cutter

Abstract

The invention relates to a cutter (10) having a first and a second side (11, 12); a contact carrier tape guide (18) which extends along the first side (11); a conductor wire guide (13) in which a conductor wire (20) is arranged, which has at least a first sub-region (21) and a second sub-region (22); a stop (14) which is aligned transversely to the conductor wire guide (13) and which has at least one opening 16, wherein the first sub-region (21) of the conductor wire (20) can extend through the opening (16) and the second sub-region (22) of the conductor wire (20) can lie against the stop (14), and the stop (14) forms a sub-region of the first side (11). The invention also relates to a crimping tool (100) for crimping a contact (30) to the conductor wire (20) at the contact carrier tape (34), which has at least the cutter (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutter for separating a contact portion from a contact carrier belt, and a crimping tool having a cutter. Background Technology

[0002] In cable assembly, the contact portion is crimped onto the conductor to create a connected conductor. In particular, in the prior art, when crimping by hand, the leading edge of the stripped core of the conductor is stopped at the crimping tool using a scraper or wire stopper to position the conductor for crimping.

[0003] Publication DE 10 2008 058 168 A1 describes an apparatus for crimping or stripping at least one core of a multi-core cable. The apparatus for crimping the core can have a so-called cutter for separating individual crimp contacts from the carrier tape. The cutter has an opening in which the core of the cable can be inserted in the y-direction. Furthermore, the cutter includes a first wedge-shaped guide element and a second wedge-shaped guide element, wherein the two guide elements are arranged or oriented orthogonally to each other. When the apparatus is in operation, the cable with its sheath stripped at the end (the core of the cable having been stripped at its end) is inserted into the opening of the cutter in a direction opposite to the y-direction. Here, it can be said that the stripped end of the core is guided into four quadrants by the guide elements. In particular, the guide elements simultaneously act as axial stops for the cable.

[0004] As cable assembly technology continues to advance, the required manufacturing tolerances for component dimensions are constantly decreasing. Consequently, as mentioned above, axial positioning in existing technologies is often too inaccurate during processing. In particular, the axial position of the contact portion that is crimped onto the core wire or conductor varies excessively. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that achieves significantly higher precision during crimping.

[0006] The above objective is achieved by the cutter and crimping tool according to the present invention.

[0007] Specifically, the above objective is achieved by a cutter for separating the contact portion from the contact carrier strip, the cutter having: a first side and a second side; a contact carrier strip guide extending along the first side and into which the contact carrier strip can be guided, wherein the first side can form a separation surface between the contact portion and the contact carrier strip; a wire guide in which a wire can be arranged, the wire having at least one first sub-region and a second sub-region, wherein the wire guide extends between the first side and the second side; and a stop portion aligned transversely to the wire guide portion and having at least one opening, wherein the first sub-region of the wire can extend through the opening and the second sub-region of the wire can abut against the stop portion, and the stop portion forms a sub-region on the first side, such that the plane between the first and second sub-regions of the wire can lie within the separation surface between the contact portion and the contact carrier strip.

[0008] The cutter is suitable for separating the contact portion from the contact carrier strip (where the contact portion is provided), thereby crimping only the separated contact portion to the wire. The continuous miniaturization of components requires precise positioning of the wire, particularly the first sub-region of the wire, within the crimping area with the contact portion. To achieve precise positioning, a stop for the second sub-region of the wire is integrated into the cutter. Here, the stop is arranged at the cutter such that the second sub-region of the wire can abut against the stop, and the plane between the first and second sub-regions of the wire can lie within the separation surface between the contact portion and the contact carrier strip. This arrangement has the advantage that wire fixation occurs directly at the separation surface between the contact portion and the contact carrier strip, achieving the highest possible precision.

[0009] Furthermore, the cutter features a compact, space-saving construction. In particular, the stop provides the largest possible stop surface for the second sub-region of the wire. This large stop surface enables and supports stable positioning. The first sub-region of the wire is also precisely aligned via an opening that allows passage through it. Therefore, reliable and consistent alignment of the first sub-region of the wire in the crimping area is ensured. Overall, this improves accuracy during crimping.

[0010] Finally, by placing the second sub-region at the stop, the first sub-region is ensured to protrude as far as possible through the opening. In particular, the first sub-region protrudes through the opening in the crimping region, so that the first sub-region occupies essentially the largest possible proportion of the crimping region. The large proportion of the first sub-region of the wires in the crimping region achieves reliable crimping.

[0011] During operation, workers can better see and thus better locate the second sub-region of the conductor. In particular, workers receive visual and tactile feedback regarding the correct location of the second sub-region of the conductor at the stop.

