KR20080047320A - Crimping machine for different crimping and pressing process, in particular for cable assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a crimping machine (1) for different crimping and pressing processes, in particular for semiautomatic or fully automatic mounting of a contact element on a cable end. It has a crimping station (6) comprising a crimping tool (2), a tool holder (48), a drive unit (A), a contact feed and a contact store, the crimping tool and the contact store being formed as an assembly which can be separated from the drive unit (A). The essential aspect is that the crimping tool (2) is formed in two parts, and that the tool holder (48) has a clamping device (13) for one part (4) of the crimping tool (2) and an adjusting head fixing means (17) for orienting and fixing the other part (3) of the crimping tool (2).

Description

CRIMPING MACHINE FOR DIFFERENT CRIMPING AND PRESSING PROCESS, IN PARTICULAR FOR CABLE ASSEMBLY, in particular for crimping and pressing processes for cable assemblies.

The present invention relates to crimping machines for different crimping and pressing processes, such as crimping tools for crimping, ie pressing, electrical conductor ends and crimp contacts for the relative movement and for creating crimp connections, for example in cable assemblies.

German patent (DE-10301560) discloses the applicant's crimping tool, which can be used in several crimping machines and fully automatic crimping machines.

As is actually known, automatic crimping devices (so-called automatic crimping machines) are used to treat electrical cables, for example automotive cable sets. These automatic machines perform the following functions:

o Ability to feed and cut cables of constant length using a transfer system

o the ability to hold and lay cable ends through pivotable grippers,

o the ability to split the cable,

o the ability to strip insulation from both cable ends,

o Ability to pivot cable end towards treatment station:

  a) the ability to selectively push seals on the cable end (within a sealing station),

  b) pressing (crimping) electrical contacts on the cable ends (within the crimping station),

o the ability to place the final cable in the collecting trough;

o The ability to place a programmed bundle of cables in a removal trough.

Different cable types and cable colors, cable cross sections and different crimp contacts are used for these cable sets and seals are used if necessary. Since the production size of such cable sets is very small in some cases, such automatic machines have to be replaced soon after another cable type or another cable color, another cable cross section or another cable crimp contact has been processed. The number of such exchanges affects the cost-efficiency of the automatic crimping machine.

In the exchange of conventional fully automatic crimping machines, the components of the crimping tool and the crimping contact spool are interchangeable parts at the crimping station. To do this, the following manual tasks must be performed:

o Fully automatic stop machine,

o Open the safety hood automatically,

o Brake opening for the contact strip of the crimping tool,

o manually retracting the contact strip from the crimping tool,

o Secure the contact strip to the contact spool so that the contact strip does not fall off the contact spool,

o tearing the paper strip on the contact spool,

o Remove the spool on which the paper strip is wound from the paper strip winder,

o Open the paper strip spool and remove the wound paper,

o Close the paper strip spool and press it onto the winding device,

o remove the clamping disc from the spool holder shaft,

o remove the contact spool and place it in a storage location,

o Remove new contact spool from storage position and press into spool holder axis,

o Press on the clamping disc and tighten with slight spring pressure,

o release the clamping device for the crimping tool from the crimping station,

o Remove crimping tool from crimping station and store in reservoir,

o Remove the new pre-adjusted crimping tool from the storage location and insert it into the crimping station,

o Close the clamping device to hold the crimping tool

o release the contact strips from the contact spools, align the ends or cut them into aligned lengths using side cutters,

o release the brake on the crimping tool and mount the contact strip into the crimping tool guide until the first contact is on the bottom punch,

o closing the brake on the crimping tool,

o Securely tighten the paper strip into the paper strip spool,

o safety hood closed,

o Load and activate stored data on crimping machine PC,

o Automatically prepares cables with test crimps,

o Remove cables with test crimps from storage troughs, measure crimp width and height, evaluate cable insertion depth,

o Adjust crimping tool adjustments according to test results.

As stated above, the exchange of conventional automatic crimping machines for different crimping operations requires a long time and manual operation, thus limiting the productivity of the device.

The crimping device described in EP- 1043814 is in the form of an assembly in which the processing unit for crimping the contact element on the stripped cable end and the storage unit for the contact element can be separated from the drive unit of the crimping device. However, specific technical solutions are not described in this European patent. Thus, it is unclear how the paper strip winder is provided and provided, how the adjusting head is fixed and fixed, how the crimping tool is fixed to the crimping machine, and the like.

In this patent publication, it is unclear whether the tool can be locked and how it is locked. When the assembly is removed from the press, the weight of the tool itself may cause it to move down and collapse the assembly. However, there is a possibility that a supply for contact strips (not explicitly described) is associated with this, as a result of which an indeterminate supply of the contact material may occur, resulting in an indeterminate state of reinsertion of the assembly into the press. Although it is possible to save the stoppage required for tool and / or contact exchange, it is also a problem to orient and fix the assembly in the gap between the drive unit and the bottom plate, which will adversely affect the operating quality of the device. Can be.

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages of known devices, ie further reduce the time and manual work required for the exchange of crimping tools, crimp contact spools and paper strip winders.

