DEVICE FOR APPLICATING A TERMINAL TO AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR, CRIMPING UNIT COMPRISING SAID APPLICATOR DEVICE AND METHOD OF ADJUSTING SAID APPLICATOR DEVICE

Description

DEVICE FOR APPLYING A TERMINAL TO A CONDUCTOR ELECTRIC, CRIMPING UNIT INCLUDING SAID APPLICATOR DEVICE AND METHOD OF ADJUSTING IT APPLICATOR DEVICE 5 DESCRIPTION Scope of application The present invention relates to a device for applying a terminal to a conductor. electric, a stapling unit comprising said applicator device and a method of regulation of said applicator device, according to the preamble of the respective 10 independent claims. The applicator device, the crimping unit and the adjustment method according to the invention can be used to crimp a metal terminal to a conductor electrical, in particular both on the bare conductor and on an insulating sheath of the latter. Therefore, the applicator device, the crimping unit and the adjustment method in 15 objects are included in the sector of production of machinery for the construction of electrical wiring elements. State of the art In the sector of machinery for the production of electrical wiring elements, the following are well known: metal terminal applicator devices, known in industry jargon as 20 cable lugs, at one end of an electrical cable comprising an electrical conductor. These applicator devices include a crimping unit, designed for Crimp the metal terminal to the end of the electrical cable, which is equipped with a support structure which includes a bearing surface at which the metal terminal and the end of the electrical cable are arranged to be crimped. 25 In particular, on the support structure, internally to the latter, it is slidable mounted a strike body that can slide between a rest position and a position operational to come into contact with the metal terminal and the end of the electric cable, placing them one on top of the other on the striking surface to staple them. In particular, the end of the electrical cable is usually stripped beforehand, in 5 so that the metal terminal is crimped directly onto the electrical conductor. Known applicator devices also include means for supplying the terminals metal ones, which are designed to move a strip of metal terminals, generally unwinding it from a reel, to carry a head terminal of the aforementioned stripe corresponding to the striking surface. 10 Such power supply means comprise a movement mechanism mechanically connected to the striking body and an advancing surface on which it is placed supporting the strip of metal terminals. The movement mechanism includes a drive lever suitable for moving in support on the first metal terminal of the strip to move it until it reaches 15 the hitting surface. In particular, in these applicator devices the movement mechanism is constrained to the movement of the striking body, generally by means of a cam. Therefore, the movement of the striking body induces movement of the mechanism movement, which causes the metal terminal strip to advance. 20 These applicator devices are intended to be mounted on corresponding units staplers, which in particular are equipped with a press coupled to the striking body, which press, when activated, moves the striking body itself towards the position operational, consequently activating the movement mechanism of the means of diet. 25 However, the above-described known applicator devices have proven to be unsuitable in practice. free from inconveniences. The main drawback is that the stapling operation of the metal terminals at the end of the electrical cable may be imprecise. In fact, as explained above, the movement of the mechanical terminals imparted by the 5 movement mechanism is linked to the movement of the striker body, the which occurs at high speeds (generated by the press drive) to ensure a firm coupling between the metal terminal and the end of the cable. Consequently, the speed of advancement of the metal terminals is also high, with the risk that the positioning of the latter on the contact surface of the support structure is 10 imprecise and, therefore, that the stapling operation itself is imprecise. Furthermore, in known applicator devices the metal terminals are subject to damage, due to the high speed of advancement of the terminal strip metal along the advancing surface. This inconvenience is particularly felt in the case of delicate metal terminals. 15 In order to overcome these drawbacks, applicator devices equipped with a advance mechanism independent from the movement of the striking body. In in particular, the advancement mechanism of these applicator devices is of the pneumatic type, such as a pneumatic cylinder, which is equipped with a piston that slides linearly inside the cylinder and is connected to a pre-arranged retaining lever 20 to engage a metal terminal, for example by abutting it, to make advance the strip of metal terminals on the advancing surface until the first of the metal terminals of the aforementioned strip corresponding to the surface of support structure stop. This pneumatic advance mechanism is used for example for crimping delicate metal terminals, as it allows a 25 slow speed advancement of the terminal strip. However, even the prior art applicator devices described above have proven to be in practice not free from drawbacks. A first drawback is represented by the fact that these applicator devices are not suitable for the application of metal terminals of different sizes. In other words, 5 an applicator device is sized to work with metal terminals of size included in a certain range, generally narrow. In order to work with metal terminals of different sizes between them it is generally necessary to resort to different applicator devices, with an increase in the costs of manufacturing the elements of wiring. 