EP0873582B1 - Portable tool for crimping connecting terminals onto electrical conductors - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable tool for crimping connecting terminals onto electrical conductors, including a rotatably mounted die holder barrel (1) comprising an axial bore (11) and provided with at least two sets of dies (13A, 13B) that are radially movable between two end positions and have differently shaped crimping tips (13a, 13b); a fixed cam (2) surrounding the barrel (1) and having an operative surface (15, 16) engaged by the outer ends (13d) of the dies (13A, 13B), said operative surface (15, 16) being shaped in such a way that all the dies (13A and 13B) may be positioned in an inoperative position, or the dies in one set of dies (13A or 13B) may be selectively moved in the axial direction of the axial bore (11) in the barrel (1); and drive means (3-4) for rotating said barrel (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a portable tool for crimping pins or connection elements on electrical conductors, with a device for integrated crimp quality control.

In some areas with a very large number important electrical or electronic equipment, such as aeronautics for example, we must make a multitude of electrical connections each requiring two complementary elements of connection, so the number of pins of connection which is necessary to fix by crimping on electrical conductors, can be considerable (for example well above 10,000 on a helicopter). On the other hand, the diameters of the conductors are adapted to their function, so that we are led to use a wide variety of connection pins to match multiples wire or cable diameters.

In the aforementioned applications, the crimping of pins or connection elements, male or females, on the previously stripped ends electrical wires or cables, therefore takes place usually by means of different hand pliers appropriate to the characteristics (diameter, length, locations of crimping impressions, etc.) of these spindles, and provided with manual adjustment means for adjusting the axial positioning of said pins and depth of footprints.

It is understood that the use of manual pliers different and the need to make adjustments textbooks on these can be sources errors whose consequences can be very serious (especially in aeronautical applications, or military), and that the results of crimps operated by means of these pliers are difficult to control. Indeed, the test of traction can destroy the torque wire / spindle, while clamp control does not guarantee the absence of human error during settings.

In addition, it is evident that the operations of crimping performed using different pliers manually adjustable, it is necessary to store carefully and choose according to the connections to achieve, require many performers and a long intervention time.

• un organe porte-poinçons fixe pourvu d'une pluralité de jeux de n poinçons déplaçables radialement par rapport au conducteur électrique autour duquel est disposée ladite broche à sertir ;
• une première pièce montée sur ledit organe porte-poinçons et comportant des poussoirs déplaçables radialement, ladite première pièce étant susceptible d'être déplacée angulairement par rapport audit organe porte-poinçons par l'intermédiaire de premiers moyens d'actionnement, de façon à amener les poussoirs en regard du jeu de poinçons choisis ; et
• une seconde pièce montée sur ladite première pièce et pourvue de moyens de déplacement desdits poussoirs représentatifs de l'effort de sertissage à exercer sur les poinçons, ladite seconde pièce étant susceptible d'être déplacée angulairement par rapport à la première pièce et à l'organe porte-poinçons par l'intermédiaire de deuxièmes moyens d'actionnement, pour que les moyens de déplacement agissent sur les poussoirs qui, à leur tour, agissent sur les poinçons en réalisant le sertissage de la broche sur le conducteur électrique.

To overcome these drawbacks, we have proposed (EP-A-0.415.831) a connection device for crimping connection elements on electrical conductors comprising:

• a fixed punch-carrying member provided with a plurality of sets of n punches which can be moved radially relative to the electrical conductor around which said crimping pin is disposed;
• a first part mounted on said punch-carrying member and comprising radially displaceable pushers, said first part being capable of being angularly displaced relative to said punch-carrying member by means of first actuation means, so as to bring the pushers next to the set of punches chosen; and
• a second part mounted on said first part and provided with means for moving said pushers representative of the crimping force to be exerted on the punches, said second part being capable of being angularly displaced relative to the first part and to the member punch holder by means of second actuation means, so that the displacement means act on the pushers which, in turn, act on the punches by crimping the spindle on the electrical conductor.

