EP1029387B1 - Crimping tool - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a crimping tool for crimping crimp contacts, in particular of crimp contacts in tape form, with a pressing device comprising Base body and a table assigned to the base body for guidance of the crimp contacts, the crimp contacts being fed to the pressing device via the table and the position of the table relative to the base body along a tour is changeable.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a crimping tool for crimping crimp contacts, especially of crimp contacts in tape form, with a pressing device comprehensive base body and a table assigned to the base body to guide the crimp contacts, the crimp contacts of the pressing device be fed to the table.

Crimping tools of the type in question have long been known in practice and exist in a wide variety of embodiments. The known crimping tools are designed for the efficient processing of crimp contacts in tape form, in longitudinal or transverse transport or for sortable individual contacts. The known crimping tools are often designed as quick-change tools and can be used on individual workstations or fully automatic machines and transfer lines. The processing of electrical conductors with a cross-sectional area of approximately 0.08 mm ² to 50 mm ^{2 is} possible.

With a view to stable and precise crimping it is necessary that the crimp contacts the pressing device exactly placed on the position of the crimping die become. For this purpose, it is known to position the table relative to the To provide basic body along a guide. This allows the feed direction of the crimp contacts are affected.

In a known crimping tool, the table is formed in two in the base body Grooves. The table is fixed relative to the base body using clamping screws. To change the position of the table, the Clamping screws are loosened first, then the position of the table adjusted and finally the clamping screws are tightened again.

Such positioning of the table is due to the last three on the one hand Steps are complex and on the other hand tilting the table in the groove-like guides are often unavoidable. This increases the wear of the Crimping tool considerably.

Furthermore, the known positioning process often does not suffice precise adjustment of the table relative to the base body possible. A precise adjustment However, it is desirable because even minor adjustment errors are already available Formation of frequently unwanted flares - so-called crimp trumpets - lead in the area of the pressed crimp contacts.

The teaching of the present patent application according to claim 1 is based on the prior art, which results from US-A-5 577 318 (D1). From the document in question, a crimping tool with all the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known.

The adjusting mechanism of the known crimping tool comprises a mounting block 78, which is fastened to the base body 12 of the crimping tool. The assembly block 78 has a passage 86 through which an adjusting screw 92 passes is. The adjusting screw 92 is in a in the table 70 of the known crimping tool trained thread 90 screwed. By turning the screw 92 is the table 70 is displaceable perpendicular to the feed direction of the crimp contacts, wherein an elastic means 81 is arranged between the mounting block 78 and the table 70 is that the screw 92 by means of the table 70 against one on the mounting block 78 trained stop 88 presses.

To adjust the screw 92, it is necessary that the screw 92 on her the screw head 95 facing away from a projection 96 with reduced Has diameter. The protrusion has a slot 98 for engagement with, for example a screwdriver. The movement of the screw 92 takes place exclusively via the projection 96, since the screw head 95 of the screw 92 is not accessible when the crimping tool is assembled.

The adjusting mechanism known from the D1 is complex because it is a specially designed one Mounting block 78 and a specially designed screw 92 with a Projection 96 with a reduced diameter are to be used. Furthermore is the Actuating mechanism unsafe because of the formation of a screw 92 with a Projection 96 with a reduced diameter is virtually a "predetermined breaking point" in the area of the projection 96 is accepted. Especially with long operating times of the crimping tool and the associated increased stiffness of turning the screw due to possible contamination of the In extreme cases, the thread can break off the projection during a Adjustment process occur due to its reduced diameter. In one Fall must complete the Stellmechansimus including the mounting block 78 be dismantled to install a new screw 92.

The teaching of the present patent application according to claim 1 is therefore based on the object
to specify a crimping tool of the type mentioned, in which a safe long-term operation is achieved with structurally simple means.

The claimed, described by claim 1 The crimping tool that solves the task outlined above is characterized by the features of the identifying parts characterized.

In the manner according to the invention, it was first recognized that for implementation a simple adjusting mechanism can be dispensed with an assembly block. For this purpose, the base body now has a thread, one of which acts as a stop acting screw is screwed, which is only passed through the table is. The elastic means presses the table against one assigned to the base body Stop, namely the screw or the head of the screw. The adjustment the position of the table relative to the base body is done in a simple manner by simply screwing the screw in or out. When screwing the entire diameter of the screw can act. The formation of a head start with a reduced diameter on the screw is not necessary. at For example, the use of a commercially available Allen screw Screw turned on her head, which also forms a stop for the table.