10 A further drawback is represented by the fact that the applicator devices of prior art equipped with the aforementioned pneumatic movement mechanism are subject to wear during use. In fact, the high operating pressures subject the pneumatic cylinder to high mechanical stress, reducing their lifespan. Presentation of the invention 15 In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the above-mentioned known solutions, by making available a device applicator of a terminal to an electrical conductor, a crimping unit comprising said applicator device and a method of adjusting said applicator device, i. which can be used for crimping electrical terminals of different sizes. 20 A further aim of the present invention is to provide a device applicator of a terminal and a crimping unit which are resistant and long-lasting. A further aim of the present invention is to provide a device applicator of a terminal, a crimping unit and a method of adjusting said terminal applicator device which are safe and reliable. 25 A further aim of the present invention is to provide a device a terminal applicator and a crimping unit which are simple and economical to be realized. Brief description of the drawings The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the above-mentioned purposes, are clearly 5 can be found in the content of the claims below and the advantages thereof will become more evident in the detailed description that follows, made with reference to the attached drawings, which represent a purely practical embodiment by way of example and not by way of limitation, where: − Figure 1 shows a first front perspective view of the object applicator device 10 of the present invention with a linear actuator in a maximum height position; − Figure 2 shows a second front perspective view of the applicator device figure 1; − Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the applicator device of Figure 1; − Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the applicator device in question with a 15 linear actuator in a minimum height position; − Figure 5 shows a rear perspective view of the applicator device of Figure 4; − Figure 6 shows a side view of the device of Figure 1 with some parts removed to better highlight others; − Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of an object stapling unit 20 of the present invention. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment example With reference to the attached drawings, 1 indicates an applicator device of a terminal 10 to an electrical conductor 100 according to the invention. The applicator device 1 in question is also known in technical jargon by the name of 25 miniapplicator and is designed to crimp the terminal 10, generally metallic, known in the jargon of the sector with the name of cable lug, to the 100 electrical conductor, and in particular at one end of it. Preferably, the end 101 is pre-stripped, so that the terminal 10 can be directly crimped onto the electrical conductor 100. 5 Advantageously, the applicator device 1 is designed to be mounted on a unit the crimping 9, illustrated schematically in figure 7 and examined in detail in followed. The applicator device 1 in question comprises a stapling unit 2, which is equipped with a support structure 20, developing along a main direction X, 10 internally defining a housing volume V and provided with a striking surface 21, where terminal 10 and terminal 10 are intended to be placed electrical conductor 100. Preferably, the support structure 20 is made at least partially of material metallic, and preferably comprises a casing 200 provided with two half-shells 201, 15 202, which are mechanically connected to each other, in particular fixed, and define internally the aforementioned housing volume V. Advantageously, as schematically represented in figure 6, the support structure 20 is provided with an anvil, in particular fixed to the support structure 20 itself, having an upper face that is at least partially flat. In particular, the aforementioned face 20 upper corresponds to the striking surface 21. The crimping group 2 further comprises a pressure body 22, which is slidably mounted in the housing volume V of the support structure 20, is provided with an operating portion 220 facing the striking surface 21 and is suitable for slide along the main direction X between a rest position, where the portion 25 operating position 220 is placed spaced from the striking surface 21, and an operating position, in where the operating portion 220 is placed close to the abutment surface 21. Advantageously, the pressure body 22 is intended to be operated by a press of the stapling unit 9 on which it is intended to be mounted, preferably with the main direction X arranged substantially vertically. 5 The stapling assembly 2 further comprises at least one stapling tool 23, mounted on the operating portion 220 of the pressure body 22 and configured to clamp a terminal 10 to a corresponding electrical conductor 100 with pressure body 22 in the operational position. In particular, the stapling tool 23 (schematically represented in figure 6) is a 10 knife tool, mounted on the working portion 220 of the pressure body 22 so to cooperate with the striking surface 21 intended to support the terminal 10 in correspondence of which the end of the conductor is also intended to be placed electrical 100, to perform the crimping of the terminal 10 on the electrical conductor 100 same. 15 The applicator device 1 in question also comprises means for feeding 3 a strip 11 of terminals 10, arranged to move the strip of terminals 11 itself towards the striking surface 21 of the supporting structure 2. Advantageously, the stapling tool 23 is configured to cut a first terminal 10 of terminal strip 11, separating it from the latter, and crimping it onto the 20 electrical conductor 100 when the striking body 22 is moved into position operational. The power supply means 3 comprises a linear actuator 30, which extends at least along a Y-axis and is designed to be moved along one direction of sliding S parallel to the sliding axis Y. 25 The feeding means 3 further comprises a sliding plate 31, which develops parallel to the sliding axis Y, on which the strip is intended to be placed of terminals 11. Advantageously, the sliding plate 31 is provided with a sliding face 311 substantially flat, which is intended to support the terminal strip 11. 