Device for crimping cables

Abstract

Device (1) for crimping cables, comprising: an anvil (5); a punch (4) comprising a first punch part (41) and a second punch part (42), each configured to come into contact with a crimp point (9) on a contact part (7) in a crimping process and to deform the crimp point (9); and a moving means (2, 3, 6) which is designed to move the punch (4) towards the anvil (5) to carry out the crimping process and subsequently away from the anvil (5), in the the means of movement (2, 3, 6) is designed such that the first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) are displaced relative to each other in a direction of movement of the punch (4) when the punch (4) is moved away from the anvil (5), the first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) each have a crimping surface (41b, 42b) facing the anvil (5), which is designed to come into contact with the crimp point (9) on the contact part (7) when the punch (4) moves towards the anvil (5) and to deform the crimp point (9), and The first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) are aligned and remain aligned with each other during the movement of the punch (4) towards the anvil (5) to carry out the crimping process, such that the crimping surface (41b) of the first punch part (41) and the crimping surface (42b) of the second punch part (42) form a continuous surface (4b).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for crimping cables.

[0002] For the production of cable connectors, cable ends, especially stripped cable ends, are fitted with contact parts. A common method for connecting the contact parts to the cable ends is crimping. For this, the contact parts have a crimp point that is plastically deformed during the crimping process so that the contact part is firmly connected to the cable end. This is generally done using an anvil and a crimping die, which is usually U-shaped. In many cases, the contact part tends to stick to the U-shaped crimping die after crimping. This is a consequence of the plastic and elastic deformation of the crimp point after or during crimping in the crimping die, or of the remaining contact part becoming jammed against the crimping die.

[0003] A conventional solution to this problem is to oil the affected contact points. A disadvantage of this is the reduced electrical conductivity of the contacts compared to unlubricated contacts. Furthermore, a device with an oiler requires more maintenance than devices with a dry crimping process.

[0004] Another conventional solution is the use of stop or wiper elements. In this process, after crimping, the contact part is wiped off against such a stop or wiper element during the upward movement. Such a stop or wiper element is present, for example, in the device disclosed in US 6,073,471 A.

[0005] Another conventional solution involves using a spring-loaded wiper that pushes the contact part away from the crimping surface of the crimping die after the crimping process, during an upward movement of the crimping die. Corresponding crimping devices are disclosed, for example, in US 5,353,625 A and also in US 6,073,471 A.

[0006] DE 10 2010 039 037 A1, JP 2008 - 041 410 A, DE 10 2006 046 454 A1, EP 1 658 662 B1 and DE 10 2016 200 319 A1 disclose further devices and methods for crimping cables.

[0007] A crimping device with known stripping devices is in Fig. Figure 5 schematically depicts the initial situation before a crimping process. A contact part 7, to be crimped to a cable end 8, rests on an anvil 5. The cable end 8 is inserted into the contact part 7. The contact part 7 has a wire crimping area 13, which is to be crimped to exposed conductors in a front area of ​​the cable end 8 where insulation 8a has been removed from the cable end 8, and an insulation crimping area 14, which is to be crimped to a further rear area of ​​the cable end 8 where the insulation 8a has not been removed.

[0008] The wire crimp area 13 is deformed during crimping by a crimping die 10 positioned above the anvil 5. To do this, the crimping die 10 moves downwards towards the anvil 5 and presses on the wire crimp area 13, as shown in Fig. 6a). The wire crimp area 13 is deformed and, through this deformation, firmly (force-fit) connected to the exposed conductors of the cable end 8. Simultaneously, the insulation crimp area 14 is deformed by an insulation crimping die 11 moving towards the anvil 5 and firmly connected to the cable end 8 in the area of ​​the insulation 8a.

[0009] After the wire crimp area 13 and the insulation crimp area 14 have been deformed, the crimping die 10 and the insulation crimping die 11 are moved away from the anvil 5 by being lifted back to their starting position. During this process, the wire crimp area 13 or the insulation crimp area may, for example, adhere to the crimping die 10 due to the deformation, and the contact part 7 and the cable end 8 may be lifted together with the crimping die 10 and the insulation crimping die 11, respectively, as shown in Fig. 6b) is shown for the wire crimping area 13 and the crimping die 10.

