Crimping tool and method for crimping crimping sleeve

Abstract

The invention relates to a crimping tool (1), in particular for a crimping applicator or a crimping machine, for crimping a crimping sleeve, in particular for an electrical crimping terminal, comprising a plurality of sub-tools (10) which can be moved relative to one another, each sub-tool (10) has an overall mechanically effective sub-crimping surface (110) for the sub-tool (10) for partially crimping the crimping sleeve (50), and at least one sub-tool (10), in particular exactly or at least two sub-tools (10), has a local measuring position insertion device (130) in the associated overall sub-crimping surface (110), by means of the local measuring position insertion device (130), the measuring position (530) can be incorporated into the crimping sleeve (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a crimping tool, in particular a crimping tool for a crimping applicator or crimping machine, and to an assembled cable. The invention also relates to a method for crimping a crimping sleeve and a method for measuring crimping dimensions for quality assurance. Furthermore, the invention relates to a crimping applicator or crimping machine. Background Art

[0002] In the electrical field (electronics, electrical engineering, electricity, power engineering, etc.), a large number of electrical connection devices, connection equipment, sockets, tabs, pins, pins and / or hybrid connectors, etc. are known, which are used to transmit currents, voltages, signals and / or data with a wide range of currents, voltages, frequencies and / or data rates. In the low, medium or high voltage and / or current range, in particular in the automotive field (low or high voltage range), such connectors must ensure short-term and / or permanent trouble-free transmission of power, signals and / or data in warm, possibly hot, polluted, damp, wet and / or chemically aggressive environments. Due to the wide range of applications, a large number of specially designed connectors are known.

[0003] The electrical terminals of such connectors are usually configured as so-called crimp terminals, wherein the relevant crimp terminals are crimped to a cable, such as a stranded cable or the wires of a cable, etc. Crimping is a joining process, wherein, for example, the crimp terminal and the cable are firmly connected to each other by plastic deformation of the crimp sleeve (crimping part) of the crimp terminal, which can be achieved, for example, by squeezing, flanging, twisting and / or folding. Such a connection is difficult to release and ensures a high level of electrical safety and mechanical stability.

[0004] In industry, crimped connections are usually produced using crimping machines (automatic crimping machines, fully automatic crimping machines, automatic cable assembly machines, etc.), which can be used to process crimped terminals, for example in the form of strip items, to ensure high productivity and high quality. The crimping machine naturally includes, among other devices, a crimping tool, such as a crimp applicator of the crimping machine, for producing a crimped connection between a cable and a crimp sleeve of the crimping terminal.

[0005] In order to be able to ensure a consistently high quality using a crimping tool, it is necessary to measure the crimping diameter of the crimping sleeves arranged using the crimping tool. This can be performed, for example, for all relevant crimping sleeves produced (in particular conductor crimping sleeves, to a certain extent insulation crimping sleeves); only for certain selected crimping sleeves (for example, every 10th, 50th, 100th) or for randomly selected crimping sleeves. Such a crimping tool has, for example, at least one crimping punch and at least one crimping anvil as subtools, in particular preferably an even number of identical pressing segments, etc., for segmented radial crimping (SRC). Summary of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the invention to ensure and preferably improve the quality of installed crimped connections, in particular of installed conductor crimped connections. On the one hand, it should be possible to quickly and easily measure the crimp diameter of the crimped connections, and on the other hand, it should also be possible to arrange them relative to each other at least within a batch so that the crimp diameter of a first installed crimp sleeve can be compared as closely as possible with the crimp diameter of any second crimp sleeve of the batch.

[0007] The problem of the present invention is solved by the following: a crimping tool, which is particularly used in a crimping applicator or a crimping machine for crimping a crimping sleeve, particularly a crimping sleeve of an electrical crimping terminal; by an assembled cable, particularly an assembled cable for the automotive field; by means of a method for crimping a crimping sleeve of an electrical crimping terminal onto an electrical conductor of a cable; by a method for measuring crimping dimensions, particularly crimping diameters, for quality assurance; and by means of a crimping applicator or a crimping machine for establishing at least one crimping connection between an electrical crimping terminal and an electrical conductor; according to the independent claims.

[0008] The features of this description apply to various objects, wherein in particular the positive / negative part on / in the crimping tool (sub-tool) is interchangeable with the negative / positive part in / on the crimping sleeve. Advantageous developments, additional features and / or advantages of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0009] The crimping tool according to the invention comprises a plurality of sub-tools which are movable relative to one another, wherein each sub-tool has a global, mechanically effective sub-crimping surface for the sub-tool for partially crimping a sleeve, and wherein at least one sub-tool, in particular exactly or at least two sub-tools, has a local measuring position insertion device within the associated global sub-crimping surface, by means of which the measuring position can be incorporated into the crimping sleeve.