On the other hand, it is provided in the document mentioned above, to associate a sensor representative of the crimping force on the second moving part, this sensor being connected to the second actuation means, so as to interrupt the operation of crimping when the force exerted by the punches is reached, an electrical connection connecting this sensor to a programmable control unit.

However, this device has the disadvantages to be complex and expensive. Indeed, his head crimping has two moving parts and its operation requires four motorization. So it's a heavy device, working in a fixed and non-portable position.

On the other hand, the force sensor is arranged to distance from the axes where the efforts of crimping, so that the force measured is not representative of the actual crimping effort and that the crimping results can be find skewed.

The crimping device described in the document EP-A-0.415.831 includes a centering system pins, before the crimping action. This system centering consists of a large number of organs some of which are mobile and one of which is activated by its own motorization, so that said system increases the complexity and size of the device crimping.

On the other hand, the crimping device described in the aforementioned document is equipped with a pin positioning device which is also relatively complex and bulky.

The object of the invention is in particular to remedy the disadvantages of hand tools and automatic crimping devices like this which is described in document EP-A-0.415.831.

• un barillet porte-poinçons monté avec une aptitude de rotation, ce barillet comportant un passage axial et étant muni de poinçons déplaçables radialement entre deux positions extrêmes, ledit barillet étant, de préférence, muni d'au moins deux jeux de poinçons différant par la forme de leur extrémité de sertissage ;
• une came fixe montée autour de ce barillet et contre la surface active de laquelle s'appuient les extrémités externes des poinçons, ladite surface active étant conformée pour permettre, soit le positionnement de l'ensemble des poinçons en position de repos, soit le déplacement sélectif des poinçons d'un seul jeu de poinçons en direction de l'axe du passage axial du barillet ;
• des moyens moteurs permettant l'entraínement en rotation dudit barillet.

According to a first characteristic arrangement of the invention, the pliers or portable crimping tool comprises in particular:

• a punch barrel mounted with rotational ability, this barrel having an axial passage and being provided with punches which can be moved radially between two extreme positions, said barrel being preferably provided with at least two sets of punches differing in shape from their crimping end;
• a fixed cam mounted around this barrel and against the active surface on which the external ends of the punches are supported, said active surface being shaped to allow either the positioning of all the punches in the rest position, or the selective displacement punches of a single set of punches in the direction of the axis of the axial passage of the barrel;
• motor means allowing the rotation of said barrel.

A first advantage of the crimping tool according to the invention resides in the fact that its mechanism actuation of the crimping punches such as described above is of simple construction since has only one moving part and therefore a only motor for driving this part. Else hand, if we consider that the crimping devices also have a positioning system longitudinal spindles including its own motorization device, crimping tool according to the invention has only two motors, so besides remarkable simplicity compared at work that she can do, she is relatively lightweight, making it a portable tool that removes disadvantages of stationary work.

According to another characteristic arrangement of the invention, the active part of the fixed cam is shaped so as to allow immobilization of punches from the set of punches selected in a pre-centering position, between their rest position and their crimp position.

Thanks to this arrangement, the portable tool does not has no special pre-centering mechanism axial of the pins, which contributes to lightening and reducing the size of said tool relative to to the device described in document EP-A-0,415,831.

According to another characteristic arrangement of the invention, force sensors, for example consisting of load washers, are housed in the fixed cam surrounding the punch barrel, these force sensors being placed on the axes of radial displacement of the punches.

The advantage arising from this location of sensors, is to measure the forces of crimping, as close as possible to the punches, in the axes where efforts are exerted. Another benefit stems from the fact that said sensors are housed in a part fixed crimping tool, so that they can be connected to the control system by means fixed wiring in relation to the crimping head.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to adjust crimp settings automatically, that is to say: choice of suitable punches, pre-centering of said punches, positioning longitudinal of the spindles, depth of the indentations.

These parameters are saved in a database data from a control system or unit programmable control; they are chosen by the operator, either via a screen keyboard or by a barcode reading system attached to said audit control system.

The device according to the invention also allows to control the force of penetration of the punches in the pins and this depending on the position of said punches.

A position / effort curve can be compared to a reference curve recorded in the base of data from the control system.

