PACKAGING DEVICE

The invention relates to an assembly device in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 for assembling or pre-assembling wire portions, with at least one arrangement device which is or can be detachably attached to the assembly device, for receiving the assembled or pre-assembled wire portions.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term “wire” covers individual insulated or bare wires, single-core or multi-core wires or sheathed cables, cable strands, stranded cores, glass fibre cables or the like. One wire portion can be various elements. The term “wire portion” refers, for example, to multi-core or single-core wires or sheathed cables, individual insulated or bare wires, cable strands, complete cable harnesses, stranded cores, glass fibre cables or the like.

Assembly devices with arrangement devices which can be detachably attached thereto for receiving the wire portions that have been assembled or pre-assembled by the assembly device are already known. For instance, WO 2018/165688 A1 discloses an assembly device of this kind. The detachable arrangement device comprises a main body in the form of a hollow-chamber profile. In the main body there is formed a slit, which extends along a longitudinal extent of the main body, for stringing the wire portions which have been assembled or pre-assembled by the assembly device along the slit. In the assembly device, the ends of the wire portions are worked (assembly or pre-assembly), preferably in an automated or semi-automated manner, during which a wire portion is, in most cases, provided with a wire termination.

A correspondingly assembled or pre-assembled wire portion is form-fittingly inserted into the slit in the arrangement device, each wire termination resting on the main-body portions that delimit the slit.

Owing to the slit extending along the longitudinal extent of the main body, the prefabricated wire portions can be inserted along the arrangement device sequentially, in the order in which they will be needed at their future installation site. The arrangement device receives the wire portions within itself and can be transported from one location to another. In the process, the slit prevents the sequence of the wire portions from changing. This ensures that the individual wire portions are in the correct sequence at the point of use where the wire portions are to be installed. The slit also guarantees that it is possible to receive different wire portions with different lengths and different ends or terminations. The individual lined-up wire portions have substantially the same cross section. At one end of each wire portion, there is a wire termination that prevents the wire portion from sliding out of the slit, e.g. in the form of a wire end ferrule, a cable lug, a flat connector or a similar element. However, a cable support sleeve, a retaining ring or the like can also be fitted on the wire portion to prevent it from slipping out of the slit.

A disadvantage of the known assembly devices is that a separate arrangement device is required for each wire diameter or for the end-working that is applied.

An object of the invention is to avoid the above-described disadvantages and to provide an assembly device that is improved compared with the prior art.

This is achieved by an assembly device with the features of claim 1.

In the invention, it is provided that the at least one arrangement device comprises an adjustment apparatus for adjusting a slit width of the slit.

As a result, the slit size can be tailored specifically to the required wire diameter. This provides the key advantage that a user of the assembly device can adjust the arrangement devices specifically to their requirements. In particular, an arrangement device can consequently be used multiple times.

In a preferred embodiment variant, it can be provided that the adjustment device comprises at least one rail arranged on the main body, the at least one rail being arranged so as to be movable relative to the main body, preferably in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent. For example, a projection in the form of a metal sheet can be arranged on the main body, which projection forms a first slit width end. The end of the movable rail that is on the outside in the direction of the projection represents a second slit width end. Since the rail is movably arranged on the main body, the second slit width end can be moved relative to the first slit width end, as a result of which the slit width (from the first slit width end to the second slit width end) can be adjusted in a simple manner.

In the process, it can be provided that the at least one rail is mounted on the main body in a translatory manner, preferably by means of a linear guide.

According to a preferred embodiment variant, it can be provided that the main body has at least one slot that preferably runs in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent, at least one fastener, preferably in the form of a screw, protruding through the at least one rail and through the at least one slot, the at least one rail being movable along the at least one slot relative to the main body and being fastenable to the main body by the at least one fastener. In particular, the fasteners can be screws that protrude through holes in the at least one rail and through slots in the main body and engage in corresponding threaded bushings on the main body. When the screws are in the loosened state, the at least one rail can be moved along the slots (the screws acting as guide pins in the process), and, at the desired slit width, the at least one rail can be secured to the main body in a simple manner by tightening the screws, clamping the at least one rail between the screws and the main body.