[0010] If the contact part 7 and the cable end 8 stick after the crimping process, they are detached from the crimping die 10 and the insulation crimping die 11, respectively, by a wiper, which pushes the contact part 7 and the cable end 8 away from the crimping die 10 and the insulation crimping die 11, respectively. Fig. 5 different arrangement positions for wipers 12a, 12b, and 12c are specified. Fig. 6c) shows a state after the wire crimp area 13 has been released from the crimp die 10.

[0011] A disadvantage of using a stripper is that the contact part or cable end is touched by the stripper in addition to the crimping process. Even when using a fixed stop element, the contact part or cable end is touched by the stop element. This additional contact can cause the cable end to bend or damage to the contact part, for example, through scratches or deformation.

[0012] In view of increasing demands on connectors with regard to miniaturization, transmission rate, etc., a crimping device and a crimping process are desirable that avoid such damage.

[0013] This problem is solved by a device according to claim 1 or by a method according to claim 9 or by using a stamp according to claim 10.

[0014] In a device according to claim 1, the contact part and the cable end can be detached from the crimping die without additional contact if they become stuck after the crimping process. The contact part only comes into contact with the crimping die and the anvil, but not, for example, with an additional stop element or a wiper. The cable end also does not come into contact with a stop element or a wiper. Thus, bending of the cable end and damage to the contact part can be avoided.

[0015] The first crimp surface of the first die part and the second crimp surface of the second die part can form a continuous (regular) crimp surface during the crimping process (i.e., during the plastic deformation of the contact part). The continuous crimp surface can be smooth at the transition between the first and second crimp surfaces and may have no step or break. The first and second crimp surfaces can come into contact with the same crimp point simultaneously and deform the contact part.

[0016] Various elements of the crimping device can be pre-tensioned by springs. These elements can be pre-tensioned by springs in the compressed state and / or by springs in the extended state.

[0017] Stop elements can be provided against which the respective spring-loaded elements of the crimping device rest in a starting position. For example, the second punch part can be pre-tensioned upwards, away from the anvil, relative to the first punch part by a compressed and / or extended spring, and rest against a stop provided, for example, on the hold-down, the slide, or the first punch part, so that the first and second punch parts form a continuous crimping surface. A stop can also be provided against which the hold-down rests in the starting position, in which the first and second punch parts are not displaced relative to each other. The stop lever can be pre-tensioned against a stop (blocking element) in the starting position.

[0018] The slide can be moved towards and away from the anvil by a mechanism. This mechanism can be a linear drive, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a linear motor, a crank drive (where, for example, a rotating motor moves the slide via a connecting rod), or a worm gear.

[0019] The hold-down can have a first, inclined guide surface. The second punch section can have a third, inclined guide surface that rests against the first guide surface. It is not necessary for both the hold-down and the second punch section to have an inclined guide surface. For example, only the hold-down can have the first guide surface, and this can rest against a pin / bolt projecting from the second punch section, thus moving the second punch section over the pin / bolt. That is, the pin / bolt can slide on the first guide surface, or a roller attached to the pin / bolt via a bearing can roll on the first guide surface. Alternatively, the hold-down can have a pin / bolt that rests against the third guide surface of the second punch section.Instead of an inclined guide surface, an inclined elongated hole can be provided in which the pin / bolt is guided.

[0020] Instead of a stop lever, another component or mechanism can be provided, designed to keep the hold-down in its initial position when the slide moves towards the anvil and to move it away from the anvil, thus shifting the first and second punch sections relative to each other. The hold-down and stop lever can be omitted, and the first and second punch sections can be shifted relative to each other by another mechanism. For example, the second punch section can be shifted relative to the first punch section by an actuator, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic one.

[0021] Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0022] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic embodiment of a crimping device according to one embodiment viewed from the front in the longitudinal direction of a cable to be crimped, Fig. 2 in a), b) and c) each show a cross-sectional view of a part of the crimping device according to the embodiment with a two-part crimping die during different phases of a crimping process, Fig. 3 in a) to f) Process steps of a crimping operation with the crimping device according to the embodiment, Fig. 4 an initial situation before a crimping process for the crimping device according to the embodiment, Fig. 5. An initial situation before a crimping process for a crimping device with one-piece crimping dies and known stripping devices in different positions. Fig. 6 in a), b) and c) each shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a crimping device with a one-piece crimping die during different phases of a crimping process, and Fig. 7 in a), b) and c) each shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a crimping device according to a modification of the embodiment during different phases of a crimping process.

