CZ20002698A3 - Terminal crimping quality decision method/device - Google Patents

Abstract

Quality of clamping of the terminal to the conductor of the electric cable is determined by the terminal clamping device based on the characteristic curve of the characteristic values obtained, when the terminal is clamped to the wire, this curve compares with the reference curve. Characteristic values are obtained by a sensor (100) for sensing the deflection of the plunger (11) forming a device for clamping the terminals and deflected backward force caused by clamping. The device is further formed a clamp (14) and an anvil (17), the clamp (14) being connected to the ram (11) which is formed with a notch (1 la). The notch (11a) defines the upper body (1 lb), the lower body (11A) and connecting portion (11c)

Description

A method and apparatus for determining the quality of a terminal clamp

Technical field

The present invention relates to a terminal crimping device (crimping apparatus) for an electrical wire equipped with terminals that form an interconnecting cabling or the like, and to a method and apparatus for determining the crimping quality of a terminal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a conventional terminal clamping device, the terminal is clamped (encircled or trimmed) to the electrical cable by clamping the terminal clamping roller to the core of the electrical cable. This clamping step entails the possibility of incorrect clamping. Thus, there is an incorrect clamping detection device 15 for detecting the incorrect clamping of the terminal. This device, for example, samples characteristic values, such as the load of the terminal clamping device, in a time sequence during the clamping step, thereby obtaining a characteristic curve envelop. This characteristic value envelop is compared to a reference value envelop that was previously obtained from an acceptable clamp terminal to determine acceptance or rejection of the clamp terminal. That is, as shown in FIG.

20, the acceptance or non-acceptance of the clamped terminal is determined on the basis of the difference between the reference value envelope and the characteristic terminal envelope of the clamped terminal because the time varying characteristic value, such as the clamping device load, differs from the normal clamping condition endings.

• ·

However, since a conventional terminal clamping device senses the clamping load as a clamping characteristic, a very expensive device, such as a dynamometer or a pressure sensor, is disadvantageously required to obtain the load. In addition, it is difficult to refit a dynamometer or pressure sensor to an existing terminal clamping device that does not have such devices. Thus, existing terminal clamping devices suffer from the problem that it is not easy to determine whether or not to accept the clamped product.

The essence of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to allow making decisions on accepting or not accepting the quality of the clamped terminal by sensing the characteristic value of the clamping process without the need for expensive equipment such as a dynamometer or pressure sensor. In addition, it is an object of the invention to make such decisions only with minor modifications to existing terminal clamping devices.

To achieve the above object, a method of determining

The terminal clamping quality 2θ of the first aspect of the present invention determines the terminal clamping quality that is clamped to the electrical cable conductor by the terminal clamping device. This method utilizes characteristic curve envelopes obtained when the terminal is clamped to the conductor. The characteristic values are obtained by sensing the deflection of the component forming the terminal clamping device and deflected by the restraining force caused by the clamping.

The device for determining the clamping quality of a terminal according to the second aspect of the present invention determines the clamping quality of the terminal which is clamped on the electrical cable conductor.

through terminal clamping devices. This device utilizes characteristic curve envelopes obtained when the terminal is clamped to the conductor. The device has characteristic value sensing means for sensing characteristic values, the characteristic values being obtained by sensing the deflection of the component forming the terminal clamping device and deflected by the clamping force.

In the method and apparatus for determining the crimping quality of a terminal according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, a characteristic value is a deflection value of a member such as a slide or frame forming the terminal clamping device. This makes it possible to determine whether or not to accept the quality of the clamped terminal 15 by sensing characteristic values without the need for expensive equipment such as a dynamometer or pressure sensor. In addition, existing terminal clamping devices allow such decisions to be made with only minor modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a front view showing a terminal clamping device according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view showing the device for clamping the terminals;

Fig. 3 is a view illustrating a state in which a position sensing device is used in an embodiment of the present invention;

·· ·· · · · here · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Giant

Giant

Giant

Giant

FIG is a block diagram illustrating an incorrect clamping detection device according to an embodiment of the invention;