It is also possible for the at least one rail to have at least one slot that preferably runs in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent (LE), at least one fastener, preferably in the form of a screw, protruding through the at least one slot, the at least one rail being movable along the at least one slot relative to the main body and being fastenable to the main body by the at least one fastener. In other words, the slots for moving the at least one rail are in this case not formed in the main body, but rather in the at least one rail itself.

It can preferably be provided that the at least one rail extends along the longitudinal extent, preferably substantially along the entire slit. As a result, the slit width can be adjusted in a simple manner along the entire slit.

In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one rail is movable relative to the main body in steps or in a continuous manner. If the at least one rail is movable in a continuous manner, any desired slit width can be set. If the at least one rail is movable in steps, for example by guiding the at least one rail in a grid guide, preferred slit widths can be set in a simple manner by locking the at least one rail at predeterminable distances that correspond to preferred slit widths.

It can preferably be provided that the position of the at least one rail relative to the main body is lockable. The at least one rail can thus be locked at the desired slit width. If a different slit width is desired, the locking can be released again, and a different slit width can be set.

In a preferred embodiment variant, it can be provided that a projection is arranged on the main body, the projection forming a first slit width end, a second slit width end being represented by an end of the at least one rail that is on the outside in the direction of the projection, the second slit width end being movable relative to the first slit width end to adjust the slit width owing to the at least one rail being movably arranged on the main body. As a result, the slit width (from the first slit width end to the second slit width end) can be adjusted in a simple manner. By way of example, the projection may be in the form of a doubled-over metal sheet portion of the main body or may be attached to the main body in a stationary manner.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the adjustment device comprises two rails that are movable relative to the main body transversely to the longitudinal extent and that can be moved towards one another and/or away from one another in order to adjust the slit width. In this case, the end of the first rail facing the second rail forms a first slit width end, and the end of the second rail facing the first rail forms a second slit width end. If the two rails move towards one another, the slit width (from the first slit width end to the second slit width end) can thus be reduced, and if the two rails move away from one another, the slit width can be increased.

It can preferably be provided that the main body is formed by a rod profile, preferably in the form of a hollow-chamber profile. This results in a space-saving and stable arrangement device. In particular, a hollow-chamber profile has high stability. In addition, this can ensure that the wire terminations are protected since they are located inside the hollow-chamber profile. For example, in one variant it can be provided that the main body is formed by a square or polygonal hollow profile having longitudinal slots on one side, at least one end of the hollow profile remaining open for threading in the individual wire portions and the other end of the hollow profile being closed at least in some portions in order to form a stop.

In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the slit has a first end and a second end, the first end having an insertion portion for inserting the individual wire portions, the second end preferably having a stop portion for stopping the wire portions.

The insertion portion facilitates the process of threading in the wire portions. The insertion portion can be formed by a funnel-shaped mouth of the slit for facilitating a manual insertion or an automated insertion. This funnel-shaped mouth can be formed by concave recesses that continue into the slit. However, a mouth of this kind can also be formed by a funnel with oblique straight sides that open into the slit.

The stop portion prevents the wire portions from falling out of the slit. Where the stop portion is formed by a closure of the slit and/or a fold on the main body, a simple structural measure achieves the advantage that the wire portions cannot slip out of the slit during transportation or when the arrangement device is being loaded.

According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that at least one closure device is attachable or arranged at or in the slit, said closure device making it possible to prevent the wire portions from sliding out of the slit. Once the arrangement device has been loaded, the closure device prevents some or all of the wire portions from being able to fall out of the device. This is achieved, for example, by forming the closure device using a locking element that covers the slit at least in some portions and is arranged on the main body in a movably mounted manner. The closure device can thus be formed by a kind of flap or a bolt that can be manually or automatically closed once the arrangement device has been loaded. However, instead of the locking element arranged on the main body in a movably mounted manner, it is also possible to use an element that is separate from the main body and pushed over the slit or inserted into the slit.

