Cable preparation machine with arc-shaped profile blade
By using a blade assembly and pulley assembly with an arc-shaped cutting edge in the cable preparation machine, the problem of cable cutting damaging the internal structure in the prior art is solved, and efficient and low-cost cable end preparation is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511529696.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-03-21
- Filing Date
- 2020-03-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing cable fabrication machines are prone to damaging other layers of the cable when cutting the insulation layer, and different blades are required for cutting insulation of different diameters, resulting in high costs and low efficiency.
Employing a blade assembly with curved cutting edges, and through the synergistic action of a pulley assembly and a drive assembly, it achieves the cutting and removal of the cable's insulation and braids, avoiding damage to the inner conductor and adapting to cables of different diameters.
It enables efficient and reliable cutting and removal of cable insulation on a single machine, protecting the internal structure of the cable and reducing equipment costs and operational complexity.
Smart Images
Figure CN121529282A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202080029783X, application date March 15, 2020, and invention title "Cable Manufacturing Machine with Arc-Shaped Profile Blade". Technical Field
[0002] The main topic of this article is cable fabrication machines. Background Technology
[0003] Cables are used in many applications. Typically, by exposing the conductor(s) of the cable, the ends of the cable are prepared to terminate to terminals, contacts, connectors, circuit boards, or other components. For example, for coaxial or shielded cables, the cable typically consists of a center conductor, an inner insulator, an outer conductor (e.g., in the form of foil and cable braid), and an outer insulator (e.g., a cable sheath). The cable manufacturing process typically involves removing the individual layers of the cable to terminate the conductive layers to components. For example, the outer insulator is stripped to expose the cable braid, the cable braid is stripped to expose the inner insulator, and the inner insulator is stripped to expose the inner conductor.
[0004] Furthermore, for some known cable preparation machines, removing layers can damage other layers of the cable. For example, conventional cable preparation machines utilize a pair of cutting blades that can move in opposite directions to cut through the insulation. However, as the cutting blades close around the cable to cut through the insulation, these blades may scratch or cut the cable braid or inner conductor strands. End users may find the damage to the cable braid or inner conductor unacceptable. Additionally, linear cutting blades are designed to cut and remove insulation with a specific diameter. Cutting the inner and outer insulation, or cutting insulation for cables of different diameters, requires separate blades.
[0005] The problem to be solved is to provide a cable fabrication machine that can remove the insulation layer in a cost-effective and reliable manner. Summary of the Invention
[0006] This problem is solved by a cable preparation machine comprising a frame forming a cable cutting area having a cable opening along the cable axis for receiving the cable end. The cable preparation machine includes a pulley assembly rotatably coupled to the frame about the cable axis and a drive assembly operably coupled to the pulley assembly to rotate the pulley assembly about the cable axis. The cable preparation machine includes a blade assembly operably coupled to the pulley assembly and rotating together with the pulley assembly about the cable axis. The blade assembly includes blades having arcuate cutting edges configured to cut insulation from the cable end. Attached Figure Description
[0007] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0008] Figure 1 A cable manufacturing machine according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.
[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a portion of a cable preparation machine, showing a cable cutting apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0010] Figure 3 This is a front view of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0011] Figure 4 This is a side view of the blade of the blade assembly of the cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0012] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the blade according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0013] Figure 6 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the blade open relative to the cable in a non-cutting configuration.
[0014] Figure 7 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the blade in the first cutting configuration for cutting the cable.
[0015] Figure 8 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the blade for cutting cables.
[0016] Figure 9 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the blade in a second cutting configuration for cutting the cable.
[0017] Figure 10 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a blade for removing cutting waste from the cable.
[0018] Figure 11 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a blade for removing cutting waste from the cable.
[0019] Figure 12 This is a side view of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0020] Figure 13 This is a side view of a cable cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0021] Figure 14This is a partial cross-sectional view of a part of a cable preparation machine, showing a cable cutting device and a cable retainer according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0022] Figure 1 A cable preparation machine 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The cable preparation machine 100 includes a cable cutting device 102 configured to cut and remove one or more insulations, such as an outer insulation 152 (e.g., a cable sheath) and / or an inner insulation 154, from an end 150 of a cable 104. The cable cutting device 102 may be configured to cut and remove cable braid 156 from the end 150 of the cable 104. The inner insulation 154 separates the cable braid 156 from the inner conductor 158 of the cable 104. The cable braid 156 provides electrical shielding for the inner conductor 158. The inner conductor 158 may be a solid wire or a stranded wire. Optionally, the cable preparation machine 100 may be configured to open the cable braid 156. Optionally, the cable preparation machine 100 may be configured to fold the cable braid 156 at the end of the cable 104. The cable preparation machine 100 is capable of preparing the end of the cable 104 without moving the cable 104 between different machines. For example, the cable cutting device 102 includes different cutting blades for cutting the insulators 152, 154 and the cable braid 156 during different cable cutting steps within the cable preparation machine 100, without removing the cable 104 from the cable cutting area of the cable cutting device 102. This allows for the rapid and efficient processing and preparation of the ends of the cable 104 using a single machine.
