FR2817082A1 - TERMINAL CRIMPING TOOL - Google Patents

Abstract

This clamp comprises a body (9) integral with a first jaw (16), a second jaw (15) pivotally mounted in a clamping plane (P) relative to said body (9), a first jaw (18) carried by the first jaw (16) and a second complementary jaw (17) carried by the second jaw (15), one (18) of the two jaws defining, transversely with respect to the clamping plane (P), at least one channel ( 20) receiving the barrel of a terminal (2). It comprises a part (30) for resiliently maintaining the terminal (2) adapted to be mounted on a jaw (16) extending mainly in a plane parallel to the clamping plane (P).

Description

The invention relates to the technical field of hand tools and

  more specifically relates to a clamp

electrical terminal crimping.

  It is known to use tubular lugs pre-

  insulated and bare crimp-rolled crimp terminals for copper conductors. There are also keg pods

  open rolled crimp for copper conductors.

  The characteristics of such pods have been

  standardized (see IEC / IEC 352-2, IEC / IEC 760, standards NF C20-

  130, DIN 46211, DIN 46247, DIN 46248, DIN 46249, and the

prescriber standards).

  These pods consist of a barrel intended to receive the soul of an electrical conductor and a range allowing

to make the connection.

  On the other hand, in the prior art, numerous terminal crimping pliers are known, comprising a body integral with a first jaw, a second jaw pivotally mounted in a clamping plane with respect to said body, a first jaw. carried by the first jaw and a second complementary jaw carried by the second jaw, one of the two jaws defining, transversely to the clamping plane, at least one

  reception channel of the shell of a pod.

  A given reception channel is generally designed to receive lugs, the external dimensions of which can vary according to the tolerances allowed by the standards cited above, so that the section of the channel

  reception can not be adjusted for all types of terminal.

  It follows that a terminal placed in the receiving channel is not necessarily held fixedly in the clamp, and that it can escape during the operation of

  crimping if it is not maintained by the operator.

  During the operation, the user must therefore ensure that the terminal is held securely in the clamp, that the electrical cable is correctly introduced into the crimping portion of the terminal, and also that he applies a

  sufficient clamping force on the clamp.

  The multiplicity of these constraints can make the crimping operation imperfect, or difficult to perform. US Patents 5,428,983, GB 585,508 and US 3,673,848 show how to hold a terminal by one of its ends. These support systems are complex, bulky and exaggeratedly increase the manufacturing cost

of the tool.

  A main object of the invention is to make the use of a crimping pliers of this type more convenient by freeing the user from some of the above constraints, in particular by freeing the hand used to hold the conductor, without so far increase

  important the cost of manufacturing the tool.

  For this purpose, a crimping pliers according to the invention comprises an elastic holding part of the terminal adapted to be mounted on a jaw by extending mainly in a plane parallel to the clamping plane. According to other characteristics of the invention: - the holding part is in the form of a crenellated bar; - at least one of the jaws has two sets of teeth offset transversely with respect to the clamping plane, so that the pliers are adapted to perform double crimping, the receiving channel has a groove which extends mainly in the plane clamping and which passes through said receiving channel, and the elastic retaining part of the terminal is disposed in the groove and integral with the corresponding jaw; - The retaining piece has at least one recess for receiving and holding a crimping portion of the terminal, said recess being aligned, when the retaining piece is fixed to the jaw, with the corresponding channel, and having a section lower than that of said channel; - The entry section of the recess has a constriction; - Said recess is delimited by two flexible teeth formed on the holding part; - The flexible teeth extend in the direction of the opposite jaw, projecting in this direction, the teeth of the jaw on which the holding piece is fixed; - The holding part is secured to the jaw by means of releasable fixing means; - Said releasable fixing means comprise a pair of elastic arms formed on the holding piece and each provided at its free end with a projection forming a hook, cooperating respectively with an appropriate shape of the corresponding jaw; - The retaining part has a clearance relative to the bottom of the corresponding groove, so that said retaining part is capable of being retracted in the groove when the two jaws are tightened, from its fixing position; - The jaw supporting the holding part has two guide ramps each cooperating with the projection of a respective elastic arm when the holding part is moved between its fixing position and the bottom of the groove; and - the holding part is made of plastic. Preferably, the jaw defining at least one reception channel defines a plurality of reception channels of different passage sections and the holding piece has a number of recesses equal to the number of channels, each recess being, when the holding piece is fixed on the jaw, substantially aligned with a respective channel, and each recess having a section of

  lower passage than that of the respective channel.

