Method and apparatus for positioning components on a cable

Abstract

An apparatus and method of positioning a component (18) on a cable (10). The method includes moving a collet (22) into position on the component (18), engaging the component (18) with the collet (22), moving the collet (22) with the component (18) positioned thereon into alignment with an end of the cable (10), securing the collet (22) to the end of the cable (10), moving the component (18) from the collet (22) to the cable (10), and removing the collet (22) from the end of the cable (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for positioning one or more components on a cable. In particular, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating the insertion of components onto the ends of a cable. Background Technology

[0002] Insertion of components, such as shielding rings and seals, is typically done manually. Therefore, the productivity of insertion operations is very low. Furthermore, because cable ends often become deformed, it is generally difficult to insert components into cable ends without considerable manipulation of the components and the cable to allow the cable to move through the deformed ends.

[0003] The problem to be solved is to provide an apparatus and method for improving assembly productivity. Furthermore, there is a need for an apparatus and method that reshapes the ends of cables to allow for easy insertion of components onto the cables.

[0004] This problem is solved by a method of positioning a component on a cable. The method includes: moving a clamp onto the component in place; engaging the component with the clamp; moving the clamp on which the component is positioned to align with an end of the cable; securing the clamp to the end of the cable; moving the component from the clamp to the cable; and removing the clamp from the end of the cable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment relates to a clamp mechanism for inserting a component onto a cable. The clamp mechanism has an expandable portion having an opening extending along the longitudinal axis of the clamp mechanism. Resilient legs are disposed on the expandable portion. Each resilient leg has a fixed end and a free end. A slot is provided between the resilient legs. The slot separates the resilient legs to allow each resilient leg to move independently of the others. The expandable portion is movable between a closed position and an expanded position, in which the resilient legs have a first outer diameter, and in the expanded position, the resilient legs have a second outer diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary clamp according to the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the chuck in a first or closed position, with the resilient chuck arm shown in a stress-free position.

[0009] Figure 3 for Figure 1The cross-sectional view shown is of the chuck in the second or expanded position, wherein the elastic chuck arm is shown in the expanded or stressed position.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cable and representative components, showing the clamps before the respective components are joined.

[0011] Figure 5 For similar Figure 4 The diagram shows the clamp engaging with the corresponding component.

[0012] Figure 6 For similar Figure 5 The diagram shows the chuck engaging with the corresponding component and in an expanded state.

[0013] Figure 7 For similar Figure 6 The diagram shows the clamp located near the end of the cable.

[0014] Figure 8 For similar Figure 7 The diagram shows a clamp engaging with the end of a cable.

[0015] Figure 9 For similar Figure 8 The diagram shows the corresponding component moving to engage with the cable.

[0016] Figure 10 For similar Figure 9 The diagram shows the clamps expanded and removed from the end of the cable. Detailed Implementation

[0017] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a method for attaching component 18 ( Figures 4 to 10 A clamping mechanism 22 is positioned on cable 10. The clamping mechanism 22 has an expandable portion 23 with a free end 28. The expandable portion 23 has an opening 30 extending along the longitudinal axis 24 of the clamping mechanism 22. The expandable portion 23 can be in a first or closed position (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (as shown) and the second or expansion position (such as) Figure 3The elastic leg 25 is disposed on the expandable portion 23. The elastic leg 25 has a fixed end 27 and a free end 29. The free end 29 is located at the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22. The elastic leg 25 has an outer surface 31 defining the outer surface of the expandable portion 23 and an inner surface 33 defining the opening 30. The inner surface 33 has a cam surface 35 disposed thereon. The cam surface 35 is disposed between the fixed end 27 and the free end 29. A slot or gap 37 is provided between the elastic legs 25. The slot or gap 37 extends from the free end 29 to the vicinity of the fixed end 27. The slot 37 separates or partitions the elastic legs 25 to allow each elastic leg 25 to move independently of the other elastic legs 25.

