DE102005012963B3 - Monitoring and control method for cable processing apparatus involves monitoring and controlling cable processing apparatus based on salient position for close fitting of insulated construction units or wiring or complete cable splitting - Google Patents

Abstract

A cable comprised of an insulation and a wiring is arranged between construction units (16,18,20,22) driven by an actuator (12). The force path curve during movement of the construction units is obtained. Changes in the force path curve due to the successive movements of the construction units are evaluated to determine a salient position for close fitting of the construction units with the insulation, closing fitting of the construction units with the wiring, or complete splitting of the cable. The cable processing apparatus is monitored and controlled based on the salient position. An independent claim is also included for a cable processing apparatus.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for monitoring and / or controlling a cable processing device and a cable processing device.

typical, in the processing of electrical cables occurring operations are the transection of a conductor or a bundle of conductors surrounding Insulating jacket for stripping or exposing the conductor and the subsequent complete Severing the cable to, for example, the exposed one Leader to attach a cable lug or other terminal. Such operations for example, in the manufacture of wiring harnesses for motor vehicles in big Number and at high speed. In addition, cables are different Strength processed.

Such a cable processing machine is for example in the EP 0 623 982 B1 described. A cable to be processed is first severed by means of two cutting blades. The severed ends are then pulled apart by means of a transport device so far that their ends are located at a predetermined distance from Strisoliermessern. Subsequently, the insulating jacket of each cable is cut by means of the stripping blades, so that when pulling out the cable ends between the stripping the respective cut end of the insulating jacket is removed from the conductor and the head for further processing, such as contact is exposed.

The for one Stripping or a complete Cutting a cable necessary data, such as stroke of a stripping knife etc., are usually re-entered every time you change or change the cable type. For this a machine database or the values can be used are read from specification tables and entered manually.

If A current cable deviates from the specification, this leads defective end products that may not be noticed immediately what to reject or even later Quality loss or malfunctions leads.

From the EP 15 15 410 A2 , is based on the preambles of claims 1 and 5, a cable processing machine with a cutter head is known, which consists of a top and a lower part, which are movable toward and away from each other. The upper part contains at least one separating knife, at least one stripping knife and a first cutting edge which is fastened to a base plate of the upper part via a force measuring device. The lower part of the cutter head contains at least one cutting knife, at least one stripping knife and another cutting edge. With the aid of the first cutting edge, the second cutting edge and the force measuring device, it is possible to measure the crimp height of a crimp connection arranged between the cutting edges when the cutting edges move toward each other.

From the EP 06 73 099 A2 is a method for separating and / or stripping a Leiterbzw. Cable end and a device for carrying out the method known. In this case, the end of the conductor to be machined is grasped behind the conductor end section to be machined and held in its axial position. Subsequently, the free end of the conductor end section is fixed by means of a sliding in the longitudinal direction of the Leiterendabschnittes relative to this against its free end scanning. Then, cutting blades are returned by an amount corresponding to the severing and / or stripping length from the previously determined end position and brought into cutting engagement with the conductor end portion to be machined. After cutting through the desired position, this is moved by means of the cutting blade in the direction of the end of the Leiterendabschnittes. A zero adjustment of the cutting blade can be done by means of a knife bolt.

Of the Invention is based on the object, the flexibility and the Improve operational reliability of cable processing devices.

A solution This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1.

The recorded by the method according to the invention Force-displacement curve allows automatic determination of different for the Operation of the cable processing device and / or the quality control important parameters, such as cable outer diameter, cable inner diameter, Cutting speed, airing etc. These data can be used in a variety of ways, for example, for the controller the cable processing device or machine, for the determination of Geometry of the cable or even for the determination of wear of the Stripping and / or cutting knife etc.

The under claims 2 to 4 are advantageous embodiments and developments the method according to the invention directed.

The claim 5 identifies the structure ei ner cable processing device for performing the method.

The Cable processing device according to the invention is with the features of the claims 6 to 11 developed in an advantageous manner.

The Invention can be more diverse Way for the Processing of cables, wires and other elongated objects perpendicular to its longitudinal extent be used. Particularly well, the invention is suitable for use on cable processing devices with which a cable initially stripped and then completely is severed.

