DE102023114401A1 - DEVICE FOR FITTING CONNECTOR HOUSINGS AND OPERATING METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for equipping connector housings 15 with a plurality of carrier plate parts 11, each of which has receiving devices for connector housings 15, an automatic assembly machine 17 for equipping the connector housings 15 with at least one cable 16 and a positioning unit for moving the carrier plate parts 11, wherein the carrier plate parts 11 can be assembled to form an assembly pallet 10, wherein the carrier plate parts 11 have uniform outer contours so that their positions within the assembly pallet 10 are freely interchangeable. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a device.

Description

technical field

The invention relates to a device for assembling connector housings. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a device.

State of the art

In practice, fitting cables into connector housings is usually a laborious manual process. However, there are already options for using assembly machines that fit cables into connector housings arranged on an assembly pallet. The assembly pallet is usually arranged vertically in the assembly machine, so that cables that have already been plugged into the connector housing slots hang down and can overlap or cover unused slots. These covered slots can no longer be reached by the assembly machine. Overlapping the cables during assembly can also lead to the problem of so-called "mesh". Meshing occurs when the cables connected to a first connector housing are intertwined with the cables of a second connector housing. The cable harness of the first connector housing can then hardly be separated from the cable harness of the second connector housing.

The arrangement of the connector housings on the assembly pallet is therefore essential for the automation process. The experience of the operator of the assembly machine usually plays a major role in ensuring good automation when assembling the connector housings.

Experienced and well-trained operators can reduce the problem of meshing. There are also initial attempts to use computers to determine the best possible position for the connector housing. This process is complex and requires a lot of preparation time. In addition, some slots cannot be used without meshing.

Description of the Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a device for equipping connector housings which avoids meshing of the cables when equipping the connector housings and can be used efficiently overall for equipping connector housings. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a method for operating such a device.

The invention solves the above-mentioned problem by a device according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 9.

• - mehrere Trägerplattenteile, welche jeweils Aufnahmevorrichtungen für Steckergehäuse aufweisen,
• - einem Bestückungsautomaten zum Bestücken der Steckergehäuse mit mindestens einem Kabel und
• - einer Positioniereinheit zum Bewegen der Trägerplattenteile, wobei die Trägerplattenteile zu einer Bestückungspalette zusammensetzbar sind,

wobei die Trägerplattenteile einheitliche Außenkonturen aufweisen, sodass ihre Positionen innerhalb der Bestückungspalette frei austauschbar sind.Specifically, the invention is based on the idea of providing a device for assembling connector housings, the device comprising the following:

• - several carrier plate parts, each of which has receiving devices for connector housings,
• - a placement machine for equipping the connector housings with at least one cable and
• - a positioning unit for moving the carrier plate parts, whereby the carrier plate parts can be assembled to form a loading pallet,

The carrier plate parts have uniform outer contours so that their positions within the assembly pallet can be freely exchanged.

The advantage of the invention arises from the fact that the carrier plate comprises several carrier plate parts, the positions of which are interchangeable. This means that the positions of the individual connector housings arranged on the carrier plate parts can be exchanged during operation. After some slots in the connector housing have been fitted with cables that overlap other slots and thus make further fitting difficult or impossible, the carrier plate parts can be repositioned within the fitting pallet so that the still unused slots are exposed. The automatic fitting machine can then fit these unused slots with further cables. The possibility of changing the position of the carrier plate parts within the fitting pallet increases the degree of automation. The fitting pallet can be a segmented fitting pallet. The fitting pallet can be a modular fitting pallet, and the individual carrier plate parts can correspond to the modules of the modular fitting pallet.

A uniform outer contour of the carrier plate parts exists if the carrier plate parts have, for example, the same geometry, in particular the same outer dimensions. For example, the carrier plate parts can be rectangular, in particular square.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier plate parts are designed identically. The identical design ensures that the carrier plate parts can be repositioned or exchanged with one another. In addition, this reduces the manufacturing costs for the carrier plate parts because the proportion of identical parts is increased.