Due to the omission of a component used in the prior art - the Assembly block - and due to the possibility of using a commercially available A particularly simple adjusting mechanism is provided for the screw. Of furthermore there is also a high level of security in the actuating mechanism according to the invention given in long-term operation because the diameter of the used Screw can be fully used when screwing and no "predetermined breaking point" is installed.

Consequently, a crimping tool is realized with the crimping tool according to the invention, where precise and variable positioning of the crimp contacts with simple Means is reached.

With regard to a particularly simple design of the adjusting mechanism the adjusting mechanism could be in between the table and the base body Include elastic means acting in the direction of the guide. Regarding a stable Position of the table, the elastic means the table could still be against you press the stop assigned to the body. The position of the stop could then in turn be changed relative to the base body in the guide direction be, so that a positioning of the table only by changing the Position of the stop is realizable. This would have a particularly simple positioning result.

The elastic means could be a coil spring in a structurally simple manner his. However, leaf springs or the like could also be used here.

With regard to a particularly secure arrangement of the elastic means that could elastic means run around the stop. When training the elastic Using a helical spring, the stop could then be inside the screw threads the spring be arranged.

Another particularly simple embodiment could be realized in that the stop one led through the table and into a thread in the base body screwed screw, preferably an Allen screw. Thus the adjustment could the position of the table relative to the base body by just one in or Unscrew the screw. The position of the table relative to the The base body would then be pressurized by the elastic means secured. For this purpose, the elastic means could continue in a recess in the Be arranged table. This would be a particularly safe and precise pressurization possible.

Furthermore, with regard to a particularly safe positioning of the table could the screw must be self-locking. This would involve the introduction of a plastic material conceivable in the thread in the base body. Alternatively or additionally the screw could be pressurized to prevent it from being unscrewed be secured. This pressurization could be caused by the elastic Successful means.

Another way to secure the position of the screw in the thread could by means of a bolt screwed through the base body towards the screw respectively. The thread for the bolt would practically be in the thread reach into the screw. In a particularly simple manner, the bolt could be a Be grub screw.

In an alternative embodiment, the stop could also be assigned to the table be, the screw then being screwed through the base body into the table would. Securing the screw against unintentional loosening could then be done analogously to the above.

With regard to a particularly simple yet safe guidance, the Guide at least one and preferably two of the base body and / or the Include table associated pin or pins. The pens could then run in receptacles formed in the table or in the base body. such Recordings could easily be made through drilling.

In addition to the design of the pins as round rods, pins with one could Dovetail profile or a square profile can be provided. In particular in the latter profile shapes, the formation of a pin would be safe Stop is enough.

Finally, the table could also be guided in a conventional manner the main body formed groove. In this case, a safeguard against would be necessary provide for lifting the table out of the groove.

To ensure particularly easy automatic feeding of the crimp contacts to the pressing device could be a feed unit for the base body the crimp contacts must be assigned. The feed unit could be a thrust element and one that can be moved back and forth in the feed direction of the crimp contacts Include feed fingers, the feed finger with the thrust element over one Coupling element could be operatively connected.

With regard to safe operation of the feed unit, the feed finger could be guided along one side of the table, preferably by means of the table. The feed finger could quasi move within a groove, possibly by a Table side and a cover element arranged on the table side can be formed could. The cover element could be designed as a plate and screwed to the table side his.

When changing the position of the table is with conventional crimping tools problematic that the position of the feed finger and ultimately the The distance of the feed finger to the table is adjusted to the change in position of the table must become. If the position of the feed finger is not adjusted in this way, this can be a grinding of the feed finger on the table or tilting of the feed finger, which leads directly to increased wear and leads to an impaired function of the crimping tool. Therefore, that could Crimping tool can be designed in a favorable manner such that the distance of the Advance finger to the table during and after actuation of the adjusting mechanism remains constant. For this purpose, the coupling element could be guided in the feed finger in this way be that the distance between the coupling element and feed finger during the Actuation of the adjusting mechanism changes to the same extent as the distance from Table and body. It would be a guide of the feed finger below the Tables in a groove made of two guide strips extending in the feed direction Cheap. The guide rails could either be integrally integrated into the table or screwed to the table from below.

In the same way, the coupling element could be perpendicular to the feed direction inside guided by two guide strips of the feed finger arranged in the form of a groove his. This would damage or impair the function of the Avoided crimping tool.

On the other hand, the above object is accomplished in the manner according to the invention solved the features of claim 18. After that is a crimping tool Crimping crimp contacts, in particular crimp contacts in tape form, with a a pressing device comprising a base body and a base body assigned table for guiding the crimp contacts, the crimp contacts of the Pressing device can be fed over the table, designed such that the table a positioning device for the functional positioning of the crimp contacts covered relative to the table.

