Crimping tool and method for crimping a crimp sleeve

Abstract

The invention relates to a crimping tool (1), in particular for a crimping applicator or a crimping machine, for crimping a crimp sleeve, in particular a crimp sleeve of an electrical crimp terminal, with a plurality of mutually movable sub-tools (10), wherein a single sub-tool (10) has a globally effective, mechanically effective partial crimping surface (110) for partially crimping the crimp sleeve (50), and at least one sub-tool (10), in particular exactly or at least two sub-tools (10), has within the relevant global partial crimping surface (110) a local measuring point insertion device (130) by means of which a measuring point (530) can be inserted into the crimp sleeve (50).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a crimping tool, in particular for a crimping applicator or a crimping machine, as well as to a prefabricated electrical cable. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for crimping a crimp sleeve and a method for measuring a crimp dimension for quality assurance. Furthermore, the invention relates to a crimping applicator or a crimping machine.

[0002] In the electrical field (electronics, electrical engineering, electrics, electrical power engineering, etc.), a large number of electrical connecting devices, connecting units, socket, tab, pin, pin, and / or hybrid connectors, etc., are known. These connectors are used to transmit electrical currents, voltages, signals, and / or data over a wide range of currents, voltages, frequencies, and / or data rates. In the low-, medium-, or high-voltage and / or current ranges, and particularly in the automotive sector (low- or high-voltage range), such connectors must ensure the short-term and / or long-term flawless transmission of electrical power, signals, and / or data in warm, possibly hot, contaminated, humid, wet, and / or chemically aggressive environments. Due to the wide range of applications, a large number of specially designed connectors are known.

[0003] The electrical terminals of such connectors are often designed as so-called crimp terminals, with the respective crimp terminal being crimped onto an electrical cable, such as a stranded electrical cable or an electrical wire, etc. of the cable. Crimping is a joining process in which, for example, a crimp terminal and a cable are firmly connected to one another by plastically deforming a crimp sleeve (crimp section) of the crimp terminal, which can be achieved, for example, by squeezing, flanging, crimping, and / or folding. Such a connection is difficult to undo and ensures high electrical safety and mechanical stability.

[0004] In industry, crimp connections are usually produced using crimping machines (automatic crimping machines, fully automatic crimping machines, automatic cable assembly machines, etc.), which can process crimp terminals, e.g., in the form of strips, to ensure high productivity and high quality. A crimping machine naturally includes, among other equipment, a crimping tool, e.g., a crimp applicator on the crimping machine, for creating the crimp connections between the cables and the crimp sleeves of the crimp terminals.

[0005] To ensure consistently high quality from a crimping tool, it is necessary to measure the crimp diameter of a crimp sleeve produced using this crimping tool. This can be done, for example, for all relevant crimp sleeves produced (in particular, conductor crimp sleeves, insulation crimp sleeves to a limited extent), only for certain selected crimp sleeves (e.g., every 10th, 50th, 100th), or for randomly selected crimp sleeves. Such a crimping tool comprises, for example, at least one crimping die and at least one crimping anvil, for segmented radial crimping (SRC), preferably an even number of, in particular, identical press segments, etc.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to ensure and preferably improve the quality of established crimp connections, in particular established conductor crimp connections. The crimp diameters of the established crimp connections should, on the one hand, be able to be measured quickly and easily, but, on the other hand, they should also be able to be related to one another, at least within a batch, in such a way that a crimp diameter of an established first crimp sleeve can be compared as accurately as possible with a crimp diameter of any second crimp sleeve in this batch.

[0007] The object of the invention is achieved by means of a crimping tool, in particular for a crimping applicator or a crimping machine, for crimping a crimp sleeve, in particular a crimp sleeve of an electrical crimping terminal; by means of a prefabricated electrical cable, in particular for the automotive sector; by a method for crimping a crimp sleeve of an electrical crimping terminal onto an electrical conductor of an electrical cable; by a method for measuring a crimp dimension, in particular a crimp diameter, for quality assurance; and by means of a crimping applicator or a crimping machine for establishing at least one crimp connection between an electrical crimping terminal and an electrical conductor; according to the independent claims.

