FR2782578A1 - Crimping device for series of metal lugs attached to electric wires incorporates pre-adjusted metal cartridge for guiding set of lugs - Google Patents

Abstract

A foundation piece (1) is adapted to be fixed to a table fastened to a press. There is at least one anvil (6) for performing the crimping action firmly fixed to the foundation plate and defining at least a first crimping station (5). A tool carrying assembly (2) has a crimping tool (8), defining at least a second crimping station (7), with a shape complementary to that of the first. Each lug (11) is crimped in turn, with a tool mechanism using a slide block.

Description

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  SERIES CRIMPING DEVICE

  METALLICS AND PRESET GUIDE CASSETTE

OF A BAND OF PODS.

  The invention relates to a device for crimping metal lugs onto electrical wires with an insulating sheath, one end of which has been previously stripped, of the type comprising: - a sole adapted to be fixed to a fixed table of a press, - at least one crimping anvil, fixed support by the sole, and defining at least a first crimping imprint, - a crimping tool holder carrying at least one crimping die defining at least a second crimping imprint whose shape is conjugated with that of '' a first crimping imprint, the crimping imprints defining a crimping station and being adapted to crimp a terminal placed and clamped between the crimping imprints and around said end of the wire along an axis, called crimping axis, corresponding to the wire direction, this tool holder being adapted to be mounted integral in translation with a press slide and guide in translation relative to the sole, so as to be moved, by and with the movements of the press slide, according to reciprocating movements of approximation and spacing relative to the sole for crimping, - automatic means of supply of lugs, successively in the crimping station between said crimping impressions, from a strip of preformed metal lugs linked together in a chain, these automatic supply means being synchronized with respect

  to said movements of the tool holder relative to the sole.

  These crimping devices, generally called "mini-applicators" are mounted on conventional crimping presses with the sole fixed to the fixed table of the press and the tool holder fixed to the slide or nose of the press. These mini-applicators allow the serial crimping of metal lugs semi-automatically, a worker placing the

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  wires one by one on the anvil before pressing the press.

  WO-97/48154 describes a crimping device in which the tools (matrix (s) and anvil (s)) can be changed quickly with each change of wire model and / or terminals without requiring or dismantling the crimping device compared to the press, nor the tool setting. Nevertheless, it still remains to adapt and adjust, for each new model of crimp terminals, the automatic supply means so that the strip of lugs is correctly positioned relative to the crimping station and that each crimp terminal is correctly and precisely placed along the crimping axis between the crimping tools by these automatic supply means. In practice, it can be seen that this adaptation and these adjustments must be made at each change of lug strip, and that it is often necessary to replace the strip guide plate of the

  crimping according to the shape and dimensions of the crimp terminals.

  The invention therefore aims to overcome these drawbacks and to make it possible to eliminate, or at least reduce as much as possible, the operations of adaptation and adjustment of the automatic supply means according to the shapes and dimensions of the terminals to be crimped and of the strip of pods. The invention therefore aims to simplify and shorten the operations to be performed when changing a strip of lugs to be crimped by the same crimping device. The invention thus aims to reduce the non-productive time between each series of terminals. The invention also aims to authorize complete automation of the adaptation and adjustment operations of the automatic supply means without requiring human intervention, or by reducing it as much as possible, between

each series of terminals.

  To do this, the invention relates to a crimping device as mentioned above, and which is characterized in that the automatic means for supplying the terminals include: - a preset cassette for guiding the strip of terminals comprising: a body cassette,

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  means for receiving and guiding the strip of lugs relative to the cassette body adapted so that the strip of lugs engaged in the receiving and guiding means is integral with the cassette, - means for driving the strip of lugs adapted to be able to successively move the lug strip, in a direction of movement, to the crimping station by a suitable distance for the installation of a new crimping lug between the crimping impressions, rigid fixing means removable from the cassette 10 on the sole adapted to allow: the operation of the lug strip drive means when the cassette is fixed to the sole, the lug strip being kept guided relative to the crimping station essentially by the means receiving and guiding the cassette suitable for this purpose, 15. mounting the cassette on the soleplate without adjusting the position of the cassette body by r compared to the sole, the disassembly of the cassette with a view to mounting another cassette with a new strip of lugs similar or different from the previous one. In this way, with each change of model of crimp terminals, not only is it not necessary to disassemble the crimping device relative to the press on which it is mounted, but, moreover, it suffices to change the cassette preset guide of the lug strip so that the automatic supply means are adapted and adjusted to the model of the lug strip to be crimped. Indeed, each cassette is adapted according to the model (shapes and dimensions) of the strip of lugs that it receives and of which it allows the

  mounting on the crimping device.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, said cassette constitutes the only means for guiding and mounting the strip of lugs to be crimped relative to the crimping station. In other words, a strip of crimp terminals is mounted on the crimping device and guided exclusively by said cassette. The means of driving the lug strip have the effect

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  drive the lug strip relative to the cassette.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the cassette is adapted to form a tunnel for receiving the strip of lugs which passes through this tunnel, this tunnel extending in the direction of movement in which the strip of lugs must be moved towards the post of crimping. In this way, a strip of crimp terminals engaged in a cassette is secured to this cassette and, conversely, the cassette is secured to the strip of lugs. Thus, each strip of lugs can be previously equipped with a cassette at its end, and it suffices to mount the cassette on the crimping device to start crimping the lugs of this strip of lugs, no long and complex adjustment.