[0012] Preferably, the first sub-region includes the stripped core wire and / or the second sub-region includes an insulation layer, particularly exposed dielectric. The stripped core wire provides mechanical and electrical connection between the conductor and the contact when crimped to the contact. Preferably, the dielectric comprises a plastic material that is able to maintain its shape or react with elastic deformation under moderate mechanical force (such as when placed at a stop). The dielectric is preferably shock resistant. The dielectric is suitable as a stable mounting point for the conductor.

[0013] Preferably, the spacing between the opening and the contact carrier tape guide corresponds to the height of the crimping tab of the contact portion. Preferably, the spacing between the closest adjacent point of the opening and the contact carrier tape guide is determined. This spacing can also be smaller than the height of the crimping tab of the contact portion. Through this small spacing between the opening and the contact carrier tape guide, the first sub-region of the wire can be arranged at least partially in the third direction between the crimping tabs. This arrangement improves accuracy when aligning the wire at the contact portion and subsequently during crimping.

[0014] Preferably, the opening is configured as a recess in the stop portion. The recess allows a first sub-region of the conductor or core wire to be introduced into the opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the conductor. This simplifies the introduction and positioning of the conductor in the cutter.

[0015] Preferably, the recess has an introduction region and a bottom region, wherein the introduction region tapers in the direction of the bottom region. The introduction region is used to introduce a first sub-region of the conductor or core into the recess and is preferably constructed to be wider than the bottom region. The tapering shape of the introduction region simplifies the introduction of the first sub-region of the conductor or core into the recess. The bottom region is used to secure the first sub-region of the conductor or core within the recess.

[0016] Preferably, the wire guide has at least one tapering portion along its longitudinal direction. The tapering portion visually and tactilely divides the wire guide into different sections. The shape of the wire guide simplifies the correct alignment of the wire within it.

[0017] Preferably, the cutter also includes a wire centering device for centering the wire along its longitudinal direction. The wire centering device simplifies the worker's quick and reliable alignment of the wire along its longitudinal direction. In particular, the wire centering device offers advantages during operation for inexperienced workers.

[0018] Preferably, the wire alignment device has a wire guide portion in which a wire can be arranged, wherein the length of the wire guide portion in the longitudinal direction of the wire is greater than the width of the wire guide portion. This width extends laterally to, and particularly perpendicularly to, the longitudinal direction along a second direction. Because the length of the wire guide portion is significantly greater than its width, reliable alignment can be ensured even when the wire has low rigidity.

[0019] Preferably, the wire guide has rounded edges, at least in the wire introduction region. The introduction region is used to guide the wire into the wire centerer. The rounded edges simplify wire introduction. Additionally, damage to the wire, such as damage that could be caused by sharp edges, is avoided.

[0020] The aforementioned objective is further achieved specifically by a crimping tool for crimping the contact portion to the wire, wherein the contact portion is provided at the contact carrier strip, and the crimping tool has at least a cutter. This cutter is capable of matching the external dimensions of existing cutters. Therefore, existing crimping tools can be fitted with the described cutter without problems. The cutter improves accuracy during crimping by having a stop at the separation surface between the contact portion and the contact carrier strip. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The following embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. They are shown here:

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the cutter is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 Another perspective view of an embodiment with a cutter for inserting wires is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cutter is shown;

[0025] Figure 4 A partial perspective view of an embodiment of the crimping tool is shown; and

[0026] Figure 5 Another perspective view of an embodiment of the crimping tool is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments are described with reference to the above-described figures.

[0028] Figure 1 An embodiment of the cutter 10 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutter 10 is a rectangular component and has a first side and a second side 11, 12. The second side 12 is preferably arranged relative to the first side 11 (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0029] The first side 11 has a contact carrier belt guide portion 18 (see...) Figure 2 The contact carrier guide portion 18 is preferably constructed as a groove portion along the first side 11 in the first direction X. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the contact carrier tape guide 18 extends along its short side in the second direction Y. The depth of the contact carrier tape guide 18 is configured such that the contact carrier tape 34 can be inserted into the contact carrier tape guide 18 with its entire width. A separation surface T can be formed on the first side between the contact carrier tape 34 and the contact portion 30, which can be fastened to the contact carrier tape 34.

[0030] The first side 11 also has a stop portion 14. The stop portion 14 is a sub-region of the first side 11. The stop portion 14 has a defined thickness. The thickness of the stop portion 14 allows adjustment of the spacing between the dielectric 22 and the inner contact portion 30. In particular, a visible spacing is ideally present between the sub-region 22 and the crimping region 32. The material strength or thickness of the stop portion 14 is preferably matched to the defined spacing between the sub-region 22 and the crimping region 32 in the crimped state. The stop portion 14 has at least one opening 16. The width of the opening 16 is selected such that only the first sub-region 21 of the conductor 20 can extend through the opening 16. Here, the first sub-region 21 of the conductor 20 can extend through the opening 16 until the second sub-region 22 of the conductor 20 abuts against the stop portion 14. Preferably, the opening 16 is formed as a recess. In particular, the opening 16 has an entry region 16a and a bottom region 16b. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet region 16a is inclined at an edge in the direction of the bottom region 16b (see [reference]). Figure 2 The tapered shape simplifies the introduction of the wire 20, particularly the first sub-region 21. The bottom region 16b is preferably configured such that it closes flush with the first sub-region 21 of the wire 20 on the side or around the wire 20. This flush closure allows for precise fixation of the wire 20.