[0008] The features of the present specification are applicable across all subject matters, whereby, in particular, a positive / negative on / in the crimping tool (partial tool) is interchangeable with a negative / positive in / on the crimp sleeve. Advantageous developments, additional features, and / or advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] The crimping tool according to the invention comprises a plurality of sub-tools which can be moved relative to one another, wherein an individual sub-tool has a global, mechanically effective partial crimping surface for partially crimping the crimp sleeve, and at least one sub-tool, in particular exactly one or at least two sub-tools, has a local measuring point insertion device within the relevant global partial crimping surface, by means of which a measuring point can be inserted into the crimp sleeve.

[0010] The crimping tool can be designed as an automatic or manual crimping tool. In the first case, the crimping machine comprising the crimping tool can be designed as an automatic crimping machine, a fully automatic crimping machine, a cable assembly machine, etc. - The crimp sleeve can generally be a section of a device or device to be crimped, in particular that of an electrical crimp terminal, i.e., a terminal that can be crimped onto a cable. The crimp sleeve can, of course, also be designed as an insulation crimp sleeve. In its non-crimped state, the crimp sleeve can be designed as a crimp sleeve that is closed or open around its circumference. A term equivalent to the term "crimp sleeve" is, for example, "crimp section."

[0011] The crimping tool can have at least two sub-tools for a single crimp connection, in particular a crimping anvil and at least one crimping die. In this case, the crimping tool can be designed, in particular at least in sections, as a die-crimping tool. Furthermore, the crimping tool for a single crimp connection can have a plurality of sub-tools, in particular even-numbered sub-tools, arranged in a circumferential direction of the crimping tool. In this case, the sub-tools can be arranged around the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, apart from the necessarily provided sub-tool gaps between them.

[0012] The crimping tool can be designed as a segmented radial crimping tool with a plurality of, in particular, even-numbered sub-tools. All sub-tools, or all sub-tools minus a single sub-tool, are configured to be movable back and forth within the crimping tool in their respective radial direction (star arrangement). The crimping tool can be designed, for example, as an SRC crimping tool (SRC: Segmented Radial Crimp).

[0013] The relevant partial crimping surface can be configured, in its global extent, as a surface section of a preferably simply curved or straight plane. Furthermore, the relevant partial crimping surface can be configured as a shell section of a rotating body, in particular as a preferably straight section of a cylinder shell. Furthermore, the relevant partial crimping surface can be configured as a substantially smooth partial crimping surface.

[0014] By means of the measuring point insertion device, a measuring point can be provided on the outside of the crimp sleeve in the circumferential direction and / or in the axial direction of the crimp sleeve. The measuring point insertion device can be configured as a negative or a positive in / on the global partial crimping surface. Furthermore, at least two partial tools directly opposite one another in the radial direction of the crimping tool can each have a measuring point insertion device. Preferably, the at least two measuring point insertion devices are located at a substantially identical position in the axial direction of the crimping tool.

[0015] The measuring point insertion device can be configured on / in the relevant sub-tool such that a measuring point that can thereby be inserted into the crimp sleeve is formed as a substantially planar (section of a straight plane) measuring surface or a substantially convex measuring point on the outside of the crimp sleeve. Of course, two planar measuring surfaces or two convex measuring points can preferably be inserted in the radial direction in circumferential regions of the crimp sleeve that are directly opposite one another in the radial direction, with more than two measuring points, e.g., four measuring points, also being possible. For this purpose, the crimping tool has a corresponding number of measuring point insertion devices in / on sub-tools that are directly opposite one another in the radial direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the measuring point insertion device can be configured on / in the respective sub-tool such that the measuring point provided in the crimp sleeve can be inserted between two crimp ribs that are formed directly adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the crimp sleeve. Additionally or alternatively, the measuring point provided in the crimp sleeve can be inserted into the crimp sleeve at a predetermined position in the axial direction and / or at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction.

[0017] The measuring point introduction device can be configured as a groove extending in the circumferential direction with a preferably straight or tangential groove base in the respective sub-tool. The groove can extend out of the respective sub-tool on one or both sides in the circumferential direction and / or be delimited by the sub-tool. In this case, the measuring point introduction device is naturally configured as a negative in the respective sub-tool. Furthermore, the measuring point introduction device can be configured as a spherical projection, preferably central in the circumferential direction, in the respective sub-tool. In this case, the measuring point introduction device is naturally configured as a positive in the respective sub-tool. Furthermore, the measuring point introduction device can be configured substantially in an axial center on / in the respective sub-tool.