[0023] The cable preparation machine 100 includes a frame 110 supporting various components of the cable preparation machine 100. The frame 110 forms a cable cutting area 112 where the ends of cables 104 are processed and prepared. For example, a cable cutting device 102 is located in the cable cutting area 112. The frame 110 includes a base 114 and a support member 116 mounted to the base 114. The support member 116 supports various components of the cable preparation machine 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 110 includes a cabinet 118 that houses the cable cutting device 102 within a chamber 120 of a cabinet 118. The cabinet 118 surrounds the cable cutting device 102 to prevent injury to the operator of the cable preparation machine 100. The cabinet 118 includes one or more walls 122 surrounding the chamber 120. Optionally, the cabinet 118 includes a door 124 for accessing the chamber 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the cabinet 118 includes a cable opening 126 through one or more walls 122 to allow cables 104 to be loaded into the chamber 120 to reach the cable cutting area 112.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable preparation machine 100 may include a cable retainer 130 (such as...). Figure 14As shown, the cable retainer 130 holds the cable 104 during cable fabrication. For example, the cable retainer 130 holds the cable 104 in the cable cutting area 112 for removal of the insulation 152, 154 and cable braid 156. Optionally, the cable retainer 130 may be movable relative to the frame 110 to position the cable 104 in the cable cutting area 112. In various embodiments, the cable retainer 130 may be located at the front of the cabinet.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable preparation machine 100 includes a braid manipulation device 132 for preparing the ends of a cable 104, for example, for manipulating a cable braid 156 during cable preparation. The braid manipulation device 132 may include a mandrel or other components that can be inserted into the ends of the cable 104. The mandrel can be used to open the cable braid 156 during the processing of the cable ends 104. The mandrel can also be used to fold the cable braid 156 backward during the processing of the cable ends 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the braid manipulation device 132 is located at the rear of the cabinet 118.
[0026] Optionally, the cable preparation machine 100 may include a chute 134 for discarding waste material from the removal of insulation 152, 154 and / or cable braid 156 after cutting and removing from the ends of the cable 104. The chute 134 transfers the discarded waste material away from the cable cutting area 112.
[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a portion of a cable preparation machine 100, showing a cable cutting device 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 A support wall 172 and a base 170 for supporting a frame 110 for a cable cutting device 102 are shown. The support wall 172 of the frame 110 includes a cable opening 174 along the cable axis 176 at the cable cutting area 112, which receives the end 150 of the cable 104 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown).
[0028] The support wall 172 of the frame 110 includes a drive opening 178 passing between the front portion 180 and the rear portion 182 of the support wall 172. The drive opening 178 may be located generally on the opposite side of the cable opening 174; however, in alternative embodiments, other locations are also possible, such as above and / or below the cable opening 174.
[0029] The cable cutting device 102 includes a pulley assembly 200, a drive assembly 202, and a blade assembly 204. The pulley assembly 200 is rotatably coupled to a support wall 172 of a frame 110 about a cable axis 176. The pulley assembly 200 is located in front of the front portion 180 of the support wall 172. The drive assembly 202 is operatively coupled to the pulley assembly 200 to rotate the pulley assembly 200 about the cable axis 176. The blade assembly 204 is operatively coupled to the pulley assembly 200 and rotates together with the pulley assembly 200 about the cable axis 176.
[0030] In various embodiments, the blade assembly 204 is configured to cut the outer insulation 152 from the end 150 of the cable 104 in one cutting configuration of the cable cutting device 102 when the cable 104 is positioned in the cable opening 174. Alternatively, the blade assembly 204 is configured to remove outer insulation scrap from the end 150 of the cable 104 after cutting, for example by retaining the insulation scrap in the cable opening 174 as the cable 104 is pulled out of the cable opening 174 until the insulation scrap detaches from the end of the cable 104. In various embodiments, the blade assembly 204 is configured to cut the inner insulation 154 from the end 150 of the cable 104 in another cutting configuration of the cable cutting device 102 when the cable 104 is positioned in the cable opening 174. Optionally, the blade assembly 204 is configured to remove inner insulation scrap from the end 150 of the cable 104 after cutting, for example by retaining the insulation scrap in the cable opening 174 as the cable 104 is pulled out of the cable opening 174 until the insulation scrap detaches from the end of the cable 104. The cable 104 may be positioned in the cable opening 174 for removing or manipulating the cable braid 156, such as opening or folding the cable braid 156. The drive assembly 202, pulley assembly 200, and blade assembly 204 operate in different ways in different cutting configurations.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the blade assembly 204 includes a plurality of cutting blades 210 disposed around the cable axis 176. For example, the blades 210 may triangularly align the cable 104 within the cable opening 174 during a cutting operation to ensure that the cable 104 remains centered within the cable opening 174 so that the cutting depth of the blades 210 is consistent. The blades 210 are configured to cut the insulators 152, 154 of the cable 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 210 is a fixed blade with an arcuate cutting edge 212 at its radially inner edge for cutting the insulators 152, 154. For example, the blade 210 may be sickle-shaped. The blade 210 may be wedge-shaped, narrower at the arcuate cutting edge 212 and wider at its radially outer end opposite the arcuate cutting edge 212. The arcuate cutting edge 212 is concave. The radius of curvature of the arcuate cutting edge 212 closely matches the radius of curvature of the cable 104. The radius of curvature of the arc-shaped cutting edge 212 can more closely match the radius of curvature of the outer insulator 152, such as the inner diameter of the outer insulator 152, or it can have a radius of curvature that more closely matches the radius of curvature of the inner insulator 154. Optionally, the blade assembly 204 may include a braided blade (not shown) configured to cut the cable braid 156 of the cable 104.