The invention is intended to provide an improved device for crimping machines that can be exchanged relatively quickly and easily according to different cable types and cable colors, cable cross sections, and different crimp contacts, in each case clearly defining interchangeable parts. And fix with precision. This can in particular increase the productivity and thus the quality of the crimping in the cable assembly.

This object is achieved in one step by the invention as set forth in claim 1 and the dependent claims describe advantageous improvements.

The gist of the present invention is the fact that the tool holder for two-part tool now has a special clamping device and, in other words, preferably a pneumatically actuated adjustment head fixing means for orienting and fixing the adjusted crimping tool. Reveals. It also appears in the fact that the contact supply has a contact strip unwinder and at least one contact strip guide. In addition, the assembly has the form of an integrated tool unit comprising at least a crimping tool, preferably a contact strip unwinder with a contact strip spool, a contact strip guide and a paper strip winder, which are removed from the crimping station. It is possible and equipped with a bottom plate which cooperates with the clamping device of the crimping station and precisely orients the integrated tool unit in its installed state.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, before being removed from the crimping machine with an integrated tool unit, a blocking mechanism is provided that prevents the movable tool portion from advancing in the integrated tool unit, and the crimping tool is creamed. When inserted into the ping machine or integrated tool unit, an interlock lever is provided which automatically unlocks as soon as the removable part is held in the adjustment head fastening means.

Users can see the effects of several unique means below:

1. Quick and easy change of tools (contacts) on automatic crimping machines (depending on the basic machine, manual or automatic). Exchange time is less than 30 seconds.

2. All necessary setup work can be carried out outside the automatic machine (insert new contact spools, mount on paper strips and pretensions, position contacts (stretches) correctly on the tool, precisely on contact feed fingers Snapping, adjusting the brake of the contact spool, adjusting the alignment of the contact spool with the tool, changing the wear parts of the tool if necessary, overwriting memory chips or reading new data, etc.). The rocker switch according to the invention turns the paper strip winding motor on and off, thus allowing for adjustable spring pretension for other contacts.

3. Depending on the particular development, all of the circumstances mentioned in point 2 can be maintained during cassette exchange. When positively controlled, mechanical unlocking or locking of the movable upper tool portion secures the contact position in the tool, and the tool automatically engages in the crimping press (T-slot).

4. This new system allows the use (integration) of standard tools (eg, AMP (R) compatible).

5. In good development, particularly economical solutions are possible for tool units. That is, all active elements, such as winding motors for paper strips, sensors for rocker switches, sensors for crimping force control, readers for memory chips, etc., are adjusted by the automatic machine to engage any electrical or pneumatic connection between the tool unit and the crimping machine. There will be no. On the other hand, according to a particular development the winding device is inactive and has a static braking effect for the paper strip. (The paper strip is thus prevented from "unrolling" when the cassette is removed.) Certain contact spool holders with adjustable braking effect lose the limited (contact-dependent) brake setting when changing spools. Prevent it. In a further development phase, the possibility of axis adjustment is also provided. The designated position (contact-dependent alignment with the tool) is not lost when the spool is exchanged.

6. The handle enables a very light and ergonomic design of the tool unit (manual handling).

7. With a particularly preferred design, all setup and replacement work can be carried out without tools.

If a crimping machine is used with a tool identification system provided with a data transmission device for transmitting data storage and data from this data storage and for receiving data for this data storage, the product quality as well as the exchange rate in particular are higher. Can increase. According to the invention, it is in the form of an Automatic Tool Identification System (ATIS), which is actually a separate unit, but which integrates two units which are in wireless communication with each other, namely an ID unit and a reading unit. The ID unit is a portable tool unit, but the reading unit is coordinated with the crimping machine. The ID unit is comprised of a reprogrammable tool data storage and a first transmission portion. (A transponder that includes a non-programmable data carrier, eg, a readable unique identifier, may also be used. On the basis of this read identifier, the basic machine activates data such as an internal database.) The read unit is a processor / Memory and a second transmitting part, the reading unit having a control link to the crimping machine.

This tool identification system can be advantageously used in any crimping machine even independent of the integration described in claim 1. This means that the individual elements which can be connected to the crimping machine can be equipped with "ATIS", ie spools and / or crimping tools. However, in combination with the integrated device as set forth in claim 1, the abovementioned objects are particularly advantageously achieved.

The invention can also be used on table crimping devices (semi-automatic machines). The most important advantages and further details of the invention can be seen from the detailed description in the following figures.

The invention is explained in more detail in the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a working example of a crimping machine according to the present invention.

2 an enlarged view of a portion of the crimping machine according to FIG. 1;

3 shows an integrated tool unit according to the invention, in the crimping machine according to FIG. 1.

4 shows a clamping device for an integrated tool unit.

5 is a schematic view of an actuator for a paper strip winder.

6 shows a partially disassembled adjustment head fixing means.

7 shows a storage rack for a plurality of integrated tool units.

8 is a block diagram of an example of operation of an automated tool identification system in accordance with the present invention in a crimping machine.

9-14 show yet another working example of a crimping machine according to the invention in the form of a table-top device.

9 is a perspective view of a crimping machine.

10 is a side view of a portion of the tabletop device according to FIG. 9 before insertion of an integrated tool unit (TSS).

