WO2022211752A1

WO2022211752A1 - A rotary cable clamp with a single joint

Info

Publication number: WO2022211752A1
Application number: PCT/TR2021/050464
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yiğit Riza YILMABAŞAR
Original assignee: Ekson Otomasyon Teknoloji̇leri̇ Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇
Priority date: 2021-03-29
Filing date: 2021-05-17
Publication date: 2022-10-06
Also published as: TR202105619A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotary cable clamp with a single joint which is developed to be utilized in different areas where there is a need for cable twisting to eliminate external electromagnetic interference, wherein the rotary cable clamp with a single joint is ergonomic, is positioned inclined toward the user, and is placed onto a 4-head cable twisting machine.

Description

A ROTARY CABLE CLAMP WITH A SINGLE JOINT TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a rotary cable clamp with a single joint which is developed to be utilized in different areas where there is a need for cable twisting to eliminate external electromagnetic interference, wherein the rotary cable clamp with a single joint is ergonomic, is positioned inclined toward the user, and is placed onto a 4-head cable twisting machine.

BACKGROUND ART

Twisting machines known in the art twist two or more cables automatically. The unit can twist a few small plain or terminated wires together and can be programmed to perform the desired number of twists at a repeated distance. Twist quantity per cycle is high. Twisting speed can be adjusted. The machine necessitates a customized holding or clamping device for each application. Twisting machines have an inverted engine that enables twisting and untwisting in both directions. A clamping tool prevents marking or deformation in stripped conductor ends or insulation.

Clamps known in the art have rather complex and expensive structures and are difficult to manufacture, and they are placed by use of different methods. They are not designed to remain integrated with each other and be ergonomic at high speeds.

Described in application no. CN 104025209A titled “Twisting device” in the prior art, the invention is summarized as follows: “The invention relates to a twisting device for twisting electric or optical lines, such as wires, cables, line bundles, optical fibers, etc., comprising a base and a first twisting head. The invention can be rotated relative to the base and is designed to grip the lines to be twisted at a first end of the lines. The invention is characterized in that the twisting device has a second twisting head which can be rotated relative to the base, is arranged opposite the first twisting head, and is designed to grip the lines to be twisted at a second end of the lines. The said second end lies opposite the first end. The second twisting head can be rotated in the opposite direction of the first twisting head. The invention also relates to a method for twisting lines.”

Described in application no. CN111316384A titled “Twisting apparatus and twisting head arrangement and method for twisting or stranding cables” in the prior art, the invention is summarized as follows: “The invention relates to a twisting head arrangement and a method for twisting or stranding cables, the twisting head arrangement having a twisting rotor and a twisting rotor drive for driving the twisting rotor. The twisting head arrangement further has a first gripper arrangement rotatably arranged on the twisting rotor and a further gripper arrangement rotatably arranged on the twisting rotor. A twisting rotor is rotatably disposed on the twisting head device and has a rotational axis. The first gripper device can be driven by means of a gripper drive and a drive shaft. The drive shaft extends through the twisted rotor. The invention also relates to a twisting apparatus and a method for twisting or stranding cables.”

Described in application no. US2014331636A1 titled “Gripper, twisting head and twisting device” in the prior art, the invention is summarized as follows: “A gripper for electrical or optical lines such as wires, cables, line bundles, optical fibres has two gripper jaws movable relative to a counterbearing as well as relative to one another. Twisting heads for twisting apparatuses for the lines are equipped with such grippers. The gripper and the twisting head and the twisting apparatus are provided with a drive arrangement including at least one adjustable-force drive that acts via a link chain. The link chain in this case has a section movable parallel to the drive, but in the opposite direction of movement.”

Described in application no. CN111341501A titled “Clamp assembly for cable processing device and cable processing device” in the prior art, the invention is summarized as follows: “The invention relates to a clamp assembly for a cable processing device and the cable processing device. The clamp assembly includes a pair of clamp pistons. The clamp piston is configured to selectively retain at least one cable inserted into a piston mid-portion at a fixed position relative to the clamp piston. Each clamp piston is partially housed within a pneumatic cylinder. Each pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder chamber containing an amount of air, the air pressure of each cylinder chamber acting on a corresponding surface of the gripping piston. Each clamping piston is configured to be pneumatically actuated toward the piston middle portion when the air pressure of the air volume of the corresponding cylinder chamber increases. Each cylinder chamber is in fluid communication with a respective air conduit having substantially the same configuration, and the air conduits are in fluid communication with a common air inlet. The clamp assembly is suitable for use in a cable processing apparatus.”