5 In particular, the sliding plate 31 is mechanically connected, e.g. fixed, to the support structure 20 of the stapling unit 2 of the applicator device 1. In more detail, this sliding plate 31 develops parallel to the axis of Y-sliding between a first extreme 31', placed in correspondence with the striking surface 21 of the support structure 20, and an opposite second end 31''. 10 The feeding means 3 further comprises a transport body 32, mechanically connected to the linear actuator 30 and arranged to engage a terminal 10 of the strip of terminals 11 and move the latter along a parallel feed direction A to the sliding axis Y towards the abutment surface 21 of the support structure 20. In particular, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the element 15 of transport 32 is a lever, pivoted at the linear actuator 30 and provided of a support portion 321 suitable for resting on the terminal 10 of the strip of terminals 11 to push the latter, following the movement of the linear actuator 30, along the direction of advancement A and thus bring the first terminal 10 of the strip 11 (i.e. terminal 10 of strip 11 facing the first end 31' of the 20 sliding plate 31) resting on the striking surface 21. Preferably, during the advancement of the terminal strip 11 in one direction of advance along the advance direction A directed towards the striking surface 21, the support portion 321 of the transport body 32 is placed in support on the terminal 10 to move it. 25 In more detail, during the return of the transport body 32 along the sliding direction S, moved by the return of the linear actuator 30, the transport body 32 itself is capable of rotating around an axis around which it is pivoted to the linear actuator 30, with the engagement portion 321 susceptible to lifting (relative to the plate sliding 31) following the impact with a terminal 10 of the strip 11, so as to 5 allow to overcome this terminal 10 to position oneself upstream of the latter, with respect to the direction of advancement of the terminal strip 11, and be able to engage it when the actuator linear is moved again along the sliding direction S, to bring it into correspondence of the abutment surface 21 of the support structure 20. In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the linear actuator 30 is 10 removably fixed to the support structure 20 of the stapling group 2. The applicator device 1 is provided with coupling means 4 which fix removably attach the linear actuator 30 to the support structure 20 and define multiple positions fixing of the linear actuator 30 along an adjustment direction R transverse to to the direction of advance A of the terminal strip 11. 15 In particular, the regulation direction R comprises at least one orthogonal component to the direction of advancement A, and more specifically parallel to the main direction X of the support structure 2. In this way, the applicator device 1 allows the crimping of terminals 10 of different sizes between them, adjusting the fixing position quickly and easily 20 of the linear actuator 30 to the support structure 20 along the adjustment direction R by means of the coupling means 4, to allow the passage of the terminals on the plate of sliding 31 and their correct dragging on the latter by the body of transport 32. In particular, the linear actuator 30 is provided with a lower wall 35, which defines 25 with the sliding plate 31, and more specifically with the sliding face 311 of the latter, a sliding channel 310, inside which it is intended to be arranged the terminal strip 11 to slide along the direction of travel A. In more detail, the sliding channel 310 is equipped with a sliding height H, defined as the distance between the sliding face 311 of the sliding plate 31 and the wall 5 lower 35 of the linear actuator 30. Advantageously, the coupling means 4 allow the height of sliding H of the sliding channel 310 by fixing the linear actuator 30 to the support structure 2 according to the terminals 10 to be crimped to the electrical conductors 100, to allow optimal advancement of the strips on the sliding plate 31 10 terminals 11. Advantageously, the adjustment direction R is orthogonal to the feed direction A and, in more detail, parallel to the main direction X of the support structure 2, in so as to be able to vary the sliding height H of the sliding channel 310 in a manner efficient, with a small footprint of the applicator device 1. 15 Otherwise, the adjustment direction R can be slightly tilted, for example with a component parallel to the direction of travel A and a component parallel to the main direction X. Advantageously, the linear actuator 30 is removably fixed to the support structure. 20 between a minimum height position and a maximum height position, to adjust in 20 in particular the sliding height H of the sliding channel 310 so as to allow the correct passage of the terminal strip 11 along the latter. Operationally, when the terminal strip 11 comprises high voltage terminals 10 dimensions, the linear actuator 30 is fixed to the support structure 20, by means of the means of coupling 4, at the maximum height position to allow the 25 passage of the terminals 10 in the sliding channel 11. Conversely, when the terminal strip 11 includes smaller terminals 10, the linear actuator 30 is fixed to the support structure 20, by means of the means of coupling 4, at the minimum height position, so as to allow the transport body 32 of the power supply means 3 to engage correctly 5 the latter to move it towards the striking surface 21. Advantageously, the coupling means 4 comprise at least one engagement seat 40, which is formed on the linear actuator 30, and at least one engagement element, which is engaged in at least one engagement seat 40 to determine the fastening position of the linear actuator 30 between the minimum height position and the maximum height position. 