The Invention will be described below with reference to schematic drawings, for example and explained in more detail.

In the figures represent:

1 a schematic side view of a cable processing device,

2 different views of knives in different positions,

3 a side view of an embodiment of the device similar 1 with explanations explaining the function,

4 a view similar to the one 3 a modified embodiment.

5 a schematic view of a part of the device according to 1 in a modified embodiment and

6 the embodiment according to 5 with additional facilities.

According to 1 includes one for stripping and cutting (cutting to length) a cable 2 trained cable processing device a base frame 4 , on the interposition of a force-measuring device 6 a sub-table 8th rests.

Next is on the base frame 4 by means of a guide, not shown, an upper table 10 guided vertically movable in the example shown, to the drive in the form of an electric motor 12 trained actuator on the base frame 4 is attached.

The force measuring device 6 can contain piezo elements in a conventional manner, over which the undertable 8th on the base frame 4 supported and their output signals with the bottom of the table 8th on the base frame 4 change the force applied.

The electric motor 12 For example, with the upper table 10 be connected via a spindle drive, so that the rotational movement of an output shaft of the electric motor 12 in a manner known per se in a linear movement of the upper table 10 is implemented.

The position of the upper table 10 is from a position sensor 14 detected. The force measuring device 6 and the position sensor 14 are with an electronic control device 15 connected, the one with the electric motor 12 having connected output.

On the under-counter serving as a knife carrier 8th are stripping blades at a mutual distance 16 and in between a cut-through knife 18 appropriate.

On the upper table serving as a knife carrier 10 are corresponding stripping knives 20 and a cutting knife 22 appropriate.

Shown schematically in dashed lines is a cable transport device 23 , Not shown is a contacting device, such as crimping device, which is part of a cable processing center together with the illustrated device.

2 shows two cooperating knives, such as stripping knives 16 and 20 , in different views and enlarged view.

2a ) shows a lower stripping blade 16 and an upper stripping blade 20 with the cable in between 2 in a view parallel to the cable longitudinal extension. As can be seen, the facing edges of the stripping blades 16 and 20 with cutting 24 respectively. 26 trained in accordance with the view 2a ) with V-shaped cutouts facing away from each other 28 and 30 are formed.

As if from a comparison between 2a ) and 2c ), the two V-shaped cutouts form 28 and 30 when moving towards each other the knives 16 and 20 a diamond-shaped opening, the cable passed through them 2 centered and one a conductor bundle 32 of the cable 2 enclosing insulating jacket 34 increasingly severed until the edges of the cutting edges 24 and 26 in contact with the conductor bundle 32 come (position according to 2c )), the insulating jacket 34 is largely severed.

When cutting through the insulating jacket only for the purpose of subsequent stripping by removing the separated shell piece may be the conductor bundle 32 should not be damaged, as this could lead to errors in subsequent contacting and / or inadmissibly high ohmic resistances.

As in 1 are shown, between the stripping knives Durchtrennmesser 22 provided, the cutting edges are advantageously arranged to each other and relative to those of the stripping blades, that the entire cable 2 is safely severed before the stripping the insulating jacket 34 touch and then move to the position shown in 2c ) arrive, in the one hand, the insulating jacket 34 is completely severed and on the other hand, the conductor bundle 32 not damaged yet.

Structure and function of the device described are known per se and are therefore not explained in detail. Normally, the device is used such that one by means of the cable transport device 23 led cable 2 from the diameters 18 . 22 is severed. The severed ends are then by means of the transport device 23 pulled apart so far that they are at predetermined distances from the stripping blades 16 and 20 are located. Subsequently, the insulating jacket 34 cut through each end, with the stripping blades in the position according to 2c ) reach. After that, the stripping blades 16 and 20 slightly apart (ventilated) so that they do not touch the conductor when subsequently the ends by means of the transport device 23 be pulled apart so that the end pieces of the insulating coats are pulled off and the ladder 32 be free for their contact.

To ensure that the conductor bundle is reliably not damaged, a precise knowledge of the positions of the stripping knives 16 and 20 required. With knowledge of the distance between the undertable 8th and the upper table 10 and the geometry of the stripping blades 16 and 20 can be the cross section of the between the cutting edges 26 and 24 remaining diamond-shaped opening can be calculated.

