crimping tools

Abstract

The crimping tool (1) according to the invention is used to axially fasten the cable braid (3) of a cable (2) between a crimping sleeve (4) and a support sleeve (5) disposed on the cable (2) by crimping. The crimping tool (1) includes a first clamping claw (6) having a first through opening (8) extending in the axial direction (x), and a second clamping claw (7) having a second through opening (9) coaxial with the first through opening (8). The first and second clamping claws (6, 7) are displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction. For crimping, the first clamping claw (6) has a support surface (10) for supporting the crimping sleeve (4) in the axial direction, and the second clamping claw (7) has a funnel-shaped forming surface (11) disposed around the second through opening (9), the funnel-shaped forming surface for crimping the crimping sleeve (4) relative to the support sleeve (5).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This invention relates to a crimping tool for axially fastening the cable braid layer of a cable between a crimping sleeve and a support sleeve disposed on the cable by crimping.

[0002] It is known from existing technology that the cable braided layer, especially the cable shielding layer, is crimped with a crimp sleeve. When installed on a cable, the crimp sleeve can be used to contact the shielding layer and / or divert line interference.

[0003] Typically, cable braids are crimped into the sleeve in the radial direction. However, this method often results in insufficient electrical contact in the shielding layer, leading to poor shielding quality and high shielding loss. For example, insufficient electrical contact can occur if the braid is crimped too high or too low. Radial crimping can also cause cable deformation, giving it an elliptical cross-section. Among other things, this makes later installation of crimped cables, especially sealing, more difficult. Furthermore, radial crimping can damage the cable insulation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a crimping tool for improving the crimping of cable braided layers and crimping sleeves.

[0005] According to the invention, a crimping tool is used to axially fasten the cable braid layer of a cable between a crimping sleeve and a support sleeve disposed on the cable by crimping. For this purpose, the crimping tool includes a first clamping jaw having a first through opening extending in an axial direction for accommodating the cable during crimping. Furthermore, the crimping tool includes a second clamping jaw having a second through opening disposed in an axial direction for accommodating the cable during crimping. The second through opening is substantially coaxial with the first through opening. The first and second clamping jaws are displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction. For this purpose, the first and second clamping jaws can be operably connected to a (crimping) device via an operable connecting device. The clamping device can displace the first and / or second clamping jaws and apply a clamping force. For crimping, only one of the two clamping jaws can also be configured to be displaceable relative to the other clamping jaw. Advantageously, the second clamping jaw is displaceable relative to the first clamping jaw.

[0006] For crimping, the first clamping jaw has at least one support surface for supporting the crimping sleeve in the axial direction. The support surface may be annular and surrounds the first through opening. Advantageously, the support surface is disposed on a shoulder within the first through opening and aligned with the normal in the axial direction. When the first clamping jaw includes a first clamping insert, as further described below, the support surface is advantageously disposed on the first clamping insert. The crimping sleeve can be inserted into the first through opening from both the axial direction and from the direction of the second clamping jaw until it abuts against the support surface. It is advantageous to insert the cable with the crimping sleeve already installed. The crimping sleeve mounted on the cable (relaxedly) sits radially against the support sleeve disposed therein. A cable braid is disposed between the support sleeve and the crimping sleeve. The cable braid is typically unfolded and then placed around the support sleeve, and the crimping sleeve is pushed against the support sleeve and the cable braid. When the cable is inserted into the crimping tool, the cable advantageously extends through the first clamping jaw and through the second clamping jaw. The crimping sleeve can now be pressed against the support surface of the first clamping claw.

