Apparatus and methods for handling contact components

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing a contact element, wherein the contact element (5) is arranged at a carrier belt (3), the apparatus having a tool (40, 140) for processing the contact element (5), a guide rail (30, 130) for conveying at least one carrier belt (3) to the tool (40, 140) in a feed direction (V), and a clamping device (50, 150) arranged toward the tool (40, 140) in the feed direction (V) for clamping at least one carrier belt (3) in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction (V).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for processing contacts, and in particular for pressing contacts onto conductors. Background Technology

[0002] In cable bundles, contacts are permanently and securely connected to the cable conductors. The connection technique involves crimping the contacts onto the conductors. During crimping, the contacts are positioned at at least one conductor of the cable, and then the two portions are mechanically pressed or crimped together. In production, multiple contacts are preferably arranged, i.e., secured to a carrier belt. The contacts are spaced apart from each other along the carrier belt, and can be sequentially fed to a tool (particularly a crimping tool) via the feed of the carrier belt.

[0003] During crimping, each contact element needs to be consistently and precisely arranged inside the crimping tool, particularly above the anvil, to achieve a consistent result. For this predetermined arrangement, guide holes formed along the carrier band can be used. A fixing member can be embedded in at least one guide hole in the guide rail or the tool, and the carrier band and contacts are positioned at predetermined locations through the predetermined position of the fixing member. However, the arrangement of contacts using guide holes can be flawed and complex.

[0004] Document EP1381124A1 discloses a crimping machine for manufacturing crimped connections. The crimping machine has a guide portion that can be adjusted as a whole in the cable direction, so that the position of the crimping contact can be accurately determined on the lower tool or anvil.

[0005] However, in particular, when the bundle has very small wires with cable diameters ranging from a few millimeters to a few micrometers, the arrangement of contacts in the tool is inaccurate when achieved using so-called devices and methods. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method that can consistently achieve very high precision when arranging contacts in a tool.

[0007] The objectives of the present invention are achieved by the apparatus and method of the present invention.

[0008] The aforementioned objective is achieved, in particular, by means of a device for processing a contact element, wherein the contact element is arranged at a carrier belt, the device having a tool for processing the contact element, a guide rail for conveying at least one carrier belt to the tool in a feed direction, and a clamping device arranged toward the tool in the feed direction for clamping at least one carrier belt in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction.

[0009] In the guide rail, the carrier belt is precisely aligned in the feed direction V. The guide rail ensures that the carrier belt can be accurately positioned within the tool. Accurate positioning is essential for consistently precise processing when handling contact parts through the tool. On the downstream side of the tool in the feed direction, deviation of the carrier belt from the feed direction can negatively impact accurate positioning. A clamping device positioned towards the tool in the feed direction ensures precise alignment of the carrier belt, which is also held towards the tool. The clamping device prevents deviations in precise alignment towards the tool, such as those caused by warping of the carrier belt (cutting warping). The device and specialized clamping devices can be applied to various tools designed for handling fabric strips.

[0010] Preferably, the clamping device is movable between an open and closed position. The clamping device is an active system, clamping only when needed or determined. Specifically, the clamping part is clamped after each feed, i.e., after moving from one contact member to the next. This avoids continuous stress on the material, especially on the carrier belt. Furthermore, the clamping time, duration, and intensity can be predetermined. Therefore, the clamping device can be optimally matched to the processing procedure and / or the carrier belt.

[0011] Preferably, the clamping device is in the closed position while the contact element is being processed by the tool. In particular, the accurate and fixed arrangement of the contact element in the tool is important during the processing. By clamping, especially during this duration, consistently accurate results can be achieved.

[0012] Preferably, the clamping device includes a first clamping device or a second clamping device, wherein the clamping force applied by the first clamping device is transverse to the feed direction and applied to the carrier belt in the plane of the carrier belt contact member, and wherein the clamping force applied by the second clamping device is transverse to the feed direction and applied to the carrier belt in the plane of the carrier belt contact member.

