MX2007016550A - Crimping machine for different crimping and pressing processes, 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

ENGARCE MACHINE FOR DIFFERENT CROSSING AND PRESSING PROCESSES, ESPECIALLY FOR CABLE ASSEMBLING FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a crimping machine for various crimping and pressing processes, for example for the assembly of cables, a crimping tool, by its relative movement, crimping, ie crimping, a crimping contact with an electrical conductor end for the production of a crimp connection. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION DE-10301560 discloses a crimping tool of the same Applicant that can be used for different crimping machines and fully automatic crimping machines. As is known in practice, automatic crimping devices, known as automatic crimping machines, are used to process electrical cables for, for example, automotive cable assemblies. These automatic machines perform the following functions: • embed and cut the cable to measure by means of a transport system, • maintain and position the ends of the cable with pivotable fasteners, • cut off the cable, • remove the insulation from the two ends of the cable, • rotate the ends of the cable to the processing stations: a) optional placement of seals at the ends of the cable cable (in the sealing stations) and b) pressing (crimping) electrical contacts at the end of the cable (in the crimp stations), • placing the terminated cables in a collector conduit and • placing the programmed number of cable batches in a termination conduit. Different types, colors and diameters of cable and different types of crimping contact are used and, if necessary, also seals in these cable assemblies. Because, in some cases, the production volume of such cable assemblies is very small, the automatic machine must be converted as soon as another type, color and wire diameter or other crimp contact. The conversion time influences the cost-efficiency of the automatic crimping machine. In the conversion of conventional fully automatic crimping machines, the following components are interchangeable parts in the crimping station: the crimping tool and the crimping contact coil. The following manual work must be carried out in order to exchange these parts: • stop the automatic machine completely, • open the safety cover automatically, • open the contact band brake on the crimping tool, • fix the safety band contact a contact coil so that the band does not come loose from the coil • remove the paper web from the contact coil, • remove the contact band manually from the crimping tool, • remove the coil with the band of paper winding of the paper web winder, • open the paper web reel and remove the wound paper, • close the paper web spool and place it in the rewinding device, • remove the crimping disk from the spool pin, • remove the contact spool and place it in the storage place, • remove the new contact coil from the storage place and place it on the coil clamping axis, • place the fixing disc and secure it with slightly elastic tension, • release the crimp device from the the crimping tool in the crimp station • remove the crimping tool from the crimp station and place it in the storage place • remove the new pre-set crimping tool from the storage location and insert it into the crimping station, • close the crimping device so that the Crimping tool is clamped, • release the contact strip from the contact coil, align the end or cut to align the length using pliers, • release the brake from the crimping tool and insert the contact band into the guide. the crimping tool until the first contact appears in the lower socket, • close the crimping tool brake, • insert the paper web into the paper web reel and secure firmly, • close the safety cover, • load the data stored in the crimping machine computer and activate, • prepare the cable automatically with a test crimp, • remove the cable with the test crimp from the storage duct, measure the width and height of the crimp, evaluate the depth of the cable insertion, • adapt the adjustment of the crimping tool according to the results of the test.