According to the invention, it was first recognized here that a positioning of the Crimp contacts, if necessary, even without positioning the table relative to the base body can be done. In a further inventive manner, the table is a positioning device assigned. The need to position the table relatively to the main body while accepting the known disadvantages is elegant Avoided way. Furthermore, the problem of a jamming feed finger, which is not adapted to an adjustment of the table, no longer occur.

Consequently, with the crimping tool according to claim 18 realized a crimping tool in which a precise and variable positioning of the Crimp contacts are achieved with simple means.

With regard to a particularly simple crimping tool, the positioning device could one for positioning the crimp contacts perpendicular to the feed direction trained guide element include. That would be a simple requirement the feed direction for the crimp contacts conceivable.

To ensure easy positioning of the crimp contacts perpendicular to the In the feed direction, the guide element could be moved perpendicular to the feed direction his. With regard to a long guide route and thus a particularly safe one Positioning could extend the guide element in the feed direction. in this connection the guide element could continue to be strip-shaped and vertical be arranged to the table surface. With such a strip-like design the guide element could be bent particularly securely between at least two Engage the contact elements of the crimp contacts when operating the crimping tool. In other words, it is perpendicular to the table surface strip-shaped guide element between contact elements projecting perpendicularly from the table of the crimp contacts on the table. It could the guide element can be aligned along a crimp contact strip.

The distance could be used to adapt to differently dimensioned crimp contacts of the guide element can be changed relative to the table. It must be ensured that the crimp contacts or the crimp contact tape securely between the guide element and can slide through the table without any significant Movement of the crimp contacts perpendicular to the feed direction is possible.

With regard to a particularly secure arrangement of the guide element could the guide element can be attached to the table by means of a holding device. The Holding device could comprise at least one rod, on one of which End of the guide element is fixed.

The guide element could be fixed by clamping the guide element by means of a guided through the guide element and in the direction of the rod axis screw screwed into the rod on the rod. When assembled the rod could then be perpendicular to the feed direction and parallel to the Table level can be arranged level.

With regard to a simple change in distance of the guide element relative to The guide element on the table could have an elongated hole for the screw. A Distance or height adjustment of the guide element could then be easier Way by unscrewing the screw, moving the guide element and Tighten the screw.

With a view to a particularly simple arrangement of the rod, the holding device could comprise at least one receiving element for the rod or the rods.

The receiving element could have at least one passage for the one or more Embrace bars. The receiving element could be in one piece with several Passages for holding several rods or as a single element for holding be formed only one rod.

With a view to simply fixing the bars in the passage, the Rod or rods in the passage can be clamped in different positions his. This would be a simple positioning of the guide element in one direction realized perpendicular to the feed direction. To ensure a safe Clamping the rod in the passageway could result in clamping through one Receiving element screwed clamping screw. That for the clamping screw the thread provided would then run virtually up to the passage.

With regard to a particularly easily accessible holding device, the receiving element could or the receiving elements could be arranged on the table surface and preferably screwed to it. Alternatively, the receiving elements could can also be arranged on any other side of the table.

With regard to a particularly precise and variable positioning of the crimp contacts a crimping tool would also be conceivable, in which on the one hand an adjusting mechanism is provided for stepless positioning of the table along a guide and on the other hand a table with a positioning device for the functional Positioning the crimp contacts relative to the table includes. With such a Crimping tool could preferably have the features according to the subclaims partially or wholly realized.

Fig. 1

in sechs Vorder-, Drauf- und Seitenansichten, teilweise geschnitten und schematisch, ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Tischs eines erfindungsgemäßen Crimpwerkzeugs,

Fig. 2

in einer Vorderansicht, schematisch, das Schubelement mit Koppelelement und Vorschubfinger des Ausführungsbeispiels,

Fig. 3

in einer Seitenansicht, schematisch, das Schubelement mit Koppelelement und Tisch des Ausführungsbeispiels,

Fig. 4

in einer Vorderansicht, teilweise geschnitten und schematisch, den Tisch des Ausführungsbeispiels und

Fig. 5

in einer Vorderansicht, schematisch, das Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Crimpwerkzeugs.

