Cable preparation machine with arc profile blades

Abstract

A cable preparation machine (100) includes a frame (110) forming a cable cutting region (112), the frame having a cable opening (126) along a cable axis (176) at the cable cutting region to receive an end (150) of a cable (104). The cable preparation machine includes a pulley assembly (200) rotatably coupled to the frame about the cable axis and a drive assembly (202) operably coupled to the pulley assembly to rotate the pulley assembly about the cable axis. The cable preparation machine includes a blade assembly (204) operably coupled to the pulley assembly and rotating with the pulley assembly about the cable axis. The blade assembly includes a blade having an arcuate cutting edge (212) configured to cut an insulator (152, 154) from the end of the cable.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter herein relates generally to cable preparation machines. BACKGROUND

[0002] Cables are used in many applications. Typically, the end of a cable is prepared for termination to a terminal, contact, connector, circuit board, or other component by exposing the conductor(s) of the cable. For example, for coaxial or shielded cables, the cable typically includes a center conductor, an inner insulator, an outer conductor (e.g., in the form of a foil and cable braid), and an outer insulator (e.g., a cable jacket). The cable preparation process typically includes removing various layers of the cable to terminate the conductive layers to the component. For example, the outer insulator is stripped to expose the cable braid, the cable braid is stripped to expose the inner insulator, and the inner insulator is stripped to expose the inner conductor.

[0003] Further, for some known cable preparation machines, removing the layers can damage other layers of the cable. For example, conventional cable preparation machines utilize a pair of cutting blades that are movable in opposite directions to cut through the insulator. However, as the cutting blades close around the cable to cut through the insulator, such cutting blades can scratch or cut the cable braid or inner conductor strands. End users can not accept damage to the cable braid or inner conductor. Further, linear cutting blades are designed to cut and remove insulators having one particular diameter. Cutting inner and outer insulators or cutting insulators of different diameter cables requires separate blades.

[0004] The problem to be solved is to provide a cable preparation machine that is able to remove insulator layers in a cost-effective and reliable manner. SUMMARY

[0005] The problem is solved by a cable preparation machine comprising a frame forming a cable cutting region, the frame having a cable opening along a cable axis at the cable cutting region for receiving an end of a cable. The cable preparation machine comprises a pulley assembly rotatably coupled to the frame about the cable axis and a drive assembly operably coupled to the pulley assembly to rotate the pulley assembly about the cable axis. The cable preparation machine comprises a blade assembly operably coupled to the pulley assembly and rotating with the pulley assembly about the cable axis. The blade assembly comprises a blade having an arcuate cutting edge configured for cutting an insulator from the end of the cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The application will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0007] Figure 1 A cable preparation machine according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0008] Figure 2is a perspective view of a portion of a cable preparation machine showing a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 is a front view of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 is a side view of a blade of a blade assembly of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a blade according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment showing the blade open relative to a cable in a non-cutting configuration.

[0013] Figure 7 is an elevation view of a portion of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment showing the blade in a first cutting configuration cutting a cable.

[0014] Figure 8 is an elevation view of a portion of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment showing the blade cutting a cable.

[0015] Figure 9 is an elevation view of a portion of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment showing the blade in a second cutting configuration cutting a cable.

[0016] Figure 10 is an elevation view of a portion of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment showing the blade for removing cutting waste of a cable.

[0017] Figure 11 is an elevation view of a portion of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment showing the blade for removing cutting waste of a cable.

[0018] Figure 12 is a side view of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 13 is a side view of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 14 is a partial cutaway view of a portion of a cable preparation machine showing a cable cutting device and a cable holder according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1A cable preparation machine 100 according to an example embodiment is shown. The cable preparation machine 100 includes a cable cutting device 102 configured to cut and remove one or more insulations, such as an outer insulation 152 (e.g., cable jacket) and / or an inner insulation 154, from an end 150 of a cable 104. The cable cutting device 102 can be configured to cut and remove a cable braid 156 from the end 150 of the cable 104. The inner insulation 154 separates the cable braid 156 from an inner conductor 158 of the cable 104. The cable braid 156 provides electrical shielding for the inner conductor 158. The inner conductor 158 can be a solid wire or a stranded wire. Optionally, the cable preparation machine 100 can be configured to flare the cable braid 156. Optionally, the cable preparation machine 100 can be configured to fold the cable braid 156 at the end of the cable 104. The cable preparation machine 100 is capable of preparing the end of the cable 104 without having to move the cable 104 between different machines. For example, the cable cutting device 102 includes different cutting blades for cutting the insulations 152, 154 and the cable braid 156 during different cable cutting steps within the cable preparation machine 100 without having to remove the cable 104 from a cable cutting area of the cable cutting device 102. In this way, a single machine can be used to quickly and efficiently process and prepare the end of the cable 104.