[0018] A cam tool 41 is disposed in the opening 30 of the chuck mechanism 22. The cam tool 41 has an enlarged portion 43, which has a cam surface 45 disposed thereon. Figure 2 As shown, when the expandable portion 23 is in the first position, the cam surface 45 of the expanded portion 43 is located between the cam surface 35 of the elastic leg 25 and the free end 29 of the elastic leg 25. In the first position, the expandable portion 23 has an outer diameter D1 and an inner diameter D6 of the opening 30.

[0019] When the cam tool 41 moves from the first position to the second position, the cam surface 43 of the expanded portion 45 is initially positioned to engage with the cam surface 35 of the elastic leg 25, causing the free end 29 of the elastic leg 25 to move outward or expand away from the longitudinal axis 24 of the chuck mechanism 22. Continued movement of the cam tool 41 toward the second position causes the outer surface 47 of the expanded portion 45 of the cam tool 41 to engage with the inner surface 33 of the expandable portion 23, causing the free end 29 of the elastic leg 25 to move further outward or expand further away from the longitudinal axis 24 of the chuck mechanism 22 to reach the second position, as... Figure 3 As shown. In the second position, the expandable portion 23 has an outer diameter D3 and an inner diameter D7 of the opening 30.

[0020] like Figure 4 As shown, the wire or cable 10 is located between one or more clamps 12, 14. Figure 4 As shown, a first or front clamp 12 is located near the free end 16 of the cable 10. A second or rear clamp 14 is spaced apart from the first clamp 12. One or more components 18 are positioned near the cable 10. Components 18 may be, but are not limited to, seals, shielding rings, and / or housing portions. Figure 4The component 18 shown is depicted as being located in a loading hopper (not shown). However, component 18 may be presented in other devices or by other methods. The loading area 20 of component 18 is shown as horizontally aligned with the position of cable 10. However, the loading area 20 may be located in other positions, including but not limited to vertical alignment with the position of cable 10. The clamping mechanism 22 is configured to align with the corresponding component 18a located in the loading area 20. Figure 4 In the initial or loaded position shown, the longitudinal axis 24 of the clamping mechanism 22 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 26 of the cable 10. However, other orientations of the clamping mechanism 22 may be used.

[0021] When cable 10 is correctly positioned between clamps 12 and 14, clamps 12 and 14 close around cable 10 to hold the cable in place, such as Figure 5 As shown. Furthermore, the front free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22 moves into the opening 40 of the corresponding component 18a located in the loading area 20. The clamps 12, 14 and the chuck mechanism 22 can be driven by various types of drive devices, including but not limited to cylinders controlled by a programmable controller. During this movement, the chuck mechanism 22 remains in a first position where the outer diameter D1 of the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22 is smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the opening 40 of the component 18a. This allows the front end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22 to move through the opening 40 of the component 18a with little or no restriction.

[0022] like Figure 6 As shown, when the chuck mechanism 22 is correctly positioned in the opening 40 of the component 18a, the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22 elastically deforms, expands, or opens to a second position, as previously described, wherein the outer diameter D3 of the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22 is greater than the inner diameter D2 of the opening 40 of the component 18a. When the chuck mechanism 22 is in the second position, the component 18a is prevented from moving beyond the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22 and is held on the chuck mechanism 22.

[0023] When component 18a is properly held on the chuck mechanism 22, the chuck mechanism 22 and component 18a move from the loading area 20 and move to align with the free end 16 of the cable 10, as shown. Figure 7 As shown. Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the clamping mechanism 22 moves horizontally. However, depending on the relative positions of the cable 10 and the component 18, the clamping mechanism 22 can move in other directions, such as, but not limited to, the vertical direction.