If the curve obtained is too far from the reference curve, crimping is considered defective. The operator can then be notified by the screen, or by an audible signal, or by maintaining the spindle in the crimping tool.

We understand that this possibility of control takes great importance in the aeronautical fields, space and military.

According to the invention, the different functions previously indicated, are made by a tool relatively light portable (about 1.5 kg) and reduced dimensions.

The above goals, features and benefits, and others will emerge better from the description which follows and attached drawings in which :

Figure 1 is a front view of the tool portable crimp according to the invention, the head of which is shown without the front wall of its housing.

Figure 2 is a side view in axial section of this tool.

Figure 3 is a front view, at a larger scale, of the crimping head of this tool.

Figure 4 is a detail view, front and larger scale, illustrating the particular profile of the punch actuation cam.

Figure 5a is an axial sectional view and more large scale of the crimping head.

Figure 5b is an exploded view of Figure 5a.

Figure 6 is an exploded view, in section longitudinal, positioning system longitudinal of the pins.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line 7-7 of Figure 5b.

Figure 8 is a front view of the head of tool crimping, shown in the position of pre-centering.

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 and representing the crimping head during the action of crimping of a pin on a conductor.

Reference is made to said drawings to describe a interesting, but non-limiting example of embodiment, of the crimping tool according to the invention.

• un barillet porte-poinçons 1 ;
• une came fixe 2 montée autour de ce barillet ;
• des moyens moteurs 3-4 permettant l'entraínement en rotation de ce barillet.

The crimping head of this tool notably includes:

• a punch barrel 1;
• a fixed cam 2 mounted around this barrel;
• motor means 3-4 allowing the rotation of this barrel.

Barrel 1 consists of a coin cylindrical having a front portion in which are housed the punches and a rear portion of smaller diameter around which are mounted bearings 5 and the rear end of which is provided of a bevel gear 6 engaged with a bevel gear 7 wedged on the output shaft 8 of a reduction gear 4 coupled to an electric motor 3 with which it is the driving force for training in rotation of said barrel.

The 3-4 gear motor is of the current type continuous and double direction of rotation; he is willing radially with respect to the axis of the barrel, at most close to the latter, and it is housed in a casing 9 forming the handle of the tool and making it possible to house the various conductors connected to the motors and to the tool sensors. In other words, the axis of motorization A-A is perpendicular to the axis of a-a rotation of the barrel (figure 2).

On the other hand, the 3-4 gear motor is equipped an incremental encoder 10 also housed in the housing 9.

Barrel 1 has an axial through passage 11, of circular section and in the anterior portion which opens a plurality of radial passages 12 arranged in the same plane and regularly spaced from 45 degrees. In each of these radial passages, is mounted an axially movable punch 13A or 13B.

According to the example illustrated, the barrel 1 comprises eight radial passages and contains eight punches 13A and 13B, but it is emphasized that this number is illustrated in indicative only and that said barrel could have a number of radial passes and upper or lower punches.

More specifically, the barrel 1 is, of preferably provided with at least two sets of punches 13A and 13B arranged alternately, the punches 13A of one of these games differing from the punches 13B from the other play by the shape of their active end 13a or 13b, as is more particularly visible on the figure 3. The tests carried out revealed that the use of two sets of punches is sufficient to cover 90% of the crimp contacts, in the field of construction or maintenance aeronautics.

Each punch 13A or 13B comprises a rod 13c, an enlarged head 13d and an active end or crimping end 13a or 13b. The heads of punches preferably have bearing surfaces cylindrical for better pressure distribution in contact with the surfaces of the active parts of the cam. On the other hand, at least a portion of the punches 13A, 13B and passages 12 in which can slide said punches, have a quadrangular section, by rectangular example, allowing to immobilize said rotating punches. Preferably, the portion of rectangular section of punches 13A, 13B is constituted by the 13d head of these, while the portion of rectangular section of passages 12 is the portion of which can slide said head. A spring 14 acting in compression and arranged around the rod 13c of each punch 13A and 13B, tends to push the latter outward. This spring 14 is wedged, through its ends opposite, on the one hand, against a circular shoulder 12a constituting the bottom of an enlarged portion of each passage 12 and, on the other hand, against a shoulder circular 13th constituted by the internal face of the bulging portion of the head 13d of each punch.