5A and 5B are graphs of reference value envelopes or increment envelopes for reference value envelopes for embodiments of the present invention, which graphs illustrate some particular reference value envelopes;

6A to 6E are cross-sectional views showing the clamp, anvil, terminal clamp roller, core wires in the clamping step of the invention;

7A and 7B are graphs for an embodiment of the invention showing a characteristic value envelop corresponding to an incorrectly clamped terminal, and some particular packaging points are indicated. reference value curves;

is a graph for an embodiment of the invention showing a ratio envelope curve obtained for an acceptable product, the graph also showing a plurality of threshold curves;

is a graph for an embodiment of the invention showing a ratio envelope corresponding to an unacceptable product in which one third of the clamping length

the terminal roller extends through the insulation of the associated cable, the graph also showing a plurality of threshold curves;

Fig. 10 is a graph for an embodiment of the invention showing a ratio envelope corresponding to an unacceptable product in which one half of the length of the terminal clamping roller passes through the insulation of the associated cable, the graph also showing a plurality of threshold curves;

Fig. 11 is a graph for an embodiment of the invention showing a ratio envelope curve corresponding to an unacceptable product in which one-seventh of the wires of the cable core is cut off, the graph also showing a plurality of threshold curves;

Fig. 12 is a graph for an embodiment of the invention showing a ratio envelope corresponding to an unacceptable product in which one third of the length of the terminal clamping roller has not clamped any wires, the graph also showing a plurality of threshold curves;

Fig. 13 is a graph for an embodiment of the invention showing an incremental characteristic curve increment obtained when the clamping roller or clamping press is in the

an undesirable condition, the graph also showing a number of special points;

Fig. 14 is a flowchart of a program for presetting decision criteria in an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 15 is a flow chart of a terminal clamp quality determination program in an embodiment of the invention;

16A to 16C are graphs showing printout of ratio envelope curves for presetting decision criteria in an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 17 is a general schematic illustration illustrating a network system including a plurality of incorrect clamping detecting devices and a processing computer according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 18 is a graph showing reference value envelopes that correspond to a new clamping press or old press for comparison purposes;

Fig. 19 is a schematic view showing the frame deflection detecting assembly of the terminal clamping device of the embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 20 is a graph showing characteristic value envelops relating to a correctly clamped state or an incorrect clamped state for comparison purposes;

• ti ti · ti ti ti • ti ti ti ti ti ti

Fig. 21A is a view showing an incorrect clamping condition in which a cable insulation layer is pierced;

Fig. 21B is a graph showing the difference between the reference value envelope and the characteristic value envelope for the condition of Figure 21A;

Fig. 22A is a view showing an incorrect clamping condition in which no core wires have been clamped;

Fig. 22B is a graph showing the difference between the reference value envelope and the characteristic value envelope for the incorrect clamping condition of Fig. 22A;

Fig. 23A is a view showing an incorrect clamping condition in which some of the core wires to be clamped were cut off; and

Fig. 23B is a graph showing the difference between the reference value envelope and the characteristic value envelope for the incorrect clamping condition of Fig. 23A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings, one embodiment of the present invention will be discussed in the following description. Giant. 1 is a front view showing a terminal clamping device according to the present invention. Giant. 2 is a side view showing the terminal clamping device. The cabinet and equipment • · <are shown in the figures

• ·· • 9 • • 9 9999 9 9 9 9 9

And for clamping terminals. The housing has a base plate 2 and on each side a side plate 3 extending from the base plate 2. In the rear position behind the upper parts of the side plates 3 there is a servomotor

4, which has a reduction gear 5 and is fixed to the housing.