The following is the programming of one in the control device 15 contained memory based on the 3 explains in which the frame 4 of the 1 has been omitted for simplicity and the position sensor 14 is formed as an angle increment counter, the rotational position of one of the electric motor 12 rotationally driven component and counts incrementally. A reference position corresponding to a count can be determined by a moving component reaching a light barrier or a mechanical stop so that, if necessary, absolute positions are known.

Under feed of the upper table 10 with the help of the electric motor 12 is in an entrance level 40 the electronic control device 15 recorded a force-displacement curve, which is the output signal F of the force measuring device 6 depending on the count S of the position sensor 14 indicates. This force-displacement curve contains prominent points or positions, such as the point A, at which the cut-off 22 in contact with the insulating jacket 34 of the cable 2 come, the point B, where the cut-through 18 in contact with the conductor bundle 32 come and the point C in which the cable 2 is completely severed.

It is understood that the force-displacement curve also separated only for the stripping blades 20 and the cutting blades 18 can be recorded, where it ends at the stripping knives at point B.

At the described critical points, the force-displacement curve has typical changes in pitch, which in an evaluation unit 42 the control device 15 be evaluated, so that the location of critical points or positions in a display 44 can be displayed or in an output stage 46 for controlling the electric motor 12 be implemented.

4 shows one opposite the 3 modified embodiment, different from that of the 3 thereby distinguishes that the output signal of the output stage 46 a position controller 50 is supplied, the output signal of a current controller 52 for regulating the electric motor 12 from a power source 54 supplied stream is supplied. At constant voltage of the power source 54 the current I is a measure of that of the electric motor 12 for the propulsion of the upper table 10 applied torque and thus in particular when setting a constant speed of the upper table 10 a measure of the force applied to the associated blades.

• – Bei Übergang von einer Kabelart auf eine andere Kabelart kann anhand eines Referenzkabels eine Referenzkurve aufgenommen werden, deren kritische Punkte anschließend zur Steuerung des Elektromotors 12 dienen. Die sich im Betriebsverlauf ergebende Kraft-Wegkurve kann laufend mit der Referenzkurve verglichen werden, so dass festgestellt werden kann, ob die Kabelgeometrie der vorbestimmten Kabelgeometrie entspricht oder aber festgestellt werden kann, ob die Messer verschleißen oder ein anderer Systemfehler auftritt. Bei Kabelfehlern ändert sich die relative Lage der kritischen Punkte zueinander. Bei Verschleiß verschieben sich die Punkte insgesamt.

The recorded force-displacement curve and its critical points can be used in a variety of ways:

• - When changing from one type of cable to another type of cable, a reference curve can be recorded using a reference cable, the critical points of which are then used to control the electric motor 12 serve. The resulting in the course of the operation force-displacement curve can be compared continuously with the reference curve, so that it can be determined whether the cable geometry corresponds to the predetermined cable geometry or whether it can be determined whether the blades wear out or another system error occurs. With cable faults, the relative position of the critical points changes. When worn, the points move in total.

Further can the measured force-displacement curves are used to programmed control data to check for accuracy that indeed the intended cables are processed.

It is understood that the ongoing operation of the device in the Cable processing with higher speed can be done as the recording of a force-displacement curve, in which case dynamic effects can be corrected.

The described device may in addition to the control of a Crimped connection can be used by the location of the crimped connection between two, for example, additional ones Inspection blades moved that will be brought into abutment with the crimping point so that again by recording the force-displacement curve of the contact point and thereby the associated Distance between the test blades and Thus, the thickness of the crimp (crimp height), the predetermined Should correspond to nominal size, can be determined.

The described device can in many ways with respect to Drive the knives, the assembly the tables or relative to each other moving knife holding devices with knives, the force measurement, the distance measurement, etc. are changed. Instead of the electric motor can hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, etc. are used. It can both the undertable and the top table are powered, for example, from a common spindle, with which the two tables are in opposite directions thread engagement. This ensures that the middle between the relatively moving knives and thus the horizontal position of the cable remains exactly the same.

