WO2021090293A1 - Cable processing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable processing machine (90) comprising - a transfer section (51), - cable processing stations (70) which are arranged along the transfer section (51), - at least one cable support (10) for supporting at least one cable (80), - at least one transfer unit (50) which can be moved along the transfer section (51) and comprises a transfer fixing device (30) for fixing at least one cable support (10) to the transfer unit (50), said transfer fixing device (30) having at least one transfer fixing element (31), and - at least one station fixing device (20) for fixing at least one cable support (10) relative to a cable processing station (70), wherein the station fixing device (20) has at least one station fixing element (21), and the transfer fixing element (31) comprises at least one magnet (31e), preferably an electromagnet, for temporarily exerting a magnetic holding force onto the cable support (10) and/or the station fixing element (21) comprises at least one magnet (21e), preferably an electromagnet, for temporarily exerting a magnetic holding force onto the cable support (10).

Description

Cable processing machine

The invention relates to cable processing machine according to the Oberbe handle of claim 1 and a method for processing cables in a cable processing machine. EP1275601A1 discloses a method for the transfer of work pieces, wherein a first transfer device moves workpiece carriers with the workpieces from workstation to workstation of a first group and a second transfer device moves workpiece carriers with the workpieces from workstation to workstation of a second group. The first transfer device transfers the workpiece carriers to a transfer device and the transfer device feeds the workpiece carriers to the second transfer device. The transfer devices and the transfer device work mechanically independently of one another and without mechanical coupling between the first transfer device and the transfer device or between the transfer device and the second transfer device. The workpiece carrier is transported exclusively by means of a form fit between the first transfer device and the workpiece carrier, between the transfer device and the workpiece carrier and between the second transfer device and the workpiece carrier. The workpiece carriers are guided on rails and have a toothing in the direction of the transfer device. The main element of the transfer devices is a double toothed belt, which transfers the drive force to the workpiece carrier in a form-fitting manner. In order to move the workpiece carriers within the workstations transversely to the transport direction of the transfer device, the complete transfer device including rail, double toothed belt and drive is moved mechanically. For this reason, these elements are available once for each work station, which causes high costs and takes a long time. machines with a large number of workstations. Another disadvantage is the large moving mass in the transverse movement. This publication does not deal with the transport and processing of cables and also does not offer a satisfactory solution for the transfer of the workpieces.

In the prior art there is namely a need for cable processing machines in which the cable is continuously held by a cable carrier during a series of consecutive processing steps without a transfer to another cable carrier or a temporary complete transfer to a cable processing station is required . In such cases, however, the problem arises that the cables have to assume a defined position not only during transport but also during processing and at the same time have to be kept stable. The transition from the transport phase (from one cable processing station to the other) to the processing phase and the fixation during both the transport and the processing phase must be guaranteed in an exact and reproducible manner.

The object of the present invention is therefore to create a device which solves the aforementioned problems and ensures safe transport and high-quality cable processing. The transition from the transport phase (along the transfer path) to the processing phase (in the individual cable processing stations) should take place reliably and precisely with regard to the positioning of the cable carrier / workpiece carrier in the cable processing station. At the same time, the cycle times should be kept short. In particular, the handling of the cable or cable carrier between the transport and processing phase should be quick and uncomplicated. In a preferred embodiment, the possibility of a simple exchange of cable processing stations should also be created. In order to process or manufacture another type of cable, it is often expedient to exchange one or more cable processing station (s) - for example as module (s). The inaccuracies resulting therefrom in the positioning of the cable processing station relative to the transfer path are intended to be compensated for by preferred embodiments of the invention. This is to keep the effort of such a change and the requirements for precise positioning of the cable processing stations low.

The object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous developments are set out in the dependent Pa tent claims and in the figures.

According to the invention, the cable processing machine comprises a transfer path, preferably in the form of a guide,

Cable processing stations, which are arranged along the transfer path, at least one cable carrier for carrying at least one cable, - at least one transfer unit which is movable along the transfer path and a transfer fixing device for fixing at least one cable carrier to the transfer unit, the transfer fixing device comprising at least one transfer fixing element - at least one station fixing device for fixing at least one cable carrier relative to a cable processing station, the station fixing device having at least one station fixing element, wherein the transfer fixing element comprises at least one magnet, preferably an electromagnet, for temporarily exerting a magnetic holding force on the cable carrier and / or the station fixing element comprises at least one magnet, preferably an electromagnet, for temporarily exerting a magnetic holding force on the cable carrier.

This ensures reliable spatial positioning of the cable carrier during transport or during cable processing. The magnetic holding force (acting on the cable carrier) can be changed, i.e. switched on and off, by moving a (permanent) magnet and / or by switching an (electromagnet) magnet. In a transfer position in which the transfer unit is located at a cable processing station, the cable carrier is "transferred" by the transfer unit to the cable processing station or is fixed relative to the cable processing station. The transfer takes place in that the transfer fixing device releases the cable carrier and the station fixing device fixes the cable carrier and thus temporarily, ie at least during the time span of a cable processing step, "takes over". The return of the cable carrier to the transfer unit (after a cable processing step has been carried out) takes place in that the station fixing device releases the cable carrier and the transfer fixing device fixes the cable carrier. The transfer unit with the cable carrier fixed can then be moved to the next cable processing station. Thus, the cable carrier is preferably fixed during the entire process - sometimes on the transfer unit and sometimes relative to a cable processing station.

In the fixing state of the station fixing element, the cable carrier is or is detached from the transfer unit, which also applies to the modular pre-commissioning of the cable processing stations is advantageous. In other words, the cable carrier can be attached / fixed to the cable processing station, which can be done independently of the transfer unit. At the same time, over-determination is avoided. An advantageous consequential effect is a high repeat accuracy due to a short tolerance chain that no longer runs over rollers and rails. Furthermore, there is no need for highly precise positioning of the cable processing stations relative to one another and to the transfer unit, since rails no longer have to be aligned with one another and the fixing devices still function reliably even with average incorrect positioning.

A fixing state of a fixing element is understood to mean a state (e.g. a position or a switching state) in which the cable carrier is fixed by the fixing element (relative to a transfer unit or relative to a cable processing station) or which is suitable for passing through a cable carrier to fix the fixing element. A releasing state of a fixing element is understood to mean a state (e.g. a position or a switching state) in which the cable carrier is released from the fixing element, in particular partially or completely detached, or which is suitable for releasing a cable carrier.

The fixing state can be defined, for example, by a certain position of the fixing element (movable fixing element designed as a permanent magnet) or by a switching state of the fixing element (eg an electromagnet), for example to generate a magnetic holding force. In the case of one of the fixing elements, the fi xing state can also be defined purely passively by a (non-movable) permanent magnet, in which case the released state preferably by generation (or induction) nes oppositely polarized magnetic field is generated in the cable carrier or in the adhesive element of the cable carrier (e.g. by an opposing electromagnet).

The cable is carried by the cable carrier. The cable carrier, in turn, is fixed to the transfer unit during the transport phase (transport along the transfer line). The transfer fixing element is in the state fixing the cable carrier; the transfer unit is in the "fixed" state.

The transfer unit can be designed, for example, in the form of a carriage, a slide or a platform and / or comprise a receptacle for the cable carrier. The cable carrier is a holder for one or more cables and for this purpose can have fastening points (e.g. clamps) for the cable (s).

The cable carrier can be formed at least partially from magnetic or magnetizable material in order to be attracted by the magnet egg nes fixing element.

The transfer unit is moved along the transfer line during the transport phase, whereby the cable carrier and cable are moved from one cable processing station to the next. During the processing phase, the cable carrier can be decoupled from the transfer unit in that the transfer fixing element is brought into the state releasing the cable carrier. The transfer unit then assumes the "open" state. Here and below, the term "open" is understood to mean in particular also "released". At the same time, the cable carrier is coupled to the cable processing station, in which the station fixing element is brought into a state that fixes the cable carrier. The station fixing device then assumes the "fixed" state. The at least one station fixing device can each be arranged at the cable processing stations. However, it would also be possible to arrange the station fixing device outside the cable processing station, for example on the frame of the cable processing machine.

The station fixing device is used to fix a cable carrier relative to a cable processing station. As already mentioned, the station fixing device can be arranged in a cable processing station or outside thereof, e.g. in or on a part of the cable processing machine that is not moved through the transfer unit.

The transfer fixing element and / or the station fixing element can be designed in such a way that, in their fixing position, they exert a magnetic clamping force on the cable carrier. Of course, a frictional and / or form-fitting fixing would also be possible.

The advantages of the invention can be seen in particular in the fact that the process reliability can be increased while the precision of the processes is increased at the same time. For example, a better error tolerance with regard to positional inaccuracies when changing the cable processing stations can also be achieved.

