JP7580957B2 - Semi-automatic cable twisting device and conveying method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a semi-automatic cable twisting device and a method for transporting multiple cable bundles processed in such a semi-automatic cable twisting device.

In a semi-automatic cable stranding machine, a cable bundle, such as a pair of cables, is manually inserted by an operator into the stranding fixture of the machine. The cable bundle typically includes two single cables, which are stripped of their insulation at their distal ends. The distal ends may also be provided with crimp terminals and/or grommets at the distal ends. The distal ends are placed in a part of the stranding machine that performs the actual stranding process. The other end of each cable bundle, e.g. the trailing end, is typically held stationary in rotation, e.g. by means of a suitable cable gripper. Thus, in the stranding operation, the cable bundle typically extends along the axis of the gripped cables, or cable extension axis. The extended cable bundle forms a cable extension path.

Once the cable bundle has been extended to its full length prior to twisting, the operator is responsible for inserting the leading end of the cable bundle into the twisting tool and the trailing end into the non-rotating cable gripper.

During the twisting process, the length of the cable bundle is reduced as one single cable is rotated around the other, i.e., a twisting process is performed. This reduction in length is compensated for by the twisting device. An example of a length reduction compensation involves moving one of the leading or trailing ends towards the other in the direction of the cable extension axis. This length compensation movement is typically performed by a gripper gripper acting against the retracting force of a spring or an air cylinder. A conventional twisting device is disclosed, for example, in DE 202009004914 A1.

In order to process cable bundles having different lengths, the distance between the untwisted or unrotated cable gripper at one end and the twisting device is adjustable. WO 2013/104187 discloses a twisting device having a gripper arranged on a slide that can be moved by motor means. This twisting device has two parallel cable extension paths, i.e. two cable bundles can be processed simultaneously.

If the cable bundle to be processed exceeds a certain length, the operator operating or handling the semi-automatic cable processing device must physically move between positions, i.e., where the leading end of the cable bundle is inserted into the twisting device and where the trailing end is inserted into the non-rotating cable gripper. Also, as described in the above-mentioned WO 2013/104187, the method of processing two cable bundles simultaneously requires the operator to move. Furthermore, arranging the gripper on a slide that can be moved by a motor helps to reduce operator movement when the slide is configured to move towards the operator for the insertion operation, but the twisting operation cannot be performed while the slide is moving.

Therefore, it is desirable to improve the handling and/or output of semi-automatic cable processing equipment.

According to one aspect, a semi-automatic cable stranding apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a processing unit and a handling unit. The processing unit includes a gripper rotation device and a gripper slide. The gripper rotation device has a plurality of rotating grippers of the supported cables arranged side by side. The gripper slide has a plurality of non-rotating cable grippers arranged side by side. Each non-rotating cable gripper corresponds to a corresponding one of the plurality of rotating grippers of the supported cables. The gripper slide is movable along a gripping cable extension axis to a processing start position. The handling unit includes a handling unit slide. The handling unit slide has a plurality of handling unit cable grippers. The handling unit cable grippers are arranged side by side. The handling unit slide is movable along an axis substantially parallel to the gripping cable extension axis. Each of the handling unit cable grippers is configured such that a first end of a cable bundle is manually attached to the handling unit slide when the handling unit slide is arranged in a handling position. The handling position is a position within reach of the gripper rotation device. The handling unit is configured to transport a first end of the cable bundle from the handling unit cable gripper to the non-rotating cable gripper of the processing unit when the gripper slide of the processing unit is in the processing start position.

According to one aspect, a method of transporting a plurality of cable bundles processed in a semi-automatic cable stranding apparatus is provided, the cable stranding apparatus comprising a processing unit and a handling unit as described herein. The method of transporting includes, in the order described, moving a handling unit slide to a handling position within reach of a gripper rotator, manually attaching each of the handling unit cable grippers to a first end of the cable bundle, moving the handling unit slide to a position corresponding to a processing start position, and transporting the first end of the cable bundle from the handling unit cable gripper to the non-rotating cable gripper.