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the tabletop device according to FIG. 10, wherein the integrated tool unit TSS is inserted;

12 is a side view of the solution according to FIG. 11;

13 is a side view of the crimping machine according to FIG. 9;

14 is a perspective view of the solution according to FIG. 10;

15 to 17 show a further arrangement of the crimping machine according to the invention, in which FIG. 16 is a side view from the direction of the arrow XYI, and FIG. 17 is along the line XYII-XVII of FIG. 5. A diagram showing a cut cross section, showing an additional arrangement.

18 is a modular cable processing center formed by two crimping presses arranged in pairs according to the invention, showing a preferred arrangement of a crimping machine according to the invention.

1 and 2 show an example of the operation of a crimping machine 1 according to the invention, which is provided with a lateral contact feed 47 (a known supply of an electrical cable with the end stripped off). Not shown). This crimping machine 1 can be used for different crimping and pressing methods such as cable assemblies, for example, and is provided with two parts of the crimping tool 2 and the tool holder 48, which crimping tool 2 The movable upper tool 3 of " " " crimps, i.e. presses, the crimping contact 5 with the electrical conductor end to produce a relatively crimped connection. Can be arranged on the stationary lower tool 4 of the crimping tool 2.

The crimping machine 1 has a crimping station 6, which is provided with a crimping tool 2, a tool holder 48, a drive unit A and a contact supply 47. (The crimping tool 2 together with the drive unit A and the tool holder 48 form a so-called "crimping press"). Such crimping tool 2 is available, for example, under the name "UNI-A" or "UNI-C", or is disclosed in the applicant's German patent (DE-A-10301560). The crimping tool 2 is interchangeably inserted and fixed in the crimping station 6.

In the embodiment shown, the crimp contact 5 is a so-called transverse-feed crimping contact introduced laterally into the crimping station 6 (FIG. 2). It should be noted, however, that there is also a so-called longitudinal-feed crimp contact that can be introduced back into the crimping station. It may be possible to transform the invention between these two variations.

According to the invention, the following elements of the crimping machine 1, namely the crimping tool 2, the contact strip unwinder 7, the at least one contact strip guide 8 and the paper strip winder 9 The back is integrated into a common portable tool unit 10 (tooling shuttle (abbreviated as TS "), which is provided with a portable reference rack 11.

The embodiment of the integrated portable tool unit 10 (compare FIGS. 1 and 2), therefore, is illustrated with an adjusted crimping tool 2, a contact strip guide 8, (optionally a contact strip 12 or a contact strip). A contact strip unwinder (with a spool 44) 7, a paper strip winder 9. The integrated tool unit 10 is thus shaped to be portable and has two carrying handles T for this. In an arrangement according to the invention, the integrated portable tool unit 10 is fully pushed into the lower clamping device 13 of the tool holder 48 at the crimping station 6, by actuating the lever 14 to its position. In its direction and adjusted position.

In FIG. 3, the crimping tool head is labeled 15. The holding slide 16 on the crimping station 6 (FIG. 2) triggers the pneumatically actuated adjustment head fixing means 17 to adapt the crimping tool head 15. The height-adjusted adjustment head is marked 18 (FIG. 6), and the slide for holding the crimping tool head 15 is marked 19 (FIGS. 2 and 3).

The present invention provides a blocking mechanism (B) (FIG. 3), which mechanism (B) of the clamping tool (2) of the two parts in the integrated tool unit (10) during the exchange of the integrated tool unit (10). The movable tool part / upper tool 3 prevents it from advancing (eg due to gravity or the weight of the part 3 itself). In the blocking state, the blocking mechanism B preferably cooperates with the adjusting head 18 by means of a slide 9 which is optionally manually actuated.

It is clear from FIG. 5 that the paper strip winder 9 of the integrated tool unit 10 has a spool 20 for the paper strip and a gear wheel 21, which wheel 21 is a spool. It can be rotated together with the 20, and is automatically engaged by the drive gear wheel 22 of the drive motor 23 when the tool unit 10 is installed. The drive motor 23 is fixed to the machine table 24 of the crimping machine 1 (ie to the basic machine) (compare with FIGS. 1 and 5). The rocker switch 25 for controlling the drive motor 23 is on the integrated tool unit 10 such that the motor actuating sensor 26 on the basic machine is actuated (FIG. 2) when the tool unit 10 is installed. Is placed on. As an alternative to gear wheels, it is also possible to use friction wheels or the like.

7 illustrates a separate storage rack 27 which serves to store the integrated tool unit 10. The storage rack 27 therefore makes it possible to safely store a plurality of tool units 10 that are perfectly adjusted. Here, the storage rack 27 has a chassis 29 with a wheel 29 for moving the storage rack 27. In the illustrated embodiment each of the two wheels 29 is equipped with a lockable holding brake 30 to prevent rolling away independently. Two handles 31 on both sides allow for safe operation of the storage rack 27 during transport. In order to hold the integrated tool unit 10, the storage rack 27 is provided with upper and lower holding rails 32 and 33. With the aid of the storage rack 27, the prepared tool unit 10 can preferably be stored centrally and can be moved to one or more crimping machine (s) 1 if necessary.

