CN117239507A - Crimping tool and crimping method - Google Patents

Abstract

The application relates to a crimping tool and a crimping method, wherein the crimping tool (1) is used for crimping an outer conductor contact (4) onto a wire (6) having at least one inner conductor core wire (8), the crimping tool comprising a support block (20) having a support surface (21) on which the outer conductor contact (4) and the at least one inner conductor core wire (8) can be arranged, in order to be able to prevent bending of the outer conductor contact (4) and the at least one inner conductor core wire (8) during crimping, wherein the support block (20) further has at least one first stop surface (22) for the outer conductor contact (4), a guide (23) for the at least one inner conductor core wire (8) and a separate second stop surface (24) for the at least one inner conductor core wire (8).

Description

Crimping tool and crimping method

Technical Field

The present application relates to a crimping tool, in particular for crimping an outer conductor contact to a wire having at least one inner conductor core wire, and a crimping method.

Background

Crimping is a mechanical connection method to permanently connect two or more components to each other. In cable assembly, the inner and/or outer conductor contacts are typically crimped onto the wire. Crimping is a crimping piece that bends a contact portion by a force so that the crimping piece is permanently fixed to a wire. The crimping zone of the contact part, in which the crimping piece is arranged, is located for crimping on the anvil. In order to prevent the (excess) contact from being bent in the direction of the force action during crimping, in the prior art the support block is usually arranged close to the anvil, the (excess) contact being placed on the support block.

The prior art has at least one disadvantage in that the axial position of the outer conductor contact to be crimped can vary greatly as a result of the crimping process, so that the position requirements of the assembly instructions cannot be complied with. In addition, the positioning of the inner conductor contact relative to the outer conductor contact can also be greatly affected. In the prior art, the stop for the (crimped) inner conductor core is an additional component which is usually arranged at a position far above the anvil and thus increases the dispersion of the positioning of the inner conductor.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present application to provide an apparatus and a method, in particular for automated cable assembly, with which the axial position dispersion of the outer conductor contact itself and of the (crimped) inner conductor core wire can be reduced during crimping.

The above object is solved by a crimping tool according to claim 1 and a crimping method according to claim 6. Further preferred embodiments of the application can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

The above object is achieved in particular by a crimping tool for crimping an outer conductor contact to a conductor having at least one inner conductor strand, comprising a support block having a support surface, wherein the outer conductor contact and the at least one inner conductor strand can be arranged on the support surface in order to prevent bending of the outer conductor contact and the at least one inner conductor strand during crimping, wherein the support block further comprises at least one first stop surface for the outer conductor contact, a guide for the at least one inner conductor strand and a separate second stop surface for the at least one inner conductor strand.

The crimping tool has the advantage that the support block ensures the axial position of the outer conductor contact and the positioning of the inner conductor core wire relative to the outer conductor contact even during crimping. The first stop surface greatly limits the positional dispersion of the outer conductor contact in the axial longitudinal direction during the crimping process and during the previous positioning of the inner conductor wire in the outer conductor contact. This improves the overall accuracy in crimping. Furthermore, the lateral diffusion of the (crimped) inner conductor core wire is greatly reduced by means of the side walls of the guide. This results in an improved positioning of the inner conductor contact relative to the outer conductor contact, as well as an improved end product. In particular, the tool can be used to comply with position requirements in assembly instructions, in particular at manual work stations. Since the current support block is close to the anvil, dispersion of the inner conductor position can be reduced compared to the prior art, in which the stop for the (crimped) inner conductor core wire is an additional member, which is arranged at a position far above the anvil. The current support block is a passive component. The contact portions are aligned only with the corresponding surfaces or guides. Alignment can be achieved very quickly and automatically. In addition, no modification of the crimping tool is required. The present support block can be easily integrated into an existing crimping tool if the component matches the existing crimping tool or the corresponding crimping tool type, and no changes to the process sequence are required. In particular, crimping tools with defined setting frames can be used for a plurality of products, as long as the type of construction of the inner conductor and the outer conductor contact is similar.

The crimping tool can also have an anvil and at least one wear part for crimping the outer conductor contact with the at least one inner conductor core wire at the wire. The anvil and the at least one wear member form a working or crimping zone. Furthermore, the crimping tool can have a cutting part with a wire receiving part for receiving a wire, the cutting part can further comprise a through hole through which at least one inner conductor core wire can be arranged in the crimping zone.