Preferably, the carrier plate parts each comprise centering and/or connecting devices so that the carrier plate parts can be assembled, in particular connected, in a positionally accurate manner. It is expedient if the position of the connector housings in relation to the placement machine is defined as precisely as possible. Consequently, it is important for the success of the placement process that the carrier plate parts are correctly aligned with one another. The centering and/or connecting devices guarantee this and thus ensure a high level of process accuracy.

A particularly simple and efficient way of ensuring high process accuracy is provided by centering and/or connecting devices that form a positive contact between the carrier plate parts. A positive contact or a positive connection is easy and inexpensive to produce and offers a high level of accuracy in centering and connection. However, other centering and/or connecting devices, for example using magnets, are also conceivable.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiving devices are formed by holes or a hole grid. The use of a hole grid offers a high degree of design freedom when equipping the assembly pallet with connector housings. The efficiency of the automation process can thus be further increased by appropriately clever positioning of the connector housings on the individual carrier plate parts.

It is particularly advantageous if the repositioning of the carrier plate parts is also carried out automatically. This can be achieved, for example, if the positioning unit has a displacement device, in particular a rail-guided one. Alternatively or additionally, a gripper can be provided for the individual carrier plate parts, which is preferably robot-supported. After the connector housings have been partially fitted with cables, the device can automatically move or reposition the carrier plate parts in order to expose unoccupied slots and in this way equip the remaining slots. In this way, a particularly high degree of automation can be achieved.

With a high degree of automation, the issue of occupational safety plays a role. In this respect, the invention preferably provides that the placement machine has a lockable receiving space for the placement pallet. The placement machine is preferably controlled in such a way that the placement machine is deactivated when the receiving space is open. The receiving space can be closed manually. As soon as the operating personnel have closed the open frame so that there is no longer any access to the receiving space, the placement machine is started up by the control system, preferably automatically.

The assembly machine can also have a storage unit for several different cables. In this respect, it can also be referred to as a storage unit for different cables. The cables can differ in their cable thickness, the color of the insulation and/or the material used. With an assembly machine set up in this way, it is possible for the device to automatically equip different connector housings with different cables.

• - Einsetzen der Bestückungspalette in den Bestückungsautomaten,
• - Bestücken von Steckplätzen in Steckergehäusen, die auf wenigstens einem Trägerplattenteil der Bestückungspalette angeordnet sind, mit Kabeln, wobei einige Steckplätze unbestückt bleiben können,
• - Umsortieren der Trägerplattenteile, sodass die unbestückten Steckplätze freigelegt sind, und
• - Bestücken der unbestückten Steckplätze durch den Bestückungsautomaten mit Kabeln.

According to a secondary aspect of the invention, a method for operating a previously described device is provided, which comprises the following steps, preferably in the order given:

• - Inserting the assembly pallet into the assembly machine,
• - equipping slots in connector housings arranged on at least one carrier plate part of the assembly pallet with cables, whereby some slots may remain unequipped,
• - Rearrange the carrier plate parts so that the unpopulated slots are exposed, and
• - Equipping the unpopulated slots with cables using the placement machine.

The preferred embodiments and advantages specified in connection with the device also apply analogously to the method described here.

Short description of the characters

• 1 eine Draufsicht auf eine Bestückungspalette der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 2 eine Rückansicht der Bestückungspalette gemäß 1;
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf die Bestückungspalette gemäß 1 in einem ersten Schritt des Bestückens mittels eines Bestückungsautomaten;
• 4 eine Draufsicht auf die Bestückungspalette gemäß 1 in einem zweiten Schritt des Bestückens mittels eines Bestückungsautomaten; und
• 5 eine Draufsicht auf die Bestückungspalette gemäß 1 in einem dritten Schritt des Bestückens mittels eines Bestückungsautomaten.