In the arrangement according to the invention, the lower clamping device 13 for holding and orienting the integrated tool unit 10 and the upper pneumatic adjustment head fixing means 17 for holding and orienting the crimping tool head 15 are thus It is arranged on the crimping station 6 (FIG. 2).

As indicated in the foregoing description, the arrangement according to the invention actually comprises the following individual modules:

o special adjusting head fixing means 17 of the holding slide 16 present in the crimping station 6;

o a tool holder 48 with a special lower clamping device 13 for holding the integrated tool unit 10 likewise present in the crimping station 6;

o a contact strip unwinder 7 (optionally having a contact strip spool 44) disposed on the reference rack 11 of the integrated tool unit 10;

o a drive motor 23 fixed (combined with gear wheel 22 and sensor 26) on the machine table 24;

o a paper strip winder 9 disposed on the reference rack 11 of the integrated tool unit 10 and for winding the paper strip (without contact after the crimping step);

o a separate storage rack 27 for storing a plurality of integrated tool units 10.

The adjusting head fixing means 17 is provided with the adjusting head 18 (at the receiving peg of the crimping tool 2) and the T-slot 36 of the adjusting head holder 37 (on the crimping station 6). Serves to reduce the gap 35 between the tool holding slide 16 to an adjustable minimum (compare FIG. 6). The adjustment head fixing means 17 is here equipped with a pneumatic cylinder 38 (FIG. 6).

After inserting the integrated tool unit 10 into the lower clamping device 13 and the upper adjustment head fixing means 17 of the crimping station 6, the operator operates a push button (not shown), and the adjustment head ( 18 is pneumatically clamped with the aid of pneumatic cylinder 38. Since the integrated tool unit 10 is recognized, for example, by a predetermined position and attitude by the sensor, this function can also be automatically triggered by the software of the crimping machine 1.

The lower clamping device 13 correctly orients and clamps the bottom plate 34 of the integrated tool unit 10 in the crimping station 6. The bottom plate 34 of the integrated tool unit 10 has been inserted into the side guide bar 39 of the clamping device 13 with respect to one or more stop (s) (compare FIG. 3) and the central element 41. After being positioned in the middle by, the bottom plate 34 of the integrated tool unit 10 is fixed in such a way as to interlock with the clamping device 13. For this purpose, the lever 14 moves up to about 90 °, thereby activating a toggle lever clamping system 41 which is actuated by a spring.

Clamping device 13 with side guide bar 39 and / or central element 41 and / or stop 40 is bottom plate 34 of tool unit 10 integrated on crimping station 6. (Compare FIG. 3), the bottom plate 34 has oppositely cooperating elements (eg, control edges, bevels, etc.).

By this, the integrated tool unit 10 is exactly centered, oriented, fixed and clamped to prevent it from tilting backwards after being inserted into the guide bar 39. Where appropriate, the exact position of the integrated tool unit 10 can be investigated by the sensor and reported to a central machine computer (not shown).

The illustrated contact strip unwinder 7 (FIGS. 1 and 2) here consists of a contact spool holder 7A, a contact spool receptacle 43, a contact strip guide 8 and a rocker switch 25. . The contact strip spool 44 is disposed on the contact spool holder 7A in the contact spool container 43 (FIG. 1). The contact strip spool 44 is wrapped in a cover 45 to sufficiently prevent the crimp contacts 5 of the contact spool 44 from being damaged. This cover 45 can optionally be removed for weight and cost reasons.

As stated above, the paper strip winder 9 is arranged on the integrated tool unit 10, but only when the tool unit 10 is in the installation state (in the crimping station 6) the drive motor ( 23 is driven by the gear wheel pairs 21, 22.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the slide 19 has the function of storing the adjusting head 18 on the crimping tool head 15 at a defined height, so that it is inserted into the adjusting head holder 37 (FIG. 6) is possible. The adjusting wheel of the adjusting head 18 is marked 46 in FIG. 6. The movement and stop position of the slide 19 can be illuminated by a sensor (not shown), for example. The crimping machine 1 can only be triggered when the slide 19 is withdrawn from the crimping tool head 15 and locked in the rest position. In this embodiment, the slide 19 is locked at two end positions.

The drive motor 23 for the paper strip winder 9 is arranged on the machine table 24 (on the basic machine). The drive gear wheel 22 is mounted on the motor shaft. The motor suspension can be moved (eg by a rocker) and is pre-tensioned by a tension spring (not shown).

When the integrated tool unit 10 is inserted into the clamping device 13 on the crimping station 6, the gear wheel 21 of the gear shaft 22 of the motor shaft and the spool 20 of the paper strip winder 9. ) Mesh with each other (FIG. 5). Thanks to this spring pretension, the gear wheel drive remains connected. In this way, the drive is easily coupled to the paper strip winder 9 stably in operation.

The spring-operated rocker switch 25 is mounted in the deflection zone of the contact strip guide 8. As soon as the tension in the contact strip 22 increases, the switch plate on the rocker switch 25 activates a sensor 26 (FIG. 2) fixed on the machine table 24. The drive motor 23 for the paper strip winder 9 is operated by the sensor 26.