[0031] The wire guide 13 is an opening extending between the first side 11 and the second side 12. Specifically, the wire guide 13 is formed as a recess or opening. Preferably, the wire guide 13 extends transversely to the contact carrier guide 18 between the first and second sides 11, 12. In this configuration, it is possible to insert the wire 20 into the wire guide 13 along the first direction X, i.e., its longitudinal direction, or also from a third direction Z. Alternatively, a combination of both movements is feasible. Preferably, the wire guide 13 has at least one tapering portion 17 along its longitudinal direction X. Figures 1 to 3In the illustrated embodiment, the tapered portion 17 is formed by a protrusion. In alternative embodiments, the tapered portion 17 may be formed by multiple protrusions, stepped portions, or continuous transitions, or may not exist at all. The tapered portion 17 can be helpful in arranging the conductor 20 by, for example, placing the third sub-region 23 of the conductor 20 (which, for example, includes the conductor 20 with a reverse braided shield) in the widest portion of the conductor guide 13, while placing the second sub-region 22 of the conductor 20 in the narrower portion, and the two portions are well distinguishable visually and tactilely.

[0032] Conductor 20 is preferably a single-core conductor. In this case, the segmentation region of multiple cores cannot be used as the stopping point of conductor 20. The core 21 of conductor 20 is surrounded by insulation layer 22. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating layer 22 is an exposed dielectric. The braided shielding layer 23 of the conductor 20 (such as...) Figure 3 (As shown) can be flipped over the conductor 20 (see the third sub-region 23 of the conductor 20). In an alternative embodiment, the braided shielding layer 23 or one or more layers placed on the insulation layer 22 can also extend through the second sub-region 22 of the conductor, i.e., the layer can extend to the stop 14 at the final position of the conductor 20 in the conductor guide 13.

[0033] When placing the wire 20 into the wire guide 13 of the cutter 10, the wire 20 is preferably inserted into the wire guide 13 from the XZ direction and finally pushed to the stop in the first direction X until the second sub-region 22 of the wire 20 abuts against the stop 14. In the final position, the first side 11 preferably forms a plane, particularly a boundary surface, between the first sub-region 21 and the second sub-region 22 of the wire 20. In practice, due to the limited width of the stop 14, the plane between the first sub-region 21 and the second sub-region 22 of the wire 20 and the separation surface T between the crimping tab 32 and the contact bearing strip 34 can be arranged adjacent to or abutting each other.

[0034] Figure 4 An embodiment of a crimping tool 100 for crimping a contact portion 30 is shown, or particularly a crimping tab 32 at the wire 20, the contact portion being provided at a contact carrier strip 34. During operation, the contact carrier strip 34 moves forward in a second direction Y via a feed portion 102 at the crimping tool 100. Here, the feed portion 102 engages specifically with a guide hole 36 at the contact carrier strip 34 and pushes the contact carrier strip 34 forward (see section [link to documentation]). Figure 5 The contact portions 30, which are spaced apart from each other at the contact carrier belt 34, are sequentially conveyed to the crimping area of ​​the crimping tool 100.

[0035] Before actual crimping, the contact portion 30 to be crimped must be separated from the contact carrier strip 34. To this end, the contact portion 30 and the contact carrier strip 34 move forward in the second direction Y within the contact carrier strip guide 18 until the contact portion 30 is aligned with the opening 16 in the third direction Z. Two crimping tabs 32 of the contact portion 30 on the side of the opening 16 are positioned in this position. When the wire 20 is subsequently placed into the wire guide 13 of the cutter 10, the first sub-region 21 of the wire 20 lies between the crimping tabs 32 in the second direction Y, and at least partially in the third direction Z. The short gap D between the opening 16 and the contact portion 30 improves the accuracy when placing the wire 20 into the contact portion 30, and consequently also improves the accuracy during subsequent crimping. The application of the stopper 108 in the prior art is outdated.

[0036] To simplify the alignment of the wires 20 in the wire guide 13 of the cutter 10, a wire centering device 40 is provided at the cutter 10 in the illustrated embodiment. The wire centering device 40 specifically has a wire guide 43 that is aligned with the wire guide 13 of the cutter 10 along a first direction X. The wire centering device 40 is optional and can be mounted at the crimping tool 100 or the cutter support as needed. The wire centering device 40 has a particularly hard and flat surface, allowing the wire 20 to be quickly crimped into the wire guide 43 and then removed. The length of the wire guide 43 in the first direction X can be matched to the rigidity of the applied wire 20. The greater the rigidity of the wire 20, the shorter the wire guide 43 can be formed.