only being necessary.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the removable rigid fixing means of the cassette on the sole are of the type for instant assembly and disassembly without tools. In this way, the assembly and disassembly operations of the cassette are facilitated and shortened. Advantageously and according to the invention, the removable rigid fixing means of the cassette on the sole include: - a housing for receiving the cassette on the sole comprising means for guiding and holding the cassette in position aligned in the direction of displacement of the lug strip towards the crimping station, these guide means authorizing a displacement of the cassette relative to the sole in translation parallel to the direction of movement, in particular for its assembly or disassembly, - locking means to latching of the cassette in the working position in the receiving housing, - means for unlocking the cassette in order to

disassembly.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the means for driving the strip of lugs comprise: - in the cassette a pawl mounted movable in translation relative to the body of the cassette and adapted to cooperate with the strip of lugs so that in a first direction of movement in translation of the pawl, it drives the strip of lugs in translation movement relative to the cassette body towards the crimping station, and in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, of movement in translation of the pawl it does not drive the strip of lugs which remains stationary relative to the cassette body, - means for driving the pawl in translation alternately in both directions, synchronized with respect to the movements of the tool holder relative to the sole. The ratchet drive means are advantageously and according to the invention, mounted integral with the sole of the

  1o crimping device and do not have to be changed with the cassette.

  As a variant, it is possible to provide for all of the means for driving the strip of lugs to remain integral with the sole. It then suffices for the cassette to have an access opening in which a drive finger or pawl secured to a jack can be engaged to cooperate directly with the strip of lugs for its drive towards the crimping station for each terminal. Crimp. In another variant, all of the

  means for driving the lug strip can be secured to the cassette.

  For example, the cassette can incorporate at least one jack which it suffices to connect to

  a pressurized fluid supply.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the pawl drive means comprise a jack comprising a jack body carried by the sole and an actuating rod driving a pusher suitable for, when the cassette is fixed on the sole, cooperate with the at least one bearing secured in translation of the pawl and thus driving the pawl in at least one of the two directions of movement in translation when the rod of the jack moves. Advantageously and according to the invention, the cylinder body is fixed

  directly attached to the sole, for example by screwing.

  Alternatively, these drive means may also consist of a mechanical device connected to the movements of the tool holder by an appropriate transmission (for example with connecting rods), so that the pawl is

  driven synchronously from the movements of the tool holder.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the housing of

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  receiving the cassette has a flat face parallel to the direction of movement, provided with an opening for the passage of said pusher driven by the jack, and this pusher is recalled elastically projecting towards the cassette relative to this plane face so as to come cooperate with a bearing secured in translation of the ratchet of the cassette and to form means for locking the cassette in its housing by snap-fastening of the pusher on this bearing, these locking means preventing movement of the cassette in the

  reception housing in the second direction beyond the pusher.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the crimping device 10 comprises an unlocking finger integral with the pusher and accessible from the outside for an operator, and adapted to allow the pusher to be moved in order to erase it in the opening for passage of said flat side in the direction of its distance from the cassette until the range can exceed the pusher

  in the second direction for the disassembly of the cassette.

  Throughout the text, unless otherwise indicated, the term "front" refers to the first direction of movement corresponding to the direction of advance of the lugs in the direction of movement towards the crimping station, and the term "rear" refers to the second opposite direction to the first direction according to this

direction of travel.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the crimping device comprises a stop, fixed relative to the sole, for locking towards the front of the cassette in the position limiting its movement in its receiving housing in the first direction. This stop can be formed by a bearing secured to an anvil support block (s) and / or to the sole against which a

  front edge of the cassette body abuts.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the crimping device is characterized in that the pusher is adapted to come into contact with a solid surface in translation of the pawl to drive it in translation in the first direction of movement towards the crimping station , and in that the cassette comprises elastic return means adapted to drive the pawl in translation in the second direction of movement, when the rod

  actuation moves in this second direction.

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  Advantageously and according to the invention, the crimping device is also characterized in that the cassette comprises an abutment - notably fixed relative to the cassette body - rear end-of-travel movement of the pawl in the second direction relative to the body of cassette, and in that the jack is adapted to have a displacement stroke of its actuating rod and of the pusher, in this second direction, which is greater than or equal to that of the pawl in the cassette (when the latter is fixed sole) defined

  by this rear end stop.

  Also, advantageously and according to the invention, the crimping device is characterized in that it comprises an end-of-travel stop before the movement of the pawl in the first direction, and in that the jack is adapted to present a stroke movement of its actuating rod and the pusher, in this first direction which is greater than or equal to that of the pawl in the cassette (when the latter is fixed to the sole) defined by the front end-of-travel stop. This front end stop is fixed by

  relative to the sole and / or relative to the cassette body.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the means for receiving and guiding the strip of lugs with respect to the cassette body comprise means for longitudinally guiding the strip of lugs parallel to the direction of movement. In addition, the cassette comprises means for adjusting the position of the means for longitudinally guiding the strip of lugs relative to the cassette body in a transverse direction.

  perpendicular to the direction of travel.

  Advantageously and according to the invention, the means for receiving and guiding the strip of lugs comprise braking means adapted to prevent untimely movement of the strip of lugs relative to the cassette body, in particular in the second direction when returning from the ratchet backwards. These braking means are adapted to nevertheless allow the movement of the strip of lugs towards the crimping station under the effect of the drive means (jack). Advantageously and according to the invention, the braking means comprise at least one elastic member exerting an elastic force on the strip of lugs opposite to a bearing face

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  integral with the cassette body and on which the strip of lugs slides during

his movements.

  In addition, advantageously and according to the invention, the cassette comprises a mechanism for manually releasing a strip of lugs from the cassette by displacement in the second direction. Advantageously and according to the invention, the manual release mechanism comprises: - an operating member accessible from the outside, - means for neutralizing the braking means, - means for disengaging the pawl relative to

o0 to the strip of lugs.