It can preferably be provided that the assembly device comprises a plurality of assembled or pre-assembled wire portions, at least one wire termination being arranged on each wire portion, the slit having a minimum slit width which substantially corresponds to a wire diameter of the wire portions, and a maximum slit width which is smaller than the termination diameter of the wire terminations. These dimensions of the slit width ensure that the wire portions can be strung along the arrangement device in a smooth manner. Owing to the larger diameter of the wire terminations arranged on the wire portion, the wire portions are prevented from falling out of the slit. In particular, the connection between the plurality of assembled or pre-assembled wire portions and the arrangement device is form-fitting.

The assembled or pre-assembled wire portions can also be wire portions that have no insulation at least in some portions and thus form a stranded core. In this case, this is a partially stripped section of these wire portions. This partially stripped section in which the wire portion has no insulation, can also be used for mounting the wire portion by the slit having a minimum slit width which substantially corresponds to a stranded-core diameter of the stripped portion of the individual wire portions, and by having a maximum slit width which is smaller than the wire diameter of the insulated wire portion. When the partially stripped wire portion is used at the installation site, it is for example removed from the slit in a simple manner only in an orthogonal manner. In the process, the insulation is removed by the counter-bearing of the slit and the wire portion is fully stripped at the contact site.

In general, it is advantageous for the connection between the assembled or pre-assembled wire portions and the arrangement device to be form-fitting. Introducing the wire portions into the arrangement device, and also removing the wire portions, is thus simple and uncomplicated. The form fit ensures that the wire portions cannot fall out of the slit. They are thus kept in the desired order in the slit in the arrangement device.

Preferably, a transfer device may be provided for transferring the assembled or pre-assembled wire portions from the assembly device into the at least one arrangement device. As a result, the individual wire portions can be produced and arranged in an automated manner. The transfer device takes the individual assembled or pre-assembled wire portions and loads the individual arrangement devices according to the desired sequence. The transfer device can, for example, be in the form of a robot that removes various wire portions from various assembly devices and arranges them successively in at least one arrangement device according to the desired sequence. By way of example, three different assembly devices produce three different wire portions. These have to be inserted in an arrangement device arranged in a predetermined sequence. The robot serving as transfer device takes the relevant wire portion from the relevant assembly device in accordance with the predetermined sequence and transfers it to the corresponding arrangement device.

An advancing device for shifting the individual wire portions along the arrangement device can also be provided, thereby ensuring that the wire portions can all be received by the arrangement device. This can additionally be done by forming the transfer device and the advancing device using a shared device, for example a robot. However, the advancing device can also be formed, e.g., by a conveyor belt, a shaker, an air nozzle, etc.

It has been found to be particularly advantageous if the at least one arrangement device is arranged on the assembly device such that the longitudinal extents of the main body and the slit extending therein are positioned obliquely to the horizontal plane, as a result of which the wire portions are able to slide down along the slit under the effect of gravity, preferably as far as a stop portion or the closest wire portion. As a result, an advancing device is not needed since gravity generates the required force for positioning the wire portions accordingly. Positioning the arrangement device obliquely also saves on space since the discharge thereof does not reach as far away from the assembly device as when in a horizontally oriented state.

Further details and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of the description of the figures, with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. There are shown in:

FIG. 1 a plan view of a schematically illustrated assembly device,

FIG. 2 a side view of the assembly device from FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 an embodiment of a proposed assembly device with an arrangement device arranged obliquely to the horizontal on the assembly device,

FIG. 4 an embodiment of a proposed assembly device with an arrangement device arranged substantially horizontally on the assembly device,

FIG. 5 an embodiment of a proposed arrangement device in a plan view,

FIG. 6 the arrangement device from FIG. 5 in a side view,

FIG. 7 a sectional view according to sight line A-A in FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 a partial view according to sight line B-B in FIG. 6,