The design of the knife can be different according to the respective requirements; For example, the angle between the cutting sections can be changed; the cutout 28 can be formed with a variety of forms, for example, be adapted to the contour of the conductor, etc. The invention can be used for a variety of cable types; For coaxial cables, which, starting from the inner conductor, initially have a sheath consisting of a dielectric, then a shield and then an insulation sheath, a different curve course naturally results with other critical points or positions than the curve described by way of example. The device can also be used in the processing or processing of optical waveguides, for example, have a glass core, which is encased in a plastic. For such coaxial cable, for example, several, each juxtaposed stripping be used, one of which stripping to the conductor and the other, for example, stripping only to shield.

The Force measuring device may be constructed such that each of Knife on the table or holder via its own load cell is attached, so the forces can be recorded separately.

Based on 5 and 6 a development of the described device according to the invention will be explained. 5 shows a schematic plan view of the superimposed tables 8th and 10 with the stripping blades and blades attached to it. 6 shows the arrangement of 5 in their integration into other cable processing facilities.

According to 5 are on the undercounter 8th and the upper table 10 two additional feeler links each 60 and 62 attached. The respective lower probe element 60 is to the upper feeler 62 not offset, as facing Tastränder the Tastglieder 60 . 62 are preferred in mutual alignment. In contrast to the knives are the Tastränder the Tastglieder 60 . 62 advantageously blunt, since with them no cutting of any components is intended.

According to 6 are the tables 8th . 10 with the attached knives and feeler links between two gripping arms 64 and 66 each with an internal passage for the passage of the cable 2 , The gripping arms 64 and 66 advantageously have gripping jaws at their mutually facing ends 68 and 70 that grip or hold the cable 2 are closable. The gripping arms 64 and 66 are in the illustrated example vertical axes A and B pivotable. For a transport of the cable 2 are transport rollers 72 and 74 provided between which the cable 2 each passed through frictionally, so that it is promoted with appropriate drive of the transport rollers.

Laterally next to the gripping arms 64 and 66 each is a crimping station 76 and 78 arranged.

In the following, the interaction of the individual, in their construction known per se in the 6 explained. Under control of the controller 15 ( 1 ) becomes the cable 2 for example according to 6 Introduced from below into the plant by removing it from the transport rollers 72 through the gripper arm 64 is passed through until its front end is between each other spaced-through blades 18 and 22 has moved through. Subsequently, the gripping jaws 68 closed and the tables 8th . 10 moved together, leaving the cable from the cutting knives 18 . 22 is cut or cut off. Then the stripping knives 16 . 20 moved so far towards each other that the insulating jacket of the cable is severed. Subsequently, the cable by means of the transport rollers 72 with open gripping jaws 68 according to 6 pulled down so that the separated Isoliermantelstück is pulled off the conductor, as described above. The gripping jaws 68 are then closed and the gripper arm 64 is pivoted about the axis A in the counterclockwise direction, so that the free end of the cable in the crimping station 76 is arranged and provided there with a crimp contact. Subsequently, the gripper arm 64 moved back beyond the home position, so that the crimp-contacted end of the cable between the Tastgliedern 60 and 62 is arranged. By moving together the Tastglieder 60 and 62 The crimp height can then be measured by, for example, the distance between the undertable 8th and upper table 10 and from this the distance between the Tasträndern the Tastglieder 60 and 62 is determined when the actuation force to move toward each other tables 8th and 10 or mounts exceeds a predetermined force, for example, 5 N exceeds.

Then the tables are moved apart and the gripper arm 64 pivots back into the initial position shown, so that the end provided with a crimp contact with open gripping jaws 70 through the gripper arm 66 through and the transport rollers 74 can be moved through. If a predetermined cable length between the blades 18 and 22 is moved through (the respective length can directly on the cable or by detecting the rotational movement of the transport rollers 72 and or 74 detected), the cable transport is interrupted and a predetermined length of the cable by means of the cut-through 18 . 22 separated. Subsequently, in the manner described, the stripping of the two mutually facing cable ends, which subsequently in the crimping stations 76 and 78 can be provided with crimp contacts whose thickness or height in a further operation using the sensing elements 60 and 62 can be determined.