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the pulley assembly 200 includes a front pulley 220 operably coupled to a first drive unit 230 of the drive assembly 202 and a rear pulley 222 operably coupled to a second drive unit 232 of the drive assembly 202. The front pulley 220 is located in front of the rear pulley 222, and both pulleys 220 and 222 are located in front of the front portion 180 of the support wall 172 of the frame 110. The front pulley 220 can rotate independently of and relative to the rear pulley 222. For example, the first drive unit 230 can operate independently of the second drive unit 232, and the second drive unit 232 can operate independently of the first drive unit 230. For example, the first drive unit 230 can be operated to rotate the front pulley 220 forward and backward. Similarly, the second drive unit 232 can be operated to rotate the rear pulley 222 forward and backward. During operation, the front pulley 220 may operate at a different rate than the rear pulley 222, or at the same rate as the rear pulley 222. In some operations, the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 may operate in different directions. In some operations, either the front pulley 220 or the rear pulley 222 may remain stationary, while the other of the front pulley 220 or the rear pulley 222 may operate forward or backward. When the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 operate at different speeds and / or in different directions, the pulley assembly 200 actuates the blade assembly 204, for example, for opening or closing the blade 210 surrounding the cable 104.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the blade 210 rotates together with the pulley assembly 200 about the cable axis 176 to position the blade 210 relative to the cable 104 for cutting the cable 104. The blade 210 may be positioned at different rotational positions relative to the cable 104, for example, for cutting at different locations around the cable 104. In various embodiments, the blade 210 may be driven in a radial cutting direction, for example, in a chopping action, to cut through the insulators 152, 154. The blade 210 may cut inward, deflect outward (or retract), rotate to a new rotational position, and then cut inward again (any number of times) to cut through the insulators 152, 154. In other various embodiments, the blade 210 may be driven in a rotational cutting direction, for example, in a slicing action, to cut through the insulators 152, 154.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the first drive unit 230 of the drive assembly 202 includes a first drive motor 240, a first drive shaft 242, a first drive pulley 244, and a first drive belt 246 connected to the front pulley 220. The drive motor 240 is located behind the support wall 172, and the drive pulley 244 is located in front of the support wall 172. The drive shaft 242 passes through the drive opening 178. The drive motor 240 rotates the drive shaft 242, and the drive shaft 242 rotates the drive pulley 244. The drive motor 240 can rotate in either the forward or reverse direction. When the drive pulley 244 rotates, the drive belt 246 rotates the front pulley 220. In various embodiments, the drive motor 240 may be a stepper motor. In other various embodiments, the drive motor 240 may be a servo motor. In alternative embodiments, other types of actuators, such as hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, or other types of drive units, may be used. The drive system can utilize an intermediate structure other than the drive belt 246 between the drive pulley 244 and the front pulley 220 to transmit the rotation of the drive pulley 244 to the rotation of the front pulley 220, such as a chain, gear, etc. In alternative embodiments, other types of drive systems can be used. For example, the drive pulley 244 can define a drive gear that directly engages with the front pulley 220. For example, the drive pulley 244 can include teeth, and the front pulley 220 can include teeth that mesh with the teeth of the drive pulley 244, such that the front pulley 220 is directly driven by the drive pulley 244, rather than by an intermediate structure.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the second drive unit 232 of the drive assembly 202 includes a second drive motor 250, a second drive shaft 252, a second drive pulley 254, and a second drive belt 256 connected to the rear pulley 222. The drive motor 250 is located behind the support wall 172, and the drive pulley 254 is located in front of the support wall 172. The drive shaft 252 passes through the drive opening 178. The drive motor 250 rotates the drive shaft 252, and the drive shaft 252 rotates the drive pulley 254. The drive motor 250 can rotate in either the forward or reverse direction. When the drive pulley 254 rotates, the drive belt 256 rotates the front pulley 220. In various embodiments, the drive motor 250 may be a stepper motor. In other various embodiments, the drive motor 250 may be a servo motor. In alternative embodiments, other types of actuators may be used, such as hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, or other types of drive units. The drive system can utilize an intermediate structure other than the drive belt 256 between the drive pulley 254 and the rear pulley 222 to transmit the rotation of the drive pulley 254 to the rotation of the rear pulley 222, such as a chain, gear, etc. In alternative embodiments, other types of drive systems can be used. For example, the drive pulley 254 can define a drive gear that directly engages with the rear pulley 222. For example, the drive pulley 254 can include teeth, and the rear pulley 222 can include teeth that mesh with the teeth of the drive pulley 254, such that the rear pulley 222 is directly driven by the drive pulley 254, rather than by an intermediate structure.