[0037] The first sub-region 21 of the conductor 20, i.e., the stripped core wire 21 in the illustrated embodiment, is completely located in the crimping region along the first direction X, i.e., between the crimp tabs 32. The length of the first sub-region 21 of the conductor 20, i.e. how far the core wire 21 is stripped from the end of the conductor, determines how far the conductor 20 can protrude or be crimped in the crimping region.

[0038] To separate the contact portion 30 from the contact carrier strip 34, the manipulator 106 applies force to the support surface 19 at the cutter 10 and moves the cutter 10 in the third direction Z, such that the contact portion 30 is separated from the contact carrier strip 34 via the cutting edge (not shown). Subsequently, the contact portion 30 of the crimper 104 is crimped to the wire 20 or the core wire 21 of the wire 20 via its crimping tab 32. After the crimping is completed, the manipulator 106 and the crimper 104 travel relative to each other back to their starting positions and the crimped wire 20 can be removed.

[0039] List of reference numerals

[0040] 10 Cutter

[0041] 11 First side

[0042] 12 Second side

[0043] 13. Conductor guide section

[0044] 14 Stop section

[0045] 16 Openings

[0046] 16a Import Region

[0047] 16b Bottom area

[0048] 17. Tapered section

[0049] 18 Contact carrier with guide section

[0050] 19 Support Surface

[0051] 20 wires

[0052] 21 First Sub-region (Core Wire)

[0053] 22 Second Subregion (Dielectric)

[0054] 23 Third Sub-region (Shielding Section)

[0055] 30 Contact Department

[0056] 32 Crimping Plate

[0057] 34 Contact carrier belt

[0058] 36 guide holes

[0059] 40 Wire Alignment Device

[0060] 43. Conductor guide

[0061] 100 crimping tool

[0062] 102 Feed Section

[0063] 104 crimper

[0064] 106 Manipulator

[0065] 108 stopper

[0066] D Spacing

[0067] X (First direction, longitudinal direction)

[0068] Y (Second Direction, Lateral Direction)

[0069] Z is the third direction.

Claims

1. A cutter (10) for separating a contact portion (30) from a contact carrier belt (34), the cutter having: a) First side (11) and second side (12); b) A contact carrier tape guide (18) extending along the first side (11) and into which a contact carrier tape (34) can be guided, wherein, The first side (11) can form a separation surface (T) between the contact portion (30) and the contact carrier belt (34); c) A wire guide (13) in which a wire (20) can be arranged, the wire having at least one first sub-region (21) and a second sub-region (22), wherein the wire guide (13) extends between the first side (11) and the second side (12); d) A stop portion (14) oriented transversely to the conductor guide portion (13) and having at least one opening (16) through which the first sub-region (21) of the conductor (20) can extend and the second sub-region (22) of the conductor (20) can abut against the stop portion (14); and e) The stop portion (14) forms a sub-region of the first side (11) such that the plane between the first sub-region (21) and the second sub-region (22) of the conductor (20) can be located in the separation surface (T) between the contact portion (30) and the contact carrier strip (34).

2. The cutter according to claim 1, wherein, The first sub-region (21) includes stripped core wires, and / or the second sub-region (22) includes an insulation layer.

3. The cutter according to claim 2, wherein, The insulating layer is an exposed dielectric.

4. The cutter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The distance (D) between the opening (16) and the contact carrier guide (18) can correspond to the height of the pressing piece (32) of the contact portion (30).

5. The cutter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The opening (16) is constructed as a recess in the stop portion (14).

6. The cutter according to claim 5, wherein, The recess has an inlet region (16a) and a bottom region (16b), wherein the inlet region (16a) tapers toward the bottom region (16b).

7. The cutter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The wire guide (13) has at least one tapering portion (17) along the longitudinal direction (X) of the wire guide.

8. The cutter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the cutter further comprising a wire centering device (40) for centering the wire (20) along the longitudinal direction (X) of the wire.

9. The cutter according to claim 8, wherein, The wire alignment device (40) has a wire guide (43) in which the wire (20) can be arranged, wherein the wire guide (43) is longer than the width of the wire guide (43) in the longitudinal direction (X) of the wire (20).

10. The cutter according to claim 9, wherein, The wire guide portion has a rounded edge at least in the lead-in region of the wire (20).

11. A crimping tool (100) for crimping a contact (30) to a wire (20), the contact being provided at a contact carrier strip (34), the crimping tool having at least a cutter (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images