EP3182421B1 - Twisting of single lines - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for twisting individual lines. The invention also relates to a twisting device. The invention is particularly applicable to twisting electrical lines into cable harnesses, particularly in the field of vehicle construction, e.g. for motor vehicles, ships or aircraft, but also for other areas such as white goods.

A twisting device according to the preamble of claim 5 is known from the JP 2007 220378 A known.

Furthermore, from the WO 2013/068990 A1 a twisting device is known which has a base and a first twisting head rotatable relative to the base and also a second twisting head rotatable relative to the base. The disadvantage of this is that the lines to be twisted have to be introduced into the twisting device by a separate line pull-in gripper.

DE 101 07 670 B4 discloses a method for twisting at least two individual lines to form a twisted cable harness, with the following steps: passing the one line ends of individual lines through associated tension clamps in a cable holding head, clamping the cable ends through the clamping clamps in the respective clamping jaws in a twisting head, applying pressure to the clamping clamps in the cable holding head, which allows the individual cables to be pulled through the clamping clamps under friction, so that the individual cables are constantly pulled tight, procedures of the twisting head while maintaining the holding pressure until the individual lines are stretched to the desired length, turning the twisting head during the process step by a predetermined number of revolutions, applying the clamping clamps in the cable holding head to a clamping pressure that is higher than the holding pressure, so that the individual lines are securely clamped during the subsequent twisting, g) twisting the individual lines now clamped on both sides to form a twisted cable harness.

WO 98/06155 discloses a method for twisting at least two individual lines with the following steps: clamping the one line ends of individual lines deflected to a specific length in each case in a separate untwisting tensioning receptacle which can be rotated essentially parallel to a twisting axis; Clamping the other line ends of the individual lines in separate twist clamping receptacles, which are arranged together rotatable about the twist axis; Placing a drill ship between the substantially tensioned lines; and rotating the twist clamping receptacles together about the twisting axis and rotating the untwisting clamping receptacles in each case around the line axis of the respective lines. Furthermore concerns WO 98/06155 a device for twisting at least two individual lines.

WO 2013/068990 A1 discloses a twisting device for twisting electrical or optical lines, such as wires, cables, bundles of fibers, optical fibers, etc., having a base and a first twisting head which is rotatable relative to the base and which is designed to grip the lines to be twisted at their first ends , wherein the twisting device has a second twisting head which is relatively rotatable relative to the base and which is arranged opposite the first twisting head and is designed to grip the lines to be twisted at their second ends opposite the first end, and in that the second twisting head in the opposite sense is rotatable to the first twisting head.

WO 2013/068990 A1 also relates to a method for twisting lines.

EP 1 032 095 B1 discloses a twisting device in which three pairs of conductors are processed simultaneously. The leading conductor ends are fed by a first swivel unit for processing and equipping first machines. Then a pull-out slide takes over the leading ends of the ladder and pulls the ladder out to the desired length. A take-over module takes over the leading conductor ends and brings them to a twisting head. The trailing conductor ends are taken over by a second swivel unit and fed to second machines for processing and assembly. A transfer module takes over the finished, trailing conductor ends and transfers them to a holding module. The pair of conductors located between the holding module and the twisting head is twisted with a controlled tensile force and then reaches a storage area. At the same time, the leading conductor ends of a pair of conductors are processed and equipped, a pulled-out conductor pair is processed, equipped and handed over and a pair of conductors is twisted.

From the US 5,020,576 A. a method for twisting individual lines around a central line is known. Here, a twisting unit can be moved in translation relative to a rotating twisting unit. The disadvantage of this, however, is that the cables can be damaged by the twisting.

It is the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a line-protecting possibility for twisting individual lines.

This object is achieved according to the features of independent claims 1 and 5. Preferred embodiments can be found in particular in the dependent claims.

The object is achieved by a method for twisting a plurality, that is to say at least two, preferably three or four, of individual lines, in which in a step (a) the individual lines are introduced into a fixing unit at a first position, in one Step (b) the individual lines are fastened at a second position spaced apart from the first position in the longitudinal direction of the line in respective mounting elements of a twisting unit, in a step (c) the individual lines are inserted into a twisting unit between the first position and the second position so as to be longitudinally displaceable in a step (d) the individual lines are stretched between the fixing unit and the untwisting unit, in a step (e) the individual lines are twisted by means of a rotary movement of the twisting unit, the twisting unit being moved from the fixing unit to the untwisting unit, and (f) the untwisting unit with the individual lines executes a rotary motion corresponding to the rotary motion of the twisting unit. In this case, by means of the untwisting unit, the mounting elements are rotated about a common axis of rotation with a common or "collective" rotary movement, which thus corresponds to the total rotation of the twisting unit for the mounting elements, and in addition the mounting elements themselves are rotated in the opposite direction to the collective rotary movement. It is thereby achieved that the mounting elements of the untwisting unit are rotated in space around a common axis of rotation, but the angular orientation or rotational position of the individual mounting elements remains the same in space. This can prevent the individual lines between the twisting unit and the untwisting unit itself is twisted by its length and thereby damaged.