[0022] The cable preparation machine 100 includes a frame 110 that supports various components of the cable preparation machine 100. The frame 110 forms a cable cutting area 112 where the end of the cable 104 is processed and prepared. For example, the cable cutting device 102 is located at the cable cutting area 112. The frame 110 includes a base 114 and a support member 116 mounted to the base 114. The support member 116 supports various components of the cable preparation machine 100. In an example embodiment, the frame 110 includes a cabinet 118 that houses the cable cutting device 102 in a chamber 120 of the cabinet 118. The cabinet 118 surrounds the cable cutting device 102 to prevent injury to an operator of the cable preparation machine 100. The cabinet 118 includes one or more walls 122 that surround the chamber 120. Optionally, the cabinet 118 includes a door 124 for accessing the chamber 120. In an example embodiment, the cabinet 118 includes a cable opening 126 through the one or more walls 122 to allow the cable 104 to be loaded into the chamber 120 to the cable cutting area 112.

[0023] In an example embodiment, the cable preparation machine 100 can include a cable holder 130 (as shown in FIG. 1) configured to hold the cable 104 in the cable cutting area 112. The cable holder 130 can be configured to hold the cable 104 in a variety of positions. For example, the cable holder 130 can be configured to hold the cable 104 in a vertical position, a horizontal position, and / or a diagonal position. The cable holder 130 can be configured to hold the cable 104 in a variety of positions to allow the cable 104 to be processed and prepared in a variety of ways. For example, the cable holder 130 can be configured to hold the cable 104 in a vertical position to allow the cable 104 to be processed and prepared in a vertical position. The cable holder 130 can be configured to hold the cable 104 in a horizontal position to allow the cable 104 to be processed and prepared in a horizontal position. The cable holder 130 can be configured to hold the cable 104 in a diagonal position to allow the cable 104 to be processed and prepared in a diagonal position. Figure 14A cable holder 130 (shown) holds the cable 104 during the cable preparation process. For example, the cable holder 130 holds the cable 104 in the cable cutting area 112 for removal of the insulators 152, 154 and the cable braid 156. Optionally, the cable holder 130 is movable relative to the frame 110 to position the cable 104 in the cable cutting area 112. In various embodiments, the cable holder 130 can be located in front of the cabinet.

[0024] In example embodiments, the cable preparation machine 100 includes a braid manipulation device 132 for preparing the end of the cable 104, e.g., for manipulating the cable braid 156 during cable preparation. The braid manipulation device 132 can include a mandrel or other component that is insertable into the end of the cable 104. The mandrel can be used to flare the cable braid 156 during processing of the end of the cable 104. The mandrel can be used to fold the cable braid 156 back during processing of the end of the cable 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the braid manipulation device 132 is located behind the cabinet 118.

[0025] Optionally, the cable preparation machine 100 can include a chute 134 for discarding removed waste of the insulators 152, 154 and / or removed waste of the cable braid 156 after cutting and removal from the end of the cable 104. The chute 134 transfers the discarded waste away from the cable cutting area 112.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cable preparation machine 100 as part of a cable cutting device 102 according to example embodiments. Figure 2 A support wall 172 and a base 170 of the frame 110 for supporting the cable cutting device 102 are shown. The support wall 172 of the frame 110 includes a cable opening 174 along a cable axis 176 at the cable cutting area 112 that receives the end 150 of the cable 104 (as shown). Figure 1

[0027] The support wall 172 of the frame 110 includes a drive opening 178 that passes between a front portion 180 and a rear portion 182 of the support wall 172. The drive opening 178 can be located generally opposite the cable opening 174; however, other locations are possible in alternative embodiments, e.g., above and / or below the cable opening 174.

[0028] ​The cable cutting device 102 includes a pulley assembly 200, a drive assembly 202, and a blade assembly 204. The pulley assembly 200 is rotatably coupled to the support wall 172 of the frame 110 about the cable axis 176. The pulley assembly 200 is positioned forward of the front portion 180 of the support wall 172. The drive assembly 202 is operably coupled to the pulley assembly 200 to rotate the pulley assembly 200 about the cable axis 176. The blade assembly 204 is operably coupled to the pulley assembly 200 and rotates with the pulley assembly 200 about the cable axis 176.