The cable processing stations can be designed to carry out various most cable processing steps. In particular, the cable processing stations can be a cutting station, a stripping station, a station for removing inner insulation or a filler, a station for assembling the cable ends, a crimping station, a plug assembly station, a marking, marking and / or labeling station and / or include a cable test station. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer fixing element comprising a magnet can be transferred between a state fixing (the cable carrier) and a state releasing (the cable carrier) and / or that the station fixing element comprising a magnet is between a (the cable carrier) fixing state and one (the cable carrier) release the state can be transferred. The transfer does not necessarily require a movement of the fixing element, for example when using electromagnets. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that a magnet of the transfer fixing element can be moved between a position exerting a magnetic holding force and a releasing position and / or that a magnet of the station fixing element can be moved between a position exerting a magnetic holding force and a releasing position. This can be accomplished in particular with at least one permanent magnet that is moved relative to a pole piece, or with at least two permanent magnets that are moved relative to one another. In this way, the field lines in the area of the cable carrier can be strengthened (fixing state) or weakened (releasing state).

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer fixing element comprises an electromagnet and / or that the station fixing element comprises an electromagnet. The design as an electromagnet offers the advantage that the transfer between the fixing and releasing state can be carried out in a simple manner by controlling the cable processing machine, preferably also without moving mechanical parts. In addition, if necessary - by regulating the through the coil of the electromagnet guided current - also the strength of the holding force and / or the polarization of the magnet (as well as attraction and repulsion force) can be varied.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that one of the fixing elements made up of the transfer fixing element and the station fixing element comprises an electromagnet and the other of the fixing elements comprises a permanent magnet. This variant is particularly advantageous since only one of the fixing elements involved in a transfer process comprises an electromagnet and thus has to be controlled. In a preferred manner, not only the force of attraction acting on the cable carrier can be generated by the electric magnet, but at the same time the holding force of the (opposite) permanent magnet of the other fixing device can be reduced by induction of an opposing magnetic field. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the magnet (s) of the fixing element (s) has (s) cylindrical shape and / or is / are rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation, preferably the magnet (s) (e) is / are radially polarized in relation to his / her axis of rotation. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer fixing device and / or the station fixing device has at least one positioning contour, in particular a centering surface, for positioning the cable carrier on the fixing device, the positioning contour preferably being in the form of a projection and / or a recess and / or is designed with a conical shape, in particular to match an opposite positioning contour, preferably at least one centering surface, of the cable carrier. As a result, in addition to a strong holding force, an exact relative positioning of the cable carrier relative to the transfer input can also be achieved. on the one hand and to a cable processing station on the other hand.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that in a transfer position in which the transfer unit is located at a cable processing station, the transfer fixing element and the station fixing element are arranged opposite one another and a section of the cable carrier is arranged between the transfer fixing element and the station fixing element. In this way, the transfer can take place quickly and reliably without the carrier being able to get into an undefined position or orientation during the transfer process.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the cable carrier for interacting with the transfer fixing element and / or station fixing element comprises at least one adhesive element, the adhesive element preferably being made in several parts, preferably with an inner cylinder and an outer ring, and / or preferably with the adhesive element made of ferritic steel or in the form of a permanent magnet. The adhesive element is preferably designed to be magnetized by the magnet of the fixing element, whereby a strong magnetic holding force can develop and at the same time a magnetic field can be induced on the opposite side to influence the holding force of the other fixing element.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that in a transfer position in which the transfer unit is located at a cable processing station, the adhesive element is arranged between the transfer fixing element and the station fixing element. Here, too, the cable carrier can be transferred quickly and reliably. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the adhesive element is designed to reduce the holding force of a fixing element designed as a permanent magnet by a magnetic field which is induced by a fixing element designed as an electromagnet. As already mentioned above, the electromagnetic net has the function of generating an attractive force on the cable carrier, and at the same time the function of reducing the holding force of the permanent magnet of the opposite fixing device.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer fixing element and the station fixing element each comprise an electromagnet and that the electromagnets can be controlled in such a way that a magnetic field can be generated in both directions, preferably during an actuation process for transferring the cable carrier Attractive forces as well as repulsive forces act between the electromagnets and the adhesive element, which is designed as a permanent magnet in this design. Fixing and releasing is thus supported by both fixing devices at the same time and an actuating or sliding device for changing between an extended and a retracted position can be dispensed with.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer fixing element can be moved between an extended and a retracted position and / or that the station fixing element can be moved between an extended and a retracted position. In this way, the magnetic holding force in the released state can be reduced even further by moving the fixing element away from the cable carrier. This also creates a gap between the positioning contours and the cable generated carrier to allow its movement relative to the fixation devices.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that in a transfer position in which the transfer unit is located at a cable processing station, the distance between the transfer fixing element and the station fixing element in the extended position of the transfer fixing element and / or the station fixing element is smaller than in retracted position of the Transferfixierelemen tes and / or the station fixing element, preferably in the extended position a fixing element and / or another element of the fixing device, preferably with a positioning contour or centering surface, the cable carrier, preferably on a matching centering surface of the cable carrier, touches and is spaced from the cable carrier in the retracted position. The ratio between the folding force acting on the cable carrier in the fixing state and the (residual) folding force acting in the releasing state becomes even greater as a result of this measure.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that an actuating device, preferably in the form of a sliding unit, is provided for moving the fixing devices and / or the fixing elements, by means of which the fixing devices and / or fixing elements can be moved together and apart, with preferably partial movements of the Fixing devices and / or fixation elements can be generated from a main movement, preferably of a transmission element, with the force transmission to the fixing devices and / or fixing elements preferably taking place via at least one contact surface in the form of a link guide which, relative to a contact surface opposite it, has both areas has a positive as well as a negative slope. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the cable processing machine has at least one sensor for detecting the position of the actuating device and / or the transmission element and / or a switching flag attached to it, preferably switching on and / or off at least one of the electromagnets of a fixing element takes place as a function of the sensor data of the sensor, with the switching flag preferably being set in such a way that switching on and / or off takes place in the area in which the slope of the two contact surfaces changes sign relative to one another and / or in which the movement of the actuator is reversed.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the cable carrier is detached from the transfer unit in the releasing state of the transfer fixing element, with preferably no forces and moments acting between the cable carrier and the transfer unit. This decouples the cable carrier from the Transferfi xieinrichtung or from the transfer unit, which makes it possible to position and fix the cable carrier exactly relative to the cable processing station - by transferring the station fixing element into the fixing state.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the cable carrier is detached from the cable processing station in the releasing state of the station fixing element, with preferably no forces and moments acting between the cable carrier and the cable processing station. This results in a decoupling of the Kabelträ gers from the station fixing device or from the Kabelbearbei processing station, which enables the cable carrier - by transferring the transfer fixing element into the fixing state - to of the transfer unit (for further movement along the transfer line).