[0036] A drive assembly 202 is operated to rotate a pulley assembly 200 about a cable axis 176. A blade 210 can rotate with the pulley assembly 200 about the cable axis 176. In a first drive configuration, the drive assembly 202 rotates the pulley assembly 200 to actuate the blade 210, for example, opening or closing the blade 210 relative to the cable 104. The first drive configuration is used to cut the outer insulation 152 of the cable 104. In an exemplary embodiment, when the drive assembly 202 operates in the first drive configuration, the blade assembly 204 operates to a first cutting depth in the first cutting configuration. The drive assembly 202 rotates the pulley assembly 200 in a second drive configuration to actuate the blade 210 to a second cutting depth, for example, opening or closing the braided blade 210 relative to the cable 104. The second drive configuration is used to cut the inner insulation 154 of the cable 104, for example, after the cable braid 156 has been removed from the end of the cable 104.
[0037] Figure 3 This is a front view of the cable cutting device 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. The pulley assembly 200 includes a hub 260 received in a cable opening 174 of a support wall 172. The hub 260 is hollow and configured to receive the end 150 of the cable 104 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). The front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 can rotate on the hub 260.
[0038] The rear pulley 222 includes an actuator 262 (shown in dashed lines) extending forward from the rear pulley 222 into a slot 264 in the front pulley 220. In various embodiments, the actuator 262 may be an actuator pin. However, other types of actuators may be used in alternative embodiments. The actuator 262 extends through the front pulley 220 to engage the blade assembly 204. The actuator 262 actuates the blade assembly 204 during operation of the cable cutting device 102. For example, when the front pulley 220 rotates relative to the rear pulley 222, the actuator 262 engages the blade assembly 204 to actuate the blade assembly 204. In various embodiments, the blade 210 opens when the front pulley 220 rotates faster than the rear pulley 222, and closes around the cable 104 when the rear pulley 222 rotates faster than the front pulley 220. However, when the front and rear pulleys 220 and 222 rotate at the same speed, the blade 210 neither opens nor closes, but rotates together with the front and rear pulleys 220 and 222.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the pulley assembly 200 has a normal position in which the front pulley 220 is rotatably centered relative to the rear pulley 222. The front pulley 220 may include a rigid stop pin 266 extending forward of the front pulley 220, which engages the blade assembly 204 to position the blade assembly 204 in the normal position. The position of the rigid stop pin 266 in a slot 264 can define the normal position, which can be changed by moving the rigid stop pin 266 in the slot 264. In various other embodiments, instead of using a rigid stop pin 266, the end of the slot 264 may define a rigid stop to define the normal position. The pulley assembly 200 can be operated to advance the blade 210 from the normal position. For example, relative rotation of the front pulley 220 relative to the rear pulley 222 can cause the blade 210 to advance inward toward the cable 104. The pulley assembly 200 can be operated to retract the blade 210 back to the normal position. For example, the relative rotation of the front pulley 220 with respect to the rear pulley 222 can cause the blade 210 to retract away from the cable 104.
[0040] Blade assembly 204 includes a blade arm 270 for holding a blade 210. The blade arm 270 is pivotally coupled to a front pulley 220 of pulley assembly 200. The blade arm 270 pivots relative to the front pulley 220 to open or close a corresponding blade 210. The blade arm 270 holds the corresponding blade 210 for cutting insulators 152, 154. In the illustrated embodiment, blade assembly 204 includes three blade arms 270, each blade arm 270 holding a corresponding blade 210 to triangularly align the blade 210 around cable opening 174. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer blade arms 270 may be provided.
[0041] The blade arm 270 is pivotally connected to the front pulley 220 via an arm pivot pin 276. The blade arm 270 pivots relative to the front pulley 220 of the pulley assembly 200 to change the cutting depth of the corresponding blade 210. For example, the relative movement (e.g., angular position) of the front pulley 220 relative to the rear pulley 222 determines the amount of pivoting of the blade arm 270, thereby determining the position of the blade 210 relative to the cable opening 174 to control the cutting depth of the blade 210. The cable cutting device 102 can accommodate cables 104 of various diameters by changing the cutting depth of the blade 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the arm pivot pin 276 is deflected from the actuator 262. When the actuator 262 engages and actuates the blade arm 270, the blade arm 270 pivots about the arm pivot pin 276 to close the blade 210 for cutting the cable 104.
[0042] When the front pulley 220 rotates at a different rate than the rear pulley 222, the actuator 262 pivots the blade arm 270. In a first drive configuration, the front pulley 220 rotates at a faster rate than the rear pulley 222 to actuate the blade assembly 204. For example, in the first drive configuration, the pulley assembly 200 can be used to retract (e.g., open) the blade 210 away from the cable 104 (e.g., from a closed position to a normal position). In a second drive configuration, the rear pulley 222 rotates at a faster rate than the front pulley 220 to actuate the blade assembly 204. For example, the pulley assembly 200 can be used to advance the blade 210 toward the cable 104 (e.g., from a normal position to a cutting position) to close the blade 210 on the cable 104, thereby cutting the insulator 152 or 154. In a third drive configuration, the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 rotate at the same rate. In the third drive configuration, the blade arm 270 remains stationary relative to the front pulley 220, and therefore does not open or close when the front pulley 220 rotates at the same speed as the rear pulley 222. For example, when the pulley assembly 200 is driven in the third drive configuration, the blade arm 270 can be repositioned relative to the cable 104. In various embodiments, when the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 rotate at the same speed, the blade 210 can maintain a constant cutting depth and rotate together with the front pulley 220.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, actuator 262 is used to return blade arm 270 from the forward position to the normal position. For example, relative rotation of rear pulley 222 relative to front pulley 220 causes blade arm 270 to return. However, in an alternative embodiment, each blade arm 270 is coupled to an arm return spring (not shown) that pulls the blade arm 270 back to the normal position. The arm return spring biases the blade arm 270 to the open position. When actuator 262 retracts, the arm return spring either opens the blade arm 270 or returns the blade arm 270 against a hard stop pin 266 to the normal position. The hard stop pin 266 holds the blade arm 270 in the normal position. The arm return spring returns the blade arm 270 to the position where the blade arm 270 engages the hard stop pin 266, defining the normal position. The blade arm 270 cannot open further than the normal position because the blade arm 270 is lowered to the lowest point against the hard stop pin 266.