[0029] In various embodiments, the blade assembly 204 is configured to cut the outer insulation 152 from the end 150 of the cable 104 in one cutting configuration of the cable cutting device 102 when the cable 104 is positioned in the cable opening 174. Optionally, the blade assembly 204 is configured to remove the outer insulation scrap from the end 150 of the cable 104 after being cut, for example, by retaining the insulation scrap in the cable opening 174 as the cable 104 is pulled out of the cable opening 174 until the insulation scrap falls away from the end of the cable 104. In various embodiments, the blade assembly 204 is configured to cut the inner insulation 154 from the end 150 of the cable 104 in another cutting configuration of the cable cutting device 102 when the cable 104 is positioned in the cable opening 174. Optionally, the blade assembly 204 is configured to remove the inner insulation scrap from the end 150 of the cable 104 after being cut, for example, by retaining the insulation scrap in the cable opening 174 as the cable 104 is pulled out of the cable opening 174 until the insulation scrap falls away from the end of the cable 104. The cable 104 can be positioned in the cable opening 174 for removal of the cable braid 156 or manipulation of the cable braid 156, such as spreading or folding the cable braid 156. The drive assembly 202, the pulley assembly 200, and the blade assembly 204 operate differently in the different cutting configurations.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the blade assembly 204 includes a plurality of cutting blades 210 disposed about the cable axis 176. For example, the blades 210 can triangulate the cable 104 within the cable opening 174 during a cutting operation to ensure that the cable 104 remains centered within the cable opening 174 so that the cutting depth of the blades 210 is uniform. The blades 210 are configured to cut the insulators 152, 154 of the cable 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the blades 210 are fixed blades having an arcuate cutting edge 212 at a radially inner edge of the blades 210 for cutting the insulators 152, 154. For example, the blades 210 can be sickle-shaped. The blades 210 can be wedge-shaped, narrower at the arcuate cutting edge 212 and wider at a radially outer end of the blades 210 opposite the arcuate cutting edge 212. The arcuate cutting edge 212 is concave. The radius of curvature of the arcuate cutting edge 212 closely matches the radius of curvature of the cable 104. The radius of curvature of the arcuate cutting edge 212 can more closely match the radius of curvature of the outer insulator 152, for example the inner diameter of the outer insulator 152, or can have a radius of curvature that more closely matches the radius of curvature of the inner insulator 154. Optionally, the blade assembly 204 can include a braid blade (not shown) configured to cut the cable braid 156 of the cable 104.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the pulley assembly 200 includes a front pulley 220 operably coupled to a first drive unit 230 of the drive assembly 202 and a rear pulley 222 operably coupled to a second drive unit 232 of the drive assembly 202. The front pulley 220 is forward of the rear pulley 222, and both pulleys 220, 222 are forward of the front portion 180 of the support wall 172 of the frame 110. The front pulley 220 is rotatable independently of and relative to the rear pulley 222. For example, the first drive unit 230 can be operated independently of the second drive unit 232, and the second drive unit 232 can be operated independently of the first drive unit 230. For example, the first drive unit 230 can be operated to rotate the front pulley 220 forward and rearward. Similarly, the second drive unit 232 can be operated to rotate the rear pulley 222 forward and rearward. During operation, the front pulley 220 can be operated at a different rate than the rear pulley 222, or can be operated at the same rate as the rear pulley 222. In certain operations, the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 can be operated in different directions. In certain operations, the front pulley 220 or the rear pulley 222 can remain stationary while the other of the front pulley 220 or the rear pulley 222 is operated forward or rearward. When the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 are operated at different speeds and / or in different directions, the pulley assembly 200 actuates the blade assembly 204, for example to open or close the blades 210 about the cable 104.

[0032] In example embodiments, the blade 210 is rotated about the cable axis 176 with the pulley assembly 200 to position the blade 210 relative to the cable 104 for cutting the cable 104. The blade 210 can be positioned at different rotational positions relative to the cable 104, for example for cutting at different locations around the cable 104. In various embodiments, the blade 210 can be driven in a radial cutting direction, for example in a chopping action, to cut through the insulators 152, 154. The blade 210 can be chopped inward, deflected back outward (or retracted), rotated to a new rotational position, and then chopped inward again (any number of times) to cut through the insulators 152, 154. In other various embodiments, the blade 210 can be driven in a rotational cutting direction, for example in a slicing action, to cut through the insulators 152, 154.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the first drive unit 230 of the drive assembly 202 includes a first drive motor 240, a first drive shaft 242, a first drive pulley 244, and a first drive belt 246 coupled to the front pulley 220. The drive motor 240 is located rearward of the support wall 172, and the drive pulley 244 is located forward of the support wall 172. The drive shaft 242 passes through the drive opening 178. The drive motor 240 rotates the drive shaft 242, which rotates the drive pulley 244. The drive motor 240 can be rotated in a forward direction or a reverse direction. When the drive pulley 244 is rotated, the drive belt 246 rotates the front pulley 220. In various embodiments, the drive motor 240 can be a stepper motor. In other various embodiments, the drive motor 240 can be a servo motor. Other types of drives can be used in alternative embodiments, such as a hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive, or other types of drive units. The drive system can utilize other intermediary structures besides the drive belt 246 between the drive pulley 244 and the front pulley 220 to transfer rotation of the drive pulley 244 to rotation of the front pulley 220, such as a chain, gears, etc. Other types of drive systems can be used in alternative embodiments. For example, the drive pulley 244 can define a drive gear that directly engages the front pulley 220. For example, the drive pulley 244 can include teeth, and the front pulley 220 can include teeth that mesh with the teeth of the drive pulley 244 such that the front pulley 220 is directly driven by the drive pulley 244, rather than by an intermediary structure.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the second drive unit 232 of the drive assembly 202 includes a second drive motor 250, a second drive shaft 252, a second drive pulley 254, and a second drive belt 256 coupled to the rear pulley 222. The drive motor 250 is located rearward of the support wall 172, and the drive pulley 254 is located forward of the support wall 172. The drive shaft 252 passes through the drive opening 178. The drive motor 250 rotates the drive shaft 252, which rotates the drive pulley 254. The drive motor 250 can rotate in a forward direction or a reverse direction. As the drive pulley 254 rotates, the drive belt 256 rotates the front pulley 220. In various embodiments, the drive motor 250 can be a stepper motor. In other various embodiments, the drive motor 250 can be a servo motor. Other types of drives can be used in alternative embodiments, such as hydraulic drives, pneumatic drives, or other types of drive units. The drive system can utilize other intermediary structures besides the drive belt 256 between the drive pulley 254 and the rear pulley 222 to transfer rotation of the drive pulley 254 to rotation of the rear pulley 222, such as a chain, gears, or the like. Other types of drive systems can be used in alternative embodiments. For example, the drive pulley 254 can define a drive gear that directly engages the rear pulley 222. For example, the drive pulley 254 can include teeth, and the rear pulley 222 can include teeth that mesh with the teeth of the drive pulley 254 such that the rear pulley 222 is directly driven by the drive pulley 254, rather than by an intermediary structure.