As can be seen in the foregoing, the conversion of conventional automatic crimping machines for different crimping operations requires a large amount of time and manual labor which, however, limits the productivity of the device. Patent EP-1 -3814 discloses a unit for processing the crimp of a contact element at the end of an uncoated cable and the storage unit for contact elements is in the form of an assembly that can be detached from a unit propulsion of the crimping device. However, the specific detailed technical solution is not disclosed in said patent. It is therefore imprecise if the paper is inserted, the web rewinders and in what way, if the adjustable head can be fixed and in what way, how the crimping tool is fixed to the crimping machine, etc. In this known publication, it is also imprecise if it is possible to lock the tool and in what way. When removing this assembly from the press, it is likely to collapse because, in fact, the tool moves downward because of its own weight. However, the food (which is revealed ambiguously) of the Contact band can be assembled from said tool. As a result, non-specific feeding of contact material could occur, which can lead to an unknown state of reinsertion of the assembly in the press. Although the downtimes necessary for the change of tool and / or contacts can be reduced by this tool, the orientation and fixing of the mounting in the groove between the propulsion unit and the base plate are also problematic, which can adversely affect the quality of operation of the device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages of the known device, that is, to further reduce the time and manual labor required for the conversion of the crimping tool, the crimping contact coil and the rewinder paper band. It is the intention of the present to provide an improved mounting for the crimping tool, which can be converted relatively quickly and easily according to the different types, colors and diameters of the cable and the different crimping contacts, in each case it is ensured a precise prescribed orientation and fastening for the interchangeable parts and in such a way to make possible the increase of the productivity as well as the quality of the crimping especially in the assembly of cables. The present invention achieves the objective set in a first step according to claim 1. The secondary claims relate to beneficial developments. The essence of the invention can be seen in the fact that the support tool for the two-part tool has a special clamping device and a clamping adjustment means of the head preferably operated pneumatically for the orientation and clamping of the adapted crimping tool; and wherein the storage contact has a contact band unwinder and at least one contact band guide. In addition, the assembly is in the form of an integrated tool unit comprising at least the crimping tool, the contact strip unwinder, preferably with a contact band coil, the contact band guide and a web rewinder. paper, it is removed from the crimp station and is equipped with a plate base which cooperates with the crimping device of the crimping station and precisely guides the integrated tool unit in the installed state. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a locking mechanism is provided which is added to prevent advancement of the moving part of the tool in the integrated unit of the tool (before removing it from the crimping machine together with the tool unit). integrated) and / or a locking lever is provided that, when inserting the crimping tool in the crimping machine or in the integrated unit of the tool, it automatically cancels the locked state as soon as the part that is removed is adjusted in the fixing means of the spindle fixing. For the user, the different measures of the invention result, therefore, in the following: 1. Quick and easy change (manual or automatic according to the main machine) of the tools (contacts) in an automatic crimping machine. Change time less than 30 sec. 2. All manual work can be done outside the automatic machine (insert a new contact coil, insert a paper band and pretension it, locate the contacts (band) exactly on the tool, correctly fit the storage contact guide, adjust the brake of the contact coil, adjust the alignment of the contact coil with the tool, if necessary change the worn parts of the tool, overwriting the memory chip or entering new data, etc.) An oscillating switch according to the invention starts or stops the winding motor of the paper web and thereby allows adjustment of the pretension in the form of spring for the different contacts. All the configurations mentioned in item 2 can be saved in a cassette change, according to a particular embodiment of the invention. If positively controlled, the mechanism of locking or unlocking the moving part of the upper part of the tool leads to ensuring the contact position in the tool and automatically coupling the tool to the crimping press (slot in the form of T). The new system allows the use (integration) of standard tools (for example, tools compatible with AMP (R)). A preferred embodiment allows a particularly economical solution for the tool unit, that is, all the active elements, such as the winding motor of the paper web, the sensor of the oscillating switch, the sensor of the control of the crimping force, the reader of the memory chip, est., are coordinated with the automatic machine so that no coupling of electrical or pneumatic connections between the tool unit and the crimping machine takes place. On the other hand, according to a particular embodiment, the rewinding device is inactive and is equipped with a static brake effect for the paper (and, therefore, the paper web is prevented from "unrolling" when the paper is unwound). remove the cassette). A special contact coil holder with adjustable brake effect prevents a defined brake configuration (which depends on the contact) from being lost when the coil is changed. In a further embodiment, the possibility of making an adjustment on the shaft is also offered. Then, the defined position (tool alignment that depends on the contact) is not lost when the coil is changed. 6. The handles allow a very light and ergonomic design of the tool unit (manual manipulation). 7. An especially preferred design provides that all configuration and exchange work is done without the use of tools. The quality of the product and in particular the speed of conversion can be further increased if a tool identification system is used which is provided with a transmission device to transmit data from data storage and to receive data from data storage together with the crimping machine. According to the invention, it has the form of an automatic tool identification system (SIAH) which in practice has two units separated from one another but which have wireless communication between them, that is, an identification unit and a unit of communication. reading. The identification unit is located in the portable tool unit but the reading unit is coordinated with the crimping machine. The identification unit consists of a reprogrammable data storage tool, a first transmitting part. (It is also possible to use non-programmable data media, for example transponders that they contain a unique read identifier. On the basis of this reading identifier, the base machine activates the data from an internal or similar database). The reading unit consists of a processor and a memory and a second transmitting part, and the reading unit has a control link with the crimping machine. This tool identi fi cation system can be used advantageously for any crimp machine, still independently of the integration according to claim 1. This means that the individual components can be connected to a crimp machine which can be equipped with SIAH, that is to say, for example the coil and / or the crimp tool. In combination with the integration according to claim 1, however, the target set as a result is achieved in a particularly advantageous manner. The invention can also be used in table crimping devices (semiautomatic machines). The most important advantages of the invention and the additional details are found later in the detailed description of the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. • Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a crimping machine in operation according to the invention, • Fig. 2 shows a part of the crimping machine according to Fig. 1 on a larger scale. , • Fig. 3 shows an integrated tool unit, according to the invention, of the crimping machine according to Fig. 1, • Fig. 4 shows a clamping device for the integrated tool unit, • Fig. 5 shows the schematic diagram of a propeller for a paper web rewinder, • Fig. 6 shows a view of the clamping adjustment means of the head, partly disassembled, • Fig. 7 shows a shelf of storage for a number of tool units integrated, • Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of a working example of the automatic tool identification system according to the invention of a crimping machine, • Figures 9 to 14 show another example in operation of the machine crimping according to the invention, which is in the form of a tabletop device, • Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a crimping machine, • Fig. 10 shows a side view of a part of the tabletop device. according to Fig. 9, before the insertion of the integrated tool unit (TSS), • Fig. 11 shows a perspective drawing of the table device according to Fig. 10, with the integrated tool unit (Fig. TSS) in an inserted state and on a larger scale, • Fig. 12 shows a side view of the solution according to Fig. 11, Fig. 13 shows a side view of the machine • Fig. 14 shows a perspective view according to Fig. 10, • Figs. 15 to 17 show additional assemblies of the crimping machine according to the invention, Fig. 16 shows a side view in the direction of Arrow XVI, and Fig. 17 shows a section along line XVII-XVII in Fig. 5; and Fig. 18 shows a preferred assembly of the crimp machine according to the invention which is established as a modular cable processing center with a double assembly of two crimp presses according to the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES IN OPERATION Figures 1 and 2 show an example in operation of the crimp machine 1 according to the invention that is assembled 30 with a transverse storage contact 47 (the known storage of the electric cables with ends without coating). This crimping machine 1 can be used for different crimp and crimping processes, for example, the cable assembly, and has a crimp tool 2 of two parts and a supporting tool 48, a movable upper tool 3 of the crimping tool 2 by its relative movement, "crimping" ie pressing, a crimping contact, which can be placed in a lower fixed tool 4 of the crimping tool 2, with its electrical conductor end to produce crimping connections. The crimp machine 1 has a crimp station 6 which is provided with the crimp tool 2, the tool holder 48, a propelling unit A and the storage contact 47 (the crimp tool 2 with its drive unit A and the tool holder 48 form the so-called "crimping press"). Such crimping tool 2 is available, for example, in the trade under the name of tool "UNI-A" or "UNI" C "or is disclosed in patent DE-A-1030560 of the same Applicant- Tool 2 is inserted and fastened interchangeably in the crimp station 6. In the detailed embodiment, the crimp contacts 5 are referred to as transverse conveyor engagement contacts, which are inserted into the crimp station 6 laterally (Fig. 2).