[0010] The crimping tool can be configured as an automatic or manual crimping tool. In the first case, the crimping machine including the crimping tool can be configured as an automatic crimping machine, a fully automatic crimping machine, an automatic cable assembly machine, etc. - The crimping sleeve can generally be a part of a device or apparatus to be crimped, in particular a part of an electrical crimping terminal (i.e. a terminal that can be crimped to a cable). Of course, the crimping sleeve can also be configured as an insulating crimping sleeve. In its non-crimped state, the crimping sleeve can be configured as a crimping sleeve that is closed or open at its periphery. A term equivalent to the term "crimping sleeve" is, for example, a "crimping part".

[0011] The crimping tool can have at least two sub-tools for a single crimping connection, in particular a crimping anvil and at least one crimping punch. In particular, the crimping tool can be configured at least partially as a die crimping tool. - Furthermore, the crimping tool for a single crimping connection can have a plurality of sub-tools, in particular an even number of sub-tools, which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the crimping tool. In this case, the sub-tools can be arranged completely in the circumferential direction, except for the gaps between the sub-tools which must be provided between the sub-tools.

[0012] The crimping tool can be configured as a segmented radial crimping tool with a plurality of sub-tools, in particular an even number of sub-tools. In this case, all sub-tools or all sub-tools minus a single sub-tool are arranged to move back and forth in the crimping tool in the radial direction of their respective crimping tools (star arrangement). The crimping tool can be formed, for example, as an SRC crimping tool (SRC: segmented radial crimping).

[0013] The relevant sub-crimping surface can be formed as a surface portion of a preferably single curved or straight plane within its overall extension. In addition, the sub-crimping surface in question can be formed as a lateral portion of a rotating body, in particular as a preferably straight portion of a lateral surface of a cylinder. In addition, the sub-crimping surface in question can be formed as a substantially smooth sub-crimping surface.

[0014] By means of the measuring position insertion device, the measuring position can be arranged on the outside of the crimping sleeve in the circumferential direction of the crimping sleeve and / or in the axial direction of the crimping sleeve. The measuring position insertion device can be arranged as a negative part or a positive part in / on the overall sub-crimping surface. In addition, at least two sub-tools positioned directly opposite each other in the radial direction of the crimping tool can each have a measuring position insertion device. Preferably, the at least two measuring position insertion devices are located at substantially the same position in the axial direction of the crimping tool.

[0015] The measuring position insertion device can be arranged on / in the relevant sub-tool so that the measuring position that can be incorporated into the crimping sleeve is thus formed as a substantially planar (part of a straight plane) measuring surface or a substantially convex measuring position on the outside of the crimping sleeve. Of course, two planar measuring surfaces or two convex measuring positions can preferably be introduced in the radial direction into the circumferential region of the crimping sleeve directly opposite each other in the radial direction, wherein in each case more than two measuring positions, for example four measuring positions, can also be introduced. For this purpose, the crimping tool has a corresponding number of measuring position insertion devices in / on the sub-tool directly opposite each other in the radial direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the measuring position insertion device can be arranged on / in the associated subtool such that the measuring position provided in the crimping sleeve can be incorporated between two crimping ribs which can occur directly adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the crimping sleeve. Additionally or alternatively, the measuring position which can be provided in the crimping sleeve can be incorporated into the crimping sleeve at a predetermined position in the axial direction and / or at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction.

[0017] The measuring position insertion device can be arranged as a groove extending in the circumferential direction, which has a preferably straight or tangential groove base in the relevant sub-tool. The groove can extend out of the relevant sub-tool on one or both sides in the circumferential direction and / or can be limited by the sub-tool. In this case, the measuring position insertion device is naturally arranged as a negative part in the relevant sub-tool. In addition, the measuring position insertion device can be arranged as a convex protrusion in the relevant sub-tool, preferably centered in the circumferential direction. In this case, the measuring position insertion device is naturally arranged as a positive part in the relevant sub-tool. In addition, the measuring position insertion device can be arranged substantially in the axial center on / in the relevant sub-tool.

[0018] The measuring position is integrally formed in the crimping sleeve by means of the measuring position insert. Furthermore, the measuring position can be formed by means of the measuring position insert from the material of the crimping sleeve. The crimping tool can be formed in such a way that the crimping method according to the invention is carried out by means of the crimping tool or can be carried out by the crimping tool.

[0019] The assembled cable according to the present invention comprises an electric wire and an electrical crimping terminal, wherein the crimping terminal has a crimping sleeve, by means of which the crimping terminal is crimped onto the wire, in particular the electrical conductor of the wire, and the crimping sleeve has at least one local measuring position, in particular exactly or at least two local measuring positions, for determining the crimping size of the crimping sleeve, in particular the crimping diameter.