[0035] The drive assembly 202 is operated to rotate the pulley assembly 200 about the cable axis 176. The blade 210 is rotatable with the pulley assembly 200 about the cable axis 176. The drive assembly 202 rotates the pulley assembly 200 in a first drive configuration to actuate the blade 210, such as opening or closing the blade 210 relative to the cable 104. The first drive configuration is used to cut the outer insulation 152 of the cable 104. In an example embodiment, when the drive assembly 202 is operated in the first drive configuration, the blade assembly 204 is operated in a first cutting configuration to a first cutting depth. The drive assembly 202 rotates the pulley assembly 200 in a second drive configuration to actuate the blade 210 to a second cutting depth, such as opening or closing the braid blade 210 relative to the cable 104. The second drive configuration is used to cut the inner insulation 154 of the cable 104, such as after the cable braid 156 is removed from the end of the cable 104.

[0036] Figure 3 is a front view of the cable cutting device 102 according to an example embodiment. The pulley assembly 200 includes a hub 260 housed in the cable opening 174 of the support wall 172. The hub 260 is hollow and is configured to receive the end 150 of the cable 104 (as shown in FIG. 1). The front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 are rotatable on the hub 260. Figure 1 The drive assembly 202 is operated to rotate the pulley assembly 200 about the cable axis 176. The blade 210 is rotatable with the pulley assembly 200 about the cable axis 176. The drive assembly 202 rotates the pulley assembly 200 in a first drive configuration to actuate the blade 210, such as opening or closing the blade 210 relative to the cable 104. The first drive configuration is used to cut the outer insulation 152 of the cable 104. In an example embodiment, when the drive assembly 202 is operated in the first drive configuration, the blade assembly 204 is operated in a first cutting configuration to a first cutting depth. The drive assembly 202 rotates the pulley assembly 200 in a second drive configuration to actuate the blade 210 to a second cutting depth, such as opening or closing the braid blade 210 relative to the cable 104. The second drive configuration is used to cut the inner insulation 154 of the cable 104, such as after the cable braid 156 is removed from the end of the cable 104.

[0037] The rear pulley 222 includes an actuator 262 (shown in phantom) that extends forward from the rear pulley 222 into a slot 264 in the front pulley 220. In various embodiments, the actuator 262 can be an actuator pin. However, other types of actuators can be used in alternative embodiments. The actuator 262 extends through the front pulley 220 to engage the blade assembly 204. The actuator 262 actuates the blade assembly 204 during operation of the cable cutting device 102. For example, as the front pulley 220 rotates relative to the rear pulley 222, the actuator 262 engages the blade assembly 204 to actuate the blade assembly 204. In various embodiments, as the front pulley 220 rotates faster than the rear pulley 222, the blades 210 open, and as the rear pulley 222 rotates faster than the front pulley 220, the blades close around the cable 104. However, as the front and rear pulleys 220, 222 rotate at the same speed, the blades 210 neither open nor close, but rotate with the front and rear pulleys 220, 222.

[0038] In example embodiments, the pulley assembly 200 has a normal position in which the front pulley 220 is rotationally centered relative to the rear pulley 222. The front pulley 220 can include a hard stop pin 266 that extends forward of the front pulley 220 that engages the blade assembly 204 to position the blade assembly 204 in the normal position. The position of the hard stop pin 266 in the slot 264 can define the normal position, which can be changed by moving the hard stop pin 266 in the slot 264. In other various embodiments, rather than using a hard stop pin 266, the ends of the slot 264 can define a hard stop to define the normal position. The pulley assembly 200 can be operated to advance the blades 210 from the normal position. For example, relative rotation of the front pulley 220 relative to the rear pulley 222 can cause the blades 210 to advance inwardly toward the cable 104. The pulley assembly 200 can be operated to retract the blades 210 to the normal position. For example, relative rotation of the front pulley 220 relative to the rear pulley 222 can cause the blades 210 to retract away from the cable 104.