There are now various possibilities for advantageously designing and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made on the one hand to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and claim 18, and on the other hand to the following explanation of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing. In connection with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred configurations and developments of the teaching are also explained. Show in the drawing

Fig. 1

in six front, top and side views, partially cut and schematic, an embodiment of a table of a crimping tool according to the invention,

Fig. 2

in a front view, schematically, the thrust element with coupling element and feed finger of the embodiment,

Fig. 3

in a side view, schematically, the thrust element with coupling element and table of the embodiment,

Fig. 4

in a front view, partly in section and schematically, the table of the embodiment and

Fig. 5

in a front view, schematically, the embodiment of the crimping tool according to the invention.

1 shows an embodiment in a total of six front, top and side views a table 4 of a crimping tool according to the invention. In the left Half of the illustration is initially two top views viewed from the bottom up of the table 4 shown. The table 4 has a steep mechanism 6 for stepless Position the table 4 along a guide 5. The stele mechanism 6 comprises an elastic means 7 and a screw 10. The guide 5 is constructed in the form of two pins 12. By turning the in the not shown here Base body 3 screw 10 is the position of the table 4 relative to Basic body 3 quasi adjustable with one hand. The setting is made in the guide direction 9th

The table 4 also has a positioning device 20 for functionally appropriate Position the crimp contacts 1 relative to the table 4. The positioning device 20 comprises a guide element 21 which is strip-shaped and vertical is arranged to the table surface in the feed direction 16. The guide element 21 engages between at least two bends during operation of the crimping tool Contact elements 22 of the crimp contacts 1.

The guide element 21 is fastened to the table 4 by means of a holding device 23. The holding device 23 comprises two rods 24, at one end the guide element 21 is screwed tight with a screw 25. For height adjustment of the Guide element 21, the guide element 21 has elongated holes 26. So that is the guide element can be changed in its position relative to the rods 24. The Bars 24 extend through passages 28 in a receiving element 27 of the Holding device 23. The receiving element 27 is arranged on the table surface and screwed to it.

To change the distance of the guide element 21 relative to the base body 3 or perpendicular to the feed direction 16 is the position of the rods 24 in the passage 28 changeable.

A feed finger 17, not shown here, is guided along the table side 19, wherein the guidance is optimized by means of a plate 29 screwed to the table side 19 is.

The second illustration from below in FIG. 1 also shows the table 4 in a top view, where a sectional view is chosen below the table surface level is. It can be seen that the screw 10 has a stop 8 for the table 4th forms. A recess is formed in the table below the table surface, which forms a guide area 33 for the feed finger 17.

The three upper representations in the left half of FIG. 1 show a front view of the table 4 or the guide element 21. Here, the passages 28 particularly well recognizable for receiving the rods 24. That in the top illustration shown guide element 21 has two slots 26 for height adjustment of the guide element 21 relative to the table 4.

In the right half of FIG. 1, the table 4 is shown in a side view. in this connection the guide area 33 is particularly well recognizable for the feed finger 17. The Table 4 also has a clamping device 30 for the crimp contacts 1. With the clamping device 30 is a lifting of the crimp contacts 1 or a tape avoided from crimp contacts 1 during operation of the crimping tool.

2 shows a schematic front view of the thrust element 15 of the feed unit 14. With the thrust element 15 is the feed finger 17 via a coupling element 18 connected. So that the feed finger 17 during the change the table position relative to the base body 3 by means of the adjusting mechanism 6 not tilted in its guidance, there is a groove 31 in the feed finger 17 for guidance of the coupling element 18 is formed. The coupling element 18 is such in the feed finger 17 out that the distance from the coupling element 18 and Feed fingers 17 during the actuation of the actuating mechanism 6 to the same extent changed how the distance from table 4 and base body 3.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of the thrust element 15 with the Coupling element 18 and the table 4 of the embodiment. The clarity half of the feed finger 17 is not shown here. The table 4 has a guide 5 trained pins 12 for engagement with the base body 3. Furthermore is a positioning device 20 for crimp contacts 1 is assigned to the table. The positioning device 20 has a receiving element 27 for rods 24, on which a Guide element 21 is fastened with a screw 25. The bars 24 run in the receiving element 27 formed passages 28. For clamping the Bars 24 in the passage 28, a clamping screw 32 is provided. The bars 24 and the receiving element 27 together form a holding device 23.

For clamping the crimp contacts 1 there is a clamping device 30 on the table 4 provided. Furthermore, the table 4 has a guide area 33 for the here Feed finger 17, not shown.

4 is a table 4 in a partially sectioned and schematic front view shown. In the illustration shown here with a partially cut table 4 is the range of motion of the feed finger 17 along the table side 19 and in the guide area 33 can be seen particularly well. Furthermore, the groove 31 is for the coupling element 18 shown.