However, it should be noted that there are also linkage contacts called longitudinal transport, which can be introduced from behind at the crimp station. The conversion of the investment can be conceived for both versions. According to the invention, the following components of the crimp machine 1, that is to say, the crimp tool 2, the contact band unwinder 7 and at least one contact band guide 8, and the belt coiler of paper 9, are integrated to offer a common portable tool unit 10 (portable machining, abbreviated as "MP"), which can be obtained with a basic portable support 11. The embodiment of the integrated portable tool unit 10 5 shown (see Fig. 1 and 2), therefore, comprises the crimping tool used aj 2, the contact band guide 8, the contact band unwinder 7 (optionally with a contact band 12 or a contact band roll 44) and the paper web winder 9. The integrated tool unit 10 is thus transformed into a portable tool (Fig. 1) and has for this purpose two handles to transport T. In the assembly according to the invention, the unit integrated portable tool 10 can be completely placed in a lower fixing device 13 of the tool holder 48 in the crimp station 6 and can be fixed there (in a set and oriented position) when the lever 14 is actuated. 3, the head of the crimping tool is called 15. A support slide 16 in the crimp station 6 (Fig. 2) adapts the head of the crimping tool 15 when firing a fixing adjustment means of the driven head. in a pneumatic manner 17. An adjusting head tailored to the height is designated 18 (Fig. 6) and a slider for holding the head of the crimping tool is designated 19 (Fig. 2 and 3). The invention offers a locking mechanism B (Fig. 3) that prevents the advance of the moving part of the tool and / or the upper part of the tool 3 (for example, due to the severity or weight of the part 3 itself) of the two-part crimp tool 2 in the integrated tool unit 10 during the change of the integrated tool unit 10. In the locked state, this locking mechanism B cooperates preferably with the adjustable head 18 by means of a optional manually operated slide 19. It is clear from Fig. 5 that the paper web winder 9 of the integrated tool unit 10 has a coil 20 for paper webs and a gear wheel 21 that can be rotated together with the coil 20 and, when installing the tool unit 10, is automatically coupled by a propelling gear wheel 22 of a drive motor 23. The drive motor 23 is fixed to a machining table 24 of the crimp machine 1 ( that is, the main machine) (see Fig. 1 and 5). An oscillating switch 25 is positioned to control the drive motor 23 in the integrated tool unit 10 such that, when the integrated tool unit 10 is installed, a motor drive sensor 2 is activated in the main machine (Fig. 2). As an alternative to the gear wheel, it is also possible to use friction wheels or the like. Fig. 7 illustrates a separate storage shelf 27 which serves to store the integrated tool units 10. The storage shelf 27, therefore, allows to secure the storage of a number of completely adjusted tool units 10. Here the storage shelf 27 has a chassis 28 with wheels 29 that allow the transfer of the storage shelf 27. In the described embodiment, two wheels 29 are equipped with a locking brake 30 each to prevent the shelf from rolling independently . Two handles 31 on each side ensure safe handling of the storage shelf 27 during its transport. To contain the integrated tool units 10, the storage shelf 27 has upper and lower rails 32 and 33. With the help of the storage rack 27, the prepared tool units 10 can be centrally stored preferably and, if necessary, can be moved to one or more crimping machine (s) 1. In the assembly according to the invention, the lower clamping device 13 for holding and orienting the integrated tool unit 10 and the fastening adjustment means of the upper pneumatic head 17 for clamping and orienting the The crimp machine head 15 are, therefore, mounted in the crimp station 6 (Fig. 2). As evidenced by the foregoing, the assembly according to the invention contains in practice the following individual modules: • special adjustment means for fixing the head 17 on the slide 16, which is in the crimp station 6; • tool holder 48 with lower clamping device 13 for clamping the integrated tool unit 10 which is also present in the crimp station 6; • the contact band unwinder 7 (optionally with a contact band coil 44) which is mounted on the main shelf 11 of the integrated tool unit 10; • drive motor 23, which is fixed (together with the gear wheel 22 and the sensor 26) to the machining table 24; • paper web winder 9 for winding the paper web (without contacts after the crimping phase) which is mounted on the main shelf 11 of the integrated tool unit 10; and • separate storage rack 27 for storing a number of tool units . The means for adjusting the fixing of the head 17 has the function of reducing a set 35 (see Fig. 6) between the adjustable head 18 (on the female plug of the crimp tool 2 and a T-slot) to an adjustable minimum. 36 on an adjustable head support 37 (on the tool support slide 16) at the crimp station 6. The fastening adjustment means of the head 17 is equipped with a pneumatic cylinder 38 (Fig. 6). the insertion of the integrated tool unit 10 into the lower fixing device 13 and the fixing adjustment means of the upper head 17 of the crimping station 6, the operator operates a push button (not shown) and the head adjustable 18 is set pneumatically with the help of the pneumatic cylinder.This function can also be triggered automatically by the software of the crimp machine 1 because it recognizes the integrated tool unit 10 in one position and predetermined situation, for example, by means of sensors. The lower fixing device 13 allows the exact orientation and fast fixing of the base plate 34 of the tool unit integrated in the crimp station 6. After inserting the base plate 34 of the integrated tool unit 10 into the lateral guide rods 39 of the fixing device 13 against one or more stops 40 (see Fig. 3) and centering it by means of a centering element 41, the base plate 34 of the integrated tool unit 10 is fixed interlocked with the fixing device 13. For this purpose, the lever 14 is moved by approximately 90 °, and a system is then operated for fixing with spring-loaded lever 41. The fixing device 13 with its lateral guide bars 39 and / or the centering element 41 and / or the stop 40 orientates the base plate 34 of the integrated tool unit 10 in the station of crimping 6 (see Fig. 3), and for this purpose, the base plate 34 has elements that cooperate diametrically opposite (eg, control edge, bevelling, etc.). In this way, the integrated tool unit 10, is centered, oriented, fixed and held in an exact mr and ensures to prevent its rolling after insertion into the guide bars 39. If applicable, the exact position of the integrated tool unit 10 can be probed by a sensor and reported to a central machine computer (not shown). The contact strip unwinder 7 shown (Fig. 1 and 2) consists here of a contact coil support 7A, a receptacle for the contact coil 43, the contact band guide 8 and the oscillating switch 25. A contact band coil 44 is mounted on the contact coil holder 7A in the contact coil receptacle 43 (Fig. 1). The contact band coil 44 is wound by a coating 45 to suitably protect the crimp contacts 5 of the contact coil 44 from any damage. This liner 45 can be omitted optionally for reasons of weight or cost. The paper web winder 9 is (as mentioned above) thus mounted on the integrated tool unit 10 but is handled by a pair of gear wheels 21, 22 on the drive motor 23 only when the tool unit 10 it is in the installed state (at crimp station 6).