FIG. 9 a partial view according to sight line C-C in FIG. 6,

FIG. 10 a further embodiment of a proposed arrangement device in a plan view,

FIG. 11 a sectional view of the arrangement device from FIG. 10,

FIG. 12 a partial view of the arrangement device from FIG. 10,

FIGS. 13
a,
13
b plan views of an end of a proposed arrangement device with a closure device,

FIG. 14 a plan view of an end of a proposed arrangement device with an alternative closure device,

FIG. 15 a plan view of an end of a proposed arrangement device with an alternative closure device,

FIG. 16 a further embodiment of a proposed arrangement device in a plan view,

FIG. 17 a further embodiment of a proposed arrangement device in a plan view,

FIG. 18 the arrangement device from FIG. 17 in a view from below,

FIG. 19 the arrangement device from FIG. 17 in a side view,

FIGS. 20a-20c sectional views according to sight line A-A in FIG. 19,

FIGS. 21
a,
21
b perspective views of a further embodiment of a proposed arrangement device with closure devices that are to be inserted,

FIGS. 22
a,
22
b perspective views of the arrangement device from FIGS. 21a and 21b with inserted closure devices,

FIG. 23 a perspective detailed view of a slit in a proposed arrangement device,

FIG. 24 a front view of the slit according to FIG. 23,

FIGS. 25-27 wire portions with different variants of wire terminations,

FIG. 28 wire portions with transportation securing devices,

FIG. 29 a perspective detailed view of a slit in a proposed arrangement device,

FIG. 30 a front view of the slit according to FIG. 29,

FIGS. 31a-31d different slit variants, and

FIGS. 32a-32d different transitions from the main body into the slit.

FIG. 1 shows the plan view of a schematically illustrated assembly device 100, comprising a supply portion 103, which transfers wire portions 10, or the wire terminations 11 to be attached to the wire portions 10, to a preparation portion 104. The working portion 105 assembles the wire portions 10. To do so, the wire is, for example, cut to length, stripped, partially stripped, and crimped, pressed, soldered, glued or shrunk-on to wire terminations 11. By way of a transfer device 101, the wire portions 10 pre-assembled in this manner reach the corresponding arrangement devices 1 which are detachably attached to the assembly device 100 and located in the removal portion 106 on the assembly device 100.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the schematic construction. It can be seen that, in this example, the arrangement devices 1 are oriented obliquely to the horizontal axis in order to cause the wire portions 10 to slide along under the effect of gravity. The angle between the longitudinal extent LE of an arrangement device 1 and the horizontal axis is in a range between 0° and 90°, particularly preferably between 10° and 80°.

FIG. 3 shows a schematically illustrated assembly device 100 for assembling or pre-assembling wire portions 10, with an arrangement device 1 which is detachably attached to the assembly device 100 for receiving the assembled or pre-assembled wire portions 10.

The arrangement device 1 comprises a main body 2 and a slit 4 which extends along a longitudinal extent LE of the main body 2 at least in some regions for stringing the wire portions 10 along the slit 4. To adjust a slit width SB of the slit 4, the arrangement device 1 comprises an adjustment device 3, not visible in this view.

The arrangement device 1 is detachably attached to the assembly device 100, it is for example fitted on the assembly device 100 by means of brackets. Once the arrangement device 1 has been filled, it can be removed from the assembly device 100 in a simple manner and transported to the point of use. Once the installation work is complete, the emptied arrangement device 1 can be re-attached to the assembly device 100 to be filled. No waste is produced, and resources are saved since the arrangement device 1 is intended for multiple use.

On the assembly device 100 there is a schematically illustrated transfer device 101, which can be formed, for example, as a robot arm. By way of the transfer device 101, the individual pre-assembled wire portions 10 with wire terminations 11 arranged thereon arrive, from the assembly device 100, at the first end E1 of the slit 4, where they are inserted into the slit 4. Owing to the oblique position of the arrangement device 1, and due to the overlap formed by the wire termination 11, the wire portion 10 slides along the longitudinal extent LE of the main body 2 as far as a stop portion 5 on the main body 2 of the arrangement device 1 or as far as the closest wire portion 10. Here, the stop portion 5 is located at the second end E2 of the slit 4. The arrangement device 1 shown here is formed as main body 2 with a rectangular cross section and as a hollow profile. It can be seen that the wire terminations 11 on the top end of the wire portions 10 are protected by the closed form of the arrangement device 1. The closed design of the main body 2 also rules out the wire portions slipping out upwards. It is thus ensured that all the wire portions 10 are kept in the right order and the right number in the arrangement device 1 once the arrangement device 1 has been loaded.

