Device for expanding an elastic ring body, system and method for mounting an elastic ring body on a cable

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (9) for expanding an elastic ring body (1) for mounting the ring body (1) on a cable (2), comprising a first contact body (10) and a second contact body (11) which can be inserted into a through-opening (12) of the elastic ring body (1) and moved from a basic state relative to each other to a further apart working state. It is provided that at least one of the contact bodies (10, 11) has at least two contact areas (15) which can be brought directly into contact with an inner surface of the through-opening (12) of the elastic ring body (1) and which have a distance (d) A ) differ from each other, which is at least as large as the cable diameter (d K ) of the cable (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for expanding an elastic ring body for mounting the ring body on a cable, comprising a first support body and a second support body which can be inserted into a through-opening of the ring body, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention also relates to a system and a method for mounting an elastic ring body on a cable.

[0003] In cable assembly, the conductors are typically mounted in a connector to enable detachable electrical or optical connections with corresponding mating connectors. A connector or mating connector can be, among other things, a plug, a panel-mount connector, a socket, a coupling, or an adapter. The terms "connector" and "mother connector," as used in this invention, are representative of all these variations.

[0004] When a cable is to be fitted with a connector at one or both ends, it is usually necessary to first slide various connector components onto the cable to ensure they are in the correct sequence for later connector assembly. In practice, fitting the cable or cable jacket with the connector components is relatively time-consuming and therefore usually done manually. In particular, fitting the cable with an elastic ring body, such as a cable seal, which naturally requires a tight, force-fit connection, often proves difficult.

[0005] A common requirement for connectors is that they must be economically producible in high volumes. For this reason, fully or at least partially automated cable assembly is particularly preferable for assembling cables for the automotive industry.

[0006] German patent DE 10 2020 118 691 A1 proposes a method for assembling an electrical cable in which the cable is fitted with an elastic ring body. The method involves first inserting an inclined tube with a sloping end face into a through-hole in the ring body. The cable is then positioned in the inclined tube such that the ring body can subsequently be stripped from the tube into the intended axial position on the cable. This allows for a readily automated assembly of the cable with, for example, a cable seal. However, it has been shown that the method is not equally suitable for all types of elastic ring bodies or for all applications.

[0007] In practice, gently widening the elastic ring body to allow for the subsequent insertion of the cable with as little force as possible proves difficult.

[0008] In view of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a device for expanding an elastic ring body for mounting the ring body on a cable, which may be particularly advantageous for automated cable assembly in mass production.

[0009] The present invention also aims to provide a system and a method for mounting an elastic ring body on a cable, which can be advantageously automated and used in mass production.

[0010] The problem is solved for the device by the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the system, the problem is solved by the features of claim 8, and with regard to the method by claim 14.

[0011] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0012] The invention relates to a device for widening an elastic ring body for mounting the ring body on a cable.

[0013] Within the scope of the present invention, the cable can be, in particular, an electrical or optical cable. Preferably, the cable can be designed as an automotive high-voltage cable. However, it can also be a data cable or any type of cable. For example, the electrical cable can be designed as a coaxial cable with exactly one inner conductor and exactly one outer conductor, or as a cable shielded with one outer conductor and two or more inner conductors. The cable is described below essentially as an electrical cable, but this is not to be understood as limiting the scope of the invention. All embodiments relating to the use of an electrical cable are, in principle, transferable to any type of cable, in particular also to an optical cable.

[0014] The ring body and the cable are preferably not to be understood as part of the device. However, the applicant reserves the right to also claim a corresponding device that explicitly includes the ring body and / or the cable.

[0015] According to the invention, the device comprises at least a first support body and a second support body. The support bodies can be inserted into a through-opening of the elastic ring body, or the device can be configured to insert the support bodies into said through-hole (in which case movement of the ring body and / or the support bodies may be provided).

[0016] Preferably, the attachment elements can be inserted into the through-opening of the elastic ring body without widening the ring body simply by being inserted. During insertion, the attachment elements are preferably in the "basic state" described below.

[0017] It may be provided that the ring body is mechanically pre-machined, in particular mechanically pre-formed, at the time of the insertion of the attachment bodies into its through-opening.