10 In particular, the engagement element is mechanically connected to the support structure 20 of the clamping group 2, so as to fix the linear actuator 30 to the structure of support 20 same. For example, the engagement seat 40 is provided with an internal thread, and the engagement element ... engagement is a screw suitable for screwing internally into the aforementioned threaded engagement seat 40 15 and, in particular, connected to the support structure 20 to fix the latter to the actuator linear 30. Advantageously, for example in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the coupling means 4 comprise at least two engagement seats 40, placed at different heights along the regulation direction R. 20 In particular, the commitment element is committed to a corresponding commitment location 40 to fix the linear actuator 30 to the support structure 20 between the minimum position height and the maximum height position in a said fixing position. In more detail, the coupling means 4 comprise several engagement seats 40 for the fixing the linear actuator 30 to the support structure 20 in a said position of 25 fixing, so as to allow for stable fixing. Advantageously, the coupling means 4 comprise two engagement seats 40. In particular, the commitment element is committed to a corresponding commitment location 40 to fix said linear actuator (30) to said support structure (20) in said position of minimum height or in the said maximum height position. 5 In other words, an engagement seat 40 allows the linear actuator 30 to be fixed in the fixing position corresponding to the minimum height position, and the other seat of engagement 40 allows to fix the linear actuator 30 in the fixing position corresponding to the maximum height position. In this way, the applicator device 1 is particularly simple to make, 10 being in particular provided with only two engagement seats 40 (or, as described in detail below, two groups of commitment locations 40) and two corresponding positions of fixing, that is, the minimum height position and the maximum height position. In particular, in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the applicator device 1 comprises two groups of engagement seats 40, one of which 15 which allows the fixing of the linear actuator 30 in the minimum height position and the other group allows the linear actuator 30 to be fixed in the maximum height position. In more detail, each of the two groups of commitment locations 40 includes several locations of engagement 40, in particular four engagement seats 40, which allow the fixing of the linear actuator in one of the above fixing positions. 20 In accordance with a different embodiment not illustrated, the applicator device 1 includes a commitment seat 40, advantageously developing at least partially along the adjustment direction R, which is provided with a sliding guide. In particular, in this embodiment the engagement element is arranged to slide in the aforementioned sliding guide to define multiple actuator fixing positions 25 linear 30 to the support structure 20 adjacent to each other, between the minimum height position and the maximum height position. In particular, this embodiment not illustrated allows for adjustment of the positions of fixing the linear actuator 30 to the support structure 20 in a continuous manner, by sliding the engagement element into the sliding guide and fixing it 5 of the same commitment element to the latter. Advantageously, the linear actuator 30 is provided with a side wall 33. In particular, the coupling means 4 are arranged at least partially in correspondence of the side wall 33. Preferably, such side wall 33 of the linear actuator 30 is at least partially flat. 10 Advantageously, at least one engagement seat 40 of the coupling means 4, and preferably both engagement seats 40 are obtained on the side wall 33 of the linear actuator 30. In particular, the two groups of engagement locations 40, each of which is preferably equipped several engagement seats 40, for example four, are obtained on this side wall 33. 15 In this way, the separation and subsequent reassembly of the linear actuator 30 from the support structure 20, to adjust the fixing position by means of the means of coupling 4, it is quick and easy. Advantageously, for example in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the stapling group 2 of the applicator device 1 is configured 20 for crimping a terminal 10 to a corresponding electrical conductor 100 with the latter arranged substantially parallel to the direction of advance A of the terminal strip 11. In more detail, the electrical conductor 100 is substantially aligned along the direction of advancement A of the terminal strip 11. 25 In particular, the electrical conductor 100 is arranged, by an operator or by a machine known in itself and therefore not explored further below, with its own end 101 in correspondence of the striking surface 21. In this preferred embodiment, the terminals 10 are arranged on the strip 11 with a respective portion of engagement, susceptible to being crimped to the end of the conductor 5 electric 100, facing in the direction of advancement of the strip 11 itself along the direction of progress A. In this way, the electrical conductors 100 are intended to be arranged facing each other. to this portion of commitment, to be stapled to terminal 10 at the portion of effort in order to achieve a correct crimping. 10 In accordance with a different embodiment not illustrated, the conductor 100 is arranged substantially orthogonal to the direction of advancement A of the strip terminals 11. In particular, in this embodiment the terminals 10 are arranged on the strip 11 with the portion of engagement facing orthogonally to the direction of advancement A of the 15 strip 11 same, with the electrical conductors 100 arranged facing the aforementioned portions of commitment and, therefore, orthogonally to the direction of advancement A. Advantageously, the linear actuator 30 is pneumatically operated and comprises preferably, as better described below, a containment body 50 and a movable element 52 capable of sliding internally within the containment body 50. 