[0007] According to the invention, the second clamping claw further includes a shaped surface disposed around the second through opening for pressing the clamping sleeve relative to the support sleeve. The shaped surface is funnel-shaped. Advantageously, the shaped surface is disposed inside the second through opening. That is, the shaped surface can at least partially form the second through opening. Therefore, the diameter of the funnel-shaped shaped surface advantageously decreases (in the axial direction) as the distance from the first clamping claw increases. The funnel-shaped shaped surface can be conical at least in some areas. However, advantageously, the funnel-shaped shaped surface is arched in the direction of the central axis of the second through opening.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the funnel-shaped forming surface can be divided into several annular surface regions. These surface regions can be arranged front and back in the axial direction. It is advantageous for adjacent surface regions to be incorporated into each other. Each surface region can have a different opening angle relative to the central axis (of the second through opening). That is, each surface region can be substantially conical. The opening angle of each surface region advantageously increases in the axial direction toward the first clamping claw. In a preferred embodiment, two surface regions are provided, which are incorporated into each other. The first surface region can, for example, have a (first) opening angle of 15°-25° (degrees) relative to the central axis. On the other hand, the second surface region can have a larger second opening angle (compared to the first opening angle). The second opening angle can be 50°-60° (degrees) relative to the central axis. Furthermore, the second surface region can be incorporated into the (second) clamping surface described below. On the other hand, the first surface region can be incorporated into the cylindrical region of the second through opening.

[0009] The inner diameter of the forming surface, and the diameter of the cylindrical region of the second through opening, are preferably selected in such a way that they correspond to the diameter of the cable to be crimped and the additional gap. This gap can be between approximately 0-0.4 mm, depending on the clamping force. In this way, damage to the cable insulation is minimized during crimping. To save space in the crimping process on the cable, the forming surface can be arranged radially within the support surface. That is, the outer diameter of the forming surface is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the support surface. The forming surface can be rotationally symmetric. However, in some embodiments, a non-rotationally symmetric forming surface may also be advantageous. For example, the forming surface can be corrugated and / or serrated and / or otherwise patterned along the circumference.

[0010] To facilitate cable handling, particularly the insertion or removal of cables from corresponding through-openings, at least one clamping claw can be divided along a separation plane passing through the corresponding through-opening. Advantageously, at least a second clamping claw is divided along a separation plane passing through a corresponding second through-opening. The divided clamping claw can be divided into a first claw portion and a second claw portion. The first claw portion can be used for operatively connecting to a clamping device. The second claw portion can be operatively connected to the first claw portion for crimping along the separation plane. The advantage of this is that, in the open position where the first and second claw portions are at least partially separated from each other, the cable can be inserted laterally into the clamping claw. This lateral insertion method is particularly easy, for example, and can be performed with one hand. In the closed position, the first and second claw portions can form corresponding through-openings.

[0011] To further simplify processing, the first and second claws can be operably connected to each other via at least one connector. In this way, the second claw can be quickly and easily folded up via this at least one connector. This at least one connector may include, for example, a sliding bearing bushing or a hinge, such as a snap-fit ​​hinge. In the closed position, the second claw can be additionally secured to the first claw via a closing mechanism for crimping. For opening and closing the first and second claws, the second claw may include a handle. The handle can be inserted into a groove in the first claw, which corresponds to the handle.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the second claw can be secured to the first claw in the open and / or closed positions by at least one magnet. For this purpose, at least one magnet can be provided in each of the first and second claws, which interact magnetically in the open and / or closed positions. The defined positions of the second claw in the open and closed positions have the advantage of preventing damage due to accidental closure in the intermediate positions. To secure the second claw in the closed position, at least one magnet, preferably two opposing magnets, can be provided on the separating plane.

[0013] For crimping, the second clamping jaw can be displaced relative to the first clamping jaw from a starting position to an ending position. In the starting position, the first and second clamping jaws are advantageously spaced apart. In the starting position, the cable, crimping sleeve, and support sleeve can be positioned within the crimping tool. Subsequently, the first and second clamping jaws can be displaced relative to each other in the axial direction. For mutual centering, the first and / or second clamping jaws can have centering sections. When moving from the starting position to the ending position, the centering section on the first clamping jaw can be combined with the centering section on the second clamping jaw, providing alignment of the clamping jaws relative to each other for crimping. Good centering is also achieved if one clamping jaw is pushed into the other clamping jaw in certain areas during the movement from the starting position to the ending position. It is particularly advantageous if the first and second jaw portions of the second clamping jaw, especially the segmented second clamping jaw, can be pushed into the first clamping jaw area by area. In the ending position, the second clamping jaw is advantageously positioned in at least certain areas of the first clamping jaw in the radial direction.