  The invention extends to a preset cassette for guiding a strip of lugs for a crimping device according to the invention. A cassette according to the invention comprises a cassette body, and means for receiving and guiding a strip of lugs relative to the cassette body, are adapted so that a strip of lugs can be engaged in these reception means. and guiding and being integral with the cassette, the cassette body being adapted to be able to be rigidly and detachably fixed on a sole of a crimping device without adjusting the position of the cassette body by

compared to the sole.

  The invention also extends to a crimping device and a cassette, characterized in combination by all or some of the characteristics

  mentioned above or below.

  Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention

  will appear on reading the following description of one of its modes of

  preferential embodiment given by way of nonlimiting example, and which refers to the appended figures in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a crimping device according to the invention, shown with a strip of lugs, ready to operate, - Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the crimping device of Figure 1 seen from another angle, - Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the

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  crimping device of Figure 1, - Figure 4 is a schematic view of the crimping device of Figure 1 in section through a vertical plane passing through the lug strip and containing the direction of movement of the lug strip, - the Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a crimping device according to the invention with a preset cassette for guiding a strip of lugs disassembled outside the receiving housing, - Figure 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the elements constituting a cassette according to the invention of a crimping device according to the invention, - Figure 7 is a schematic view from below of the cassette according to the invention of Figure 6 shown without base plate, - Figure 8 is a schematic top view of a cassette according to the invention of Figure 6, - Figure 9 is a schematic sectional view along the line IX - IX of Figure 8, Figure 10 being a schematic view of a detail of Figure 9 on an enlarged scale, - Figure 11 is a schematic sectional view along the line XI - XI of Figure 8, and on an enlarged scale, Figure 12 is a partial schematic view in perspective illustrating the drive means of the cassette pawl of a crimping device according to the invention, FIG. 13 being a schematic exploded perspective view of these drive means, - FIG. 14 is a view from behind of a crimping device according to the invention, - Figure 15 is a top view of a device

crimping according to the invention.

  The invention relates to a crimping device in series of metal lugs on electric wires (not shown in the figures) with insulating sheath, one end of which has been previously stripped. This crimping device, of the so-called mini-applicator type, comprises a sole 1 adapted to be fixed to a fixed table of a press (not shown); a tool holder 2 from o 2782578 crimping adapted to be able to be mounted integral in translation with a press slide (not shown); automatic means 3 for supplying and cutting the lugs successively one by one from a strip of identical preformed metal lugs 4. The strip 4 is therefore formed by a string of lugs 1 1 linked together and which adjoin each other . Each terminal 11 is intended to be compressed between at least a first crimping imprint 5 defined by at least one crimping anvil 6 carried fixed by the sole 1, and at least a second crimping imprint 7 defined by at least one crimping matrix 8 carried by the tool holder 2. The first (s) 5 and second (s) 7 o0 crimping imprints have shapes which are conjugated to each other and adapted to crimp a terminal 11 on a wire from a preformed terminal 11 of the strip 4. Each terminal 11 is clamped between these indentations 5, 7 and around said end of the wire along an axis 9, called crimping axis 9,

  corresponding to the direction of the wire placed between these imprints 5, 7.

  The tool holder 2 is assembled integral in translation relative to the press slide by means of conventional assembly means 10, which advantageously comprise means for continuously adjusting the position of the tool holder 2 relative to the press slide according to the direction of translation of the tool holder 2 (and of the press slide) relative to

  at sole 1 and at the press table.

  The tool holder 2 is guided in vertical translation along the axis of the press relative to the sole 1 thanks to lateral stirrups 12 fixedly mounted on the sole 1 and surrounding and guiding the tool holder 2. In this way, the tool holder 2 is guided in translation relative to the sole 1 so as to be moved with the movements of the press slide in alternating movements of

  approximation and spacing with respect to the sole 1.

  The automatic feeding and cutting means 3 supply a terminal 11 of the strip 4 at each cycle in the crimping station, 7 defined between the indentations 5, 7, and place it for crimping along the axis 9 of crimping. These means 3 are synchronized with respect to the movements of the tool holder 2 with respect to the sole 1, so that a portion of strip 4 corresponding to a terminal 11 is fed between the cavities 5, 7 ll 2782578 when they are spaced . During the subsequent bringing together of said crimping imprints, 7, the terminal 11 in place on the crimping station 5, 7 is cut out

  band 4 and crimped to the end of the wire.

  Each die 8 is formed of an associated vertical plate and carried by the same block 16 supporting the die (s), and the tool holder 2 comprises a housing for receiving a block 16 supporting the die (s). Block 16 supporting the matrix (s) is generally parallelepiped, like the housing

reception.

  Each anvil 6 is carried by the same block 19 support l0 of anvil (s) and the sole 1 defines a base 20 for receiving such a block 19

anvil support (s).

  The block 16 supporting the matrix (s) and the block 19 supporting the anvil (s), forming the same set of crimping tools for crimping a lug model, that is to say carrying first indentations 5 and second indentations 7 for crimping conjugated shapes, are associated with each other in an autonomous assembly, adapted so that these blocks 16, 19 can be assembled and disassembled together with respect to the device, that is to say say respectively with respect to the tool holder 2 and with respect to the sole 1. To do this, the block 16 support for the die (s) and the block 19 support for the anvil (s) are associated one with the another by two assembly columns 22 extending parallel to the direction of translation of the tool holder 2, that is to say vertically. The assembly columns 22 are engaged in corresponding holes made in the anvil support block 19, so as to be rigidly fixed to this block 19, at

  less when the latter is fixed and mounted on the base 20 of the sole 1.

  The block 16 matrix support (s) also includes a

  vertical through hole for guiding it relative to each column 22.

  The anvil support block 19 is assembled and removably fixed to the base 20 of the sole 1 by a dovetail type assembly, with an axis parallel to the crimping axis 9, which allows to position, relative to the sole 1, each anvil 6 and each matrix 8 in the vertical plane

  containing the crimping axis and the vertical axis of translation of the tool holder 2.