Cam 2 consists of a cylindrical piece the rear portion 2a of which contains the bearings 5 and its active surface is constituted by the surface internal of its anterior portion 2b surrounding the portion before barrel 1 in which the punches 13A and 13B whose heads 13d are supported against said active surface which has, in alternation, hollow parts 15 and parts active in relief 16. In this way, the punches 13A or 13B can be moved axially between two extreme positions, one of which (rest position) results from their support against a hollow part 15 of the cam and the other (crimp position) of their support against an active part in relief 16 of said cam.

• soit l'appui de l'ensemble des poinçons 13A et 13B contre ses parties creuses 15 ;
• soit le déplacement radial des poinçons d'un jeu de poinçons sélectionné, en direction des éléments de connexion à sertir, sous l'action de ses parties actives en relief 16 sur la tête 13d de ces poinçons, tandis que les poinçons de l'autre jeu de poinçons restent en contact avec ses parties creuses 15, de sorte qu'ils demeurent immobiles.

This cam 2 has a particular profile allowing:

• either the support of all of the punches 13A and 13B against its hollow parts 15;
• or the radial displacement of the punches of a selected set of punches, in the direction of the connection elements to be crimped, under the action of its active parts in relief 16 on the head 13d of these punches, while the punches of the other set of punches remain in contact with its hollow parts 15, so that they remain immobile.

Cam 2 has a number of hollow parts 15 and active parts in relief 16 equal to the number of punches from each set of punches 13A or 13B. Else share, each hollow part 15 is dimensioned for allow the simultaneous support of a punch 13A and a punch 13B of the two sets of punches, while each active part in relief 16 is dimensioned for only allow support with one punch 13A or 13B of a selected set of punches.

Following the illustrated example, we see that the hollow parts 15 extend over more than 45 degrees, while the raised portions 16 for actuating the punches extend less than 45 degrees.

On the other hand, the slopes of the active parts in relief 16 have a particular profile called "effort constant ". According to this profile, each slope is more pronounced in its part where the effort to be made is lower, then this slope decreases in its part where the effort to produce is greater. As is more particularly represented in FIG. 4, each cam 16 of the multicame fixed member 2, comprises: - a first zone 17a having a percentage of slope important allowing the displacement of the punches in pre-centering position and approach to them in contact with the crimp pin; - a second area 17b with constant slope and percentage of slope more weak, corresponding to the crimping action well said ; - and a third clearance zone 17c with a large percentage of reverse slope allowing the positioning of the inactive punches in the inlet ends of the hollow parts 15 during the selection of punches suitable for a cycle of crimping.

• la sélection du jeu de poinçons devant être utilisés ;
• un pré-centrage du couple fil/broche, par l'approche des poinçons ;
• le sertissage de la broche sur le fil, les poinçons se trouvant enfoncés dans le fût de la broche par les parties actives en relief de la came qui reste fixe.

As explained in the remainder of this presentation, the rotation of the barrel allows:

• selecting the set of punches to be used;
• pre-centering of the wire / spindle couple, by approaching the punches;
• the crimping of the spindle on the wire, the punches being driven into the barrel of the spindle by the active parts in relief of the cam which remains fixed.

According to another characteristic arrangement of the invention, sensors 18, for example constituted by load washers, known per se, are built into housings in the part front of cam 2 which surrounds the set of punches 13A-13B, outside the active surfaces of the parts in relief 16. These load washers 18 are advantageously arranged on the outside of flexible parts constituted by the raised parts 16 of said cam. These flexible parts are, for example, obtained by cutting the raised parts 16 following strings of the cylindrical front part of the cam and through a hole made in the bottom of this cutting.

The load washers 18 have a very low crushing, on the order of 2 to 3 microns, so that the effort measured is thus very representative of the real effort.