[0018] By means of the measuring point insertion device, the measuring point can be or has been integrally formed into the crimp sleeve. Furthermore, by means of the measuring point insertion device, the measuring point can be or has been formed out of a material of the crimp sleeve. The crimping tool can be designed such that a crimping method according to the invention can be or is carried out by means of the crimping tool.

[0019] The prefabricated cable according to the invention comprises an electrical line and an electrical crimp terminal, wherein the crimp terminal has a crimp sleeve by means of which the crimp terminal is crimped onto the line, in particular an electrical conductor of the line, and the crimp sleeve has at least one local measuring point, in particular exactly or at least two local measuring points, for determining a crimp dimension, in particular a crimp diameter, of the crimp sleeve.

[0020] The crimp sleeve can have at least two measuring points located diametrically opposite one another in the radial direction of the crimp sleeve. The at least two measuring points can each be located substantially in an axial center of the crimp sleeve. A respective measuring point can be incorporated into the crimp sleeve as a positive or a negative. A measuring point can be located between two axial sections of a pressing section of the crimp sleeve.

[0021] A single measuring point can be configured as a substantially planar or convex measuring surface on the outside of the crimp sleeve. Furthermore, a single measuring point can be configured between two crimp ribs directly adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the crimp sleeve. Furthermore, a single measuring point can be configured at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the crimp sleeve and / or at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction within the crimp sleeve.

[0022] A single measuring point can be introduced into the crimp sleeve as a web extending in the circumferential direction of the crimp sleeve and preferably with a straight or tangential extension. In this case, the measuring point is naturally introduced into the crimp sleeve as a positive. A measuring surface of the web can be delimited in the circumferential direction by two directly adjacent crimp ribs or can essentially bridge them completely. In the first case, the crimp ribs are still clearly visible in the region of the web, whereas in the second case the crimp ribs are no longer recognizable as ribs in the region of the web and the web essentially completely fills a circumferential space between the crimp ribs. - A single measuring point can be introduced as a substantially convex measuring point on the outside of the crimp sleeve. - Furthermore, the crimp sleeve can be crimped onto the conductor using a crimping method according to the invention.

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

[0024] The measuring point can be formed into the crimp sleeve by a positive / negative part of the sub-tool and / or by plastically deforming a material of the crimp sleeve. A positive part is, in particular, a material projection on a global partial crimping surface of the sub-tool, and a negative part is, in particular, a material recess in a global partial crimping surface of the sub-tool. The positive / negative part within the global partial crimping surface of the sub-tool can be designed as a local measuring point insertion device, by means of which the measuring point is formed into the crimp sleeve. The measuring point insertion device can be designed as described above.

[0025] With respect to the radial direction of the crimp sleeve, two measuring points can be molded into the crimp sleeve in diametrically opposed circumferential regions of the crimp sleeve, with each measuring point preferably being designed as a planar or convex measuring surface. A planar measuring surface can be introduced as a ridge (see above) in a pressing section of the crimp sleeve, with such a ridge preferably extending tangentially straight and preferably in the circumferential direction of the crimp sleeve. A convex measuring surface (see above) can be introduced into the crimp sleeve as a substantially convex measuring point. Naturally, both the ridge and the measuring point are accessible from the outside of the crimp sleeve.

[0026] When setting up the crimp sleeve, axial crimp ribs can be set up in the crimp sleeve between each two axial pressing sections of the crimp sleeve. Furthermore, when setting up the crimp sleeve, a single measuring point can be set up between two crimp ribs that are directly adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction of the crimp sleeve. This is preferably the only measuring point between the directly adjacent crimp ribs. Furthermore, the measuring point can be set up in the pressing section in such a way that the pressing section is divided into two axial sections of approximately equal length. This means that, for example, the web or the convex measuring point, i.e. the measuring point, is set up centrally in a pressing section.

[0027] When crimping the crimp sleeve onto the conductor, the compression section that forms between two crimping ribs that are created can be smooth. This naturally also applies to the measuring point. The method can be designed as a method for assembling an electrical cable, wherein the assembled cable can be designed as a cable assembled according to the invention. In this case, a crimp sleeve of an electrical crimp terminal is then naturally crimped onto an electrical conductor of the cable according to the assembly method according to the invention. The method for crimping the crimp sleeve can be followed in time by a method according to the invention for measuring a crimp dimension. In this case, the measuring method can follow essentially immediately after the crimping method or with a possibly significant time delay and / or local change.