[0023] The following descriptions of embodiments refer to the figures. Identical features are designated by the same reference numerals in all figures, although for the sake of clarity, not all reference numerals are used in every figure.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic embodiment of a crimping device 1 according to one embodiment.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a coordinate system with a z-axis extending vertically in the plane of the drawing, an x-axis extending horizontally in the plane of the drawing, and a y-axis extending perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. This coordinate system serves for illustrative purposes and does not restrict the orientation of the crimping device. Preferably, however, the z-axis is oriented substantially vertically and parallel to the direction of gravity, and the x-axis and y-axis are oriented substantially horizontally.

[0026] The crimping device 1 comprises a base 1a, a slide 2, a relative displacement mechanism 3, a die (crimping die) 4, and an anvil 5. The slide 2 is, for example, mounted on the base 1a so as to be displaceable along the z-axis by means of a guide rail. The anvil 5 is fixed in position relative to the base 1a. The anvil 5 can, for example, be rigidly connected to the base 1a or can be formed integrally with the base 1a. The anvil 5 is located below the slide 2.

[0027] The carriage 2 can be moved towards and away from the anvil 5 along the z-axis by a mechanism 50. The punch 4 is attached to the carriage 2 and is moved towards and away from the anvil 5 together with the carriage 2. The punch 4 is positioned vertically above the anvil 5. The anvil 5 ultimately serves as a support for the punch 4.

[0028] The anvil 5 has a bearing surface 5a facing the punch 4. The bearing surface 5a is designed to receive a contact part 7 and a cable end 8, which are to be connected to each other by a crimping process. In the illustration in Fig. 1. The contact part 7 rests on the support surface 5a. The cable end 8 is arranged within the contact part 7 with its longitudinal extension direction aligned along the y-axis. A portion of insulation 8a is removed from the cable end 8 at its front section. In the illustration in Fig. Figure 1 shows the contact part 7 and the cable end 8 in an uncrimped state (before the crimping process). In this state, the contact part 7 has upwardly projecting sections between which the cable end 8 is loosely inserted. Thus, in its uncrimped state, the contact part 7 is essentially U-shaped.

[0029] The punch 4 has a depression 4a that opens downwards towards the anvil 5 and extends along the y-axis through the punch 4. The cross-sectional shape of the depression 4a in a section plane perpendicular to the y-axis can, for example, be essentially an inverted W-shape with two radii at the bottom of the depression 4a, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the cross-sectional shape of the recess 4a. The cross-sectional shape can be constant or vary along the y-axis. The recess 4a is designed to receive the contact part 7 and the cable end 8, which rest on the support surface 5a of the anvil 5, as the punch 4 moves towards the anvil 5. A crimping surface 4b of the punch 4 within the recess 4a is designed to come into contact with the contact part 7 at a crimp point 9 and to deform the contact part 7 during the crimping process, so that the contact part 7 and the cable end 8 are pressed (crimped) together.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 2a) to c), the stamp 4 is divided along the y-axis into a first stamp part 41 and a second stamp part 42. The first stamp part 41 and the second stamp part 42 are arranged side by side along the y-axis. The first stamp part 41 and the second stamp part 42 are movable relative to each other in the direction of the z-axis.

[0031] The first punch part 41 has a first recess 41a facing the anvil 5. The second punch part 42 has a second recess 42a facing the anvil 5. The first recess 41a and the second recess 42a together form the recess 4a of the punch 4. A cross-sectional shape of the first recess 41a and a cross-sectional shape of the second recess 42a in a section plane perpendicular to the y-axis correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the recess 4a. The first punch part 41 has a first crimping surface 41b within the first recess 41a. The second punch part 42 has a second crimping surface 42b within the second recess 42a. The first crimping surface 41b and the second crimping surface 42b together form the crimping surface 4b of the punch 4. During the crimping process, both the first crimping surface 41b and the second crimping surface 42b come into contact with the crimp point 9 on the contact part 7 and deform the contact part 7.More precisely, the first crimp surface 41b and the second crimp surface 42b come into contact with the contact part 7 in a wire crimp area 13 and deform the contact part 7 in the wire crimp area 13, as shown in . Fig. 2a) is shown.

[0032] The first die part 41 has a first sliding surface 41c facing the second die part 42. The second die part 42 has a second sliding surface 42c facing the first die part 41. The first sliding surface 41c and the second sliding surface 42c are at least partially in contact with each other and are slidably displaceable relative to each other.

