WO2013068988A1

WO2013068988A1 - Line transport device

Info

Publication number: WO2013068988A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/056307
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Wortmann
Original assignee: Schleuniger Holding Ag
Priority date: 2011-11-11
Filing date: 2012-11-09
Publication date: 2013-05-16
Also published as: EP2776353B1; JP2014534937A; JP6010131B2; MX2014005647A; EP2776353A1; CN104053620A; RU2014123704A; WO2013068988A4; ES2587556T3; SG11201402169WA; US20150008245A1; BR112014011322A2; CN104053620B; KR20140092888A

Abstract

The invention relates to a line transport device (22) for transporting electric or optical lines (1, 2), such as wires, cables, optical fibres, etc., along a conveying path (24), having a line conveying means (23) which has at least two pressure rollers (20, 21), between which the conveying path (24) runs, characterized in that, for the alternating conveying of two lines (1, 2), the line transport device (22) has at least one guide means (7, 8) which can be moved relative to the conveying path (24) and by way of which one line (1) can be moved into the conveying path (24) between the pressure rollers (20, 21) and by way of which another line (2) can be moved out of the conveying path (24) between the pressure rollers (20, 21).

Description

LINE TRANSPORTER

The invention relates to a line transport device for transporting electrical or optical lines, such as wires, cables, optical fibers, etc., along a conveying path, with a line conveyor, which has at least two drivable pressure rollers for conveying a line, between which the conveying path extends.

Liner devices are used particularly in cable processing to feed the cables to be processed into the cable processing machine. Accordingly, such devices are often referred to as a feeder.

Such a collection disclosed, for example, WO 2009/141794 A2. It comprises two circulating belts pressed against the cable to be conveyed, which are driven by pressure rollers. It can be promoted in each case only a single cable. For complex and highly automated applications, however, several different cables must be alternately conveyed to the cable processing machine.

EP 0 598 276 A1 discloses a cable feeding and changing device for a wire processing machine. For the simultaneous conveying of two cables, two identical, parallel belt drives are provided. The two coming from different directions cables are then united by a sleeve on a common conveyor. The disadvantage of this solution is that two identical construction belt drives are required, which doubles cost and cost.

EP 0 708 050 A1 discloses a cable transport and swivel device. This has a consisting of two transport rollers conveyor mechanism. EP 1 447 888 A1 also discloses on the periphery a belt conveyor, similar principle, which, however, does not solve the problems mentioned above either.

JP 2004-071237 A discloses a crimping machine. Cables of different thickness are introduced into a (funnel-like) receiving device. However, this document does not teach how to convey the two cables. US 5,820,008 A discloses a wire processing machine having a

Cable conveyor with a special guide.

US 2005/0050713 A1 discloses a cable processing machine with a tool which is arranged between two conveyor belt devices. A

Special feature of this cable processing machine is that the

Conveyor belt devices can be moved laterally (back and forth) against each other. This construction is a manipulation device (cutting, machining), and not a cable conveyor.

With regard to the present invention, WO 201 1/055336 A1 discloses a cable transport device in the form of a belt drive.

The disadvantages of the known in the prior art transport devices is that either from the outset only one line can be transported, or two complete, parallel-acting transport devices are used to collect cables simultaneously or successively in a cable processing device. In the first case, the applications are limited. In the second case, the increased effort leads to duplicate manufacturing, maintenance and

Repair costs.

Also known are so-called multiple sequencers. The line change in the sequencers, however, requires a complex belt drive, which allows a penetration of the lines through the drive mechanism. The required construction is complex and associated with high costs, whereby manufacturing costs and maintenance costs are very high.

The object of the present invention is to obviate these drawbacks and to provide a line transporting device which enables alternately conveying different lines. Effort and costs should be significantly reduced in comparison to the previously known solution. At the same time a reliable and easily controllable transport of lines to be made possible.