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the cable processing machine has at least one sensor for detecting a contact between the cable carrier and a fixing device and / or a state, in particular a position, a fixing device and / or a fixing element, preferably with the and / or switching off at least one of the electromagnets of a fixing element takes place as a function of the sensor data of the sensor.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the cable processing machine has at least one sensor for controlling the fixing element (s), wherein preferably the at least one sensor for detecting the position of the fixing element (s), preferably in its / whose retracted and / or extended position is formed, wherein preferably at least one fixing element formed as an electromagnet can be actuated as a function of the sensor data of the sensor. This significantly increases the reliability of the automation. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer unit can be moved along the transfer path by at least one transfer drive, preferably independently of the state of the at least one transfer fixing element of the transfer fixing device of the transfer unit. In this way, the transfer unit can be moved from one cable processing station to the other, either with a fixed cable carrier or without a cable carrier.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer unit is alternately converted into a first by the transfer drive Direction along the transfer path and a second direction opposite to the first direction along the transfer path can be moved. This enables an operating mode in which the transfer unit can be moved forwards and backwards, whereby cable carriers can be transported one after the other from the same transfer unit from one cable processing station to the next without the need for circulating operation.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that a control of the cable processing machine that is connected to the transfer drive is set up to control the transfer unit alternately in the first direction and the second direction via the transfer drive, with the transfer unit preferably according to an operating mode of the cable processing machine stored in the control is moved back and forth between two neighboring cable processing stations. This enables the operation to oscillate. The transfer unit - loaded with a cable carrier - is moved in one direction in order to transport the cable carrier to a cable processing station, and when empty, i.e. without a cable carrier, it is moved back in the other direction in order to pick up another cable carrier.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer path is designed to be circumferential, so that the at least one transfer unit can be moved in a circumferential manner, preferably the cable processing machine, preferably along the transfer path, at least one lift through which the at least one transfer unit to another Can be brought level, includes and / or wherein the transfer path preferably has non-linear, in particular curved, areas. This revolving variant includes a closed transport or transfer route, without that the transfer units have to change their direction of movement. In other words: a transfer unit accompanies a cable carrier through all cable processing stations.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the cable processing machine comprises at least one actuating device with a mechanical transmission element for moving the at least one transfer fixing element and / or the at least one station fixing element into the releasing and / or fixing position, wherein the actuating device is preferably designed, a to convert linear movement into a rotary movement of a fixing element. For example, two permanent magnets can be moved relative to one another in a simple manner, so that their field lines are strengthened in one position and weakened in another position. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer fixing device of a transfer unit positioned at a cable processing station and a station fixing device belonging to the cable processing station are arranged vertically one above the other, with a transfer fixing element of the transfer fixing device and a station fixing element of the station fixing device preferably being arranged vertically one above the other. With this measure, not only can a space-saving design be achieved, but - due to the relative spatial arrangement - joint actuation of two or more fixing elements can also be implemented, e.g. with a vertically acting actuating device or transmission element.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one transfer fixing element is between a fixing position, which is the fixing state of the transfer fixing element corresponds, and a releasing position, which corresponds to the releasing state of the transfer fixing element, is movable and / or that the at least one station fixing element between a fixing position, which corresponds to the fixing state of the station fixing element, and a releasing position, which corresponds to the releasing Corresponds to the state of the station fixing element, can be moved.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the cable processing machine comprises at least one actuating device with a mechanical transmission element for moving the at least one transfer fixing element and / or the at least one station fixing element into the releasing and / or fixing position.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that - in at least one relative position of the at least one transfer unit to the at least one cable processing station, preferably in a transfer position in which the transfer unit is located at a cable processing station - at least two of the fixing elements can be actuated jointly by the transfer element are. By jointly actuating the fixing elements, a reduction in the cycle times can also be achieved. The decoupling of the cable carrier (from the transfer unit) and its coupling to the station fixing device or fixing relative to the cable processing station takes place synchronously or only minimally offset in time due to the common mechanical transmission element. Overall, this embodiment also saves energy, cabling, actuators (valves, motors, etc.), since only one actuation device with a drive is required for actuating at least two fixing elements. The drive of the actuation direction can also be arranged stationary or fixed in position. As a result, there is no need for an energy supply to the transfer unit (no drag chain). This waiver also means that the transfer units can also be designed to be circumferential and do not have to be restricted to oscillating movements. In this way, the transfer process can also be designed independently of the cable processing stations. This reduces the need for control at the cable processing stations themselves. Overall, these advantages and simplifications lead to an increase in reliability with a simultaneous reduction in the control effort.

Due to the common transmission element, the transfer fixing element and the station fixing element can be operated jointly and thus at the same time. In another embodiment, at least two transfer fixing elements and / or at least two station fixing elements can be actuated jointly by the transmission element.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one transfer fixing element is acted upon by a passive force element, preferably a spring or a magnet, in the direction of the fixing position and / or that the at least one station fixing element is acted upon by a passive force element, preferably a Spring or a magnet, is acted upon in the direction of the fixing position. As a result of this measure, the actuating device together with the mechanical transmission element can be designed in such a way that it only brings about the transfer of the respective fixing device into one of its positions, preferably into the releasing position. The passive force element is used to transfer to the other position. Overall, the Design of the actuating device can be made simpler and cheaper.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one transfer fixing element is movably mounted in a, preferably linear, guide and / or that the at least one station fixing element is movably mounted in a, preferably linear, guide, the guide (s ) is / are formed by (a) drill bushing (s). The guides in which the fixing elements are movably mounted increase the precision of the positioning of the cable carriers.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one transfer fixing element and at least one station fixing element can be actuated jointly by the transmission element. As already mentioned above, the release (or decoupling) from the transfer unit on the one hand and the fixing (or coupling) to the station fixing device or cable processing station on the other hand can take place simultaneously, that is to say synchronously.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transfer fixing elements of different transfer units and / or station fixing elements of different cable processing stations can be actuated jointly by the transfer element. In this way, the entire process can be clocked, including several cable carriers or transfer units moving at the same time, and partial processes can be precisely coordinated with one another. It is made possible here, for example, that several or all of the transfer fixing elements are actuated by a common transmission element. Likewise (or in addition) several or all station fixing elements can be actuated by a common transmission element. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one transfer fixing element comprises an electromagnet that can be switched between a fixing and a releasing state and / or that the at least one station fixing element comprises an electromagnet that can be switched between a fixing and a releasing state.

In one embodiment, the (“empty space”) station fixing devices can be attached to the front plate of the transfer drive. The cable processing stations can be attached to the base frame of the cable processing machine.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the cable processing machine has at least one first sensor, preferably a light barrier sensor and / or a limit switch (which, for example, could be arranged in the drive cylinder (s) of the actuating device) for detecting the position at least a transfer fixing element, wherein the first sensor is preferably arranged on the transfer unit, and / or that the cable processing machine has at least one second sensor, preferably a light barrier sensor and / or a limit switch (which is, for example, in the drive cylinder (s) of the Actuating device could be arranged), has at least one station fixing element for detecting the position, the second sensor preferably being arranged on the cable processing station or cable processing machine. In this way, the control device of the cable processing machine receives feedback about a properly performed fixation or a proper release and, depending on the sensor data, can detect a possible malfunction of the fixation devices (e.g. a jamming fixation element) and thus prevent damage to the cable processing machine. By the use of only one light barrier for all fixing devices on the same side enables this monitoring function to be implemented in a compact, simple and cost-effective manner. A simultaneous implementation of light barrier and limit switch could also be provided (ie limit switches can be provided in addition to the light barrier, with two limit switches for the two end positions being provided in one drive cylinder, for example). Among other things, the time interval between the signal from the light barrier and the signal from the limit switch can be used to monitor or further control the machine.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the actuating device is arranged in a fixed position relative to the transfer path and / or relative to a cable processing station and does not move with the transfer units. The transfer units can therefore be designed free of actuators or drives and also do not require a permanent energy supply (in the form of cables or hoses, usually guided in drag chains).

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transmission element extends longitudinally along the transfer path and / or that the transmission element is designed in the form of a bar, the end faces of the bar preferably being inclined, and / or that the driver surfaces face the Station fixing elements are preferably their own parts that are firmly connected to the bar. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one transfer unit has at least two releasable transfer fixing devices for fixing at least two cable carriers to the transfer unit. In this way, several cable carriers can be transported with the same transfer unit. By providing (exactly) two fixing elements per fixing device (both on the transfer side and on the station side), the cable carrier is fixed reliably and precisely, with only one static over-determination. This overdetermination is preferably compensated for in that the fixing elements are individually and independently sprung from one another.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one transfer unit can be oscillated back and forth along the transfer path by a transfer drive, this mobility preferably being given regardless of the state of the transfer fixing element (s), preferably with fixed cable carriers as well as without a cable carrier. This embodiment saves the need to return the transfer units over the entire transfer path, since the transfer units can be moved back to one of the previous positions (cable processing station) when the transfer fixing device is open.

The goal is also achieved with a method for processing cables in a cable processing machine according to the invention, where at least one cable is transported to a cable processing station by means of a cable carrier by a transfer unit, to which the cable carrier is fixed by means of the transfer fixing device, along the transfer path is moved, and that at the Kabelbe processing station the transfer fixing element of the Transferfixiereinrich device is transferred into a state releasing the cable carrier and / or the station fixing element of the station fixing device is transferred to a state that fixes the cable carrier, with preferably a processing operation of the cable in the cable processing station first is started when the station fixing element of the station fixing device is fixed in a cable carrier State is located, wherein the transfer fixing element and the station fixing element are preferably operated jointly by a transmission element of an actuating device.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that after a movement of the transfer unit (s), preferably with a fi xed cable carrier, in a first direction along the transfer path, the transfer unit (s), preferably without a cable carrier, in a second direction opposite to the first Direction along the transfer path is / are moved, preferably during the movement of the cable carrier in the second direction in the cable processing station, a processing operation on the cable (s) previously transported to the cable processing station takes place. In this way, an oscillating operation of the transfer units can be implemented, i.e. they transport the cable carrier and cable in one (first) direction, return empty (second direction) and pick up another cable carrier in order to transport it in the first direction.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that, in one operating mode of the cable processing machine, the transfer unit is moved back and forth between two adjacent cable processing stations.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that in the cable processing station the transfer of the transfer fixing element of the transfer fixing device into a state releasing the cable carrier and the transfer of the station fixing element of the station fixing device in a state fixing the cable carrier take place simultaneously and / or that in the cable processing station the Transferring the transfer fixing element of the transfer fixing device into a state that fixes the cable carrier and the transfer Ren the station fixing element of the station fixing device in a state releasing the cable carrier takes place at the same time.