[0024] As the clamping mechanism 22 moves to align with the cable 10, the clamping mechanism 22 remains in the second position. In the second position, the inner diameter D7 of the free end 28 of the clamping mechanism 22 is... Figure 3The diameter of the cable 10 is greater than the outer diameter D4 of the cable 10. This allows the free end 28 of the clamping mechanism 22 to move on the free end 16 of the cable 10.

[0025] When the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22 is correctly positioned on the free end 16 of the cable 10, the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22 returns to the first position. When this occurs, the cam tool 41... Figure 3 The second position shown is moved to Figure 2 The first position is shown. This allows the enlarged portion 45 of the cam tool 41 to be repositioned between the cam surface 35 of the elastic leg 25 and the free end 29 of the elastic leg 25, such that the cam surface 43 of the enlarged portion 45 does not engage with the inner surface 33 of the elastic leg 25 of the expandable portion 23.

[0026] In addition, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the chuck closing device 32 located on the chuck mechanism 22 moves toward the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22 to move the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22 from the second position ( Figure 3 and Figure 7 Move to the first position ( Figure 2 and Figure 8 When this occurs, the component positioning device 38 located near the clamp closing device 32 also moves toward the end 16 of the cable 10. Figure 9 As shown, when the chuck mechanism 22 is in the first position, the chuck closing device 32 has an opening 34 with a diameter D5 approximately equal to the outer diameter D1 of the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22. Therefore, when the chuck closing device 32 moves toward the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22, the opening 34 of the chuck closing device 32 engages the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22, thereby moving back toward the first position or closing the free end 28 of the chuck mechanism 22.

[0027] exist Figure 8 As shown, the free end 28 of the clamping mechanism 22 is positioned to engage with the end 16 of the cable 10 to secure the clamping mechanism 22 to the cable 10. The clamping force applied by the elastic arm 25 of the clamping mechanism 22 is sufficient to hold the clamping mechanism 22 in place. The clamping force is also sufficient to shape the free end 16 of the cable 10 such that if the free end 16 of the cable 10 is not circular or its circumference is deformed, the free end 28 of the clamping mechanism 22 interacts with the free end 16 of the cable 10 such that the free end 16 of the cable 10 conforms to the shape of the inner surface 33 of the elastic leg 25 at the free end 28 of the clamping mechanism 22.

[0028] exist Figure 8As shown, the free end 28 of the clamping mechanism 22 frictionally engages or clamps the free end 16 of the cable 10 to secure the clamping mechanism 22 to the cable 10. As the free end 28 of the clamping mechanism 22 clamps or compresses the free end 16 of the cable 10, a smooth transition is provided between the free end 28 of the clamping mechanism 22 and the cable 10.

[0029] When the clamping mechanism 22 is securely positioned on the cable 10, the first clamp 12 opens, as if... Figure 8 As shown. With the first clamp 12 opening and the clamping mechanism 22 securely positioned on the cable 10, the component positioning device 38 moves toward the free end 28 of the clamping mechanism 22 and the cable 10. (As shown) Figure 8 and 9 As shown, the movement of the component positioning device 38 causes the component positioning device 38 to engage the component 18a and move the component 18a from the chuck mechanism 22 to the programmed position on the cable 10. Because a smooth transition without shoulders or obstructions is provided between the chuck mechanism 22 and the cable 10, the component 18a can move freely from the chuck mechanism 22 to the cable 10 via the smooth transition 36 between the chuck mechanism 22 and the cable 10.

[0030] After component 18a is correctly positioned, component positioning device 38 and clamp closing device 32 retract to their original positions, such as Figure 10 As shown, with the component positioning device 38 and the clamp closing device 32 retracting appropriately, the free end 28 of the clamp mechanism 22 moves back to the second position in the manner described above. As the free end 28 of the clamp mechanism 22 moves to the second position, the free end 28 of the clamp mechanism 22 retracts or is removed from the free end 16 of the cable 10, and the second clamp 14 opens, thereby allowing the removal of the assembled cable 10.