  The assembly of this assembly of tools is known per se

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same (WO-97/48154).

  The automatic means 3 for supplying the terminals 11 comprise a preset cassette 25 for guiding the strip 4 of the terminals. This cassette 25 comprises a cassette body 26 and means 67, 72, 75 for receiving and guiding the strip 4 of lugs with respect to the cassette body 26. The means 67, 72, 75 for receiving and guiding the strip 4 of lugs are adapted so that the strip 4 of lugs engaged in these means 67, 72, 75 is integral with the cassette 25. The cassette 25 constitutes an autonomous mechanism capable of receiving and guiding a strip 4 of lugs, and which can be climb and

  autonomously and completely disassembled from the crimping device.

  This cassette 25 can be rigidly fixed removably relative to the sole 1 by fixing means for instant mounting and dismounting without tools comprising a receiving housing 30, integral with the

  sole 1, intended to receive the cassette 25.

  The receiving housing 30 is carried by an assembly 31 for driving the strip 4 of lugs, and this drive assembly 31 is fixed.

on sole 1.

  The strip 4 of lugs is, in the embodiment shown, formed of a pilot strip 13 and of lugs 11 extending perpendicular to the pilot strip 13, on one of its sides, the different lugs 11 being parallel to one another. others, regularly spaced along the pilot strip 13. For the supply of each terminal 11 in the crimping station, such a strip 4 of terminals must be moved parallel to the pilot strip 13, that is to say perpendicularly to the lugs 11 and to the crimping pin 9. Thus, the direction of movement 14 of such a strip 4 of terminals for the automatic supply of the terminals 11 to the crimping station is a

  horizontal direction perpendicular to the crimping axis 9 and to the terminals 11.

  The drive assembly 31 is therefore adapted to drive the strip 4 of lugs, and to move it, successively at each cycle, in the direction of movement 14 by a distance suitable for the installation of a new terminal 11 to crimp between the crimping impressions 5, 7. This drive assembly 31 (Figures 12 and 13) comprises a first piece of

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  support 32 fixed on the sole 1 and carrying the body 33 of a jack 34 whose actuating rod 35 is parallel to the direction of movement 14. This actuating rod 35 carries at its free end a slide 36 guided in translation with respect to the first support part 32 (which is provided with a light for this purpose) and with respect to the sole 1 horizontally in the direction of movement 14. This slider 36 itself carries a pusher 37 hinged to this slider 36 around a horizontal articulation axis 38 orthogonal to the direction of movement 14 and to the direction of the actuating rod 35 of the jack 34. The pusher 37 has a free end 39 oriented towards the front and upwards and spaced from the slide 36 upwards by a compression spring interposed between the slide 36 and the pusher 37 at the front of the axis

hinge 38.

  The body 33 of the cylinder 34 is fixed by bolts or screws 27 to the first support piece 32, itself fixed to the sole 1 by

bolts or screws 28.

  The cylinder 34 is, in the example shown, a single-acting cylinder which deploys the actuating rod 35 (and therefore the pusher 37) forwards (second direction) when it is supplied with pressurized fluid. When it is not supplied, the actuating rod 35 is retracted backwards by means of two tension springs 18 which are parallel to each other and to the direction of movement 14, and one end of which is integral with the body 33 of the jack , and the other end is fixed to the slide 36. In a variant not shown, it is also possible to use a jack 34

  double acting type without spring.

  The drive assembly comprises a second support part 29 which carries a plate 41 adapted to form the reception housing 30. The plate 41 and second support part 29 assembly is fixed to the sole 1 by screws 42. The plate 41 forming the receiving housing 30 is a generally rectangular plate having an opening 43 formed in the direction of movement 14, opposite and above the pusher 37 whose

  the free end 39 projects vertically upwards above this plate 41.

  The opening 43 has a length sufficient to allow movement of the pusher 37 when the actuating rod 35 of the cylinder 34 moves, this

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  pusher 37 having its free end 39 which remains projecting upward relative to the plate 41 forming the receiving housing 30 of the cassette 25. In this way, this free end 39 can interfere and cooperate with a bearing 44

  secured to a cassette 25 in place in the receiving housing 30.

  The plate 41 is planar horizontal, and comprises two longitudinal edges 45 parallel to the direction of movement 14, for guiding the cassette 25. The front part 46 of these longitudinal edges 45 is bent over the cassette 25 to form a caliper now this

  cassette 25 axially in an aligned position in the direction of movement 14.

  o0 Thus, this plate 41 guides and maintains the cassette 25 in an aligned position in the direction of movement 14 while allowing the displacement of this cassette relative to the soleplate 1 in translation parallel to the direction of

  displacement 14, for mounting or dismounting.

  The pusher 37 acts as a latching locking latch bolt of the cassette 25 in the working position in its receiving housing 30. In fact, when a cassette 25 is engaged between the edges 45 on the plate 41, and under the front part 46 which is curved with the edges 45, the bearing surface 44 intended to cooperate with the pusher 37 pushes this pusher 37 down until it protrudes its free end 39 forward, after which the compression spring 40 again protrude pusher 37 upwards, reach 44

  locking the cassette 25 in place.

  The forward displacement stroke of the actuating rod 35 is adapted so that the free end 39 of the pusher 37 can protrude forwards the position provided for the bearing 44 of the cassette 25, whatever the model cassette used, when the cassette 25 is in place in the receiving housing 30, abutting forward. Thus, during the mounting of a cassette 25, the actuator 34 is actuated to retract the slide 36 backwards,

  the pusher 37 acting as a latch bolt as indicated above.