Preferably, the crimping tool comprises a base plate, the support block being movable relative to the base plate. Thereby, the support block can be adjusted to the tip position of the outer conductor contact portion. The position of the tip can vary depending on the type or batch of outer conductor contacts. Thus, the tool can be easily retrofitted and/or adjusted.

Preferably, the separate second stop surface is formed on a stop which can be moved relative to the support block. The stop is preferably detachably fastened to the support block. The stop next to the anvil determines the axial position of the (crimped) inner conductor core wire with respect to the outer conductor contact. Due to the portability, inner conductor cores of different lengths can be used when changing products or batches. The guide portion supports the axial positioning of the inner conductor core wire and its dimensional accuracy during crimping by limiting lateral diffusion of the inner conductor core wire.

Preferably, a separate second stop surface is formed on the stop which is not movable relative to the support block. This has the advantage that the position of the stop relative to the support block cannot be changed any more and that unintentional loosening of the fastening element and incorrect adjustment can no longer occur during the production operation.

Preferably, the first and the separate second stop surfaces can be aligned transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction of the wire on the crimping tool. By aligning the first and second stop surfaces transversely to the longitudinal direction of the wire, they form not only a fastening point for orientation, but also act simultaneously as an axial or longitudinal stop (of the wire). In particular, by bringing the inner conductor core wire into contact with the second stop surface, the wire is suitably arranged on the crimping tool. A fast and suitable arrangement of the wires on the crimping tool is advantageous for precision and processing speed.

The above object is also achieved, in particular, by a crimping method for a crimping tool comprising at least a support block having a support surface, a first stop surface for an outer conductor contact, a guide for at least one inner conductor core wire and a separate second stop surface for at least one inner conductor core wire, wherein the method comprises the steps of: the outer conductor contact is positioned in the working area of the crimping tool in order to crimp the outer conductor contact against the wire, the tip of the outer conductor contact is brought against a first stop surface, the wire with at least one (in particular already crimped) inner conductor core wire is inserted into the crimping tool, so that the outer conductor contact can be crimped against the wire, the at least one inner conductor core wire is aligned in the guide and the tip of the at least one inner conductor core wire is brought against a separate second stop surface and the outer conductor contact is crimped against the wire.

The method secures the outer conductor contact and the inner conductor core wire at least at three points prior to crimping. Thereby, it is possible to prevent (undesired) variations in the axial position of the outer conductor contact and in the positioning of the inner conductor core wire or the contact relative to the outer conductor contact. Furthermore, since the fixing point is very close to the anvil as compared with the prior art, the dispersion of the position of the inner conductor core wire is also reduced. The fixed method steps do not actually interfere with the prior art crimping process. The method is easy to adapt to corresponding structural features. The method is also applicable to automated cable assembly.

Preferably, the working area has at least one anvil on which the crimping zone of the outer conductor contact is located and a first stop surface against which the tip of the outer conductor contact abuts. The components can be changed and/or arranged to match each other by means of two separate mountings (anvil and support surface). The shape of the anvil (preferably with a concave arcuate surface) is ideal for crimping the outer conductor contact and the wire. The shape of the support surface, preferably comprising a plane, is ideal for positioning or supporting the (redundant) outer conductor contact.

Preferably, in one working step, the outer conductor contact is positioned in the working area of the crimping tool and the tip of the outer conductor contact is brought to bear against the first stop surface, preferably simultaneously. Positioning and abutment in one work step saves time compared to being implemented in multiple work steps. Overall, a faster processing speed of the crimping tool, i.e. a shorter cycle time, can thereby be achieved.

Drawings

Embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. Here, it is shown that:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a crimping tool;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of FIG. 1, with one embodiment of the support block and cutting portion;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of FIG. 2 with carrier strips and contacts inserted; and

fig. 4 is a top view of the view in fig. 3.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a crimping tool 1. The crimping tool 1 is provided for crimping an outer conductor contact 4 onto a wire 6. The crimping tool 1 shown comprises a crimping module 10. The crimping tool 1 or the crimping module 10 comprises at least one support block 20. The support block 20 is provided to prevent the contact, in particular the outer conductor contact 4, from bending during crimping. For this purpose, the support block 20 has a support surface 21 on which the outer conductor contact 4 to be crimped is positioned.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the support block 20 and the cutting portion 12. The support shelf 20 also includes at least one first stop surface 22. The at least one first stop surface 22 can also comprise a separate portion or portions of the first stop surface 22. In the embodiment shown, the first stop surface 22 is composed of two parts, which are separated from one another by a guide 23. The first stop surface 22 is used as a stop surface or fixing portion for crimping the outer conductor contact 4.