The reduction gear 5 has an output shaft 6 in engagement with a circular plate 7 having an eccentric pin 8. (crankshaft) The eccentric pin 8 is engaged with the sliding block 9. The sliding block 9 is located between the pair, upper and lower, respectively. the rotation of the annular plate 7 moves the sliding block 9 in the horizontal direction between the retainers 10, 10 'to move the ram 11 vertically. The slide 11 may slide vertically between a pair of slide guides 12 that are formed on the inner surface of each of the sidewalls 3. The annular plate 7, the slide block 9, the retainers 10, 10 ', the slide 11 and the slide guides 12 form a crank mechanism.

The slide 11 has an engagement bulge at its lower end

This removable cap 13 removably receives the engagement bulge 16 of the clamp holder 15 holding the clamp 14. The anvil 17 is formed beneath the clamp 14 opposite the clamp 14. The anvil 17 is secured to the anvil mounting plate 24 mounted on the base plate 2. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the slide 11 is formed with a horizontal notch 11a that defines the lower body 11A, the upper body 11B, and the coupling portion 11c to provide flexibility of the slide 11. This flexible slide 11 allows it to deflect vertically in response to load That is, the lower body 11A is deflected towards the upper body 11B (in the directions indicated by the arrows). The upper body 11B has a position sensing device 100 mounted thereon. This position sensing device 100 has a probe 100a contacting the upper ft ftftftftft ftft ftftft ftft ftftftft ftft ftftftft ftftftftft ftftftftft ftftftftftft ftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftft and the position sensing device 100 is coupled to an incorrect clamping detection device B. The incorrect clamping detecting device B receives an output signal from the position sensing device 100 for calculating the stroke distance when clamping (i.e., the deflection amount of the slide 11) of the lower body 11A. The calculated stroke distance of the clamping is used as the characteristic value obtained during the clamping step.

FIG. 1 further illustrates a terminal feed unit 18 having a known construction and having a terminal guide 19 carrying a plurality of terminals (not shown), a terminal cover 20, a terminal feeder arm 22 having a feeder at its front end a hopper 21, a rocker 23 moving the arm 22 back and forth, and so on. The rocker 23 pivots back and forth in response to the upward and downward movement of the ram 11, so that the feeder hopper 21 for the terminals feeds or feeds the terminals (not shown) one after the other to the anvil 12. the anvil mounting plate 24 for aligning with the fixture

14. In addition, the anvil 17 can be easily removed and replaced.

The actuator 4 can be rotated back and forth to move the slide 11, i.e., the clamp 14, down and up via the crank mechanism. The actuator 4 is electrically coupled to an exciter 32 for controlling the rotation of the motor 4: the up and down movement of the fixture 14 clamps the terminal to an electrical cable between the fixture 14 and the anvil 17. The exciter 32 is electrically connected to the reference data input section 33 to receive the reference data. such as terminal specification (or dimensions), associated cable size, height

44

4 4 4

4 44 · 44 44 • 4 4 4

4 4 4

The actuator 4 has an output shaft (not shown) fitted with an encoder 31 which senses the engine speed to know the position of the fixture 14. This is further guided by feedback to the actuator. drivers 32.

Giant. 4 is a block diagram of an incorrect clamping detection device B in an embodiment of the present invention. The incorrect clamping detection device B has an amplifier 41 for amplifying the output signal from the position sensing device 100, an A / d converter 42 for converting the analog voltage signal output from the amplifier 41 to digital voltage data, input section 43, CPU 44, ROM 45., RAM 46, the display section 47 and the communication interface 48. The input section 43, the CPU 44, the ROM 45, the RAM 46, the display section 47 and the communication interface 48 form a microcomputer. The CPU 44 uses the RAM work area 46 to control according to the control program stored in the ROM 45. More specifically, the CPU 44 samples the stroke distance data of the fixture that is obtained through the position sensing device 100 and fed through the A / D converter 42 as characteristic fixture values. process. In addition, based on the sampled characteristics, the CPU 44 performs processes such as constructing a reference value envelope, calculating special reference value envelope points, inputting or entering a threshold value (or a threshold value curve) and enabling a threshold value, determining incorrect clamping, and detecting a friction wear condition in the clamping presses (i.e., the clamp 14 and the anvil 17). The process results are indicated in the display section 47.