[0028] In the measuring method according to the invention, a measuring finger of a measuring device is placed on the outside of a pressing section of a crimp sleeve crimped onto an electrical conductor, and the crimp dimension is measured. The measuring finger is placed on a local measuring point in the pressing section, and the measuring point is formed as a planar or convex measuring surface on the outside of the crimp sleeve. It is preferred that two measuring fingers are placed on such local measuring points, the measuring points being formed on two radially opposite sides on the outside of the crimp sleeve. Furthermore, a measuring point, the crimp sleeve, or a crimp sleeve of a prefabricated cable can be designed as described above.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic and not-to-scale drawing. Sections, elements, parts, units, components and / or schemes which have an identical, unique or analogous design and / or function are identified by the same reference numerals in the description of the figures (see below), the list of reference numerals, the patent claims and in the figures (Fig.) of the drawing. A possible alternative not explained in the description of the invention (see above), not shown in the drawing and / or not exhaustive, a static and / or kinematic reversal, a combination, etc. to the exemplary embodiments of the invention or of a component, scheme, unit, part, element or section thereof, can also be found in the list of reference numerals and / or the description of the figures.

[0030] In the invention, a feature (section, element, part, unit, component, function, size, etc.) can be configured positively, i.e., present, or negatively, i.e., absent. In this specification (description (description of the invention (see above), description of the figures (see below)), list of reference symbols, claims, drawing), a negative feature is not explicitly explained as a feature unless it is important for the invention to be absent. This means that the invention actually made, and not one constructed by the prior art, consists in omitting this feature.

[0031] A feature of this specification may be applied not only in a specified manner and / or form, but also in another manner and / or form (isolation, combination, replacement, addition, uniqueness, omission, etc.). In particular, it is possible to replace, add, or omit a feature in the patent claims and / or description based on a reference symbol and a feature assigned to it, or vice versa, in the description, the list of reference symbols, the patent claims, and / or the drawing. Furthermore, this may allow a feature in a patent claim to be interpreted and / or further specified.

[0032] The features of the description can also be interpreted as optional features (in view of the (initially usually unknown) prior art); i.e., each feature can be understood as an optional, arbitrary, or preferred, i.e., non-binding, feature. This makes it possible to isolate a feature, possibly including its periphery, from an embodiment, whereby this feature can then be transferred to a generalized inventive concept. The absence of a feature (negative feature) in an embodiment shows that the feature may be optional with regard to the invention (to a person skilled in the art). Furthermore, a species term for a feature can also be interpreted as a generic term for the feature (possibly a further hierarchical breakdown into subgenres, etc.), whereby a generalization of the feature is possible, e.g., taking into account equal effect and / or equivalence.

[0033] The purely exemplary and schematic figures in the drawing show: the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the state of the art in a side perspective view ( Fig. 1) and a frontal section view ( Fig. 2), which show a crimp sleeve of a crimp terminal crimped onto a conductor, the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 an embodiment of the invention in an axial perspective view ( Fig. 3) and a side perspective view ( Fig. 4), which sub-tools of a crimping tool are unique ( Fig. 3) and when crimping a crimp sleeve ( Fig. 4) represent, the Fig. 5 an embodiment of the invention in a side perspective view, showing a crimp sleeve according to the invention of a crimp terminal for a cable produced by a crimping method according to the invention, and the Fig. 6 to 8 are end-sectional views of an embodiment of the invention, each figure showing a crimp sleeve according to the invention arranged on an electrical conductor of a prefabricated cable according to the invention.

[0034] The invention is described below based on the prior art ( Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) based on exemplary embodiments of a crimping tool 1 ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 4), a pre-assembled cable ( Fig. 5 to 8), a method for crimping a crimp sleeve 50, in particular a (conductor) crimp sleeve 50 of an electrical crimp terminal ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5), and a method for measuring a crimp dimension D ( Fig. 6 to 8). Of course, the invention is also applicable to a different crimping tool, a different pre-assembled cable, or a different method for crimping and / or measuring.

[0035] Although the invention is described and illustrated in more detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is of a more fundamental nature. Other variations can be derived from this and / or from the above (description of the invention) without departing from the scope of the invention. The invention is generally applicable in the electrical field, e.g., in the automotive or non-automotive sectors, for an electrical entity.