[0033] The first die part 41 is rigidly attached to the slide 2. The second die part 42 is slidably attached to the slide 2 along the z-axis relative to the slide 2 and the first die part 41, which is rigidly attached to the slide 2, for example via a rail. The second die part 42 is held in place by a first spring 32, as shown in the illustration. Fig. 1 is pre-tensioned upwards relative to the slide 2. The spring 32 is therefore on its side in Fig. 1 shown underside attached to the slide 2 and extends upwards towards a corresponding receptacle on the second stamp part 42.

[0034] The relative displacement mechanism 3 includes a hold-down device 31. The hold-down device 31 is displaceable along the x-axis and rigidly attached to the carriage 2 in the z-direction, for example via guide rails. The hold-down device 31 moves along the z-axis together with the carriage 2. The hold-down device 31 is held in place by a second spring 33, as shown in the illustration. Fig. 1. Pre-tensioned to the right against a stop.

[0035] The hold-down device 31 is arranged above the second punch part 42. In a starting position, an upper end face 422 of the second punch part 42 rests against a downward-facing surface of the hold-down device 31, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows that the hold-down device 31 serves as a stop for the second punch part 42 in its starting position. The second punch part 42 is biased against the hold-down device 31 in its starting position. Alternatively, a separate stop can be provided for the second punch part 42.

[0036] The hold-down device 31 has a first guide surface 311 and a second guide surface 312. The first guide surface 311 is inclined to the z-axis and the x-axis. The angle between the first guide surface 311 and the z-axis is, for example, in a range of 30° to 60° and is, for example, 45°. The first guide surface 311 is formed on a downwardly projecting first section 31a of the hold-down device 31. In the present embodiment, the downwardly projecting first section 31a has the shape of a right-angled isosceles triangle when viewed in the direction of the y-axis. The first guide surface 311 represents the hypotenuse of the triangle.

[0037] The second punch part 42 has a third guide surface 421. The third guide surface 421 is inclined to the z-axis and the x-axis. The angle between the third guide surface 421 and the z-axis is, for example, in a range of 30° to 60° and is, for example, 45°. The third guide surface 421 faces the first guide surface 311 and is complementary to the first guide surface 311. The first guide surface 311 and the third guide surface 421 are flat surfaces. The second punch part 42 and the hold-down device 31 are each arranged relative to each other such that the first guide surface 311 and the third guide surface 421 bear against each other and can slide against each other. Due to the upward preload of the second punch part 42 by the first spring 32, the third guide surface 421 can be pressed onto the first guide surface 311.More precisely, in the initial position, where the upper end face 422 of the second punch part 42 rests against the hold-down device 31, the first guide surface 311 and the third guide surface 421 can be pressed together, or they can be loosely in contact with each other, or they can be spaced apart. When the hold-down device 31 is moved from the initial position, the first guide surface 311 and the third guide surface 421 can be pressed together.

[0038] The second guide surface 312 is inclined to the z-axis and the x-axis. The angle between the second guide surface 312 and the z-axis lies, for example, in a range of 30° to 60° and is, for example, 45°. The second guide surface 312 is connected to a second section 31b in the illustration in Fig. 1 formed at a right end of the hold-down device 31 on the side opposite the first guide surface 311 along the x-axis.

[0039] The relative displacement mechanism 3 further comprises a stop lever 6. The stop lever 6 is located next to the slide 2 at the level of a region in which the hold-down 31 moves along the z-axis together with the slide 2 during a crimping operation. The stop lever 6 is pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to the y-axis. The stop lever 6 has a first end 61 projecting towards the slide 2 and an opposite second end 62. The pivot axis is located between the first end 61 and the second end 62 of the stop lever 6 and is fixed in position with respect to the base 1a. The stop lever 6 is held in place by a third spring 34, as shown in the illustration. Fig. 1 is pre-tensioned clockwise. In a rest position, where the force of the third spring 34 opposes counterclockwise rotation of the stop lever 6, while clockwise rotation of the stop lever 6 is prevented by a locking element 63, the stop lever 6 is horizontally oriented, i.e., parallel to the x-axis. In the rest position, the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 is in a position where, during the movement of the slide 2 along the z-axis during the crimping process, the first end 61 engages with the second section 31b of the hold-down 31.

[0040] Before the crimping process begins, carriage 2 is in the starting position, which is located in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3a) is shown. The punch 4 with the two punch parts 41, 42 is in its starting position vertically above the anvil 5 and is spaced apart from the anvil 5. The cable end 8 and the contact part 7 rest on the support surface 5a of the anvil 5. The cable end 8 lies on the contact part 7 or is inserted into the contact part 7 between the upwardly projecting sections of the contact part 7.