[0039] The blade assembly 204 includes blade arms 270 that hold the blades 210. The blade arms 270 are pivotally coupled to the front pulley 220 of the pulley assembly 200. The blade arms 270 pivot relative to the front pulley 220 to open or close the respective blades 210. The blade arms 270 hold the respective blades 210 for cutting the insulators 152, 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade assembly 204 includes three blade arms 270, each holding a respective blade 210 to triangularly arrange the blades 210 around the cable opening 174. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer blade arms 270 can be provided.

[0040] The blade arm 270 is pivotably coupled to the front pulley 220 by an arm pivot pin 276. The blade arm 270 pivots relative to the front pulley 220 of the pulley assembly 200 to change the cutting depth of the respective blade 210. For example, the relative movement (e.g., angular position) of the front pulley 220 relative to the rear pulley 222 determines the amount of pivoting of the blade arm 270, and thus the position of the blade 210 relative to the cable opening 174, to control the cutting depth of the blade 210. The cable cutting device 102 can accommodate various diameters of cables 104 by changing the cutting depth of the blade 210. In the example embodiment, the arm pivot pin 276 is offset from the actuator 262. When the actuator 262 engages and drives against the blade arm 270, the blade arm 270 pivots about the arm pivot pin 276 to close the blade 210 for cutting the cable 104.

[0041] The actuator 262 pivots the blade arm 270 when the front pulley 220 rotates at a different rate than the rear pulley 222. In a first drive configuration, the front pulley 220 rotates at a faster rate than the rear pulley 222 to actuate the blade assembly 204. For example, in the first drive configuration, the pulley assembly 200 can be used to retract (e.g., open) the blade 210 away from the cable 104 (e.g., from the closed position back to the normal position). In a second drive configuration, the rear pulley 222 rotates at a faster rate than the front pulley 220 to actuate the blade assembly 204. For example, the pulley assembly 200 can be used to advance the blade 210 toward the cable 104 (e.g., from the normal position to the cutting position) to close the blade 210 on the cable 104 to cut the insulation 152 or 154. In a third drive configuration, the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 rotate at the same rate. In the third drive configuration, the blade arm 270 remains stationary relative to the front pulley 220, and thus does not open or close when the front pulley 220 rotates at the same speed as the rear pulley 222. For example, the blade arm 270 can be repositioned relative to the cable 104 when the pulley assembly 200 is driven in the third drive configuration. In various embodiments, the blade 210 can remain at a constant cutting depth and rotate with the front pulley 220 when the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 rotate at the same speed.

[0042] In the example embodiment, the actuator 262 is used to return the blade arm 270 from the advanced position to the normal position. For example, the relative rotation of the rear pulley 222 relative to the front pulley 220 returns the blade arm 270. However, in alternative embodiments, each blade arm 270 is coupled to an arm return spring (not shown) that pulls the blade arm 270 back to the normal position. The arm return spring biases the blade arm 270 to the open position. When the actuator 262 retracts, the arm return spring opens the blade arm 270 or returns the blade arm 270 to the normal position against the hard stop pin 266. The hard stop pin 266 holds the blade arm 270 in the normal position. The arm return spring returns the blade arm 270 to the position where the blade arm 270 engages the hard stop pin 266, defining the normal position. The blade arm 270 cannot open further than the normal position because the blade arm 270 bottoms out against the hard stop pin 266.

[0043] In operation, when the rear pulley 222 rotates relative to the first pulley 220 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), the actuator 262 presses against the corresponding blade arm 270 to actuate the blade arm 270 and close the blade 210 around the cable 104. When the rear pulley 222 rotates relative to the first pulley 220 in an opposite second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the actuator 262 returns toward the normal position in the slot 264. The actuator 262 or the arm return spring returns the blade arm 270 to the normal position against the hard stop pin 266.

[0044] In the example embodiment, each blade arm 270 includes a body 280 extending between a first side 282 and a second side 284. The body 280 extends between an inner end 286 and an outer end 288. The first side 282 faces the hard stop pin 266. In the normal position, the first side 282 abuts the hard stop pin 266. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm pivot pin 276 is located near the first side 282 and near the inner end 286. In alternative embodiments, other locations are possible. In the example embodiment, the actuator 262 is received in a pocket at the rear of the blade arm 270 to cause the advanced and retracted motion of the blade arm 270 when the rear pulley 222 moves relative to the front pulley 220 in the advanced or retracted direction. However, in alternative embodiments, the actuator 262 can engage the first side 282 of the blade arm 270, for example near the outer end 288, to force the blade arm 270 to move forward. In such embodiments, a return spring can be used to retract the blade arm 270. In alternative embodiments, other actuator locations are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 210 is mounted to the blade arm 270 near the second side 284 at the inner end 286. The blade 210 extends inward from the inner end 286. When the blade arm 270 pivots, the cutting edge 212 of the blade 210 closes inward toward the cable opening 174 to engage and cut the cable 104.