FIG. 4 shows a further variant of a schematically illustrated assembly device 100, although several assembly devices 100 can also be provided. The transfer device 101 removes the relevant wire portions 10 and inserts them at the first end E1 of the arrangement device 1. A schematically illustrated advancing device 102 provides the necessary advance along the longitudinal extent LE of the arrangement device 1 as far as the stop portion 5 at the second end E2 or as far as the closest wire portion 10 which was inserted previously. Of course, it can also be provided that the transfer device 101 and the advancing device 102 are formed using just one device. This could be a robot with a gripper, for example. In this case, the angle between the arrangement device 1 and the assembly device 100 is not critical for the function of inserting the individual wire portions 10 since the individual wire portions 10 are advanced by the advancing device 102, not by gravity. By way of example, the arrangement device 1 can thus point obliquely upwards, be oriented horizontally, point obliquely downwards or be arranged at any other angle.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a proposed arrangement device 1 in a plan view, FIG. 6 shows the arrangement device 1 in a side view, FIG. 7 shows a sectional view according to sight line A-A in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 shows a partial view according to sight line B-B in FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 shows a partial view according to sight line C-C in FIG. 6.

The arrangement device 1 comprises a main body 2 formed by a rod profile in the form of a hollow-chamber profile (see in particular FIG. 7). Along the longitudinal extent LE of the main body 2 there extends a slit 4 for stringing wire portions 10 which have been provided by an assembly device 100 along the slit 4. To adjust a slit width SB of the slit 4, the arrangement device 1 comprises an adjustment device 3 (see FIG. 8). The adjustment device 3 comprises a rail 3a arranged on the main body 2, which rail is arranged so as to be movable relative to the main body 2 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent LE. The rail 3a is mounted on the main body 2 in a translatory manner by means of a linear guide, not illustrated in more detail here. A projection 9 in the form of a doubled-over metal sheet portion that forms a first slit width end is arranged on the main body 2 of the arrangement device 1 shown (see FIG. 7). The end of the movable rail 3a that is on the outside in the direction of the projection 9 represents a second slit width end. Since the rail 3a is movably arranged on the main body 2, the second slit width end can be moved relative to the first slit width end, as a result of which the slit width SB (from the first slit width end to the second slit width end) can be adjusted in a simple manner (see FIG. 8). The rail 3a extends along the longitudinal extent LE substantially along the entire slit 4, with the result that the slit width SB can be adjusted along the entire slit 4 in a simple manner. To fix the adjusted slit width SB, the rail 3a can be locked relative to the main body 2.

The wire portions 10 provided by an assembly device 100 which comprise wire terminations 11 arranged thereon on both sides are threaded in at a first end E1 of the slit 4 and moved in the direction of the second end E2 of the slit 4 (e.g., under the effect of gravity or by a corresponding advancing device 102). A stop portion 5 for stopping the wire portions 10 is arranged at the second end E2 of the slit 4. In this example, the stop portion 5 is arranged on a termination apparatus 12 that can be fitted on an end of the main body 2. The termination apparatus 12 terminates the arrangement device 1 in the region of the second end E2 of the slit 4.

The slit 4 has a slit width SB that substantially corresponds to a wire diameter KD of the wire portions 10, the slit width SB being smaller than a termination diameter AD of the wire terminations 11. These dimensions of the slit width SB ensure that the wire portions 10 can be strung along the slit 4 in the arrangement device 1 in a smooth manner. Owing to the larger termination diameter AD of the wire terminations 11 arranged on the wire portion 10, the wire portions are prevented from falling out of the slit 4. In particular, the connection between the assembled or pre-assembled wire portions 10 and the arrangement device 1 is form-fitting since each wire termination 11 rests on the portions of the main body 2 that delimit the slit 4 (formed by projection 9 and rail 3a in the example shown).