The force sensors 18 are connected to a system control-command or programmable control unit including a computer. Another advantage already underlined arising from the fixed positioning of the washers load 18, is to have a fixed wiring, not subject to torsional or tensile movements.

• la forme de l'empreinte est donnée par le constructeur en fonction de la broche, ceci implique le choix du jeu de poinçons correspondant (paramètre fixe) ;
• la profondeur de l'empreinte est une caractéristique fixe, donnée également par le constructeur ; cette cote est enregistrée dans la base de données machine (paramètre fixe);
• le système permet l'acquisition rapide et simultanée de la position des poinçons dans la matière de la broche et de l'effort à chacune de leurs positions ;
• cette courbe après validation par les services qualité est mémorisée en tant que courbe de référence. De cette courbe, sont déduites deux autres courbes dite courbes enveloppes, une courbe supérieure et une courbe inférieure, afin d'accepter de légères différences dues aux tolérances d'usinage des broches ou des fils. Ces courbes enveloppes deviennent des paramètres fixes et sont enregistrées dans la base de données.

An instant measurement acquisition on the four load washers located above the punches allows a mathematical analysis and a very fast comparison of the reference curves. This analysis makes it possible to detect type errors: strands of wire cut, poor pairing, spindle or wire out of tolerance, etc. The system for reaching these conclusions is based on the following principles:

• the shape of the imprint is given by the manufacturer according to the spindle, this implies the choice of the corresponding set of punches (fixed parameter);
• the depth of the footprint is a fixed characteristic, also given by the manufacturer; this dimension is recorded in the machine database (fixed parameter);
• the system allows rapid and simultaneous acquisition of the position of the punches in the spindle material and of the force at each of their positions;
• this curve after validation by the quality services is stored as a reference curve. From this curve, two other curves, called envelope curves, are deduced, an upper curve and a lower curve, in order to accept slight differences due to the machining tolerances of the pins or wires. These envelope curves become fixed parameters and are saved in the database.

During crimping, during the manufacturing phase normal, a position / effort curve is memorized temporarily to be compared to the curve of reference.

Mathematical analysis consists of finding inflection points signifying the beginning of a rupture, to the overshoots of the envelope curves, to the energy overall can mean one or more cut strands.

The crimping assembly consisting of the barrel punch holder 1 and cam 2 is housed in the part front of a casing 19 whose axis is oriented perpendicularly to the axis of the housing 9. At the front, this housing is closed by a plate 19a provided with an orifice central 19b located in front of the entrance to passage 11, coaxially with the latter.

The crimping tool according to the invention comprises also a longitudinal positioning system of the wire / pin pair consisting of a male pin or female in which the stripped end is inserted an electric wire or cable.

According to another characteristic arrangement of the invention, this longitudinal positioning system includes a mounted mobile crew with an ability to axial displacement in a fixed guide 20 rigidly secured to the head housing 19.

The moving equipment includes a tubular slide 21 in which an inductive sensor 22 is housed before which is disposed a movable centering cone 23 axially with respect to this detector, and that a spring 24, acting in compression, tends to push back towards the front, i.e. away from said detector inductive. This centering cone 23 can be pushed back in back against the antagonistic action of the spring 24, until its rear part 25 constituted by a small metallic mass, come into contact with the inductive sensor 22.

Guide 20 is arranged coaxially with barrel 1 and its front portion is engaged in the portion posterior enlarged axial passage 11 formed in said barrel. On the other hand, the front part of the cone centering 23 is engaged and guided in the smaller diameter front portion of said passage axial 11.

The moving crew 21-22-23-24 is subject to drive means allowing its axial displacement, that is to say the adjustment of its position inside the fixed guide 20, depending on the length of the pins to crimp.

The cylindrical rear part 20a of the guide 20 has two longitudinal slots 26 diametrically opposite and around this posterior part is mounted a cylindrical socket 27 provided with two helical slots 28. In these helical slots, diametrically opposite lugs are engaged, integral with the rear end of the slide 21 and passing through the longitudinal slots 26 of the part rear 20a of the guide 20. These pins can be formed by opposite ends 29a of a rod drive 29 arranged across the end slide 21.