[0041] In the initial position, the first die part 41 and the second die part 42 are at the same height along the z-axis. The second die part 42 is in an upper displacement position (end position) relative to the carriage 2, to which it is biased by the first spring 32. The first crimp surface 41b and the second crimp surface 42b are flush with each other and form a continuous crimp surface 4b. The crimp surface 4b has neither a step nor a kink at the transition between the first crimp surface 41b and the second crimp surface 42b along the y-axis, but is essentially smooth along the y-axis. Thus, the first crimp surface 41b and the second crimp surface 42b are equidistant from the cable end 8 and the contact part 7.

[0042] The hold-down device 31 is located in a position shown in the illustration in Fig. The first section 31b of the hold-down lever 31 is located above the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 and is disengaged from the first end 61 of the stop lever 6. The stop lever 6 is in its rest position, to which it is held by the third spring 34.

[0043] To perform the crimping process, the carriage 2, together with the first punch part 41 and the second punch part 42, is moved from the starting position towards the anvil 5 in the direction of the z-axis, as shown in Fig. 3b) is shown. The first die part 41 and the second die part 42 maintain their relative positions, i.e., they are not displaced relative to each other in the direction of movement along the z-axis. The first crimping surface 41b and the second crimping surface 42b remain flush with each other.

[0044] As the carriage 2 moves towards the anvil 5, the second section 31b of the hold-down device 31, which moves along the z-axis together with the carriage 2, engages with the first end 61 of the stop lever 6. More precisely, a lower surface 313 of the second section 31b of the hold-down device 31, oriented horizontally (i.e., perpendicular to the z-axis), engages (comes into contact with) the first end 61 of the stop lever 6. The first end 61 of the stop lever 6 is pressed downwards by the second section 31b of the hold-down device 31, causing the stop lever 6 to pivot counterclockwise about the pivot axis. Thus, the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 moves out of the way of the second section 31b of the hold-down device 31. The pivoting movement of the stop lever 6 stretches the third spring 34.

[0045] As the carriage 2 continues to move along the z-axis towards the anvil 5, the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 slides over an edge on the second section 31b (the right end edge) of the hold-down 31 between the lower surface 313 and the second guide surface 312 at a specific position of the carriage 2, and the stop lever 6 is rotated back into its rest position by the third spring 34, as shown in Fig. 3c) is shown. In this position, the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 is out of engagement with the second section 31b of the hold-down device 31. In particular, the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 is not in engagement with the second guide surface 312.

[0046] The carriage 2 moves to a lower reversal position, which is in Fig. As shown in 3c), the slide moves downwards along the z-axis towards the anvil 5. The stop lever 6 pivots back to its rest position at the latest when the slide 2 reaches its lower reversal position.

[0047] During the movement to the anvil 5, the first crimping surface 41b and the second crimping surface 42b come into contact with the contact part 7 resting on the anvil 5 and deform the contact part 7, so that the contact part 7 is crimped to the cable end 8, as shown in Fig. 2a). In particular, the upwardly projecting sections of the contact part 7 are deformed by the first and second crimp surfaces 41b, 42b and pressed onto the exposed conductors of the cable end 8. This crimps the contact part 7 to the cable end 8, creating a force-fit and, if necessary, a form-fit connection with the cable end 8.

[0048] The first crimp surface 41b and the second crimp surface 42b come into contact with the contact part 7 at the same time. The first crimp surface 41b and the second crimp surface 42b come into contact with the same crimp point 9 on the contact part 7. In particular, the first crimp surface 41b and the second crimp surface 42b both come into contact with the wire crimp area 13 of the contact part 7.

[0049] During the movement of the slide 2 from the starting position to the lower reversal position, the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 may, depending on the design, come into contact with the second guide surface 312 when the stop lever 6 flips over. However, no pressure force, or at least not a sufficiently large one to displace the hold-down lever 31 against the preload force of the second spring 33, is generated between the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 and the second guide surface 312. Thus, the hold-down lever 31 remains in the right-hand displacement position, to which it is preloaded by the second spring 33. The first guide surface 311 and the third guide surface 421 are not displaced relative to each other. Thus, the second punch part 42 remains in the upper displacement position, to which it is preloaded by the first spring 32.The second punch part 42 is moved simultaneously and at the same speed as the carriage 2 and the first punch part 41 along the z-axis towards the anvil 5.