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a proposed arrangement device 1 in a plan view, FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of the arrangement device 1 according to FIG. 7, and FIG. 12 shows a partial view of the arrangement device 1 according to FIG. 8.

The adjustment device 3 of this embodiment comprises two rails that are movable relative to the main body 2 transversely to the longitudinal extent LE: a first rail 3a and a second rail 3b that can be moved towards one another and/or away from one another in order to adjust the slit width SB. In the process, the end of the first rail 3a facing the second rail 3b forms a first slit width end, and the end of the second rail 3b facing the first rail 3a forms a second slit width end. If the two rails 3a, 3b move towards one another the slit width SB (from the first slit width end to the second slit width end) can thus be reduced, and if the two rails 3a, 3b move away from one another the slit width SB can be increased.

FIGS. 13a to 15 show plan views of proposed arrangement devices 1 in the region of the first end E1 of the slit 4. In each case here, a funnel-shaped insertion portion 6 opening into the slit 4 is formed at the first end E1 of the slit 4. The insertion portion 6 facilitates the insertion of the wire portions 10 with the wire terminations 11 attached thereto. One part of the main body 2 above or opposite the slit 4 has been made available to simplify the insertion of the wire portions 10.

FIGS. 13a and 13b show a closure device 7 formed by a locking element 8. It is rotatably arranged on the main body 2 and engages with a locking peg for the locking. Once the arrangement device 1 has been filled, this locking element 8 can be closed to prevent the individual wire portions 10 from falling out (see FIG. 13b).

FIG. 14 shows another variant of a closure device 7. In this case, an elastic band, preferably a rubber ring, is pushed onto the main body 2 as a closure device 7. Recesses in the main body 2 can additionally secure the position of the closure device 7. By way of example, the rubber band engages in slots in order to be able to prevent the rubber ring from inadvertently slipping off.

FIG. 15 shows a further variant of a closure device 7, which in this case closes the slit 4. Here, the closure device 7 is a moulded part, for example in the form of a plug, which is form-fittingly connected to the slit 4 and/or to the insertion portion 6.

FIG. 16 shows the plan view of a further embodiment variant of a proposed arrangement device 1. At both ends E1 and E2 of the slit 4, said arrangement device comprises one insertion portion 6 and one closure device 7. As a result, when the arrangement device 1 is being used on the assembly device 100, there is no need to consider the insertion direction and thus the arrangement device 1 can be filled from both ends E1, E2 and then also closed by the closure device 7. With this variant it is also possible to select which of the two ends E1, E2 the wire portions 10 are removed from, which may have an impact on their order. Thus, when the arrangement device 1 is being loaded, it can be specified whether, for example, the first introduced wire portion 10 is also the first wire portion 10 to be removed when required during installation, or the last. Where the first inserted wire portion 10 is also the first wire portion 10 to be used, and it has been inserted at the first end E1 and come to rest in the region of the second end E2, then it has to be removed at the opposite end E2. If the sequence is different, and the first inserted wire portion 10 is the wire portion 10 to be used last, then the wire portions 10 inserted at the first end E1 must also be removed again at the first end E1. Instead of the closure devices 7 as shown in FIG. 16, different closure devices 7 can also be used, for example a rubber band or a closure plug, as already shown in the preceding figures.

FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of a proposed arrangement device 1 in a plan view, FIG. 18 shows the arrangement device 1 in a view from below, FIG. 19 shows the arrangement device 1 in a side view, and FIGS. 20a to 20c show sectional views through the arrangement device 1 according to sight line A-A in FIG. 19.