[0018] Optionally, the device itself can be configured to pre-shape the ring body before the insertion of the fixture components, for example, by transforming it from a round shape to an elliptical one. For this purpose, the device can, for instance, include a mold component with a receiving slot into which the ring body can be inserted manually or automatically, thus transforming it from a round to an elliptical shape. Alternatively, press jaws or similar devices can be provided to enable mechanical pre-machining of the ring body. The possibilities for mechanical pre-machining of the ring body will be discussed in more detail below.

[0019] The inner diameter of the opening in the ring body can essentially correspond to the outer diameter of the cable, particularly its sheath. However, the inner diameter of the opening is preferably slightly smaller than the cable diameter to ensure that the elastic ring body, subsequently applied to the cable, is securely fixed in its intended axial position.

[0020] The deformability or elasticity of the ring body can be chosen such that the ring body provides sufficient holding force for final attachment to the cable, especially to the cable sheath, but can be sufficiently reversibly expanded for assembly on the cable (as described below) without undergoing (irreversible) plastic deformation.

[0021] The ring body can preferably be made of or comprise an elastomer, i.e., an elastically deformable plastic, for example, a vulcanizate of natural rubber or silicone rubber, particularly rubber. In principle, the ring body can also comprise other components, such as metallic components or components made of a non-elastic plastic. The elastic part of the ring body can then preferably face the cable, for example, in the form of an inner ring. The non-elastic components can face away from the cable, for example, in the form of an outer ring that encloses the inner ring.

[0022] According to the invention, the system bodies can be moved relative to each other from a basic state to a working state that is further apart, or the device can be set up to move the system bodies from the basic state to the working state.

[0023] The system components are therefore arranged more closely together in the rest state than in the operating state. The system components can preferably be movable in opposite directions and thus be more "open" in the operating state than in the rest state.

[0024] According to the invention, it is provided that at least one of the contact bodies has at least two contact areas which can be brought directly into contact with an inner side of the through-opening of the elastic ring body.

[0025] In principle, a system body according to the invention can have any number of system areas, for example, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or even more system areas. The system bodies can also have a different number of system areas, but each must have at least one system area. Preferably, each system body has at least two system areas, and particularly preferably exactly two system areas.

[0026] According to the invention, the at least two installation areas have a distance from each other that is at least as large as the cable diameter.

[0027] Because the installation areas are spaced sufficiently far apart, they can be particularly advantageous for adequately widening the ring body, so that after widening the cable can be inserted into the opening of the elastic ring body with little or no effort, and thus in a gentle manner.

[0028] In an advantageous further development of the invention, it can be provided that the distance between the at least two contact areas of the at least one contact body is unchanged in the basic state and in the operating state.

[0029] Preferably, the contact areas are immobile relative to each other, or their position is preferably not changed during operation of the device. This can be achieved, for example, by having the contact areas located on a common, for example rigid, component (such as the sheet metal component or mandrel mentioned below).

[0030] Because the position of the plant areas remains unchanged during operation of the device, the need for complex or additional actuators can be reduced.

[0031] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the said two contact areas are opposite edges of a common component, preferably edges of a predominantly flat component or a plate-shaped component, particularly preferably a sheet metal component.

[0032] These installation areas can, for example, consist of spaced-apart pins, bridges or mandrels, which are preferably firmly connected to a common base element.

[0033] It should be noted that, in principle, the distance between the support areas can also be adjusted and / or the support bodies can be interchangeable in order to adapt the device for use with different ring bodies or different through-hole widths. However, during operation of the device, specifically during expansion and, in particular, during the movement of the support bodies from their initial state to their working state, the positions of the support areas are preferably fixed or remain unchanged.

[0034] The device according to the invention can preferably be a semi-automated or fully automated device.

[0035] The device may, for example, include a control unit that is configured to actuate the respective components of the device as required and / or to sensorily detect states of the device and / or to operate an operator interface for a user of the device.

[0036] The control device in question can be a microprocessor. Instead of a microprocessor, any other device can be used to implement the control device, for example, one or more arrangements of discrete electrical components on a printed circuit board, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other programmable circuit, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic assembly (PLA), and / or a standard computer.

[0037] According to a further development of the invention, it can in particular be provided that the plant bodies can be moved automatically from the basic state to the working state, preferably by means of at least one actuator device.

[0038] It may also be provided that the system bodies can be automatically inserted into the through-opening of the elastic ring body, preferably by means of a further actuator device or the actuator device already mentioned above.