This method has the advantage that twisting of individual lines can be carried out in a particularly precise and gentle manner. In addition, the properties of the wiring harness can be varied in a simple manner, for example a wire offset at one end of the twisted wiring harness and / or a lay length. The fact that in step (f) the untwisting unit with the individual lines executes a preferably parallel movement of the twisting movement of the twisting unit, the individual lines are twisted together only between the fixing unit and the twisting unit, but not between the twisting unit and the untwisting unit. Thus, a process of the twisting device is not hindered by the fixing unit in the direction of the untwisting unit, since the individual lines remain untwisted in the direction of travel of the twisting unit, ie from the direction of the fixing unit to the untwisting unit.

The individual lines can e.g. electrical lines, for example also signal lines, and individual insulated wires or wires and / or optical lines such as glass fibers or glass fiber bundles, etc.

Twisting can be understood to mean, in particular, twisting against one another or helically wrapping around one another. The twisting of wires can also be referred to as stranding, particularly in telecommunications technology.

The first position in step (a) can be understood as a position at an end region of the individual lines in the longitudinal direction of the line, it being possible for respective free sections to remain free or non-tensionable. These free sections of the Individual lines can have the same or a different length.

The introduction in step (a) can include inserting and optionally also clamping the individual lines in the fixing unit. If the individual lines are only inserted into the fixing unit, the individual lines attached to the untwist unit can be drawn into the fixing unit and can only be attached to the fixing unit when the second position is reached. As an alternative to this, the individual lines can also be attached to the fixing unit before the untwisting unit reaches the second position.

In step (b), the individual lines can be attached to the untwist unit, in particular at their ends opposite the fixing unit. The attachment in step (b) may include or may be pinching.

At least steps (a) to (c) can be carried out in any order and, if necessary, simultaneously.

The tensioning in step (d) can be achieved, for example, by moving the fixing unit and untwisting unit apart and / or moving one towards the other. The clamping can be done with a given tension or clamping pressure. This can be monitored and regulated by measurement during the twisting.

A “corresponding rotary movement” is understood in particular to mean a rotary movement which prevents the individual lines from being twisted between the twisting unit and the untwisting unit. A corresponding rotary movement can in particular be a rotary movement in the same direction of rotation and with the essentially the same rotational or angular speed, that is to say a co-rotating movement.

It is an advantageous further development that a direction of rotation of the twisting unit can be switched or set. A direction of rotation of the untwist unit can then also be set accordingly.

Another development is that a rotational speed and / or a traversing speed of the twisting device can be set, in particular can be changed during a twisting process. For example, change the number of beats, possibly also along a twisted line.

It is an embodiment that for step (c) the individual lines - individually or in groups (e.g. in pairs) - are successively introduced, in particular inserted, into respective receptacles of a rotatable twisting element ("twisting rotor") of the twisting unit. In this way, the individual lines can be inserted into the twisting unit particularly easily. For twisting, the twisting rotor is rotated, forcing the individual lines, which are still separated from one another, to wrap around one another behind the twisting rotor.

It is also an embodiment that in step (b) the individual lines are clamped or clamped into the respective mounting elements of the untwist unit.

It is a further embodiment that the individual lines can be clamped and released on the untwisting unit by means of mounting elements which can be actuated (for example, by electric motor, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.). So a particularly simple clamping and solution of the individual lines can be achieved.

The object is also achieved by a twisting device according to claim 5, comprising a fixing unit with a plurality of fixing elements for fastening first end regions of respective individual lines, an untwisting unit with mounting elements for fastening respective individual lines, a twisting unit which can be moved between the fixing unit and the untwisting unit and which has a rotatable twisting rotor has a plurality of separable receiving areas for the longitudinally displaceable receiving of respective individual lines, the fixing unit and / or the untwisting unit for tensioning the individual lines being displaceable relative to one another and the holding elements of the untwisting unit being rotatable jointly in accordance with the twisting rotor.

The twisting device has the same advantages as the method and can be designed analogously, and vice versa.

It is a further development that the holding elements of the untwisting unit are connected to a common rotating element. For example, they can be made rotatable through corresponding bushings of a gear so that they rotate together or "collectively" when the gear rotates. The mounting elements can in particular be rotatably mounted or held in the common rotating element.

It is an embodiment that the holding elements of the untwist unit can be rotated individually in the opposite direction to the collective rotation. This advantageously prevents that the individual cables are twisted as such and their internal structure is therefore damaged.

It is a further development that the holding elements of the untwisting unit have respective external toothed rings and can be rotated about their longitudinal axis via the toothed rings. In particular, toothed rings of the holding elements can engage in an internal toothed ring of a toothed ring surrounding the holding elements. The toothed ring can be rotatable. In particular, the toothed ring can be rotated in the same direction (but possibly with a different rotational speed) or in the opposite direction to the collective rotational movement of the holding elements in order to keep the angular position or rotational position of the holding elements in space despite their change in position in space (for example along a closed circular path).