[0044] In operation, when the rear pulley 222 rotates relative to the first pulley 220 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), the actuator 262 presses against the corresponding blade arm 270 to actuate the blade arm 270 and close the blade 210 around the cable 104. When the rear pulley 222 rotates relative to the first pulley 220 in the opposite second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the actuator 262 returns to its normal position in the slot 264. The actuator 262 or the arm return spring returns the blade arm 270 to its normal position against the hard stop pin 266.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, each blade arm 270 includes a body 280 extending between a first side 282 and a second side 284. The body 280 extends between an inner end portion 286 and an outer end portion 288. The first side 282 faces a hard stop pin 266. In the normal position, the first side 282 abuts against the hard stop pin 266. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm pivot pin 276 is located near the first side 282 and near the inner end portion 286. In alternative embodiments, other positions are also possible. In an exemplary embodiment, when the rear pulley 222 moves relative to the front pulley 220 in a forward or retraction direction, the actuator 262 is received in a recess at the rear of the blade arm 270 to cause forward and retraction movements of the blade arm 270. However, in an alternative embodiment, the actuator 262 may engage the first side 282 of the blade arm 270, for example, near the outer end portion 288, to force the blade arm 270 forward. In such an embodiment, a return spring may be used to retract the blade arm 270. In alternative embodiments, other actuator locations are also possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 210 is mounted to the blade arm 270 at the inner end 286 near the second side 284. The blade 210 extends inward from the inner end 286. When the blade arm 270 pivots, the cutting edge 212 of the blade 210 closes inward toward the cable opening 174 to engage and cut the cable 104.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the drive assembly 202 includes a position sensor assembly for sensing the rotational position of the pulley assembly 200. For example, the position sensor assembly may include a proximity sensor. Other types of position sensors may be used to determine the rotational position of the front pulley 220 and / or the rear pulley 222. The position sensor assembly may include position sensors fixed to the front pulley 220 and / or the rear pulley 222. In various other embodiments, the drive motors 240, 250 may be servo motors with internal position sensors for determining the rotational positions of the drive units 230, 232 to determine the corresponding rotational positions of the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222.
[0047] Figure 4 This is a side view of the blade 210 of the blade assembly 204 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a cutting blade 210 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cutting blade 210 includes a cutting end 290 and a mounting end 292 opposite to the cutting end 290. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting blade 210 is made of a metallic material, such as tool steel. The cutting blade 210 may be manufactured by stamping, forming, milling, molding, die casting, or by other processes. The cutting blade 210 is manufactured to have an arcuate cutting edge 212 at the cutting end 290.
[0048] The blade 210 includes an opening 294 located at the mounting end 292, the opening 294 receiving a fastener or other securing feature to secure the blade 210 to the blade arm 270. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting end 292 is rectangular; however, in alternative embodiments, the mounting end 292 may have other shapes.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 210 is sickle-shaped at the cutting end 290 to form an arcuate cutting edge 212. The arcuate cutting edge 212 is concave. The arcuate cutting edge 212 has a radius of curvature that can closely match the radius of curvature of the cable 104. The cutting end 290 is wedge-shaped, narrower at the cutting edge 212 and wider at the radially outer end 296 of the blade 210 opposite the cutting edge 212. The cutting edge 212 can be very thin, for example, forming a blade edge configured to cut through the insulators 152, 154 when the blade 210 is cut into them in the radial cutting direction. Alternatively, the distal edge 298 of the cutting end 290 can be wedge-shaped, for example defined by sidewalls 297 that are inclined or angled relative to each other and narrow from the radially outer end 296 to the cutting edge 212. The distal edge 298 may form a cutting edge, for example, to cut through the insulators 152, 154 when the blade 210 rotates about the cable 104 in the rotational cutting direction. The distal edge 298 and the cutting edge 212 meet at a corner 299. In various embodiments, the corner 299 may be sharp. In other various embodiments, the corner 299 may be rounded.
[0050] Figure 6 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting device 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the blade 210 open relative to the cable 104 in a non-cutting configuration. Figure 7 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting apparatus 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the blade 210 in a first cutting configuration for cutting the outer insulator 152. Figure 8 This is a front view of a portion of the cable cutting device 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the blade 210 in contact with... Figure 7 The different rotation positions shown cut the outer insulator 152. Figure 9 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting apparatus 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the blade 210 in a second cutting configuration that cuts the inner insulator 154.