[0039] For the insertion of the system bodies into the through-opening, in particular a movement of the system bodies (synchronously or sequentially), or alternatively or additionally a movement of the ring body or a holding device for the ring body, may be provided.

[0040] When moving the system components from their initial state to their operating state, it may generally be sufficient to move only one of the components. However, it is also possible for both components to be movable.

[0041] It is understood that the system bodies can, in principle, also be moved back from the working state to the initial state, for example after the cable has been fitted with the ring body and the device is to be returned to its initial state for reuse.

[0042] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the system bodies are translationally movable from the ground state to the working state, preferably along a straight path of movement or along a common axis of movement or a common straight line.

[0043] Alternatively or in addition to a translational movement of the system bodies between the ground state and the operating state, a rotational movement, in particular a pivoting movement, can also be provided. For example, the system bodies can be tilted relative to each other from the ground state into the operating state.

[0044] It is also possible to provide a curved path of movement for the movement of the system bodies from the ground state to the working state.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that, apart from the first support body and the second support body, no further support bodies are present to widen the elastic ring body.

[0046] In principle, the invention can also be implemented using more than two attachment bodies. Therefore, for example, three, four, five, six or even more attachment bodies can be provided for expanding the ring body.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a receptacle for the cable is formed between the installation bodies, preferably a passage for the cable.

[0048] By providing a recess for the cable between the system bodies, preferably a continuous passage, the device can be designed to be particularly compact or space-saving.

[0049] In addition, the kinematic and actuating requirements of the device can be reduced, and in particular also of a subsequently mentioned system for mounting the ring body on the cable, since any repositioning of the ring body after expansion can be avoided if the cable can be guided centrally between the system bodies before, during or after expansion and the ring body can therefore simply be stiffened onto the cable in a subsequent work step.

[0050] The invention also relates to a system for mounting an elastic ring body on a cable and a system for assembling a cable, each comprising a device for widening the elastic ring body according to the preceding and following embodiments.

[0051] The systems mentioned preferably have a positioning device for positioning the cable in the through-opening of the expanded elastic ring body (in this case the cable and / or the ring body may be movable or be moved).

[0052] Preferably, the system is a fully or at least partially automated system for assembly or packaging.

[0053] The section of the cable where processing or assembly / assembly primarily takes place is sometimes referred to as the "cable section to be processed." The cable section to be processed may, in particular, be a cable end. Preferably, two cable sections, especially both cable ends, are processed or fitted with one or more ring bodies.

[0054] Within the scope of the invention, it may be provided that the cable is equipped with only a single elastic ring body or with several elastic ring bodies, for example with two ring bodies, three ring bodies, four ring bodies, five ring bodies or even more ring bodies.

[0055] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the system has a stripping device for stripping the expanded elastic ring body onto a cable sheath of the cable positioned in the through-opening.

[0056] In particular, the stripping device may be provided with a stop surface to strip the ring body from the system bodies in the working state onto the cable sheath of the cable.

[0057] The aforementioned stop surface is preferably a stop surface directly adjacent to a cable entry point.

[0058] The contact surface can preferably be an inclined surface (relative to a central axis running through the cable). An inclined contact surface allows the ring body to be removed from the support bodies more gently and with less force. However, a contact surface oriented orthogonally to the cable's central axis is also possible.

[0059] The stop surface can be a side face of a wedge, which may be part of the stripping device. The wedge can, for example, be inserted between the ring body and a support surface. Optionally, the wedge can have the aforementioned through-hole or be "divided" into two parts, thus enabling even sliding onto and off of the cable.

[0060] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the system in question has a receiving device for receiving the elastic ring body before expansion.

[0061] Preferably, said receiving device can be designed for manual insertion of the ring body. The ring body can thus be manually inserted into the device by a production employee.

[0062] Alternatively, an automated feeding of the ring body into said receiving device can also be provided, for example from a storage container or a magazine.

[0063] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the receiving device is configured to mechanically preform the ring body in the inserted state, in particular in such a way that the support bodies can be positioned in their basic state in the through-opening of the ring body without further mechanical influence on the ring body.

[0064] Mechanical manipulation can be achieved, for example, by means of a receiving slot into which the ring body is inserted, the width of which is reduced compared to the outer diameter of the ring body, so that the ring body is transformed from a previously round cross-section into an elliptical cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, an actuatory manipulation of the ring body can also be provided within the receiving device, for example by laterally positioning one or more punches.

