CABLE PROCESSING MACHINE WITH SEPARATE CABLE STORAGE MEANS

Abstract

A cable processing machine has a processing region for processing cables, an operating region for operation of the machine by an operator, a conveying device that conveys batches of cables processed in the processing region from the processing region to the operating region, a cable storage device having a receiving portion accessible from the processing region for receiving individual cables processed in the processing region and a removal portion accessible from the operating region for safe removal of the individual cables by the operator, as well as a feed device that feeds the cables processed in the processing region either to the conveying device or to the receiving portion.

Claims

1. A cable processing machine for processing cables, the cable processing machine comprising: a processing region for processing cables; an operating region for operation of the cable processing machine by an operator; a conveying device that conveys batches of cables processed in the processing region from the processing region to the operating region; a cable storage means having a receiving portion accessible from the processing region for receiving individual cables processed in the processing region, and a removal portion accessible from the operating region for removal of the individual cables from the cable storage means by the operator; and a feed device that places each of the cables processed in the processing region either in the conveying device or in the receiving portion.

2. The cable processing machine according to claim 1 wherein the cable storage means is adapted to prevent an operator, when removing the cables from the removal portion, from reaching into a region of the cable processing machine that is potentially hazardous to the operator.

3. The cable processing machine according to claim 1 further comprising: a protective wall at least partially surrounding the processing region during operation of the cable processing machine to prevent the operator from reaching into the processing region; wherein the protective wall has a first passage and a second passage formed therein; wherein the conveying device conveys the batches of cables through the first passage; and wherein the removal portion is formed at the second passage.

4. The cable processing machine according to claim 3 wherein the cable storage means is a container having a container opening formed therein, wherein the container is arranged in the second passage and is movable between a receiving position and a removal position, and wherein the container opening is accessible from the processing region when in the receiving position and is accessible from the operating region when in the removal position.

5. The cable processing machine according to claim 4 wherein the second passage is closed in the receiving position of the container by a wall of the container.

6. The cable processing machine according to claim 4 wherein the second passage is closed in the removal position of the container by a wall of the container.

7. The cable processing machine according to claim 3 wherein the cable storage means is fastened to the protective wall.

8. The cable processing machine according to claim 1 wherein the receiving portion includes a chute and the removal portion includes a storage tray, wherein the chute opens into the storage tray, and wherein the feed device places the individual cables either in the conveying device or in the chute.

9. The cable processing machine according to claim 1 wherein the cable storage means has formed therein at least two separate cable compartments, wherein each of the at least two cable compartments has a receiving portion accessible from the processing region for receiving the individual cables and a removal portion accessible from the operating region for removal of the individual cables by the operator, and wherein the feed device places each of the individual cables either in the conveying device or in one of the receiving portions of the at least two cable compartments.

10. The cable processing machine according to claim 1 further comprising: a machine table; and wherein the cable storage means is fastened to the machine table.

11. The cable processing machine according to claim 1 wherein the feed device includes a first feed device adapted to load the conveying device with the bundles of cables and a second feed device adapted to load the cable storage means with the individual cables, and wherein the first feed device and the second feed device are controlled independently of one another.

12. The cable processing machine according to claim 1 further comprising: a signal transmitter providing a signal that indicates whether there are any of the individual cables in the removal portion; and a control unit controlling the cable processing machine in response to the signal.

13. The cable processing machine according to claim 12 wherein the signal transmitter includes a sensor providing the signal, and wherein the signal transmitter is at least one of a button that provides the signal when actuated and a switch that provides the signal when actuated.

14. The cable processing machine according to claim 13 wherein the switch is coupled to the cable storage means and is actuated by moving the cable storage means.

15. A method for operating a cable processing machine according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: processing a cable in the processing region of the cable processing machine; and moving the cable processed in the processing region with the feed device either to the conveying device to form a batch of cables and convey the batch of cables from the processing region to the operating region, or to the receiving portion of the cable storage means to separate the cable from the batch of cables in the operating region.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0051] FIG. 1 is a front view of a cable processing machine according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0052] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the cable processing machine from FIG. 1;

[0053] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cable processing machine from FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0054] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the cable processing machine from FIG. 3;

[0055] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cable processing machine from FIGS. 1 to 4 with the protective wall removed;

[0056] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cable processing machine according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0057] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cable processing machine from FIG. 6 with the protective wall removed;

[0058] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cable storage means with three cable compartments according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0059] FIG. 9 is a simplified view of a tray-shaped cable storage means according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0060] FIG. 10 is a simplified view of a cable storage means with a chute according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0061] FIG. 11 is a simplified view of a tiltable cable storage means according to one embodiment of the invention in a receiving position;

[0062] FIG. 12 is a simplified view of the cable storage means from FIG. 11 in a removal position;

[0063] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cable storage means from FIGS. 11 and 12 in the receiving position;

