EP4333222A1 - Method and device for aligning a multifilament thread-shaped material - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for aligning a multi-core thread-like material (1), comprising the following steps: fixing a first end (11) with a first fixing device (21) and fixing a second end (12) with a second fixing device (22) , Aligning the first and second fixing devices (21, 22) so that the thread-like material (1) forms a loop (14) between the first and second ends (11, 12), the loop (14) having a first radius ( R1), executing a relative movement of the first and/or second fixing device (21, 22), so that the first radius (R1) is increased to a second radius (R2), and rotating the first end (11) by means of the first fixing device (21) and/or the second end (12) by means of the second fixing device (22), so that the veins of the thread-like material (1) receive a specific orientation. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out a method for aligning a multi-core thread-like material (1).

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a method for aligning a multi-core thread-like material, in particular a multi-core cable, and a device for carrying out such a method.

State of the art

In cable assembly, the problem with multi-core cables is that the alignment of the cable cores often does not correspond to the desired orientation after they have been inserted into an assembly system. As a rule, a horizontal alignment of the wires with a defined position of the individual wires is preferred. This alignment requires the line to be rotated, although the angle of rotation can vary from line to line.

The publication DE 10 2019 122 706 A1 relates to an assembly device for automated assembly and insertion of a cable into a connector. The assembly device has a first manipulator unit and a second manipulator unit, each of which is designed to grip and guide the line. An optical detection device is provided, which is designed to determine the position and orientation of the line, the first manipulator unit being designed to pre-position the line and the second manipulator unit being designed to align and insert the pre-positioned line.

In the prior art, when the line is processed on both sides, both ends of the line are clamped. The pipe ends usually point in the same direction for processing, which requires a 180° bend in the pipe. The narrower the bend, i.e. the smaller the bending radius of the cable, the greater the compression or expansion in the bending area. The higher the rigidity of the cable, the greater the impact of the bending radius on the moment of resistance when the cable is rotated.

In practice, the line ends are usually as close as possible and only as far apart as necessary in order not to unnecessarily increase the length of the system and to save cycle time. In the case of very stiff cables, the state of the art may mean that the cable can no longer be processed or rotated.

Description of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device which enable simplified alignment of a multi-core cable.

The above-mentioned object is achieved by a method for aligning a multi-core thread-like material according to claim 1, and a device for carrying out a method for aligning a multi-core thread-like material according to claim 12. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims, the description and the drawings.

In particular, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a method for aligning a multi-core thread-like material, comprising the following steps: fixing a first end of the thread-like material with a first fixing device and fixing a second end of the thread-like material with a second fixing device, aligning the first and second fixing device, so that the thread-like material forms a loop between the first and second ends of the thread-like material, the Loop has a first radius, executing a relative movement of the first and / or second fixing device so that the first radius is increased to a second radius, and rotating the first end by means of the first fixing device and / or the second end by means of the second fixing device, so that the veins of the thread-like material have a specific orientation.

As described in the prior art, the ends of a line or material are usually as close as possible and only as far apart as necessary. In practice, the cable forms a loop with a first radius depending on its length, its rigidity and the distance between the cable ends. The inventors have recognized that this arrangement, in particular the first radius of the loop formed, often contradicts effective and easy rotation of the material or the cable. Depending on the length of the material or the cable and/or its flexural rigidity, a larger radius of the loop reduces the required torque/resistance moment for aligning the ends of the multi-core material or the multi-core cable. As a result, a lower torque reduces the likelihood of mechanical damage to the line and the required mechanical effort, i.e. energy. This means that high quality processing can be achieved and costs can be reduced.

Preferably, the step of aligning includes aligning the first and second ends of the thread-like material in the same direction at a first distance from one another.

Preferably, the step of executing a relative movement of the first and/or second fixing device includes increasing the first distance to a second distance and/or aligning the first and second fixing devices transversely to one another. Transverse means that the first and second fixing devices (21, 22) are not aligned parallel. By increasing the first distance, the first radius can be easily increased. Especially on linear transfer systems without rotating material carriers or Fixing devices can easily implement the increase in the first distance and lead to an increase in the first radius.

Preferably, the step of rotating includes rotating the first or second end into its specific orientation and rotating the corresponding second or first end with it, and then rotating the second or first end that was rotated alone into its specific orientation. Turning the corresponding end reduces or limits the torsion of the cable. The torsion of the cable can be limited to a maximum of 180 degrees. The lower the torsion, the better for the cable quality. In the best case, the torsion can be kept at zero when rotating. Only the possible subsequent individual rotation of the turned end into its specific orientation can then lead to torsion. In this case, however, the torsion is limited to a maximum of 180 degrees. Torsion of the cable up to 360 degrees is impossible.