In an aspect, the cable stranding device is configured to strand a plurality of pre-assembled cable bundles, each cable bundle including a plurality of single cables, typically, but not limited to, two single cables.

Reachable, as used herein, refers to a position where two (or more) components can be reached or handled by an operator operating a semi-automatic cable twisting device without the operator having to actively move his/her body between positions. Actively moving includes, for example, walking between positions. In other words, two (or more) components are within reach if the operator does not have to walk from one component to the other or use other means of personal transportation such as a conveyor. The definition here is such that this applies to an average operator, but when the length of the cable exceeds several meters, it can be assumed that the gripper rotation device and the gripper slide at the processing start position are beyond the reach of even an exceptionally large operator.

For example, the handling position of the handling unit slide, as used herein, is within reach of the gripper rotator, meaning that an operator can operate or handle the rotating gripper of the supported cable and the handling unit cable gripper without the operator having to walk between the positions.

The handling unit slide is movable independently of the processing unit, and due to the automatic transport of the first end from the handling unit cable gripper to the non-rotating cable gripper, the operator does not need to move between positions when attaching the first end of the cable to the handling unit cable gripper. At the same time, the attachment of the first end of the cable to the handling unit cable gripper is performed while a twisting operation of another cable bundle is still occurring, thereby increasing the power output of the device.

Further aspects, features and advantages are apparent from the dependent claims and embodiments.

In an embodiment, each of the rotating grippers of the supported cables of the processing unit is configured to allow the second end of the cable bundle to be manually attached when the handling unit slide is away from the handling position.

The handling unit slide being away from the handling position means that the handling unit slide is not within reach of the gripper rotation device, e.g. at the processing start position. For example, the handling unit slide is in the processing start position for transporting the cable bundle to the processing unit.

In a further embodiment, the handling unit further comprises a handling tub. The handling tub is arranged below the handling unit slide, i.e. in a direction in which, for example, the treated cable bundle or the like falls as it is fed through the device. The handling tub is configured to support the cable bundle.

In yet a further embodiment, the handling unit further comprises a plurality of light barriers, each of which is configured to emit a signal for activating a corresponding one of the handling unit cable grippers when the first end is manually inserted into the handling unit. For example, typically, one or more handling unit cable grippers are assigned a light barrier, i.e. a corresponding light barrier, for each handling unit cable gripper. When the first end is manually inserted into the respective handling unit cable gripper, the light barrier emits a signal, whereupon the controller controls the handling unit cable gripper to be operated, e.g. to be closed.

Providing a light barrier can, for example, help ease operation or handling of the cable grip in the handling unit to further increase power output.

In yet another embodiment, the handling unit further comprises a plurality of push buttons. Each push button is configured to activate a corresponding one of the handling unit cable grippers. For example, one or more handling unit cable grippers, typically each handling unit cable gripper, is assigned a push button, i.e. a corresponding push button. When the push button is pressed, typically manually, the push button emits a signal, which then causes, for example, a controller to control, for example, opening, the handled unit cable gripper being operated.

Providing a push button can help ease operation or handling of the cable gripper in the handling unit. In particular, in connection with a light barrier, the push button may be used to open the cable gripper which is accidentally closed by the light barrier.

In yet another embodiment, one or more of the handling unit cable grippers include a cable limiting stop. Typically, each of the handling unit cable grippers includes a cable limiting stop. The cable limiting stop can assist the operator in correctly positioning the cable end within the unit.

In yet another embodiment, the gripper slide is mounted on a linear guide. At least the processing start position is adaptable to cable bundles of different lengths. In other words, the linear guide is capable of adapting the processing start position so that cable bundles of different lengths can be processed by the device. For example, by programming or by manual adaptation, the gripper slide of the processing unit may be moved to an appropriate processing start position depending on the length of the cable to be processed.