By Integration of crimp height measurement in the device described is without interrupting the flow of work also a quality assurance the crimp connection possible.

It is understood that the device described in many ways amended can be, without the basic idea of the invention, the crimp height measurement with the surveillance to integrate the severing and stripping of the cable and these quality assurance Processes through Detecting the force path characteristic of the moving tables or mounts to accomplish.

For example have to to monitor the crimp height not necessarily own Tastglieder be provided. The crimp height can be measured with the help of the Durchmesser, where for the Durability in crimp height monitoring the Tables move slowly and up to a small increase in force become.

2

electric wire

4

base frame

6

Force measuring device

8th

under table

10

overtable

12

electric motor

14

position sensor

15

control device

16

Stripping knife

18

By separating knife

20

Stripping knife

22

By separating knife

23

Cable transport device

24

cutting edge

26

cutting edge

28

neckline

30

neckline

32

conductor bundle

34

insulating

40

doorstep

42

evaluation

44

display

46

output stage

50

position controller

52

current regulator

54

power source

60

feeler

62

feeler

64

claw arm

66

claw arm

68

jaws

70

jaws

72

transport roller

74

transport roller

76

crimping

 78

crimping

Claims (11)

Method for monitoring and / or controlling a cable processing device with at least two by means of at least one actuator ( 12 ) towards and away from each other moving parts ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ), comprising the following steps: - arranging a cable ( 2 ) with one of an insulating jacket ( 34 ) enclosed conductor ( 32 ) between the components ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ), - picking up a force-displacement curve during the movement of the components toward one another, - determining at least one of the following striking positions by evaluating changes in the course of the force-displacement curve during the mutual movement of the components: - abutment of the components on the insulating jacket ( 34 ), - concerns of the components on the conductor ( 2 ), - complete cutting of the cable ( 2 ) and - using the thus determined at least one distinctive position for monitoring and / or controlling the cable processing device. Method according to claim 1, characterized by a further process step, in which a crimping point of the Cable crimped cable lug between two relative to each other moving components is arranged and the crimp height through Recording and evaluation of the force-displacement curve of the relative movement the components is determined. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the force by means of a force sensor ( 6 ) which is located on one of the components ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ) acting force detected. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the force by evaluation of the of the actuator ( 12 ) is determined. Cable processing device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising two tables ( 8th . 10 ) each with at least one knife ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ), which tables are movable toward each other in such a way that a cable passed between them ( 2 ) is severable with the knives, an actuator ( 32 ) for moving the tables, a position detection device ( 14 ) for detecting the relative position of the tables to each other, a control device ( 15 ) for controlling the actuator, a force measuring device ( 6 ; 52 ) to capture one of the tables ( 8th . 10 ) applied force during the succession movement of the tables, and an evaluation device ( 40 . 42 ) for recording and evaluating the force-displacement curve. Cable processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that one of the tables ( 8th ) via a force sensor ( 6 ) is supported on a stationary base and the other of the tables ( 10 ) with the actuator ( 12 ) connected is. Cable processing device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the actuator as an electric motor ( 12 ) is formed, the rotational position for detecting the path and the power consumption for detecting the force are detected. Cable processing device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that at each table ( 8th . 10 ) at a mutual distance two stripping knives ( 16 . 20 ) and in between a cutting knife ( 18 . 22 ) are arranged. Cable processing device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that mutually facing front edges of the relatively movable blade ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ) V-shaped cutouts ( 28 . 30 ), which form a smaller, diamond-shaped opening when moving the knives towards each other. Cable processing device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that at each of the tables at least one feeler member ( 60 . 62 ) is fixed so that mutually facing Tastränder the Tastglieder to move toward each other, so that the height of a fixed to a stripped end of a cable contacting, in particular crimp, by an increase in applied to the tables force at a contact of the Tastränder on the contact is detectable. Cable processing device according to claim 10, characterized by a cable transport device ( 72 . 74 ), with which one end of a cable ( 2 ) after removal of a separate end region of the insulating jacket from the conductor to a contacting station ( 76 . 78 ) is movable for attaching a contact to the exposed conductor piece and then the contact end region provided is moved back so that the connection point between the contact and the conductor between mutually associated Tastgliedern ( 60 . 62 ) is located.