The paper strip (which is the release layer) is now released from the contact spool 44 (after crimping the contacts) and is completely wound by the paper strip winder 9. Here, the contact strip spool 44 rotates slowly on the shaft, and the contact strip is conveyed so that the rocker switch 25 returns to its place under spring force to release the sensor 26 again. As a result, the drive motor 23 is stopped again.

According to the present embodiment, the exchange time of the crimping machine 1 can be significantly reduced, in particular by using the integrated tool unit 10 according to the invention, which is comparable to the working steps discussed in the introduction to this specification. Because only the following work is needed:

o By pressing the push button, the pneumatic adjustment head fixing means 17 is opened on the holding slide 16 of the crimping station 6,

o by turning the lever 14 to release the clamping device 13 for the integrated tool unit 10 on the crimping station 6,

o Manually withdrawing the integrated tool unit 10 from the crimping station 6 (as a result of which the slide 19 is automatically locked with the head 15 of the crimping tool by means of an integrated pressure spring),

o Put the removed tool unit 10 into the storage rack 27,

o remove the newly adjusted tool unit 10 from the storage rack 27,

o Insert the newly adjusted tool unit 10 into the clamping device 13 and the adjusting head fixing means 17 of the crimping station 6 (so that the slide 19 is an example on the wall of the crimping device). By means of a stop 49, the head 15 of the crimping tool 2 is freed at the end of the integrated tool unit 10 (TSS) (compare FIG. 11 below),

o actuating the lever 14 of the clamping device 13 on the crimping station 6 for clamping,

o actuating a push button to close the pneumatic adjustment head fixing means 17 on the holding slide 16 of the crimping station 6,

According to the embodiment through this model, it is expected that the time required for exchanging the crimping machine 1 using the present invention can be considerably saved, and as a result, the productivity of the cable assembly can be increased. It should be noted. This is achieved by an arrangement according to the invention, in particular by a specially integrated tool unit 10. In addition, this is achieved by the following facts:

o the contact strip spool 44 does not need to be replaced;

o the contact strip 12 does not have to be removed from the crimping tool 2,

o the crimping tool 2 does not need to be set up for a new contact strip;

o There is no need to rewind loose contact strip ends to the connection spool using paper strips;

o The paper strip does not need to be removed from the paper strip spool and does not need to be remounted after the new contact spool has been inserted.

Retrofitting of the tool unit 10 is implemented as required at the storage location of the unit so that the crimping machine does not interfere.

FIG. 1 shows an automatic tool identification system 49 (abbreviated ATIS) in a particular embodiment of a crimping machine 1 according to the invention, which system 49 is a bidirectional high frequency identification device. As an example, it is an apparatus which allows data of the crimping tool 2 to be selectively written to or read from the storage area (such as a transponder, other solutions for this are also possible).

As is known, crimping parameters or programs must be manually selected each time the tool changes on a known crimping machine. Therefore, the concept of automatically adapting the crimping machine to the crimping tool currently being used would be desirable. Through ATIS 49 according to the invention, these methods can be automated and at the same time quality control can be extended.

In order to realize the automatic tool identification system 49, the crimping machine 1 must be able to communicate with the crimping tool 2 (FIG. 1). Here, the known "RFID" technology is used in the form of wireless electronic data acquisition (for example US patent (US Pat. No. 6,047,579), compared with other prior art European patent (EP989636A2)).

According to Fig. 8, the automatic tool identification system 49 according to the present invention is separated from each other and is composed of two units which are in wireless communication with each other, namely, an identification unit (abbreviated ID unit) 50 and a reading unit 51. do. The ID unit 50 is integrated with the crimping tool 2 (ie portable integrated tool unit 10), but the reading unit 51 is integrated with the crimping machine 1.

In this embodiment, the ID unit 50 is in the form of a transponder which is preferably comprised of a reprogrammable tool data memory 52 (such as a semiconductor chip) and a first transmission portion 53 (such as a wireless). The ID unit 50 (transponder) obtains energy directly from the magnetic field of the reading unit 51 (receiver) and does not require a separate battery or power supply.

The tool data memory 52 of the ID unit 50 stores information including the pre-selected characteristics / data of the crimping tool 2 and integrated with the integrated portable tool unit 10. The tool data memory 51 is connected to the first transmission portion 53 of the ID unit 50 (FIG. 8).

The reading unit 51 on the crimping machine 1 consists of a processor / memory 54 (FIG. 8) and a second transmission part 55, which are integrated with each other. The processor / memory 54 of the reading unit 51 serves to store at least the characteristics of the crimping machine. The reading unit 51 is connected to the control device 56 of the crimping machine 1.

The first transmission portion 53 of the ID unit 52 and the second transmission portion 55 of the reading unit 51 form a data transmission apparatus 57 and have bidirectional wireless data transmission links with each other, which is shown in FIG. 8. Is indicated by an arrow 58.

This data transmission device 57, in the form of a transmission / reception device, transmits the crimping tool data obtained from the tool data memory 52, and sends it to the processor / memory 54 of the reading unit 51 (eg, read / write memory). The data is received for storage, and the reading unit 51 is connected to the production monitoring system of the crimping machine 1 by the control device 56.

Each integrated tool unit 10 is provided with one ID unit 52 (and tool data memory 52), each carrying tool-specific required data, and these required data are measured in the reading unit 51. Because of the integrated comparison with each data, an experimentally complex determination of the required data is needed after crimping tool change.