[0045] In example embodiments, the drive assembly 202 includes a position sensor assembly for sensing the rotational position of the pulley assembly 200. For example, the position sensor assembly can include a proximity sensor. Other types of position sensors can be used to determine the rotational position of the front pulley 220 and / or the rear pulley 222. The position sensor assembly can include a position sensor that is fixed to the front pulley 220 and / or the rear pulley 222. In other various embodiments, the drive motors 240, 250 can be servo motors with internal position sensors for determining the rotational position of the drive units 230, 232 to determine the respective rotational positions of the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222.

[0046] Figure 4 is a side view of a blade 210 of the blade assembly 204 according to an example embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the blade 210 according to an example embodiment. The blade 210 includes a cutting end 290 and a mounting end 292 opposite the cutting end 290. In example embodiments, the blade 210 is made of a metallic material, such as tool steel. The blade 210 can be stamped, formed, milled, molded, die cast, or manufactured by other processes. The blade 210 is manufactured to have an arcuate cutting edge 212 at the cutting end 290.

[0047] The blade 210 includes an opening 294 at the mounting end 292 that receives a fastener or other securing feature to secure the blade 210 to the blade arm 270. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting end 292 is rectangular; however, in alternative embodiments, the mounting end 292 can have other shapes.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 210 is sickle-shaped at the cutting end 290 to form an arcuate cutting edge 212. The arcuate cutting edge 212 is concave. The arcuate cutting edge 212 has a radius of curvature that can closely match the radius of curvature of the cable 104. The cutting end 290 is wedge-shaped, narrower at the cutting edge 212 and wider at the radially outer end 296 of the blade 210 opposite the cutting edge 212. The cutting edge 212 can be very thin, for example, forming a blade edge configured to cut through the insulators 152, 154 when the blade 210 is cut into them in the radial cutting direction. Alternatively, the distal edge 298 of the cutting end 290 can be wedge-shaped, for example defined by sidewalls 297 that are inclined or angled relative to each other and narrow from the radially outer end 296 to the cutting edge 212. The distal edge 298 may form a cutting edge, for example, to cut through the insulators 152, 154 when the blade 210 rotates about the cable 104 in the rotational cutting direction. The distal edge 298 and the cutting edge 212 meet at a corner 299. In various embodiments, the corner 299 may be sharp. In other various embodiments, the corner 299 may be rounded.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting device 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the blade 210 open relative to the cable 104 in a non-cutting configuration. Figure 7 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting apparatus 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the blade 210 in a first cutting configuration for cutting the outer insulator 152. Figure 8 This is a front view of a portion of the cable cutting device 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the blade 210 in contact with... Figure 7 The different rotation positions shown cut the outer insulator 152. Figure 9 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting apparatus 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the blade 210 in a second cutting configuration that cuts the inner insulator 154.

[0050] The pulley assembly 200 consists of the drive assembly 202 (such as...) Figure 2 As shown) from the open construction ( Figure 6 Driven to the first cutting structure ( Figure 7 or Figure 8 ) or second cutting structure ( Figure 9 In each position shown, the rear pulley 222 is in a different rotational position relative to the front pulley 220. The rotation of the rear pulley 222 relative to the front pulley 220 causes actuation of the blade assembly 204. For example, when the rear pulley 222 moves relative to the front pulley 220, the actuator 262 (in...) Figure 7The blade arm 270 is engaged by the cam (shown in phantom) and pivots the blade arm 270 about the arm pivot pin 276. Movement of the blade arm 270 causes movement of the blade 210 attached thereto. The pulley assembly 200 pivots the blade 210 about the cable opening 174 to open and close the blade 210 relative to the cable 104. The blade 210 moves to different cutting depths for cutting the outer insulator 152 and the inner insulator 154. The cutting depths can be calibrated and / or programmed into the cable preparation machine 100 based on the diameters of the insulators 152, 154. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable cutting device 102 is capable of cutting cables 104 of different diameters by varying the cutting depth of the blade 210 and controlling the rotation of the pulley assembly 200 during use. Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, the cable cutting device 102 is capable of cutting cables 104 of different diameters by varying the cutting depth of the blade 210 and controlling the rotation of the pulley assembly 200 during use.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the arcuate cutting edge 212 of the blade 210 is concave to follow the curvature of the cable 104. The radius of curvature of the arcuate cutting edge 212 can have a radius of curvature that more closely matches the radius of curvature of the outer insulator 152 than the inner insulator 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the cutting edge 212 of the blade 210 is too short to cut through the insulator 152 in a single cutting action. The blade 210 forms an incomplete circle around the insulators 152, 154 leaving a gap between the ends of the cutting edge 212. As such, during use, the blade 210 is moved to different rotational positions (e.g., compare Figure 7 and Figure 8 In various embodiments, the blade 210 can be moved between different cutting positions by about 30°. Alternatively, the blade 210 can be moved in the rotational cutting direction by rotating the pulley assembly 200 with the blade 210 in the closed position, thus causing the blade 210 to squeeze through the insulator 152 as the pulley rotates. However, in other various embodiments, the blade 210 is moved between various rotational positions with the blade 210 in the open position Figure 6), and then closed in a radial cutting direction at different rotational positions, such as in a cutting cutting action. For example, the pulley assembly 200 can be moved to a first rotational position, and then operated to close or cut the blade 210 into the insulation 152, forming a cut in the insulation 152 in the shape of the blade 210. Webs of the insulation 152 material can remain between the cuts, such webs being removed by subsequent sequential cuts. In an example embodiment, when the blade 210 is closed in a radial inward cutting direction, the insulation 152 is cut in a manner that crushes or pulverizes inward, rather than cleanly slicing through the insulation 152. For example, the blade 210 can not cut all the way through the insulation 152 to the inner layer, leaving a small amount of insulation 152 material between the cutting edge 212 and the interior of the metal layer of the insulation 152. The cutting edge 212 of the blade 210 is protected by reducing impact or engagement with the metal structure of the cable 104.