  The invention also relates to an elastic retaining piece adapted to be placed in the groove of the crimping pliers as described above, and which has at least one recess for receiving and holding the barrel of said terminal, and fixing members on the

matching bit.

  According to other characteristics: - the fixing members are releasable fixing members; - The holding part is of substantially planar shape and has a plurality of recesses offset in a main direction; - The part has, in said main direction, two ends in the region of each of which is formed a respective elastic arm constituting one of said releasable fastening members; and

  - the part is made of plastic.

  An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a crimping tool according to the invention, in which is placed a crimp terminal; - Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of the holding part mounted on the corresponding jaw, in the clamping plane; and - Figure 3 is a sectional view along the line

3-3 shown in Figure 2.

  In Figure 1, there is shown a crimping pliers 1 in which is engaged a tubular lug 2

  pre-insulated, ready to be crimped.

  The clamp 1 comprises, in a conventional manner, two articulated branches 7, 8, one of which 8 defines a body 9 in which a pivot axis 11 of the

second branch 7 on the body 9.

  The clamping plane P is defined as the median plane of the clamp 1 in which the one is articulated with respect to

to the other the two branches 7, 8.

  Each articulated branch 7, 8 has two opposite end regions, one proximal 13, 14 corresponding to a grip handle, and the other distal 15, 16

  corresponding to a clamping jaw.

  Each jaw 15, 16 is provided with a respective jaw 17, 18 intended to cooperate with the other during the clamping phase of the jaws 15, 16 which corresponds to the

  actual crimping phase of the terminal 2.

  As seen in Figure 1, the jaw 18 of one 8 of the articulated branches has three channels 20 for receiving the terminal 2, adapted to receive the crimping portion of terminals of different sections. These channels 20 extend in a transverse direction relative to the clamping plane P and are delimited by respective teeth 21. The alternation of teeth 21 (four in number in this example) and of channels 20 defines a crenellated surface. The jaw 18 is symmetrical relative to the clamping plane P. A groove 23 extends parallel to the clamping plane, in particular mainly in the clamping plane P, and crosses the receiving channels 20. Two sets of four teeth 21 of the jaws 18 are offset symmetrically relative to the clamping plane P. The other jaw 17 comprises two series of three teeth each of which is adapted to penetrate a channel 20

  and offers a suitable crushing surface.

  Each series of teeth 25 is in the plane of a corresponding series of teeth 21. The two series of teeth 21 and 25 form, in the example of crimping a pre-insulated terminal, a crimping imprint in the form of shrinking "oval" with in general, on the one hand, a crimping on the stripped part of the electrical conductor and, on the other hand, a crimping on

  the electrical conductor insulation.

  The groove 23 separating the two sets of teeth 21 is already provided on many existing crimping tools, with the aim of achieving a double crimping guaranteeing careful work by an adequate distribution

  crimping efforts on the thimble barrel.

  As shown in Figure 1, a crenellated piece for holding the terminal 2 is disposed in the groove 23. Its primary function is to resiliently maintain the terminal 2 in the crimping pliers, in a stable position relative to the jaw 18 which includes the channels of

reception 20.

  The following Figures will better appreciate the shape of the holding part 30, as well as its

  arrangement and its fixing in the groove 23.

  In Figure 2, there is shown, in section in the clamping plane P, a portion of the jaw 18 and the holding piece 30 fixed on the jaw 18, in its position prior to the clamping operation. Lug 2 is also shown, both by its overall size prior to the crimping operation (shown diagrammatically by a circle with a diameter corresponding to the initial external diameter of the lug) and in its crimped configuration, at the crimping wings of the conductive core of the cable. The holding piece 30 is a piece, for example of plastic, which has the form of a crenellated bar extending longitudinally along the clamping plane P, comprising, in the example shown, three recesses 32 offset longitudinally in the direction of

  the bar 31, and delimited by flexible teeth 34.

  Each recess 32 has a bottom 36 forming a support for the terminal 2, and an opening 38 leading to the outside of the part 30. The opening 38 constitutes a passage for the terminal 2 with a constriction resulting from lateral projections 39, formed on 34 consecutive teeth

defining each recess 32.