During the clamping step for the terminals are from the device

100 for position sensing, the characteristics of the stroke data H are obtained

φ · · · ·

· · Ínače, obal Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ 5A. The characteristic curve envelope of FIG. 5A is the envelope curve obtained when the terminal is properly clamped. A plurality of such characteristic value envelopes for properly clamped terminals are stored in the RAM 46 in a predetermined format. Meanwhile, the A / D converter 42 outputs the converted digital data at each predetermined conversion cycle so that the CPU 44 can, for example, sample characteristic data in a time sequence according to the timing of the output of the converted digital data. The characteristic value envelop data may be stored in a time sequence in RAM 46. For example, the average of the plurality of characteristic value envelopes for normally clamped terminals is obtained to provide reference value envelop data in RAM 466. In the following discussion, the characteristic value envelop, illustrated in FIG. 5A, described as a reference curve envelop. In addition, the term characteristic curve envelop is used for a correctly clamped terminal as well as an incorrectly clamped terminal, and the reference reference curve curve is used for a envelop that is obtained from the characteristic curve envelop for a correctly clamped terminal.

From the reference value envelop data as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the CPU 44 calculates an incremental envelop as a function of time relative to the reference value envelop to obtain an incremental envelop as illustrated in FIG. 5B. Further, extreme points and zero-crossing points (on the timeline) are found relative to this incremental envelope. These points are special

(or singular) points in the terminal clamping step, which are indicated in points 5B as A, B, C, and D. The incremental envelope still has extreme points other than the four points. However, each of these four points relates to a specific event in one terminal clamping cycle, as will be described later, so that these four points can easily be recognized in an incremental envelope.

Giant. 6A to 6E are cross-sectional views each illustrating a fixture 14, anvil 1/7, a terminal clamp roller 50, and core wires 60 in a clamping step. For clarity, the section shading was partially omitted.

Giant. 6A to 6D each show a clamped state corresponding to each of the four separate points, and Fig. 6E shows an initial state just prior to clamping. Four extra points are 15 discussed may:

Point A: the point at which the clamping force changes from the increment zone to the depression zone during the step at which the upper inner curved surface of the clamp 14 bends the clamping roller 50, as illustrated in Figure 6A.

Point B: the point at which the clamping force changes again into the growth zone as the clamping roller 50 begins to rest against the core wires 60, as illustrated in FIG. 6B.

Point C: the point at which the clamping force changes again from the 25 increment zone to the depression zone during the step at which the clamping roller 50 clamps the core wires 60, as illustrated in Fig. 6C.

Point D: the point at which the clamping force reaches a peak because the clamping roller 50 has completely clamped (wrapped or twisted) the core wires 60 as illustrated in FIG. 6D.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

The reference value envelope with its incremental envelope can be processed as data in a time sequence in the same way as the characteristic value envelope of the clamped terminal. In addition, the positions of the aforementioned special points may be stored as time point data relative to the time sequence data.

As can further be seen, the reference value envelop is divided by said special points into preset three sections, between points A, B, between points B, C and between points C, D. Within each of these three sections, the correct determination is made. / incorrect clamping based on characteristic curve envelope. Since this determination or decision is made in each section, correct / incorrect clamping (acceptable / unacceptable product) can be reliably determined based on the characteristic value envelop in each section. For example, an incorrect clamping condition, in which the terminal breaks through the electrical cable insulation layer, produces a characteristic value envelop that is larger than the reference value envelop between points A, B, and between points B, C. characteristic values, which is smaller than the reference value envelope between points C, D, as illustrated in Fig. 7A. On the other hand, another incorrect clamping condition in which all or some of the core wires have been cut off at the stripped end of the electrical cable produces a characteristic value envelop that does not differ from the reference value envelop between points A, B. produces a characteristic curve envelope that is smaller than the envelope curve · ·

The reference values between points B, C, and between points C, D, as illustrated in FIG. 7B. Analysis of the characteristic curve envelop in each section, separated by special points, may find a specific reason for each incorrect clamping, which greatly improves the quality of the determination.