In a further embodiment, one or more non-rotating cable grippers, typically each non-rotating cable gripper, are suspended from the gripper slide via a corresponding elastic member. This achieves length compensation as the length of the cable bundle shortens during the processing operation, i.e., during twisting. During twisting, the force due to the length reduction acts in the opposite direction to the contraction force provided by the elastic member.

In this connection, the elastic member may comprise a guide rod attached to a compensating air cylinder, which provides the contraction force through its air structure.

In yet another embodiment, the processing unit further comprises a lifting air cylinder. The lifting air cylinder is configured to lift one or more handling unit cable grippers, typically each handling unit cable gripper, to a positioning level of a corresponding non-rotating cable gripper. This operation is typically performed in the process of transporting a first end of a cable bundle from a handling unit cable gripper to a processing unit non-rotating cable gripper.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a semi-automatic cable stranding device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing details of the semi-automatic cable stranding device of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of a handling unit of the semi-automatic cable stranding device of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gripper slide of the processing unit of the semi-automatic cable stranding device of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a semi-automatic cable stranding device similar to FIG. 1, illustrating the state of a conveying method according to one embodiment. 6 is a perspective view of a gripping portion slide in the semi-automatic cable twisting device of FIG. 5, and is a view for explaining the state of a conveying method according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the semi-automatic cable stranding device of FIG. 5, illustrating the state of a conveying method according to the present embodiment. 6 is a perspective view of a gripping portion slide in the semi-automatic cable twisting device of FIG. 5, and is a view for explaining the state of a conveying method according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a gripping portion slide in the semi-automatic cable twisting device of FIG. 5, and is a view for explaining the state of a conveying method according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the semi-automatic cable stranding device of FIG. 5, illustrating the state of a conveying method according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the semi-automatic cable stranding device of FIG. 5, illustrating the state of a conveying method according to the present embodiment.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a semi-automatic cable stranding apparatus 10 according to one embodiment. The cable stranding apparatus 10 includes a processing unit 100 and a handling unit 200, both of which are described in more detail below.

The processing unit 100 includes a gripper rotator 110 and a gripper slide 120. The gripper rotator 110 includes a plurality of supported cable rotating grippers 111, 112, 113, 114. The supported cable rotating grippers 111, 112, 113, 114 are arranged side by side. The gripper slide 120 includes a plurality of non-rotating cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124. The non-rotating cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124 are arranged side by side. Each non-rotating cable gripper 121, 122, 123, 124 has a counterpart in the supported cable rotating grippers 111, 112, 113, 114 for performing a cable bundle twisting operation, as described in more detail below.

When the cable bundle is gripped by one of the supported cable rotating grippers, e.g., supported cable rotating gripper 111 and its non-rotating cable gripper counterparts 121, 122, 123, 124, the cable bundle extends along the gripped cable extension axis A. The gripper slide is supported to be movable substantially along the gripped cable extension axis A or along an axis substantially parallel to the gripped cable extension axis A.

The handling unit 200 has a handling unit slide 220. The handling unit slide 220 has a plurality of handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224. The handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 are arranged side by side. The handling unit slide 220 is supported so as to be movable along an axis substantially parallel to the grip cable extension axis A.

Each of the handling knit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 is manually attached, for example by an operator, to a first end 311, 312, 313, 314 of a cable bundle 301, 302, 303, 304, as described in more detail below. Attachment may occur when the handling unit slide 220 is in the handling position H, as described further below.

The handling unit 200 is configured to transport the first ends 311, 312, 313, 314 from the handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 to the non-rotating cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124 of the processing unit when the gripper slide is in the processing start position P, as described further below.