[0051] The pulley assembly 200 consists of the drive assembly 202 (such as...) Figure 2 As shown) from the open construction ( Figure 6 Driven to the first cutting structure ( Figure 7 or Figure 8 ) or second cutting structure ( Figure 9 In each position shown, the rear pulley 222 is in a different rotational position relative to the front pulley 220. The rotation of the rear pulley 222 relative to the front pulley 220 causes actuation of the blade assembly 204. For example, when the rear pulley 222 moves relative to the front pulley 220, the actuator 262 (in...) Figure 7(Shown in dashed lines) Engage blade arm 270 and pivot blade arm 270 about arm pivot pin 276. Movement of blade arm 270 causes movement of blade 210 attached thereto. Pulley assembly 200 pivots blade 210 about cable opening 174 to open and close blade 210 relative to cable 104. Blade 210 moves to different cutting depths for cutting outer insulator 152 and inner insulator 154. Cutting depth can be calibrated and / or programmed to cable preparation machine 100 based on the diameter of insulators 152, 154. Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, the cable cutting device 102 is capable of cutting cables 104 of different diameters by changing the cutting depth of the blade 210 and controlling the rotation of the pulley assembly 200 during use.
[0052] In one exemplary embodiment, the arcuate cutting edge 212 of the blade 210 is concave to follow the curvature of the cable 104. The radius of curvature of the arcuate cutting edge 212 may have a radius of curvature that more closely matches the radius of curvature of the outer insulator 152 than that of the inner insulator 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the cutting edge 212 of the blade 210 is too short to cut through the insulator 152 in a single cutting action. The blade 210 forms an incomplete circle around the insulators 152, 154, leaving gaps between the ends of the cutting edge 212. Thus, during use, the blade 210 moves to different rotational positions (e.g., compared to...). Figure 7 and Figure 8 The blade 210 is used to cut insulator 152. In various embodiments, the blade 210 can move approximately 30° between different cutting positions. Alternatively, the blade 210 can be moved in the rotational cutting direction by rotating the pulley assembly 200 with the blade 210 in the closed position, thus causing the blade 210 to squeeze through insulator 152 as the pulley rotates. However, in other various embodiments, the blade 210 moves between various rotational positions, wherein the blade 210 is in the open position ( Figure 6The blade 210 is then closed at different rotational positions along the radial cutting direction, for example, during a cutting action. For example, the pulley assembly 200 can be moved to a first rotational position and then operated to close or cut the blade 210 into the insulator 152, thereby forming a cut in the insulator 152 in the shape of the blade 210. Strips of material (webs) of the insulator 152 can remain between the cuts, which are removed by subsequent successive cuts. In an exemplary embodiment, when the blade 210 closes along the radially inward cutting direction, the insulator 152 is squeezed or crushed inward in a cutting manner, rather than cleanly cutting the insulator 152. The cutting or crushing of the material of the insulator 152 protects the inner layers of the insulator 152, such as cable braids or foils or inner conductors. For example, the blade 210 may not completely penetrate the insulator 152 to reach the inner layers, leaving a small amount of material of the insulator 152 between the cutting edge 212 and the interior of the metal layer of the insulator 152. The cutting edge 212 of the blade 210 is protected by reducing impact or engagement with the metal structure of the cable 104.
[0053] The blade 210 can then be opened, and the pulley assembly moves to a second rotational position. The pulley assembly 200 is then operated to close or cut into the insulator 152 again in the second rotational position to cut the next segment of the insulator 152 (e.g., cutting a strip of material). This process can be repeated as needed to cut the entire circumference of the insulator 152 in multiple cuts. A similar process can be used to cut the inner insulator 154. Thus, the drive assembly 202 is operated to drive the pulley assembly 200 in a first drive configuration, thereby actuating the blade 210 to a first depth to cut the outer insulator 152. The drive assembly 202 is operated to drive the pulley assembly 200 in a second drive configuration, thereby actuating the blade 210 to a second depth to cut the inner insulator 154. The cable preparation machine 100 has the ability to precisely control the cutting dynamics during the cutting process. For example, the cable preparation machine can control the rotation direction of the front pulley 220, the rotation direction of the rear pulley 222, the rotation speed of the front pulley 220, the rotation speed of the rear pulley 222, the closing speed of the blade 210, the rotation amount of pulleys 220 and 222, the number of rotations of pulleys 220 and 222, the number of cuts made by the blade 210, and the cutting depth of the blade 210. The cable preparation machine can be calibrated, for example, using a mandrel of fixed diameter or other calibration devices.
[0054] Figure 10 This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting apparatus 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a blade 210 for removing cutting waste 300 from the outer insulation 152. Figure 11This is a front view of a portion of a cable cutting apparatus 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a blade 210 for removing cutting waste 302 from the inner insulation 154. After the outer insulation 152 or the inner insulation 154 is cut by the blade assembly 204, the blade assembly 204 can be used to remove cutting waste 300 or 302, respectively. For example, the blade 210 can be moved to a partially released position instead of an open position (…). Figure 6 In the partially released position, the blade 210 is at a released and safe distance from the layer beneath the insulator 152 or 154, while maintaining engagement between the blade 210 and the insulator 152 or 154. This allows the inner layers to be pulled outward from the blade assembly 204 without damage or scraping along them. For example, the blade 210 can be released a distance less than the thickness of the insulator 152 or 154, such that the cutting edge 212 of the blade 210 does not leave the insulator 152 or 154, but is configured to engage the insulators 152, 154. The cable 104 can then be retracted from the cable opening 174 (e.g., the cable 104 can be moved relative to the blade assembly 204), and the blade assembly 204 remains in a fixed position, holding the waste 300 or 302. Once cable 104 leaves scrap 300 or 302, scrap 300 or 302 can be discarded, for example, by opening blade assembly 204, allowing scrap 300 or 302 to fall into chute 134 (e.g.). Figure 1 (As shown).