The method preferably further comprises the step: executing a relative movement of the first and/or second fixing device so that the second radius is reduced to the first radius or a third radius. The method preferably further comprises the step: executing a relative movement of the first and/or second fixing device so that the second distance is reduced to the first distance or a third distance. Reducing the radius and/or distance enables space-saving further processing of the material or cable, for example in cable assembly. The thread-like material does not have to assume its original first orientation if a different third distance or third radius is more advantageous for further material or cable handling.

Preferably the first distance comprises a range of 40 - 90mm, more preferably 50 - 80mm, and most preferably 65 - 75mm. The distances mentioned offer a good compromise in cable assembly between the system length and optimal processing of the cable ends.

The second distance preferably corresponds to at least 1.2 times, preferably at least 1.5 times, and most preferably at least 2 times first distance. A larger distance reduces the torque required to rotate a material or a line. The higher the bending stiffness of a material and/or the longer the length of the material or the cable, the greater the distance should be chosen to make rotation easier. The decisive factor is the smallest bending radius of the cable, which predominantly generates the moment of resistance.

The first and second ends are preferably rotated simultaneously and in the same direction of rotation. Simultaneous rotation at both ends makes rotation easier and speeds up alignment.

Preferably, the thread-like material has at least two cores and the specific orientation includes a horizontal alignment of the at least two cores, so that the at least two cores lie on a straight line at the first and second ends of the thread-like material. The alignment of all wires at both ends of the material or cable on a straight line enables easier and better further processing of the material or cable.

The thread-like material preferably comprises a non-coiled line. One end of the thread-like material can be referred to as the leading end during rotation. With a non-coiled cable, the rotation of the leading end has a direct effect on the other end, so that the other end is rotated to the same extent. As a result, torsion of the line, which has a detrimental effect on the line quality, can at least be reduced or limited.

The relative movement preferably includes a movement of the first fixing device or a movement of the second fixing device or a movement of the first and second fixing devices.

The rotation about the central axis of the material or the cable and the alignment of the wires with respect to the central axis preferably take place at the first and/or second end. Preferably a rotation is less than 360 degrees, more preferably less than 180 degrees and most preferably less than 135 degrees. The angle of rotation results from the distance to a reference plane. The reference plane can include a vertical, horizontal or inclined plane.

The above-mentioned object is further achieved in particular by a device for carrying out a method for aligning a multi-core thread-like material.

Preferably, the first and second fixing devices are separate, and the first and separate second fixing devices can be moved independently of one another. The first and second fixing devices may be attached to a common base but are independently movable. In particular, moving the first and second fixing devices simultaneously can reduce the time to change the distance, while moving only one fixing device can reduce the complexity of the device.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform einer Anordnung eines fadenförmigen Werkstoffes, bei dem ein erstes und ein zweites Ende des Werkstoffes in einem ersten Abstand zueinander angeordnet sind;

Fig. 2

die Darstellung aus Fig. 1, bei der das erste und das zweite Ende in einem zweiten Abstand zueinander angeordnet sind;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der Ebene A-A aus Fig. 1, bei der die Adern des Werkstoffes bzw. der Leitung in Bezug auf die Mittelachse willkürlich ausgerichtet sind; und

Fig. 4

die Darstellung aus Fig. 3, bei der alle Adern nach dem Ausrichten entlang einer Gerade ausgerichtet sind.

The following description of embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying figures. This shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an embodiment of an arrangement of a thread-like material, in which a first and a second end of the material are arranged at a first distance from one another;

Fig. 2

the representation Fig. 1 , in which the first and second ends are arranged at a second distance from one another;

Fig. 3

a schematic sectional view of plane AA Fig. 1 , in which the cores of the material or cable are randomly aligned with respect to the central axis; and

Fig. 4

the representation Fig. 3 , in which all wires are aligned along a straight line after alignment.

Preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an arrangement of a line 1 with a first end 11 in a first fixing device 21 and a second end 12 in a second fixing device 22. The first and second ends 11, 12 do not necessarily have to be with their cutting edge (plane AA) in the respective first or second fixing device 21, 22 may be arranged. As in Figs. 1 and 2 shown, the cutting edge of the first or second line end 11, 12 can be at a distance from the first or second fixing device 21, 22, as long as the line ends 11, 12 are reliably held and aligned by the first and second fixing device 21, 22. The line 1 can have a low or high bending stiffness. The length of the line 1 preferably comprises a range of 0.2 - 2 m, more preferably a range of 0.3 - 1.8 m, and most preferably a range of 0.4 - 1.5 m. In Fig. 1 the line is in an initial position. In the starting position, both ends 11, 12 point in the same direction X, so that the line 1 forms a bending area or a loop 14. The loop 14, assuming an idealized circular shape, has a first (bending) radius R1. In practice, the first radius R1 is more of a circle segment with a maximum distance from a center of the loop 14.