[0014] As the clamping claws are pushed further together, the forming surface contacts the crimping sleeve disposed in the first clamping claw, and the crimping area of ​​the crimping sleeve can deform. Advantageously, the crimping area slides along the forming surface. The funnel shape of the forming surface ensures that the crimping area is formed as gently and debris-free as possible. As a result, the crimping area or crimping sleeve fits tightly around the cable and wraps around the support sleeve disposed in the crimping sleeve. This tight fit also has a positive effect on the bending protection of the crimped cable. In this process, the cable braid is crimped between the support sleeve and the crimping sleeve. In the final position, the desired crimping or plastic deformation of the crimping sleeve and (if applicable) the support sleeve is achieved. For a clearly defined final position, two clamping surfaces can be provided, which abut against each other in the axial direction at the final position. However, some variations are also conceivable in which the clamping claws do not reach an adjacent abutting stop state in the final position, that is, no clamping surfaces are in contact with each other. The final position can then be defined by parameters of the clamping device, such as hydraulic pressure or the rotation of a spindle, or similar parameters. However, the first and second clamping surfaces pressing against each other at the final position have the advantage that the contact pressure between the first and second clamping surfaces can be measured, for example, using a sensor. For accurate measurement of the contact pressure, it is advantageous if the first and second clamping surfaces are positioned close to the pressing point. Therefore, it is advantageous that the first clamping surface surrounds the first through opening and / or the second clamping surface surrounds the second through opening in an annular manner. Advantageously, the first clamping surface surrounds the support surface and / or the second clamping surface surrounds the forming surface.

[0015] Depending on the application, the crimping tool may include a patterned chisel. This patterned chisel may be positioned on the first and / or second clamping jaws, particularly on the first and / or second clamping inserts. Advantageously, the patterned chisels are aligned in the axial direction. The patterned chisel is used to apply embossing to the crimping sleeve. Preferably, the patterned chisel is positioned on the second clamping jaw, particularly on the second clamping insert. The patterned chisel may be positioned on the forming surface, particularly on a surface area of ​​the forming surface adjacent to the clamping surface. The patterned chisel may be positioned on the second clamping jaw in the axial direction at a position opposite to the support surface of the first clamping jaw. The embossing may display information about the crimping parameters used (such as tool parameters, number of clamping passes, clamping force, manufacturer's logo, etc.).

[0016] Depending on the application, the first clamping claw may include a first clamping insert surrounding a first through opening, and / or the second clamping claw may include a second clamping insert surrounding a second through opening. The first and second clamping inserts may be designed for a specific cable diameter and / or cable type. In this way, different clamping inserts can be used depending on the application. The first clamping insert may be disposed in a first retainer of the first clamping claw, and / or the second clamping insert may be disposed in a second retainer of the second clamping claw. Each retainer may include an axially oriented retainer opening in which the corresponding clamping insert can be accommodated. The first and / or second clamping inserts may be implemented by one or more parts. The first and / or second clamping inserts may also be sleeve-shaped. In the assembled state of the respective clamping claws, the respective clamping inserts form a corresponding through opening in at least certain areas. Advantageously, each first and / or second clamping insert has a shoulder with a front surface on its outer side. This front surface serves as an axially oriented support on the first or second retainer. The first and / or second clamping inserts may be made of metal. Advantageously, the first and / or second clamping inserts comprise cold-work steel, particularly tough, hardened cold-work steel.