It is also an embodiment that the holding elements of the untwisting unit are designed as front terminals that can be actuated (e.g. by electric motor, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.). This enables the individual cables to be clamped and triggered in a particularly simple manner.

It is a development that the holding elements of the untwisting unit are connected to a lifting unit (for example a lifting motor or a lifting actuator), which lifting unit can optionally open and close the holding elements by means of a lifting movement. The mounting elements can be connected together with a common lifting unit and thereby all can be opened or closed at the same time. However, the mounting elements can also be individually connected to a respective lifting unit and can thus be opened or closed individually.

It is a further embodiment that the holding element is designed as a front clamp, which has clamping jaws opening on the front with spring support, the clamping jaws can be closed by pushing on a sleeve that can be moved thereon, and the sleeve can be moved (in particular, by means of an electric motor, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.) by means of the lifting unit.

The fixing unit can hold the individual lines in place when twisted and, in particular, is not itself rotatable. The fixing elements can in particular be clamps. The fixing elements can be actuated by a motor.

It is still a further embodiment that a force that can be applied to the respective individual lines by the fixing elements, in particular clamps, of the fixing unit is variable. This makes it easier to clamp the individual lines before twisting. In particular, a uniform application and smooth adjustment of the tension or the tensioning pressure of the individual lines between the fixing unit and the untwisting unit can be achieved in this way.

Alternatively, a holding force and / or tension applied to the individual lines can be set instead of by clamping, for example by regulated or controlled pneumatic cylinders etc.

A longitudinally displaceable receptacle of the individual lines in the twisting unit can in particular be understood to mean that the individual lines can be moved freely by the twisting rotor along their longitudinal direction (which in particular can correspond to a direction of travel of the twisting unit).

It is furthermore an embodiment that the twisting rotor has a ring sector-shaped rotating ring with a gap for inserting the individual lines, from which rotating ring a plurality of radially inwardly movable pins protrude, which can meet in the middle and each of which two adjacent pins form lateral boundaries of a respective receiving area . This configuration gives the advantage that the individual lines can be inserted particularly easily into the twisting unit.

The pins can be moved or moved using actuators (e.g. electric motor, pneumatic, etc.). The pins can be sharpened at their tip in order to enlarge the size of their contact surface and thus to prevent the individual lines from slipping out of their respective receiving areas in a particularly reliable manner. The pins can be arranged in a star shape. The pins can be arranged symmetrically.

It is also an embodiment that the twisting device has at least two drive pinions for rotating the rotary ring, the drive pinions engaging in a ring gear ("drive ring gear") of the rotary ring at different circumferential positions and a distance between the circumferential positions of the drive pinions being greater than a gap width of the gap in the rotating ring. This ensures that the guide unit rotates safely.

It is also an embodiment that the twisting device has at least two drive pinions, which are connected to and drive a drive belt, for the rotational movement of the rotary ring, the drive belt engaging in the drive ring gear of the rotary ring. This also ensures a safe rotary movement of the guide unit.

Because the gap also interrupts the drive sprocket on the guide unit, by means of which the guide unit can be driven in rotation. This interruption of the drive sprocket represents an interruption in the connection between a drive pinion and the drive sprocket. Thus, the power transmission between the drive pinion and the twisting rotor would be interrupted with only one drive pinion. The interruption of the power transmission is prevented by the second drive pinion or the drive belt, since then at least one drive pinion or the drive belt always engages in the drive sprocket of the twisting unit and the power transmission is retained.

It is a further development that at least one further platform or functional unit is arranged between the fixing unit and the untwisting unit, for example a device (“cable tie-off device”) for setting ties, for setting a “hot melt” volume, etc., in order to prevent this that the twisted lines open again.

• Fig.1 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg oben eine Verdrillvorrichtung;
• Fig.2 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg oben eine Fixiereinheit und eine Entdrilleinheit der Verdrillvorrichtung;
• Fig.3 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg vorne eine Verdrilleinheit der Verdrillvorrichtung in einem ersten Zustand;
• Fig.4 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg vorne die Verdrilleinheit in einem zweiten Zustand;
• Fig.5 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg vorne die Verdrilleinheit in einem dritten Zustand;
• Fig.6 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg vorne die Verdrilleinheit in einem vierten Zustand;
• Fig.7 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg vorne die Entdrilleinheit mit geschlossenen Halterungselementen;
• Fig.8 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg hinten die Entdrilleinheit mit geschlossenen Halterungselementen;
• Fig.9 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg vorne ein Halterungselement der Entdrilleinheit in einer geschlossenen Stellung mit einer durchsichtig eingezeichneten Hülse;
• Fig.10 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg vorne das Halterungselement in der geschlossenen Stellung mit der nicht durchsichtig eingezeichneten Hülse;
• Fig.11 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg vorne die Entdrilleinheit mit geöffneten Halterungselementen;
• Fig.12 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg hinten die Entdrilleinheit mit geöffneten Halterungselementen;
• Fig.13 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg vorne ein Halterungselement der Entdrilleinheit in einer geöffneten Stellung mit einer durchsichtig eingezeichneten Hülse;
• Fig.14 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg vorne das Halterungselement in der geöffneten Stellung mit der nicht durchsichtig eingezeichneten Hülse;
• Fig.15 zeigt in Frontdarstellung die Entdrilleinheit mit geschlossenen Spannelementen in einer ersten Drehstellung;
• Fig.16 zeigt in Frontdarstellung die Entdrilleinheit mit geschlossenen Spannelementen in einer zweiten Drehstellung; und
• Fig.17 zeigt in einer Ansicht von schräg oben die Verdrillvorrichtung mit einer Leitungsabbindungseinrichtung.