Further, the support block 20 includes a guide 23. The guide 23 serves to align or guide at least one inner conductor core wire or inner conductor contact 8 of the wire 6. At least one (two in this embodiment) inner conductor cores 8 of the wires 6 arranged on the crimping tool 1 protrude from the tip end 4a of the outer conductor contact 4 in the longitudinal direction Y of the wires 6. For example, the protrusion can be determined by the assembly instructions of the contact. The inner conductor contact can already be fastened, in particular crimped, to the inner conductor core wire 8. The guide portion 23 forms substantially an elongated groove in the longitudinal Y direction of the inserted wire 6.

Furthermore, the support block 20 comprises a separate second stop surface 24. In the embodiment shown, the separate second stop surface 24 is formed on a separate stop 25. The second, independent stop surface 24 serves as a stop surface or securing means for the inner conductor core 8. The second stop surface 24 is spaced apart from the first stop surface 22. In particular, the second stop surface 24 or the stop 25 can be moved relative to the first stop surface 22 or the support block 20 in the embodiment shown. In an alternative embodiment, the first stop surface 22 and the second stop surface 24 are not movable relative to one another. The second stop surface 24 forms in particular the end or terminus of the guide 23. The second stop surface 24 provides tactile feedback for complete or correct insertion of the wire 6 on the crimping tool 1.

The first and second stop surfaces 22, 24 are aligned transversely, in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal Y direction of the wire 6 on the crimping tool 1 as shown in the figures. The surface of the stop surface is preferably smooth in order to always ensure a correct stop or an equal distance from the cutting portion 12.

The cutting portion 12 in the figure has at least one guide slot 13 for guiding the carrier strip 2. The cutting section 12 furthermore has a wire receiving section 14 for fixing the wire 6 to be crimped on the crimping tool 1. The wire receiving portion 14 is clearly visible and therefore, the assembler can quickly get visual feedback to know the proper insertion or alignment of the wire 6 on the crimping tool 1. The wire receiving portion 14 can include insertion aids such as tapered openings or rounded edges.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the support block 20 and the cutting section 12 with the carrier strip 2 and the outer conductor contact 4 inserted. For crimping, the outer conductor contact 4 (the length of which extends between the outer conductor contact crimping piece 4b and the tip end 4 a) is arranged between the cut-out 12 and the first stop surface 22. This arrangement is particularly flush on both sides to prevent slipping. For such a flush arrangement, the first length L1 between the cut 12 and the first stop surface 22 is (see fig. 4) precisely adjusted for each outer conductor contact type or batch of outer conductor contacts 4. This adjustment is possible because the support block 20 is movable relative to the base plate 11 on the crimping tool 1. This adjustment can be accomplished manually by loosening the securing member 26 on the support block 20, adjusting the first length L1, and then tightening the securing member 26 again. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing member 26 comprises a screw. In alternative embodiments, other suitable securing members 26 are possible. Such an adjustment can also be achieved automatically by means of corresponding sensors and actuators.

The crimp zone 4c (including the crimp tab 4 b) of the outer conductor contact 4 can be positioned on an anvil 16 (see fig. 1). For crimping, in particular the crimping piece 4b, a suitably shaped wear part 17 is moved over the anvil 16 and applies a force to the crimping piece 4b in order to crimp the crimping piece 4b to the wire 6. The height of the bearing surface 21 can be matched to the height of the anvil 16 during crimping, so that no bending or bending of the (excess) outer conductor contact 4 occurs. In an alternative embodiment, the height is adjustable. The height is measured in a third direction Z.

Fig. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the support block 20 and the cutting section 12 with the carrier strip 2 and the outer conductor contact 4 inserted. In this top view it can be clearly seen how the crimp piece 4b of the outer conductor contact 4 can contact the exposed part of the shielding braid 7 of the wire 6 during crimping. The shielding braid 7 can be simply exposed or can still be turned over by the wire 6 (or by the support sleeve in the embodiment shown) as well. By the contact being closed or crimped, an electrical connection can be provided between the shielding braid 7 and the outer conductor contact 4.