[0052] The blade 210 can then be opened, and the pulley assembly moved to a second rotational position. The pulley assembly 200 is then operated to again close or cut the blade 210 into the insulation 152 in the second rotational position to cut a next section of the insulation 152 (e.g., cut the material webs). This process can be repeated as many times as desired to cut the entire circumference of the insulation 152 in multiple cutting cuts. Similar processes can be used to cut the inner insulation 154. In this way, the drive assembly 202 is operated to drive the pulley assembly 200 in a first drive configuration to actuate the blade 210 to a first depth to cut the outer insulation 152. The drive assembly 202 is operated to drive the pulley assembly 200 in a second drive configuration to actuate the blade 210 to a second depth to cut the inner insulation 154. The cable preparation machine 100 has the ability to precisely control cutting dynamics during the cutting process. For example, the cable preparation machine can control the rotational direction of the front pulley 220, the rotational direction of the rear pulley 222, the rotational rate of the front pulley 220, the rotational rate of the rear pulley 222, the closing speed of the blade 210, the amount of rotation of the pulleys 220, 222, the number of rotations of the pulleys 220, 222, the number of cuts of the blade 210, the cutting depth of the blade 210. The cable preparation machine can be calibrated, such as using a fixed diameter mandrel or other calibration device.

[0053] Figure 10 is an elevation view of a portion of the cable cutting device 102 according to an example embodiment, showing the blade 210 used to remove cutting waste 300 of the outer insulation 152. Figure 11is a front view of a portion of the cable cutting device 102 according to an example embodiment, showing the blade 210 for removing the cut waste 302 of the inner insulator 154. After the outer insulator 152 or the inner insulator 154 is cut by the blade assembly 204, the blade assembly 204 can be used to remove the cut waste 300 or 302, respectively. For example, the blade 210 can be moved to a partial release position, rather than an open position Figure 6 ). In the partial release position, the blade 210 is at a released and safe distance from the layer underneath the insulator 152 or 154, while remaining engaged with the insulator 152 or 154. In this way, the inner layer(s) can be pulled outwardly from the blade assembly 204 without damaging or scraping along the inner layer(s). For example, the blade 210 can be released a distance that is less than the thickness of the insulator 152 or 154, such that the cutting edge 212 of the blade 210 does not clear the insulator 152 or 154, but is configured to engage the insulator 152, 154. The cable 104 can then be retracted from the cable opening 174 (e.g., the cable 104 can be moved relative to the blade assembly 204), with the blade assembly 204 remaining in a fixed position, holding the waste 300 or 302. Once the cable 104 is clear of the waste 300 or 302, the waste 300 or 302 can be discarded, for example, by opening the blade assembly 204, allowing the waste 300 or 302 to fall into the chute 134 (as shown in Figure 1 ).

[0054] In other various embodiments, the pulley assembly 200 can operate to close the blade 210 around the cut waste 300 or 302 in a clamping manner, rather than a cutting manner. The cable 104 can then be retracted from the cable opening 174 (e.g., the cable 104 can be moved relative to the blade assembly 204), with the blade assembly 204 remaining in a fixed position relative to the pulley assembly 200, holding the waste 300 or 302 as the cable is retracted beyond the waste 300 or 302. Once the cable 104 is pulled beyond the waste 300 or 302, the waste 300 or 302 can be discarded. In various embodiments, the blade assembly 204 can be used to remove the waste 300, 302 without using the blade assembly 204 to cut the insulator 152, 154. For example, another type of cutting device, such as a laser cutting device, can be used to cut the insulator 152, 154, and then the blade assembly 204 is used to remove the cut waste 300, 302.

[0055] Figure 12 is a side view of the cable cutting device 102, showing the pulley assembly 200, a portion of the drive assembly 202, and the blade assembly 204. Figure 13 is a side view of the cable cutting device 102, showing the pulley assembly 200, a portion of the drive assembly 202, and the blade assembly 204. Figure 12A second drive pulley 254 and a second drive belt 256 are shown operably coupled to the rear pulley 222. Figure 13 A first drive pulley 244 and a first drive belt 246 are shown operably coupled to the front pulley 220. Figure 12 and 13 A blade arm 270 of the blade assembly 204 coupled to the front of the front pulley 220 is shown. The cable 104 is shown extending into the cable cutting device 102.