[0065] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the scraping device has a passage and the receiving device has a receiving slot, which are arranged side by side in a common mold component, preferably in a plate-shaped mold component.

[0066] In the proposed manner, the ring body can first be mechanically pre-formed by insertion into the receiving slot, allowing the support elements to be inserted into its through-opening. The ring body can then be expanded by the support elements and lifted out of the receiving slot. Subsequently, the still-expanded ring body can be moved into the adjacent feedthrough using the support elements and then slid onto the cable by the adjacent stop surface.

[0067] The wiping device can be designed in a window-like or slot-like shape (preferred).

[0068] If necessary, the routing and the receiving slot can also be identical, which can further reduce the kinematic and actuating requirements.

[0069] The invention also relates to a method for mounting an elastic ring body on a cable, comprising at least the following method steps: - Positioning a first support body and a second support body, which are in a ground state, in a through-opening of the elastic ring body; - Moving the plant bodies from the ground state to a more distant working state, so that at least two plant areas of at least one of the plant bodies, which have a distance from each other that is at least as large as the cable diameter of the cable, are brought directly into contact with an inside of the through-opening of the elastic ring body.

[0070] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the elastic ring body is a connector component of a connector to be mounted on the cable, in particular a sealing element for fastening to a cable sheath of the cable.

[0071] The ring body can be any elastic component of the connector to be mounted on the corresponding cable end, preferably having a through-opening for receiving the cable. Particularly preferably, the elastic ring body is designed as a cable seal. The cable seal can be, in particular, a mechanical seal, for example, a sealing ring for sealing against dirt, dust, liquids, or gases. The cable seal can later be inserted, for example, from the rear into a mounted connector housing.

[0072] The ring body can have any cross-sectional geometry. Circular cross-sections are frequently used. However, oval or polygonal, especially rectangular, and for example square, cross-sections are also possible.

[0073] In the assembly of an electrical cable, ring bodies, in particular cable seals, can also be used, which can be slid onto several electrical cables, for example, onto a second electrical cable. Preferably, the ring body has only a single through-opening for mounting on a single cable. In the equally preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the ring body can also have two or more through-openings for mounting on two or more cables. Where the term "the" or "a" through-opening is used above or below, this is only for the sake of simplicity and is not to be understood as a limitation. In principle, therefore, several through-openings can be provided for each embodiment or further development of the invention described above and below, even if this is not explicitly mentioned.

[0074] The aforementioned procedural steps do not necessarily have to be carried out in the specified order and are not necessarily exhaustive for the procedure.

[0075] The invention also relates to an arrangement of processing modules for assembling a cable, in particular a high-voltage cable. The arrangement comprises the device for expanding an elastic ring body according to the preceding and following embodiments or one of the aforementioned systems in order to equip the cable with an elastic ring body at a defined axial position. The arrangement further comprises at least one processing module for assembling the electrical cable that is independent of the device or the system.

[0076] Distributing processing steps across several independent processing modules makes it possible to operate the arrangement as an "assembly line process" or as a "clock-up automatic" with successive individual steps in order to reduce processing time in mass processing.

[0077] The aforementioned processing module can be located upstream and / or downstream of the device or system.

[0078] Features described in connection with one of the subject matter of the invention, in particular those provided by the device, system, arrangement, or method according to the invention, can also be advantageously implemented for the other subject matter of the invention. Likewise, advantages mentioned in connection with one of the subject matter of the invention can also be understood to relate to the other subject matter of the invention.

[0079] It should also be noted that terms such as "comprehensive," "exhibiting," or "with" do not exclude other characteristics or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "that," which indicate a singular number of steps or characteristics, do not exclude a plurality of characteristics or steps—and vice versa.

[0080] In a purist embodiment of the invention, however, it may also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms "comprising," "comprising," or "with" are exhaustively listed. Accordingly, one or more lists of features within the scope of the invention may be considered complete, for example, for each claim. The invention may, for instance, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0081] It should be noted that designations such as "first" or "second" etc. are primarily used for the purpose of distinguishing between the respective device or process features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to each other.

[0082] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values ​​and parameters described herein include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respective named value or parameter, provided that such deviations are not excluded in the practical implementation of the invention. The specification of ranges by initial and final values ​​also includes all those values ​​and fractions that are encompassed by the respective named range, in particular the initial and final values ​​and a respective mean value.