Of course, the transfer fixing element can also be transferred or moved into the respective state before or after the station fixing element. Several transfer fixing elements can also be transferred or moved at the same time. Likewise, several station fixing elements can be transferred or moved at the same time.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the process of transferring the cable carrier between the transfer fixing device and the station fixing device includes the actuation of an electromagnet of a fixing element and / or a movement of a fixing element between its retracted position and its extended position, preferably with the help of an actuating device - preferably designed as a displacement unit.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the position of the fixing element and / or a transmission element of the actuating device and / or the contact between the cable carrier and a fixing device is detected by a sensor and that preferably the actuation of a fixing element designed as an electromagnet depending on the Sensor data of the sensor takes place.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the process of transferring the cable carrier between the transfer fixing device and the station fixing device comprises moving a fixing element to the cable carrier, preferably with the aid of an actuating device, with preferably starting up of the fixing element causes the cable carrier to come into contact with the fixing element.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that one of the fixing elements from transfer fixing element and station fixing element involved in the transfer of the cable carrier between the transfer fixing device and the station fixing device comprises an electromagnet and the other of the fixing elements comprises a permanent magnet and that the process of Transfer of the cable carrier between the transfer fixing device and the station fixing device comprises the actuation of the electromagnet, whereby the direction of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet is preferably opposite to the magnetic field direction of the permanent magnet and / or whereby the electromagnet in the cable carrier, in particular in the flaft element of the cable - carrier, a magnetic field is induced, which counteracts the magnetic field of the permanent magnet.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings.

Like the technical content of the claims and figures, the list of reference symbols is part of the disclosure. The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. The same reference symbols denote the same components, reference symbols with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components.

It shows: Fig. La a first embodiment of a Kabelverarbeitungmaschi ne with

Cable processing stations and station fixing devices contained therein, a transfer unit with a transfer line, transfer drive and several transfer fixing devices, a return system with a return conveyor belt and two lifts, as well as several cable carriers circulating in this machine, Fig. 1b shows another embodiment of a cable processing machine similar to Fig. La, with the cable carriers are designed twice, an additional cable element application station with a station arm drive, the other fixing elements for the lifts are duplicated on both sides, additional station fixing devices in the area of the lifts, the return conveyor belt divided into two, as well as sensor pairs for monitoring the station fixing elements and the transfer fixing elements,

Fig. Lc shows a further embodiment of a cable processing machine similar to Fig. La, but with revolving transfer units,

Fig. Id shows a further embodiment of a cable processing machine with a circumferential guide rail and circumferential transfer units,

2a to 2d, the central functional elements from Fig. La in egg nem preferred sequence for their movement, consisting from (2a) the transfer step, (2b) the first grip around, (2c) the return movement of the transfer, and (2d) the second grip around.

3a-e show a 3D view of the central functional elements of a cable processing machine (cable carrier, fixing elements, actuating device), with a preferred sequence for their movement (fig. 3a-d, shown in half section, with the main part of the actuating device hidden and arrows to visualize the magnet states), as well as a further view with a different cutting plane and all parts shown (Fig. 3e),

Fig. 4a-d show a simplified 2D sectional view of an alternative embodiment (with simpler drive kinematics of the actuating device), with 4 partial figures to illustrate the preferred sequence of movement (Fig. 4a-d),

Fig. 5a-d show a simplified 2D sectional view of an alternative embodiment (similar to Fig. 4, but executed differently with the Fi xierelemente), with 4 sub-figures to illustrate the preferred sequence of movement (Fig. 5a-d),

Fig. 6a-d show a simplified 2D sectional view of an alternative embodiment (similar to Fig. 5, but without actuation device), with 4 sub-figures to illustrate the preferred sequence of movement (Fig. 6a-d). The figures show a cable processing machine 90 (FIGS. 1, 2) or parts thereof (FIGS. 3-6). As can be seen from the figures, the cable processing machine 90 comprises

- a transfer path 51, preferably in the form of a guide (Figs. 1 and 2),

Cable processing stations 70, which are arranged along the transfer path 51 (FIGS. 1 and 2),

- At least one cable carrier 10 for carrying at least one cable 80 (Fig. 3-6, Fig. 1, 2), - At least one transfer unit 50, which can be moved along the transfer path 51, and at least one transfer fixing device 30 for fixing at least one cable carrier 10 the transfer unit 50, wherein the at least one Transferfixiereinrichtung 30 Trans ^¬ ferfixierelement having 31st The cable processing machine 90 also comprises at least one Sta ^¬ tionsfixiereinrichtung 20 for fixing a cable support 10, wherein the Stationsfixiereinrichtung 20 has at least one Stationsfixierelement 21st

The Transferfixierelement 31 comprises at least one magnet, preferably an electromagnet 31e for temporarily exerting a magnetic Flaltekraft on the cable carrier 10 (Fig. 3b) and / or the Stationsfixierelement 21 comprises at least one Mag ^¬ Neten, preferably an electromagnet 21e, the temporary application of a magnetic flux force on the cable carrier 10 (Fig. 3a).

The cable carrier 10 can be fixed in the state of the Transferfixie relementes 31, preferably rigid, ver with the transfer unit 50 connected ^¬ (FIG. 3b) and / or the fuser station 21 in the fixing state fixed relative to the cable processing station 70 (FIG. 3 a), preferably rigidly connected to the cable processing station 70 and / or a component of the cable processing machine 90 carrying the cable processing station 70.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below. However, these do not restrict the invention or the developments contained in the subclaims in any way, but merely show possibilities for realizing or refining certain aspects of the invention.

Fig. La shows a first embodiment of a cable processing machine 90 with cable processing stations 70 and contained station fixing devices 20, a transfer unit 50 with transfer path 51, transfer drive 52 and several transfer fixing devices 30, a return system 60 with return conveyor belt 61 and two lifts 62, 63, as well as several cable carriers 10 circulating in this machine. The movement of the cable carrier 10 (circulating) is shown here with dashed arrows, the movement of the oscillating elements with double arrows (transfer unit 50 with attached transfer fixing devices 30; fixing devices 6210, 6310 in the lifts). The broad arrows with a thin knit gauge show the movement of the cables 80 and additional cable elements 81.

The cable carriers 10 are alternately fixed in the station fixing devices 20 and the transfer fixing devices 30, with the respective opposing fixing devices in the "open" state. While they are being fixed in the transfer fixing devices 30, they move together with the transfer unit 50 by a fixed distance ( Station distance) to the left, the transfer unit 50 being guided over the transfer section 51 and the transfer drive 52 being driven. The transfer section 51 is designed here as a rail or a pair of rails for recirculating linear ball bearings, which surface are attached to the moving main part of the transfer unit 50. The transfer drive 52 is designed here as an electric toothed belt linear drive with a servo motor. Alternatively, a pneumatic cylinder, a linear motor, a magnetic drive, etc. could be used. While the cable carriers 10 are fixed in the station fixing devices 20, the cables 80 contained therein are processed. At the same time, the transfer unit 50 with the now empty transfer fixing devices 30 attached to it moves back into the starting position. The complete sequence of the transfer movement is described in more detail in FIG.

In the upper part of FIG. 1 a, the typical processing of a cable 80 in a cable processing machine 90 is shown in simplified form. In the cable insertion station 71, the cable is rolled out from a roll or a storage container (not shown), cut and inserted into the two cable clamps 11 of the cable carrier 10. The cable 80 is then processed in several further stations. Shown here is an additional cable element application station 72, in which an additional cable element 81 is applied to the cable 80, for example a crimp contact. In the cable removal station 83, the processed cables 80 are removed by opening the cable clamps 11 of the cable carrier 10 and typically transporting the cables to a tub or a conveyor belt (not visible) for further processing.

In order to bring the cable carrier back to the starting point, the return system 60 is provided. This consists of the return conveyor belt 61 and two lifts 62, 63. As soon as a cable carrier 10 has reached the end of the transfer path 51, it is fixed in the further fixing device 6210 of the left lift 62. After the transfer fixing device 30 has been opened, it becomes the return conveyor belt 61 transported and released there again. This transport is driven and guided by the main lift drive 6252, typically designed as a toothed belt linear axis with servo drive and integrated guide, which preferably runs vertically. In addition, the lift 62 also contains a further drive with a guide, the lift horizontal drive 6260 (not shown, visible in FIG. 1c) for moving the further fixing device 6210 also in the horizontal direction. As a result, the cable carrier 10 can be pulled horizontally out of the transfer fixing device 30 and the main transport movement (vertical) can already start before the transfer element 50 has moved back to the right. As a result, the movements of the transfer drive 52 and the main lift drives 6252, 6352 are decoupled from one another, which enables an improved cycle time. This lift horizontal drive 6260 is typically designed as a pneumatic guide cylinder (Fig. Lc), attached between the slide of the lift main drive 6252 and the lift gripper 6210, and usually has a drag chain for the energy supply.