[0055] In various other embodiments, the pulley assembly 200 can be operated to close the blade 210 around the cutting waste 300 or 302 in a clamping rather than cutting manner. The cable 104 can then be retracted from the cable opening 174 (e.g., the cable 104 can move relative to the blade assembly 204), and as the cable is retracted beyond the waste 300 or 302, the blade assembly 204 remains in a fixed position relative to the pulley assembly 200 holding the waste 300 or 302. Once the cable 104 is pulled out of the waste 300 or 302, the waste 300 or 302 can be discarded. In various embodiments, the blade assembly 204 can be used to remove the waste 300, 302 without using the blade assembly 204 to cut the insulators 152, 154. For example, another type of cutting device, such as a laser cutting device, can be used to cut the insulators 152, 154, and then the blade assembly 204 can be used to remove the cutting waste 300, 302.
[0056] Figure 12 This is a side view of the cable cutting device 102, showing a pulley assembly 200, a portion of the drive assembly 202, and a blade assembly 204. Figure 13 This is a side view of the cable cutting device 102, showing a pulley assembly 200, a portion of the drive assembly 202, and a blade assembly 204. Figure 12A second drive pulley 254 and a second drive belt 256 are shown that are operatively connected to the rear pulley 222. Figure 13 A first drive pulley 244 and a first drive belt 246 are shown operably connected to the front pulley 220. Figure 12 and 13 The blade arm 270 is shown attached to the front of the blade assembly 204, which is connected to the front of the front pulley 220. The cable 104 is shown extending into the cable cutting device 102.
[0057] The drive assembly 202 is operated to rotate the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 to actuate the blade arm 270 of the blade assembly 204 in a first drive configuration, thereby actuating the blade assembly 204 in a first direction to close the blade assembly 204 toward the cable 104. The drive assembly 202 is also operated to rotate the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 to actuate the blade arm 270 of the blade assembly 204 in a second direction to open the blade assembly 204 away from the cable 104. A single cable cutting device 102 can perform different cutting operations without removing the cable and inserting it into different cable preparation machines. In various embodiments, the drive assembly 202 can be operated in a drive configuration such that the first drive unit 230 rotates the front pulley 220 at a faster speed than the second drive unit 232 rotates the rear pulley 222 to drive the blade 210 away from the insulator 152. In various other embodiments, the drive assembly 202 may operate in a drive configuration such that the second drive unit 232 rotates the rear pulley 222 at a faster speed than the first drive unit 230 rotates the front pulley 220 to actuate the blade 210 toward the cable 104 for cutting the insulator 152. In various other embodiments, the drive assembly 202 may operate in a drive configuration such that the first drive unit 230 and the second drive unit 232 rotate the front pulley 220 and the rear pulley 222 at the same rate.
[0058] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a cable preparation machine 100, showing a cable cutting device 102 and a cable retainer 130. The cable retainer 130 includes a chuck 304 for holding a cable 104. The cable retainer 130 includes a slider 306 for moving the chuck 304 toward and away from the cable cutting device 102. Once the cable 104 is secured in the chuck 304, the slider 306 moves the end 150 of the cable 104 into a cable opening 174 at the cable cutting area 112. The cable cutting device 102 operates with the cable 104 held in the cable retainer 130 to remove individual layers of the cable 104, thereby preparing the end of the cable 104. The cable retainer 130 can move the cable 104 forward and backward relative to the cable cutting device 102, as indicated by arrow 308, for example, to remove scrap 300, 302 (such as...). Figure 12 and 13(As shown). The cable cutting device 102 is configured to remove a portion of the outer insulation 152 and a portion of the inner insulation 154 to expose the inner conductor 158 and the cable braid 156 for terminating the cable 104 to another component. The cable cutting device 102 is capable of removing each layer of the cable 104 without removing the cable 104 from the cable preparation machine 100. A single cable preparation machine 100 can perform multiple processing steps using the cable cutting device 102.
Claims
1. A cable manufacturing machine, comprising: A frame that forms a cable cutting area, the frame having a cable opening along the cable axis at the cable cutting area, the cable opening receiving the end of the cable; The drive assembly has a first drive unit and a second drive unit; A pulley assembly, rotatably connected to a frame about a cable axis, includes a front pulley operably connected to a first drive unit and a rear pulley operably connected to a second drive unit. The front pulley can rotate forward and backward via the first drive unit, and the rear pulley can rotate forward and backward independently of the rotation of the front pulley via the second drive unit. A blade assembly operably coupled to a pulley assembly having a blade pivotally coupled to a front pulley, the blade having an arcuate cutting edge configured for cutting the insulation of a cable.
2. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The pulley assembly pivots the blade about the cable opening to open and close the blade relative to the cable.
3. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The blade assembly is movable relative to the pulley assembly to change the cutting depth of the blade assembly.
4. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The blade is a first blade, and the blade assembly includes a second blade and a third blade, the second blade and the third blade being cooperatively actuated relative to the cable to cut the insulation.
5. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 4, wherein, The blade assembly is movable to a first rotational position, and the first blade, the second blade, and the third blade are actuated in a radially inward cutting direction during a first cutting action to cut the insulator such that a strip of the insulator is held between the cuts of the first blade, the second blade, and the third blade, and wherein the blade assembly is movable to a second rotational position, and the first blade, the second blade, and the third blade are actuated in a radially inward cutting direction during a second cutting action to cut a strip of the insulator.
6. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The radius of curvature of the arc-shaped cut edge closely matches the radius of curvature of the cable.
7. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The blade is rotatable relative to the cable to cut the insulation.
8. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The blade is configured to cut the insulator in the radial cutting direction.
9. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The drive assembly is operated in a first drive configuration to drive the pulley assembly to actuate the blade to a first depth to cut the insulation, and wherein the drive assembly is operated in a second drive configuration to drive the pulley assembly to actuate the blade to a second depth to cut the inner insulation of the cable.
10. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The blade is sickle-shaped.
11. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front pulley rotates faster than the rear pulley to actuate the blade in a first direction relative to the cable, and the front pulley rotates slower than the rear pulley to actuate the blade in a second direction relative to the cable.
12. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blade assembly includes a blade arm for holding the blade, the blade arm being pivotally connected to the front pulley, the front pulley including a groove, and the rear pulley including an actuator extending from the rear pulley through the groove of the front pulley to engage the blade arm of the blade assembly, the actuator causing the blade arm to pivot when the front pulley rotates at a different rate than the rear pulley.
13. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first drive unit operates independently of the second drive unit to cause relative movement between the front pulley and the rear pulley.
14. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly is operable in a first drive configuration such that the first drive unit rotates the front pulley at a faster rate than the second drive unit rotates the rear pulley to drive the blades of the blade assembly away from the insulator; wherein the drive assembly is operable in a second drive configuration such that the second drive unit rotates the rear pulley at a faster rate than the first drive unit rotates the front pulley to actuate the blades of the blade assembly toward the cable for cutting the insulator; and wherein the drive assembly is operable in a third drive configuration such that the first drive unit and the second drive unit rotate the front pulley and the rear pulley at the same rate.
15. A cable manufacturing machine, comprising: A frame that forms a cable cutting area, the frame having a cable opening along the cable axis at the cable cutting area, the cable opening receiving the end of the cable; A pulley assembly, rotatably connected to the frame about the cable axis, the pulley assembly including the front pulley and the rear pulley rotatable relative to the front pulley, wherein the rear pulley has an actuator; and A blade assembly operably connected to the pulley assembly, the blade assembly having a blade arm pivotally connected to the front pulley and an actuator operably connected to the rear pulley, wherein, as the front and rear pulleys rotate relative to each other, the actuator causes the blade arm to pivot relative to the front pulley, the blade assembly having a blade extending from the blade arm, the blade having an arcuate cutting edge configured for cutting the insulation of the cable; and A drive assembly operably connected to the pulley assembly to rotate the pulley assembly about a cable axis, the drive assembly operably connected to the front pulley to rotate the front pulley, and the drive assembly operably connected to the rear pulley to rotate the rear pulley, wherein the drive assembly is configured to allow the rear pulley and the front pulley to rotate independently of each other to drive the blade assembly.
16. The cable manufacturing machine as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The front pulley rotates faster than the rear pulley to actuate the blade in a first direction relative to the cable, and the front pulley rotates slower than the rear pulley to actuate the blade in a second direction relative to the cable.
17. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 15, characterized in that, The front pulley includes a groove, and the actuator extends from the rear pulley through the groove of the front pulley to engage the blade arm of the blade assembly. When the front pulley rotates at a different rate than the rear pulley, the actuator causes the blade arm to pivot.
18. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 15, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a first drive unit operably connected to the front pulley to rotate the front pulley, and the drive assembly includes a second drive unit operably connected to the rear pulley to rotate the rear pulley, the first drive unit operating independently of the second drive unit to cause relative movement between the front pulley and the rear pulley.
19. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 18, characterized in that, The drive assembly is operable in a first drive configuration such that the first drive unit rotates the front pulley at a faster rate than the second drive unit rotates the rear pulley to drive the blades of the blade assembly away from the insulator; wherein the drive assembly is operable in a second drive configuration such that the second drive unit rotates the rear pulley at a faster rate than the first drive unit rotates the front pulley to actuate the blades of the blade assembly toward the cable for cutting the insulator; and wherein the drive assembly is operable in a third drive configuration such that the first drive unit and the second drive unit rotate the front pulley and the rear pulley at the same rate.
20. The cable manufacturing machine according to claim 15, characterized in that, The blade is a first blade, and the blade assembly includes a second blade and a third blade, the second blade and the third blade being cooperatively actuated relative to the cable to cut the insulation, the blade assembly being movable to a first rotational position, and wherein the blade assembly is movable to a second rotational position, and the first blade, the second blade and the third blade are actuated in a radially inward cutting direction during a second cutting action to cut strips of the insulation.