The adjustment device 3 in this embodiment comprises two rails that are movable relative to the main body 2 transversely to the longitudinal extent LE: a first rail 3a and a second rail 3b that can be moved towards one another and/or away from one another in order to adjust the slit width SB. In the process, the end of the first rail 3a facing the second rail 3b forms a first slit width end, and the end of the second rail 3b facing the first rail 3a forms a second slit width end. If the two rails 3a, 3b move towards one another, the slit width SB (from the first slit width end to the second slit width end) can thus be reduced, and if the two rails 3a, 3b move away from one another, the slit width SB can be increased.

Here, a funnel-shaped insertion portion 6 is formed at a first end E1 of the slit 4 in each case, which is created by the fact that the two rails 3a, 3b have correspondingly chamfered end portions. One part of the main body 2 above or opposite the slit 4 has been made available to simplify the insertion of the wire portions 10. A stop portion 5 for stopping the wire portions 10 is arranged at a second end E2 of the slit 4. In this example, the stop portion 5 is arranged on a termination apparatus 12 that can be fitted on an end of the main body 2. The termination apparatus 12 terminates the arrangement device 1 in the region of the second end E2 of the slit 4.

The two rails 3a, 3b are arranged on the main body 2 so as to be movable in a translatory manner in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent LE. For this purpose, the main body 2 illustrated here has slots 13 that run in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent LE, with fasteners 14 in the form of screws protruding through the rails 3a, 3b and through the slots 13 (see FIGS. 20a to 20c). The rails 3a, 3b are movable along the slots 13 relative to the main body 2 and can be fastened to the main body 2 by the fasteners 14.

The fasteners 14 in the form of countersunk screws protrude through countersunk holes in the rails 3a, 3b, which are distributed along the longitudinal extent LE, and through the slots 13 milled into the main body 2 at corresponding locations and engage in corresponding threaded bushings 15 on the main body 2. In the example shown, the threaded bushings 15 are incorporated in two threaded strips, which run along the longitudinal extent LE and are movable inside the main body 2 along the slots 13 together with the countersunk screws. In the specific example, these two threaded strips are located in two chambers of the main body formed as an aluminium profile, into which they were inserted by their end faces during production of the arrangement device 1. The threaded strips receive the countersunk screws and ensure that the rails 3a, 3b can be moved in a continuous manner in relation to the main body 2 and that the rails 3a, 3b can be locked by clamping. When the screws are in the loosened state, the rails 3a, 3b can be moved along the slots 13 (the screws acting as guide pins in the process) and, at the desired slit width SB, the rails 3a, 3b can be secured in a simple manner by tightening the screws into the threaded bushings 15, clamping the rails 3a, 3b between screws and main body 2.

FIGS. 21a and 21b show perspective views of a further embodiment of a proposed arrangement device 1 with closure devices 7 that are to be inserted. Here, the closure devices are configured as inserts that can be inserted into corresponding recesses 16 in the main body 2 in the region of the two ends E1, E2 of the slit 4 and locked to the main body 2. For this purpose, the closure devices 7 have spring-loaded snap-in lugs 17, which, when in the inserted position in the main body 2, catch with corresponding latching receptacles in the main body 2 and secure the closure devices 7 in a stationary manner. To remove the closure devices 7, the spring-loaded snap-in lugs 17 can be moved counter to the action of the spring force by means of an actuation apparatus 18 and thus pushed out of the latching receptacles.

FIGS. 22a and 22b show perspective views of the arrangement device 1 from FIGS. 21a and 21b with closure devices 7 inserted into the main body 2.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show the dimensions of the slit width SB in relation to the dimensions of the wire diameter KD of the individual wire portions 10. Also shown is, how the wire terminations 11 are prevented from slipping through the slit by their overlap over the slit width SB. The wire terminations 11 rest on a first surface EO, or also on the inside I, of the main body 2 in a form-fitting manner. On the opposite, second surface ZO, or also on the outside A, of the main body 2, the wire portions 10 protrude out of the slit 4. The slit width SB substantially corresponds to the diameter KD of the individual wire portions 10. To simplify and improve the sliding properties along the slit 4, it can be provided that the slit width SB is greater than the wire diameter KD of the wire portions 10. However, the slit width SB does not exceed the value of the termination diameter AD of the wire terminations 11. The slit width SB is thus the same size as or slightly larger than the wire diameter KD, but smaller than the termination diameter AD. This is additionally illustrated in FIG. 24, which shows a front view of FIG. 23.