In the return conveyor belt 61, each cable carrier 10 is transported to the right until it is stopped by the end stop 6110 or other cable carrier 10 already jammed there. Since the trans port only frictionally with the dead weight of the cable carrier 10 he follows, the passage of the tape under the stopped Kabelträ like 10 is no problem and hardly creates abrasion or damage. The right lift 63 is constructed identically to the left lift 62, with a further fixing device 6310, a main lift drive 6352 and a horizontal drive 6360 (not shown). For the transport of the cable carrier 10 from the return conveyor belt 61 to the first transfer fixing device 30 (right) of the transfer unit 50, the cable Contribution 10 fixed in the further fixing device 6310 and brought up with the aid of the two drives 6352, 6360.

Fig. Lb shows a further embodiment of a cable processing machine 90 similar to Fig. La, with the cable carriers 10 executed twice, with an additional cable element application station 72 with station arm drive 7220, with the further fixing elements 6210.11, 6210.12., 6210.21, 6210.22, 6310.11, 6310.12., 6310.21, 6310.22 for the lifts 62, 63 executed twice on both sides, with additional station fixing devices 20 also in the area of the lifts 62, 63 (as in Fig. 1c), with the two-part return conveyor belt 61a, 61b, as well as with pairs of sensors 53, 93 for monitoring the station fixing elements 21 and the transfer fixing elements 31.

In order to move the two ends of a cable 80 separately from one another without opening the cable clamps 11, each cable 80 is distributed over two separate cable carriers 10 here. Therefore, all Ka belträger 10 and all fixing devices 20, 30, 6210, 6310 are duplicated and only half the size compared to Fig. La. In the additional cable element application station 72, the cable end to be worked is moved transversely to the transfer path 51 together with the cable carrier 10 and the station fixing device 20 by the station arm drive 7220. Because all the moving elements are only half as large, more space is made available for other elements in this cable processing station.

To enable a faster machine cycle time, the other fixing devices 6210.11, 6210.12., 6210.21, 6210.22,

6310.11, 6310.12., 6310.21, 6310.22 for the lifts on both sides executed twice (or here even four times due to the double number of all cable carriers 10 and fixing devices). For the sake of clarity, only the elements in the right elevator 63 are numbered in detail, in the left elevator it is identical. The main lift drive 6352d is designed as a toothed belt double pendulum axis with servo

Drive and guide, i.e. with only one motor and one toothed belt, two carriages, which are attached to the two opposite sides of the toothed belt, move in opposite directions. The lift horizontal drives 6260, 6360 (not shown here, only in Fig. 1c) and the other fixing devices 6210.11, 6210.12, 6210.21, 6210.22, 6310.11, are attached to the two carriages.

6310.12, 6310.21, 6310.22. Thus, the cable carriers 10 can alternately be fixed inside or outside and transported upwards. In order to switch between the inner and outer position during the transfer movement, the transfer unit 50 is divided into the total of sub-segments 50a, 50b, 50c. The middle sub-segment 50b is the largest and is moved directly by the transfer drive 52 (as in Fig. La). The sub-segment 50c on the right edge contains only one transfer fixing device pair 30 and is moved by the right transfer drive extension 5050b. This is attached to the middle sub-segment 50b and thus enables the relative movement between the two sub-segments 50b and 50c. It is designed as a pneumatic cylinder, with the energy supply via a drag chain. The structure on the left is identical to that on the right, with the left partial segment 50a driven by the left transfer drive extension 5050a.

In addition (and unlike in FIG. 1 a), further station fixing devices 20 are arranged in FIG. 1 b in the area of the lifts. These can be controlled independently of the transfer fixing devices 30, for example via a further actuating device 23 (FIG. lc). The cable carriers 10 can be temporarily fixed there if the transfer unit 50 is not yet there (right) or has already moved away again (left). The start of the lift movement is thus independent of the transfer movement, which enables the machine cycle time to be further improved.

In order to facilitate the division / dismantling of the cable processing machine 90 for transport purposes, the return conveyor belt 61a, 61b is divided into two parts. The transfer units 50abc can also be divided into several subsegments in order to enable a simpler division for transport purposes in the case of very long machines.

On the left and right edges of the machine, the sensor pairs 53, 93 are arranged, each consisting of a transmitter 53a, 93a and a receiver 53b, 93b, typically designed as a light barrier. These pairs of sensors monitor the station fixing elements 21 and the transfer fixing elements 31. If one of them jams, this is registered by the sensors.

Fig. Lc shows a further embodiment of a cable processing machine 90 similar to Fig. La.

Here it is no longer just the cable carriers 10.11, 10.12, 10.22, etc., but a large number of transfer units 50.1 to 50.6 each with two transfer fixing devices 30.11, 30.12, 30.22, etc., on which the cable carriers 10.11, 10.12, 10.22, etc. are releasably attached.

For station processing, the cable carriers are detached from the transfer units 50.1 to 50.6 - similar to the setup with oscillating transfer units (50, Fig. La), with the independent transverse movement of a cable carrier 10.11, 10.12, 10.22, etc. . relative to another is possible via a station arm drive 7220. Since a return movement (FIG. 2c) is no longer necessary with rotating transfer units 50.1 to 50.6, the contact surface in the accompanying actuator 3341 can be made simpler, ie the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 with rollers is not necessary here. Station fixing elements 20 are only necessary in this embodiment form where processing actually takes place; and no longer in empty spaces. This is a further simplification.

The return system 60 is also different in this embodiment, because here not only the cable carriers 10.11, 10.12, 10.22, etc. are returned, but complete transfer units 50.1 to 50.6 with rollers - each matching the guide rails.

An additional guide rail 6150 is therefore provided in the area of the return conveyor belt 61. There are also guide rails 6250, 6350 in the two lifts 62u, 63u.

So that the transfer units 50.1 to 50.6 do not unintentionally move out of these short guide rails 6250, 6350 during the vertical travel in the lifts 62u, 63u, they are prevented from doing so by clamping elements 6253, 6353 attached to them. These clamping elements are passively clamped with a passive force element (similar to 22, 32, not shown) and can be opened by an external actuating device (not shown, similar to the actuating device 40 for the station fixing devices 20 and transfer fixing devices in order to transfer the transfer units 50.1 up to 50.6 to be coupled to the transfer drive 52d.

In order to convey the carriages from the guide rail 6150 of the return conveyor belt 61 to the guide rail 6350 of the lift 63u, the return conveyor belt drive can be used directly. Here- to is the end stop 66101 in a movable / detachable form and is only opened / released when the lift 63u is ready, with the short guide rail 6350 down again.

The transfer drive 52d is also made somewhat more complex here in order to enable the circulating operation of the transfer units 50.1 to 50.6: The toothed belt is designed as a double toothed belt (= teeth on both sides), with the outer teeth form-fitting in a rack on the transfer units 50.1 intervene until 50.6. In contrast, oscillating transfer units (50, Fig. La) are firmly connected to the toothed belt of the transfer drive 52 (wel cher can be a single toothed belt in this case - or the spindle nut in a spindle axis or a pneumatic cylinder or a Linear motor).

FIG. 1d shows a further embodiment of a cable processing machine 90 similar to FIG.

Here, too, the transfer units 50.1 to 50.6 circulate in the machine. In contrast to the embodiment in FIG. 1c, however, lifts 62u, 63u are dispensed with here. Instead, the guide rail 51o of the transfer system is oval-shaped and the transfer units 50.1 to 50.6 are equipped with curved rollers.

The transfer drive 52o is also designed to be rotatable, i.e. with the ability to allow cornering. An exemplary implementation would be a long-stator linear motor with curve segments.

Combinations with double toothed belts, frictional belts and / or half-open spindles are also conceivable as a cost-effective alternative to the expensive long-stator linear motors. Various sensors and detachable stops in the transition areas would be advantageous for this purpose (not shown here). Fig. 2 shows the central functional elements from Fig. La in a preferred sequence for their movement, consisting of the transfer step (a), the first grip around (b), the return movement of the transfer unit 50 (c), and the second grip ( d). The main movements are always represented by non-dashed arrows. In the case of the station fixing devices 20 and the transfer fixing devices 30, the hatched representation means the state “fixed”, and the representation without hatching means the state “open”. 2a shows the transfer unit 50 in the right position. The cable carriers 10 are fixed in the transfer fixing devices 30, the station fixing devices 20 are open. With the help of the transfer drive 52, the transfer unit 50 with the attached transfer fixing devices 30 and the cable carriers 10 fixed therein is now moved to the left - by a distance that corresponds to the distance between the cable processing stations 70. This movement, hereinafter referred to as the "transfer step", is represented by the thick arrow.

FIG. 2b shows the transfer unit 50 now in the left position after the transfer step has been completed. The cable carriers 10 are still fixed in the transfer units 30. Now all station fixing devices 20 are transferred to the "fixed" state, and then or at the same time all transfer fixing devices 30 are transferred to the "open" state. At the same time or a little later, the further fixing device 6210 in the left lift 62 is also transferred to the “fixed” state.