In FIG. 1, the handling tank 290 is located below the handling unit slide 220. In addition, the tray tank 190 is located below the gripper slide 120. The handling tank 290 supports the elongated cable bundle in preparation for processing, while the tray tank 190 immediately receives the stranded cable bundle after processing is completed.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing details of the semi-automatic cable stranding device 10 of Figure 1. Each of the supported cable rotating grippers 111, 112, 113, 114 holds one end of a plurality of cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304. The cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304 extend along the gripped cable extension axis A.

The handling unit 200 in FIG. 2 is shown without a cable bundle attached or present. The handling unit comprises a handling unit slide 220 on which are mounted a plurality of handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 and a gripper operation panel. The panel comprises push buttons 241, 242, 243, 244, each configured to operate a corresponding one of the handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224, e.g., from a gripper closed state to a gripper open state.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, each handling unit cable gripper 221, 222, 223, 224 is provided with a cable limiting stopper 231, 232, 233, 234. The operator can insert the first end of the cable bundle into the handling unit cable gripper 221, 222, 223, 224 up to the respective cable limiting stopper 231, 232, 233, 234 for consistent cable quality, e.g., consistent length of the produced stranded cable bundle, and correct positioning of the cable bundle.

First ends of cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304, e.g., single cable pairs, can be inserted into handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 from the top side of FIG. 2. Grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 grip the first ends and then close, causing handling unit slide 220 to run on linear guide rails 269 that are substantially parallel to gripped cable extension axis A. For example, but not limited to, movement of handling unit slide 220 on linear guide rails 269 is via a belt drive located below linear guide rails 269.

Figure 3 shows a perspective bottom view of the handling unit 200 in a position in which the handling unit 200 is ready to transport cable bundles from the handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224. In Figure 3, the guide elements 268-1, 268-2 are arranged to be guided via linear guide rails 269.

3, each handling unit cable gripper 221, 222, 223, 224 is provided with a corresponding light barrier 251, 252, 253, 254 connected to a control unit (not shown). When a cable end of a cable bundle 301, 302, 303, 304 is inserted into one of the handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224, the corresponding light barrier 251, 252, 253, 254 is activated. As soon as an activation signal is issued to the control unit, the control unit controls the corresponding cable gripper 221, 222, 223, 224 to close, thereby gripping the cable bundle end. If the light barrier is accidentally activated, the operator presses the corresponding push button 241, 242, 243, 244 (see FIG. 2), as soon as a push button signal is issued to the control unit. The control unit sequentially controls the corresponding cable grippers 221, 222, 223, and 224 to open.

Note that the light barriers 251, 252, 253, 254 may be omitted. In this case, for example, the push buttons 241, 242, 243, 244 may be used to alternately switch the corresponding cable gripping portions 221, 222, 223, 224 open and closed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 are typically mounted on a plate that moves on two linear guide rails 261, 262 and can be driven by a rack 266 and pinion 267 drive in a direction substantially perpendicular to and substantially in the same plane as the gripped cable extension axis A for coordination with the non-rotating cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124 in the conveying process, as described in more detail below.

In addition, the plate can move vertically, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the plane spanning the plate. Two pivoting hinges 263, 264 allow for vertical, or upward, pivoting of the plate. Lifting of the plate during the transport process can be accomplished via actuators of the handling device 200, e.g., pneumatic actuators, or via externally provided devices. The lifting process is described in more detail below.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the gripper slide 120 of the processing section 100. The gripper slide 120 is supported on linear guide rails 161, 162 and is movable along the gripped cable extension axis A. Note that in this embodiment, the linear guide rail 161 in Figure 4 is the same as the linear guide rail 269 in Figure 2, and therefore guides both the handling unit slide 220 and the gripper slide 120 on one side of it. However, no restriction to a common use of the linear guide rails 161, 269 is intended, and there may be distinct linear guide rails for the gripper slide 120 on one side and the handling unit slide 220 on the other side.