Described in application no. EP3764374A1 titled “Half-automatic cable twisting apparatus and transfer method” in the prior art, the invention is summarized as follows: “A half-automatic cable twisting apparatus and a transfer method of a plurality of cable bundles processed in a half-automatic cable twisting apparatus are provided.”

In conclusion, the abovementioned shortcomings and the inadequacy of the current practice entail an improvement in the respective technical field. Thus, there is a need for an invention to overcome the described problems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Developed for eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages and providing new advantages to the respective technical field, the present invention relates to a rotary cable clamp with a single joint which is developed to be utilized in different areas where there is a need for cable twisting to eliminate external electromagnetic interference, wherein the rotary cable clamp with a single joint is ergonomic, is positioned inclined toward the user, and is placed onto a 4-head cable twisting machine.

The rotary cable clamp with a single joint of the present disclosure provides an embodiment that ensures both gripping and rotating at high speeds thanks to the simplified method using fewer materials and having a single joint, wherein four rotary cable clamps with a single joint are placed next to each other and are actuated with a single engine. Four ordered is the preferred amount in regard to the application of the disclosure; however, the invention cannot be limited to four pieces. Air compressed in a standard air cylinder is powerfully transmitted to the rubber-coated clamps that are located at the very end, to grip the cable, on the shaft that will ensure rotation thanks to the impermeability. The clamps are triggered in parallel with the single joint to grip the cables. Once the procedure is completed and the air is extracted, the clamps are adjusted to the desired clearance for the next procedure to allow for the placing of new cables, without the use of any spring and just by benefitting from the natural magnetic force. Rotary clamps in this embodiment are angularly placed within the length within reach of an operator and are actuated with a single engine, and the total production amount is increased. Therefore, another objective of the invention is to ensure it is ergonomic and productive.

Bigger, smaller, and wider versions, and different sizes and dimensions of the rotary cable clamp with a single joint of the present disclosure can be manufactured.

Drawings The embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above and discussed in more detail below, can be understood by referring to the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings illustrate only the typical embodiments of the present invention and therefore is not deemed to limit its scope as it may allow other equally effective applications.

Figure-1: It is a general view of the machine where the invention is utilized.

Figure-2: It is a view of the side of rotary clamps of the twisting machine.

Figure-3: It is a detailed view of the servo motor drive board of the 4 ordered rotary clamps.

Figure-4: It is a detailed view of the side of the stationary clamps.

Figure-5: It is a view of the parts of the twisting procedure.

Figure-6: It is an exploded view of the rotary clamps. Figure-7: It is a frontal view of the rotary clamp.

For the sake of clarity, identical reference numbers are used wherever possible, to indicate identical elements common to the figures. The figures are not drawn to scale and can be simplified for clarity. It is contemplated that the elements and features of an application can be usefully incorporated into other applications without the need for further explanation.

Explanation of the Details in the Drawings

Explanations of reference numbers shown in the drawings are given below.

1. Main body side of twisting machine rotary clamps

1.1. Twisting machine clamp board

1.1.1. Servo motor

1.1.2. Rotary clamps

1.1.2.1. Body

1.1.2.2. Rubber clamps

1.1.2.3. Moving jaws

1.1.2.4. First body joint connecting element

1.1.2.5. Single joint angular clamp arms

1.1.2.6. Second body joint connecting element

1.1.2.7. Bearings

1.1.2.8. Fixed connecting covers

1.1.2.9. First sealing gasket

1.1.2.10. Second sealing gasket

1.1.2.11. Air conveyor rotating shaft

1.1.2.12. Sealing chamber

1.1.2.13. Drive gears

1.1.2.14. Air connecting element

1.1.2.15. Body cover

1.1.2.16. First sealing element

1.1.2.17. Second sealing element 1.1.2.18. Shaft operating with in-body pressure

1.1.2.19. Pushing head

1.1.2.20. First length measurement piece

1.1.2.21. Second length measurement piece

1.1.2.22. Third length measurement piece 1.1.3. Belts

2 Side of stationary clamps 2.1.4 ordered stationary clamps

3 Inclined cable tray

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred alternatives of the embodiment of the rotary cable clamp with a single joint of the present disclosure, which are mentioned in this detailed description, are only intended for providing a better understanding of the subject matter, and should not be construed in any restrictive sense.