[0020] The crimping sleeve may have at least two measuring positions diametrically opposite to each other in the radial direction of the crimping sleeve. The at least two measuring positions may each be located substantially at the axial center of the crimping sleeve. And the relevant measuring position may be incorporated into the crimping sleeve as a positive part or a negative part. The measuring position may be located between two axial parts of the pressing part of the crimping sleeve.

[0021] The single measuring position can be arranged as a substantially flat or convex measuring surface on the outside of the crimping sleeve. Furthermore, the single measuring position can be arranged between two directly adjacent crimping ribs in the circumferential direction of the crimping sleeve. Furthermore, the single measuring position can be arranged at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the crimping sleeve and / or at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the crimping sleeve.

[0022] A single measuring position can be incorporated into the crimping sleeve as a web extending in the circumferential direction of the crimping sleeve, which preferably has a straight or tangential extension. In this case, the measuring position is naturally incorporated into the crimping sleeve as a positive part. The measuring surface of the web can be limited in the circumferential direction by two directly adjacent crimping ribs, or can essentially completely bridge them. In the first case, the crimping ribs are still clearly identifiable in the area of ​​the web, while in the second case, the crimping ribs are no longer identifiable as ribs in the area of ​​the web and the web essentially completely fills the circumferential space between the crimping ribs. - The single measuring position can be arranged as a substantially convex measuring position on the outside of the crimping sleeve. - Furthermore, the crimping sleeve can be crimped onto the conductor using the crimping method according to the invention.

[0023] In the crimping method according to the present invention, a crimping sleeve extending in an axial direction is crimped onto a conductor by means of a crimping tool, in particular a crimping applicator or a crimping machine, wherein, during the crimping of the crimping sleeve onto the conductor, a pressing part is incorporated into the crimping sleeve by at least one sub-tool, in particular exactly or at least two sub-tools of the crimping tool, wherein a local measuring position is formed into the crimping sleeve in the pressing part.

[0024] The measuring position can be formed into the crimping sleeve by the positive / negative part of the sub-tool and / or by plastic forming of the material of the crimping sleeve. In particular, the positive part is a material protrusion on the overall sub-crimping surface of the sub-tool, and in particular, the negative part is a material recess in the overall sub-crimping surface of the sub-tool. The positive / negative part within the overall sub-crimping surface of the sub-tool can be formed as a local measuring position insertion device, by means of which the measuring position is formed in the crimping sleeve. The measuring position insertion device can be formed as described above.

[0025] With respect to the radial direction of the crimping sleeve, two measuring positions can be formed in the crimping sleeve in a circumferential region of the crimping sleeve that is diametrically opposed, wherein the measuring positions in question are preferably formed as planar or convex measuring surfaces. Here, a planar measuring surface can be introduced as a web (see above) in the pressing portion of the crimping sleeve, wherein such a web preferably extends tangentially straight and preferably in the circumferential direction of the crimping sleeve. The convex measuring surface (see above) can be incorporated into the crimping sleeve as a substantially convex measuring position. Of course, both the web and the measuring position can be accessed from the outside of the crimping sleeve.

[0026] When the crimping sleeve is arranged, the axial crimping ribs can be arranged in the crimping sleeve between every two axial pressing portions of the crimping sleeve. In addition, when the crimping sleeve is arranged, a single measuring position can be arranged between two directly adjacent crimping ribs in the circumferential direction of the crimping sleeve. Preferably, this is the only measuring position between directly adjacent crimping ribs. In addition, the measuring position can be arranged in the pressing portion so that the pressing portion is divided into two axial portions of approximately equal length. This means, for example, that the measuring position of the web or convex shape (i.e., the measuring position) is arranged in the center of the pressing portion.

[0027] When the crimping sleeve is crimped onto the conductor, the pressing portion between the two crimping ribs can have a smooth design. This naturally also applies to the measuring position. The method can be configured as a method for assembling a cable, wherein the assembled cable can be arranged as a cable assembled according to the present invention. Here, of course, the crimping sleeve of the electrical crimping terminal is then crimped onto the electrical conductor of the cable according to the assembly method of the present invention. The method for crimping the crimping sleeve can be followed in time by the method for measuring the crimping dimensions according to the present invention. In this case, the measuring method can essentially follow the crimping method directly, or it can also have a possibly large time delay and / or position change.