The rear end of the drive sleeve is provided with a pinion 30 which can be formed of a single piece with said socket. This pinion 30 is in taken with a motor pinion 31 fixed on the shaft of output of a motorization device for example consisting of a DC gear motor 32 housed in the casing 19 and whose axis is disposed at distance and parallel to the common axis of the device crimping and positioning device longitudinal, said gear motor also being equipped with an incremental encoder 36.

• il permet de positionner longitudinalement la broche sous les poinçons ;
• il permet de détecter la présence de la broche dans la position souhaitable et de déclencher l'action de sertissage.

The longitudinal positioning device has two main functions:

• it allows the spindle to be positioned longitudinally under the punches;
• it detects the presence of the spindle in the desired position and triggers the crimping action.

The crimping tool is still equipped with at least two position detectors. One of these detectors 33 allows very precise control of the position of the barrel 1 for adjusting the depth while the second 34 allows check the position of the positioning device longitudinal.

• un calculateur avec base de données (réglages par rapport au couple fil/broche et courbes, courbes étalon) ;
• un système de mesure recevant les informations des rondelles de charge 18 ;
• un système de commande et de positionnement des moteurs 3-4, 32 d'actionnement du barillet et du dispositif de positionnement longitudinal ;
• de préférence, un système de lecture code-barre ; et
• un interface opérateur par écran clavier ou dalle tactile.

The various electrical or electronic components of the previously described crimping tool are connected, by means of a flexible cable 35 containing the various wires connected to these components, to a control-command system or programmable control unit known per se. and including:

• a calculator with database (adjustments in relation to the wire / spindle couple and curves, standard curves);
• a measurement system receiving the information from the load washers 18;
• a system for controlling and positioning the motors 3-4, 32 for actuating the barrel and the longitudinal positioning device;
• preferably a barcode reading system; and
• an operator interface via keyboard screen or touch screen.

The barcode reading system allows you to read information on a label that could be on the electric wire or cable. This information may include, for example, the indication the type of pin to crimp on the wire, the wire gauge; in this case, preparation for crimping can operate without operator action (selection of gauge, wire, and connection pin).

The information contained in the barcode can also include the end of the wire or cable or its housing in the connector.

The control of the force / penetration curve allows to reject a bad pin accidentally placed.

The following describes the crimping cycle carried out using the portable crimping tool according to the invention.

Before the start of a crimp cycle, all punches 13A-13B are in the position shown in Figure 3, that is to say that their head 13d is pushed outwards against the bottom of the parts hollow 15 of the active surface of the fixed cam 2, under the action of the springs 14, and that the axial passage 11 of the barrel 1 is completely free.

The operator selects, on the keyboard screen of the control system, the wire gauge and the type of connection pin he wishes to crimp, this selection can be made entirely automatic, as indicated above, using the barcode reading system connected to the programmable control.

After validation, the control system selects the appropriate punches (i.e. punches 13A or punches 13B) and order a first approximation of their active ends 13a or 13b to place them in the pre-centering position (figure 8) by means of the rotation of the barrel 1 actuated by the gear motor 3-4; during this phase, the angular displacement amplitude of the barrel is very weak and the profile of the initial portion 17a slopes of cam 2 over which the heads of the punches causes a small displacement of the punches in the direction of the axis of the passage 11.

In Figures 8 and 9, these are the punches 13A that have been selected for crimping.

The programmable control unit controls also the positioning of the centering cone 23 of the longitudinal positioning device, on the axis of barrel 1 rotation, depending on the length of the crimp pin. For this, the gear motor 32 rotates the socket 27 which, by through its helical slots or ramps 28 acts on the rod 29 which is moved parallel to the crimping axis being guided by the slots longitudinal 26 and which brings with it the crew mobile 22-23-24-25 including the centering cone 23. The correct positioning of the moving assembly is provided by the coder.

"Tool ready" information can be delivered to the operator to indicate that the tool is ready for execution of the crimping operation.

He can then introduce the stripped end of the wire F or electric cable on which the connection pin B, in the passage 11 of the tool.