  A terminal 2 is inserted into a recess 32 by means of an elastic deformation of the holding part

  at the teeth 34 which define the recess 32.

  It is extracted from it after crimping also by

  elastic deformation of the holding part 30.

  The holding part 30 has at each of its longitudinal ends an elastic arm 41 extending transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the bar 31, in line with an end tooth 34. Each arm 41 has at its free end opposite the tooth 34

  end hook 43 facing the opposite arm.

  With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a description will now be given of the method of fixing the retaining piece 30 to the jaw 18. The jaw 18 is shown, as in FIG. 1, in a position corresponding to normal use of the clamp 1, that is to say in position such that the teeth 21 are turned upwards. In this position, to fix the part 30 on the jaw 18 and reach the position for fixing the holding part 30 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the holding part 30 must be inserted

  in the groove, substantially from above.

  The jaw 18 has vertical edges 51 spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the distance separating the two arms 41 from the holding piece 30. Each of the vertical edges 51 is terminated downwards by a ramp 53 inclined and converging towards the another ramp, the region of junction of a vertical edge 51 and a ramp 53 defining

a notch 55 or an edge.

  The fixing of the holding part 30 on the jaw 18 is ensured by the cooperation of the hooks 43 formed on the arms 41 and notches 55 formed on the jaw 18, this fixing being releasable due to the possibility of

  elastic flexion of the arms 41 relative to the bar 31.

  The arms 41 are slightly prestressed in the direction of the opposite end so that the hooks 43 are

  forced against the respective ramps 53.

  The lower edge 61 of the holding piece 30 has a clearance J relative to the bottom 63 of the groove 23 when the hook 43 cooperates with the notch 55, so that the holding piece 30 can undergo a vertical displacement between this position of fixing and a position corresponding to the stop of the lower edge 61 on the bottom 63

of groove 23.

  In the fixing position of the retaining piece on the jaw 18, each recess 32 is aligned substantially with the respective channel 20 of the jaw 18, and the inlet passage section of a recess 32 is less than the passage section of the corresponding channel 20. In addition (Figure 3), the teeth 34 protrude slightly above the

teeth 21 of the bit.

  It is understood that the retaining piece 30 maintains the lug 2 in position prior to the actual clamping operation, so as to avoid the operator from manually holding the lug 2 in the support position in the channel 20 , before tightening the jaws 17, 18 one on the other. When the operator actuates the clamp by tightening the jaws 17, 18, the upper jaw 17 exerts, via the terminal 2 or directly, a force on the holding part 30 which, due to the play J retracts in the groove, possibly up to its abutment position on the bottom 63 of the groove 23. Thus, the holding part 30 receives practically no clamping force and does not produce a reaction on the terminal 2, this which allows to concentrate the clamping force at the level of the upper teeth 25 of the jaw 17, and not to produce crushing of the terminal section 2 located at the right of the

groove 23.

  When the holding part 30 retracts under the effect of the clamping force, the hooks 43 are pressed against the respective ramp 53 due to the prestressing force of the arms 41. The ramps 53 and the arms 41 constitute thus means for guiding in translation of the holding part 30, between its fixing position and the

bottom 63 of groove 23.

  The fixing piece 30 can either be left permanently in the groove 23 of the clamp 1, or be removed,

  according to the choice of the user or to be replaced.

  In one version (not shown) the holding part can be adapted to a simple crimping tool comprising on each of the jaws a single series of teeth. The holding part 30 is then placed laterally on one of the jaws and is integral with the latter by means

known assembly.

  The crimping pliers 1 and the holding piece 30 which have just been described constitute an assembly making it possible to carry out manual operations of

  crimping greatly facilitated and more efficient.

  The operator can, thanks to the invention, position the cable relative to the terminal 2 more precisely, since he does not have to simultaneously maintain the terminal in the channel 20. He can also focus more on the tightening5 proper and provide an optimal effort, the applied clamping effort being fundamental for the quality of the

crimping done.