[0017] The first and / or second clamping inserts can be held in the retainer by at least one magnet. However, other fastening possibilities are also conceivable, such as fastening with at least one screw. One advantage of using magnets, however, is tool-free assembly. For this purpose, several magnets can be distributed around the circumference of their respective receiving openings. Alternatively or additionally, at least one magnet can be arranged axially between the clamping insert and the corresponding retainer. Advantageously, this at least one magnet rests axially against the front surface of the corresponding clamping insert in the assembled state.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second clamping inserts can be held in the respective retainers by at least one spring-loaded pressure element. This is particularly useful if the clamping claws cannot be divided. That is, it is advantageous to secure the first clamping insert in the first retainer with at least one spring-loaded pressure element. This at least one spring-loaded pressure element can be disposed, for example, radially between the retainer and the clamping insert. The clamping insert can have a groove in which the spring-loaded pressure element can engage. The spring-loaded pressure element thus holds the clamping insert in the receiving opening and makes it possible to quickly and easily replace the clamping insert without the use of tools.

[0019] If the first and / or second clamping claws are divisible, then the clamping insert disposed in the retainer of the clamping claws can also be divided into a first half and a second half of the insert. Depending on the manufacturing process, the respective clamping inserts can be divided into the first and second insert halves by a cutting process, such as wire etching. The insert halves can then be easily installed in the open position of the respective clamping claws. To distinguish between the two insert halves, they can have markings, codes, or the like. For assembly, the receiving opening can include a circumferential slot in which the circumferential edge of the (assembled) clamping insert can engage. In the assembled state, the slot and the edge form an undercut in the axial direction. Advantageously, as described above, the second clamping claw can be divided into first and second claw portions. One half of the insert can be disposed in each claw portion. When the two insert halves are joined together, they form the second clamping insert. The second clamping insert can have a circumferential edge that forms an undercut in the axial direction with the slot disposed in the receiving opening of the second retainer. In the closed position of the second claw, the first insert half disposed in the first claw and the second insert half disposed in the second claw form a second through opening in at least some areas. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Various aspects of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples of embodiments shown in the following figures and the accompanying description, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 The crimping tool according to the invention is shown in perspective in its starting position on the guide rail;

[0022] Figure 2 According to Figure 1 The crimping tool is shown in perspective in its starting position, with the second clamping jaw open and the cable inserted.

[0023] Figure 3 According to Figure 2 The crimping tool is shown in perspective in the open position, with the second clamping jaw closed;

[0024] Figure 4 According to Figure 2 The crimping tool is shown in perspective at its end position;

[0025] Figure 5 According to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the crimping tool, showing it in the finished position. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 A crimping tool 1 according to the invention is shown, which is mounted on a guide rail 31 of a clamping device. The guide rail and the clamping device are not shown in other figures. Figures 2 to 4 A perspective view shows a crimping tool 1 according to the present invention. The crimping tool 1 includes a first clamping claw 6 having a first through opening 8 and a second clamping claw 7 having a second through opening 9. The first through opening 8 and the second through opening 9 are coaxial with each other and extend in the axial direction (x-direction). The through openings 8 and 9 are used to accommodate a cable 2 during crimping. The second clamping claw 7 can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the first clamping claw 6 from a starting position to an ending position. The starting position is... Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the end position is at Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0027] The second clamping claw 7 can be divided into a first claw portion 13 and a second claw portion 14 along the separation plane 12 passing through the second through opening 9 to remove the crimped cable 2. The first claw portion 13 is used for operably connecting to the guide rail 31 and / or the clamping device. The second claw portion 14 can be opened from the open position (see...) Figure 2 Move to the closed position (see) Figure 3 In the open position, cable 2 can be laterally inserted into the second clamping claw 7. In the closed position, the first claw 13 and the second claw 14 form a second through opening 9. For ease of assembly, as shown, the second claw 14 can be secured to the first claw 13 in the closed position by at least one magnet 16. Another magnet (not shown) can be used to secure the second claw 14 in the open position to the first claw 13. The first claw 13 and the second claw 14 are operatively connected by a connector 15 in the form of a sliding bearing bushing (illustrated only). In the closed position, the second claw 14 can be additionally secured to the first claw 13 by a closing mechanism 32. In the illustrated case, the second claw 14 includes a handle that can be inserted into a corresponding groove in the first claw 13.