In addition, as illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, point D may be replaced by the mechanical lower dead-end position of the crank mechanism. However, point D is defined as a singular point in the discussion that follows.

In each of the sections between points A, B, between points B, C, and between points C, D, the correct / incorrect clamping is determined based on the characteristic value envelop.

Determination of the correct / incorrect clamping is made on the basis of the part of the characteristic value envelope which is at 15 substantially earlier than the vertex (point D). The characteristics of the clamp can only be sampled in this earlier part (between points A, D). RAM 46 may store characteristic data sampled at an interval less than when the entire characteristic curve is applied if RAM 46 has

-,, limited capacity. This is advantageous in terms of quality of determination or decision making. In this case, if the sampling interval is the same as when the entire characteristic curve envelop is applied, a smaller number of sampling data may be stored.

In the following description, the method of determining incorrect clamping in each section mentioned above will be discussed. First, the characteristic value is sampled at the sampling point or point of the obtained characteristic value envelop and the reference value is sampled at the same sampling point 30 relative to the reference value envelop. Next, ·· ··.

calculates the difference between the characteristic value and the reference value. The ratio of this difference to the reference value is defined as the first ratio. The first ratio corresponds to plus or minus a percentage and is negative when the reference value is greater than the characteristic value. This first ratio is calculated in the number of sampling points and these. the calculated ratios are stored in RAM 46.

Each section is formed with a predetermined threshold curve. In each section, it is determined whether the absolute value of the first ratio is greater than the threshold curve. Next, the number of sampling points where the absolute value of the first ratio is greater than the threshold curve is added. These sampling points are still referred to as potentially abnormal points. Next, the number of all sampling sections in the section is determined based on the extent of the section. In each section, the ratio of the number of potentially abnormal points to the number of all sampling points is calculated, which is further defined as the second ratio. This second ratio is further compared to a predetermined allowable threshold that is a threshold on a percentage basis (e.g., 50%). When this second ratio is greater than the allowable limit in at least one of the sections, it is determined that the clamping was incorrect. The threshold curve is predetermined by reference to the first ratios of the different types of incorrectly clamped terminals, and the allowable limit is determined taking into account this threshold curve.

8 to 12, the presetting of the threshold curve, which is a decision or determination criterion in each section, will be discussed below. The data in the time sequence of the first ratios obtained at each sampling point of the characteristic curve envelop forms a envelop curve as illustrated in FIGS. 8-12. FIG. Figure 8 shows an envelope for an acceptable product and Figure 9 shows an envelope for an unacceptable product in which one third of the length of the clamping roller is punched through the insulation. Giant. 10 shows the packaging curve of an unacceptable product in which half of the length of the clamping roller is punched through the insulation. Giant. 11 shows an envelope of an unacceptable product in which one seventh of the number of core wires is unacceptably cut off. Giant. 12 shows an envelope for an unacceptable product in which one third of the length of the clamping roller has no core wires drawn therein. Such first ratio envelope curves generally appear on the positive and negative sides of their coordinates. With respect to the unacceptably clamped terminal, the first ratio envelope curve appears predominantly on the positive side between points A, B, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. Between the points B, C, the first ratio envelope curve appears on the positive side, 9 and 10, or on the negative side, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. 10 and 12.

Thus, the first threshold curve on the positive side is set to the coordinates of the first ratios between points A, B, and a pair of second threshold curves on the negative side

5 z between points B, C, and a third threshold curve on the negative side between points C, D. This first to third threshold curve is applied to the associated first ratio envelope curve, allowing reliable determination of almost all types of terminal misalignment. In addition, the combination of destination

The improper clamping in sections may detect the cause or the nature of the unacceptable product. It should be noted that the aforementioned envelope of the first ratios is referred to in the following description as the ratio envelope.