[0083] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0084] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are combined with one another. Features of an embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0085] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0086] They show schematically: Fig. 1 an electrical coaxial cable fitted with the elastic ring body; Fig. 2 a device according to the invention with two support bodies which are inserted into a through-opening of the ring body, in a basic state, in a perspective view; Fig. 3 the device of Fig. 3 in a front view in the basic state of the plant bodies; Fig. 4 the device of Fig. 3 in a front view in the working state of the plant bodies; Fig. 5 the device of the Fig. 3 in a front view in the working state of the plant bodies, with the cable inserted between the plant bodies and into the through-opening of the ring body; Fig. 6 a receiving device for receiving the elastic ring body for use in a system according to the invention for mounting the ring body on the cable; Fig. 7 a stripping device for stripping the elastic ring body onto a cable sheath of the cable in a side view, before stripping the ring body; Fig. 8 the scraper device of the Fig. 7, after the ring body has been stripped onto the cable sheath of the cable; Fig. 9 a further stripping device for stripping the elastic ring body onto the cable sheath; Fig. 10 another device according to the invention in a perspective view, with spaced-apart mandrels for widening the ring body; Fig. 11 another device according to the invention in a front view, with support bodies having different numbers of support areas; Fig. 12 another device according to the invention in a front view, with contact bodies having a predominantly circular arrangement of contact areas in the form of mandrels, in a basic state; Fig. 13 the device according to Fig. 12 in a working state of the plant bodies; Fig. 14 a method according to the invention for assembling the ring body; and Fig. 15 an arrangement of processing modules for the assembly of a cable with a device for widening the ring body or with a system for mounting the ring body and further, independent processing modules.

[0087] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary electrical coaxial cable 2 fitted with an elastic ring body 1 in the form of a conductor seal. The cable 2 shown is partially stripped, but can also be completely unprocessed within the scope of the invention. The cable 2 has a cable jacket 3 and a braided cable shield 4 running beneath the cable jacket 3. The insulation 5 of the inner conductor 6 runs beneath the braided cable shield 4. The inner conductor can, for example, be designed as a stranded wire made of several individual wires. However, the specific construction of the cable 2 is not essential within the scope of the invention.

[0088] In particular, the present invention may also be suitable for use with an optical cable.

[0089] During the assembly of the electrical cable 2, it may be possible to equip the cable sheath 3 of the cable 2 with two or more connector components for subsequent connector assembly. These connector components may be, for example, a cable retainer 7, a retaining cap or end cap 8, or the aforementioned elastic ring body 1 or the conductor seal. However, the specific design of the connector components is not essential within the scope of the invention. The invention is suitable for equipping a single-core or multi-core electrical cable 2 with any connector components and any elastic ring bodies 1.

[0090] The following example explains how the in Fig. 1 indicated conductor seal 1 or other elastic ring body 1 can be mounted on the cable sheath 3 of the cable 2 within the scope of the invention.

[0091] In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 5 is an exemplary, highly schematic representation of a device 9 for widening the elastic ring body 1 for mounting the ring body 1 on the cable 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0092] The device 9 has a first mounting body 10 and a second mounting body 11. The mounting bodies 10 and 11 are, as shown in Fig. 2 indicated, can be inserted into a through-opening 12 of the elastic ring body 1. In this respect, the support bodies 10, 11 and / or the ring body 1 can be moved accordingly, preferably using an actuator device 13 (in Fig. 2 indicated by dashed lines and in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 not shown in detail). In Fig. Figure 2 shows the delivery of the plant components 10, 11 into the passage opening 12 by way of an arrow.

[0093] The plant components 10 and 11 are located starting from one in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 basic states shown relative to each other up to a more distant working state (cf. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) movable. In the exemplary embodiments, the support bodies 10, 11 are, purely by way of example, movable translationally along a straight path of movement 14. In principle, however, the movement can also follow a curved path. Alternatively or in addition to translational movement, tilting of the support bodies 10, 11 relative to each other can also be provided, as in Fig. 3 indicated by two arrows with dashed lines.

[0094] Preferably, the plant bodies 10, 11 are moved automatically from the home state to the working state, for example also by means of the in Fig. 2 indicated actuator device 13 (or a separate, further actuator device thereof).