[0031] If the component needs to be plugged into the additional cable, the clamp mechanism 22 returns to its original position. Figure 4 Move the additional cable 10 into place as shown. Then repeat the above process or method as needed.

[0032] The process or method can be performed manually or semi-automatically, with the steps controlled by an operator, or it can be performed fully automatically by a machine with a controller programmed to execute the steps.

[0033] Although the process or method described above uses a single component 18, it can be used to apply multiple components simultaneously. Alternatively, multiple components can be applied sequentially to the cable 10, allowing each component 18 to move independently to its programmed position. This can be accomplished using a single chuck mechanism 22 that retrieves the component 18 from multiple hoppers; or by using multiple chucks, each retrieving the component 18 from a separate hopper.

Claims

1. A method for positioning a component (18) on a cable (10), the method comprising: The chuck mechanism (22) is moved to a position within the component (18), and the chuck mechanism is in a closed position, in which the elastic leg of the chuck mechanism does not expand; Engage the component (18) with the chuck mechanism (22); The cam tool (41) disposed in the opening (30) of the chuck mechanism (22) is moved to move the elastic leg (25) to the expanded position, wherein the outer diameter of the free end (14) of the chuck mechanism (22) is expanded to be greater than the inner diameter of the component (18); The clamping mechanism (22) on which the component (18) is positioned is moved to align with the end of the cable (10); The clamping mechanism (22) is fixed to the end of the cable (10); Move the component (18) from the clamping mechanism (22) to the cable (10); Remove the clamping mechanism (22) from the end of the cable (10).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, As the clamping mechanism (22) moves to align with the cable (10), the clamping mechanism (22) remains in the expanded position, wherein the inner diameter of the free end (14) of the clamping mechanism (22) is greater than the outer diameter of the cable (10).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The clamp closing device (32) moves toward the free end (14) of the clamp mechanism (22) to move the free end (14) of the clamp mechanism (22) toward the closed position, wherein the free end (14) of the clamp mechanism (22) moves to engage with the end of the cable (10) to secure the clamp mechanism (22) to the cable (10).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, As the free end (14) of the clamping mechanism (22) moves to engage with the end of the cable (10) and the clamping mechanism (22) is fixed to the end of the cable (10), the clamping mechanism (22) compresses the free end (14) of the cable (10) so that the end of the cable (10) conforms to the circular shape of the conductor receiving opening of the clamping mechanism (22).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The corresponding components (18) and cables are positioned close to each other in a vertical relationship.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The corresponding components (18) and cables are positioned close to each other in a horizontal relationship.

7. The method according to claim 4, comprising: Engage the additional component with the clamping mechanism (22); The clamping mechanism (22), with the component (18) and additional components positioned thereon, is moved to align with the end of the cable (10); The clamping mechanism (22) is fixed to the end of the cable (10); Move the component (18) and the additional component from the clamping mechanism (22) to the cable (10); Remove the clamping mechanism (22) from the end of the cable (10).

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, A slot (37) is provided between the elastic legs (25) of the clamping mechanism (22). The elastic legs (25) are in a stress-free position when closed and in an elastic stress position when expanded.