[0064] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cable storage means from FIGS. 11 to 13 in the removal position;

[0065] FIG. 15 is a simplified view of a deformable cable storage means with an acknowledgment function according to one embodiment of the invention in a rest position;

[0066] FIG. 16 is a simplified view of the cable storage means from FIG. 15 in an actuation position;

[0067] FIG. 17 is a simplified view of a cable storage means in the form of a lever with an acknowledgment function according to one embodiment of the invention in a rest position;

[0068] FIG. 18 is a simplified view of the cable storage means from FIG. 17 in an actuation position; and

[0069] FIG. 19 is a flow chart for a method for operating a cable processing machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0070] The drawings are merely schematic and not to scale. Like reference signs designate like or equivalent features in the various figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] FIG. 1 is a front view of a cable processing machine 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The cable processing machine 100, for example a crimping machine, is divided into a processing region 102 in which cables are processed, and an operating region 104 for operation of the cable processing machine 100 by an operator. From the operating region 104, the operator can remove the cables processed by the cable processing machine 100. In addition, the operator can control the cable processing machine 100 there. For this purpose, the operating region 104 can have a screen 106 and a keyboard 108, for example. In order to prevent the operator from coming into contact with moving parts in the processing region 102, the processing region 102 can be at least partially surrounded by a protective wall 110. A conveying device 112 transports the cables processed in the processing region 102 in batches from the processing region 102 to the operating region 104, where they can be removed by the operator.

[0072] By way of example, the conveying device 112 here comprises an upper batch tray 114 and a lower batch tray 116. The cables are first placed in the upper batch tray 114, for example by means of a cable gripper, and from there tipped into the lower batch tray 116, from which they are finally removed by the operator. The advantage of this arrangement is that the cable processing machine 100 can fill the upper batch tray 114 in a production operation, while the operator can simultaneously remove the cables from the lower batch tray 116. This allows almost uninterrupted production of a plurality of batches one after the other.

[0073] For safety reasons, the upper batch tray 114 is located within the processing region 102 in the production operation and is therefore not accessible to the operator due to the protective wall 110 (in FIG. 1, the upper batch tray 114 is shown outside the processing region 102 simply for better visibility). As soon as the upper batch tray 114 is filled with a batch, the batch is tipped into the lower batch tray 116 located below, which is then moved from the processing region 102 to the operating region 104, where it is emptied by the operator.

[0074] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cable processing machine 100 from FIG. 1, in which a cable storage means 200 can be seen. The cable storage means 200 is used to store cables in the operating region 104 separately from the lower batch tray 116. The cable storage means 200 comprises a receiving portion 202 for receiving the cables and a removal portion 204 for removing the cables from the cable storage means 200. The receiving portion 202 is located within the processing region 102 surrounded by the protective wall 110. The removal portion 204 is accessible from the operating region 104 and is designed in such a way that the operator can remove the cables without reaching into a region of the cable processing machine 100 that is potentially hazardous to him. The protective wall 110 extends here along an outer edge of a machine table 206 of the cable processing machine 100, for example. The cable storage means 200 can be fastened to the machine table 206 or to the protective wall 110.

[0075] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cable processing machine 100 from FIGS. 1 and 2. The protective wall 110 has a first passage 300 and a second passage 302. The protective wall 110 is open at the top, for example. The lower batch tray 116 can be moved between the processing region 102 and the operating region 104 through the first passage 300. The second passage 302 is used to remove the cables from the cable storage means 200 via the removal portion 204. The cable storage means 200 can be designed with a storage tray 304, for example. The storage tray 304 can protrude through the second passage 302 into the operating region 104 so that the operator can remove the cables without having to remove the protective wall 110.

[0076] The cable processing machine 100 can have an acknowledgment button 306 as a signal transmitter which can be actuated by the operator, for example. By pressing the acknowledgment button 306, the cable processing machine 100 can be informed that the storage tray 304 is empty. The acknowledgment button 306 can expediently be arranged in the vicinity of the second passage 302 on the protective wall 110.

[0077] Such monitoring of the removal portion 204 allows for targeted control of quality assurance workflows. For example, it is conceivable for the cable processing machine 100 to interrupt production if the cables, for example a random sample, are not removed from the removal portion 204 within a production cycle that can include a certain number of cables produced one after the other.

[0078] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged portion of the cable processing machine 100 from FIG. 3, in which the removal portion 204 with the storage tray 304 can be seen more clearly.

[0079] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cable processing machine 100 from FIGS. 3 and 4 with the protective wall 110 removed. The cable storage means 200 is fastened only to the protective wall 110 here. The cable storage means 200 can thus be removed together with the protective wall 110.