The belt drive 166 is configured to drive the gripper slide 120 and to adjust the position of the gripper slide 120 to any position on the linear guides 161, 162. The position adjustment is performed so that cable bundles of different lengths can be processed within the limitations imposed by the dimensions of the device 10, in particular the limitations imposed by the length of the linear guides 161, 162. The cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124 arranged on the gripper slide 120 are of a non-rotating configuration. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each of the cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124 comprises a fixed gripper clip and a pneumatically movable gripper clip (neither explicitly shown) for selectively opening and closing each cable gripper 121, 122, 123, 124 via the movement of a corresponding movable gripper clip.

Length compensation air cylinders, one of which is shown in FIG. 4, are provided for length compensation during the twisting process. The guide rods 131, 132, 133, 134, each assigned to a corresponding one of the cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124, are attached to the piston rods of the corresponding air cylinders 167. The length compensation air cylinders 167 make it possible to compensate for the reduction in length of the cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304 during the twisting process. That is, the length compensation air cylinders 167 act to impose a contraction force on the cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124, respectively, while at the same time allowing the cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124 to move along the respective guide rods 131, 132, 133, 134. In this manner, the cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304 are held in tension along the cable extension axis A. The length compensation air cylinder 167 can be used to adjust the retraction force, for example, via a control or regulator valve.

The lifting air cylinders 150 are provided below the non-rotating cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124. The lifting air cylinders 150 are positioned and configured so that they can be controlled to lift the handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 when they are located below the non-rotating cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124 during the transport process. The corresponding transport process is described below.

Figures 5-11 each show a perspective view of the semi-automatic cable twisting device 10 similar to Figure 1, or details of the gripper slide 120 and/or handling unit slide 220, and respectively illustrate the states during the transfer method according to the embodiment. The cable twisting device 10 is essentially configured as in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1-4 above, and for the sake of brevity, the description will not be repeated here.

In this method, as manual manipulation of the gripper rotation device 110 must be performed during the twisting process, as described in more detail below, it is assumed that the operator is within reach of the gripper rotation device 110. In FIG. 5, the handling unit slide 220 is shown in the handling position H. In the handling position, the handling unit slide 220 is within reach of the operator.

Reach is a position where the operator can handle each element without the operator having to actively move his/her body. In FIG. 5, the operator does not need to change position so that he/she can handle both the (stationary) gripper rotation device 110 and the handling unit slide 220, which is in the handling position H at the stage shown in FIG. 5. It should be noted that the handling position may refer to a certain tolerance range where manual operation or handling by the operator is possible, as shown.

The handling position of the handling unit slide 220 is within reach of the gripper rotation device 110, which means that the operator can handle or manipulate the supported cable rotating grippers 111, 112, 113, 114 and the handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 without having to walk between positions. In other words, the operator can remain in one location when handling or manipulating the device 10 for multiple twisting operations, e.g., more than 10 or more than 100 twisting operations.

Figure 5 shows the initial position or initial state. When the operator starts to attach another cable bundle or bundles to the handling unit 200, one or more twisting processes may still be performed by the processing unit 100. In the initial state, the handling unit slide 220 is in the handling position so that the operator can perform operations thereon, for example inserting one or more cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304 into one or more handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224, respectively. Depending on the application or external circumstances such as the length of the cables, it is conceivable that only a part of the cable grippers is used. The controller can pay attention to the number of cable grippers used in the actual twisting process. In the following, it is assumed that four cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304 are handled simultaneously, but this is not limited to this.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the gripper slide 220 of the semi-automatic cable twisting device 10 of Figure 5 to illustrate the next state in the conveying method according to the embodiment. The cable ends 311, 312, 313, 314 of the cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304 are inserted into the cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 up to their respective limit stops 231, 232, 233, 234 and the cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 are closed. The gripper slide 220 is moved along the linear guide to the conveying position T or the conveying position.

In the perspective view of FIG. 7, the gripper slide 220 is shown in a transport position T. The transport position depends on the position of the gripper slide 120 on the respective linear guide. The gripper slide 120 is positioned at this stage in a position that depends on the length of the cable bundle before twisting.