The above-described properties, features and advantages of this invention and the manner in which they are achieved can be more clearly understood in connection with the following schematic description of an exemplary embodiment which is explained in more detail in connection with the drawings.

• Fig. 1 shows a twisting device in an oblique view from above;
• Fig. 2 shows an oblique view from above of a fixing unit and an untwisting unit of the twisting device;
• Fig. 3 shows an oblique view from the front of a twisting unit of the twisting device in a first state;
• Fig. 4 shows an oblique view from the front of the twisting unit in a second state;
• Fig. 5 shows an oblique view from the front of the twisting unit in a third state;
• Fig. 6 shows in a view obliquely from the front the twisting unit in a fourth state;
• Fig. 7 shows in a view obliquely from the front the untwist unit with closed support elements;
• Fig. 8 shows in a view obliquely from behind the untwisting unit with closed support elements;
• Fig. 9 shows in a view obliquely from the front a holding element of the untwisting unit in a closed position with a see-through sleeve;
• Fig. 10 shows in a view obliquely from the front, the holding element in the closed position with the sleeve not shown transparently;
• Fig. 11 shows in a view obliquely from the front of the untwisting unit with open support elements;
• Fig. 12 shows in a view obliquely from behind the untwisting unit with open support elements;
• Fig. 13 shows in a view obliquely from the front a holding element of the untwisting unit in an open position with a see-through sleeve;
• Fig. 14 shows in a view obliquely from the front the support element in the open position with the sleeve not shown transparently;
• Fig. 15 shows a front view of the untwisting unit with closed clamping elements in a first rotational position;
• Fig. 16 shows a front view of the untwisting unit with closed clamping elements in a second rotary position; and
• Fig. 17 shows in a view obliquely from above, the twisting device with a line binding device.

Fig. 1 shows a twisting device 1 in an oblique view from above. The twisting device 1 has a fixing unit 2 with several fixing elements in the form of clamps 3 for clamping first end regions of here four individual lines L1 to L4. The end areas can subsequently be equipped or connected with contact parts and EADs etc. The terminals 3 can be actuated by an actuator (electric motor, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.) and can vary the force that can be applied to the individual lines L1 to L4.

The twisting device 1 also has an untwisting unit 4 with here four mounting elements 5 for clamping a respective individual line L1 to L4. The mounting elements 5 can be opened and closed either by means of a lifting motor 6.

The fixing unit 2 and / or the untwisting unit 4 can be moved along a longitudinal extent A of the individual line L1 to L4 (as indicated by the associated double arrows) in order to tension the individual lines L1 to L4 and thus, for example, their sagging between the fixing unit 2 and the untwisting unit 4 to avoid.

A twisting unit 7 is arranged between the fixing unit 2 and the untwisting unit 4 such that the components 2, 4, 7 are arranged in a row. The row is aligned along the longitudinal extent A. Like the fixing unit 2 and / or the untwisting unit 4, the twisting unit 7 can be moved back and forth along the longitudinal extent A (as indicated by the associated double arrow), namely by a travel d.

Further platforms or functional units can also be arranged between the fixing unit 2 and the untwisting unit 4 be, for example, a line connection device 33 for setting ties, for setting a "hot melt" volume, etc. (see also Fig. 17 ).

The twisting unit 7 has a rotatable twisting rotor 8, the axis of rotation of which coincides with the longitudinal extent A or a straight line parallel thereto. The non-twisted individual lines L1 to L4 are guided through the twisting rotor 8 in such a way that they can run freely in the direction of the longitudinal extent A through the guide unit 9. So you are not hindered along the longitudinal extent A by the guide unit 9.

At the beginning of a method for twisting the individual lines L1 to L4 by means of the twisting device 1, the individual lines L1 to L4 are introduced and clamped into a respective terminal 3 at a respective first position or location in a step (a). For this purpose, the individual lines L1 to L4 have been pre-assembled or cut to length, with different lengths. For this reason, the individual lines L1 to L4 with end sections of different lengths protrude beyond the terminals 3 ("line offset"). This gives the advantage that the cable ends of a fully twisted cable harness or cable package (see below) can be better recognized and handled there. Alternatively, the individual lines can be fed from a magazine or a cable cutting machine and can only be separated from them after twisting.