20 In particular, the linear actuator 30 comprises a pneumatic cylinder 5, known per se to the technical in the sector and therefore not further explored below. In this case, the movable element 52 comprises for example a stem equipped at one end of a piston. Advantageously, the supply means 3 comprises a pneumatic valve 34, 25 aeraulically connected at least to the linear actuator 30. In particular, the pneumatic valve 34 is mechanically attached to the linear actuator 30, and more specifically to the side wall 33 of the latter. In more detail, the coupling means 4 comprise first through holes 42, obtained on the pneumatic valve 34, which can be aligned with corresponding engagement seats 5 40 to be crossed by a corresponding element of commitment, which is therefore screwed into the aforementioned engagement seat 40 to secure the pneumatic valve 34 itself to the linear actuator 30. In particular, the coupling means 4 comprise at least two first through holes 42, which are arranged at different heights to allow the fixing of the linear actuator 30 10 at least at two different heights with respect to the pneumatic valve 34, which heights correspond at least to the minimum and maximum fixing height position of the actuator linear 30 to the support structure 20. Advantageously, the coupling means 4 comprise second through holes 43, obtained on the support structure 20 of the stapling group 2, susceptible to being 15 aligned to corresponding engagement locations 40 to be crossed by a corresponding engagement element, which is then screwed into the aforementioned engagement seat 40 to secure the support structure 20 itself to the linear actuator 30. In particular, the coupling means 4 comprise at least two second holes 43 pass-throughs, which are arranged at different heights to allow the fixing of the linear actuator 20 30 at least at two different heights with respect to the support structure 20, to fix the actuator linear 30 to the support structure 20 at least in the minimum and maximum height position fixing. In more detail, the coupling means 4 comprise four second holes 42, placed side by side two by two, and obtained at two different heights on the support structure 20, to allow a 25 safe and stable fixing of the linear actuator to the support structure 20 itself. Advantageously, the second holes 42 are made on a portion of the support structure 20 facing the side wall 33 of the linear actuator 30, so that the second holes 42 the same can be aligned with the engagement seats 40 obtained on this side wall 33. 5 Advantageously, the pneumatic valve 34 is removably fixed to the structure of support 20 of the crimping group 2. Preferably, the coupling means 4 comprise at least one seat coupling 44, which is obtained on the support structure 20 of the assembly crimping 2, and at least one corresponding coupling element 45 arranged on the 10 pneumatic valve 34, to fix the latter to the support structure 20. In particular, the coupling seat 44 is provided with an internal thread, and the element coupling 45 includes a threaded portion adapted to engage with the thread inside of the coupling seat 44 to removably fix the valve pneumatics 34 to the support structure 20. 15 Advantageously, the stapling group 2 is equipped with adjustment means 6, suitable for adjust the position of the stapling tool 23 at least along one direction of T-recording parallel to the main direction X. In more detail, the recording means 6 comprise at least a first ring 61, rotatably mounted on the pressure body 22 of the crimping group 2 and susceptible to 20 rotate around an axis of rotation W parallel to the recording direction T. In particular, the operator can adjust the position of the stapling tool 23 along the recording direction T by rotating the first ring 61 around the rotation axis W. Advantageously, the recording means 6 comprises at least a second ring 62, which is aligned with the first ring 61 along the recording direction T, is rotatable 25 mounted on the pressure body 22 of the crimping group 2 and is capable of rotating around a rotation axis W parallel to the recording direction T. In particular, the recording means 6 may be provided with only one of the first and the second ring 61, 62 or both. Advantageously, the first and second ring 61, 62 are arranged to move the 5 position of the crimping tool 23 (or of more crimping tools 23 in case the applicator device comprises more than one stapling tool 23) following the rotation around the axis of rotation W. Advantageously, the first and second ring 61, 62 are each equipped with a corresponding external surface 63 provided at least partially with more elements of 10 knurling 64 oriented parallel to the main direction X of the support structure 2. In this way, the operator is able to grasp the first and / or second hand more effectively. second ring 61, 62 to rotate it around the rotation axis W, even if it has slippery hands, for example those stained with grease. 15 Advantageously, the linear actuator 30 of the power supply means 3 is equipped with a body containment 50 provided with a first internal wall 51 defining a volume of containment C and a mobile element 52 arranged in the containment volume C and movable along the direction of flow S. In particular, the movable element 52 is placed at least partially in contact with the first 20 internal wall 51 of the containment body 50. In more detail, the moving element 52 is made at least partially of cast iron, for increase the smoothness of the mobile element 52 itself along the first internal wall 51 of the containment body 50. In this way, the linear actuator 30 is resistant and long-lasting, being able to operate for numerous 25 working cycles reducing the risk of breakage and / or wear of the applicator device 1. Advantageously, the support structure 20 of the stapling unit 2 is provided with a second internal wall 24, which is placed at least partially in contact with the body of pressure 22 and is capable of sliding at least partially on the latter between the rest position and operating position. 