[0028] In the measuring method according to the present invention, the measuring finger of the measuring device is placed on the outer side of the pressing part of the crimping sleeve on the crimping sleeve crimped to the electrical conductor, and the crimping size is measured, the measuring finger is placed on a local measuring position in the pressing part, and the measuring position is formed as a plane or convex measuring surface on the outer side of the crimping sleeve. Preferably, two measuring fingers are placed on such a local measuring position, wherein the measuring positions are formed on both sides opposite to each other in the radial direction on the outer side of the crimping sleeve. In addition, the measuring position, the crimping sleeve, or the crimping sleeve of the assembled cable can be configured as described above.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below based on exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings, which are not drawn to scale. Segments, elements, components, units, parts and / or patterns with the same, unique or similar configuration and / or function are identified by the same reference numerals in the description of the drawings (see below), the list of reference numerals, the patent claims and the illustrations (figures) of the drawings. Possible alternatives that are not explained in the description of the invention (see above), not shown in the drawings and / or are not limiting, static and / or dynamic inversions, combinations, etc. with respect to the exemplary embodiments of the invention or its parts, patterns, units, components, elements or segments can be further collected from the list of reference numerals and / or the description of the drawings.

[0030] In the case of the present invention, a feature (part, element, component, unit, part, function, variable, etc.) can be positively configured, i.e., present, or negatively configured, i.e., absent. In the present application documents (description (description of the invention (see above), description of the drawings (see below)), list of figure references, patent claims, drawings), if a negative feature is not present according to the present invention, then the negative feature is not explicitly interpreted as a feature. That is, the present invention, which is actually made rather than constructed by the prior art, includes omitting the feature.

[0031] The features of the present description may be used not only in the specified manner and / or approach, but also in another manner and / or approach (isolation, combination, replacement, addition, alone, omission, etc.). In particular, in the description, list of reference numerals, patent claims and / or drawings, features in the patent claims and / or description may be replaced, added or omitted based on the reference numerals and the features assigned to them, and vice versa. Furthermore, features in the patent claims may be explained and / or specified in more detail as a result.

[0032] The described features may also be interpreted as optional features (in view of the (initially largely unknown) prior art); that is, each feature may be considered as an optional, arbitrary or preferred feature, that is, not a mandatory feature. Thus, a separation of features from the exemplary embodiment, possibly including its periphery, is possible, so that said features can be transferred to the generalized inventive concept. The absence of a feature in an exemplary embodiment (negative feature) indicates that this feature is optional with respect to the present invention as the case may be (for a person skilled in the art). In addition, in the case of a type term for a feature, a generic term for this feature (possibly further hierarchical decomposition into subclasses, etc.) may also be understood implicitly, so that features may be generalized, for example with regard to equivalent effects and / or equivalence. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In the purely exemplary and schematic figures of the accompanying drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 and Figure 2 In side perspective ( Figure 1 ) and end cross-section ( Figure 2 ) shows the prior art, which shows a crimping sleeve of a crimping terminal crimped onto a conductor,

[0035] Figure 3 and Figure 4 In axial perspective ( Figure 3 ) and side perspective ( Figure 4 ) shows an embodiment of the present invention, which shows a sub-tool of a separate crimping tool ( Figure 3 ) and when crimping the crimping sleeve sub-tool ( Figure 4 ),

[0036] Figure 5 An embodiment of the invention is shown in a side perspective view, which shows a crimping sleeve according to the invention for a crimping terminal of an electric cable produced by a crimping method according to the invention, and

[0037] Figures 6 to 8 are in each case front side views of embodiments of the invention, wherein the respective figures show a crimping sleeve of an assembled cable according to the invention arranged on an electrical conductor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Based on the prior art ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), refer to crimping tool 1( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ), assembled cables( Figures 5 to 8 ), a method for crimping a crimping sleeve 50 (particularly a (conductor) crimping sleeve 50 of an electrical crimping terminal) ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) and a method for measuring the crimp dimension D ( Figures 6 to 8 ) is used to explain the present invention in more detail. Of course, the present invention is also applicable to another crimping tool, another assembled cable or another method for crimping and / or measuring.

[0039] Although the invention is further described and illustrated in more detail by means of preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments but has a more basic nature. Other variants may be derived therefrom and / or from the above (description of the invention) without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. In the case of electrical entities, the invention can be applied in general to the electrical field, i.e. for example to the automotive field or also to non-automotive fields.

[0040] The drawings show only those physical parts of the subject matter of the invention which are necessary for understanding the invention. Names such as connector and mating connector, terminal and mating terminal, etc. should be interpreted synonymously, that is to say they may be interchangeable with each other. The explanation of the invention based on the drawings (see also above) hereinafter relates in particular to the (bidirectional) axial direction Ax, the (multidirectional) radial direction Ra and the (bidirectional) circumferential direction Um of the crimping tool 1 or a sub-tool 10 of the crimping tool 1, the crimping sleeve 50, the assembled cable, etc.