Returning to Fig. 2 and 3, the slide 19 has the function of keeping the adjustable head 18 in the head of the crimping tool 15 e the prescribed height so that the insertion of the adjustable head support 37 (Fig. 6) is possible. An adjustment wheel on the adjustable head 18 is designated in FIG. 6 with the number 46. The operation and rest positions of the slide 19 can be probed, for example, by a sensor (not shown). The operation and rest positions of the slide 19 can be probed, for example, by means of a sensor (not shown). The crimping machine 1 can only be activated when the slide 19 is not in contact with the crimping tool head and secure it in the resting position. In this embodiment, the slide 19 is locked in both end positions. The propulsion motor 23 for the paper web winder 9 is mounted on a machining table 24 (on the main machine). The suspension motor can be moved (for example, by means of an oscillator) and is pretensioned by means of a tension spring (not shown).

When the integrated tool unit 10 is inserted into the fastening device 13 in the crimp station 6, the gear wheel 22 of the motor shaft and the gear wheel 21 of the coil 20 of the paper web winder 9 is they attach to each other (Fig. 5). As a result of this spring pretension, the propulsion of the gear wheel remains connected. In this way, the propulsion easily engages the paper web winder 9 so that the operation is reliable. The spring-loaded oscillating switch 25 is mounted in the deflection region of the contact band guide 8. As the voltage in the contact band 12 increases, a switch plate in the oscillating switch 25 drives the sensor 26 (Fig. 2) that is fixed to the machining table 24. Then the sensor 26 starts the drive motor 23 for the paper web winder 9.