Claims (18)

RESELL I CATIONS   1. Terminal crimping pliers comprising a body (9) integral with a first jaw (16), a second jaw (15) pivotally mounted in a clamping plane (P) relative to said body (9), a first jaw (18) carried by the first jaw (16) and a second complementary jaw (17) carried by the second jaw (15), one (18) of the two jaws defining, transversely with respect to the clamping plane (P), at least one channel (20) for receiving the barrel of a terminal (2), characterized in that it comprises a part (30) for elastic retention of the terminal (2) adapted to be mounted on a jaw (16) extending mainly in a plane parallel to the clamping plane (P).   2. Crimping pliers according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding part (30) is in form of crenellated bar.   3. Crimping pliers according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the jaws (17, 18) has two sets of teeth (21) offset transversely relative to the clamping plane (P), so that the pliers are suitable for carrying out double crimping, the receiving channel (20) has a groove (23) which extends mainly in the clamping plane (P) and which passes through said receiving channel (20), and the piece (30) for retaining the terminal (2) resiliently is disposed in the groove (23)   and secured to the corresponding jaw (18).   4. Crimping pliers according to claim 3, characterized in that the holding part (30) has at least one recess (32) for receiving and holding a crimping portion of the terminal (2), said recess ( 32) being aligned, when the holding part (30) is fixed to the jaw (18), with the corresponding channel (20), and having a passage section smaller than that of said channel (20).   5. Crimping pliers according to claim 4, characterized in that the entry section of the recess (32) has a constriction. 6. Crimping pliers according to claim 4 or, characterized in that said recess (32) is delimited by two flexible teeth (34) formed on the workpiece. holding (30).   7. Crimping pliers according to claim 6 characterized in that the flexible teeth (34) extend in the direction of the opposite jaw (17) projecting, in this direction, the teeth (21) of the jaw (18) on which the room holding (30) is fixed.   8. Crimping tool according to any one of   Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the workpiece   holding (30) is fixed on the jaw (18) by means of releasable fixing (41, 43, 45).   9. Crimping pliers according to claim 8, characterized in that said releasable fixing means (41, 43, 45) comprise a pair of elastic arms (41) formed on the holding part (30) and each provided at its end free from a projection (43) forming a hook, cooperating with a respective notch (55) formed on the jaw (18) corresponding.   10. Crimping pliers according to claim 3, characterized in that the holding piece (30) has a clearance (J) relative to the bottom (63) of the corresponding groove (23), so that said holding piece ( 30) is capable of being retracted into the groove when the two jaws (17, 18) are tightened, from its fixing position.   11. Crimping tool according to claims 9   and 10 taken together, characterized in that the jaw (18) supporting the holding piece (30) has two guide ramps (53) each cooperating with the projection (43) of a respective elastic arm (41) when the piece holding (30) is moved between its fixing position and the bottom (63) of the groove (23). 12. Crimping pliers according to any one of   Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the workpiece   holding (30) is made of plastic.   13. Crimping pliers according to any one of   Claims 1 to 12, in which the jaw (18)   defining at least one reception channel (20) defines a plurality of reception channels (20) of different passage sections, characterized in that the holding piece (30) has a number of recesses (32) equal to the number of channels (20), each recess (32) being, when the holding piece (30) is fixed to the jaw (18), substantially aligned with a respective channel (20), and each recess (32) having a passage section lower than the respective channel (20).   14. Elastic holding piece of a terminal in a crimping pliers, said pliers (1) comprising a body (9) integral with a first jaw (16), a second jaw (15) pivotally mounted in a clamping plane (P) relative to said body (9), a first jaw (18) carried by the first jaw (16) and a second complementary jaw (17) carried by the second jaw (15), one (18) of the two jaw defining, transversely to the clamping plane (P), at least one channel (20) for receiving the barrel of said terminal (2), and having a groove (23) which extends mainly in the clamping plane ( P) and which passes through said receiving channel (20), said retaining part (30) being characterized in that it is adapted to be placed in the groove (23) of the clamp (1) and has at least one recess (32) for receiving and holding a crimping portion of the terminal (2), and   fixing members (41, 43) on the corresponding jaw (18).   15. Holding piece according to claim 14, characterized in that the fixing members (41, 43) are releasable fixing members. 16. Holding piece according to claim 15, characterized in that it is of substantially planar shape and has a plurality of recesses (32) offset according to   a main direction of the room.   17. Holding piece according to claim 16, characterized in that it has, in said main direction, two ends in the region of each of which is formed a resilient arm (41) respective constituting one of said members (41, 43 ) of releasable fixing.   18. Support piece according to any one of   claims 14 to 17, characterized in that it is made of plastic.