[0028] The first clamping claw 6 and the second clamping claw 7 each include clamping inserts 19 and 20, which are received in corresponding retainers 21 and 22. The retainers 21 and 22 of the clamping claws 6 and 7 each include receiving openings for receiving the clamping inserts 19 and 20. The first clamping insert 19 of the first clamping claw 6 can be inserted axially into the first retainer 21 or the receiving opening until it abuts against the front surface 26 in the axial direction. The (first) clamping insert 19 can be secured by a radially oriented spring pressure element 23 (see...). Figure 5 The second clamping insert 20 can be divided into two insert halves 24, 25. Advantageously, the first half 24 of the insert is disposed in the retainer of the first claw 13, and the second half 25 of the insert is disposed in the retainer of the second claw 14. To ensure proper installation of the two insert halves 24, 25, they may have markings and / or codes 33. In the illustrated case, the first claw 13 and the second claw 14 each include a pin that, in the assembled state, engages in corresponding recesses in the first insert half 24 and the second insert half 25 (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 1 These pins, or more precisely, the grooves, are in different circumferential positions relative to the second through opening 9. Therefore, the second half 25 of the insert cannot be inserted into the first claw portion 13.

[0029] The first insert half 24 and / or the second insert half 25 can be laterally inserted in the open position of the second clamping claw 7. The second clamping insert 20, consisting of two parts, can have a circumferential edge 30 that engages with a corresponding slot in the second retainer 22 and forms a downward cut in the axial direction with the latter. Furthermore, the clamping inserts 19, 20 can each be held by at least one magnet 16. Advantageously, several magnets 16 are arranged around the corresponding through openings 8, 9 and / or distributed along the front surface 26 (e.g., Figure 5 (Illustrative representation).

[0030] During the displacement of the clamping jaws, the clamping inserts 19 and 20 are pushed into each other. At least one centering segment 28 provided on the first clamping insert 19 and / or the second clamping insert 20 can be used to properly align the clamping inserts with each other (see...). Figure 5 After centering, in the final position, the two annular pressing surfaces 17 and 18 abut against each other. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the end position is shown. Clamping surfaces 17 and 18 are disposed on the first clamping claw 7 and the second clamping claw 8, respectively, and located on their respective clamping inserts 19 and 20. When the maximum contact pressure is reached on the clamping surfaces 17 and 18, the desired crimping is achieved, and the first clamping claw 6 and the second clamping claw 7 of the crimping tool 1 can be pushed apart, allowing the crimped cable 2 to be removed. Figure 5The first clamping insert 19 of the first clamping claw 6 is shown, having a support surface 10 for supporting the crimping sleeve 4 in the axial direction. On the other hand, the second clamping insert 20 of the second clamping claw 7, consisting of two parts, has a funnel-shaped shaped surface 11 arranged around the second through opening 9 for crimping the cable braid 3 between the crimping sleeve 4 and the support sleeve 5 disposed therein. The funnel-shaped shaped surface 11 is arched in the direction of the central axis 29 of the second through opening 8. When the clamping claws 6 and 7 are displaced relative to each other, the shaped surface 11 advantageously contacts the crimping sleeve 4 disposed in the first clamping claw 6 first. This contact deforms the crimping area of ​​the crimping sleeve 4. The funnel-shaped shaped surface 11 causes the crimping area to slide along the shaped surface 11 and, as shown, around the cable 2 and around the support sleeve 5 disposed in the crimping sleeve 4. In this process, the cable braid 3 is crimped and fixed between the support sleeve 5 and the crimping sleeve 4. To ensure quality in the sense of traceable crimping, the crimping tool 1 may also include a patterned chisel 27. In the illustrated case, the patterned chisel 27 is disposed on the second clamping claw 7, and in particular on the second clamping insert 20. The patterned chisel 27 is disposed on the forming surface 11. The patterned chisel 27 is used to apply embossing, which may provide, for example, information about crimping parameters, manufacturer, etc.