[0080] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cable processing machine 100 in which, in contrast with FIGS. 3 to 5, the cable storage means 200 is fastened only to the machine table 206 so that the cable storage means 200 remains on the machine table 206 when the protective wall 110 is removed, as shown in FIG. 7, where the protective wall 110 is removed from the machine table 206. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the second passage 302 is not slot-shaped, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, but is realized as a recess on the outermost lower edge of the protective wall 110, which recess is adapted to an outer contour of the storage tray 304.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cable storage means 200 with a plurality of cable compartments 800. For example, the cable storage means 200 is designed here with three separate cable compartments 800 for the separate storage of the cables. Each of the three cable compartments 800 comprises a storage tray 304 and a chute 802 which extends from the processing region 102 to the storage tray 304 when the cable storage means 200 is mounted. The three chutes 802 are each open at the top toward the processing region 102 and open at the bottom into the relevant storage tray 304 which forms the removal portion 204 of the relevant cable compartment 800. An opening of each of the chutes 802 that opens into the processing region 102 can, however, be understood as the receiving portion 202 of the relevant cable compartment 800. If a cable is thrown into one of the three chutes 802, it lands in the corresponding storage tray 304.

[0082] The three storage trays 304 are arranged one above the other, i.e. the cable storage means 200 has a three-tier structure. However, it is also possible, alternatively or additionally, for the storage trays 304 to be arranged next to one another.

[0083] The cable storage means 200 can have more or also less than three separate cable compartments 800.

[0084] For example, a storage location for the cables can be varied by positioning a cable gripper (not shown) over the corresponding chute 802. This makes it possible to store different types of cables in different storage places. For example, the cable processing machine 100 can store faulty cables, cable portions or other cables that are not wanted in the lower batch tray 116 separately from the lower batch tray 116. This prevents the cables from being mixed up.

[0085] FIG. 9 is a simplified view of a tray-shaped cable storage means 200 which protrudes through the second passage 302 into the processing region 102 on the one hand and into the operating region 104 on the other. A portion of the cable storage means 200 that protrudes into the operating region 104 acts as a storage tray 304. A portion of the cable storage means 200 that protrudes into the processing region 102 forms, together with a portion of the protective wall 110, a type of channel 900.

[0086] A feed device 902, which in this case comprises, for example, a cable gripper 903a for gripping and moving cables 904 processed by the cable processing machine 100 in the processing region 102, positions a single cable 904 above the channel 900 and lets it fall there, for example. The channel 900 guides the dropped cable 904 into the storage tray 304, as indicated schematically with a dashed line.

[0087] The feed device 902 can also be designed to transport the cable 904 into the upper batch tray 114 instead of to the channel 900, for example.

[0088] It is possible for the feed device 902 to comprise a further cable gripper 903b in addition to the cable gripper 903a. The further cable gripper 903b can be used, for example, only to transport cables 904 to the conveying device 112, for example into the upper batch tray 114.

[0089] FIG. 10 shows a cable storage means 200 similar to that from FIG. 9. Instead of the channel 900, the cable storage means 200 in this case has a chute 802 which opens into the processing region 102 and into the storage tray 304. The feed device 902 lets the cable 904 fall into a chute opening 1000 of the chute 802. The chute 802 is shaped such that the operator cannot reach into the processing region 102, or at least cannot reach into it very far, from the operating region 104 with his hand or individual fingers.

[0090] In contrast with FIG. 8, the cable storage means 200 is designed here, for example, with two instead of three cable compartments 800, each with a storage tray 304.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a simplified view of a rocker-like cable storage means 200 which is mounted on a pivot point 1100 so as to be tiltable between a receiving position and a removal position. In other words, the cable storage means 200 is designed here as a container that is open at the top and has a corresponding container opening 1102. The container opening 1102 is the only opening in the container. In the receiving position shown in FIG. 11, the container opening 1102 is arranged in the processing region 102 such that the cable storage means 200 can be filled with one or more cables 904 from above by means of the feed device 902. The second passage 302 is closed by a front wall 1104 of the cable storage means 200 that faces the operating region 104, so that the operator cannot reach into the processing region 102 from the operating region 104.

[0092] The pivot point 1100 can be positioned with respect to a center of gravity of the cable storage means 200 in such a way that the cable storage means 200 moves automatically into the receiving position when it is not being held by the operator.

[0093] FIG. 12 shows the cable storage means 200 from FIG. 11 in the removal position in which the container opening 1102 is located in the operating region 104 so that the cable or cables 904 can be removed by the operator. The second passage 302 is closed by a rear wall 1200 of the cable storage means 200 that faces the processing region 102 so that, in this case too, the operator cannot reach into the processing region 102 from the operating region 104.

[0094] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cable storage means 200 from FIGS. 11 and 12 in the receiving position. As can be seen here, the cable storage means 200 can have a handle 1300 on the front wall 1104 for moving the cable storage means 200 between the receiving position and the removal position.