[0013] When the clamping force acts on the carrier belt in the plane of the carrier belt contact element, the clamping force is then transmitted between the clamping device and the carrier belt via a very small contact surface. Here, a high clamping pressure can be generated with a small clamping force, which securely clamps the carrier belt. If the clamping force acts laterally and, in particular, perpendicular to the plane of the carrier belt contact element, the clamping force is transmitted between the clamping device and the carrier belt via a relatively large contact surface. The resulting clamping pressure is less and the stress on the material is smaller.

[0014] Preferably, the first clamping device and / or the second clamping device comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic system. The applied clamping force can be precisely adjusted using a pneumatic or hydraulic system. This allows for matching with different process conditions and / or the carrier belt. Furthermore, the system can generate both small and large forces. For example, depending on the material of the carrier belt, i.e., in a manner matching its warping, a larger or smaller clamping force can be applied. Moreover, the system responds very quickly, so that the transition from an open position to a closed position can be executed rapidly, and vice versa.

[0015] Preferably, the first clamping device and / or the second clamping device includes at least one stop and a die, wherein the carrier belt can only be clamped between the die and the stop in the closed position of the first clamping device and / or the second clamping device. The die preferably reciprocates in the direction of the stop within a die guide. This enables directional movement and force transmission. The stop and the die form aligned surfaces that precisely align the carrier belt in the feed direction in the closed position. During clamping, the clamping force acts only on the carrier belt. Preferably, there are no contact elements on the carrier belt in the feed direction toward the tool. However, in some cases, contact elements may still be secured to the carrier belt. Because the die acts directly on the carrier belt, regardless of whether contact elements are still present on the carrier belt, the clamping mechanism operates in all cases, regardless of whether there are contact elements on the carrier belt.

[0016] Preferably, the device further includes an angle element secured to the clamping device, wherein the angle element is connected to the guide rail via a fastening member. The angle element is preferably a rigid member fixedly connected to the guide rail. The connection between the guide rail and the clamping device enables automatic adjustment of the clamping device in response to adjustments of the guide rail, minimizing the time required for adjustment. This simplifies the adjustment of various processes and / or the device for carrying belts, contacts, or wires, and additionally saves time.

[0017] The above objective is also achieved in particular by a method for processing the contact element, wherein the contact element is arranged at the carrier belt, the method preferably having a device for processing the contact element, wherein the method comprises the following steps: conveying the carrier belt along the feed direction to a tool and a clamping device by means of a guide rail, the clamping device being arranged toward the tool in the feed direction, clamping the carrier belt in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction by means of the clamping device, and processing the contact element of the carrier belt by means of the tool.

[0018] The clamping step is preferably performed before processing the contact. Through clamping, the contact to be processed is first positioned in its predetermined location within the tool, for example, above an anvil. Specifically, the contact is also fixed in its predetermined position, thus preventing any change in its position. Processing of the contact only begins after it has been positioned in its predetermined location. This ensures consistent and precise processing of the contact.

[0019] Preferably, clamping includes the movement of the clamping device's die from an open position to a closed position. By actively clamping and releasing, the timing and location at which the carrier belt is clamped can be predetermined. Thus, clamping can be optimally matched to the processing procedure and the carrier belt.