The different and exemplary features described above can be combined with one another according to the invention, as long as this is technically reasonable and suitable. This applies regardless of whether the respective features are disclosed as device and/or method features. Further features, advantages and embodiments of the invention emerge from the following description of the figures, as well as the exemplary embodiments shown in the attached schematic drawings. In these,

• 1 a plan view of a loading pallet of the device according to the invention;
• 2 a rear view of the assembly pallet according to 1 ;
• 3 a top view of the assembly pallet according to 1 in a first step of assembly using a placement machine;
• 4 a top view of the assembly pallet according to 1 in a second step of assembly using a placement machine; and
• 5 a top view of the assembly pallet according to 1 in a third step of assembly using an automatic assembly machine.

Detailed description

In the 1 and 2 a loading pallet 10 of the device according to the invention is shown according to a preferred embodiment. 1 shows a top view of the assembly pallet 10. In 2 , however, a rear view of the assembly pallet 10 is shown.

The assembly pallet 10 comprises several carrier plate parts 11, which are rectangular in shape in the embodiment shown here. Overall, the assembly pallet 10 is made up of several identical carrier plate parts 11. The carrier plate parts 11 are arranged in a grid so that each side edge of the assembly pallet 10 comprises three carrier plate parts 11. Overall, in the embodiment shown here, 9 carrier plate parts 11 are assembled to form an assembly pallet 10. A different division and number of carrier plate parts 11 is possible.

Each carrier plate part 11 has a hole grid 12. The hole grid 12 is made up of several holes arranged regularly in rows and columns. The hole grid 12 serves to accommodate connector housings 15. Different connector housings 15 can be positioned using the hole grid 12. The carrier plate parts 11 are connected to one another, with the connection being made on the underside or rear of the assembly pallet 10.

The back, which in 2 is shown, has connecting devices 13. The connecting devices 13 can each be firmly connected to a carrier plate part 11 and can be coupled to another carrier plate part 11. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for individual connecting devices 13 to be formed by separate elements that are coupled to two adjacent carrier plate parts 11. It is preferred if the connecting devices 13 also have a centering function. In general, the connecting devices 13 offer a positive connection between the carrier plate parts 11.

The positive connection can be designed in such a way that an introduction contour is present that enables self-centering. It is advantageous for a good fixation of the carrier plate parts 11 if the connecting devices 13 form an undercut. For example, the connecting devices 13 can provide a dovetail connection or another profile connection with two interlocking profiles.

Gripper contacts 14 are also provided on the back of the assembly pallet 10. The gripper contacts 14 can be formed, for example, by cylindrical elevations. In any case, the gripper contacts 14 are designed so that a robot arm with a gripper can grip the individual carrier plate parts 11. Such a robot arm can be used to reposition the carrier plate parts 11. In particular, the carrier plate parts 11 can be placed at any position within the assembly pallet 10. Exchanging carrier plate parts 11 is also possible and desirable.

Alternatively or additionally, the carrier plate parts 11 can be displaced relative to one another in a rail system. In particular, it can be provided that after removing one carrier plate part, the remaining carrier plate parts 11 can be displaced relative to one another in the manner of a sliding puzzle. In this design, the carrier plate parts 11 alternately comprise grooves and tongues that engage with one another and thus form rails or guides for displacing the carrier plate parts within the grid predetermined by the size of the assembly pallet 10.

In 3 A mounting pallet 10 is shown, which is analogous to the embodiment according to 1 and 2 is made up of nine carrier plate parts 11. For a clear assignment, each of the carrier plate parts 11 is numbered. The nomination is made from 1 to 9 in rows starting with the carrier plate part 11 at the top left. The carrier plate part 11 in the top left corner or in the first row of the first column therefore has the number 1. The carrier plate part 11 in the top row of the second column (top center) has the number 2. The carrier plate part 11 in the top right corner or the first row of the third column is assigned the number 3.

Each carrier plate part 11 is occupied by at least one connector housing 15. A placement machine 17 with a placement arm 18 and a storage unit 19 is also shown schematically. The storage unit 19 can be formed by a circular storage unit or can be equipped with one. The placement arm 18 takes a cable 16 from the storage unit 19 and leads it to the individual slots 15a that are formed in the respective connector housings 15. The slots 15a can have different sizes and geometries.