  The possible axial play between the pusher 37 and the bearing surface 44 is automatically caught up by the inclination of the end 39 of the pusher 37 when it is

  pushed up by the spring 40.

  An unlocking finger 47 is mounted integral with the

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  pusher 37 and extends perpendicularly to the direction of movement 14 so as to be accessible from the outside by a light 48 provided by the first support part 32. By operating this unlocking finger 47 downwards, the pusher 37 which allows the cassette 25 to be unlocked by sliding backwards relative to the plate 41 and to its receiving housing 30. The unlocking finger 47 therefore makes it possible to erase the pusher 37 entirely in the opening 43 of passage of the square face defined by the plate 41, in the direction of its separation from the cassette 25 until the bearing surface 44 of this cassette 25 can be moved with the cassette 25 and

  pass the push-button 37 backwards for the disassembly of the cassette 25.

  The plate 41 is placed above the second support part 29 and the body 33 of the jack 34, and has, between its side edges 45, a flat horizontal face 50 free upwards forming a bottom 50 of the receiving housing 30 The cassette 25 comprises a lower flat face 49 intended to come into contact with the flat face 50 forming the bottom 50 of the reception housing 30. The cassette 25 also has a shape which allows it to be inserted and guided between the edges 45, 46 of the plate 41 forming the receiving housing, so that in the advanced position of the cassette 25 in the housing 30, the latter is aligned in the direction of movement 14 and held axially. In addition, it is locked by the pusher 37 which abuts towards the front against the bearing 44 integral with the cassette 25, this bearing 44 being accessible for the pusher 37 by an opening 60 of the lower face 49 of the

cassette 25.

  The cassette 25 comprises a base plate 51 and an upper plate 52. The lower face of the base plate 51 forms the lower face 49 of the cassette 25 coming into contact with the bottom 50 of the receiving housing 30. The two plates 51, 52 are assembled stacked one on the other by means of assembly screws 53. The two plates 51, 52 assembled form the

cassette body 26.

  The opposite faces of the plates 51, 52, that is to say the upper face 54 of the base plate 51 and the lower face 55 of the upper plate 52, have recesses so that the two plates 51, 52

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  define between them a housing receiving and guiding in translation a support

  of pawl 56 and a pawl 57 mounted on this pawl support 56.

  The pawl support 56 slides freely in translation relative to the two plates 51, 52, that is to say to the cassette body 26, in the direction of movement 14. To do this, the pawl support 56 has faces lateral 58 which come into contact and slide longitudinally along lateral guide edges 59 parallel to the direction of movement 14, formed in one and / or the other of the two plates 51, 52, (in the upper plate 52 in the embodiment shown in the figures). The pawl support 56 has, towards its front end, the bearing surface 44 which projects

  downwards and is intended to cooperate with the pusher 37 associated with the jack 34.

  This range 44 extends downward in a longitudinal opening 60 formed through the base plate 51. This opening 60 comes opposite and has a shape similar to that of the opening 43 of the plate 41 forming the housing receiving 30 of the cassette 25 and which is crossed by the pusher 37. The bearing surface 44 extends downwards in the thickness of the base plate 51, so that it can be actuated by the pusher 37 which can come in protruding upwards inside the opening 60. The bearing surface 44 preferably extends at least substantially

  up to the level of the lower face 49 of the base plate 51.

  The pawl 57 is formed of an elastic blade fixed at its rear end 61 to the rear of the pawl support 56 and carrying, at its end

  front 62, a lug 63 projecting upwards and forwards in the shape of a half bolt

  tower. The front end 62 of the pawl 57 can come to rest on a front end 64 of the pawl support 56. The flexible blade forming the pawl 57 is elastic in bending and curve with concavity oriented upwards in the non-deformed rest position so that the lug 63 is resiliently biased upwards, and can be moved downwards against the bending elasticity of this blade

flexible forming the pawl 57.

  The upper plate 52 has a lumen 66 adapted to be able to be crossed by the lug 63, so that this latching lug 63 projects upwards beyond the upper horizontal face 67 of the upper plate 52 over a height sufficient to be able to come and cooperate

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  with the strip 4 of lugs received on this upper face 67. Thus, the pawl 57 drives the strip 4 of lugs moving in the direction of movement 14, when the pawl support 56 and the pawl 57 are driven in translation by the intermediate of the pusher 37. The shape of the lug 63 being of the latch bolt type, the latter drives the strip 4 of lugs when it moves in translation forward towards the crimping station 5, 7, but disappears by lowering in the light 66 when it moves in translation backwards, that is to say away from the crimping station 5, 7. The lug 63 is adapted to come cooperate either with orifices provided in the pilot strip 13, or against each terminal

  11, to drive the strip 4 of lugs.

  A compression spring 68 is supported by its rear end on a rear lateral extension 69 of the pawl support 56, and by its front end on a front stop 70 secured to the upper plate 52 (FIG. 7). This spring 68 therefore has the effect of recalling the pawl support 56, and therefore the pawl 57 and its lug 63, towards the rear until the extension 69 of the pawl support 56 comes into abutment against a rear stop Plate 71

upper 52.

  In a variant not shown, the pusher 37 can cooperate with another bearing of the pawl support 56 to recall it according to the second

  direction, the cylinder 34 serving to drive the pawl 57 in both directions.

  The strip 4 of terminals is received and guided on the upper face 67 of the upper plate 52 by means of a rigid guide plate 72 fixed to the plate 52 and folded along several longitudinal fold lines so as to present a vertical longitudinal wing 73 s 'extending downwards towards the face 67 without reaching it, a clearance 74 being formed between this wing 73 and the upper face 67 of the upper plate 52 for receiving the strip 4 of lugs. This wing 73 is adapted to be able to be engaged in notches of the pods 11, so that it longitudinally guides the strip 4 of pods parallel to the direction of movement 14. The guide plate 72 thus forms, with the receiving face 67 , a tunnel for receiving the strip 4 of lugs. The strip 4 of lugs crosses this tunnel longitudinally by entering at its rear end and

  coming out at its front end.