In this step (a), the force with which the individual lines L1 to L4 are held in the terminals 3 is so high that the individual lines L1 to L4 do not slip out, but are still so low that they can be pulled through the terminals 3 . This facilitates the introduction of the still untwisted individual lines L1 to L4 in the twisting device 1 and their uniform tensioning. A uniform application and smooth adjustment of a tension of the tensioned individual lines L1 to L4 is made possible.

The individual lines L1 to L4 are also firmly clamped in a second position, here: at their other end, in the holding elements 5 of the untwisting unit 4.

In addition, in a step (c), the individual lines L1 to L4 are inserted into the twisting unit 7 between the first position and the second position. Before twisting as such, the individual lines L1 to L4 are therefore still separated from one another - and in particular parallel to one another - between the fixing unit 2 and the untwisting unit 4.

Steps (a), (b) and (c) can be carried out in any order and, if necessary, simultaneously.

In a step (d), the individual lines L1 to L4 are tensioned by moving the fixing unit 2 and / or the untwisting unit 4 and are then under tension or tension.

In a variant that can be carried out in a partially automated manner in particular, the individual lines L1 to L4 to be twisted can be firmly clamped into the holding elements 5 of the untwisting unit 4 and the untwisting unit 4 can then be moved in the longitudinal direction L up to a predetermined position. After reaching this predetermined position, the individual lines L1 to L4 are now also clamped by the fixing unit 2 and then stretched between the fixing unit 2 and the untwisting unit 4. The required clamping pressure as well as the clamping pressure during the twisting process can be determined by the process the fixing unit 2 and / or the untwisting unit 4 are applied to the wiring harness or to the wiring harness from the twisted individual lines L1 to L4.

In another variant, the individual lines L1 to L4 to be twisted can be inserted into the previously moved and positioned fixing unit 2, twisting unit 7 and untwisting unit 4, clamped on both sides and then tensioned between the fixing unit 2 and the untwisting unit 4.

In a step (e), the individual lines L1 to L4 are twisted in a corresponding direction by means of a rotary movement D1 of the twisting rotor 8 of the twisting unit 7. The rotary movement D1 is indicated counterclockwise here, but can also run clockwise. The twisting rotor 8 can therefore be rotatable in both directions of rotation D1. With the rotation of the twisting rotor 8, the twisting unit 7 is also moved longitudinally, specifically here from the fixing unit 2 to the untwisting unit 4. By setting a rotational speed of the rotary movement D1 and a moving speed of the twisting unit 7 in the longitudinal extent A, parameters of the twisting can be set like an angle of attack , a lay or lay length etc. of the individual lines L1 to L4 can be set. The speed of rotation and / or the speed of travel can remain constant or be changed during a twisting process.

The twisting unit 7 stops at the position of the travel path d at which the twisting process is to be ended. As a result, untwisted lengths of different lengths can also be realized on both sides.

In a step (f), which is carried out in particular simultaneously with step (e), the untwist unit 4 with the individual lines L1 to L4 executes a synchronous rotational movement D1 corresponding to the rotational movement D1 of the twisting unit 4. As a result, twisting of the individual lines L1 to L4 between the untwisting unit 4 and the twisting unit 7 is avoided, and only twisting to a twisted line strand S occurs between the non-rotatable fixing unit 2 and the twisting unit 7. As a result, the twisting unit 7 can be easily moved in the direction of the untwisting unit 4 during the twisting. In particular, the rotary movements D1 of the untwisting unit 4 and the twisting unit 7 have the same rotational speed. During the rotational movement D1 of the untwisting unit 4, the four mounting elements 5 are rotated as a common group about the associated rotational axis (“collective rotational movement”).

Fig. 2 shows an oblique view from above of an enlarged schematic arrangement of the fixing unit 2 and the untwisting unit 4 with the individual lines L1 to L4 stretched between them. In front of the terminals 3 there are longitudinal guides 9 for a respective individual line L1 to L4 in order to be able to position the individual lines L1 to L4 precisely in the terminals 3.

The individual lines L1 to L4 can be pulled through the associated terminals 3 during tensioning in step (d). For this purpose, the contact pressure of the terminals 3 is reduced, so that individual lines L1 to L4 can be pulled through, but still so high that the individual lines L1 to L4 are kept taut due to the friction that occurs during the insertion. After a predetermined distance between the fixing unit 2 and the untwisting unit 4 has been reached, the individual lines L1 to L4 are now also clamped firmly by the fixing unit 2 and then between the fixing unit 2 and the untwisting unit 4 is tensioned to a predetermined voltage or a predetermined clamping pressure.