During this introduction, the free end of the spindle comes to rest in the bottom of the cone centering 23 which is pushed back towards the against the antagonistic action exerted by the spring 24. The displacement of the centering cone 23 is detected by the inductive sensor 22 and the programmable control controls the triggering of the crimping operation via the geared motor 3-4. A rotational movement additional is communicated to barrel 1. During this rotational movement, the 13d heads of the punches selected (punches 13A according to the example illustrated) slide on the slopes 17b raised portions 16 of fixed cam 2, which leads to a new displacement of said punches in the direction of the axis of the passage 11, during which the active ends of these last ones press on the spindle of the couple spindle pin / conductor by carrying out the crimping of said pin on said conductor (Figure 9).

The value of the amplitude of the angular displacement of the punch cylinder 1 and of the axial displacement selected punches 13A or 13B determining the depth of crimping impressions, is pre-determined based on the characteristics of the spindle (material, thickness, diameter, length, etc.) and conductor (diameter, number of strands or strands, etc.).

The load washers 18 arranged on the axes radial displacement of the punches 13A, 13B allow very precise measurements of the crimping efforts.

Rapid sampling of effort data and position, allows to "trace", by the system of control-command, an effort / position curve.

Comparison with a curve reference validates the crimping.

• câble mal adapté à la broche ;
• brins de fil coupés ;
• positionnement longitudinal défectueux, si les poinçons rentrent dans la partie pleine de la broche, dans le vide ou au bord.

A mathematical analysis (inflection point, energy) of the curve makes it possible to detect errors of the type:

• cable badly suited to the spindle;
• cut strands of wire;
• defective longitudinal positioning, if the punches fall into the solid part of the spindle, into the void or at the edge.

At the end of crimping, and if it is in accordance with the prescribed regulations, the punches are returned to their pre-centering position (if the next crimp pin is of the same type), under the action of the return springs 14, as a result of the rotation of the gear motor 3-4, in the opposite direction, the crimping cycle carried out by displacement angular "round trip" of the punch cylinder 1, in the range of 10 degrees to 20 degrees. If the crimping does not comply, an acknowledgment by the operator is necessary to obtain the return of the barrel in the rest position.

According to the example illustrated in Figures 3, 8 and 9, we considers that the punches selected are the punches 13A whose drive heads 13d are are located at the entrance to slopes 17a-17b of the active parts 16 of cam 2, before the operation of actual crimping, so that said punches are returned to the position of pre-centering at the end of this operation, under the control of the programmable control unit.

• les poinçons 13A glissent, successivement, sur les pentes 17a de pré-centrage et d'approche, sur les pentes 17b de sertissage et sur les pentes d'échappement 17c et sont positionnés en aval des parties actives en relief 16 de la came 2, en considérant le sens de rotation du barillet 1 ;
• les poinçons 13B glissent sur la totalité de la longueur des parties creuses 15 de ladite came et se trouvent amenés à l'entrée de la portion pentée initiale 17a desdites parties actives en relief 16.

When the type of spindle and / or conductor is changed and when this change makes it necessary to use the punches of the other set of punches (punches 13B according to the example described above), the programmable control unit allows a barrel rotation 1 through 45 degrees, via the gear motor 3-4. During this angular movement which is carried out "empty", that is to say without introduction of a spindle into the passage 11:

• the punches 13A slide, successively, on the slopes 17a of pre-centering and approach, on the crimping slopes 17b and on the exhaust slopes 17c and are positioned downstream of the active parts in relief 16 of the cam 2, considering the direction of rotation of barrel 1;
• the punches 13B slide over the entire length of the hollow parts 15 of said cam and are brought to the entry of the initial sloping portion 17a of said active parts in relief 16.

The crimping cycles using the new punches can then succeed one another, in the way described above, until the characteristics crimp pins and / or conductors, require a new change of punches.