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  Under the guide plate 72, the cassette 25 comprises a braking plate 75 which has the function of exerting vertical pressure on the strip 4 of lugs by applying it to the upper face 67 of the upper plate 52 receiving the strip 4 of pods. This vertical pressure must be sufficient to prevent the rearward movement of the strip 4 of lugs during movements towards the rear of the pawl 57. The braking plate 75 is formed of an elastic blade in flexion folded longitudinally so as to have a longitudinal vertical wing 76 bearing against the strip 4 of lugs, in particular against the pilot strip 13. The brake plate 75 is fixed to the

  upper plate 52, with the guide plate 72 by means of screws 77.

  As can be seen in FIG. 10, for each screw 77, a spacer 78 and an elastic belleville washer 79, interposed between the guide plate 72 and the brake plate 75, make it possible to return the brake plate 75 downwards. The plate guide 72 is in fact mounted above the braking plate 75 which it comes to cover. In addition, the spacer 78 and the corresponding screw 77 pass through an oblong opening 80 of an operating blade 81 interposed between the braking plate 75 and the upper plate 52. This operating blade 81 comprises a cutout and a fold back towards the top forming an operating lug 82 extending through notches 83 of the guide plate 72 and 84 of the braking plate 75. The operating blade 81 also includes a downward extension 85 extending in a longitudinal lumen 86 formed through the upper plate 52. A control blade 87 extending vertically longitudinally is fixed to the extension 85 in the lumen 86. This control blade 87 comprises two bearing surfaces 88, one in the vicinity of each of its front and rear ends projecting upwards so that they can be engaged in corresponding slots 89 of the brake plate 75. The bearing surfaces 88 have a front portion inclined towards front and down (Figure 11) to allow their movement under the brake plate 75 when they exit forwards from the lights 89. In addition, the control blade 87 comprises a downward extension 90 connected to the extension 85 of the operating blade 81, and this extension 90 is extended forward by a bearing 91 inclined forward and upward, adapted to be able to come to the

19 2782578

  contact of a lateral extension 92 of the front end of the pawl 57 to lower the latching lug 63. Thus, when the operating blade 81 is moved forward by acting on the lug 82, the latter moves forward in the notches 83, 84, and the control blade 87 moves towards the before. Initially, the bearing surfaces 88 leaving the lights 89 have the effect of raising the braking plate 75 which no longer exerts pressure on the strip 4 of lugs. In a second step, the bearing 91 comes into contact with the extension 92 of the pawl 57 to lower it, which erases the latching lug 63 in the slot 66. Thus, by this maneuver, it is then possible to dissociate the strip 4 of 1o lugs and disengage it from the cassette 25 by moving backwards, the latching lug 63 and the brake plate 75 no longer being active. It should be noted that the upward movements of the brake plate 75 during the maneuvering of the lug 82 are authorized thanks to the play provided by the belleville washers 79. In addition, the light 86 of the upper plate 52 allowing the passage of the bearing surface 91 is disposed laterally relative to the pawl 57 so as to allow the cooperation of this bearing surface 91 with the lateral extension 92 of the

ratchet 57.

  The mounting of the plates 51, 52 also makes it possible to adjust the position of the guide plate 72 relative to the body 26 of the cassette,

  in a transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of movement 14.

  To do this, a transverse movement of the two plates 51, 52 is authorized by means of slots 93 in the upper plate 52, oblong in this transverse direction, and traversed by the assembly screws 53. In addition, an adjustment screw 94 with a conical end is inserted into a thread 95 of the upper plate 52 so that the conical end of the screw 94 comes into contact

  a conical notch 96 recessed in the base plate 51.

  The axis of the conical notch 96 is offset from the axis of the internal thread 95 and of the adjusting screw 94 as shown in FIG. 9. In this way, by screwing or unscrewing the screw 94, the relative positions are modified base plates 51 and 52 upper. Compression springs 97 are interposed between the two plates 51, 52 in the transverse direction to recall the two plates 51, 52 in the transverse direction opposite the effect provided by the screw.

2782578

setting 94.

  The movements of the drive cylinder 34 controlling the pusher 37 and therefore the pawl 57 of the cassette 25 are synchronized with the alternating vertical movements of the tool holder 2 by means of a contactor 98 cooperating with a vertical groove 99 formed in the rear face of the tool holder 2. The device according to the invention advantageously has two vertical grooves 99 and two mounting positions of the contactor 98 allowing the contactor 98 to cooperate with one or the other of these two grooves 99. To do this, the contactor 98 is fixed by two screws 104 and the crimping device comprises three threads 105 for receiving the screws (FIGS. 14 and 15), only two of which are used for the screws 104 in each mounting position of the contactor 98. Each of the grooves 99 is adapted to achieve appropriate synchronization. It is indeed possible to wish that the

  forward movement of the strip 4 of lugs is effected either when the holder

  l5 tool 2 is in the high position, either during its ascent or during its

  going down. A switch 100 makes it possible to deactivate the drive cylinder 34.

  In addition, it should be noted that the anvil support block (s) 19 has a vertical face forming a stop 101 towards the front, fixed relative to the sole 1, for the cassette 25 in the receiving housing 30. There is also advantageously provided a front stop 102, fixed relative to the sole 1, but adjustable by a screw 103 in the direction of movement 14 relative to the sole 1, this front stop 102 being intended to receive the front end of the ratchet support 56 at the end of the forward stroke. The front stop 102 and the adjusting screw 103 are carried by the anvil support block 19 as shown in FIG. 4. In a variant not shown, the front stop of the support

  pawl 56 can be secured to cassette 25.