Fig. 3 shows the twisting unit 7 in a first state in an oblique view from the front. The twisting rotor 8 is rotatably arranged on a plate-shaped carrier 10, which carrier 10 can be fastened, for example, with a moving unit (not shown). The twisting rotor 8 has an annular rotary ring 11 which can be rotated by means of two pinions 12a and 12b spaced apart from one another. In this case, both pinions 12a and 12b are driven and engage in an outer ring gear 20 of the rotating ring 11 which is also in the form of a ring sector.

A central hole 13 of the rotating ring 11 is in register with an eye 14 of the carrier 10, so that the individual lines L1 to L4 can be passed through there. Five pins 15 are mounted on the rotary ring 11 so as to be radially displaceable. They can be moved in and out of the central hole 13 of the rotating ring 11 individually or in groups.

The rotating ring 11 has a radial gap 16 through which the individual lines L1 to L4 can be inserted into the hole 13 and can also be removed again. The rotating ring 11 can therefore also be referred to as a ring sector-shaped rotating ring 11. The carrier 10 has a corresponding gap 17 leading to its eye 14.

In the first state shown, the rotary ring 11 has a rotary position in which the two gaps 16 and 17 are congruent and in which the pins 15 are withdrawn. In this first state, the twisting unit 7 is ready to insert the individual lines L1 to L4 into the holes 13 and 14 through the gaps 16 and 17.

For this purpose, the lowest, perpendicular pin 15 can first be moved radially into the hole 13. This one pin 15 can alternatively be fixed in the hole 13. Then two of the individual lines L1 to L4 can be inserted through the two columns 16 and 17 to the left and right of the raised pin 15, and then the pins 15 located to the right and left of the raised pin 15 can be inserted or inserted into the hole 13, what as second state in Fig. 4 is shown. Two adjacent pins 15 together with the sector of the rotary ring 11 in between form a receiving area 18 of the guide unit 7 for a respective individual line L2 or L4.

The two remaining individual lines L1 and L3 can subsequently be inserted through the two columns 16 and 17, so that they are to the left and right of columns 16 and 17. Then the last two pins 15 can be inserted or inserted into the hole 13, which is the third state in Fig. 5 is shown. Since the pins 15 are chamfered at their inner tip, they make contact there and prevent the individual lines L1 and L3 from slipping out of the respective receiving areas 18.

The guide unit 7 can now be rotated to twist the individual line L1 to L4 and can also be displaced in the longitudinal direction or longitudinal extension L by means of the carrier 10.

Fig. 6 shows the oblique view of the twisting unit 7 in a fourth state without the individual lines L1 to L4. The rotary ring 11 is now in a rotational position in which the two gaps 16 and 17 are not superimposed. The gap 16 of the rotating ring 11 and thus also the ring gear 20 now opens to a drive pinion 12a. If only one drive pinion 12a or 12b were present, it could be too Problems arise with the further rotation of the rotating ring 11, which do not occur with two driven pinions 12a and 12b. This is because the pinions 12a and 12b engage in the ring gear 20 at different circumferential positions, a distance between the circumferential positions of the pinions 12a and 12b being greater than a gap width of the gap 16 of the rotary ring 11 and thus also of the ring gear 20.

Fig. 7 shows, in an oblique view from the front, the untwisting unit 4 with the holding elements 5 closed. Fig. 8 shows the untwisting unit 4 with closed mounting elements 5 in a view obliquely from behind.

The mounting elements 5 are designed as actuators (e.g. electromotive, pneumatic, hydraulic etc.) which can be actuated. The support elements 5 are elongated and arranged parallel to each other. In the front view, they are positioned in a matrix. At their rear end, they are fastened to the common, wheel-shaped transmission element 21, which is fastened to a lifting plunger 22 of the lifting motor 6.

As in Fig. 8 shown, the support elements 5 protrude through respective bushings 33 of a gear 32. The support elements 5 are in the gear 32 about their respective longitudinal axis B (see Fig. 9 ) rotatably mounted. When the gear 32 rotates by means of a force acting on its outer ring gear, the four mounting elements 5 are rotated together. As a result, the twisting of the individual lines L1 to L4 between the twisting unit 7 and the untwisting unit 4 is counteracted. The rotation of the gear 32 is carried out in accordance with the rotational movement D1.

Like now again in Fig. 7 shown, the four mounting elements 5 each have a circumferential ring gear 30 on the outside. These ring gears 30 engage in an inner ring gear 31 a of a ring gear 31. The toothed ring 31 surrounds all the first toothed rings 30 of the holding elements 5. The toothed ring 31 can be designed to be rotatable, here, for example, in accordance with the direction of rotation D1. To this end, the toothed ring 31 has an outer ring gear 31b. The toothed wheel 32 and the toothed ring 31 are arranged here concentrically to one another and can also be connected to one another in a rotatable manner.

If the holding elements 5 are rotated collectively by rotating the gear 32, for example in the direction of rotation D1, the holding elements 5 rotate about their longitudinal axis B in the same direction as D1, for example with the aid of a rotation of the toothed ring 31 in the direction corresponding to D1. A rotational or angular speed can be different. In particular, the mounting elements 5 can rotate or be rotated so that their rotational position remains the same in space (see also Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 ). This prevents the individual lines L1 to L4 from being twisted around themselves.