[0036] The drawing only depicts those spatial sections of an object of the invention that are necessary for understanding the invention. Terms such as connector and mating connector, terminal and mating terminal, etc., are to be interpreted synonymously, i.e., they may be interchanged if necessary. The explanation of the invention (see also above) based on the drawing refers below, among other things, to a (bidirectional) axial direction Ax, a (multidirectional) radial direction Ra, and a (bidirectional) circumferential direction Um of the crimping tool 1 or a sub-tool 10 of the crimping tool 1, the crimp sleeve 50, the assembled cable, etc.

[0037] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a crimp sleeve 50 crimped onto an electrical conductor 70 according to the prior art, wherein the crimp sleeve 50 was set up on the conductor 70 using eight identical sub-tools of an SRC crimping tool. For setting up axial Ax pressing sections 510 of the crimp sleeve 50, each of the sub-tools has a global partial crimping surface, which is designed as a straight section of a cylinder jacket (cf. the two left and the two right sub-tools 10 in the Fig. 3). Such a pressing section 510 forms, in comparison with a crimp rib 520 (see below), a comparatively large circumferential section of the crimp sleeve 50 on the conductor 70.

[0038] Between each two sub-tools 10 that are directly adjacent in the circumferential direction of the SRC crimping tool, sub-tool gaps 12 are necessarily set up (cf. again the Fig. 3). Partial tool gaps 12 cause axial Ax crimp ribs 520 in the crimp sleeve 50 arranged on the conductor 70 during crimping. Such a crimp rib 520 forms a comparatively small circumferential section of the crimp sleeve 50 on the conductor 70 in comparison with a pressing section 510.

[0039] With eight sub-tools, four times two diametrically opposed pressing sections 510 are created with respect to the axial direction Ax, in which a crimping dimension D of the crimp sleeve 50 can be measured. Furthermore, the respective crimping dimension D can be measured along a substantially entire axial Ax extension of the pressing sections 510. In addition, due to the curved global partial crimping surfaces of the sub-tools, spherical measuring points 531 ( Fig. 2). These crowned shapes of the press sections 510 are necessary to ensure good crimping.

[0040] A number of uncertainties arise regarding the measurement of the crimp dimension D. Which of the four directions (four opposing crimp section pairs 510 / 510) should be measured? At which axial Ax position of a crimp section pair 510 / 510 should the measurement be made? Furthermore, the measurement of the crimp dimension D requires a special measuring device (tip geometry) in order to be able to measure between the crimp ribs 520 of two opposing crimp sections 510, which is Fig. 2, is clarified.

[0041] The comparatively sharp tip geometry of the two measuring fingers 630 in the Fig. 2 is obviously unsuitable for delivering reproducible measurement results due to the spherical measuring points 531. Too small tips of the measuring fingers 630 allow for off-center measuring positions, which, with the spherical measuring points 531, results in incorrect crimp dimensions D, in particular crimp diameter D. However, according to the invention, such tip geometries or standard tip geometries should be able to be used, for example, to measure the crimp dimension D.

[0042] Particularly with SRC crimping tools for circumferentially closed crimp sleeves 50, a crimp diameter D is the primary control dimension that must be correctly set. With the prior art form of the sub-tools 10, eight crimping sections 510 result, which, together with eight crimping ribs 520, form the crimp sleeve 50 in the circumferential direction Um. For a crimp sleeve 50 mounted on a conductor 70, the distance between opposing crimping sections 510, i.e., a crimp diameter D, should be the same across the entire length of the crimping sections 510 in all four directions.

[0043] Due to tolerances of the crimping tool itself and due to tolerances occurring during the crimping process, the crimp diameter D can vary depending on the position of a measuring point, i.e. where the measuring fingers 630 (cf. Fig. 6 to 8) of a measuring device are applied to / on the crimp sleeve 50, vary in the axial direction Ax and / or in the circumferential direction Um of the crimp sleeve 50. The measurement must also exclude the crush ribs 520 between the P pressing sections 510, which requires a measuring tip geometry that is geometrically linked to the size of the crimp sleeve 50 in order to reduce inconsistencies in the measurements.

[0044] So, where is the correct measurement? Investigations leading to the invention have shown that even a reliable determination of a single crimp diameter D in the axial center Ax of a crimp sleeve 50 provides a reliable result. This allows the quality of an installed crimp sleeve 50 to be easily determined with a single, simple measurement. Due to the particularly spherical measuring points 531 in the prior art, such a reliable determination of a crimp diameter D can only be achieved with limitations (tip geometry of the measuring fingers 630 adapted to the crimp sleeve 50, ensuring the correct position of the crimp sleeve 50 with respect to the measuring fingers 630, excluding the crimp ribs 520, etc.).