  The cassette 25 is entirely adapted in its shapes and dimensions to the strip 4 of lugs, so that the stroke of the pawl 57 can correspond to a displacement of the strip 4 of lugs equal to or slightly greater than the distance separating two lugs 11 on the strip 4 of lugs, and that the rearward stroke of the pawl 57 is greater than or equal to the distance separating two lugs 11, so that the latching lug 63 can cooperate with

21 2782578

  a new terminal 11 to supply. The cassette 25 is also adapted to the shape of the strip of lugs 4 to guide it longitudinally in the direction of movement 14. To ensure correct positioning of the lugs 11 in the crimping station opposite the crimping axis 9, the screw 103 for adjusting the front stop 102 allows fine adjustment. However, most of the adjustment is obtained by means of the cassette 25. The same applies with regard to the transverse adjustment parallel to the crimping axis 9 which is obtained by action on the

screw 94 allowing fine adjustment.

  Changing lug strip 4 is extremely simple. Indeed, it suffices to disassemble the cassette 25 previously installed, then to install a new cassette 25 associated beforehand with its strip 4 of lugs. When the cassette 25 is in abutment forwards against the front abutment 101, there is no axial play between the cassette 25 and the front abutment 101, the pusher 37 pushing and locking the cassette 25 forwards. Any fine adjustment can be carried out by action on the screws 94 and 103, which is extremely simple and rapid. In most cases, such fine adjustment is also not necessary. The invention can be the subject of numerous variants with respect to the preferred embodiment shown. In particular, the cassette body 26 may have different shapes and dimensions and be made of

any other appropriate way.

  The cassette 25 of the embodiment shown is

  generally parallelepiped in the form of a thin rectangular plate.

  Other forms can be adopted. It should be noted that the shapes and dimensions of the cassette 25 shown in FIGS. 6 to 11 are not strictly the same

  than those of the cassette 25 shown in the other figures.

  Also, it should be noted that the invention is applicable for the automatic feeding of strips 4 of lugs, the lugs 11 of which extend axially in line following one another (and not parallel to each other), the strip 4 of lugs being supplied parallel to the axis 9 of crimping. In this case, the direction of movement 14 will coincide with the crimping axis 9 and the cassette as well as the various drive means will

22 2782578

  placed either at the front or at the rear of the crimping device, not on the side

as shown.

23 2782578

Claims (16)