[0031] List of reference numerals

[0032] 1. Crimping tool 18. Second pressing surface

[0033] 2 Cable 19 First clamping insert

[0034] 3 Cable braided layer 20 Second clamping insert

[0035] 4. Crimping sleeve 21. First retainer

[0036] 5 Support sleeve 22 Second retainer

[0037] 6 First clamping claw 23 Spring pressure element

[0038] 7 Second clamping claw 24 First half of insert

[0039] 8 First through opening 25 Second half of insert

[0040] 9 Second through opening 26 Front surface

[0041] 10 Supporting surface 27 Pattern chisels

[0042] 11 Molding surface 28 Centering section

[0043] 12 Separation plane 29 Central axis

[0044] 13 First claw part 30 edge

[0045] 14 Second claw part 31 Guide rail

[0046] 15 Connector 32 Closing Mechanism

[0047] 16 Magnets 33 Marking / Code

[0048] 17 First clamping surface

Claims

1. A crimping tool (1) for axially fastening the cable braided layer (3) of a cable (2) between a crimping sleeve (4) and a support sleeve (5) disposed on the cable (2) by crimping, the crimping tool comprising: a. A first clamping claw (6) having a first through opening (8) extending in the axial direction (x), the first through opening being for receiving the cable (2) during crimping; and b. The second clamping claw (7) has a second through opening (9) arranged along the axial direction, the second through opening being coaxially arranged with the first through opening (8) and used to accommodate the cable (2) during the crimping process. in c. The second clamping claw (7) is moved from the starting position to the ending position relative to the first clamping claw (6) along the axial direction, and at the ending position, the first clamping surface (17) of the first clamping claw (6) abuts against the second clamping surface (18) of the second clamping claw (7); d. The first clamping claw (6) has a support surface (10) for supporting the crimping sleeve in the axial direction; and e. The second clamping claw (7) includes a funnel-shaped forming surface (11) disposed around the second through opening (9), the funnel-shaped forming surface being used to press the clamping sleeve (4) relative to the support sleeve (5).

2. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The funnel-shaped forming surface (11) is arched in the direction of the central axis of the second through opening (9).

3. The crimping tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second clamping claw (7) is divided into a first claw portion (13) and a second claw portion (14) along the separation plane (12) passing through the second through opening (9).

4. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second claw (14) can move from the open position to the closed position so that the cable (2) can be laterally inserted into the second clamping claw (7) in the open position.

5. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second claw (14) is fixed to the first claw (13) in the open position and / or in the closed position by at least one magnet (16).

6. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first claw (13) and the second claw (14) are operably connected by a connector (15).

7. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the final position, the second clamping claw (7) is at least partially disposed in the first clamping claw (6) in the radial direction.

8. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pressing surface (17) surrounds the first through opening (8) in an annular manner, and the second pressing surface (18) surrounds the second through opening (9) in an annular manner.

9. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and / or second clamping claws (6, 7) include patterned chisels (27) for applying embossing to the crimping sleeve (4).

10. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pattern chisel (27) is disposed on the forming surface (11).

11. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pattern chisel (27) is disposed on the second clamping claw (7) at a position opposite to the support surface (10) of the first clamping claw (6).

12. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first clamping claw (6) includes a first clamping insert (19) surrounding the first through opening (8) and / or the second clamping claw (7) includes a second clamping insert (20) surrounding the second through opening (9).

13. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first clamping insert (19) is held in the first retainer (21) of the first clamping claw (6) by at least one magnet (16) and / or the second clamping insert (20) is held in the second retainer (22) of the second clamping claw (7).

14. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The first clamping insert (19) is secured in the first retainer (21) by at least one spring pressure element (23).

15. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The second clamping insert (20) can be divided into the first and second halves (24, 25) of the insert.

Images