The first and second fixing devices 21, 22 are separate in the illustrated embodiment, and the first and separate second fixing devices 21, 22 can be moved independently of one another. The first and second fixing devices 21, 22 include means for fixing a line. In particular, the two fixing devices 21, 22 can comprise gripping, clamping, suction and/or adhesive devices, with the fixing devices 21, 22 being movable in one or more dimensions. In particular, the fixing devices 21, 22 can be rotatably mounted. In one embodiment, the two fixing devices 21, 22 can be adjusted slightly at an angle so that the first radius R1 is increased. In a preferred embodiment, the two fixing devices 21, 22 each comprise a workpiece carrier with at least one clamping device, which can be displaced along a linear transfer system.

In the in Fig. 1 In the starting position shown, the first distance L1 between the first and second ends 11, 12 is approximately 70mm. This distance is optimal for the assembly of the line 1. In other embodiments, other first distances L1 can be provided.

An embodiment of the method for aligning a multi-core thread-like material 1 is described below with reference to Figures 1 - 4 described. In the embodiment, the thread-like material 1 comprises a non-coiled line. Non-coiled means that the line 1 is not wound up, but rather comprises an exposed loop 14. The procedure has the following steps.

First, the first end 11 of the line 1 is fixed with a first fixing device 21 and the second end 12 of the line 1 with a second fixing device 22. Fixing can be done manually, for example, by personnel arranging and fixing the two line ends 11, 12 in the first and second fixing devices 21, 22. The fixing can also be done automatically, in which the two line ends 11, 12 are arranged, for example by a manipulator. In a preferred embodiment, the two line ends 11, 12 are clamped in the first and second fixing devices 21, 22. The clamping is temporary and can be released again.

The first and second fixing devices 21, 22 are then aligned so that the first and second ends 11, 12 of the line 1 are aligned in the same direction X at a first distance L1 from one another. The loop 14 formed has a first radius R1. Line 1 is now in the starting position (for turning the line).

Before the line 1 is rotated, the first and/or the second fixing devices 21, 22 carry out a relative movement so that the first radius R1 is increased to a second radius R2. This is shown in the Embodiment, the first distance L1 is increased to the second distance L2 (see Fig. 2 ). The second distance L2 increases the second (bending) radius R2 of the loop 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second line ends 11, 12 continue to be aligned in the same direction X. The relative movement can include a movement of the first fixing device 21 or a movement of the second fixing device 22 or a movement of the first and second fixing devices 21, 22. In the preferred embodiment mentioned above, one or both workpiece carriers are moved away from each other along the linear transfer system. The first distance L1 includes a range of 40 - 90mm, more preferably 50 - 80mm, and most preferably 65 - 75mm. In a preferred embodiment, the first distance L1 corresponds to 70mm. The second distance L2 can be chosen arbitrarily and in practice depends on the line length and a maximum process width. In preferred embodiments, the second distance L2 corresponds to at least 1.2 times, preferably at least 1.5 times, and most preferably at least 2 times the first distance L1. In an alternative embodiment, the workpiece carriers can be rotated relative to one another so that the two ends 11, 12 maintain their first distance L1, but the two fixing devices 21, 22 are transverse or oblique to one another and thereby increase the first radius R1 to the second radius R2.

When the second radius R2 is formed on the loop 14, the first end 11 can be rotated by means of the first fixing device 21 and/or the second end 12 by means of the second fixing device 22, so that the wires 31, 32 of the line 1 receive a specific orientation . The rotation takes place about the central axis M of the line 1 at one or each end 11, 12. The larger second radius R2 reduces the rotational resistance, particularly in the case of lines 1 with a high bending rigidity. Due to the lower rotational resistance, a line 1 can be rotated more easily, or lines 1 with a high level of bending rigidity can be rotated in the first place. Turning a line 1 also means that the line 1 does not reset itself after turning due to its bending rigidity, as can occur in the prior art. In addition, it is crucial that a line 1 can be rotated without damage.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second ends 11, 12 are rotated simultaneously and in the same direction of rotation D (see Fig. 3 ). The rotation depends on the initial position or the position of the various wires 31, 32 of the line 1. The angle of rotation can be different at the first and second ends 11, 12. Rotate simultaneously means that the start of a rotation occurs at the same time, although the duration of rotation can vary depending on the angle of rotation. In an alternative embodiment, instead of the rotation duration, the rotation speed at the first and second fixing devices 21, 22 can be different, so that the rotational movements at the first and second line ends 11, 12 start and end at the same time. In a preferred embodiment, the line 1 has at least two wires 31, 32, and the specific orientation includes a horizontal orientation of the at least two wires 31, 32, so that the at least two wires 31, 32 at the first and second ends 11, 12 of Line 1 lies on a straight line G, which in this embodiment is the reference plane for the two ends 11, 12 (see Fig. 4 ). However, the alignment of the wires 31, 32 depends on subsequent processes. If the same plug is assembled at both ends 11, 12, the same alignment is required. If different plugs are assembled at the first and second ends 11, 12, different orientations of the wires 31, 32 at the first and second ends 11, 12 or different reference planes may be required. The different orientations at the first and second ends 11, 12 are (also) possible with the present method and/or the corresponding device.