The paper web (as released section) is unwound from the contact coil 44 (after the crimp contacts) and wound on the paper web coiler 9. Here the contact band coil 44 is slowly rotated on its axis and the contact band is conveyed so that the oscillating switch 25 moves towards back in accordance with the spring force and release the sensor 26 again. The drive motor 23 stops in this way again. According to our experience, the conversion time of the crimp machine 1 mentioned above can be considerably reduced, in particular by the integrated tool unit 10 according to the invention since, in comparison with the detailed work steps In the introduction to the description, you only need to do the following work: • opening the fastening adjustment means of the pneumatic head 17 on the support slide 16 of the crimp station 6 when pressing a push button, • releasing the fastening device 13 from the integrated tool unit 10 at the crimp station 6 by rotating the lever 14, • removing the integrated tool unit 10 manually from the crimp station 6 (as a result, the slide 19 automatically locks the head 15 of the crimping tool by means of a pressure spring integrated) • hang the removed tool unit 10 on the storage shelf 27, • remove the newly adjusted tool unit 10 from the storage rack 27, and • insert the newly adjusted tool unit in the fixing device 13 and the fixing adjustment means of the head 17 of the crimp station 6 (as a result, the slide 19 can be removed, for example by the stop 49 resting on the wall of the crimping device for that the head 15 of the crimping tool 2 is free in the end position of the integrated tool unit (TSS), see Fig. 11 below), • actuate the lever 14 of the fastening device 13 in the crimp station 6 to fix it, and • actuate the push button to close the pneumatic fastening means of the head 17 in the support slide 16 of the crimp station 6.

According to our experience with the prototype, It should be noted that a considerable conversion time saving can be observed for the conversion of the crimp machine 1 with the use of the invention, with the result that it is possible to increase the productivity of the cable assembly. This is achieved by the assembly according to the invention and in particular by the special integrated tool unit. In addition, this is also achieved due to the fact that: • it is not necessary to change the contact band winding 44; • it is not necessary to remove the contact band 12 from the crimp tool 2 and • it is necessary to configure the crimp tool 2 for a new contact band; • it is not necessary to rewind the loose end of the contact band with paper web in a connector coil; • it is not necessary to remove the paper web from the paper web reel or insert it again after inserting a new contact reel.

The conditioning of the tool unit 10 is can be made according to the requirement in the storage position of this to not obstruct the crimping machine. Fig. 1 shows that the crimp machine 1 according to the invention, especially the embodiment shown, is equipped with an automatic tool identification system 49 (abbreviated as SIAH) which is a high bidirectional identification device. frequency by means of which the data of the crimping tool 2 can be written selectively 1 a storage area reads from the storage area (other solutions are also possible for these purposes, such as, for example, a transponder). As is known, the crimping parameters or the program must be selected manually every time the tool is changed in a known crimping machine. Therefore, the concept of automatic adaptation of the crimping machine to the crimping tool used at the time would be desirable. With the SIAH 49 according to the invention, these processes can be automated while quality control can be promoted.

In order to use the automatic tool identification system 49, the crimping machine 1 must have the ability to communicate with the crimping tool 2 (Fig. 1). Here the known technology of identification by radio frequencies is used, or possibly a wireless acquisition of electronic data (see, for example, US Pat. No. 6,047,579, other prior art EP989636A2). According to FIG. 8, the automatic tool identification system 49 according to the invention consists of two units separated from each other and having wireless communication with each other, that is, an identification unit (which is abbreviated ID unit) 50 and a reader unit 51. The unit ID 50 is coordinated with the crimping tool 2 (ie, the integrated portable tool unit 10) but the reader unit 51 is coordinated with the crimping machine 1. In this In this embodiment, the ID 50 unit is used in the form of a transponder, which preferably consists of a reprogrammable data storage tool 52 (for example, a semiconductor chip) and a first transmitter part 53 (for example, an antenna). The ID 50 unit (transponder) takes energy directly from a magnetic field of the reader unit 51 (receiver) so that it is not necessary to use a separate battery or power source. The data storage tool 52 of the ID 50 unit stores the information that is coordinated with the portable integrated tool unit 10 and comprises the properties or preselected data characteristic of the crimping tool 2. The data storage tool 51 is connected to the first transmitting part 53 of the ID 50 unit (Fig. 8). The reader unit 51 of the crimp machine 1 consists of a processor / memory 54 (Fig.8) and a second transmitter part 55., that cooperate with each other. The processor / memory 54 of the reader unit 51 serves to store the characteristic properties, at least of the crimping machine. The reader unit 51 is connected to a control device 56 of the crimping machine 1. The first transmitting part 53 of the ID unit 52 and the second transmitting part 55 of the reading unit 51 form a data transmission device 57 and have a wireless bidirectional transmission link to each other, which is designated with the arrow 58 in Fig. 8.