9. A method for positioning a component (18) on a cable (10), the method comprising: The chuck mechanism (22) is moved to a position on the component (18), and the chuck mechanism (22) is held in a closed position, in which the outer diameter of the free end (14) of the chuck mechanism (22) is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening of the component (18); Move the chuck mechanism (22) to the expanded position, in which the outer diameter of the free end (14) of the chuck mechanism (22) is greater than the inner diameter of the opening of the component (18), wherein the component (18) is captured by the chuck mechanism (22). The clamping mechanism (22) with the component (18) positioned thereon in the expanded position is moved to align with the end of the cable (10), the cable (10) being located in the cable receiving opening of the clamping mechanism (22), wherein the inner diameter of the cable receiving opening of the free end (14) of the clamping mechanism (22) is greater than the outer diameter of the cable (10). By moving the clamping mechanism (22) toward the closed position, the clamping mechanism (22) is fixed to the end of the cable (10), wherein the free end (14) of the clamping mechanism (22) is moved to engage and compress the end of the cable (10) to fix the clamping mechanism (22) to the cable (10) and make the end of the cable (10) conform to the circular shape of the conductor receiving opening of the clamping mechanism (22); Move the component (18) from the clamping mechanism (22) to the cable (10); Move the clamping mechanism (22) to the expanded position and remove the clamping mechanism (22) from the end of the cable (10).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The clamping mechanism (22) has an elastic leg (25) that moves from a closed position where the elastic leg (25) is not under stress when the clamping mechanism (22) is on the component (18) to an expanded position where the elastic leg (25) is under stress when the clamping mechanism (22) engages the component (18).

11. The method according to claim 10, comprising moving a cam tool (41) disposed within an opening (30) of the chuck mechanism (22) to move the elastic leg (25) to the expanded position, wherein the outer diameter of the free end (14) of the chuck mechanism (22) expands to be greater than the inner diameter of the opening of the component (18).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The clamp closing device (32) moves toward the free end (14) of the clamp mechanism (22) to move the free end (14) of the clamp mechanism (22) toward the closed position, wherein the free end (14) of the clamp mechanism (22) moves to engage with the end of the cable (10) to secure the clamp mechanism (22) to the cable (10).

13. The method of claim 9, comprising: Engage the additional component with the clamping mechanism (22); The clamping mechanism (22), with the component (18) and additional components positioned thereon, is moved to align with the end of the cable (10); The clamping mechanism (22) is fixed to the end of the cable (10); Move the component (18) and the additional component from the clamping mechanism (22) to the cable (10); Remove the clamping mechanism (22) from the end of the cable (10).

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The clamping mechanism (22) has elastic legs (25), and a slot (37) is provided between the elastic legs (25). The elastic legs (25) are in a stress-free position when closed and in an elastic stress position when expanded.

15. A chuck mechanism (22) for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, said chuck mechanism (22) comprising: The expandable portion (23) has: an opening (30) extending along the longitudinal axis (24) of the chuck mechanism (22); elastic legs (25) provided on the expandable portion (23), the elastic legs (25) having a fixed end (27) and a free end; and slots (37) provided between the elastic legs (25), the slots (37) separating the elastic legs (25) to allow each elastic leg (25) to move independently of the other elastic legs (25); The expandable portion (23) is movable between a closed position and an expanded position, wherein the elastic leg (25) has a first outer diameter in the closed position and a second outer diameter in the expanded position, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter.

16. The chuck mechanism (22) according to claim 15, wherein, The elastic leg (25) has an inner surface (33) defining an opening (30), and the inner surface (33) has a first cam surface disposed thereon, which is disposed between the fixed end (27) and the free end of the elastic leg (25).

17. The chuck mechanism (22) according to claim 16, wherein, A cam tool (41) is disposed in the opening (30) of the chuck mechanism (22). The cam tool (41) is movable between a first position and a second position. The cam tool (41) has an enlarged portion (43) having a second cam surface (45). When the cam tool (41) is in the first position, the second cam surface (45) is located between the first cam surface (35) of the elastic leg (25) and the free end (29) of the elastic leg (25). When the cam tool (41) moves from the first position to the second position, the second cam surface... The surface (45) is initially positioned to engage with the first cam surface (35), causing the free end (29) of the elastic leg (25) to move outward or expand away from the longitudinal axis (24) of the chuck mechanism (22). The continued movement of the cam tool (41) toward the second position causes the outer surface (47) of the expanded portion (43) of the cam tool (41) to engage with the inner surface (33) of the expandable portion (23), causing the free end (29) of the elastic leg (25) to move further outward or expand further away from the longitudinal axis (24) of the chuck mechanism (22) to reach the second position.

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