In Fig. 2c all cable carriers 10 are now fixed in the Stationsfixiereinrichtun gene 20, or the cable carrier 10.1 on the far left in the lift 62. All transfer fixing devices 30 are open. The transfer unit 50 moves empty back to the right, again driven by the transfer Drive 52. This movement is called the "return movement". At the same time, the cables 80 are processed, rolled out and / or removed in the cable processing stations 71, 72, 73 fetched a new cable carrier 10.5 from the return conveyor belt.

In Fig. 2d, the transfer unit 50 has arrived in the right position. The cable processing stations 71, 72, 73 are finished with their respective processing steps for the cables 80. The cable carrier 10.1 on the left is transported away in the direction of the return conveyor belt and the cable carrier 10.5. is ready on the right for transfer to the first transfer fixing device 30 on the far right in the transfer unit 50. For this purpose, all transfer fixing devices 30 are transferred to the "fixed" state, and then or at the same time all station fixing devices 20 and the further fixing device 6310 in the right lift 63 in the state "open".

Thereafter, all cable carriers 10 are fixed again in the transfer fixing devices 30 (Fig. 2a) and a new cycle begins.

Fig. 3 shows a 3D view of the central functional elements of a cable processing machine 90 (cable carrier 10, fixing elements 20, 30, actuating device 40 in the form of a transverse displacement unit), with a preferred sequence for their movement (Fig. 3a-d, Darge represents in half section, with the main part of the actuating device 40 faded out and arrows for visualizing the magnet states), as well as a further view with a different sectional plane and all parts faded in (FIG. 3e).

The station fixing element is designed as an electromagnet 21e, preferably in the "pot shape" typical for electric holding magnets: Such an electromagnet consists of a pot with a bonded cylindrical core in the center, both made of magnetically conductive material (ferritic steel) and a coil wound around the core (not shown in detail in the drawings, or fused with the pot), which is connected to an energy source that can be switched on by the machine control connected is. Typically, the space around the coil is still filled / encapsulated with plastic.

The transfer fixing element is designed as a permanent magnet 31p, preferably also in the form of a pot, the core here being the actual permanent magnet (typically made of an NdFeB alloy) and the pot surrounding it being made of magnetically conductive material. The cable carrier 10 contains the two magnetic adhesive elements 14, 14a, made of magnetically conductive material and designed as an inner cylinder 14 and outer ring 14a, coaxial, flush, with the same thickness and connected to one another by a non-magnetically conductive material (e.g. plastic). The electromagnet 21e of the station fixing element 21 can be moved normal to the contact surface with the aid of the actuating device 40 designed as a transverse displacement unit. In this way, the two magnets 21e, 31p with the adhesive elements 14, 14a lying between them can be moved together in such a way that all contact surfaces touch; and are also moved apart again so that - depending on the switching state of the electromagnet 21e - a gap is created between one of the contact surfaces. The preferred sequence of movements and the on and off th of the electromagnet 21e at the right time can be seen in the Teilfi gures (Fig. 3a-d).

In Fig. 3a the electromagnet 21e is switched on and generates an adhesive force in the direction of the adhesive elements 14, 14a. This is significant higher than the attractive force of the permanent magnet 31p because there is a gap between it and the adhesive elements 14, 14a. The cable carrier 10 is thus reliably fixed in the station fixing device.

In FIG. 3b, all elements are moved together with the aid of the actuating device 40 designed as a transverse displacement unit, so that there is no longer a gap between the contact surfaces. When the surfaces touch, the electromagnet 21e is switched off and thus no longer generates an adhesive force in the direction of the adhesive elements 14, 14a - in contrast to the permanent magnet 31p, which now generates its maximum adhesive force without a gap and without an opposing field.

Therefore, when the cable carrier 10 is moved apart again with the aid of the actuating device 40 (FIG. 3c), it now adheres to the transfer fixing device 30p or is fixed in it. In order to bring the cable carrier 10 back into its starting position (fixed in the station fixing device, as in FIG. 3a), the elements move together again with the aid of the actuating device 40 (FIG. D). Unlike in Fig. 3b, the electromagnet 21a is now all things turned on. It is important here that the polarization is selected such that the direction of the magnetic flux of the electromagnet 21e acts in the opposite direction to the direction of the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 31p (thick arrows). This not only creates an adhesive force between the electromagnet 21e and the adhesive elements 14, 14e, but also induces a magnetic field in the adhesive elements 14, 14a (thin arrow, dashed), which also acts on the other side, where a repulsive force generated in the direction of the permanent magnet 31p and thus temporarily verrin Gert its adhesive force. This ensures that the adhesive elements 14, 14a and thus the cable carrier 10 reliably on the electromagnet 21e and thus on the station fixing device 20 adheres and no longer adheres to the permanent magnet 31p - even if it is significantly larger (based on its maximum holding force) than the electromagnetic magnet 21e. The geometries (especially thickness and diameter) of all magnetic functional elements (21e, 31p, 14, 14a) are coordinated so that on the one hand high magnetic adhesive forces act in the two end positions (Fig. 3a, 3c) and on the other hand the detachment forces the transfer (Fig. 3b, 3d) remain as low as possible and the transfer proceeds reliably, with the adhesive force on the new side (right or permanent magnet side in Fig. 3b, left or electromagnet side in Fig. 3d) significant higher than on old site.

Furthermore, Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the transverse sliding unit designed actuating device 40, in which the two partial movements for moving the fixing devices 20e, 30p or the electromagnet 21e together and apart are generated by a single main movement of the transmission element 41 and the switching of the Electromagnet 21e is triggered with the aid of sensor 42. The transmission element 41 is moved here by the drive 43 (designed as a pneumatic cylinder in FIG. 1e). The electromagnet 21e is fastened in the magnet holder 25, which is guided horizontally via the guide 2520a in the main part of the Stationsfixierein device 20. The vertical movement of the transmission element 41 is converted into a horizontal movement of the magnet holder 25 via the contact surface 4125 and the rollers 2541 guided thereon, the contact surface 4125 having an area with a positive slope and an area with a negative slope. The reaction forces to the main part of the actuation Transmission device 40 are accommodated by the opposite, planar contact surface 4140 and the associated rollers 4041. The permanent contact between the rollers 2541 and the contact surface 4125 is ensured by the passive force element 2520b, shown here as a cylindrical compression spring (in all figures in the stretched state, ie not 100% correct).

Alternatively, the power transmission can also take place via a two-sided link guide or other kinematics, for example an articulated or toggle lever gear. The switching flag 4142 is attached to the transmission element, which is designed and finely adjusted so that the sensor 42 changes its signal state at the reversal point of the horizontal movement (i.e. when all elements are brought together without a gap). This Signalzu controls the switching on and off of the electromagnet 21e at the right time. For this purpose, both the sensor 42 and the electromagnet 21e are connected to the central control 91 (Fig. 1), e.g. via cables not shown here. Alternatively, the sensor signal can also be converted directly into a control signal for the electromagnet 21e with the aid of an amplifier circuit in order to relieve the controller 91.

FIG. 3e again shows the same as in FIG. 3a, but now with the main part of the actuating device 40 shown normally and the plane of section through the axes of the conical centering surfaces 12ab, 13ab, 2012ab, 3012ab. The two centering surfaces 3013ab of the transfer fixing device 30p are concave and match the two convex centering surfaces 13ab on the side of the cable carrier 10 facing it. The two centering surfaces 2012ab of the station fixing device 20e are convex and match the two concave centering surfaces 12ab of the one facing it page of the cable carrier 10. The distribution convex / concave can also be the other way around, on both sides. It is important that the height of the elements on the convex side (distance S2 in FIG. 4) is less than the stroke of the actuating device 40 designed as a transverse displacement unit (distance S). In the released state, a residual gap always remains between the centering surface and the remaining components of the fixing element or the cable carrier, which enables the undisturbed relative movement of the fixing elements. The centering pins. or centering surfaces 2012ab of the station fixing device 20e are here attached to the main part of the station fixing device 20e and are not moved together with the electromagnet 21e. This avoids the cable carrier 10 being “moved together” (FIGS. 3b, 3d) being centered on both sides and thus overdetermined; which still enables the reliable transfer even if the two fixing elements 21e, 31p are not positioned exactly with respect to one another. Alternatively, the centering surfaces 2012ab can also be moved along with the electromagnet 21e in order to enable a somewhat simpler and more cost-effective construction of the station fixing device 20e. The two sensors / limit switches 45ab, which detect the end positions of the drive 43 designed as a pneumatic cylinder, are also visible in FIG. 3e. The compressed air for this pneumatic cylinder is generated via a valve 911 or a valve bank, connected with hoses 914. The valve and the limit switches 45ab are connected to the control 91 (visible in FIG. 1) via control cables 913, as are all other drives and sensors.