By moving the gripping slide 220, the cable bundles 301, 302, 303, and 304 are pulled out in a direction parallel to the gripped cable extension axis A, and are supported by the handling tank 290.

7, the processing unit 100 still has the twisted cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304 attached. The twisted cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304 are discharged into the tray tank 190. In this process, the supported cable rotating grippers 111, 112, 113, 114 are rotated so that their insertion opening faces face downward. The gripper slide 120 moves toward the supported cable rotating grippers 111, 112, 113, 114, thereby relieving the tension on the twisted cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304. Then, all the cable grippers 111, 112, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124 of the processing unit 100 are released and the twisted unit cable bundles fall into the tray tank 190.

8 and 9 show perspective views of the gripper slide 120 and handling unit slide 220, respectively, at a subsequent stage in the transport process. In FIG. 8, the handling unit slide 220 is located in transport position T. The plates of the handling unit slide 220 are guided moving on two linear guide rails 261, 262 and driven by a rack 266 and pinion 267 drive such that the handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 are located below the non-rotating cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124 of the corresponding gripper slide 120.

In FIG. 9, the lifting air cylinder 150 is controlled to lift the plate carrying the handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224. The handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 are rotated or pivoted via pivoting hinges 263, 264 so that the gripped cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304 are automatically transferred from the handling unit cable grippers 221, 222, 223, 224 to the non-rotating cable grippers 121, 122, 123, 124 of the gripper slide 120.

8 and 9, the operator can begin to insert the rear ends of the already-pulled cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304 into the supported cable rotating grippers 111, 112, 113, 114. The supported cable rotating grippers 111, 112, 113, 114 are rotated so that their respective insertion opening faces face upward.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the stage when all rear cable ends have been inserted into the supported cable rotating grippers 111, 112, 113, 114. The gripper slide 120 is in position E where the cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304 hang loosely along the gripped cable extension axis with substantially no mechanical tension. The gripper slide 120 moves to the processing start position P as shown in Figure 11. At this stage, the cable bundles 301, 302, 303, 304 are tensioned and the twisting process begins. Meanwhile, the handling unit slide 220 is moved to the handling position H so that the operator can then start the cable bundle end insertion process.

It should be noted that the embodiments, features, aspects, and advantages described herein are exemplary, and that one skilled in the art would recognize that various features may be omitted or added without departing from the invention.

Claims (13)