  1 / - Device for crimping terminals on electric wires with an insulating sheath, one end of which has been previously stripped, of the type comprising: - a sole (1) adapted to be fixed on a fixed table of a press, - at least one anvil (6) for crimping, fixed support by the sole (1), and defining at least a first crimping imprint (5), - a crimping tool holder (2) carrying at least one crimping matrix (8) defining at least one second crimping imprint (7) whose shape is combined with that of a first crimping imprint (5), the crimping imprints (5, 7) defining a crimping station and being adapted to crimp a terminal ( 11) placed and clamped between the crimping impressions (5, 7), around said end of the wire along an axis (9), said crimping axis, corresponding to the direction of the wire, this tool holder (2) being adapted to be able to be mounted integral in translation with a grout press bucket and guided in translation relative to the sole (1), so as to be moved, by and with the movements of the press slide, according to alternative movements of approach and spacing with respect to the sole (1) for crimping, - automatic means (3) for supplying the terminals (11), successively in the crimping station between the crimping impressions (5, 7), from at least one strip (4) of preformed metal lugs, synchronized with respect to said movements of the tool holder (2) with respect to the sole (1), characterized in that the automatic means (3) for supplying the lugs comprise: a preset guide cassette (25) a strip (4) of lugs comprising: a cassette body (26), means (52, 67, 72, 75) for receiving and 24 2782578   guiding the strip (4) of lugs relative to the cassette body (26) adapted so that the strip (4) of lugs engaged in the receiving and guiding means (52, 67, 72, 75) is integral with the cassette (25), means (34, 37, 57) for driving the strip (4) of lugs adapted to be able to successively move the strip (4) of lugs, in a direction of movement (14), towards the station crimping (5, 7) of a suitable distance for the establishment of a new terminal (11) to be crimped between the crimping impressions (5, 7), - means (30) for rigid removable fixing of the cassette (25) on the sole (1) adapted to allow: the operation of the means (34, 37, 57) for driving the strip (4) of lugs when the cassette (25) is fixed to the sole (1) , the strip (4) of terminals being kept guided relative to the crimping station (5, 7) essentially by the means (52, 67, 72, 75) for receiving and guiding the cassette (25) adap tees for this purpose, mounting the cassette (25) on the sole (1) without adjusting the position of the cassette body (26) relative to the sole (1), disassembly of the cassette (25) in view mounting another cassette (25) with a new strip (4) of similar lugs or different from the previous one.   2 / Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cassette (25) constitutes the only means for guiding the strip (4) of lugs   relative to the crimping station (5, 7).   3 / Device according to one of claims 1 and 2,   characterized in that the cassette (25) is adapted to form a tunnel for receiving the strip (4) of lugs which passes through this tunnel, this tunnel extending in the direction of movement (14) in which the strip (4) of pods must   be moved to the crimping station (5,7).   4 / Device according to one of claims 1 to 3,   characterized in that the means (30) for rigid removable fixing of the cassette (25) on the sole (1) are of the type for instant mounting and dismounting without tools. 2782578   / Device according to one of claims 1 to 4,   characterized in that the means (30) for rigid removable fixing of the cassette (25) on the sole (1) comprise: - a housing (30) for receiving the cassette (25) on the sole (1) comprising means (45, 46) for guiding and holding the cassette (25) in an aligned position in the direction of movement (14) of the strip (4) of lugs towards the crimping station (5, 7), these means (45 , 46) for guide authorizing a movement of the cassette (25) relative to the sole (1) in translation parallel to the direction of movement (14), in particular for its mounting or dismounting, - means (37, 44) snap-in locking mechanism for the cassette (25) in the working position in the receiving housing (30), - means (47) for unlocking the cassette (25) for disassembly.   6 / Device according to one of claims 1 to 5,   characterized in that the means (34, 37, 57) for driving the strip (4) of lugs comprise: - in the cassette (25), a pawl (57) mounted movable in translation relative to the body of the cassette (26) and adapted to cooperate with the strip (4) of lugs so that in a first direction of movement in translation of the pawl (57), it drives the strip (4) of lugs in translation movement relative to the cassette body (26) towards the crimping station (5, 7), and in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, of movement in translation of the pawl (57), it does not drive the strip (4) of lugs which remains stationary relative to the cassette body (26), - means (34, 37, 56, 68) for driving the pawl (57) in translation alternately in both directions, synchronized with respect to   to the movements of the tool holder (2) relative to the sole (1).   7 / Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the means (34, 37, 56, 68) for driving the pawl (57) comprise a jack (34) comprising a body (33) of jack carried by the sole ( 1) and an actuating rod (35) driving a pusher (37) suitable for, when the cassette 26 2782578   (25) is fixed on the sole (1), cooperating with at least one bearing (44) integral in translation with the pawl (57) and thus driving the pawl (57) in at least one of the two directions of movement in translation when the rod (35) of the jack (34) moves.   8 / Device according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in   that the receiving housing (30) of the cassette (25) has a flat face (50) parallel to the direction of movement, provided with an opening (60) for passage of the pusher (37) resiliently biased projecting towards the cassette (25) relative to this planar face (50), so as to come to cooperate with a bearing surface (44) integral in translation with the pawl (57) of the cassette (25) and to form locking means for the cassette ( 25) in its housing (30) by snap-fastening the pusher (37) on this seat (44), these locking means preventing the cassette (25) from moving in the reception housing (30) in the   second direction beyond the pusher (37).   9 / Device according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises an unlocking finger (47) integral with the pusher (37), accessible from the outside and adapted to allow the pusher (37) to be moved in order to erase it in the opening (60) for passage of the face (50) planes in the direction of its separation from the cassette (25) until the bearing surface (42) can exceed the   pusher (37) in the second direction for the disassembly of the cassette (25).   / Device according to one of claims 5 to 9,   characterized in that it comprises a stop (101), fixed relative to the sole (1), for locking towards the front of the cassette (25) in position limiting its   movement in its receiving housing (30) in the first direction.   11 / Device according to one of claims 7 to 10,   characterized in that the pusher (37) is adapted to come into contact with a bearing surface (44) integral in translation with the pawl (57) to drive it in translation in the first direction of movement towards the crimping station (27) , and in that the cassette (25) comprises elastic return means (68) adapted to drive the pawl (57) in translation in the second direction of movement   when the actuating rod (35) moves in this second direction.   12 / Device according to one of claims 7 to 11, 27 2782578   characterized in that the cassette (25) comprises a stop (71) for the rear end-of-travel movement of the pawl (57) in the second direction relative to the cassette body (26), and in that the jack (34) is adapted to present a displacement stroke of its actuating rod (35) and of the pusher (37) in this second direction, greater than or equal to that of the pawl (57) in the cassette (25).   13 / Device according to one of claims 7 to 12,   characterized in that it comprises an end-of-travel stop (102) before the movement of the pawl (57) in the first direction, and in that the jack (34) is adapted to present a movement of movement of its rod ( 35) of actuation 10 and of the pusher (37), in this first direction, greater than or equal to that of the pawl   in the cassette (25) when the latter is fixed to the sole (1).   14 / Device according to one of claims 1 to 13,   characterized in that the means (52, 67, 72, 75) for receiving and guiding the strip (4) of lugs with respect to the cassette body (26) comprise means (72) for longitudinal guide of the strip ( 4) pods parallel to the direction of movement (14).   / Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the cassette (25) comprises means (94, 96) for adjusting the position of the means (72) for longitudinal guide of the strip (4) of lugs relative to the body of cassette (26) in a transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of movement (14).   16 / Device according to one of claims 1 to 15,   characterized in that the means (52, 67, 72, 75) for receiving and guiding the strip (4) of lugs comprise braking means (75) adapted to prevent inadvertent movements of the strip (4) of lugs related to cassette body (26).   17 / A device according to claim 16, characterized in that the braking means (75) comprise at least one elastic member (75) exerting an elastic force on the strip (4) of lugs opposite a face (67 ) of support integral with the cassette body (26) and on which the strip (4) of lugs slides when moving.   18 / Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, 28 2782578   characterized in that the cassette (25) comprises a mechanism (81, 87) for manually releasing a strip (4) of lugs from the cassette (25) by   displacement in the second direction.   19 / Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the manual release mechanism (81, 87) comprises: - a maneuvering member (82) accessible from the outside, - means (88, 89) for neutralizing the means (75 braking, - means (91, 92) for disengaging the pawl   (57) relative to the strip (4) of terminals.   / Preset cassette for guiding a strip (4) of terminals   for a crimping device according to one of claims 1 to 19, comprising   a cassette body (26), and means (52, 67, 72, 75) for receiving and guiding a strip (4) of lugs with respect to the cassette body (26), adapted so that a strip (4) pods can be engaged in these means (52, 67, 72,) for receiving and guiding and be integral with the cassette (25), the cassette body (26) being adapted to be able to be rigidly fixed and removably on a sole (1) of a crimping device without adjusting the position of the   cassette body (26) relative to the sole (1).