The aforementioned data transmission device 57, which is in the form of a transmission / reception device, transmits the data of the crimping tool obtained from the data storage tool 52 and receives data to be stored in the processor / memory 54 of the reader unit 51 (for example, a read / write memory), which control device 56 connects to a production control system of the crimp machine 1. Because each integrated tool unit 10 has an ID unit 52 each (in addition to the data storage tool 52), which stores the specific data of the tool required, and these required data are then compared directly with the respective measured data in the reader unit 51, it is not necessary to make experimental determinations Complicated data required after changing the crimping tool. In the aforementioned case of the automatic tool identification system 49, it is therefore imperative to use a transponder solution. These transponders have an identifier each that is unique in the world. Machine principal reads this identifier. The computer of the machine has saved the identifiers of the crimping tools used 2, the integrated tool units (TSS) 10, etc. When equipping one of these components, the control saves the related data from the server or the computer based on the identifier. In summary, the invention (the use of SIAH in crimping machines) offers the possibility of controlling, without loss of time and in an extremely reliable way, the quality of the crimping connections produced by a great variety of tools, and it is also possible Predict the state of crimping tools 2 itself. The specific data of the required tool stored in the crimping tool itself is related not only to the crimping tool 2 itself but preferably also relates to the crimping connection component and the wire on which the crimping tool will be used. crimping tool. They do not depend or depend very slightly on the respective crimp machine 1 and, if applicable, may contain additional parameters. It should be noted that the present invention (the use of SIAH 49 in crimping machines) can be used not only in crimping machines that have integrated parts and common parts that can be changed according to claim 1, but also in other crimping machines in which the plurality of tools with specific data of the tool (which serve to control the quality or controlling the apparatus that operates with the tool) are used alternatively in one or more devices. By means of the automatic tool identification system (SIAH) 49 according to Fig. 8, it is possible to identify, control and manage crimp tools 2 or other tools or objects in a unique way, as well as to link the data directly individually. to objects. It is possible to store the parameters used in the tool. In this way, the data is coupled to the object directly. If the integrated tool unit 10 is changed in the crimp machine 1, these parameters will therefore remain saved. When you reuse one of the crimp machines 1, the stored parameters are reloaded. The operator only needs to select the diameter. The crimping height is set by an automatic height adjustment.

The manufacturer can program the crimp tools 2 so that the client needs less configuration work. If necessary, it is possible to provide the automatic tool identification system (SIAH) 49 with a cycle counter (not shown). In this way, it is possible to determine exactly how many cycles a particular integrated unit 1 has already been used. By means of the possible registration function, it is possible to determine which crimping tool 2 was used with what configurations on which crimp machine 1 and how often. This is useful to ensure quality and to track production errors. A blocking function is also possible in the case of the automatic tool identification system (SIAH) 49. After a certain cycle time, it is possible to alert the system to the fact that a crimping tool 2 must be checked. Then, the crimping tool 2 is blocked, that is to say, the crimping machine 1 no longer cooperates with the crimping tool 2 until the authorized persons cancel the blocking. It is a function that is important for the periodic maintenance of the crimping tool 2. In this way, a longer useful life of the material and better quality of the final product will be obtained. The functions of the Automatic Tool Identification System (SIAH) 49 can be used, if applicable, only with crimp machines 1 and crimp tools 2 specific to a company. According to our experiments with prototypes and theoretical considerations, the following are the most important advantages of the SIAH technology mentioned above: • wireless identification, • reading and writing of the transponder 100,000 times, • identification of the tool in seconds or fractions of a second, resistance to environmental influences (extreme humidity, etc.). • adaptation of the shape and size of the transponder as required, • complete integration of the transponder in the crimping tool, • high level of safety by protection of copying and possible data protection through passwords and encrypted data transmission.

Figures 9 to 14 show a further example in operation of the crimp machine 1 according to the invention which is in the form of a "tabletop device". Below we describe only the most important differences of the comparison with the first embodiment (similar details are provided with the same reference numbers). As illustrated in Fig. 10 to 12, the slide 19 is more developed in this embodiment; it was provided with an adjustable stop on the shaft 59 which, when the integrated tool unit (TSS) 10 is inserted, rests on a side wall 60 of the crimp machine 1. When the integrated tool unit 10 is moved to the position Finally, the slide 19 is held in this position by the stop 59 so that the head of the crimping tool 15 is released in the final position of the integrated tool unit 10. The integrated tool unit 10 is shown before insertion in Fig. 10 but you can see the final position inserted in figures 11 a 14.

Figures 15 to 17 show additional assemblies of the crimp machine 1 according to the invention, the Fig. 16 shows a side view in the direction of arrow XVI in Fig. 15, and Fig. 17 shows a section along line XVII-XVII in Fig. 15. In such a way the machine is designed of crimping so that, in the tool support area 48, there is the largest possible space available for the integrated tool unit 10, which offers a C-shaped receptacle 61 open on three sides and allowing satisfactory feeding of the integrated tool unit 10 (not shown here); in Fig. 16, the lower fixing device 13 and the fixing adjustment means of the upper head 17 of the integrated tool unit 10 are shown only schematically. In this embodiment, however, the propelling unit A is mounted in the lower part. This allows, for example), a novel "press under the floor" that has the propulsion unit A (ie, the main known propulsion: the motor, the gear, the lever mechanism, etc.) below the operating plane of the tool 61 - - (optionally under the machining table 24). Here, section K of the cable is shown in the operating plane of the tool 61. Fig. 18 shows a preferred assembly of the crimp machine 1 according to the invention which is established as a modular center of cable processing with a double assembly of two crimping presses according to the invention. In this double configuration, at least one of the cable feeding units 64, two pivotable handling modules 65, each having a mounting or turning unit 66 and a crimping press according to the invention on each of the two sides (i.e. , a crimp station 6 each, comprising the propellant unit A, the crimp tool 2 or an integrated tool unit) and an assembly or turn mounted along the plane of the cable 63 (and simultaneously forming a center line of the crimp machine 1). In addition, a storage shelf 27 is mounted on each of the two sides. Each storage shelf 27 preferably has a linear link 67 each for controlled displacement of the tool unit or group of different integrated tool units.