For such an automated tool identification system 49, it is convenient to use a transponder solution. Each of these transponders has a globally unique identifier. These identifiers are read by the basic machine. The machines PCs store identifiers of the crimping tool 2, the integrated tool unit (TSS) 10, and the like, accessed. Upon mounting one of these components, the control loads the relevant data on the server, ie on the PC, based on this identifier.

In general, the present invention (the use of ATIS in a crimping machine) offers the possibility of very reliably monitoring the quality of the crimp connection of a wide range of tools without wasting time, and also predicting the condition of the crimping tool 2 itself. It is possible. The tool-specific required data stored on the crimping tool itself is not only related to the crimping tool 2 itself, but also preferably to the cable and crimp connection component to which the crimping tool is to be used. They do not depend or only slightly depend on the connection crimping machine 1 and may include additional parameters as appropriate.

The invention (invention using ATIS 49 in a crimping machine) can be used in crimping machines with integrated parts and generally exchangeable parts, as well as tool specific data (according to claim 1). This data can be used in other crimping machines, where multiple tools with the quality monitoring or control of the device working with the tool are used alternately in one or more devices.

By means of an automatic tool identification system (ATIS) 49 according to FIG. 8, the crimping tool 2 or other tool or object is uniquely identified, monitored and managed, and the data can be directly linked only to the object. have. The parameters used can be stored in this tool. Thus the data is bound directly to the object.

If the integrated tool unit 10 in the crimping machine 1 is exchanged, these parameters continue to be stored accordingly. By updating one of the crimping machines 1, the stored parameters are reloaded so the operator only has to select the cross section. The crimp height will be set via automatic height adjustment.

The crimping tool 2 can be preprogrammed by the manufacturer, further reducing setup work for the customer.

An automatic tool identification system (ATIS) 49 may be provided with a period counter (not shown), where appropriate. Thus, it is possible to accurately measure how often the integrated unit 10 has already been used. By virtue of the possible login function, it is possible to determine how often the crimping tool 2 has been used in the setting environment of the crimping machine 1. This helps with quality checking and production error tracking.

The blocking function is also possible in the case of an automatic tool identification system (ATIS) 49. It can be noted that after a certain period, the crimping tool 2 must be revised. Even the crimping tool 2 may be blocked. That is, the crimping machine 1 no longer cooperates with the crimping tool 2 until the approver of this blocking function releases it again. This is an important function for the periodic maintenance of the crimping tool 2. This increases the life of the final product and ultimately results in better quality.

The function of the automatic tool identification system (ATIS) 49 can only be used with the specific company crimping machine 1 and crimping tool 2 as appropriate.

Experiments with models and theoretical considerations show that the most important advantages of this ATIS technology are:

o identification without contact,

o Read and record 100,000 transponders,

o identify tools in seconds or minutes

o resistance to ambient influences (high temperature, humidity, etc.),

o The shape and size of the transponder can be adapted as desired

o Transponders can be seamlessly integrated into crimping tools

o High level of security through copy protection and the possibility of data protection through the transmission of passwords and encrypted data.

9 to 14 show further working examples of the crimping machine 1 according to the invention in the form of a “desktop device”. In the following, only the most important differences will be described in comparison with the first embodiment (similar detailed components are denoted by the same reference numerals).

As illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, the slide 19 is further developed in this example. That is, upon insertion of the integrated tool unit (TSS) 10, a stop 59 is provided which is adjustable in the axial direction on the side wall 60 of the crimping machine 1. As the integrated tool unit 10 moves further to the end, the slide 19 is held in this position by this stop 59 so that the crimping tool head 15 is at the end of the integrated tool unit 10. Is released. 10 shows the integrated tool unit 10 before insertion, while FIGS. 11-14 show the inserted end of the integrated tool unit 10.

15 to 17 show a further arrangement of the crimping machine 1 according to the invention, FIG. 16 is a side view as seen from the direction of arrow XVI of FIG. 15, and FIG. 17 is a line XVII-XVII in FIG. 15. This is a cross-sectional view along the side.

The crimping machine is therefore designed in the area of the tool holder 48 to have as much available space as possible for the integrated tool unit 10, which is a three-sided C-shaped container ( 61, allowing satisfactory supply of the integrated tool unit 10 (not shown here); In FIG. 16, only the lower clamping device 13 and the lower adjustment head fixing means 17 for the integrated tool unit 10 are shown schematically.

However, in this embodiment the drive unit A is arranged at the bottom. This results in a new "underfloor", for example with a drive unit A (i.e. known main drive: motor, gear, lever mechanism, etc.) below the tool operating surface 61 (optionally below the machine table 24). "Underfloor press" is possible. Here, the cable cross section K is shown in the tool operating surface 61.

FIG. 18 shows a preferred arrangement of a crimping machine 1 according to the invention in the form of a modular cable processing center in which two crimping presses according to the invention are arranged in pairs.

In this paired arrangement, at least one cable supply unit 64, on each of the two sides, the assembly according to the invention, i.e. the turning unit 66 and the crimping press (i.e. the drive unit A, crimp respectively) Two pivotable cable manipulation modules 65 with a tool 2 or one crimping station 6 comprising an integrated tool unit, and one assembly, ie the pivot mechanism 69, each have a cable path ( 63) (this path simultaneously forms the centerline of the crimping machine 1).

