space (601) and storage space (602) are arranged horizontally adjacent to one another, and the boundary edge (603) or the entry guide is inclined at an angle to the perpendicular, preferably at an angle of 50 ° - 80°, more preferably 55°-75°, especially 57°.

21. Cable storage system according to claim 18, characterized in that all boundary edges (603) of the storage space (602) or the entire storage space relative to the working space (601) in

Depending on the cable parameters of the cable to be stored (80) are arranged to be movable.