It should be noted that two different integrated tool units are designated with the same reference number "10" in Fig. 18 (the thickest tool unit is used to feed the contacts at the ends and the other to feed the contacts at the ends). lateral way). A feed flange 68 is provided for each (preferably for automatic feeding and removal of the integrated tool unit 10) on each of the sides between the storage rack 27 and the crimp station 6. The mounting mechanism , preferably a turning mechanism, 69 for rotating an integrated tool unit 10 from a shift position (designated by the solid line) to the operating position (designated by the line of dashes and dashes) is then provided between the rack of storage 27 and the feed flange 68 and the crimp station 6. Here, the mounting or turning mechanism 69 is connected to the propulsive unit A of the associated crimp press, and also makes it movable for the change of position towards the operating position.

It should also be noted that the automatic cable processing machines can be designated as according to the tried-and-tested rotary arm principle (optionally according to the linear transfer system) but have a novel press, that is, the crimping machine 1 according to the invention. The integrated tool units 10 are fully clamped and (preferably adjusted) in a support device (ie, in the storage rack 27) in which the plug strip (the contact band 12) is also clamped and thus the plug strip remains permanently inserted in the crimping tool 2. The storage shelf 27 can be fed or removed manually or automatically to the new crimping machine 1. Optionally, special feeding tables administer the different feeding shelves and insert them automatically and programmed in the crimping presses and receive these devices after their use also automatically.

The last two embodiments are related, according to our experience, with the following additional advantages: • You can easily change the band of material inserted in the integrated tool units 10 (ie, the contact band, for example in the form of a cassette); • it is possible to use the tool units 10 which can be fed to the main machine laterally or in a final position from the same side or the same direction; • it is also possible to automatically change the integrated tool units 10; • this assembly offers a very clear design of the tool and the main machine during the operation • the configuration times are surprisingly short; • the security of the linker is increased significantly; • they have high acceptance by the machine operators.

List of reference numbers Crimping tool Crimping tool Top tool 4 Bottom tool 5 Crimp contact 6 Crimp station 7 Contact band unwinder 7A Contact coil holder 8 Contact strip guide 9 Paper web winder 10 Portable integrated tool unit (TSS) 11 Main rack 12 Contact strip 13 Fixing device 14 Lever 15 Crimping tool head 16 Support slide 17 Head fixing adjustment means 18 Adjustable head 19 Slider 20 Coil 21 Propeller gear wheel 22 Propelled gear wheel 23 Motor propeller 24 Machining table 25 Oscillating switch 26 Sensor 27 Storage rack 28 Frame 29 Wheel 30 Bracket support 31 Handle 32 Top support rail 33 Lower support rail 34 Base plate 35 Set 36 T-slot 37 Adjustable head support 38 Pneumatic cylinder39 Guide bar 40 Stop 41 Item centering system 42 Fixing system with articulated lever 43 Contact coil receptacle 44 Contact strip coil 45 Coating 4 6 Adjustment wheel 47 Lateral contact feed 48 Tool holder 49 Automatic identification system tool (SIAH) 50 Identification unit (abbreviated as unit ID) in the crimping tool unit (10) 51 Reading unit in crimping machine 52 Data storage tool 53 First transmitting part 54 Processor / memory 55 Second transmitting part 56 Linking machine control device 57 Data transmission device for wireless bidirectional data transmission 58 Arrow 59 Stop 60 Side wall of the crimping machine 61 Receptacle for the TSS 10 62 Working plane of the tool 63 Drawing of the cable / center line of the machine 64 Cable feeding unit 65 Cable handling module 66 Unit assembly or rotation 67 Linear link 68 Feeding tab 69 Mounting or turning mechanism A Drive unit for tool B Locking mechanism K Cable T Transport handle X Arrow