In addition, storage racks 27 are arranged on each of the two sides. Each storage rack 27 is preferably provided with one linear link 67 for each controlled displacement of the tool unit or of different groups of integrated tool units 10. However, it should be noted that two different integrated tool units are indicated with the same reference number, “10” in FIG. 18 (the thicker tool units are suitable for feeding the ends of the contacts, and the other tool unit is suitable for feeding the side contacts. Do).

Each supply pin 68 (preferably for automatic supply and removal of the integrated tool unit 10) is provided on two sides, respectively, between the storage rack 27 and the crimping station 6.

Thus, an assembly mechanism, preferably a swing mechanism, for pivoting the integrated tool unit 10 from the exchange position (indicated by the solid line) to the operating position (indicated by the dashed line) is preferably a storage rack 27 and a supply pin 68 and a cream. It is provided between the ping stations 6. Here, the assembly, ie the turning mechanism 69, is connected to the drive unit A of the associated crimping press, which also makes it possible to displace from the exchange position to the operating position.

It is also noted that the automatic cable handling machine can be designed according to the proven swing arm principle (also optionally according to the linear transport system), but with a new press, namely a crimping machine 1 according to the invention. Should be.

The integrated tool unit 10 is perfectly maintained (and optionally adjusted) in the holding device (ie storage rack 27), in which the plug strip (contact strip 12) is also retained, so that the plug The strip is inserted permanently into the crimping tool 2.

The storage rack 27 may be supplied manually or automatically to the new crimping machine 1 and may be removed from it. Optionally, a special feed table manipulates several storage racks, automatically feeds these racks to the table, feeds the crimping press in a programmed manner, and automatically accepts these devices again after use.

The last two examples (in our experiments) relate to the following additional advantages:

o the integrated tool unit 10 can be replaced very easily by lumbering the inserted strip (ie a contact strip in the form of a cassette);

o a tool unit 10 which can be supplied at the end or at the end of the basic machine can be used from the same side, ie from the direction;

o automatic replacement of the integrated tool unit 10 is also possible;

o This arrangement provides a very complete layout of the tools and basic machines during operation;

o very short setup time;

o Crimping safety is significantly increased;

o Large acceptance by machine operators.

Reference Number List

1 crimping machine

2 Crimping Tool

3 upper tool

4 lower tool

5 Crimp contacts

6 crimping station

7 contact strip unwinder

7A Contact Spool Holder

8 contact strip guide

9 paper strip winder

10 Integrated Portable Tool Unit (TSS)

11 standard rack

12 contact strips

13 clamping device

14 lever

15 Crimping Tool Heads

16 holding slide

17 Adjustable head fixing means

18 adjustable head

19 slides

20 spools

21 drive gear wheel

22 driven gear wheel

23 drive motor

24 machine table

25 rocker switch

26 sensors

27 storage racks

28 Chassis

29 wheels

30 holding brake

31 handles

32 upper holding rail

33 Lower holding rail

34 sole plate

35 breaks

36 T-slot

37 adjustable head holder

38 pneumatic cylinder

39 Guide Bar

40 stops

41 Center element

42 toggle lever clamping system

43 Contact Spool Container

44 contact strip spool

45 covers

46 adjusting wheel

47 Lateral contact supply

48 tool holder

49 Automatic Tool Identification System (ATIS)

Identification unit (abbreviated ID unit) on 50 crimping tool unit 10

51 reading unit on crimping machine

52 Tool Data Memory

53 first transmitting part

54 Processor / Memory

55 second transmission part

56 Controls for crimping machines

57 Data transmission device for two-way wireless data transmission

58 arrows

59 stops

60 Sidewall of Crimping Machine

61 Container for TSS (10)

62 Tool operating surface

63 Cable route / center line of the machine

64 cable supply unit

65 cable operation module

66 assembly, or swing unit

67 linear links

68 supply pin

69 assembly, ie pivoting mechanism

Drive unit of tool A

B blocking mechanism

K cable

T carrying Hendle

X arrow

Claims (24)