Basically - depending on the structure - the toothed ring 31 and the gear 32 can also be rotated in opposite directions so that the mounting elements 5 rotate or are rotated so that their rotational position remains the same in space.

Fig. 9 shows, in a view obliquely from the front, a holding element 5 in the closed position with a transparent sleeve 23. Fig. 10 shows a section of the holding element 5 in the closed position with the sleeve 23 not shown transparently.

The mounting elements 5 have two clamping jaws 24 on the front, which can open laterally outwards under pressure from a spring 25, but are prevented from doing so by the sleeve 23. By moving the sleeve 23 relative to the jaws 24, an open position of the jaws 24 can be set. In other words, the two clamping jaws 24 form a nest, which can optionally be opened and closed from the front by moving the sleeve 23. The jaws 24 are held at the rear on a front side of a hollow cylindrical shaft 26.

To move the sleeve 23 along the longitudinal axis B, it is connected to a lifting rod 27 which is accommodated in the hollow cylindrical shaft 26 so as to be longitudinally displaceable. The sleeve 23 is connected to the lifting rod 27 via lateral pins 28. The pins 28 are guided in corresponding elongated holes 29 in the shaft 26. The rear of the lifting rod 27 is rotatably attached to the transmitter element 21. Consequently, the lifting rod 27 and thus also the mounting element 5 as such can rotate about the longitudinal axis B.

In order to insert or remove the individual lines L1 to L4 from the holding elements 5 at the front, the lifting motor 6 can withdraw the lifting plunger 22, as in FIG Fig.11 and Fig.12 shown.

Since the lifting rod 27 and the clamping jaws 24 cannot be moved longitudinally with the spring 25 relative to the gear 32, only the lifting rods 27 and thus the sleeves 23 are withdrawn via the transmission element 21. With the sleeve 23 withdrawn, the clamping jaws 24 of all the holding elements 5 open simultaneously, and the individual lines L1 to L4 can be removed or inserted. This is enlarged in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 shown.

If the lifting motor 6 extends the lifting plunger 22 again, the sleeves 23 are pushed again over the clamping jaws 24, which then close.

Fig. 15 shows in front view the untwist unit 4 with closed clamping elements 5 in a first rotational position. In the following, the gear wheel 32 is rotated 45 ° clockwise around the longitudinal extent L, so that the tensioning elements 5 also rotate collectively by 45 ° clockwise around the longitudinal extent L, as in FIG Fig. 16 shown.

But since at the same time the clamping elements 5 themselves are rotated by -45 ° or 45 ° in the opposite direction of rotation about their respective longitudinal axis B, their rotational position in space remains the same.

Fig. 17 shows, in an oblique view from above, the twisting device 1 with a line tying device 33 in a waiting position (right position) and in a tying position (left position). The line binding device 33 can be moved toward and away from the lines L1 to L4 and can be moved along the longitudinal extent of the lines L1 to L4, as indicated by the two double arrows. The cable tie device 33 can, for example, set binders (not shown) at different positions (especially at the beginning and end of the twisting), so that the twists no longer untwist after the twisting process or during further processing, as indicated by the left position.

In general, instead of or in addition to the line connection device 33, at least one further functional unit (not shown) can be present, by which the ones that have not yet been twisted and / or to further process the twisted lines L1 to L4, for example to connect them to other parts or components. This can be done after or during the twisting process. A further functional unit can, for example, also attach a winding at different positions, so that the twisted cable bundle L1 to L4 is protected against external mechanical influences. Yet another functional unit can be provided to attach holding parts so that the line package can be attached at various points, for example in a motor vehicle.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown.

Thus, each of the support elements of the untwist unit may be actuated individually, i.e. can be optionally opened and closed.

In general, "a", "a" etc. can be understood to mean a singular or a plurality, in particular in the sense of "at least one" or "one or more" etc., as long as this is not explicitly excluded, e.g. by the expression "exactly one" etc.

A number can also include the specified number as well as a usual tolerance range, as long as this is not explicitly excluded.

Reference symbol list

1

Twisting device

2nd

Fuser

3rd

Clamp

4th

Untwist unit

5

Bracket element

6

Lifting motor

7

Twisting unit

8th

Twist rotor

9

Longitudinal guidance

10th

carrier

11

Rotating ring

12a

Drive pinion

12b

Drive pinion

13

hole

14

eye

15

pen

16

gap

17th

gap

18th

Recording area

20th

Sprocket

21st

Transmitter element

22

Lifter

23

Sleeve

24th

Jaw

25th

feather

26

shaft

27th

Lifting rod

28

pen

29

Long hole

30th

Sprocket

31

Gear ring

31a

Inner ring gear

31b

Outer ring gear

32

gear

33

execution

A

Longitudinal extension

B

Longitudinal axis

d

Travel

D1

Rotary motion

L1-L4

Individual lines

Claims (10)