FIG. 4 shows a simplified 2D sectional view of an alternative embodiment, with 4 partial figures to illustrate the preferred sequence of movement (FIGS. 4a-d). The transverse displacement unit 40a is in this case arranged on the transfer unit 50 and moving several transfer fixing devices 30p (only one is visible). It is carried out as a simple guide cylinder. The sequence is similar to that in FIG. 3. The main difference is that the two (partial) movements for moving the transverse displacement unit 40a together and apart are independent of one another and are not coupled to a central main movement. In comparison with the transverse displacement unit 40 from FIG. 3, this variant of the transverse displacement unit 40a has a simpler structure; but not so fast (because 2 movements instead of 1). The centering surfaces 12c, 13c are convex on the side of the Kabelträ gers 10, with the matching centering surfaces (without their own number) on the other side, concave and matching. The centering surfaces on the side of the transfer fixing element 30p are moved together with the permanent magnet 13p. The two distances S and S2 are also shown, where S denotes the flub of the transverse displacement unit 40a and S2 denotes the height of the convex centering surfaces 12c, 13c. As already explained in connection with FIG. 3, S2 must be smaller than S in order to enable the relative movement of the fixing devices 20e, 30p which is necessary for the transfer movement. The adhesive element 14 is made in one piece, ie without the outer ring 14a.

FIG. 5 shows a simplified 2D sectional view of an alternative embodiment, with 4 partial figures to illustrate the preferred sequence of movement (FIGS. 5a-d). Here, the transfer fixing element 31e is also designed as an electromagnet, which is switched on and off accordingly during the transfer. Otherwise everything is identical to that in FIG. 4. The adhesive element 14 can alternatively also be designed as a permanent magnet 14p, similar to that shown in FIG. 6. This allows even higher adhesive forces to be generated. In addition to the variants shown in Fig. 3-5, other combinations are also conceivable, since most of the variation parameters can be freely combined with one another:

- Electromagnet 21e, 31e on the transfer or station side or on both sides

- Adhesive element 14 in one or two parts, made of ferritic steel or as a permanent magnet

- designed as a transverse shifting unit 40 on the transfer or station side - centering surfaces 12, 13 2012, 3012 concave or convex; and moved together with the magnet or not

Fig. 6 shows a simplified 2D sectional view of a further alter native embodiment, with 4 partial figures to illustrate the preferred sequence of the movement (Fig. 6a-d). In contrast to FIGS. 3-5, no actuating device 40 is provided here. The transverse displacement of the cable carrier 10b is carried out by the electromagnets 21e, 31e in both fixing devices 20e, 30e. For this purpose, the Haf telement 14p in the cable carrier 10b leads out as a permanent magnet 14p and the electromagnets 21e, 31e are controlled so that the current can flow in both directions through the coil windings, which (in addition to switching on / off) also the polarity reversal of the elect romagnete 21e, 31e enables, and thus can also generate repulsive forces ge compared to the permanent magnet 14p in the cable carrier. 6a shows the cable carrier 13c fixed in the station fixing device 20e, with the electromagnet 21e switched on on the station side and polarized in the same direction as the permanent magnet 14p of the cable carrier 10b. The electromagnet 31e on the transfer side is switched off. For the transfer of the cable carrier 10b to the ferfixieinrichtung 30e is now reversed in Fig. 6b, the electromagnet 21e on the station side and at the same time the electromagnet 31 is switched on on the transfer side (same polarity as the permanent magnet 14p, ie on "stick"). Thus, in addition to the adhesive force at the end of the movement, a repulsive force is also generated on the station side at the beginning. This makes it possible to move the cable carrier 10b without actuating device 40 over a large distance S, which is greater than the height of the centering surfaces (from stood S2). This movement takes place exclusively by reversing the polarity of the coils in the electromagnets 21e, 31e, ie without moving parts and thus very quickly.

In order to reliably detect the handover, sensors 2010, 3010 are provided. These detect when the cable carrier is fixed in the respective fixing device 20e, 30e. In Fig. 6a, b the sensor 2010 reports the contact, in Fig. 6c no contact is made, and in Fig. 6d the sensor 3010 reports contact and thus that the cable carrier 10b has arrived in the transfer fixing device 30e. The transfer in the opposite direction and the detection with the sensors 2010, 3010 take place analogously. The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, a variety of modifications are possible, please include within the scope of the concept of the invention, which are within the scope of professional action. It is also possible to implement further design variants by combining the means and features mentioned without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols

10 cable carriers

10.11, 10.12, 10.21, etc. Cable carrier (fixed to transfer devices 30.11, 30.12, 30.21, etc.)

11 Attachment point (cable clamp)

12abc, 13abc centering surface

14 adhesive element (inner cylinder)

14a (further) adhesive element (outer ring)

14p permanent magnet

20 Station fixing device

2010 sensor

2012 from centering surface

21 Station fixing element

21e (electro) magnet

21p (permanent) magnet

25 magnetic holders

2520a leadership

2520b Passive force element

2541 castors

30 Transfer Fixing Device

3010 sensor

3013ab centering surface

30.11, 30.12, 30.21, etc. Transfer fixing devices (arranged on rotating transfer units 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, etc.)

31 Transfer Fixing Element

31e (electro) magnet 31p (permanent) magnet

40 (a) actuating device ((transverse) displacement unit)

41 transmission element

4125, 4140 contact surface (link guide)

4041 castors

42 sensor

4142 switching flag

43 Drive

45ab sensor (pair of limit switches)

50 transfer unit

50abc sub-segments of the transfer unit

50.1, 50.2, 50.3, etc. circulating transfer units

5050ab transfer drive extension

51 transfer route

51o transfer path (oval-shaped)

52 transfer drive

52o transfer drive (oval shaped)

52d transfer drive (double toothed belt)

53 from sensor (pair) (e.g. light barrier)

60 feedback system

61 (down) return conveyor belt

6110 end stop

61101 end stop (detachable)

6150 guide rail (in return conveyor belt) 62, 63 lifts 62u, 63u lifts (for rotating transfer units) 6210, 6310 (further) fixing device (in the lift)

6210.11, 6210.12., 6210.21, 6210.22, 6310.11, 6310.12., 6310.21, 6310.22 (further) fixing device (in the double lift of a cable processing system with 2 cable carriers per cable)

6250, 6350 rail section (lift)

6252, 6352 lift main drive

6252d double pendulum drive

6253, 6353 Clamping element 6260, 6360 Lift horizontal drive

70 Cable processing station

71 Cable insertion station

72 Cable additional element application station (crimp station)

7220 station arm drive

73 Cable removal station

80 cables

81 additional cable element (crimp contact)

90 cable processing machine

91 Control

911 valve

913 (control) cables

914 (pneumatic) hose

S distance

S2 distance

Claims

Claims

1. Cable processing machine (90) comprising

- A transfer path (51), preferably in the form of a guide, - Cable processing stations (70), which are arranged along the transfer path (51),

- At least one cable carrier (10) for carrying at least one cable (80),

- At least one transfer unit (50) which can be moved along the transfer path (51) and a transfer fixing device

(30) for fixing at least one cable carrier (10) to the transfer unit (50), the transfer fixing device (30) having at least one transfer fixing element (31),

- At least one station fixing device (20) for fixing at least one cable carrier (10) relative to a cable processing station (70), the station fixing device (20) having at least one station fixing element (21), the transfer fixing element (31) at least one magnet (31e) , preferably an electromagnet, for the temporary exertion of a magnetic force of force on the cable carrier

(10) and / or the station fixing element (21) comprises at least one magnet (21e), preferably an electromagnet, for the temporary exertion of a magnetic flux force on the cable carrier (10).

2. Cable processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer fixing element (31) comprising a magnet (31e) can be transferred between a fixing state and a releasing state and / or that the station fixing element comprising a magnet (21e) (21) between a fixing state and a releasing state can be transferred.

3. Cable processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a magnet of the transfer fixing element (31) exerts a magnetic holding force between one

Position and a releasing position and / or that a magnet of the station fixing element (31) is movable between a position exerting a magnetic holding force and a releasing position. 4. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer fixing element (31) comprises an electromagnet (31e) and / or that the station fixing element (21) comprises an electromagnet (21e). 5. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one (21) of the fixation elements from transfer fixing element (31) and Stationsfixierele element (21) comprises an electromagnet (21e) and the other (31) of the fixing elements comprises a permanent magnet (31p ) includes.

6. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a transfer position in which the transfer unit (50) is at a cable processing station (70), the transfer fixing element (31) and the station fixing element (21) are opposite each other are arranged and a section of the cable carrier (10) between the transfer fixing element (31) and the station fixing element (21) is arranged.

7. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable carrier (10) for interacting with the transfer fixing element (31) and / or station fixing element (21) comprises at least one adhesive element (14), preferably the adhesive element (14) more is designed in parts, preferably with an inner cylinder and an outer ring (14a), and / or wherein the holding element (14) is preferably made of ferritic steel or in the form of a

Permanent magnet is executed.