[0020] Preferably, after the contact element processing step, the clamped carrier belt is released, allowing it to move in the feed direction. Therefore, clamping is only temporary. This results in less stress on the material and avoids friction between components that would occur during continuous clamping or compression. After clamping, unimpeded movement of the carrier belt is achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Furthermore, other advantages and features of the present invention can be derived from the following description of preferred embodiments. Therein, the features described above can be implemented individually or in combination, provided that the features do not contradict each other. Here, the following description of preferred embodiments is implemented with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown here: Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of a device for processing contact elements is shown; Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 1 A perspective view of the first clamping device and guide rail in the open position according to the first embodiment; Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the clamping device in the closed position according to the first embodiment; Figure 4 A perspective view of a second embodiment of the apparatus for processing contact elements is shown; Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 4 A perspective view of the second clamping device and guide rail according to the second embodiment; and Figure 6a , Figure 6b It shows according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second embodiment in the closed position ( Figure 6a ) in the open position ( Figure 6b A cross-sectional view of the second clamping device in (). Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the apparatus 1 for processing contact elements 5 is shown. A plurality of contact elements 5 are preferably arranged at a carrier belt 3, i.e., secured at the carrier belt. The carrier belt 3 particularly simplifies the operation of the contact elements 5. A guide hole 7 is preferably formed on the carrier belt 3 between two adjacent contact elements 5. The carrier belt 3 can move in the feed direction V via the guide hole 7 by means of a feed part 20, which uses a feed finger 22 embedded in the guide hole 7. One or more carrier belts 3 can be arranged in a storage bin 10. The storage bin 10 can be, for example, a storage roller. During the processing of contact elements 5, it is desirable to continuously supply contact elements 5 or carrier belts 3 in the tool 40. This supply can be achieved through one or more storage bins 10. In an alternative embodiment, the contact elements 5 or carrier belts 3 can also be supplied directly by a process module placed upstream of the processing using the tool 40.

[0023] The carrier belt 3 is conveyed to the tool 40 along the guide rail 30. The movement of the carrier belt 3 toward the tool 40 in the feed direction V is preferably achieved by the feed section 20. In order to move the carrier belt 3, in particular, the feed finger 22 of the feed section 20 is inserted into the guide hole 7 of the carrier belt 3 and moves the carrier belt 3 in the feed direction V.

[0024] Tool 40 is configured to process contact 5, which is located in processing area 44 of tool 40. Preferably, tool 40 is mounted on a chassis. For example, tool 40 is capable of pressing, squeezing, or otherwise deforming contact 5. Processing of contact 5 is preferably achieved through a wear portion 42 at tool 40. In one embodiment, contact 5 separates from carrier belt 3 during pressing. In an alternative embodiment, multiple tools 40 can be arranged sequentially in the feed direction V.

[0025] The carrier belt 3 from the storage container 10 is precisely aligned in the feed direction V via the guide rail 30 inside the tool 40 or in the processing area 44 of the tool 40. This precise alignment is crucial for the consistent and predetermined processing of the contact 5. The farther the contact 5 or the section of the carrier belt 3 is from the guide rail 30 or the tool 40, the stronger the deviation of the carrier belt 3 from the precise alignment in the feed direction V can occur. For example, due to the material properties of the carrier belt 3, warping of the carrier belt 3, also known as cutting warping, can occur. With this warping, the carrier belt 3 bends in the second direction Y in its carrier belt contact plane XY, away from its original straight line in the feed direction V. With this warping, the carrier belt 3, and consequently the contact 5 fastened to the carrier belt 3, is no longer precisely aligned in the feed direction V. This warping can lead to problems in subsequent processing steps of the carrier belt 3. Warping can also almost reactively cause an undesirable deviation of the carrier belt 3 from the precise alignment in the feed direction V inside the tool 40. This could cause problems when processing contact 5 in tool 40.

[0026] Therefore, the carrier belt 3 is precisely aligned in the tool 40 along the feed direction V at least during the processing of the contact member 5, and at least a first clamping device 50 is arranged in the feed direction V toward the tool 40, which is configured to clamp the carrier belt 3 in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction V.

[0027] Figure 2 A detailed diagram of an embodiment of the guide rail 30 and the first clamping device 50 is shown. A carrier belt 3 having contact elements 5 and guide holes 7 is arranged along the guide rail 30 and the first clamping device 50. Figure 2 In the image, for clarity, no tool 40 is shown between the guide rail 30 and the first clamping device 50.