[0056] The drive assembly 202 is operated to rotate the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 to actuate the blade arm 270 of the blade assembly 204 in a first drive configuration to actuate the blade assembly 204 in a first direction to close the blade assembly 204 toward the cable 104. The drive assembly 202 is operated to rotate the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 to actuate the blade arm 270 of the blade assembly 204 in a second direction to open the blade assembly 204 away from the cable 104. A single cable cutting device 102 can perform different cutting operations without the need to remove the cable and insert the cable into a different cable preparation machine. In various embodiments, the drive assembly 202 can be operated in a drive configuration such that the first drive unit 230 rotates the front pulley 220 at a faster rate than the second drive unit 232 rotates the rear pulley 222 to drive the blade 210 away from the insulator 152. In other various embodiments, the drive assembly 202 can be operated in a drive configuration such that the second drive unit 232 rotates the rear pulley 222 at a faster rate than the first drive unit 230 rotates the front pulley 220 to actuate the blade 210 toward the cable 104 for cutting the insulator 152. In other various embodiments, the drive assembly 202 can be operated in a drive configuration such that the first drive unit 230 and the second drive unit 232 rotate the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 at the same rate.

[0057] Figure 14 is a partial cutaway view of a portion of the cable preparation machine 100 showing the cable cutting device 102 and the cable holder 130. The cable holder 130 includes a chuck 304 for holding the cable 104. The cable holder 130 includes a slide 306 for moving the chuck 304 toward and away from the cable cutting device 102. Once the cable 104 is secured in the chuck 304, the slide 306 moves the end 150 of the cable 104 into a cable opening 174 at the cable cutting area 112. The cable cutting device 102 operates with the cable 104 held in the cable holder 130 to remove various layers of the cable 104 to prepare the end of the cable 104. The cable holder 130 can move the cable 104 forward and backward relative to the cable cutting device 102 as shown by the arrow 308, for example, to remove scrap 300, 302 (as shown in FIG. 3) and to move the cable 104 forward to the cable cutting area 112. Figure 12 and 13The cable cutting device 102 is configured to remove a portion of the outer insulator 152 and a portion of the inner insulator 154 to expose the inner conductor 158 and to expose the cable braid 156 for termination of the cable 104 to another component. The cable cutting device 102 is capable of removing each layer of the cable 104 without the need to remove the cable 104 from the cable preparation machine 100. A single cable preparation machine 100 is capable of performing multiple processing steps using the cable cutting device 102.

Claims

1. A cable manufacturing machine (100), comprising: A frame (110) forms a cable cutting area (112), the frame having a cable opening (126) along the cable axis (176) at the cable cutting area (112), the cable opening receiving the end (150) of the cable (104). The drive assembly (202) has a first drive unit (230) and a second drive unit (232); A pulley assembly (200), rotatably connected to the frame about the cable axis, includes a front pulley (220) operably connected to the first drive unit and a rear pulley (222) operably connected to the second drive unit. The front pulley rotates forward and backward via the first drive unit, and the rear pulley rotates independently of the rotation of the front pulley via the second drive unit in the forward and backward directions. A blade assembly (204) is operatively coupled to the pulley assembly, the blade assembly having a blade (210) pivotally coupled to the front pulley, the blade including an arcuate cutting edge (212) configured to cut insulation (152, 154) from the end of the cable. When the front pulley (220) and the rear pulley (222) operate at different speeds and / or in different directions, the pulley assembly (200) actuates the blade assembly (204) to open and close the blade relative to the cable (104).

2. The cable manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The blade assembly (204) is movable relative to the pulley assembly (200) to change the cutting depth of the blade assembly.

3. The cable manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The blade (210) is a first blade (210), and the blade assembly (204) includes a second blade (210) and a third blade (210), the second blade and the third blade being cooperatively actuated relative to the cable (104) to cut the insulator (152, 154).

4. The cable manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The blade assembly (204) is movable to a first rotational position, and the first blade (210), the second blade (210), and the third blade (210) are actuated in a radially inward cutting direction during a first cutting action to cut the insulator (152, 154) such that the strip of the insulator is held between the cuts of the first blade, the second blade, and the third blade, and wherein the blade assembly is movable to a second rotational position, and the first blade, the second blade, and the third blade are actuated in a radially inward cutting direction during a second cutting action to cut the strip of the insulator.

5. The cable manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The radius of curvature of the arc-shaped cut edge (212) closely matches the radius of curvature of the cable (104).

6. The cable manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The blade (210) is rotatable relative to the cable (104) to cut the cutting insulator (152, 154).

7. The cable manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The blade (210) is configured to cut the insulator (152, 154) in the radial cutting direction.

8. The cable manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The drive assembly (202) is operated in a first drive configuration to drive the pulley assembly (200) to actuate the blade to a first depth to cut the insulator (152, 154), and wherein the drive assembly is operated in a second drive configuration to drive the pulley assembly to actuate the blade to a second depth to cut the inner insulation of the cable (104).

9. The cable manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The blade is sickle-shaped.

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