[0041] Figure 1 and Figure 2The crimping sleeve 50 crimped onto an electrical conductor 70 according to the prior art is shown, wherein the crimping sleeve 50 has been arranged on the conductor 70 using eight identical sub-tools of an SRC crimping tool. In order to set the axial Ax pressing portion 510 of the crimping sleeve 50, each sub-tool has an overall sub-crimping surface for the sub-tool, which is formed as a straight portion of the cylindrical side surface (see Figure 3 1 and 2. Such a pressing portion 510 is formed on a relatively large circumferential portion of the crimping sleeve 50 on the conductor 70, compared with the crimping ribs 520 (see below).

[0042] The sub-tool gap 12 must be in the circumferential direction Um of the SRC crimping tool (see again Figure 3 ) is arranged between each two directly adjacent sub-tools 10. The sub-tool gap 12 causes an axial Ax crimping rib 520 in the crimping sleeve 50 arranged on the conductor 70 during crimping. Such a crimping rib 520 is formed on a relatively small circumferential portion of the crimping sleeve 50 on the conductor 70 compared to the pressing portion 510.

[0043] With eight sub-tools, four times two diametrically opposed pressing portions 510 are produced with respect to the axial direction Ax, in which the crimping dimension D of the crimping sleeve 50 can be measured. Furthermore, the corresponding crimping dimension D can be measured along substantially the entire axial Ax extension of the pressing portion 510. Furthermore, the curved overall sub-crimping surface of the sub-tool results in a convex measuring position 531 ( Figure 2 ). These convex structures of the pressing portion 510 are necessary to ensure a good crimping.

[0044] Several uncertainties now arise regarding the measurement of the crimp dimension D. In which of the four directions (four pairs of opposing pressing portions 510 / 510) should the measurement be made? At which axial Ax position of the pressing portion pair 510 / 510 should the measurement be made? Furthermore, the measurement of the crimp dimension D requires a special measuring device (tip geometry) in order to be able to measure between the crimping ribs 520 of two opposing pressing portions 510, which is not possible in the conventional method. Figure 2 Shown in.

[0045] Due to the convex measurement position 531, Figure 2 The relatively sharp tip geometry of the two measuring fingers 630 in FIG. 5 is obviously not suitable for providing reproducible measurement results. If the tip of the measuring finger 630 is too small, an eccentric measuring position is possible, which leads to an incorrect crimp dimension D, in particular the crimp diameter D, at the convex measuring position 531. However, according to the invention, such a tip geometry or a standard tip geometry can be used, for example, to measure the crimp dimension D.

[0046] In particular, for SRC crimping tools for circumferentially closed crimping sleeves 50, the crimping diameter D is the main control dimension that must be correctly set. The shape of the sub-tool 10 common in the prior art results in eight pressing portions 510, which together with eight crimping ribs 520 form the crimping sleeve 50 in the circumferential direction Um. When the crimping sleeve 50 is arranged on the conductor 70, the distance between the opposing pressing portions 510 (i.e., the crimping diameter D) should be the same for all four directions over the entire length of the pressing portion 510.

[0047] Due to tolerances of the crimping tool itself and due to tolerances occurring during the execution of the crimping process, the crimping diameter D may vary in the axial direction Ax and / or in the circumferential direction Um of the crimping sleeve 50, depending on the position of the measuring location, i.e. the measuring finger 630 of the measuring device (see Figures 6 to 8 ) is applied to the crimp sleeve 50. The measurement must also exclude the crimp ribs 520 between the P pressing portions 510, which requires the measurement tip geometry to be geometrically related to the dimensions of the crimp sleeve 50 in order to reduce inconsistencies in the measurement.

[0048] Where then is the right position to measure? During the research leading to the present invention, it was found that even a single crimping diameter D which is reliably determined at the axial Ax center of the crimping sleeve 50 provides reliable results. This means that the quality of the installed crimping sleeve 50 can be easily determined by a single simple measurement. In particular, due to the convex measuring position 531 in the prior art, such a reliable determination of the crimping diameter D can only be achieved with restrictions (adaptation of the tip geometry of the measuring finger 630 to the crimping sleeve 50, ensuring the correct position of the crimping sleeve 50 relative to the measuring finger 630, exclusion of the crimping rib 520, etc.).

[0049] According to the present invention, in the crimping method according to the present invention, at least one measuring position 530 is provided in the crimping sleeve 50 according to the present invention by means of the crimping tool 1 according to the present invention, wherein the crimping dimension D of the crimping sleeve 50, in particular the crimping diameter D, can be measured according to the present invention by means of the measuring position 530 according to the present invention. The crimping sleeve 50 is preferably a crimping sleeve of a crimping terminal, which is, for example, a crimping terminal of an assembled cable.