The invention achieves this goal with a line transporting device of the type mentioned above in that the line transport device for alternately conveying two lines at least one, relative to the conveying path movable guide means, through which a line in the conveying path between the Pressure rollers can be brought and by another line from the conveying path between the pressure rollers can be brought out.

The line transporting device thus comprises a line changer, which allows the automatic exchange of two (or more) lines, which are previously required, for example, at any time. manually inserted into the device. These may be lines of the same cross-section, but different identifier (color), or lines of different cross-section. The conveying path is the same for both lines and runs between the pressure rollers. It is therefore necessary only a line conveyor, whereby the design effort can be significantly reduced. The advantage of the invention is, in particular, that - as needed - the straight desired line is promoted, while the other line outside the conveying path remains in rest position. The pressure rollers on both sides of the conveying path are mutually displaceable to allow in the open position (greater distance) to change the lines and in the closed (oppressive against the line or applied to the line) position to promote the line.

A special field of application is the use of a line transport device according to the invention in a line twisting device (wire twister). Here, the transport device according to the invention assumes the function of a

Cable changer for the cable feed to the twisting unit. Two lines can be pulled one after the other into the twisting unit. As soon as all two lines have arrived one after the other in the twisting unit, the twisting operation can be started.

However, the field of application is not limited to the above example. A line transport device can be used wherever two or more different lines have to be conveyed. Another one

An example of an application would be a line changer for the generation of branched lines (double crimps) with different cross sections or identifiers (colors). The achievable advantages are independent of the field of application and are mainly seen in a low expenditure on equipment coupled with low production costs and space-saving design. With only minor extensions existing Schwenkbandeinzügen can on an inventive

Transport device to be upgraded. There is only one line drive.

Advantageous developments are in the figures and in the dependent

Claims set forth. In one embodiment, the guide means comprises a base body having at least two guides formed therein and spaced from each other for the lines to be transported, wherein preferably the guides are formed in the form of passages. Guideways specially designed for each line increase the reliability of line replacement and ensure well-defined conveying or rest positions. The design effort is also reduced by this measure.

In one embodiment, the conduit transport device has two guide means which are spaced apart along the conveying path. The lines can be lifted out of or into the conveying path in their entire length. The zurückzulegende way of the guide means relative to the conveying path can be minimized, resulting in a space-saving solution. Such a line transport device preferably consists of guides that can be moved relative to the line conveyor in the starting area and end area of the conveyor line defined by the line conveyor. In one embodiment, a guide means is upstream of the

Line conveyor arranged and the other guide means is arranged downstream of the line conveyor. As a result, the line conveyor and the guide means do not get in the way during their relative movement, which allows a simplified construction. In one embodiment, the two guide means are driven by a common drive. This will be a particularly easy to implement

Synchronization of the guide means achieved.

In one embodiment, the two guide means are by a

Connecting element, preferably in the form of a rail, connected to each other, wherein preferably the guide means are each formed in one piece or in two pieces with the connecting element. Such a connection element allows a very quick set up and change of pairs of wires, because both

Management funds can be expanded together. When removing the cables remain in the rail and are held if necessary via line brakes. For the purpose of changing only the rail of the

Transport device are removed, threaded new lines in the guides and the rail are placed back on the transport device. Or a new, already threaded rail is inserted into the line changer.

Preferably, the guide means are replaceable on the connecting element, e.g. Rail, attached and it can be performed with the use of appropriate guide means lines with different cable diameter.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element extends above the conveying path. This will prevent that from happening

Line conveyor and the line changer (which includes the movable guide means) during the movement sequences collide. In one embodiment, the rail between the guide means on a flat portion, wherein the planar portion is aligned substantially parallel to the conveying path and substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the pressure rollers. In addition to low space requirements and optimum mechanical stability, this solution is characterized by optimum handling. In particular, space for additional elements, such as line brakes, can be created by this design.