[0050] After crimping the contact part 7 to the cable end 8, the slide 2 is moved away from the anvil 5 along the z-axis back towards its starting position. Due to the deformation of the contact part 7, the crimp point 9 can adhere to the punch 4, and the contact part 7 and the cable end 8 can be lifted off the anvil 5 together with the slide 2 as the punch 4 moves, as shown in Fig. 3d).

[0051] During the upward movement of the slide 2, the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 engages with the second guide surface 312 of the hold-down device 31, as shown in Fig. 3d). The stop lever 6 is in its rest position. A clockwise pivoting movement of the stop lever 6 from the rest position is prevented by the blocking element 63, so that the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 cannot move away from the second section 31b of the hold-down device 31 and presses against the second guide surface 312.

[0052] By pressing the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 against the second guide surface 312, the hold-down device 31 is moved upwards from the right displacement position, which is in the further movement of the slide 2 along the z-axis. Fig. 3d) is shown, shifted to the left along the x-axis against the preload force of the second spring 33, as shown in Fig. 3e) is shown. The second spring 33 is compressed. The first guide surface 311 is slidably moved on the third guide surface 421, so that the second piston part 42 is pressed downwards by the first guide surface 311 against the preload force of the first spring 32.

[0053] In this process, the first stamp part 41 and the second stamp part 42 are moved relative to each other along the z-axis, as shown in Fig. 2b) is shown. The first punch part 41 continues to move upwards at the same speed as the carriage 2, while the upward movement of the second punch part 42 is slowed down, stopped, or even reversed. The resulting movement of the second punch part 42 can be determined by selecting the angles of the guide surfaces 311, 312, 421. The first punch part 41 is thus moved away from the anvil 5 in the z-axis direction faster than the second punch part 42. The first sliding surface 41c and the second sliding surface 42c are moved relative to each other along the z-axis. This creates a step-like transition between the first crimping surface 41b and the second crimping surface 42b; that is, the first crimping surface 41b and the second crimping surface 42b no longer form a continuous crimping surface 4b.

[0054] If the crimp point 9 adheres to the die 4 after crimping and the contact part 7 and the cable end 8, together with the die 4, have been lifted from the support surface 5a of the anvil 5, the adhesion of the crimp point 9 to the first crimp surface 41b is released by the displacement of the first die part 41 and the second die part 42 relative to each other. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2b), crimp point 9 cannot follow the upward movement of the first crimp surface 41b because crimp point 9 is held back by the second crimp surface 42b. Therefore, crimp point 9 detaches from the first die part 41 at the latest when the first die part 41 and the second die part 42 move relative to each other, and can only adhere to the second die part 42 in the area of ​​the second crimp surface 42b. However, the probability of adhesion or the force of adhesion is greatly reduced because, due to the now-absent contact with the first die part 41, corresponding tension forces are released that would otherwise cause adhesion. This is further enhanced by the small contact area between crimp point 9 and the second crimp surface 42b.Thus, due to the downward force of gravity acting on the contact part 7 and the associated cable end 8, the crimp point 9 also detaches from the second crimp surface 42b, as shown in . Fig. 2c) is shown.

[0055] The adhesion of the crimp point 9 to the punch 4 after deformation of the crimp point 9 can be caused by the fact that the first punch part 41 and the second punch part 42 are clamped and thus strained, for example, between upwardly projecting areas of the deformed contact part 7 on both sides of the punch 4 along the y-axis. As the first punch part 41 moves upwards relative to the second punch part 42, and only the second punch part 42 remains in contact with the crimp point 9, as shown in Fig. As shown in 2b), the punch 4 is no longer clamped between the upwardly projecting areas of the contact part 7 and the adhesion of the crimp point 9 to the punch 4 is released.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the first punch part 41 and the second punch part 42 are moved away from the anvil 5 at the same speed for a certain period of time at the beginning of the upward movement of the carriage 2 along the z-axis. That is, the first punch part 41 and the second punch part 42 are initially at the same height for a certain period of time during the upward movement of the carriage 2, as in Fig. Figure 3d) illustrates this. After a short distance, the first punch part 41 detaches from the crimping point 9 because the upward movement of the second punch part 42 is delayed. This occurs either because the second punch part 42 is held in its position along the z-axis for a further specific period by the relative displacement mechanism 3, as described above, or because the movement of the second punch part 42 along the z-axis is slowed or reversed. The displacement of the hold-down device 31 along the x-axis causes the movement of the second punch part 42 to be delayed relative to the upward movement of the carriage 2 with the first punch part 41. This causes the crimping point 9 to lose its grip on the first and second punch parts 41, 42, so that the crimping point 9 detaches from the punch 4, as described above.