Furthermore, the positioning device 20 with the holding device 23 and the Receiving element 27 shown. Passages 28 are provided for receiving rods 24 intended.

5 shows an overall view of the exemplary embodiment in a schematic front view of the crimping tool according to the invention. The crimp contacts 1 are guided on a table 4 and have contact elements 22. The table 4 is relative movable to the base body 3, which has a pressing device 2. The leadership 5 for the table 4 relative to the base body 3 has an adjusting mechanism 6, with which the position of the table 4 is infinitely adjustable relative to the base body 3. The Guide 5 has pins 12 which are guided in receptacles 13 of the base body 3 are.

The base body 3 is the feed unit 14 for the crimp contacts with the push element 15 assigned. The thrust element 15 is between two stops 35 forth. With each to and fro movement of the thrust element 15, the Band of crimp contacts 1 in the feed direction 16 to the pressing device 2 further conveyed. On the table 4 is a positioning device 20 with a guide element 21 arranged. The guide element 21 engages in the contact elements 22 of the Crimp contacts 1 on. The guide element 21 is via rods 24 and a receiving element 27 set on table 4. The feed finger 17 has a groove 31 for Engagement with the coupling element 18.

For locking the adjusting mechanism 6 or the screw 10 provided for this a thread 34 for a bolt is formed in the base body 3. The bolt can be designed as a grub screw and is used for locking against the Screw 10 screwed.

With the crimping tool according to the invention, an adaptation to all commercially available Crimp contacts 1 with a standard part in the form of the table 4 with the positioning device 20 reached. Until now, 1 a separate table 4 can be used. By simply positioning the Crimp contacts 1 with the crimping tool according to the invention can be used for crimp trumpets avoid.

With regard to further advantageous refinements and developments of the invention To avoid repetition, teaching is based on the one hand general part of the description and on the other hand to the appended claims directed.

In conclusion, it should be particularly emphasized that the previously chosen arbitrarily Embodiment only to discuss the teaching of the invention serves, but this is not limited to this embodiment.

Claims (13)

1. Crimping tool for crimping crimp contacts (1), especially crimp contacts (1) in strip form, the crimping tool having a basic body (3), which comprises a pressing device (2), and having a table (4), associated with the basic body (3), for guiding the crimp contacts (1), the crimp contacts (1) being supplied to the pressing device (2) by way of the table (4), the position of the table (4) relative to the basic body (3) being alterable along a guide (5), an adjusting mechanism (6) being provided for the continuous positioning of the table (4) along the guide (5) and the adjusting mechanism (6) comprising a resilient means (7) acting between the table (4) and the basic body (3) in the direction of the guide (5), the resilient means (7) urging the table (4) against a stop (8) associated with the basic body (3), characterised in that the stop (8) is a screw (10) which is guided through the table (4) and screwed into a thread in the basic body (3), so that the adjustment of the position of the table (4) relative to the basic body (3) is effected by tightening or unscrewing the screw (10).
2. Crimping tool according to claim 1, characterised in that the resilient means (7) extends around the stop (8).
3. Crimping tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the resilient means (7) is a helical spring.
4. Crimping tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the screw (10) is self-locking and/or, by being acted upon by pressure, is secured against being inadvertently unscrewed.
5. Crimping tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the position of the screw (10) in the thread is secured by means of a bolt screwed through the basic body (3) towards the screw (10).
6. Crimping tool according to claim 5, characterised in that the bolt is a grub screw.
7. Crimping tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the guide (5) comprises at least one and preferably two pin(s) (12) associated with the basic body (3) and/or with the table (4).
8. Crimping tool according to claim 7, characterised in that the pins (12) extend in receiving members (13) formed in the table (4) and/or in the basic body (3).
9. Crimping tool according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that a feed unit (14) for the crimp contacts (1) is associated with the basic body (3).
10. Crimping tool according to claim 9, characterised in that the feed unit (14) comprises a pushing member (15) and a feed finger (17) which is movable to and fro in the supply direction (16) of the crimp contacts (1), the feed finger (17) being operatively connected to the pushing member (15) by means of a coupling member (18).
11. Crimping tool according to claim 10, characterised in that the feed finger (17) is guided along one side (19) of the table, preferably by means of the table (4).
12. Crimping tool according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the distance between the feed finger (17) and the table (4) remains constant during and after the operation of the adjusting mechanism (6).
13. Crimping tool according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the coupling member (18) is guided in the feed finger (17) in such a manner that the distance between the coupling member (18) and the feed finger (17) during the operation of the adjusting mechanism (6) changes to the same extent as the distance between the table (4) and the basic body (3).

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