[0050] Here, in the radial direction Ra of the crimping sleeve 50, in particular exactly two or more diametrically opposed measuring positions 530 are arranged in pairs on / in the crimping sleeve 50. In this case, the mutually related measuring positions 530 have the same axial position Ax in / on the crimping sleeve 50. Then, the measuring finger 630 of the measuring device can be placed outside the crimping sleeve 50, at a single measuring position 530, and the crimping dimension D can be measured. Alternatively, of course, another crimping tool can be used, which for example comprises a crimping anvil and at least one crimping punch.

[0051] For this purpose, the crimping tool 1 according to the invention or the SRC crimping tool 1 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) is generally constructed as described above. However, at least one sub-tool 10 has a local measurement position insertion device 130, which is arranged as a negative part in the overall sub-crimping surface 110 and / or as a positive part on the overall sub-crimping surface 110. Preferably, two sub-tools 10 placed opposite to each other in the radial direction Ra or a plurality of such sub-tools 10 placed opposite to each other in pairs have such a local measurement position insertion device 130 in / on their overall sub-crimping surface 110. Such a measurement position insertion device 130 can be configured as described above.

[0052] As a negative part, the measuring position insertion means 130 is arranged in particular as a groove 130, preferably substantially in the axial center Ax in the associated sub-tool 10 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ). Preferably, the groove 130 extending into the overall sub-crimping surface 110 of the associated sub-tool 10 has a straight or tangential (relative to the curved shape of the sub-crimping surface 110) groove base. Of course, other negative parts can also be inserted as measuring position means 130, such as, for example: indentations, beads, etc. For example, the negative part is a lack of material in the overall sub-crimping surface 110 or a concave-shaped deviation relative to the regular surface of the overall sub-crimping surface 110.

[0053] As a positive part, the measuring position insertion means 130 is particularly arranged as a convex protrusion 130, preferably substantially in the axial direction Ax center in the relevant sub-tool 10 (not shown in the figure). Preferably, the convex protrusion 130 is formed as a part of an ellipsoid or a solid sphere on the overall sub-crimping surface 110 of the relevant sub-tool 10. Of course, other positive parts can also be used as the measuring position insertion means 130, such as: protrusions, beam shapes, etc. For example, the positive part is an additional material at / on the overall sub-crimping surface 110 or a protrusion-shaped deviation relative to the regular surface of the overall sub-crimping surface 110.

[0054] According to the present invention, the crimping sleeve 50 (see Figures 5 to 8 ), for example, a crimping sleeve 50 of a terminal, has at least one local measuring position 530 for determining a crimping dimension D, in particular a crimping diameter D, of the crimping sleeve 50 at at least one location / in its pressing portion 510. Preferably, the crimping sleeve 50 has two measuring positions 530 diametrically opposite to each other in the radial direction Ra, or has a plurality of such paired diametrically opposite measuring positions at / in its pressing portion 510. Such measuring positions 530 can be configured as described above.

[0055] According to the invention, the crimping sleeve 50 preferably has an axially centered positive part as a measuring position 530 (see Figures 5 to 7 ), or, similar to the positive part of the measuring position insertion device 130 of the crimping tool 1, the crimping sleeve 50 preferably has an axially centered negative part as the measuring position 530 (see Figure 8 ). In principle, such a negative part or such a positive part can be of any shape as long as a measuring surface of the measuring location 530 can be realized, on which measuring surface the measuring finger 630 can be placed at the measuring location 530 .

[0056] As a measuring position 530 of a single positive portion, this can be configured, for example, as a web 530 extending in the circumferential direction Um of the crimping sleeve 50. Preferably, the web 530 has a straight or tangential (relative to the circumferential Um curve shape of the pressing portion 510 or the crimping sleeve 50) extension. Here, the web 530 can be arranged between two directly adjacent crimping ribs 520. In the first case, the measuring surface of the web 530 can completely bridge the two directly adjacent crimping ribs 520 ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), and in the second case, the measuring surface of the web 530 can be arranged between two directly adjacent crimping ribs 520 ( Figure 7 ).

[0057] As the measuring position 530 of the single negative portion, it can be formed as, for example, a substantially convex measuring position 530 ( Figure 8 ). The measuring location 530 of the positive or negative part can have a substantially flat or convex measuring surface, which is arranged on the outside of the crimping sleeve 50. In this case, a single measuring surface is arranged between two directly adjacent crimping ribs 520 or bridges them. If desired, of course, a concave measuring surface of the measuring location 530 can also be arranged.

[0058] In the crimping method according to the present invention, during crimping of the crimping sleeve 50, a localized measuring position 530 is formed in the resulting pressing portion 510 of the crimped crimping sleeve 50. In particular, the measuring position 530 is formed in the pressing portion 510 by plastic forming of the material of the crimping sleeve 50. Preferably, at least one pair of measuring positions 530 / 530 is formed in the associated pressing portion 510, wherein the measuring positions 530, 530 of the pair of measuring positions 530 / 530 are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the radial direction Ra of the crimping sleeve 50.