5 In particular, the pressure body 22 is made at least partially of cast iron, for increase the smoothness of the pressure body 22 itself along the second wall internal of the support structure 20. In this way, the crimping group 2 is resistant and long-lasting, being able to operate for numerous processing cycles and further reducing the risk of breakage and / or 10 Damage to the applicator device 1. Advantageously, the cast iron from which the moving element is at least partially made 52 of the linear actuator 30 (and / or preferably also the pressure body 22) is provided at least partially of a surface layer obtained by a treatment of thermal oxidation. 15 In this way, the applicator device 1 is equipped with high smoothness in correspondence of the cast iron-steel couplings, in particular between the cast iron with which it is made the moving element 52 of the linear actuator 30 and the steel with which it is at least the internal wall 51 of the containment body 50 has been partially constructed. The present invention also relates to an applicator device 1 of a terminal 20 10 to an electrical conductor 100, which may be independent of the linear actuator 30 is removably fixed to the support structure 20 of the stapling unit 2 by means of coupling means 4 and having instead a movable element 52 made at least partially cast iron. The applicator device 1 in question comprises a stapling unit 2, which is 25 equipped with a support structure 20, developing along a main direction X, internally defining a housing volume V and provided with a striking surface 21, where terminal 10 and terminal 10 are intended to be placed electrical conductor 100. The crimping group 2 further comprises a pressure body 22, which is 5 slidably mounted in the housing volume V of the support structure 20, is provided with an operating portion 220 facing the striking surface 21 and is suitable for slide along the main direction X between a rest position, where the portion operating position 220 is placed spaced from the striking surface 21, and an operating position, in where the operating portion 220 is placed close to the abutment surface 21. 10 The stapling assembly 2 further comprises at least one stapling tool 23, mounted on the operating portion 220 of the pressure body 22 and configured to clamp a terminal 10 to a corresponding electrical conductor 100 with pressure body 22 in the operational position. The applicator device 1 in question also comprises means 3 for supplying a 15 strip 11 of terminals 10, arranged to move the strip of terminals 11 itself towards the striking surface 21 of the supporting structure 2. The power supply means 3 comprises a linear actuator 30, which extends at least along a Y-axis and is designed to be moved along one direction of sliding S parallel to the sliding axis Y. 20 The feeding means 3 further comprises a sliding plate 31, which develops parallel to the sliding axis Y, on which the strip is intended to be placed of terminals 11. The feeding means 3 further comprises a transport body 32, mechanically connected to the linear actuator 30 and arranged to engage a terminal 10 of the strip 25 of terminals 11 and move the latter along a parallel feed direction A to the sliding axis Y towards the abutment surface 21 of the support structure 20. In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the linear actuator 30 is equipped with a containment body 50 provided with a first internal wall 51 defining a volume of containment C and of a mobile element 52 arranged in the containment volume C and 5 movable along the direction of flow S. The movable element 52 is placed at least partially in contact with the first internal wall 51 of the containment body 50. The moving element 52 is made at least partially of cast iron, to increase the smoothness of the mobile element 52 itself along the first internal wall 51 of the body 10 containment 50. In this way, the linear actuator 30 is resistant and long-lasting, being able to operate for numerous processing cycles reducing the risk of breakage and / or damage to the device applicator 1. Since the applicator device 1 now described can be equipped with any other 15 characteristic of the preferential embodiment described above, will not be described further below. The present invention also relates to a stapling unit 9, which comprises a support frame 90, intended to be placed on the ground or on a flat surface of support. 20 The stapling unit 9 further comprises an actuating press 91, which is mounted on the support frame 90 and is operable along an actuation direction Z. In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the stapling unit 9 comprises an applicator device 1 of a terminal 10 to an electrical conductor 100 of the type above described and which in the following, for simplicity of exposition, will be maintained in the same way 25 nomenclature and the same references. The drive press 91 is coupled to the pressure body 22 of the applicator device. 