[0057] According to a modification, the device can be designed such that a displacement of the second punch part 42 relative to the first punch part 41 already occurs at the beginning of the upward movement of the slide 2, i.e., the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 can already be in contact with the second guide surface 312 at the beginning of the upward movement, immediately at the lower reversal position of the slide 2.

[0058] During the further upward movement of the carriage 2 back to the starting position, the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 slides downward on the second guide surface 312, while the hold-down device 31 is moved to the left until the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 slides over the edge between the second guide surface 312 and the horizontally oriented lower surface 313 of the second section 31b of the hold-down device 31. When the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 slides over the edge, it disengages from the second section 31b of the hold-down device 31, as shown in Fig. 3f) is shown, and the first end 61 of the stop lever 6 no longer presses against the second guide surface 312. Thus, the hold-down is moved back into the right displacement position along the x-axis by the second spring 33. The first spring 32 pushes the second punch part 42 back into the upper displacement position along the z-axis, and the first guide surface 311 and the third guide surface 421 slide against each other. Thus, the first punch part 41 and the second punch part 42 are again at the same height, and the first crimping surface 41b and the second crimping surface 42b are flush with each other. The carriage 2 returns to the starting position shown in Fig. 3a is shown, moved back.

[0059] During a subsequent crimping process, carriage 2 moves back down.

[0060] In the crimping device 1 according to the embodiment described above, the adhesion of the crimp point 9 to the die 4 is released by the displacement of the first die part 41 and the second die part 42 relative to each other. It is not necessary to provide a stop element or a wiper. In particular, it is not necessary to additionally contact the contact part 7 or the cable end 8 at any point other than the crimp point 9. This prevents bending or damage to the contact part 7 or the cable end 8 due to additional contact.

[0061] The crimping device 1 according to the above embodiment has, in addition to the die 4, an insulation crimping die 11 for crimping the contact part 7 to the cable end 8 in an insulation crimping area 14. The insulation crimping die 11 is located in the Fig. 1 to 3 are not shown, but are in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the insulation crimping die 11 is not strictly necessary and can be omitted. In the present embodiment, the insulation crimping die 11 is a (conventional) one-piece die. However, the insulation crimping die can also be designed in two parts, like the die 4.

[0062] In the crimping device 1 according to the embodiment described above, the die 4 is formed in two parts and comprises the first die part 41 and the second die part 42. The first die part 41 is arranged on one side of the die 4 along the y-axis. The second die part 42 is arranged on the opposite side of the die 4 along the y-axis. Each of the first and second die parts 41, 42 can in turn be subdivided into several parts, and the arrangement of the parts can differ from the arrangement shown above. An exemplary modification of the embodiment is shown in Fig.Figures 7 a) to c) illustrate the crimping device according to the modification. The crimping device has a die 104 comprising a first die part 141 and a second die part 142. The first die part 141 has a first part 141A and a second part 141B. The second die part 142 is arranged along the y-axis between the first part 141A and the second part 141B.

[0063] Both the first part 141A and the second part 141B are rigidly attached to the carriage 2. The second punch part 142 is displaceable relative to the carriage 2 and relative to the first part 141A and the second part 141B along the z-axis.