[0028] The carrier belt 3 is conveyed by the guide rail 30 in the feed direction V of the first clamping device 50. The first clamping device 50 shown is in an open or closed position, that is, the die 52 of the first clamping device 50 protrudes only by a length L1 from the pneumatic cylinder 51 of the first clamping device 50 in the direction of the carrier belt 3 along the second direction Y. In an alternative embodiment, the pneumatic cylinder 51 can also be a hydraulic cylinder or the like. The length L1 can be monitored by a magnetic field sensor 53. The pneumatic cylinder 51 is connected to a pneumatic system via a pneumatic interface 55. In the second direction Y, which is the direction of movement of the die 52, a stop 54 is arranged spaced apart from the die 52. The stop 54 has at least one stop surface that extends in the feed direction V, and the carrier belt 3, precisely aligned in the feed direction V, can abut against the stop surface in parallel. The direction of movement of the die 52 and the die is preferably aligned transversely to, and particularly perpendicular to, the carrier belt 3. The die 52 can preferably move and press in the direction of the stop 54 via the pneumatic cylinder 51 with a floating support.

[0029] The carrier belt 3 has a width B in the XY plane of the carrier belt contact member, in which the carrier belt 3 with contact member 5 is placed. The width B is the width measured from the side of the carrier belt 3 away from the contact member to the opposite tip of the contact member 5. In the open position of the first clamping device 50, the tip of the die 52 facing the stop 54 is spaced apart from the carrier belt 3 with contact member 5 by at least a distance A. With distance A, the carrier belt 3 with contact member 5 can move in the feed direction V without being blocked by the die 52. This is particularly advantageous when the contact member 5 is not separated from the carrier belt 3. In order to change the next contact member from the contact member 5 in the tool 40, the carrier belt 3 moves in the feed direction V. At least during the movement, the first clamping device 50 is in the open position.

[0030] In addition, the first clamping device 50 is in Figure 2 The first clamping device 50 is connected to the guide rail 30 via the angle element 56. Specifically, the first clamping device 50 is fastened to the guide rail 30 via the angle element 56 by means of a fastening member 58, such as a retaining pin. Through this connection or fastening, movement of the guide rail 30 automatically causes a corresponding movement of the first clamping device 50. Additional compression of the first clamping device 50 at the guide rail 30 is not necessary.

[0031] Figure 3 An embodiment of the first clamping device 50 is shown. The first clamping device 50 is in the closed position. In the closed position, the die 52 protrudes from the pneumatic cylinder 51 by a length L2. The length L2 is greater than the length L1. Here, the die 52 clamps the carrier belt 3 between the die and the stop surface at the stop 54. By this clamping, the carrier belt 3 is precisely aligned in the feed direction V at the stop surface. Furthermore, movement of the carrier belt 3 in the feed direction V is prevented. In particular, the die 52 is arranged between two adjacent contact members 5 in the closed position and the clamping force of the die acts only on the carrier belt 3. Undesirable bending of the contact members 5 is avoided by clamping. The arrangement of the die 52 between two adjacent contact members 5 also form-fits to prevent movement of the carrier belt 3 in the feed direction V, i.e., in both directions of the feed direction.

[0032] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the apparatus 100 for handling the contact elements 5 is shown. Multiple contact elements 5 are fastened to the carrier belt 3. The contact elements 5 or the carrier belt 3 can be provided in the storage container 10. In an alternative embodiment, the carrier belt 3 with the contact elements 5 can also be provided by an upstream manufacturing or processing module.

[0033] The carrier belt 3 is conveyed to the tool 140 via guide rail 130. The tool 140 is configured to process the contact 5, and is particularly a crimping tool. For processing the contact 5, the contact 5 is conveyed to a processing area 144 inside the tool 140. The processing of the contact 5 is then achieved by a wear part 142, such as a crimper. For example, a cable 9 having at least one conductor is conveyed to the processing area 144 of the tool 140. The conveyance of the cable 9 is achieved, for example, in a direction transverse to the feed direction V. Subsequently, in the processing area 144, the contact 5 is arranged at at least one conductor of the cable 9, and the contact 5 is crimped to at least one conductor by confirmation of crimping.