[0045] According to the invention, at least one measuring point 530 is provided in the crimp sleeve 50 according to the invention by means of a crimping tool 1 according to the invention in a crimping method according to the invention, wherein a crimp dimension D, in particular a crimp diameter D, of the crimp sleeve 50 can be measured according to the invention using the measuring point 530 according to the invention. The crimp sleeve 50 is preferably that of a crimp terminal, e.g., a crimp terminal of a pre-assembled cable.

[0046] In this case, in particular, exactly two or a plurality of pairs of diametrically opposed measuring points 530 are set up on / in the crimp sleeve 50 in the radial direction Ra of the crimp sleeve 50. Relevant measuring points 530 have the same axial Ax position in / on the crimp sleeve 50. A measuring finger 630 of a measuring device can then be placed on the outside of the crimp sleeve 50 at a single measuring point 530, and the crimp dimension D can be measured. Alternatively, a different crimping tool, e.g., comprising a crimping anvil and at least one crimping die, can of course be used.

[0047] The crimping tool 1 or SRC crimping tool 1 according to the invention (cf. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) is globally constructed as described above. However, at least one sub-tool 10 has a local measuring point insertion device 130 configured as a negative in and / or as a positive on the global partial crimping surface 110. Preferably, two sub-tools 10 opposite one another in the radial direction Ra, or a plurality of such sub-tools 10 opposite one another in pairs, have such local measuring point insertion devices 130 in / on their global partial crimping surfaces 110. Such a measuring point insertion device 130 can be configured as described above.

[0048] As a negative, the measuring point introduction device 130 is arranged in particular as a groove 130, preferably substantially in an axial Ax center in the respective part tool 10 (cf. the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4). Preferably, the groove 130 extending into the global partial crimping surface 110 of the respective partial tool 10 has a straight or tangential (with respect to a curvature of a partial crimping surface 110) groove base. Of course, other negative features than measuring point insertion devices 130, such as an indentation, a bead, etc., are also possible. A negative feature is, for example, a lack of material in the global partial crimping surface 110 or a recess-like deviation from a regular surface of the global partial crimping surface 110.

[0049] As a positive, the measuring point insertion device 130 is configured in particular as a spherical projection 130, preferably substantially at an axial center Ax in the respective sub-tool 10 (not shown in the figures). Preferably, the spherical projection 130 is formed on the global partial crimping surface 110 of the respective sub-tool 10 as a section of an ellipsoid or a solid sphere. Of course, other positives as measuring point insertion devices 130 are also possible, such as a projection, a bar shape, etc. A positive is, for example, additional material on / at the global partial crimping surface 110 or a projection-like deviation from a regular surface of the global partial crimping surface 110.

[0050] The crimp sleeve 50 according to the invention (cf. the Fig. 5 to 8), e.g., of the terminal, has at least one local measuring point 530 for determining a crimp dimension D, in particular a crimp diameter D, of the crimp sleeve 50 on / in at least one of its pressing sections 510. Preferably, the crimp sleeve 50 has two measuring points 530 diametrically opposed to one another in the radial direction Ra or a plurality of such pairwise diametrically opposed measuring points 530 on / in its pressing sections 510. Such a measuring point 530 can be designed as described above.

[0051] According to the invention, the crimp sleeve 50 has, analogously to a negative as a measuring point introduction device 130 of the crimping tool 1, a preferably axially centered positive as a measuring point 530 (cf. the Fig. 5 to 7), or analogous to a positive as measuring point insertion device 130 of the crimping tool 1, a preferably axially centered negative as measuring point 530 (cf. the Fig. 8). In principle, such a negative or such a positive can be shaped in any way, as long as it can be used to create measuring surfaces of the measuring points 530, on which measuring fingers 630 can be placed.

[0052] As a single positive measuring point 530, this can be designed, for example, as a web 530 that extends in the circumferential direction around the crimp sleeve 50. Preferably, the web 530 has a straight or tangential (with respect to a circumferential curvature around a pressing section 510 or the crimp sleeve 50) extension. The web 530 can be arranged between two directly adjacent crimp ribs 520. In a first case, a measuring surface of the web 530 can completely bridge two directly adjacent crimp ribs 520 ( Fig. 5 and Fig. 6), and in a second case, a measuring surface of the web 530 can be arranged between two directly adjacent crush ribs 520 ( Fig. 7).