The method of presetting the above-mentioned threshold curves will now be discussed in the description below. The incorrect clamping detection device B executes a control program which samples the clamping data regarding a plurality of clamped terminals having the same drawbacks to obtain their ratio envelope curves. These ratio envelope curves are superimposed on each other to be plotted on a single graph. This is applied to an acceptable product and to the aforementioned types of unacceptable products, for example, to obtain the printed results shown in Figures 16A-16C. Giant. 16A depicts ratio envelopes of three acceptable clamp terminal products. Giant. 16B shows the ratio enveloping curves of three unacceptable clamped terminals that are punctured through the cable insulation layers. Giant. 16C shows the ratio enveloping curves of three unacceptable clamped terminals that have no core wires clamped. The control program also samples ratio enveloping data other than that illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16C.

Then, a threshold is determined for each section by reference to printed graphs in relation to a predetermined percentage of allowable limit (e.g., 50%). It should be noted that such a threshold may be automatically preset by applying a statistical technical calculation or the like to the ratio envelope curve data.

Note that the analysis of the graph showing the incremental envelope of the envelope curve

·· ···· characteristic values, and its special points, can evaluate whether the clamping rollers, clamping presses and combinations thereof are of satisfactory construction. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 5B, the improved roll and press design provides a wrapper curve with a comparatively smoother profile with apparent special points A, B, C. In contrast, the undesirable condition of the rollers and presses provides several undesirable spikes and seats. around points A, B, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

Giant. 14 and 15 each show a flowchart of a control program used in the incorrect clamping detector B. The flowchart of FIG. 14 is a program for presetting a decision (designation) criteria, and the flowchart of FIG. 15 is a program for _the decision _of a terminal crimping quality. The incorrect clamping detector B has a main program (not shown) for selecting several operating modes of the detecting device B. For example, the selection of a decision criteria preset mode that is performed before the clamping itself

0 (production or production), performs a program for presetting the decision criteria, and selecting the terminal clamping quality decision mode, which is the operating mode for the clamping activity, executes the terminal clamping quality decision program.

First, the decision criterion presetting program of FIG. 14 starts, and the reference value envelope curve data is read in step S11. These reference value envelope curve data are obtained, for example, by averaging the characteristic values at each 30 sampling point relative to the envelope curve. Four characteristic values for a number of acceptable products. RAM 46 stores reference value envelope curve data. Next, in step S12, a test fixture is performed in a predetermined state (usually an incorrect or correct state) and the characteristic data for storage in RAM 46 is sampled.

S13 calculates the difference between the sampled characteristic data and reference value envelope data at each sampling point to obtain a ratio (the first ratio of difference to reference value envelope data at that sampling point. The calculated first ratio envelope is stored in

RAM 46.

Then, at step S14, it is ascertained whether this sampling continues for the first ratio envelope curve related to the current clamping state. When the input section 43 has entered the sampling continuation signal, the program returns to step S12, but the program continues to step S15 when the input section 43 entered the sampling end signal. In step S15, the sampled ratio envelopes are printed in a single graph that relates to the current clamping state. Furthermore, in? Q of step S16 determines whether this sampling continues for the first ratio envelope curve related to the next clamping state.

When the input section 43 has entered the sampling continuation signal, the program returns to step S12, but this program goes to the end when the input section 43 has entered the termination 25 of the program.

The above process provides a printed result of a plurality of ratio envelopes for the correct clamping state and for each of the several incorrect clamping states. These ratio envelope curves are used to determine the curves

9

9 9 9 β

* ·

9

9 98 9 9

9 9 9 9 9 9 • 9 9 9 9

99 99

999 thresholds and permissible percentages as described above.

Next, the terminal clamping quality program of FIG. 15 begins, wherein at step S21, the reference value envelop presetting process 5 is performed. This reference value envelop presetting process pre-sets the reference value envelop data that was previously stored in RAM 46 in the reference value envelop reading process in the Decision Criterion presetting step step Sil. The default reference value envelope curve data is used for the clamping quality determination process. Then, in step S22, an input or input process is performed in which the operator enters the decision criteria, including the threshold curve data and the permissible percentage limit, as described above.