The main body side of twisting machine rotary clamps (1) consists of an electrical panel involving PLC, Input/output connectors for power connection; an air connection panel involving pneumatic connections; a hinged cover that simplifies maintenance; a user drawer; a 10” touch screen giving access to user interface and enabling the use of software; rotary clamps (1.1.2) lockable pressure regulator and manometer; stationary clamps lockable pressure regulator and manometer; a tension adjuster piston pressure regulator and manometer; 4-colored clamp on/off buttons; a USB port; an Ethernet port; a cable tray connecting board; status lights; an emergency stop button; a clamp board which has a brake AC servo motor (1.1.1) thereon and to which

4 twisting heads are connected, the said twisting heads being tied to each other with gears and belts and turning first in the twist direction and then in the reverse direction for a cycle quantity configured with the software.

The side of stationary clamps (2): Electrical cables located in the moving cable channel on the cable tray are connected to the main body (1.1.2.1) by way of air hoses and data cables. There is a sliding plate with a bearing (1.1.2.7), which consists of the locking mechanism to which the tension piston is fixed, and the sliding moving plate with the bearing (1.1.2.7), which enables stretching during the twisting procedure thanks to the pressure-adjusted cylinder, consists of a box involving the 4-colored stationary clamp on/off buttons, the start/stop buttons, and the emergency stop button, the 2-level open end measurement mechanism, and 4 specially designed rubber- coated stationary cable clamps.

The inclined cable tray (3): It is designed to allow typically a minimum of 3 meters distance between moving and stationary clamps before twisting, except for open ends It has a custom design iron joinery skeleton with an inclination offering maximum comfort to the user, wherein it can be enhanced to include 2 chromium -coated shafts that may be extended up to 12 meters with the aid of 3 additional units, if desired, cable deposit tray, cable feeding trays, cable suspenders. Twisting machine clamp board (1.1): The clamp board is located on the main body (1.1.2.1) and the movement of the brake AC servo motor (1.1.1) thereon is transmitted to 4 rotary clamps (1.1.2) via toothed pulleys and toothed belts. This board (1.1) is placed in an inclined position. Servo motor (1.1.1): It ensures twisting at high speeds and with high precision and the performance of error-free loading and unloading at the same point thanks to the brake.

Rotary clamps (1.1.2): These ensure that the clamps powerfully grip the cables but do not damage them thanks to the air released via the rotating shaft while the clamps rotate at high speeds.

Belts (1.1.3): They distribute a single rotating force into 4 different points.

4 ordered stationary clamps (2.1): They keep cables in place without damaging and moving them over the course of twisting thanks to their special design rubber-coated clamps. Cables are loaded safely and easily from below and they fall into the cable tray by means of gravity once the procedure is completed. The body (1.1.2.1): It consists of an air chamber that enables the opening and closing of clamps with a single joint and allows making measurements thereon.

The rubber clamps (1.1.2.2) and moving jaws (1.1.2.3): They are specially designed and rubber-coated, and they change their position to be parallel according to the closing position.

The first and second body joint connecting elements (1.1.2.4, 1.1.2.6): They are elements needed for the connection of clamp arms (1.1.2.5).

The single joint angular clamp arms (1.1.2.5): They are double-sided, angular, and magnetic, they close upon the movement of angular pushing head (1.1.2.19) and remain open by clinging to the magnet in the idle state once they are open. The bearings (1.1.2.7): They are assembled on body covers (1.1.2.15) and minimize the friction occurring as a result of the turning of the rotary shaft by engine drive.