[0034] In the second embodiment, a second clamping device 150 is arranged in the feed direction V toward the tool 140. Figure 5 Detailed depictions of the guide rail 130 and the second clamping device 150 are shown. A support belt 3 is arranged along the guide rail 130 and the second clamping device 150 in the feed direction V. The support belt 3 rests on the housing 151 of the second clamping device 150. A pressure mold 152 is also arranged at the housing 151. The housing 151 forms a stop 154 ​​in the region of the pressure mold 152 (see...). Figure 6a and Figure 6b The die 152 is configured to clamp the bearing belt 3 between itself and the stop 154.

[0035] The second clamping device 150 is also preferably connected to or secured to the guide rail 130 via an angle element 156. The position of the second clamping device 150 is predetermined relative to the position of the guide rail 130. If the position of the guide rail 130 changes (e.g., to match different contact sizes, carrier belt sizes, or wire sizes), the position of the second clamping device 150 automatically adjusts accordingly via the angle element 156. This eliminates the need for independent adjustment of the guide rail 130 and the second clamping device 150, simplifying the operation of the device 100.

[0036] Figure 6a The second clamping device 150 is shown in the closed position, with the carrier belt 3 clamped in the second clamping device. Figure 6b A second clamping device 150 is shown in the open position, in which the clamping portion is loosened or the carrier band 3 is not clamped. The die 152 of the second clamping device 150 is preferably an L-shaped member. The first side of the die 152 is arranged opposite to the stop 154 ​​on the housing 151. The second side of the die 152 is arranged transversely to, and particularly perpendicularly to, the stop 154. The die 152 extends along the feed direction V in the die width B2, and the carrier band 3 can be precisely aligned parallel to the second side in the feed direction V.

[0037] In the closed position (see) Figure 6aIn the first clamping device 50, the first side of the die 152 is placed on the support belt 3. The distance L3 between the first side of the die 152 and the support belt 3 is zero. The die 152 presses and clamps the support belt 3 in the direction of the stop 154 ​​with force. The clamping force is applied uniformly on the first side of the die 152, where the side length of the first side corresponds to the die width B2. In contrast to the first clamping device 50, the clamping force in the second clamping device 150 is applied to the support belt 3 not at a point but in a planar manner. Point clamping has the advantage of generating a large clamping pressure with a small clamping force. However, a higher load can be generated at a point, especially at the support belt 3. Planar clamping has the advantage of distributing the load on a plane. However, to achieve the same clamping pressure as point clamping, a higher clamping force is required in the case of planar clamping. Conversely, a higher clamping force in the case of planar clamping is more material-friendly.

[0038] The carrier belt 3 is fixed in place by the L-shaped die 152 in both directions Y and Z. The carrier belt 3 is force-transmittedly fixed in the feed direction V or in the first direction X by the applied clamping force.

[0039] The die 152 is preferably pre-tightened in the open position via the pre-tightening element 176 (see...). Figure 6b The preload element 176 can be a spring. The preload element 176 is preferably connected to the bolt 174. If the die 152 is to move from the open position to the closed position, the working space 171 inside the second clamping device 150 can increase, and the distance D1 between the piston 170 and the end wall of the working space 171 increases to a distance D2. This increase can be produced by air pressure or liquid pressure. Each change, i.e., increase or decrease, can be monitored by a connected magnetic field sensor 153. A pneumatic or hydraulic unit is connected externally to a corresponding pneumatic or hydraulic system via an interface 155. As the working space 171 increases, the piston 170 moves in the direction of the preload element 176. The piston 170 is moved between the preload element 176 and the bolt 174 using a ramp 172 or a back die. Here, bolt 174 moves parallel to the second side of die 152 and pulls preload element 176 along with die 152, thereby allowing die 152 to move in the direction of stop 154 ​​via its first side. Through ramp 172, the distance L4 between the first side of die 152 and stop 154 ​​gradually, particularly linearly, decreases until the distance L4 finally corresponds to a distance L3 equal to zero in the closed position. The clamping force also acts only on the bearing band 3 and not on the contact element 5, thus preventing any damage to the contact element 5 during clamping.