Next, in step S23, the terminal clamping is performed and the characteristic clamping data is sampled to store the data in RAM 466. Then, in step S24, a determination is made about receiving or not accepting the clamping based on the reference value envelop, characteristic value envelop, their special points. , etc. When a non-acceptance (NG) determination is made, in step S25 a signal is given indicating the presence of an unacceptable product, and in step S26 its characteristic value envelop and unacceptability determination is indicated. Note that a signal indicating the presence of an unacceptable product may, for example, be used to issue an alert through some device (not shown). When the acceptance determination (OK) is made, in step S26 its characteristic value envelop and the acceptance determination are indicated. Then in aws «r <ui

0 «• 0 0 0 · <0 • 0 0 t« 00

00

0 * 0 000 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 000 000 Step S27 determines whether the clamping will continue. When a continuation signal has been entered, the program returns to step S23, and if a stop production signal has been entered, the program goes to the end.

As mentioned above, the creation of a decision criterion presetting program and a terminal crimping quality determination program allows easy presetting of the criterion criteria and a reliable determination of the acceptance and unacceptability of the clamping quality.

The aforementioned mismatch detection device B may be connected to a network system using a communication interface 48. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, a plurality of terminal clamping devices A are connected via network N to processing computer C, 15 of which each have an incorrect clamping detection device B. Each incorrect clamping detecting device B presets reference value envelop data that is transmitted to the processing computer C. The reference value envelop data is stored on a hard disk or similar device ²⁰ created in the processing computer c. values of each incorrect clamping detector B.

In addition, each incorrect clamping detecting device B can perform a friction wear determination on a clamping press (fixture 14 or anvil 17) provided in each terminal clamping device. This means that when replacing the old clamping press with a new press they are obtained

3Q new reference value envelop data by performing a clamping operation to obtain a plurality of acceptable products.

4 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 · · · · · * * «« «« «« «« «« «« «« «« «« «« « ·· «

This new reference value envelop data is transmitted to the processing computer C through the N network and stored on the processing computer C hard drive. Each incorrect clamping detection device B compares the current reference value envelop, which is preset before any product clamping operation, with the data reference curve envelopes that are stored in the processing computer C.

This makes it possible to determine the friction wear condition on the clamping press. Between the new clamping press and the old clamping press, there is a difference in their reference value envelopes as illustrated in FIG. 18. Both these reference value envelopes are superimposed on each other for indication on the display section 47, allowing easy determination in real life. friction wear time on the clamping press. Thus, it is possible to know effectively and reliably the frictional wear state of the clamping press, which allows the efficient production of acceptable products with high-quality clamps.

In addition, via the N network, reference value envelop data may be transmitted between a plurality of incorrect clamping detection devices B. The processing computer C thus makes it possible to know whether the current reference value envelope is satisfactory or not in a production section in which terminal clamping devices A or incorrect clamping detection devices B are used. In the meantime, the production control department, which includes the processing computer C, can carry out detailed analyzes of the production quality. Thus, for example, it is possible to replace a clamping press prior to its abnormal condition by analyzing a database containing the types of terminals, the size of electrical cables, the repetitive number of clamping operations, the friction wear conditions on the clamping presses. presses, burrs of clamped cables, and envelopes of characteristic values obtained during clamping of terminals.

The above embodiment of the device applies the vertical stroke distance of the clamp, i.e. the sensed value of the vertical deflection of the bottom ram body 11A as a clamping characteristic. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 19, for example, the position sensing device 100 may be formed between the housing 1 forming the top and bottom frames of the terminal clamping device and the sidewall. The frames are deflected by the reaction force against the clamping force of the terminal clamping device. Since the deflection size varies with the rigidity of the frames, this deflection size varies with the types of terminal clamping devices 15. Different terminal clamping devices always provide a generally differing amount of deflection. It will be appreciated that the practical terminal clamping device provides a deflection that is used as a clamping characteristic. Deflection is known

By measuring the deflection of the frame of the terminal clamping device. In addition, a deflection sensing portion can be provided in the terminal clamping device, for example by providing a notch in the crank mechanism to provide a resilient action similar to the ram according to the embodiment described above.