[0095] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cable storage means 200 from FIGS. 11 to 13 in the removal position.

[0096] FIG. 15 shows a cable storage means 200 with an acknowledgment function. The cable storage means 200 substantially corresponds to the cable storage means shown in FIG. 9, with the difference that the cable storage means 200 is elastically deformable here in the region of the storage tray 304. In addition, the cable storage means 200 is coupled to a signal transmitter in the form of a mechanically actuatable switch 1500, for example a microswitch. The switch 1500 is arranged opposite a bottom 1502 of the cable storage means 200 and can be brought into an actuation position by bending the storage tray 304 accordingly. In FIG. 15, the cable storage means 200 or the switch 1500 coupled thereto is shown in a rest position.

[0097] If the operator 1600 presses on the storage tray 304 with his hand, i.e. if the storage tray 304 is subjected to a downward pressure force 1602 and is thereby elastically deformed in the direction of the switch 1500, as shown in FIG. 16, the switch 1500 is brought into the actuation position. The switch 1500 outputs a corresponding signal 1604 which can then be processed in a suitable manner by a control unit 1606 of the cable processing machine 100, for example. The operator 1600 actuates the switch 1500 in this way, for example, when he wants to acknowledge that he has removed all the cables 904 from the storage tray 304.

[0098] When the storage tray 304 is released, the storage tray 304 or the switch 1500 coupled thereto returns to the rest position. The cable storage means 200, more precisely the elastically deformable tray 304, thus functions together with the switch 1500 as a type of acknowledgment button, similar to that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0099] As an alternative or in addition to the elastically deformable storage tray 304, the cable storage means 200 can be mounted so as to be movable between the rest position and the actuation position, for example so as to be pivotable on a suitably positioned pivot point 1100 (see FIG. 11). In this case, the cable storage means 200 functions as a kind of lever for operating the switch 1500.

[0100] FIG. 17 shows an example of a cable storage means 200 functioning as a lever in the rest position.

[0101] In FIG. 18, the cable storage means 200 from FIG. 17 is shown in the actuation position.

[0102] The cable storage means 200 can in this case, similarly to that shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, be brought into the actuation position by applying the pressure force 1602 to the storage tray 304. A restoring element 1700, such as a compression spring, can be used to apply a restoring force to the cable storage means 200 which counteracts the pressure force 1602 and causes the cable storage means 200 or the switch 1500 to return to the rest position when the storage tray 304 is released.

[0103] Additionally or alternatively, the cable processing machine 100 can comprise a sensor 1800 as a signal transmitter, which monitors whether or not there are cables 904 in the cable storage means 200, as is shown in FIG. 18. For example, the sensor 1800 can be part of a light barrier and output the signal 1604 when a light beam emitted by a light source of the light barrier is interrupted by one or more cables 904 located in the storage tray 304.

[0104] FIG. 19 is an example of a flow chart of a method 1900 for operating the cable processing machine 100 described above. The method 1900 can be carried out, for example, during a normal production operation or also during a special operation, for example with the protective wall removed.

[0105] In a first step 1910 of the method 1900, cables are processed in the processing region 102, for example by crimping one or two of their respective cable ends with a plug or the like.

[0106] In a second step 1920, the processed cables 904 are then, depending on whether it is a cable from a production batch or a cable to be sorted out from the production batch, such as a random sample, a training or sample cable or scrap, either placed in the receiving portion 202 of the cable storage means 200 by means of the cable gripper 903a, or placed in the conveying device 112, for example the upper batch tray 114, by means of the further cable gripper 903b.

[0107] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as “comprising,” “including,” etc. do not preclude other elements or steps, and terms such as “a” or “an” do not preclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above.

[0108] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0109] 100 cable processing machine [0110] 102 processing region [0111] 104 operating region [0112] 106 screen [0113] 108 keyboard [0114] 110 protective wall [0115] 112 conveying device [0116] 114 upper batch tray [0117] 116 lower batch tray [0118] 200 cable storage means [0119] 202 receiving portion [0120] 204 removal portion [0121] 206 machine table [0122] 300 first passage [0123] 302 second passage [0124] 304 storage tray [0125] 306 acknowledgment button [0126] 800 cable compartment [0127] 802 chute [0128] 900 channel [0129] 902 feed device [0130] 903a cable gripper [0131] 903b further cable gripper [0132] 904 cable [0133] 1000 chute opening [0134] 1100 pivot point [0135] 1102 container opening [0136] 1104 front wall [0137] 1200 rear wall [0138] 1300 handle [0139] 1500 switch [0140] 1502 bottom [0141] 1600 operator [0142] 1602 pressure force [0143] 1604 signal [0144] 1606 control unit [0145] 1700 restoring element [0146] 1800 sensor [0147] 1900 method for operating a cable processing machine [0148] 1910 step of processing [0149] 1920 step of moving