The fixed connecting covers (1.1.2.8): They connect the body (1.1.2.1) to the board and the sealing gaskets (1.1.2.9, 1.1.2.10) are placed thereon. The fixed connecting covers (1.1.2.8) become integrated into the sealing chamber (1.1.2.12).

The first and second sealing gaskets (1.1.2.9, 1.1.2.10): These ensure the impermeability of the sealing chamber (1.1.2.12). The air conveyor rotating shaft (1.1.2.11 ): It carries the air released to the chamber into the body (1.1.2.1 ) with the aid of the empty shaft rotating by engine drive.

The sealing chamber (1.1.2.12): It is the chamber to which the air is released first and kept there in order to ensure the closure of clamps.

The drive gears (1.1.2.13): They transmit the engine drive into 4 heads. The air connecting element (1.1.2.14): It is the air inlet connecting element located on the sealing chamber (1.1.2.12).

The body cover (1.1.2.15): It ensures the impermeability of the air chamber of the body (1.1.2.1) and the connection of the air conveyor rotating shaft (1.1.2.11).

The first and second sealing elements (1.1.2.16, 1.1.2.17): These are the sealing elements (1.1.2.16, 1.1.2.17) needed for the air received via the conveyor rotating shaft (1.1.2.11) through the air chamber in the body (1.1.2.1) to be able to move the magnetic angular pushing head (1.1.2.19). The sealing elements (1.1.2.16, 1.1.2.17) are specially selected since they also rotate.

The shaft operating with in-body pressure (1.1.2.18): It is the shaft that transmits the force that is needed for the air received via the conveyor rotating shaft (1.1.2.11) through the air chamber in the body (1.1.2.1) to be able to move the magnetic angular pushing head (1.1.2.19).

The pushing head (1.1.2.19): It can fully close the clamps thanks to its triangular structure and ensures keeping the clamps open thanks to its magnet when they return to idle state.

The first, second and third length measurement pieces (1.1.2.20, 1.1.2.21, 1.1.2.22): These are the measurement pieces that can be adjusted and fixed on a marked ruler on the rotary clamps (1.1.2).

Cables which are held by the rotary clamps (1.1.2) and the corresponding 4 ordered stationary clamps (2.1) to start the twisting procedure are twisted with the transmission of twisting force to 4 clamp heads via the drive system (1.1.3) of the brake AC servo motor and the procedure is completed upon the return of cables to release the stress by means of software control.

The untwisted length needed to achieve the desired twist length is calculated thanks to the special algorithm of the software. Similarly, the algorithm of the software automatically calculates the twist cycle quantity that is needed to achieve the desired twist frequency and the return cycle quantity that is needed to prevent unwinding during the spill step. The air released into the sealing chamber (1.1.2.12) with the help of air connecting element (1.1.2.14) is kept inside via the sealing elements (1.1.2.16, 1.1.2.17) and the covers which allow the fixation onto the main body (1.1.2.1) and provide impermeability, and the said air is conveyed to the clamp main body (1.1.2.1) thanks to the empty rotating shaft (1.1.2.11). Gears (1.1.2.13) which are tasked with the transmission of engine drive to the 4 clamps are connected to each other with belts. The friction is overcome with the aid of bearings (1.1.2.7) located on the covers (1.1.2.8) and high-speed rotation is achieved. Moreover, the sealing gaskets (1.1.2.9, 1.1.2.10) are selected according to this rotational speed. The rotating shaft (1.1.2.11) that is linked to the body cover (1.1.2.15) when the rotary clamp (1.1.2) is open conveys the air into the other sealing area on the body (1.1.2.1 ). Magnetic angular pushing head (1.1.2.19) moves forward thanks to the shaft operating with the pressure in the said body (1.1.2.1) and the sealing elements (1.1.2.16, 1.1.2.17) and closes the single joint angular clamp arms (1.1.2.5). These clamp arms (1.1.2.5) are connected to the body (1.1.2.1) with the aid of the body joint connecting elements (1.1.2.4, 1.1.2.6).