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS A crimping machine for various crimp and crimping processes, in particular for semi-automatic or fully automatic mounting of a contact element to the end of a cable, preferably for the assembly of cables where the crimp machine comprises a crimp station having a crimping tool, a tool holder and a propelling unit and a contact feed and a contact storage where the crimping tool and the contact storage are in the form of mounting that can be separated from the drive unit, where the crimping tool (2) is composed of two parts, and where the tool holder (48) has a fixing device (13) for a part (4) of the crimping tool (2) and preferably a means of adjusting the fixing of the spindle preferably driven pneumatically (17) to orient and fix the other part (3) of the crimping tool (2). to crimping machine as detailed in claim 1, wherein the contact feed (47) has a contact band unwinder (7) and the less a contact band guide (8), the contact band guide (8) or a contact band coil (44) that preferably has the possibility of movement on the shaft so that it is possible to establish a permanent alignment with the tool. The crimping machine as detailed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the assembly is in the form of an integrated tool unit (10) comprising at least the crimping tool (2), the contact band unwinder ( 7), preferably with a contact band coil (44), the contact band guide (8) and a propelled paper web coiler (9), the paper web coiler (9) preferably has a . static brake and / or an adjustable spring pretension. to crimping machine as detailed in claim 3, wherein the integrated tool unit (10) comprises a base plate (34) cooperating with the fixing device (13) when the integrated tool unit (10) is installed. ) at the crimp station (6), and serves as a means of guidance. The crimping machine as detailed in any of the preceding claims wherein the fixing device is provided with lateral guide bars (39) and / or at least one centering element (41) and / or at least one stop (40) for orienting the base plate (34) of the integrated tool unit (10) in the crimp station (6), and the base plate (34) have elements that cooperate diametrically opposite. The crimping machine as detailed in any of the preceding claims which comprises a unit coordinated with the contact band guide (8) and used to control the propelled paper web winder (9), preferably provided with an oscillating switch (25) in the main shelf (11) of the integrated tool unit (10). The crimping machine as detailed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fastening adjustment means of the head (17) has a pneumatic cylinder (38) for fixing a suitable crimping head (15) in the crimping station. (6) The crimping machine, especially as detailed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a locking mechanism (B) is provided which prevents the moving part (3) from advancing [eg, due to the gravity or weight of the part (3) itself] of the two-part crimp tool (2) in the crimping tool unit (10) during the change of integrated tool unit (10). The crimping machine as set forth in claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism (B) in the locked state cooperates with the adjustable head (18) preferably by means of a slider (optionally manually operable) (19) and / or a locking lever is provided that, when inserting the crimp tool (2) in the crimp machine (1) or in the integrated tool unit (10), automatically cancels the locked state as soon as the part that is removed (3) is adjusted in the adjustment means for fixing the head (17). The crimping machine as detailed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the integrated tool unit (10) is provided with a basic portable support (11) having at least one handle (T). The crimping machine, especially as detailed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a separate storage shelf (27) is provided for the temporary storage of tool units integrated (10). The crimping machine as detailed in claim 11 wherein the storage rack (27) comprises a linear link (67) for controlling the movement of an integrated tool unit (10) and / or a group of integrated tool units. different (10). The crimping machine as detailed in claims 11 or 12, wherein a feed flange (68) is provided, preferably for automatic feeding and removal of an integrated tool unit (10), between the storage shelf ( 27) and the crimp station (6). The crimping machine as detailed in any of the preceding claims 11 to 13, wherein a mounting mechanism, preferably a turning mechanism (69), is provided for rotating an integrated tool unit (10) from the position of change to the operating position, between the storage shelf (27) and the feed flange (68) and the crimp station (6). The crimping machine as detailed in claim 14, wherein the mounting or turning mechanism (69) is also connected to the propelling unit (A) of the crimping tool (2) and makes it possible to move the latter from the shift position to the operating position 16. The crimping machine as detailed in any of the preceding claims wherein preferably at least one cable feeding unit (64) and two pivotable cable handling modules (65), and a crimping press with the propelling unit (A) on each of its sides, and a mounting or turning mechanism (69) are each 17. The crimping machine as detailed in claim 16, wherein a feed flange (6) and a storage shelf (27) are disposed to each of both sides. 18. The crimping machine as detailed in claims 16 or 17 wherein a mounting or turning unit (66) is coordinated with each cable handling module (65). 19. The crimping machine, especially as detailed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the propelling unit (A) of the crimping tool (2) is arranged below the operating plane of the tool (62) The crimping machine, especially as detailed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a tool identification system that is provided with a device for storing and transmitting data to transmit data from the storage of data and to receive data from data storage, where the tool identification system is in the form of an automatic tool identification system (49) that has two independent units from each other but that have wireless communication with each other, in special an ID unit (50) and a reading unit (51), and the ID unit (50) is coordinated with the portable integrated tool unit (10) and the reader unit (51) is coordinated with the crimping machine (1), the ID unit (50) consists of a data storage tool (52) (preferably reprogrammable) and a first transmitter part (53), and the reader unit (51) consists of a processor / memory ( 54) and a second transmitter part (55), and where the reader unit (51) has a control link with the crimp machine (1). 21. The crimping machine as detailed in claim 20, wherein the reprogrammable data storage tool (52) is in the form of a semiconductor chip that is sealed in a sealed manner from the outside, preferably by a suitable container. 22. The crimping machine as detailed in claims 20 or 21, wherein the first transmitting part (53) of the ID unit (50) is in the form of an antenna. The crimping machine as detailed in claim 22, wherein the antenna is used for both data transmission and power transmission. The crimping machine as detailed in any of the preceding claims, wherein an automatic locking system controlled by remote control is provided to fix the structural unit to the crimping machine for the structural unit.