FIGS. 25 to 27 show different variants of wire terminations 11. FIG. 25 shows cable lugs, FIG. 26 shows the female contact elements of flat connectors and FIG. 27 shows crimp contacts. However, all other elements, e.g., shrink-on sleeves, cable sleeves, support sleeves or the like, can also be used as wire termination 11 instead of the wire terminations shown by way of example in FIGS. 25 to 27. What is important is that the overlap formed by the wire terminations 11 is greater than the slit width SB (see FIG. 24).

FIG. 28 shows how it is possible also to mount wire portions 10 that have been merely cut to length, without any wire terminations 11 arranged thereon in the form of an end sleeve or a similar contact element, along a slit 4. For this purpose, fitted transportation securing devices serve as wire termination 11. These can be removed from the wire portion 10 once the wire portions 10 have been removed or are automatically removed when the wire portion 10 is removed from the slit 4.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show a further variant. In this case, partially stripped wire portions 10 are mounted in the slit 4. This is shown in detail in FIG. 30, in which the insulation of the wire portion 10 has been cut and pushed along the stranded core of the wire portion 10, and thus a portion of the stranded core is exposed. The stranded-core diameter LD thus serves as a reference for the slit width SB. In this case, the slit width SB is substantially the same as the stranded-core diameter LD but no greater than the wire diameter KD. When the wire portion 10 is needed, it can be pulled by its longer piece hanging out of the arrangement device 1; in the process, the partially separated insulation on the short end and in the interior of the arrangement device 1 is detached and the wire portion 10 can be used directly without being stripped. However, the wire portion 10 can also simply be pushed out of the slit 4 in the entirely normal way if the partially stripped section or the partial insulation is to remain intact.

FIGS. 31a to 31d show different variants of the slit 4 in the main body 2. These are intended to simplify or otherwise influence the threading and unthreading of the individual wire portions 10 into and out of the slit 4. In this case, FIG. 31a shows a main body 2 that bulges in the direction of the wire terminations 11, the slit 4 being formed at the highest point thereof. FIG. 31b shows the exact opposite situation, in which the main body 2 bulges downwards and the slit 4 is located at the lowest portion. FIG. 31c forms a bar that points upwards and in FIG. 31d the bar points downwards. These different embodiment variants could, for example, be used with different wire terminations 11 in order to be able to protect or surround them according to their shape.

FIGS. 32a to 32d show different geometries of the slit 4. By way of example, FIG. 32a shows the cross section of the main body 2 through which the slit 4 runs. In this case, the transition from the main body 2 into the slit 4 is formed by a chamfer F. FIG. 32b shows a further variant of a transition from the main body 2 into the slit 4 by a chamfer F. FIG. 32c shows how the transition from the main body 2 into the slit 4 is formed by a radius R. In FIG. 32d, the portions of the main body 2 that delimit the slit 4 have a rounded part with a radius R.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1 Arrangement device

2 Main body

3 Adjustment device

3
a First rail

3
b Second rail

4 Slit

5 Stop portion

6 Insertion portion

7 Closure device

8 Locking element

9 Projection

10 Individual pre-assembled wire portions

11 Wire termination

12 Termination apparatus

13 Slot

14 Fastener

15 Threaded bushing

16 Recess in the main body

17 Snap-in lug

18 Actuation apparatus

100 Assembly device

101 Transfer device

102 Advancing device

103 Supply portion

104 Preparation portion

105 Working portion

LE Longitudinal extent of the main body

E1 First end of the slit

E2 Second end of the slit

SB Slit width

KD Wire diameter

EO First surface of the main body

I Inside of the main body

ZO Second surface of the main body

A Outside of the main body

AD Termination diameter

LD Stranded-core diameter

F Chamfer

R Radius

PACKAGING DEVICE

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)