8. Cable processing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that in a transfer position in which the transfer unit (50) is located at a cable processing station (70), the adhesive element (14) between the transfer fixing element

(31) and the station fixing element (21) is arranged.

9. Cable processing machine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the adhesive element (14) is designed, by a magnetic field which is induced by a fixing element (21) designed as an electromagnet (21e), the holding force of a permanent magnet (31p) trained Fixierele Mentes (31) to reduce.

10. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer fixing element (31) and the station fixing element (21) each have one

Include electromagnets (21e, 31e) and that the electromagnets (21e, 31e) can be controlled in such a way that the generation of a nes magnetic field is possible in both directions, preferably during an actuation sequence for the transfer of the cable carrier (10) both attractive forces and repulsive forces between the electromagnets (21e, 31e) and the permanent magnet (14p) designed adhesive element (14) .

11. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding Ansprü surface, characterized in that the transfer fixing element (31) is movable between an extended and a retracted position and / or that the station fixing element (21) between an extended and a retracted position

Position is movable.

12. Cable processing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that in a transfer position in which the transfer unit (50) is located at a cable processing station (70), the distance between the transfer fixing element (31) and the station fixing element (21) is in the extended position of the transfer fixing element (31) and / or station fixing element (21) is smaller than in the retracted position of the transfer fixing element (31) and / or station fixing element (21), with a fixing element (21, preferably in the extended position)

31) and / or another element of the fixing device (20, 30), preferably with a centering surface (2012ab, 3012ab), the cable carrier (10), preferably on a matching centering surface (12ab, 13ab) of the cable carrier (10), touches and is spaced from the cable carrier in the retracted position.

13. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding Ansprü surface, characterized in that for moving the fixing devices (20, 30) and / or the fixing elements (21, 31) a Actuating device (40), preferably in the form of a displacement unit, is provided, by means of which the fixing devices (20, 30) and / or fixing elements (21, 31) can be moved together and apart, with preferably partial movements of the fixing devices (20, 30) and / or fixing elements

(21, 31) can be generated from a main movement, preferably of a transmission element (41), the power transmission to the fixing devices (20, 30) and / or fixing elements (21, 31) preferably being via at least one contact surface (4125) in the form of a link guide takes place, which relative to a contact surface (4140) opposite it has both areas with a positive and a negative slope.

14. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable processing machine (90) has at least one sensor (42) for detecting the

Position of the actuating device (40) and / or the transmission element (41) and / or a switching flag (4142) attached to it, preferably switching on and / or off at least one of the electromagnets (21e, 31e) of a fixing element ( 21, 31) depending on the sensor data of the

Sensor (42) takes place, the switching flag (4142) preferably being set so that switching on and / or off takes place in the area in which the slope of the two contact surfaces (4125, 4140) changes sign relative to one another and / or in which the movement of the actuator (40) is reversed. 15. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable processing machine (90) has at least one sensor (2010, 3010) for detecting a contact between the cable carrier (10) and a fixing device (20, 30) and / or a state, in particular a position, a fixing device (20, 30) and / or a fixing element (21, 31), wherein preferably switching on and / or off at least one of the electromagnets (21e, 31e) of a fixing element (21, 31) takes place depending on the sensor data of the sensor (42).

16. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable processing machine (90) has at least one sensor for controlling the / the fixing element (s) (21, 31), preferably the at least one sensor for detecting the position of the / the Fixie relementeis) (21, 31), preferably in its / their retracted and / or extended position, is formed, with preferably at least one fixing element (21, 31) formed as an electromagnet (21e, 31e) depending on the sensora - th of the sensor can be actuated.

17. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer unit (50) can be moved along the transfer path (51) by at least one transfer drive (52), preferably independently of the state of the at least one transfer fixing element (31) of the transfer fixing device ( 30) of the transfer unit (50).

18. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer unit (50) can be moved by the transfer drive (52) alternately in a first direction along the transfer section (51) and a second direction, opposite to the first direction, along the transfer section (51). 19. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a with the transfer drive (52) communication-connected control of the cable processing machine (90) is set up, the transfer unit (50) via the transfer drive (52) alternately in the first direction and to control the second direction, the transfer unit (50) preferably being moved back and forth between two adjacent cable processing stations (70) according to an operating mode of the cable processing machine (90) stored in the controller. 20. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer path

(51) is designed circumferentially so that the at least one transfer unit (50) can be moved in a circumferential manner, with the transfer section (51) preferably at least one lift (62, 63) through which the transfer unit (50) to another level bring bar is, includes.

21. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one transfer fixing element (21) and the at least one station fixing element (31) are each movably mounted in a guide.

22. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable carrier (10) in the fixing state of the transfer fixing element (31), preferably rigidly, is connected to the transfer unit (50).

23. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable carrier (10) in the fixing state of the station fixing element (21) relative to the cable processing station (70) is fixed, preferably rigidly with the cable processing station (70) and / or a the cable processing station (70) supporting component of the cable processing machine (90) is connected. 24. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transfer unit (50) has at least two releasable Transferfixiereinrich lines (30) for fixing at least two cable carriers (10) to the transfer unit (50). 25. Cable processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one transfer unit (50) can be moved back and forth in an oscillating manner along the transfer path (51) by a transfer drive (52), this mobility preferably being independent of the state of the transfer fixing element (s) (31) is given, this mobility preferably being given both with a fixed Kabelträ ger (10) and without a cable carrier (10).

26. A method for processing cables (80) in a cable processing machine (90), characterized in that the cable processing machine (90) is designed according to one of the preceding claims and that at least one cable (80) is closed by means of a cable carrier (10) a cable processing station (70) is transported by moving a transfer unit (50) to which the cable carrier (10) is fixed by means of the transfer fixing device (30) along the transfer path (51), and that at the cable processing station (70) the transfer fixing element ( 31) of the transfer fixing device (30) in a cable carrier

(10) is brought into the releasing state and / or the station fixing element (21) of the station fixing device (20) is brought into a state that fixes the cable carrier (10), with preferably a processing operation of the cable (80) in the cable processing station (70) is only started when the

The station fixing element (21) of the station fixing device (20) is in a state fixing the cable carrier (10), the transfer fixing element (31) and the station fixing element (21) preferably being actuated jointly by a transmission element (41) of an actuating device (40) .

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that after a movement of the transfer unit (s) (50), preferably with a fixed cable carrier (10), in a first direction along the transfer path (51), the transfer unit (s) (50), preferably without a cable carrier (10), in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the transfer path (51) is / are moved, preferably during the movement of the cable carrier (10) in the second direction in the cable processing station (70) Processing operation on the cable (s) (80) previously transported to the cable processing station (70) takes place.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that in one operating mode of the cable processing machine (90) the transfer unit (50) is moved back and forth between two adjacent cable processing stations (70).

29. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that at the cable processing station (70) actuating the transfer fixing element (31) of the transfer fixing device (30) in a cable carrier (10) releasing state and actuating the Station fixing element (21) of the station fixing device (20) in a state fixing the cable carrier (10) takes place simultaneously. 30. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the process of transferring the cable carrier (10) between the transfer fixing device (30) and the station fixing device (20) the actuation of an electromagnet (21e, 31e) of a fixing element ( 21, 31) and / or a movement of a fixing element (21, 31) between its retracted

Position includes its extended position, preferably with the aid of an actuating device (40) - preferably designed as a displacement unit.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that the position of a fixing element (21, 31) and / or the contact between the cable carrier (10) and a fixing device (20, 30) and / or the position of a transmission element (41) of Actuating device (40) is detected by a sensor (42), whereby a fixing element (21, 31) designed as an electromagnet (21e, 31e) is preferably actuated as a function of the sensor data of the sensor (42). 32. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 31, characterized in that the process of transferring the cable carrier (10) between the transfer fixing device (30) and the station fixing device (20) involves moving a fixing element (21, 31) to the cable carrier (10) comprises, preferably with the help of an actuating device (40), wherein the approach of the fixing element (21, 31) preferably causes the cable support (10) to be touched by the fixing element (21, 31).

33. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 32, characterized in that one (21) of the - at the transfer of the cable carrier

(10) between the transfer fixing device (30) and the station fixing device (20) involved - fixing elements from transfer fixing element (31) and station fixing element (21) comprises an electromagnet (21e) and the other (31) of the fixing elements comprises a permanent magnet ( 31p) and that the

The process of transferring the cable carrier (10) between the transfer fixing device (30) and the station fixing device (20) comprises the actuation of the electromagnet (21e), the direction of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet (21e) preferably being the direction of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (31p ) is opposite and / or wherein a magnetic field is induced by the electromagnet (21e) in the cable carrier (10), in particular in the adhesive element (14) of the cable carrier (10), which counteracts the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (31p).