In one embodiment, the rail has a recess in the region of the conveying path between the pressure rollers. There, the line conveyor presses on both sides of the line and drives them. The recess that clears the conveying path elegantly prevents the line conveyor and the line changer from getting in the way.

In one embodiment, the guide means is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the pressure rollers. This allows a particularly simple construction, the line conveyor and guide means separates from each other. In one embodiment, the conduit conveyor comprises at least two

Drive belt, between which the conveying path runs and which are supported and driven by pressure rollers. By the drive belt results in a larger contact surface with the lines, so that slipping is excluded from the outset.

In one embodiment, the line transport device for each line at least one brake for fixing that line, which is just outside the conveying path, on, and are preferably the brakes pneumatically actuated. The brake ensures that the line in the rest position is fixed and can not unthread.

Preferably, the respective brake as a terminal (or line terminal)

educated. The fixation of the line takes place in this embodiment

Pinching (or clamping) of the line.

Preferably, the operation of the brake or the line terminal is effected by a pneumatically adjustable air cylinder. That the line will be over one

Pneumatic cylinder drive pneumatically clamped and connected. This has the advantage that the clamping force can be switched on and off as needed and the

Supply compressed air can be adjusted in the compressed air cylinder, so that the

Clamping force of the respective line, e.g. with different line / insulation resistance, can be adjusted.

In one embodiment, the brake acts in the region of the guide means on the lines. This allows a particularly simple construction, since in this case the brake can act against a wall of the guide and can pinch the line between the brake and the wall. Through the guide thus already a counter or pressure surface is created, against which the brake can press the line.

In one embodiment, the brakes are secured to and movable with the guide means while the actuator for the brakes is stationary with respect to the guide means. In this embodiment, the brakes can be biased in the closing direction, so that the brakes fix the lines without external influence. By moving a line in the conveying path, the associated brake enters the effective range of the actuator, which then opens this brake. In other words: the brake, the one in the conveyor associated with the line is located in the effective range of the actuator, while the brake, the one in rest position

is assigned to located line, outside the effective range of

Actuator is located. The actuator is an opener that keeps the brake open for the duration of the delivery process. In this embodiment, an actuator is assigned simultaneously two brakes, namely the brake for the first line and the brake for the second line.

In one embodiment, the brakes comprise actuatable pins which are movable in the direction of the guide means, preferably perpendicular to the conveying path. As a result, an optimal braking effect is achieved.

In one embodiment, the conduit conveyor and the guide means are supported by a common frame. This allows a compact design.

In one embodiment, the line conveyor and the guide means are pivotable as a whole about a pivot axis, wherein preferably the pivot axis is aligned substantially vertically. This allows the use of the

Cable transport device as a pivoting device for various applications, such as e.g. a lead sibling.

So that two lines can be conveyed one after the other, have the

Guide means (e.g., guide tubes) for each conduit, one groove each. On the

Base plate of the cable entry additional devices are arranged, which make it possible to move the guide means between the open pressure rollers or belt, so that once the first and once the second line is exactly between the drive belt and can be promoted by these clamped. So that the lines in the guide means can not slip, suitable brakes are installed. If brakes are actively operated, then there is for it

corresponding actuator.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which with reference to the drawings

Embodiments of the invention are described. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any desired combination. The list of reference numerals 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. 1 is a side view of an inventive

Head of transport device

2, the line transport device of Fig. 1 in detail,

3 shows a cross section through the conveying path normal to the conveying direction,

4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 5 is a line transport device, for better illustration without

Line changer,

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a rail with two integrated

Guide means.