[0059] As described above, during crimping, a single measuring position 530 is arranged between two directly adjacent crimping ribs 520. The measuring position 530 can divide its formed pressing portion 510 into two axial (Ax) portions, which may preferably have approximately the same length.

[0060] The crimping dimension D, in particular the crimping diameter D, can be measured after the crimping process. In this case, the measuring process can be carried out shortly after or after the crimping process, for example at a different location. In the measuring method according to the invention, the measuring finger 630 is no longer positioned on the pressing part 510 (see Figure 1 ), but is placed on a local measurement position 530 in the pressing portion 510. As described above, the measurement position 530 can be configured as a flat or convex measurement surface. If necessary, a convex measurement surface can also be provided.

[0061] Reference numerals list

[0062] 1. Crimping tools, especially those for crimping machines

[0063] 10 sub-tools, especially the pressing section

[0064] 12 sub-tool clearance

[0065] 50 crimp sleeve

[0066] 70 (Assembly) Cable Conductors

[0067] 110 Overall crimping surface of the sub-tool 10

[0068] 130 local measurement position insertion device, negative part / positive part

[0069] 510 (axial direction Ax) pressing portion of the crimping sleeve 50

[0070] 520 (axial direction Ax) pressing rib of the crimping sleeve 50

[0071] 530 Measurement position in crimp sleeve 50, positive part / negative part

[0072] 531 Convex measurement position, only prior art

[0073] 630 Measuring finger of measuring device

[0074] D crimping dimensions, especially crimping diameter

[0075] Ax: axial direction of crimping tool 1, axial direction of sub-tool 10, axial direction of crimping sleeve 50, axial direction of assembled cable

[0076] Ra: radial direction of crimping tool 1, radial direction of sub-tool 10, radial direction of crimping sleeve 50, radial direction of assembled cable

[0077] Um: circumferential direction of crimping tool 1, circumferential direction of sub-tool 10, circumferential direction of crimping sleeve 50, circumferential direction of assembled cable

Claims

1. A crimping tool (1), in particular for a crimping applicator or crimping machine, for crimping a crimping sleeve (50), in particular a crimping sleeve (50) of an electrical crimping terminal, the crimping tool comprising A plurality of sub-tools (10) are movable relative to each other, wherein: Each sub-tool (10) has an overall mechanically effective sub-crimping surface (110) for the sub-tool (10) for partial crimping of the crimping sleeve (50), characterized in that: At least one sub-tool (10), in particular exactly or at least two sub-tools (10), has a local measuring position insertion device (130) within the associated overall sub-crimping surface (110), by means of which a measuring position (530) can be incorporated into the crimping sleeve (50).

2. The crimping tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The crimping tool (1) for a single crimp connection: It has at least two sub-tools (10), in particular a crimping anvil (10) and at least one crimping punch (10), A plurality of sub-tools (10), in particular an even number of sub-tools (10), are arranged in a circumferential direction (Um) of the crimping tool (1), and / or The invention relates to a segmented radial crimping tool (1), which has a plurality of sub-tools (10), in particular an even number of sub-tools (10).

3. Crimping tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: By means of the measuring position insertion device (130), a measuring position (530) can be arranged on the outer side of the crimping sleeve (50) in the circumferential direction (Um) and / or the axial direction (Ax) of the crimping sleeve (50). The measuring position insertion device (130) is arranged as a negative part (130) or a positive part (130) in / on the overall sub-crimping surface (110), and / or At least two sub-tools (10) are positioned directly opposite each other in a radial direction (Ra) of the crimping tool (1), each of the at least two sub-tools having a measuring position insertion device (130).

4. Crimping tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The measuring position insertion device (130): a groove (130) arranged to extend in the circumferential direction (Um) in the associated sub-tool (10), said groove having a groove base which is preferably straight, Arranged as a convex protrusion (130) in the associated sub-tool (10), said convex protrusion preferably being centered in the circumferential direction (Um), and / or Arranged substantially in the axial (Ax) center on / in the associated sub-tool (10).

5. Crimping tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The measuring point (530) can be integrally formed into the crimping sleeve (50) by means of the measuring point insertion device (130). The measuring point (530) can be formed from the material of the crimping sleeve (50) by means of the measuring point insertion device (130), and / or The crimping tool (1) is designed such that a method for crimping according to any of the following claims can be carried out with the aid of the crimping tool (1).