The above-described position sensing device, which acquires a skid or frame deflection value as a characteristic value, is cheaper than a load cell dynamometer or pressure sensor and allows the use of a compact sensor. Note that the deflection value ³⁰ is not necessarily measured exactly on the axis of the clamping operation, so that this deflection value can easily be mechanically amplified. In addition, the position sensing device described above may be mounted on an existing terminal clamping device.

Instead of a position sensing device, an acceleration sensor may be used to measure the movement of the frames. The measurement of this instrument is then used as a clamping curve of the clamping characteristic values that provides a sufficient data set to determine the acceptable product and the unacceptable product.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second ratio, which is the ratio of the number of potential abnormal points to the number of all sampling points in each section, is obtained to detect the incorrectly clamped product. When this second ratio is greater than the allowable percentage limit, the product is determined to be unacceptable. Alternatively, another procedure may be developed to determine the acceptability or unacceptability of the product. For example, at each sampling point, the difference in magnitude of the first ratio from the threshold is determined and all these difference sizes within the section are added together to obtain their sum. In addition, a first ratio is obtained at each sampling point within the section, and all these first ratios are summed within the section to obtain the sum of the first ratios. Then, the ratio of the sum of the differential sizes to the sum of the first ratios is calculated. Acceptance or unacceptability may be determined based on whether the ratio is greater than a predetermined allowable limit.

It should be noted that the method of determining incorrect clamping according to the present invention is not limited to one embodiment described above. For example, special (singular) points may be obtained from the reference curve envelope of the reference curve. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · The values and these singular points can be used to define the segments for determining the clamping quality. In addition, all the characteristic values of the clamping step within the section can be summed to obtain the sum of the characteristic values, wherein the sum of the characteristic values of the reference value envelop is also preliminarily obtained within the section. A comparison of both of these totals can be used to determine the acceptability or unacceptability of the product. This method of determination is similar to the procedure in which the area enclosed by the characteristic value envelop is compared with the area enclosed by the reference value envelop.

It should also be noted that the present invention can also be applied to any clamping mechanism having a structural member deflected by a reaction force at Ί 5 clamping, other than the terminal clamping device of the invention, in which the drive force of the servomotor is used for clamping. .

Claims (5)

PATENT Claims ····················································· ···································· A method of determining a crimping quality of a terminal, in which the crimping quality of a terminal that is clamped to a conductor of an electric cable by a terminal clamping device is determined, the method utilizing envelope characteristic curves obtained when the terminal is clamped to a conductor, The characteristic values are obtained by sensing the deflection of the component forming the terminal clamping device and deflected by the reaction force caused by the terminal clamping. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that said terminal clamping device has a clamp and an anvil for clamping the terminal between each other, said clamp being coupled to a plunger to be used as said component, wherein the plunger is flexibly deflected by the reaction force caused by the clamping action of the clamp. 3. A terminal crimping quality determining apparatus for determining terminal crimping quality that is clamped on an electrical cable conductor by a terminal crimping apparatus, the apparatus utilizing characteristic curve envelopes obtained when the terminal is clamped on a conductor, characterized in that it has characteristic value sensing means for sensing characteristic values, the characteristic values being obtained by sensing the deflection of the component forming the terminal clamping device and deflected by the reaction force caused by the terminal clamping. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said terminal clamping device has a clamp and an anvil for: 4 · 4 4 · · 4 nutí 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 up up up up up up up up up up up the clamp is coupled to a ram that is used as said structural member, wherein the ram is resiliently deflected by the reaction force caused by the clamping action of the clamp. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said plunger is formed with a notch defining an upper body, a lower body, and a connecting portion connecting the upper and lower plunger bodies to allow for flexible plunger deflection.