[0053] As a single negative measuring point 530, this can be formed, for example, as a substantially convex measuring point 530 in a press section 510 of the crimp sleeve 50 ( Fig. 8). - The positive or negative measuring point 530 can have a substantially planar or convex measuring surface arranged on the outside of the crimp sleeve 50. In this case, a single measuring surface is arranged between two directly adjacent crimp ribs 520 or bridges them. If necessary, a concave measuring surface of a measuring point 530 can also be arranged.

[0054] In the crimping method according to the invention, a local measuring point 530 is co-formed into the resulting press section 510 of the crimping crimp sleeve 50 during crimping of the crimp sleeve 50. The measuring point 530 is co-formed into the press section 510, in particular, by plastically deforming a material of the crimp sleeve 50. Preferably, at least one pair of measuring points 530 / 530 is co-formed into the respective press sections 510, wherein the measuring points 530, 530 of the pair of measuring points 530 / 530 are diametrically opposite one another with respect to the radial direction Ra of the crimp sleeve 50.

[0055] Analogous to the above, in the crimping process, a single measuring point 530 is established between two directly adjacent crimp ribs 520. The measuring point 530 can divide the press section 510 into which it has been formed into two axial (Ax) sections, which can preferably be approximately equal in length.

[0056] The crimp dimension D, in particular the crimp diameter D, can be measured after the crimping process. The measurement process can be carried out shortly after the crimping process or later, e.g., at a different location. In the measurement method according to the invention, a measuring finger 630 is no longer positioned on a pressing section 510 (see FIG. Fig. 1), but rather placed on a local measuring point 530 in the pressing section 510. Analogous to the above, the measuring point 530 can be designed as a planar or convex measuring surface. A convex measuring surface can also be provided if necessary.