The outer conductor contact 4 is separated from the inner conductor core wire 8 of the wire 6. Otherwise, a short circuit may occur. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner conductor core wire 8 protrudes in the longitudinal Y direction from the outer conductor contact 4. The protruding inner conductor wire 8 is accommodated in the guide 23 directly next to the first stop surface 22. The width of the guide portion 23 corresponds to the outer side distance of the inner conductor core wire 8 or is slightly larger than the ideal wire pitch. Thus, the inner conductor core wire 8 is kept aligned (particularly, line spacing) and prevented from being bent outward. A separate second stop surface 24 forms the end of the guide 23. In the embodiment shown, the second stop surface 24 is movable relative to the guide 23, so that the length of the guide can be adjusted by moving the second stop surface 24, which guide forms a second length L2 on the crimping tool 1. In the illustrated embodiment, for movement, the securing member 26 (e.g., a screw) is loosened and tightened again after movement. In this way, inner conductor contacts of different lengths can be handled or batch fluctuations compensated for. In another embodiment, the first and second stop surfaces 22, 24 are not movable relative to each other, i.e., are not adjustable.

An embodiment of a crimping method will be described below. The crimping method is particularly suitable for crimping tools 1 which comprise at least a bearing block 20 with a bearing surface 21, a first stop surface 22 for the outer conductor contact 4, a guide 23 for the at least one inner conductor strand 8 and a separate second stop surface 24 for the at least one inner conductor strand 8.

In the embodiment shown, the outer conductor contact 4 is fixed to a carrier strip 2 which is arranged in a guide 30 of the crimping tool 1. By means of the feeding device 32, the carrier tape 2 and the fixed outer conductor contact 4 are moved in the feeding direction X. This movement continuously conveys the outer conductor contact 4 to the crimping module 10.

When the outer conductor contact 4 is fed to the crimping module 10, the first step is to position the outer conductor contact 4 in the working area 15 of the crimping tool 1, so that the outer conductor contact 4 can be crimped onto the wire 6. The work area 15 includes: at least one anvil 16 on which the crimping zone 4c of the outer conductor contact 4 is located; and a first stop surface 22 on which the tip 4a of the outer conductor contact 4 is located. Further, the crimping piece 4b of the outer conductor contact portion 4 abuts on the cut portion 12. The abutment of the outer conductor contact 4 on the cut-out 12 and on the first bearing surface 22 can comprise a very small gap, so that no friction occurs when the carrier tape 2 with the outer conductor contact 4 is moved to the working area 15 and the requirements of the separator are fulfilled.

In the embodiment described, the contact of the tip 4a of the outer conductor contact 4 against the first stop surface 22 is achieved by positioning the outer conductor contact 4 in the working area 15. These two working steps are carried out in one working step of the crimping tool 1, in particular simultaneously or synchronously. In alternative embodiments, abutment can also be achieved after positioning. But this requires a longer time. The abutment is effected fixedly, preferably including a slight contact to the first stop surface 22, so that no undesired movements, such as slipping, occur when positioning the at least one inner conductor core wire 8 and crimping the outer conductor contact 4.

After the outer conductor contact 4 has been arranged in the working area 15 by the procedure just described, the wire 6 with the (in particular already crimped) inner conductor core wire 8 can be inserted into the crimping tool 1, so that the outer conductor contact 4 can be crimped onto the wire 6. The insertion can be done manually or automatically. The insertion should be performed quickly and properly. Insertion, e.g. lowering, into the guide support 14 at the cutting section 12 is preferably effected by a superimposed movement along the longitudinal direction Y and along the third direction Z. In an alternative embodiment, the insertion can also be effected purely by a movement in one of the two directions described above.

After or during the insertion, the inner conductor wire 8 in the guide 23 is aligned and the tip 8a of the inner conductor wire 8 is brought to rest against the separate second stop surface 24. In particular, the abutment of the tip 8a of the inner conductor wire 8 on the second stop surface 24 indicates a correct insertion of the wire 6 on the crimping tool 1. The guide 23 can be open to at least one side and thus be visible to the assembler. In addition to tactile feedback, visual feedback can be used to ensure proper insertion. In an alternative embodiment, the guide can be elongated in the Z-direction and the opening closed at the top with a cover.