Preferably as a crimping machine for different crimping and pressing processes for mounting the contact elements, in particular semi- or fully automatic, on the cable end for the cable assembly, A crimping station having a crimping tool, a tool holder and a drive unit, a contact feed and a contact reservoir, wherein the crimping tool and the contact reservoir can be separated from the drive unit. In the form of an assembled assembly, the crimping tool 2 is formed in two parts, the tool holder 48 having a clamping device 13 for one part 4 of the crimping tool 2, With adjustable head fixing means 17, preferably pneumatic, for orienting and fixing the other part 3 of the crimping tool 2, Crimping machines for different crimping and pressing processes. A contact strip unwinder (7) and at least one contact strip guide (8) according to claim 1, wherein the contact supply (47) has a contact strip guide (8) or a contact strip spool. (44) is preferably a crimping machine for different crimping and pressing processes, having the possibility of axial displacement, thereby enabling to establish a permanent alignment with the tool. 3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly is in the form of an integrated tool unit 10, which unit 10 is at least with the crimping tool 2, preferably a contact strip spool 44. And a contact strip unwinder 7, a contact strip guide 8, and a driveable paper strip winder 9, wherein the paper strip winder 9 preferably comprises a stop brake. Crimping machine for different crimping and pressing processes, provided with static brake and / or adjustable spring pretension. 4. The integrated tool unit (10) according to claim 3, wherein the integrated tool unit (10) comprises a bottom plate (34), the bottom plate (34) of which the integrated tool unit (10) is to be installed in the crimping station (6). Crimping machine for different crimping and pressing processes when in cooperation with the clamping device (13) and acts as an orientation means. The clamping device (13) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping device (13) has a side guide bar (39) and / or at least one central element (41) and / or the crimping station (6). At least one stop 40 is provided for orienting the bottom plate 34 of the integrated tool unit 10, with different crimping, with the bottom plate 34 having the oppositely engaging elements. And crimping machines for pressing processes. 6. The unit according to claim 1, wherein a unit, preferably a rocker switch 25, is adapted to the contact strip guide 8 and for controlling the drive paper strip winder 9. 7. Crimping machines for different crimping and pressing processes, which are arranged on the reference racks 11 of the mounted tool unit 10. The pneumatic cylinder (38) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment head fixing means (17) secures the crimping tool head (15) adapted on the crimping station (6). Crimping machines for different crimping and pressing processes. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the exchange of the integrated tool unit 10, the two-part crimping tool 2 of the integrated tool unit 10 is [eg Crimping machine for different crimping and pressing processes, provided with a blocking mechanism (B) which prevents the moving of the movable part (3) due to gravity or due to the weight of the part (3) itself. 9. The blocking mechanism (B) according to claim 8, wherein the blocking mechanism (B) is preferably in cooperation with the adjusting head (18) by means of a slide (optionally operable) in its blocking state; And / or when the crimping tool 2 is inserted into the crimping machine 1 or into the integrated tool unit 10, the movable portion 3 is connected to the adjustment head fixing means 17. A crimping machine for different crimping and pressing processes, provided with an interaction lever that automatically releases the interruption state as soon as it is maintained. 10. Different crimping and pressing processes according to claim 1, wherein the integrated tool unit 10 is provided with a portable reference rack 11 with at least one handle T. 11. Crimping machine. Crimping machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a separate storage rack (27) is provided for temporary storage of the integrated tool unit (10). 12. The storage rack 27 according to claim 11, wherein the storage rack 27 comprises an integrated tool unit 10 and / or linear links 67 for controlled displacement of different groups of integrated tool units 10. Crimping machine for crimping and pressing process. 13. The storage rack 27 and the crimping station 6 according to claim 11 or 12, preferably with a feed fin 68 for the automatic supply and removal of an integrated tool unit 10. Crimping machines for different crimping and pressing processes provided between. 14. An assembly mechanism, preferably a pivoting mechanism 69, for pivoting the integrated tool unit 10 from the exchange position to the operating position, according to any of claims 11 to 13, with the storage rack 27. Crimping machine for different crimping and pressing processes provided between the supply pins (68) and the crimping station (6). 15. The assembly according to claim 14, wherein the assembly, or pivoting mechanism (69) is also connected to the drive unit (A) of the crimping tool (2), which can displace the crimping tool (2) from the exchange position to the operating position. Crimping machines for different crimping and pressing processes. The drive unit (A) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, preferably on at least one cable supply unit (64), two pivotable cable operation modules (65), and on each of the two sides. Crimping machine for different crimping and pressing processes, in which one crimping press with an) and one assembly, i.e. each of the pivoting mechanisms (69), are arranged along a cable path (63) forming a centerline of the machine. 17. Crimping machine according to claim 16, wherein a supply pin (68) and a storage rack (27) are disposed on each of the two sides. 18. Crimping machine according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the assembly or pivot unit (66) is adapted to each cable manipulation model (65). 19. Crimping according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (A) of the crimping tool (2) is arranged below the tool operating surface (62). machine. 20. A tool identification system as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a data memory and a tool identification system provided with a data transmission apparatus for transmitting data from and receiving data for the data memory. The tool identification system is in the form of an automatic tool identification system 49 which is separate from each other but in wireless communication with each other, in particular having two units, the ID unit 50 and the reading unit 51. Adjusted to the portable integrated tool unit 10, the reading unit 51 is adjusted to the crimping machine 1, and the ID unit 50 is (preferably reprogrammable) tool data memory 52. ) And the first transmission portion 53, the reading unit 51 is composed of a processor / memory 54 and a second transmission portion 55, and the reading unit 51 comprises the crimping machine ( 1) having a control link for , Crimping machines for different crimping and pressing processes. 21. The crimping machine according to claim 20, wherein said reprogrammable tool data memory (52) is preferably in the form of a semiconductor chip sealed from the outside by a suitable package. 22. Crimping machine according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the first transmitting part (53) of the ID unit (50) is in radio form. The crimping machine of claim 22, wherein the radio is formed for both data transmission and power transmission. 24. Cream for different crimping and pressing processes according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an automatic remote-control locking system for securing the rescue unit on the crimping machine is provided for the rescue unit. Ping machine.

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