Fig. 1 shows an inventive line transport device 22 for

alternately conveying two lines 1, 2 in a conveying direction F. For this purpose, the line transport device 22 comprises a line conveying means 23, which has opposing pressure rollers 20, 21, between which the conveying path 24 extends. In the present embodiment, in each case circumferential drive belts 5, 6 are additionally provided, which are held and driven by the pressure rollers 20, 21 (also called belt retraction, see FIG. 4). Preferably, pressure rollers 20, 21 and drive belts 5, 6 act together via a toothing. Thus, the line conveyor 23 comprises two opposing parts which press against the line to be conveyed and thereby drive them. The construction and operating principle of the line conveyor 23 are clear from the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5. Upstream of the line transport device 22 so-called straightening units 3 are provided, which prepare the lines 1, 2 and provide aligned for further promotion available. There is a straightening system for each line. Returning to Fig. 1 upstream and downstream of the conduit conveyor 23 is a respective guide means 7, 8 provided for the lines 1, 2, which is movable relative to the conveying path 24, whereby a line 1 in the conveying path 24 between the pressure rollers 20, 21 can be brought (Delivery position) and the other line 2 out of the conveying path 24 can be brought out (rest position). The directions of movement of the guide means 7, 8 are perpendicular to the conveying direction F and are each represented by an arrow P. The guide means 7, 8 each comprise a base body with two guides (7a, 7b and 8a, 8b) formed therein (perpendicular to the conveying direction) and spaced apart (see eg FIG. 6) for the lines 1, 2 to be transported. The guides are preferably formed in the form of passages, such as holes or tubes, into which the lines 1, 2 are threaded. The lines 1, 2 are kept spaced in the threaded state of the guides. A displacement actuator 9 is for driving the guide means 7 and a displacement actuator 10 is provided for driving the guide means 8. The displacement actuators are actuated synchronously, whereby the lines 1, 2 are brought out of or into the conveying path 24 with their entire length extending in the line conveying means 23.

In Fig. 1 is just the second line 2 in the conveying position, while the first line 1 remains in its rest position 12. The rest position 13 of the second line 2 is indicated by dashed lines. In this the second line 2 passes through the fact that the

Guide means 7, 8 move down. The or the guide means 7, 8 is (are) in the illustrated embodiment in a direction substantially parallel to the axes of rotation 20 ', 21' of the pressure rollers 20, 21 stationary direction P movable.

The two opposing parts of the line conveyor 23, so the pressure rollers 20 and 21 with the respective circulating belts 5 and 6, are relatively movable toward each other in a direction normal to their axes of rotation 20 'and 21', whereby the pressure rollers against the straight in the Press conveyor line 24 located line. The pressure rollers 20, 21 and thus the drive belt 5, 6 are driven by a preferably common drive. The line conveyor 23 and the guide means 7, 8 and their displacement actuators 9, 10 are supported by a common frame 4, for example a platform, a table or a mounting plate. To be used as a pivoting conveyor the line conveyor 23 and the guide means 7, 8 as a whole by one Swivel axis 4 'pivotally, wherein preferably the pivot axis 4' in

Is oriented substantially vertically, which is favorable for most applications.

Fig. 2 shows the line transport device 22 of Fig. 1 in detail. The

Actuator 15 for opening and closing the tape feeder

(Relative movement of the pressure rollers 20, 21 with the held by them

Drive belt 5, 6) is arranged below the frame 4 in the illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section normal to the conveying direction F. The drive belts 5, 6 arranged on both sides of the conveying path 24 can be seen, between which the first line 1 (in the conveying position) is located. The second line 2 is located below the conveying path 24 in the rest position 13 and is not driven by the rotating pressure rollers 20, 21. Above the conveying path 24, the rest position 12 of the first line 1 is indicated, which assumes this when the guide means moves the spaced apart lines 1, 2 upwards. Then the second line 2 enters the conveying path 24 and thus into the conveying position and the first line 1 in the rest position 12. Also visible is the frame 4, wherein space between the drive belt 5, 6 and frame 4 is provided for the second line 2 ,

Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the

Guide means 7 upstream of the line conveyor 23 and the guide means 8 downstream of the line conveyor 23 by a rail 16 as

Connecting element are interconnected. The guide means, which remain hidden in the illustration of Fig. 4, are located respectively in the (right and left) end region of the rail 16. One can imagine the position of the guide means in the area on which the brakes 17 (to which later discussed in detail).