Claims (11)

1. Portable tool for the crimp connection of connector pins on electric conductors, characterised in that it comprises:

   a punch-plate turret (1) mounted so as to be able to rotate, said turret (1) having an axial passage (11) and being provided with at least two sets of punches (13A, 13B) which are adapted to be radially displaced between two extreme positions and which differ in the shape of their crimping end (13a, 13b);

   a fixed cam (2) mounted around said turret (1) and against the active surface (15, 16) of which rest the outer ends (13d) of the punches (13A, 13B), said active surface (15, 16) being configured so as to allow either all of the punches (13A and 13B) to be positioned in the rest position, or selective displacement of the punches of a single set of punches (13A or 13B) in the direction of the axis of the axial passage (11) through the turret (1);

   motorised means (3, 4) which allow said turret (1) to be driven in rotation.
2. Portable tool according to claim 1, characterised in that the active surface (15, 16) of the fixed cam (2) is configured so as to allow the punches of the selected set of punches (13A or 13B) to be immobilised in an intermediate pre-centring position between their rest position and their crimping position.
3. Portable tool according to either of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that strain gauges (18), for example constituted by load rings, are housed in the fixed cam (2) surrounding the punch-plate turret (1), these strain gauges (18) being set to the rear of the raised active portions (16) of the active surface of the cam (2) and on the axes of radial displacement of the punches.
4. Portable tool according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the turret (1) driving motor (3-4) is housed in the handle (9) of said tool and in that the motorisation axis (A-A) is disposed perpendicularly to the rotational axis (a-a) of said turret.
5. Portable tool according to either of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that at least one portion of the punches (13A, 13B) and of the passages (12) in which the latter are able to slide are four-sided in cross-section, preferably rectangular, and in that the heads (13d) of said punches (13A, 13B) present cylindrical support surfaces.
6. Portable tool according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the fixed cam (2) has a number of hollow rest portions (15) and raised active portions (16) equal to the number of punches in each set of punches (13A or 13B), each hollow rest portion (15) being of a size enabling one punch (13A and 13B) of the two sets of punches (13A, 13B) to be simultaneously supported, while each raised active portion (16) is of a size so as to enable only a single punch (13A or 13B) of a selected set of punches to be supported.
7. Portable tool according to any of claims 1, 2, 3 or 6, characterised in that the inclined portions (17) of the active surface of the fixed cam (2) comprise the following: - a first zone (17a) featuring a steep gradient enabling the punches (13A or 13B) to be successively displaced into the pre-centring position and then brought into contact with the pin to be crimped; - a second zone (17b) with a constant slope and gentler gradient enabling the crimp connection proper to be made; - and preferably a third zone (17c) with a steep inverse gradient.
8. Portable tool according to any of claims 1 to 7, comprising a system for positioning the pins longitudinally, characterised in that this positioning system comprises:

   a movable element mounted so as to be able to be displaced axially in a fixed guide (20), said movable element comprising a tubular slide (21) which houses a detector (22), disposed in front of which is a centring cone (23) adapted to move axially with respect to said detector and which a spring (24) tries to force back towards the front, said movable element (21-22-23-24) being operated on by longitudinal driving means (27, 30) which make it possible to adjust the position thereof in said fixed guide (20).
9. Portable tool according to claim 8, characterised in that the longitudinal driving means for the movable element comprise a driving sleeve (27) disposed around a cylindrical portion (20a) of the fixed guide (20) and provided with helicoid slots (28) in which engage spurs (29a) rigidly joined to the tubular slide (21), said driving sleeve being coupled to a motor (32) which enables it to be driven in rotation and the axis of which is set at a distance and parallel to the axis of said longitudinal positioning system.
10. Portable tool according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it comprises a detector (33) which enables the position of the punch-plate turret (1) to be controlled, and/or a detector (34) which enables the position of the longitudinal positioning device (20-21-22-23-24-25-27) to be controlled.
11. Portable tool according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that it is connected to a programmable control unit which controls the angular displacements of the turret (1) and/or the system for positioning the pins longitudinally, said programmable control unit comprising:

    a computer with database;

    a measurement system which receives the information from the load rings (18);

    a system for the control and positioning of means (3-4; 32) for driving the turret (1) and/or the longitudinal positioning device (21-22-23-24);

    and preferably a bar-code reading system.

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