To complete the crimping process, the outer conductor contact 4 is crimped onto the wire 6. For crimping, in the embodiment shown, one wear part 17 (or crimper) is moved in the direction of the anvil 16. Then, the wear-resistant member 17 applies a force to the crimping piece 4b of the outer conductor contact 4 so that it is plastically deformed and clamps the closed wire portion. The clamping should be permanent and enable an electrical connection between the shielding braid 7 of the wire 6 and the outer conductor contact 4. Since the outer conductor contact 4 is fixed between the cut-out 12 and the first stop surface 22 and the inner conductor core wire 8 is fixed by the guide 23 and the second stop surface 24, the crimping does not cause any (undesired) displacement of the outer conductor contact 4 and/or the inner conductor core wire 8. Due to the substantially open shape of the first and second stop surfaces 22, 24 and the guide 23, no tilting or other undesired obstructions are created.

After the crimping process, the wear part 17 moves back to its starting position above the anvil position 16. Once the wear part 17 releases the outer conductor contact 4, the wire 6, onto which the outer conductor contact 4 is crimped, can be removed from the crimping tool 1.

List of reference numerals

1. Crimping tool

2. Carrier strip

4. Outer conductor contact

4a tip

4b crimping piece

4c crimping zone

6. Conducting wire

7. Shielding braid

8. Inner conductor core wire

8a tip

10. Crimping module

11. Bottom plate

12. Cutting part

13. Guide groove

14. Wire accommodating part

15. Working area

16. Anvil block

17. Wear-resistant component

20. Support block

21. Bearing surface

22. A first stop surface

23. Guide part

24. Second stop surface

25. Stop block

26. Fixing member

30. Guide part

32. Feeding device

L1 first length

L2 second length

X feed direction

Y longitudinal direction

And Z is in the third direction.

Claims (7)

1. A crimping tool (1) for crimping an outer conductor contact (4) onto a wire (6) having at least one inner conductor core wire (8), the crimping tool having:

a) A support block (20) having a support surface (21) on which the outer conductor contact (4) and at least one of the inner conductor strands (8) can be arranged, such that bending of the outer conductor contact (4) and bending of at least one of the inner conductor strands (8) can be prevented during a crimping process; wherein,

b) The support block (20) further comprises at least one first stop surface (22) for the outer conductor contact (4), a guide (23) for at least one inner conductor core (8) and a separate second stop surface (24) for at least one inner conductor core (8).

2. Crimping tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the crimping tool (1) comprises a base plate (11) and the support block (20) is movable relative to the base plate (11).

3. Crimping tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the separate second stop surface (24) is configured on a stop (25) which is movable relative to the support block (20).

4. Crimping tool (1) according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the separate second stop surface (24) is configured on a stop (25) which is not movable relative to the support block (20).

5. Crimping tool (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and the separate second stop surfaces (22, 24) can be directed transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the wire (6) at the crimping tool (1).

6. Crimping method of a crimping tool (1) having at least a bearing block (20) with a bearing surface (21), a first stop surface (22) for an outer conductor contact (4), a guide (23) for at least one inner conductor core wire (8) and a separate second stop surface (24) for at least one inner conductor core wire (8), wherein the method comprises the steps of:

a) In order to crimp the outer conductor contact (4) to the wire (6), the outer conductor contact (4) is positioned within a working area (15) of the crimping tool (1);

b) -abutting the tip (4 a) of the outer conductor contact (4) against the first stop surface (22);

c) Inserting the wire (6) with at least one in particular crimped inner conductor core wire (8) into the crimping tool (1), so that the outer conductor contact (4) can be crimped onto the wire (6);

d) -aligning at least one of said inner conductor strands (8) with said guide (23) and abutting the tip (8 a) of at least one of said inner conductor strands (8) against a separate said second stop surface (24); and is also provided with

e) The outer conductor contact (4) is pressed onto the wire (6).

7. Crimping method according to claim 6, wherein in one working step, preferably simultaneously, the outer conductor contact (4) is positioned in the working area (15) of the crimping tool (1) and the tip (4 a) of the outer conductor contact (4) is brought to bear against the first stop surface (22).