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the guide means 7, 8 are each formed integrally with the rail 16. By removing the rail 16, the lines 1, 2 held therein can be changed or threaded in one step.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the rail 16 has a planar design and is essentially parallel to the conveying path 24 and substantially parallel to the axes of rotation 20 ', 21'. the pressure rollers 20, 21 aligned. At the top, a bracket 19 connects to the rail 16. In order not to get into collision with the parts of the line conveyor 23, the rail 16 in the region of the conveying path 24 between the

Pressure rollers 20, 21 a recess. Exactly in this recess, the lines run 1, 2 and there are driven by the opposite drive belt 5, 6.

Fig. 6 shows schematically a rail 16 with a flat shape, in which the two

Guiding means 7, 8 are integrated. To change the lines 1, 2 thus only the rail 16 has to be removed from the line changer and the lines are re-threaded. In this case, a guide means 7, 8 comprises two guides 7a, 7b or 8a, 8b which are spaced apart in the direction perpendicular to the conveying path 24 and which hold the two lines 1, 2 at a distance. Between the guide means 7, 8, the planar portion of the rail 16 has a recess 26. Right there press the drive rollers 20, 21 and the drive belt 5, 6 on both sides against one of the two lines 1, 2. A (not shown) drive moves the rail 16 along the double arrow P.

In order for that line, which is currently in a rest position, can not move and jumps out of their leadership, the line transport device 22 for each transportable line 1, 2 at least one brake 17 for fixing that line, just outside the conveying path 24 is located. The brakes 17 preferably act on the lines 1, 2 in the region of the guide means 7, 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the brakes 17 include pneumatically actuated pins which are movable in the direction of the guide means 7, 8 and there press the lines against a pressing surface, e.g. against the one wall of the guide.

Preferably, the force of the brakes 17 is directed perpendicular to the conveying path 24. An actuator 18 for opening the brakes 17 is also shown in FIG. The brakes 17 move up and down with the rail 16 while the actuator (s) 18 are fixedly mounted on the platform 4. The brakes 17 may, for example, be biased in the closing direction, so that without actuation a brake 17 always fixes the line assigned to it. The actuator 18 acts in this case as an opener and acts on the respective brake 17 during the entire conveying process. At the end of the conveying process of one of the lines, the brake 17 is released by the actuating device 18, whereby this in turn enters the closing position. The construction can thereby The upwards and downwards movement of the guides 7a, 7b or 8a, 8b and thus of the brakes 17 associated therewith brings the "correct" brake 17 into the effective range of the actuating device 18, which then feeds them for the time of delivery Fig. 5 shows a line transporting device 22, which is shown for better visibility without the line changer.Also lacking the drive belt 5, 6. The entire tape feed is arranged on a pivotable about a vertical pivot axis 4 platform 4. Das Antrieb zum Pivoting of the platform 4 is partially seen by drive rollers and circulating belts

(Line conveyor 23) consists of pressure rollers 20, 21 which are rotatable about mutually parallel axes of rotation 20 ', 21'. Between opposite pressure rollers 20, 21 and optionally provided intermediate rollers 25 of the conveying path 24 extends. A first line 1 is being moved in the conveying direction F.

The embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6 differ from each other in certain features. Further embodiments within the scope of the claimed invention are also possible. For example, can press the pressure rollers directly to the lines and drive them, ie without additional drive belt. Also, the

Line changer be designed for more than just two lines.

Accordingly, he would only have one lead per line.

Corresponding space would have to be considered for the rest positions of just not funded lines.