Claims

[1] Crimping tool (1), in particular for a crimping applicator or a crimping machine, for crimping a crimping sleeve (50), in particular a crimping sleeve (50) of an electrical crimping terminal, with a plurality of partial tools (10) which can be moved relative to one another, wherein an individual partial tool (10) has a global, mechanically effective partial crimping surface (110) for partially crimping the crimp sleeve (50), characterized by , that at least one partial tool (10), in particular exactly one or at least two partial tools (10), has a local measuring point introduction device (130) within the relevant global partial crimping surface (110), by means of which a measuring point (530) can be introduced into the crimp sleeve (50). [2] Crimping tool (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the crimping tool (1) for a single crimp connection: • at least two partial tools (10), in particular a crimping anvil (10) and at least one crimping die (10), • has a plurality of, in particular, even-numbered sub-tools (10) which are arranged in a circumferential direction (Um) of the crimping tool (1), and / or • is designed as a segmented radial crimping tool (1) with a plurality of, in particular, even-numbered sub-tools (10). [3] Crimping tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that: • by means of the measuring point introduction device (130), a measuring point (530) can be provided in the circumferential direction (Um) and / or in the axial direction (Ax) of the crimp sleeve (50) on the outside of the crimp sleeve (50), • the measuring point insertion device (130) is configured as a negative (130) or a positive (130) in / on the global partial crimping surface (110), and / or • at least two sub-tools (10) directly opposite one another in the radial direction (Ra) of the crimping tool (1) each have a measuring point insertion device (130). [4] Crimping tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the measuring point insertion device (130): • is arranged as a groove (130) extending in the circumferential direction (Um) with a preferably straight groove base in the relevant part tool (10), • as a spherical projection (130) preferably centrally located in the circumferential direction (Um) in the respective part tool (10), and / or • is arranged essentially in an axial (Ax) center on / in the relevant part tool (10). [5] Crimping tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that: • the measuring point (530) can be integrally formed into the crimp sleeve (50) by means of the measuring point insertion device (130), • the measuring point (530) can be formed from a material of the crimp sleeve (50) by means of the measuring point introduction device (130), and / or • the crimping tool (1) is designed such that a crimping method according to one of the following claims can be carried out by means of the crimping tool (1). [6] Assembled electrical cable, particularly for the automotive sector, with an electrical cable and an electrical crimp terminal, wherein the crimp terminal has a crimp sleeve (50) by means of which the crimp terminal is crimped onto the cable, in particular an electrical conductor (70) of the cable, characterized by , that the crimp sleeve (50) has at least one local measuring point (530), in particular exactly or at least two local measuring points (530), for determining a crimp dimension (D), in particular a crimp diameter (D), of the crimp sleeve (50). [7] Assembled electrical cable according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that: • the crimp sleeve (50) has at least two measuring points (530) diametrically opposite one another in the radial direction (Ra) of the crimp sleeve (50), • the at least two measuring points (530) are each introduced substantially in an axial (Ax) center of the crimp sleeve (50), and / or • a respective measuring point (530) is introduced into the crimp sleeve (50) as a positive (530) or a negative (530). [8] Assembled electrical cable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a single measuring point (530): • is arranged as a substantially planar or convex measuring surface (530) on the outside of the crimp sleeve (50), • is arranged between two crimping ribs (520) directly adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction (Um) of the crimp sleeve (50), and / or • is arranged at a predetermined position in the axial direction (Ax) of the crimp sleeve (50) and / or at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction (Um) in the crimp sleeve (50). [9] Assembled electrical cable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that: • a single measuring point (530) is introduced into the crimp sleeve (50) as a web (530) extending in the circumferential direction (Um) of the crimp sleeve (50) with a preferably straight extension, • a measuring surface of the web (530) is delimited in the circumferential direction (Um) by two directly adjacent crush ribs (520) or essentially completely bridges them, • a single measuring point (530) is introduced as a substantially convex measuring point (530) on the outside of the crimp sleeve, and / or • the crimp sleeve (50) is crimped onto the conductor (70) by a crimping method according to one of the following claims. [10] Method for crimping a crimp sleeve (50) of an electrical crimp terminal onto an electrical conductor (70) of an electrical cable, wherein the crimp sleeve (50) extending in the axial direction (Ax) is crimped onto the conductor (70) by means of a crimping tool (1), in particular a crimp applicator or a crimping machine, and when crimping the crimp sleeve (50) onto the conductor (70) by at least one sub-tool (10), in particular exactly or at least two sub-tools (10), of the crimping tool (1), a pressing section (510) is introduced into the crimp sleeve (50), characterized by , that a local measuring point (530) is formed into the crimp sleeve (50) in the pressing section (510). [11] Crimping method according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that: • the measuring point (530) is formed into the crimp sleeve (50) by a positive / negative of the part tool (10) and by a plastic deformation of a material of the crimp sleeve (50), • the positive / negative within the global partial crimping surface (110) of the partial tool (10) is designed as a local measuring point insertion device (130), by means of which the measuring point (530) is formed into the crimp sleeve (50), • with respect to the radial direction (Ra) of the crimp sleeve (50), two measuring points (530) are formed into the crimp sleeve (50) in diametrically opposite circumferential regions of the crimp sleeve (50), wherein a respective measuring point (530) is preferably formed as a planar or convex measuring surface (530). [12] Crimping method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that when setting up the crimp sleeve (50): • between each two axial (Ax) pressing sections (510) of the crimp sleeve (50) axial (Ax) crimping ribs (520) are set up in the crimp sleeve (50), • a single measuring point (530) is set up between two crimping ribs (520) directly adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction of the crimp sleeve (50), and / or • the measuring point (530) is set up in the pressing section (510) in such a way that the pressing section (510) is divided into two approximately equally long axial (Ax) sections. [13] Crimping method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that: • when crimping the crimp sleeve (50) onto the conductor (70), the pressing section (510) which is arranged between two crimping ribs (520) is formed smoothly, • the method is designed as a method for assembling an electrical cable, wherein the assembled cable is designed according to one of the preceding claims, and / or • the method for crimping the crimp sleeve (50) is followed in time by a method for measuring a crimp dimension (D) according to the following claim. [14] Method for measuring a crimp dimension (D), in particular a crimp diameter (D), for quality assurance, wherein on a crimp sleeve (50) crimped onto an electrical conductor (70), a measuring finger (630) of a measuring device is placed on the outside of a pressing section (510) of the crimp sleeve (50) and the crimp dimension (D) is measured, characterized by , that the measuring finger (630) is placed on a local measuring point (530) in the pressing section (510), wherein the measuring point (530) is formed as a planar or convex measuring surface (530) on the outside of the crimp sleeve (50). [15] Crimping applicator or crimping machine for establishing at least one crimp connection between an electrical crimping terminal and an electrical conductor (70), characterized by , that the crimping applicator or the crimping machine comprises a crimping tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and / or a method for crimping and / or measuring according to one of the preceding claims can be carried out by the crimping applicator or the crimping machine.

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