After rotating, the method can further comprise the step of carrying out a relative movement of the first and/or second fixing device 21, 22, so that the second radius R2 changes to the first radius R1 or a third radius R3, or if the distance varies is reduced to a third distance L3. The third radius R3 can be chosen in coordination with subsequent process steps, because the assembly of the line 1 can include further processing steps of one or both ends 11, 12. In a preferred embodiment, the third distance L3 comprises a range of 40 - 90mm, more preferably 50 - 80mm, and most preferably 65 - 75mm.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

1

Line

11

first ending

12

second ending

14

loop

21

first fixing device

22

second fixing device

31, 32

veins

A-A

cutting plane

D

Direction of rotation

G

Straight

L1

first distance

L2

second distance

L3

third distance

M

Central axis

R1

first radius

R2

second radius

R3

third radius

X

Direction

Claims (13)

Method for aligning a multi-core thread-like material (1), comprising the following steps: a) fixing a first end (11) of the thread-like material (1) with a first fixing device (21) and fixing a second end (12) of the thread-like material (1) with a second fixing device (22); b) Aligning the first and second fixing devices (21, 22) so that the thread-like material (1) forms a loop (14) between the first and second ends (11, 12) of the thread-like material (1), the loop (14) has a first radius (R1); c) executing a relative movement of the first and/or second fixing device (21, 22) so that the first radius (R1) is increased to a second radius (R2); and d) rotating the first end (11) by means of the first fixing device (21) and/or the second end (12) by means of the second fixing device (22), so that the veins (31, 32) of the thread-like material (1) have a specific Get alignment. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of aligning comprises aligning the first and second ends (11, 12) of the thread-like material (1) in the same direction (X) at a first distance (L1) from one another. A method according to claim 2, wherein the step of executing a relative movement of the first and/or second fixing device (21, 22) comprises increasing the first distance (L1) to a second distance (L2). and/or that the first and second fixing devices (21, 22) are aligned transversely to one another. Method according to one of claims 1 - 3, in which the step of rotating comprises rotating the first or second end (11, 12) into its specific orientation and rotating the corresponding second or first end (12, 11), and then the second or first end (12, 11), which was also rotated, is rotated alone into its specific orientation. A method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the method further comprises the step:
Executing a relative movement of the first and/or second fixing device (21, 22) so that the second radius (R2) is reduced to the first radius (R1) or a third radius (R3). The method of claim 3, wherein the method further comprises the step of:
Executing a relative movement of the first and/or second fixing device (21, 22) so that the second distance (L2) is reduced to the first distance (L1) or a third distance (L3). A method according to claim 2, wherein the first distance (L1) comprises a range of 40 - 90mm, more preferably 50 - 80mm, and most preferably 65 - 75mm. Method according to claim 3, in which the second distance (L2) corresponds to at least 1.2 times, preferably at least 1.5 times, and most preferably at least 2 times the first distance (L1). Method according to one of claims 1 - 8, in which the first and second ends (11, 12) are rotated simultaneously and in the same direction of rotation (D). Method according to one of claims 1 - 9, in which the thread-like material (1) has at least two cores (31, 32) and the specific orientation includes a horizontal alignment of the at least two cores (31, 32), so that the at least two cores (31, 32) lie on a straight line (G) at the first and second ends (11, 12) of the thread-like material (1). Method according to one of claims 1 - 10, in which the thread-like material (1) comprises a non-coiled line. Device for carrying out a method for aligning a multi-core thread-like material (1) according to one of claims 1 - 11. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first and second fixing devices (21, 22) are separate, and the first and separate second fixing devices (21, 22) can be moved independently of one another.

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