[0040] List of reference numerals

[0041] 1 device

[0042] 3. Bearing belt

[0043] 5 Contacts

[0044] 7. Guide hole

[0045] 9. Cables

[0046] 10 Repositories

[0047] 20 feed section

[0048] 22 Feed indicator

[0049] 30 guide rail

[0050] 40 tools

[0051] 42 Wear section

[0052] 44 Processing Area

[0053] 50 First clamping device

[0054] 51 pneumatic cylinder

[0055] 52. Press mold

[0056] 53 Magnetic field sensor

[0057] 54 stops

[0058] 55 air pressure interface

[0059] 56 Angle Elements

[0060] 58 Fastening components

[0061] 60 chassis

[0062] 100 devices

[0063] 110 Repository

[0064] 130 guide rail

[0065] 140 tools

[0066] 142 Wear section

[0067] 144 Processing Area

[0068] 150 Second clamping device

[0069] 151 Housing

[0070] 152 Pressing Mold

[0071] 153 Magnetic Field Sensor

[0072] 154 stop blocks

[0073] 155 interface

[0074] 156 Angle Element

[0075] 170 Piston

[0076] 171 Workspace

[0077] 172 bevel

[0078] 174 bolts

[0079] 176 Preload element

[0080] A Spacing

[0081] B1 width

[0082] B2 Die Width

[0083] Distance between D1 and D2

[0084] L1-L4 Length

[0085] V Feed direction

[0086] X First Direction

[0087] Y Second Direction

[0088] Z is the third direction.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1, 100) for processing a contact element (5), wherein, The contact element (5) is arranged at the bearing belt (3), and the device has: Tools (40, 140) for processing the contact (5); Guide rails (30, 130) for conveying at least one of the carrier belts (3) along the feed direction (V) to the tool (40, 140); and A clamping device (50, 150) is arranged in the feed direction (V) after the tool (40, 140) for clamping at least one of the carrier belts (3) in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction (V).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The clamping device (50, 150) is movable between the open position and the closed position.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The clamping device (50, 150) is in the closed position while the contact (5) is being processed by the tool (40).

4. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The clamping devices (50, 150) include a first clamping device (50), wherein the clamping force applied by the first clamping device (50) is transverse to the feed direction (V) and applied to the carrier belt (3) in the carrier belt contact plane (XY), or the clamping devices (50, 150) include a second clamping device (150), wherein the clamping force applied by the second clamping device (150) is transverse to the feed direction (V) and applied to the carrier belt (3) transverse to the carrier belt contact plane (XY).

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The first clamping device and / or the second clamping device (50, 150) include a pneumatic system or a hydraulic system.

6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The first clamping device and / or the second clamping device (50, 150) includes at least one stop (54, 154) and a pressure die (52, 152), wherein the carrier belt (3) can be clamped between the pressure die (52, 152) and the stop (54, 154) only in the closed position of the first clamping device and / or the second clamping device (50, 150).

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an angle element (56, 156) fastened to the clamping device (50, 150), wherein, The angle elements (56, 156) are connected to the guide rails (30, 130) via fastening members (58).

8. A method for processing a contact (5), wherein, The contact (5) is arranged at the bearing belt (3), and the method utilizes the device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method comprises the following steps: The carrier belt (3) is conveyed along the feed direction (V) to the tool (40, 140) and the clamping device (50, 150) by means of guide rails (30, 130), the clamping device being arranged in the feed direction (V) after the tool (40, 140); The carrier belt (3) is clamped in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction (V) by means of the clamping devices (50, 150); and The contact (5) of the carrier belt (3) is processed by the tools (40, 140).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The clamping includes the movement of the clamping device (50) mold (52) from the open position to the closed position.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, After the step of processing the contact member (5), the clamping of the carrier belt (3) is loosened so that the carrier belt (3) can move in the feed direction (V).

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