1, to be moved by the latter along the main direction X between the position of rest and the operating position. In this way, the stapling unit equipped with the above-mentioned applicator device 1 is in 5 able to work with both large 10 terminals and small 10 terminals small size, using the same applicator device 1, adjusting the position fixing the linear actuator 30 to the support structure 2 of the crimping group 2 of the latter. Advantageously, the crimping unit configured in this way ensures a high number of 10 processing cycles reducing the risk of breakage, especially for cast iron production of the moving element 52 of the linear actuator itself. The present invention also relates to a method of regulating a device applicator 1 of a terminal 10 to an electrical conductor 100. The applicator device 1 comprises a stapling unit 2, which is equipped with a 15 support structure 20, developing along a main direction X, defining internally a housing volume V and provided with a striking surface 21, in correspondence of which terminal 10 and the conductor are intended to be arranged electric 100. The crimping group 2 further comprises a pressure body 22, which is 20 slidably mounted in the housing volume V of the support structure 20, is provided with an operating portion 220 facing the striking surface 21 and is suitable for slide along the main direction X between a rest position, where the portion operating position 220 is placed spaced from the striking surface 21, and an operating position, in where the operating portion 220 is placed close to the abutment surface 21. 25 The stapling assembly 2 further comprises at least one stapling tool 23, mounted on the operating portion 220 of the pressure body 22 and configured to clamp a terminal 10 to a corresponding electrical conductor 100 with pressure body 22 in the operational position. The applicator device 1 in question also comprises means 3 for supplying a 5 strip 11 of terminals 10, arranged to move the strip of terminals 11 itself towards the striking surface 21 of the supporting structure 2. The power supply means 3 comprises a linear actuator 30, which extends at least along a Y-axis and is designed to be moved along one direction of sliding S parallel to the sliding axis Y. 10 The feeding means 3 further comprise a sliding plate 31, extending parallel to the sliding axis Y, on which the strip is intended to be placed of terminals 11. The feeding means 3 further comprises a transport body 32, mechanically connected to the linear actuator 30 and arranged to engage a terminal 10 of the strip 15 of terminals 11 and move the latter along a parallel feed direction A to the sliding axis Y towards the abutment surface 21 of the support structure 20. The linear actuator 30 is removably fixed to the support structure 20 of the assembly. stapling 2. The applicator device 1 is provided with coupling means 4 which fix 20 removably attach the linear actuator 30 to the support structure 20 and define multiple positions fixing of the linear actuator 30 along an adjustment direction R transverse to to the direction of advance A of the terminal strip 11. The linear actuator 30 is fixed to the support structure 20 in a first position of fixing. 25 The above regulation method involves a separation phase, in which the linear actuator 30 in the first fixing position is separated from the support structure 20 of the assembly stapling 2. The above mentioned regulation method also includes a displacement phase, in which the actuator linear 30 is moved along the adjustment direction R to a second position of 5 fixing. In particular, the second fixing position allows the linear actuator 30 to be arranged at a different height than the support structure 20 along the direction of adjustment R. The adjustment method also includes a tightening phase, in which the linear actuator 30 is 10 fixed to the support structure 20 in the second fixing position by means of the means of coupling 4. In this way, the operator can vary the fixing position of the linear actuator 30 to the support structure 2 of the crimping group 2 in an easy manner, to allow the use of terminals 1 of different sizes with the same applicator device 1. 15 The invention thus conceived therefore achieves the intended purposes.

Claims

1. Device for applying (1) a terminal (10) to an electrical conductor (100), which comprises: - a crimping unit (2) equipped with: - a support structure (20), extending along a main direction (X), internally defining a housing volume (V) and provided with a contact surface (21), in correspondence with which said terminal (10) and said electrical conductor (100) are intended to be positioned; - a pressure body (22), which is slidably mounted in the housing volume (V) of said support structure (20), is provided with an operating portion (220) facing said abutment surface (21) and is capable of sliding along said main direction (X) between a rest position, in which said operating portion (220) is placed spaced from said abutment surface (21), and an operating position, in which said operating portion (220) is placed close to said abutment surface (21);- at least one crimping tool (23), mounted on the operating portion (220) of said pressure body (22) and configured to crimp a said terminal (10) to a corresponding said electrical conductor (100) with said pressure body (22) in said operating position; - means for feeding (3) a strip (11) of said terminals (10), arranged to move said strip of terminals (11) towards said abutment surface (21), said feeding means (3) comprising: - a linear actuator (30), which extends at least along a sliding axis (Y) and is arranged to be moved along a sliding direction (S) parallel to said sliding axis (Y); - a sliding plate (31), extending parallel to said sliding axis (Y), on which said strip of terminals (ii) is intended to be arranged;- a transport body (32), mechanically connected to said linear actuator (30) and arranged to engage a said terminal (10) of said terminal strip (11) to move the latter along a direction of advancement (A) parallel to said sliding axis (Y) towards the abutment surface (21) of said support structure (20); said applicator device (1) being characterised in that said linear actuator (30) is removably fixed to the support structure (20) of said stapling unit (2); said applicator device (1) being provided with coupling means (4) which removably fix said linear actuator (30) to said support structure (20) and define multiple fixing positions of said linear actuator (30) along an adjustment direction (R) transverse to the direction of advancement (A).; 2. Applicator device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that said adjustment direction (R) is orthogonal to said feed direction (A).