A semi-automatic cable stranding device (10), comprising:
a processing unit (100) including a gripper rotation device (110) and a gripper slide (120) , the gripper rotation device (110) having a plurality of rotatably supported cable grippers (111, 112, 113, 114) arranged side by side , the gripper slide (120) having a plurality of non-rotating cable grippers (121, 122, 123, 124) arranged side by side, each of which corresponds to a corresponding cable gripper among the plurality of rotatably supported cable grippers (111, 112, 113, 114), and being movable along a gripper cable extension axis (A) to a processing start position;
a handling unit (200) including a handling unit slide (220) having a plurality of handling unit cable gripping parts (221, 222, 223, 224) arranged side by side and movable along an axis parallel to the gripping cable extension axis (A ) ;
Each of the handling unit cable grippers (221, 222, 223, 224) is configured to manually attach a first end (311, 312, 313, 314) of a cable bundle (301, 302, 303, 304) to the handling unit cable gripper (221, 222, 223, 224) when the handling unit slide (220) is in a handling position (H), the handling position (H) being a position where an operator who operates the gripper rotation device (110) can also operate the handling unit slide (220) without moving ,
The handling unit (200) is configured to transport the first end (311, 312, 313, 314) of the cable bundle from the handling unit cable gripper (221, 222, 223, 224) to the non- rotating cable gripper (121, 122, 123, 124) of the processing unit (100) when the gripper slide (120) of the processing unit (100) is in the processing start position (P). 2. The semi-automatic cable stranding device (10) of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rotatably supported cable grippers (111, 112, 113, 114) of the processing unit (100) is configured such that a second end (323, 324) of the cable bundle (301, 302, 303, 304) is manually attached to the each of the plurality of rotatably supported cable grippers (111, 112, 113, 114) of the processing unit (100) when the handling unit slide (220) is away from the handling position (H). 3. The semi-automatic cable stranding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the handling unit (200) further comprises a handling trough (290) arranged below the handling unit slide (220) for supporting the cable bundles (301, 302, 303, 304). 4. The semi-automatic cable stranding device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of light barriers (251, 252, 253, 254), each configured to emit a signal for activating a corresponding one of the handling unit cable grippers (221, 222, 223, 224) when the first end (311, 312, 313, 314) is manually inserted into the handling unit. 5. The semi-automatic cable twisting device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the handling unit (200) further comprises a plurality of push buttons (241), each configured to activate a corresponding one of the handling unit cable grippers (221, 222, 223, 224). 6. The semi-automatic cable stranding device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one or more of the handling unit cable grippers (221, 222, 223, 224) have cable limiting stops (231, 232, 233, 234). 7. The semi-automatic cable stranding device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the gripper slide (120) is mounted on a linear guide and at least the processing start position (P) is adaptable to cable bundles (301, 302, 303, 304) of different lengths. 8. The semi - automatic cable twisting device (10) of claim 1, wherein each of the non-rotating cable grippers (121, 122, 123, 124) is suspended from the gripper slide (120) via an elastic member for providing length compensation during the twisting operation. 9. The semi-automatic cable stranding device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the elastic member comprises a guide rod attached to a compensating air cylinder. 10. The semi -automatic cable twisting device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting pneumatic cylinder (150) configured to lift one or more of the handling unit cable grippers (221, 222, 223, 224) to a positioning level of a corresponding non- rotating cable gripper (121, 122, 123, 124). A method for conveying a plurality of cable bundles processed by a semi-automatic cable stranding device (10), the cable stranding device (10) comprising:
a processing unit (100) including a gripper rotation device (110) and a gripper slide (120) , the gripper rotation device (110) having a plurality of rotatably supported cable grippers (111, 112, 113, 114) arranged side by side , the gripper slide (120) having a plurality of non-rotatable cable grippers (121, 122, 123, 124) arranged side by side, each of which corresponds to a corresponding cable gripper among the plurality of rotatably supported cable grippers (111, 112, 113, 114), and being movable along a gripper cable extension axis (A) between a processing start position (P) and a processing end position (E);
a handling unit (200) including a handling unit slide (220) having a plurality of handling unit cable gripping parts (221, 222, 223, 224) arranged side by side and movable along an axis parallel to the gripping cable extension axis (A ) ;
The conveying method includes :
Moving the handling unit slide (220) to a handling position (H) of the gripper rotation device (110) , where the operator who operates the gripper rotation device (110) can also operate the handling unit slide (220) without moving;
manually attaching first ends (311, 312, 313, 314) of cable bundles (301, 302, 303, 304) to respective handling unit cable grippers (221, 222, 223, 224);
moving the handling unit slide ( 220 ) to a position corresponding to the processing start position (P);
and conveying said first end of said cable bundle (301, 302, 303, 304) from said handling unit cable gripper (221, 222, 223, 224) to said non- rotating cable gripper (121, 122, 123, 124), in that order . 12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising manually attaching second ends (323, 324) of the cable bundles (301, 302, 303, 304) to the plurality of rotatably supported cable grippers (111, 112, 113, 114) when the handling unit slide (220) is away from the handling position (H). 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, further comprising raising the plurality of handling unit cable grippers (221, 222, 223, 224) to a positioning level of a corresponding non- rotating cable gripper (121, 122, 123, 124).

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