Following the closure of the single joint angular clamp arms (1.1.2.5), the rubber clamps (1.1.2.2) and moving jaws (1.1.2.3) cover the cables and fix them in place so as not to allow any movement while the desired cable open ends are placed within the body (1.1.2.1) on which the measurements are marked thanks to the adjustable length measurement pieces (1.1.2.20, 1.1.2.21, 1.1.2.22). Thus, the machine performs the twisting procedure in accordance with the commands from the software, and the open ends of the heads remain facing downward, and the air inside the sealing chamber (1.1.2.12) is extracted through the hole on the body (1.1.2.1) following the stopping of incoming air. Magnetic angular pushing head (1.1.2.19) turns back to its place. The single joint angular clamp arms (1.1.2.5) which remain in idle state in the open position of the rotary clamp (1.1.2) cling onto the magnet on the angular pushing head (1.1.2.19) without needing any spring and stay in the open position. The rubber clamps (1.1.2.2) and the moving jaws (1.1.2.3) have enough clearance (approximately 6mm) in between them to provide distance from the body (1.1.2.1) and ensure safety. A twist cycle is thus completed.

Claims

1. Rotary cable clamps with a single joint (1.1.2) which are developed to be utilized in different areas where there is a need for cable twisting to eliminate external electromagnetic interference, wherein the rotary cable clamps with a single joint are ergonomic, are positioned inclined toward the user, and hold cables on a 4- head cable twisting machine, characterized in that it consists of:

- a body (1.1.2.1) consisting of an air chamber that enables the opening and closing of clamps with a single joint and allows making measurements thereon;

- rubber clamps (1.1.2.2) and moving jaws (1.1.2.3) which are coated in rubber and change their position to be parallel according to the closing position;

- first and second body joint connecting elements (1.1.2.4, 1.1.2.6) ensuring the connection of clamp arms (1.1.2.5);

- single joint angular clamp arms (1.1.2.5) which are double-sided, angular, and magnetic, wherein they close upon the movement of angular pushing head (1.1.2.19) and remain open by clinging to the magnet in the idle state once they are open;

- bearings (1.1.2.7) being assembled on body covers (1.1.2.15) and ensuring minimizing the friction occurring as a result of the turning of rotary shaft by engine drive;

- fixed connecting covers (1.1.2.8) which allow the connection of the body (1.1.2.1) to the board and onto which sealing gaskets (1.1.2.9, 1.1.2.10) are placed;

- first and second sealing gaskets (1.1.2.9, 1.1.2.10) ensuring impermeability of the sealing chamber (1.1.2.12) by means of gaskets;

- an air conveyor rotating shaft (1.1.2.11) which is empty inside and allows carrying the air released to the chamber into the body (1.1.2.1) with the aid of the shaft rotating by engine drive;

- a sealing chamber (1.1.2.12) to which the air is released first and kept there in order to ensure the closure of clamps; - drive gears (1.1.2.13) enabling the transmission of force generated through engine drive into 4 heads;

- an air connecting element (1.1.2.14), wherein the air connecting element (1.1.2.14) is located on the sealing chamber (1.1.2.12) and allows air inlet;

- a body cover (1.1.2.15) ensuring the impermeability of the air chamber of the body (1.1.2.1) and connection of the air conveyor rotating shaft (1.1.2.11);

- first and second sealing elements (1.1.2.16, 1.1.2.17) providing the impermeability that is needed for the air received via the conveyor rotating shaft (1.1.2.11) through the air chamber in the body (1.1.2.1) to be able to move the magnetic angular pushing head (1.1.2.19);

- a shaft operating with in-body pressure (1.1.2.18) ensuring the transmission of the force that is needed for the air received via the conveyor rotating shaft (1.1.2.11) through the air chamber in the body

(1.1.2.1) to be able to move the magnetic angular pushing head (1.1.2.19);

- a pushing head (1.1.2.19) ensuring the full closure of clamps thanks to its triangular structure and keeping the clamps open thanks to its magnet when they return to idle state;

- first, second and third length measurement pieces (1.1.2.20, 1.1.2.21, 1.1.2.22), wherein the first, second and third length measurement pieces (1.1.2.20, 1.1.2.21, 1.1.2.22) can be adjusted on a marked ruler on the rotary clamps (1.1.2) and enable performing measurement procedures.