As in 3 As can be clearly seen, some slots 15a of the connector housings 15 already positioned on the eighth and ninth carrier plate parts 11 are connected to cables 16. It is also clear that some cables 16 are already crossing and overlapping. This can become problematic for the further process because the cables 16 become entangled with one another.

In order to avoid this interweaving, it is therefore intended that the individual carrier plate parts 11 can be removed from the assembly pallet 11 and placed in other positions. In a further process step, which is 4 As shown by way of example, the ninth carrier plate part 11 is removed from the assembly pallet. The removed, ninth carrier plate part 11 is preferably positioned such that the cable routing of the cables 16 runs in an orderly and untangled manner.

By removing the eighth carrier plate part 11, a free space is created within the assembly pallet 10, which can be filled by other carrier plate parts 11. In the exemplary process step according to 4 the second carrier plate part 11 fills the gap at the location previously occupied by the ninth carrier plate part 11. In other words, the second carrier plate part 11 has been moved to the location of the ninth carrier plate part 11. The connector housings 15 on the second carrier plate part 11 can now be easily fitted with cables 16 by the automatic assembly machine 17. In the present case, cables 16 which are arranged with the connector housing 15 on the ninth carrier plate part 11 are fastened with their other ends in the connector housing 15 on the second carrier plate part 11.

On the second carrier plate part 11, a further connector housing 15 is arranged, which is also to be equipped with cables 16. These cables 16 are in turn to be connected to a connector housing 15 on the fifth carrier plate part 11. To achieve this, the eighth carrier plate part 11 is also removed from the assembly pallet 10, as shown by way of example in 5 shown.

The second carrier plate part 11 now moves to the original position of the eighth carrier plate part 11. The fifth carrier plate part 11 is positioned at the location that the ninth carrier plate part 11 had originally occupied. In this way, cables can be routed between the connector housing 15 on the second carrier plate part 11 to the connector housing 15 on the fifth carrier plate part 11. As in 5 is clearly visible, this avoids entanglement or meshing of cables 16.

A further advantage resulting from the invention is that the travel path for the placement arm 18 of the placement machine 17 is minimized. Preferably, the travel path for the placement arm 18 is limited to the bottom row of the placement pallet 10. This reduces the necessary cable lengths and speeds up the automated placement process.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

10

assembly pallet

11

carrier plate part

12

hole pattern

13

connecting device

14

gripper contact

15

connector housing

15a

slot

16

Cable

17

placement machine

18

assembly arm

19

storage unit

Claims (9)

Device for equipping connector housings (15) with - several carrier plate parts (11), each of which has receiving devices for connector housings (15), - an automatic assembly machine (17) for equipping the connector housings (15) with at least one cable (16) and - a positioning unit for moving the carrier plate parts (11), wherein the carrier plate parts (11) can be assembled to form an assembly pallet (10), wherein the carrier plate parts (11) have uniform outer contours so that their positions within the assembly pallet (10) can be freely exchanged. device according to claim 1 characterized in that the carrier plate parts (11) are identically designed. device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the carrier plate parts (11) each have centering and/or connecting devices (13) so that the carrier plate parts (11) can be assembled, in particular connected, in a positionally accurate manner. device according to claim 3 characterized in that the centering and/or connecting devices (13) form a positive contact between the carrier plate parts (11). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving devices are formed by holes or a hole grid (12). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning unit has a displacement device, in particular a rail-guided one, and/or a gripper, preferably a robot-supported one. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic assembly machine (17) has a lockable receiving space for the assembly pallet (10). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic assembly machine (17) has a storage unit (19) for several different cables (16). Method for operating a device according to one of the preceding claims with the following steps: - Inserting the assembly pallet (10) into the assembly machine (17), - Equipping slots (15a) in connector housings (15) that are arranged on at least one carrier plate part (11) of the assembly pallet (10) with cables (16), whereby some slots (15a) remain unequipped, - Rearranging the carrier plate parts (11) so that the unequipped slots (15a) are exposed, and - Equipping the unequipped slots (15a) with cables (16) by means of assembly machines (17).

Images