3. Applicator device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said coupling means (4) comprise at least one engagement seat (40), which is obtained on said linear actuator (30), and at least one engagement element, which is engaged in said at least one engagement seat (40) to determine the fixing position of said linear actuator (30) between a minimum height position and a maximum height position.

4. Applicator device (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that said coupling means (4) comprise at least two engagement seats (40), positioned at different heights along said adjustment direction (R); said at least one engagement element being engaged in a corresponding said engagement seat (40) to fix said linear actuator (30) to said support structure (20) between said minimum height position and said maximum height position in a said fixing position.

5. Applicator device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said crimping assembly (2) is configured to crimp a said terminal (10) to a corresponding said electrical conductor (100) with the latter arranged substantially parallel to the direction of advancement (A) of said strip of terminals (11).

6. Applicator device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said linear actuator (30) is pneumatically operated; said supply means (3) comprising a pneumatic valve (34), aeraulically connected at least to said linear actuator (30); wherein said pneumatic valve (34) is removably fixed to the support structure (20) of said crimping unit (2).

7. Applicator device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the linear actuator (30) of said feeding means (3) is equipped with a containment body (50) provided with a first internal wall (51) defining a containment volume (C) and a mobile element (52) arranged in said containment volume (C) and movable along said sliding direction (S); wherein said mobile element (52) is placed at least partially in contact with the first internal wall (51) of said containment body (50); said mobile element (52) being made at least partially of cast iron, to increase the smoothness of said mobile element (52) along the first internal wall (51) of said containment body (50).

8. Applicator device (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that said cast iron is provided at least partially with a surface layer obtained through a thermal oxidation treatment.

9. A crimping unit (9), which comprises: - a support frame (90); - an actuating press (91), which is mounted on said support frame (90) and is actuable along an actuation direction (Z); said crimping unit (9) being characterised in that it comprises an applicator device (1) for attaching a terminal (10) to an electrical conductor (100) according to any of the preceding claims; said actuating press (9) being coupled to the pressure body (22) of said applicator device (1), for moving the latter along said main direction (X) between said rest position and said operating position.

10. Method of adjusting an applicator device (1) of a terminal (10) to an electrical conductor (100), which comprises: - a crimping unit (2) equipped with: - a support structure (20), developing along a main direction (X), internally defining a housing volume (V) and provided with a contact surface (21), in correspondence with which said terminal (10) and said electrical conductor (100) are intended to be arranged;- a pressure body (22), which is slidably mounted in the housing volume (V) of said support structure (20), is provided with an operating portion (220) facing said abutment surface (21) and is capable of sliding along said main direction (X) between a rest position, in which said operating portion (220) is placed spaced from said abutment surface (21), and an operating position, in which said operating portion (220) is placed close to said abutment surface (21); - at least one crimping tool (23), mounted on the operating portion (220) of said pressure body (22) and configured to crimp a said terminal (10) to a corresponding said electrical conductor (100) with said pressure body (22) in said operating position;- means for feeding (3) a strip (11) of said terminals (10), arranged to move said strip of terminals (11) towards said abutment surface (21), said feeding means (3) comprising: - a linear actuator (30), which extends at least along one sliding axis (Y) and is arranged to be moved along a sliding direction (S) parallel to said sliding axis (Y); - a sliding plate (31), extending parallel to said sliding axis (Y), on which said strip of terminals (ii) is intended to be placed; - a transport body (32), mechanically connected to said linear actuator (30) and arranged to engage a said terminal (10) of said strip of terminals (11) and move the latter along a direction of advancement (A) parallel to said sliding axis (Y) towards the abutment surface (21) of said support structure (20);wherein said linear actuator (30) is removably fixed to the support structure (20) of said crimping unit (2); said applicator device (1) being provided with coupling means (4) which removably fix said linear actuator (30) to said support structure (20) and define multiple fixing positions of said linear actuator (30) along an adjustment direction (R) transverse to the direction of advancement (A); wherein said linear actuator (30) is fixed to said support structure (20) in a first fixing position; 5 said adjustment method being characterised by the fact that it provides: - a separation phase, wherein said linear actuator (30) in said first fixing position is separated from the support structure (20) of said crimping unit (2); - a movement phase, wherein said linear actuator (30) is moved along said adjustment direction (R) into a second fixing position;10 - a tightening step, wherein said linear actuator (30) is fixed to said support structure (20) in said second fixing position by said coupling means (4).;