1. Method for twisting a plurality of single lines (L1-L4), in which

   (a) the single lines (L1-L4) are introduced into clamps (3) of a fixing unit (2) at a first position, wherein the contact pressure of the clamps (3) is for this purpose reduced so that, although the single lines (L1-L4) can be drawn through the clamps (3), said contact pressure is still high enough that the single lines (L1-L4) are held tautly on account of friction arising during the drawing-in operation,

   (b) the single lines (L1-L4) are fastened in respective mounting elements (5) of an untwisting unit (4) at a second position that is spaced apart from the first position in a longitudinal extent (A) of the single lines (L1-L4),

   (c) the single lines (L1-L4) are introduced into a twisting unit (7) so as to be longitudinally displaceable between the first position and the second position,

   (d) the single lines (L1-L4) are tensioned between the fixing unit (2) and the untwisting unit (4) as a result of movement of the fixing unit (2) and/or of the untwisting unit (4),

   (e) the single lines (L1-L4) are twisted by means of a rotational movement (D1) of the twisting unit (7), wherein the twisting unit (7) is moved in a direction of movement from the direction of the fixing unit (2) in the direction of the untwisting unit (4),

   (f) the untwisting unit (4) with the single lines (L1-L4) performs a rotational movement corresponding to and oriented in the same direction as the rotational movement (D1) of the twisting unit (7) in such a manner that the mounting elements (5) are rotated about a common axis of rotation by a common, collective rotational movement corresponding to the rotational movement of the twisting unit (7), and in addition the mounting elements (5) themselves are rotated in the opposite direction to the collective rotational movement.
2. Method according to Claim 1, in which, for step (c), the single lines (L1-L4) are introduced one after the other into respective receiving regions (18) of a rotatable twisting rotor (8) of the twisting unit (7).
3. Method according to either of the preceding claims, in which, in step (b), the single lines (L1-L4) are clamped into the respective mounting elements (5) of the untwisting unit (4).
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the single lines (L1-L4) can be clamped in and released at the untwisting unit (4) by means of mounting elements (5) that can be operated by actuator means.
5. Twisting apparatus (1) for twisting a plurality of single lines (L1-L4), having

   - a fixing unit (2) with a plurality of clamps (3) for fastening first end regions of respective single lines (L1-L4),

   - an untwisting unit (4) with mounting elements (5) for fastening respective single lines (L1-L4),

   - a twisting unit (7) that can be moved between the fixing unit (2) and the untwisting unit (4) and has a rotatable twisting rotor (8) with a plurality of receiving regions (18), that are separable from one another, for the longitudinally displaceable receiving and lateral guiding of respective single lines (L1-L4),
   wherein

   - the mounting elements (5) of the untwisting unit (4) can be rotated jointly in a rotational movement oriented in the same direction as the rotational movement of the twisting rotor (8) of the twisting unit (7), and

   - the mounting elements (5) of the untwisting unit (4) can be individually rotated in an opposite direction to the collective rotation,
   characterized in that

   - the fixing unit (2) and/or the untwisting unit (4) can be moved with respect to one another for the purposes of tensioning the single lines (L1-L4),

   - the clamps (3) can be operated by actuator means for the purposes of varying the force that can be applied to the single lines (L1-L4) and

   - the twisting apparatus (1) is configured to reduce the contact pressure of the clamps (3) during the drawing-in of the single lines (L1-L4) such that, although the single lines (L1-L4) can be drawn through the clamps (3), said contact pressure is still high enough that the single lines (L1-L4) are held tautly on account of friction arising during the drawing-in of the single lines (L1-L4).
6. Twisting apparatus (1) according to Claim 5, wherein the mounting elements (5) of the untwisting unit (4) are formed as front clamps that can be operated by actuator means.
7. Twisting apparatus (1) according to Claim 6, wherein the mounting element (5) is formed as a front clamp that has clamping jaws (24) opening at the front side and in a manner assisted by spring action, which clamping jaws (24) can be closed by virtue of a sleeve (23) that can be moved with respect thereto being slid on, and the sleeve (23) can be moved by actuator means.
8. Twisting apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein a force that can be applied to the respective single lines (L1-L4) by the fixing elements (3) of the fixing unit (2) is variable.
9. Twisting apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 8, wherein the twisting rotor (8) has a ring-sector-shaped rotary ring (11) with a gap (16) for inserting the single lines (L1-L4), from which rotary ring (11) a plurality of pins (15) can be moved radially inwardly, which meet centrally and of which two adjacent pins (15) in each case form lateral boundaries of a respective receiving region (18).
10. Twisting apparatus (1) according to Claim 9, further having at least two drive pinions (12a, 12b) for the rotational movement of the rotary ring (11), wherein the drive pinions (12a, 12b) engage into a toothed ring (20) of the rotary ring (11) at different circumferential positions and a spacing between the circumferential positions of the drive pinions (12a, 12b) is greater than a gap width of the gap (16) in the rotary ring (11).

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