6. An assembled cable, in particular an assembled cable for use in the automotive field, comprising An electrical wire and an electrical crimping terminal, the crimping terminal having a crimping sleeve (50), by means of which the crimping terminal is crimped onto the wire, in particular onto an electrical conductor (70) of the wire, characterized in that: The crimping sleeve (50) has at least one local measuring position (530), in particular exactly or at least two local measuring positions (530), for determining a crimping dimension (D), in particular a crimping diameter (D), of the crimping sleeve (50).

7. The assembled cable according to claim 6, characterized in that: The crimping sleeve (50) has at least two measuring positions (530) diametrically opposed to each other in a radial direction (Ra) of the crimping sleeve (50), The at least two measuring positions (530) are each substantially located at the axial (Ax) center of the crimping sleeve (50), and / or The relevant measuring location (530) is integrated into the crimping sleeve (50) as a positive part (530) or a negative part (530).

8. An assembled cable according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that Single measurement location (530): a substantially flat or convex measuring surface (530) arranged on the outer side of the crimping sleeve (50), In the circumferential direction (Um) of the crimping sleeve (50), it is arranged between two directly adjacent crimping ribs (520), and / or The crimping sleeve (50) is arranged at a predetermined position in the axial direction (Ax) of the crimping sleeve (50) and / or at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction (Um) of the crimping sleeve (50).

9. An assembled cable according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that: a single measuring point (530) is integrated into the crimping sleeve (50) as a web (530), which extends in the circumferential direction (Um) of the crimping sleeve (50), preferably with a straight extension, The measuring surface of the web (530) is limited in the circumferential direction (Um) by two directly adjacent crimping ribs (520) or substantially completely bridges the two directly adjacent crimping ribs, A single measuring position (530) is provided as a substantially convex measuring position (530) on the outside of the crimping sleeve, and / or The crimping sleeve (50) is crimped onto the conductor (70) by a crimping method according to any one of the following claims.

10. A method of crimping a crimp sleeve (50) of an electrical crimp terminal onto an electrical conductor (70) of an electrical cable, wherein The crimping sleeve (50) extending in the axial direction (Ax) is crimped onto the conductor (70) by means of a crimping tool (1), in particular a crimping applicator or a crimping machine, and When the crimping sleeve (50) is crimped onto the conductor (70), a pressing portion (510) is incorporated into the crimping sleeve (50) by at least one sub-tool (10), in particular exactly or at least two sub-tools (10), of the crimping tool (1), characterized in that: A local measuring position (530) is formed in the crimping sleeve (50) in the pressing portion (510).

11. The crimping method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The measuring position (530) is formed in the crimping sleeve (50) by the positive / negative part of the sub-tool (10) and by plastic forming of the material of the crimping sleeve (50), The positive / negative part within the overall sub-crimping surface (110) of the sub-tool (10) is configured as a local measuring position insertion device (130), by means of which the measuring position (530) is formed into the crimping sleeve (50), Relative to the radial direction (Ra) of the crimping sleeve (50), two measuring positions (530) are formed in the crimping sleeve (50) in diametrically opposed circumferential regions of the crimping sleeve (50), wherein the measuring positions (530) in question are preferably formed as planar or convex measuring surfaces (530).

12. The crimping method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that When the crimping sleeve (50) is provided: Axial (Ax) crimping ribs (520) are arranged in the crimping sleeve (50) between every two axial (Ax) pressing portions (510) of the crimping sleeve (50), A single measuring position (530) is arranged between two directly adjacent crimping ribs (520) in the circumferential direction of the crimping sleeve (50), and / or The measuring position (530) is arranged in the pressing portion (510) such that the pressing portion (510) is divided into two axial (Ax) portions of substantially equal length.

13. The crimping method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: When the crimping sleeve (50) is crimped onto the conductor (70), the pressing portions (510) respectively arranged between the two crimping ribs (520) are smoothly formed. The method is configured as a method of assembling a cable, wherein the assembled cable is constructed according to any of the preceding claims, and / or The method for crimping the crimping sleeve (50) is followed temporally by the method for measuring the crimping dimension (D) according to claim 14.

14. A method for measuring a crimp dimension (D) for quality assurance, in particular measuring a crimp diameter (D), wherein On a crimping sleeve (50) crimped onto an electrical conductor (70), a measuring finger (630) of a measuring device is placed outside a pressing portion (510) of the crimping sleeve (50) and the crimping dimension (D) is measured, characterized in that: The measuring finger (630) is placed on a local measuring position (530) in the pressing portion (510), wherein the measuring position (530) is formed as a flat or convex measuring surface (530) on the outer side of the crimping sleeve (50).

15. A crimp applicator or crimping machine for establishing at least one crimp connection between an electrical crimp terminal and an electrical conductor (70), characterized in that The crimp applicator or the crimping machine comprises a crimping tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and / or The method for crimping and / or measuring according to any of the preceding claims can be performed by the crimp applicator or the crimping machine.

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