The disclosure of the following applications: S124PWO, S125PWO, S126PWO, S141 PWO (Applicants' Internal Application), all filed on the same day, 9.1.1.2012, at the International Bureau (IB) form an integral part of the present application and are incorporated herein by reference Combination with the same, as these separate applications each concern different aspects of the same machine. This results in further synergistic effects. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 first line

2 second line

3 straightener

4 frame, swivel

5 (right) drive belt

6 (left) drive belt

7 first guide means

7a, 7b guides in the first guide means 7

8 second guide means

8a, 8b guides in the second guide means 8

9 Displacement reactor for first guide means 7

10 displacement actuator for second guide means 8

1 1 conveying position

12 rest position of the first line 1

13 rest position of the second line 2

15 Actuator for opening and closing the tape feeder

16 rail for connecting the first and second guide means (guide rail)

17 brake for one line

18 Actuation device of the line brake

19 Holder for guide rail

20 pressure roller

21 pressure roller

22 line transport device

23 pipe conveyor

24 funding route

25 intermediate rolls

26 recess in the rail 16

F Direction of the line (s)

P direction of movement of the guide means

Claims

claims

A line transporting device (22) for transporting electrical or optical lines (1, 2), such as wires, cables, optical fibers, etc., along a conveying path (24) with a line conveying means (23) comprising at least two drivable pressing rollers (20, 21 ), between which the conveying path (24) extends, characterized in that the line transport device (22) for alternately conveying two lines (1, 2) at least one, relative to the conveying path (24) movable guide means (7, 8) through the one line (1) can be brought into the conveying path (24) between the pressure rollers (20, 21) and through which another line (2) leaves the conveying path (24) between the two

Pressure rollers (20, 21) can be brought out.

Line transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide means (7, 8) has a base body with at least two guides formed therein and spaced apart from each other

Transporting lines (1, 2), wherein preferably the guides are formed in the form of passages.

Line transport device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the line transport device (22) has two guide means (7, 8) which are spaced apart along the conveying path (24).

A line transporting device according to claim 3, characterized in that a guide means (7) is arranged upstream of the line conveying means (23) and the other guide means (8) is arranged downstream of the line conveying means (23).

Line transport device according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the two guide means (7, 8) by a

common drive can be driven.

Line transport device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the two guide means (7, 8) by a

Connecting element, preferably in the form of a rail (16), are interconnected, wherein preferably the guide means (7, 8) are exchangeably mounted on the connecting element.

7. Line transport device according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting element between the guide means (7, 8) has a flat portion, wherein the planar portion substantially parallel to the conveying path (24) and substantially parallel to the axes of rotation (20 ', 21 ') of the pressure rollers (20, 21) is aligned.

8. Line transport device according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized

characterized in that the connecting element (16) in the region of

Delivery path (24) between the pressure rollers (20, 21) has a recess (26).

9. Line transport device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the guide means (7, 8) in a in

Essentially parallel to the axes of rotation (20 ', 21') of the pressure rollers (20, 21) stationary direction is movable.

10. Line transport device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the line conveying means (23) comprises at least two drive belts (5, 6) between which the conveying path (24) extends and which are supported and driven by pressure rollers (20, 21).

1 1. Line transport device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the line transport device (22) for each line (1, 2) at least one brake (17) for fixing that line (1, 2), which is located just outside the conveying path (24), and preferably that Brakes (17) are pneumatically actuated.

12, line transport device according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the brake (17) in the region of the guide means (7, 8) on the lines (1, 2) acts, and / or that the brakes (17) are biased in the closing direction.

13, line transport device according to one of claims 1 1 or 12, characterized in that the brakes (17) respectively to the (the) guide means (s) (7, 8) are fixed and movable with this (n), while a

Actuating means (18) for actuating the brakes (17) with respect to the guide means (7, 8) is stationary.

14. Line transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the line conveying means (23) and the

Guiding means (7, 8) are carried by a common frame (4).

15. Line transport device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the conduit conveying means (23) and the

Guide means (7, 8) as a whole about a pivot axis (4 ') are pivotable, wherein preferably the pivot axis (4') is aligned substantially vertically.