[0064] It is explicitly stated that all features disclosed in the description and / or the claims are intended to be disclosed separately and independently of one another, both for the purpose of the original disclosure and for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, irrespective of the combination of features in the embodiments and / or the claims. It is explicitly stated that all ranges of values ​​or specifications of groups of objects disclose every possible intermediate value or every possible object in between, both for the purpose of the original disclosure and for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, in particular for determining the limits of value ranges.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for crimping cables, comprising: an anvil (5); a punch (4) comprising a first punch part (41) and a second punch part (42), each configured to come into contact with a crimp point (9) on a contact part (7) in a crimping process and to deform the crimp point (9); and a moving means (2, 3, 6) which is designed to move the punch (4) towards the anvil (5) to carry out the crimping process and subsequently away from the anvil (5), in the the means of movement (2, 3, 6) is designed such that the first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) are displaced relative to each other in a direction of movement of the punch (4) when the punch (4) is moved away from the anvil (5), the first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) each have a crimping surface (41b, 42b) facing the anvil (5), which is designed to come into contact with the crimp point (9) on the contact part (7) when the punch (4) moves towards the anvil (5) and to deform the crimp point (9), and The first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) are aligned and remain aligned with each other during the movement of the punch (4) towards the anvil (5) to carry out the crimping process, such that the crimping surface (41b) of the first punch part (41) and the crimping surface (42b) of the second punch part (42) form a continuous surface (4b). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, in which the means of movement (2, 3, 6) is configured to prevent the second punch part (42) from moving away from the anvil (5) at least for a certain period of time or to move it away from the anvil (5) at a lower speed than the first punch part (41), so that the first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) are displaced relative to each other. [3] Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means of movement (2, 3, 6) is configured to move the first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) simultaneously and at the same speed when the punch (4) is moved onto the anvil (5), so that the first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) are not displaced relative to each other. [4] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) are aligned to each other when the punch (4) is moved onto the anvil (5) in such a way that they come into contact with the crimping point (9) located on the anvil (5) at the same time. [5] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means of movement (2, 3, 6) comprises a slide (2) designed to move towards and away from the anvil (5), a hold-down device (31) movably attached to the slide (2) in a second direction orthogonally or obliquely to the direction of movement of the punch (4), and a stop element (6) that is fixedly supported with respect to the anvil (5), the hold-down device (31) has a first guide surface (311) which is oriented obliquely to the direction of movement of the punch (4) and obliquely to the second direction, and a second guide surface (312) which is oriented obliquely to the direction of movement of the punch (4) and obliquely to the second direction, the first stamp part (41) is rigidly attached to the carriage (2), the second punch part (42) is slidably attached to the slide (2) in a direction of movement of the punch (4) and has a third guide surface (421) complementary to the first guide surface (311), which is designed to come into contact with the first guide surface (311), and the stop element (6) is designed to not interact with the second guide surface (312) when the punch (4) moves onto the anvil (5), and to engage with the second guide surface (312) and press against the second guide surface (312) when the punch (4) moves away from the anvil (5), so that the hold-down (31) is moved in the second direction in such a way that the first guide surface (311) and the third guide surface (421) slide against each other and thereby the second punch part (42) is displaced relative to the first punch part (41). [6] Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the moving means (2, 3, 6) has a return spring (32) which preloads the second punch part (42) so that the third guide surface (421) is pressed onto the first guide surface (311). [7] Device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the stop element (6) is pivotable about a pivot axis orthogonal to the direction of movement of the punch (4), so that the stop element (6) can evade the hold-down (31) by a pivoting movement when the punch (4) moves towards the anvil (5), and the means of motion (2, 3, 6) has a further spring (34) which pre-tensions the stop element (6) to a position in which, when the punch (4) moves away from the anvil (5), it engages with the second guide surface (312) and presses against the second guide surface (312). [8] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means of movement (2, 3, 6) is configured to move the first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) together at the same speed for a certain period of time when the punch (4) is moved away from the anvil (5), before the first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) are displaced relative to each other. [9] Method for crimping cables using an anvil (5) and a punch (4) comprising a first punch part (41) and a second punch part (42), each configured to come into contact with a crimp point (9) on a contact part (7) in a crimping operation and to deform the crimp point (9), comprising the following steps: Moving the punch (4) onto the anvil (5) to perform the crimping process, and Moving the punch (4) away from the anvil (5), at which the first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) are displaced relative to each other in a direction of movement of the punch (4) when the punch (4) is moved away from the anvil (5), the first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) each have a crimping surface (41b, 42b) facing the anvil (5), which is designed to come into contact with the crimp point (9) on the contact part (7) when the punch (4) moves towards the anvil (5) and to deform the crimp point (9), and The first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) are aligned and remain aligned with each other during the movement of the punch (4) towards the anvil (5) to carry out the crimping process, such that the crimping surface (41b) of the first punch part (41) and the crimping surface (42b) of the second punch part (42) form a continuous surface (4b). [10] Use of a punch (4) comprising a first punch part (41) and a second punch part (42), each configured to come into contact with a crimp point (9) on a contact part (7) in a crimping process and to deform the crimp point (9) to release the contact part (7) from the punch (4), during which the punch (4) is moved towards an anvil (5) to perform the crimping process and then moved away from the anvil (5) again, and The first punch part (41) and the second punch part (42) are displaced relative to each other in a direction of movement of the punch (4) when the punch (4) is moved away from the anvil (5).

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