[0095] To widen the ring body 1, at least one of the support bodies 10, 11 has at least two support areas 15 (dashed lines in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5), which can each be brought directly into contact with an inner surface of the through-opening 12 of the elastic ring body 1. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 Both plant bodies 10, 11 each have two plant areas 15, which are opposite edges of a respective common sheet metal component 16. In this way, the distance d A The distance between the plant areas 15 of the respective plant body 10, 11 is identical or unchanged in the basic state and in the operating state. A The distance between the plant areas 15 is at least as large as the cable diameter d. K of cable 2 - in the exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned distance d Apurely as an example compared to the cable diameter d K even larger (cf. Fig. 5) In this way, it can be ensured that the cable 2 can be inserted into the through-opening 12 of the ring body 1 after the ring body 1 has been widened, without requiring any special effort.

[0096] Apart from the first support body 10 and the second support body 11, no further support bodies 10, 11 are provided in the present embodiments to expand the elastic ring body 1. In principle, however, further support bodies could be provided.

[0097] Advantageously, a receptacle or passage 17 for the cable 2 is formed between the two support bodies 10, 11, so that in the expanded state of the ring body 1, the cable can be inserted between the support bodies 10, 11 through the through-opening 12 into the ring body 1, as shown in Fig. 5 shown. In this case, the ring body 1 can then be pushed or stripped from the support bodies 10, 11 onto the cable sheath 3 of the cable 2, as will be explained below.

[0098] Within a system 18 for mounting the ring body 1 on the cable 2, a positioning device 19 for positioning the cable 2 in the through-opening 12 of the expanded elastic ring body 1 can preferably be provided, which in Fig. 7 is indicated by way of example using two drive rollers 20.

[0099] The system 18 can further comprise a receiving device 21 for receiving the elastic ring body 1 before expansion, preferably a receiving device 21 for manually inserting the ring body 1. An example of such a device is shown in Fig. 6 indicated.

[0100] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, said receiving device 21 has a receiving slot 22 in a molded component 23, for example, in a predominantly flat, plate-shaped molded component 23. The receiving slot 22 can be designed such that the ring body 1 is mechanically pre-formed in the inserted state, so that the support bodies 10, 11 can be positioned in the through-opening 12 of the ring body 1 in their basic state without further mechanical modification. As shown in Figure 6, the receiving device 21 has a receiving slot 22 in a molded component 23, for example, a predominantly flat, plate-shaped molded component 23. The receiving slot 22 can be designed such that the ring body 1 is mechanically pre-formed in the inserted state, so that the support bodies 10, 11 can be positioned in their basic state without further mechanical modification of the ring body 1. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the ring body 1 is deformed from its previously round cross-section into an elliptical cross-section by being inserted into the receiving slot 22, which allows the insertion of the support bodies 10, 11, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. 2 indicated, advantageously enabled. At this point, it should be mentioned that, in principle, an active or actuating influence on the ring body 1 can also be provided, for example by means of two stamps that compress the ring body 1 as required in at least one spatial direction.

[0101] Based on the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 indicates how the ring body 1, after widening and inserting the cable 2 into its through-opening 12, can be pushed onto the cable sheath 3 of the cable 2 or stripped off the mounting bodies 10, 11. Fig. Figure 8 shows a state in which the ring body 1 has already been stripped onto the cable sheath 3.

[0102] The system 18 according to the invention can, in this respect, have a stripping device 24 for stripping the expanded elastic ring body 1 onto the cable sheath 3 of the cable 2 positioned in the through-opening 12, which has a stop surface 25 by means of which the ring body 1 can be stripped from the support bodies 10, 11. The stop surface 25 can, in particular, be directly adjacent to a feedthrough 26 for the cable 2, as shown in Fig. 6 indicated by a dashed line. With regard to Fig. It should be mentioned in section 6 that said passage 26 of the stripping device 24 can preferably be arranged in the same molded component 23 as the receiving slot 22 of the receiving device 21. However, if necessary, the passage 26 with the stop surface 25 for stripping the ring body 1 onto the cable sheath 3 can also be arranged in a separate component. Insofar as the passage 26 is arranged in the same molded component 23 as the receiving slot 22, as shown in Fig. As indicated in section 6, the ring body 1, widened by the installation bodies 10, 11, can be opened after the insertion of the cable 2 (i.e., in particular in the state of Fig. 5) lifted out of the receiving slot 22 and inserted into the opening 26, as shown in Fig. 6 indicated by a dashed arrow. Subsequently, the stop surface 25 adjacent to the feedthrough 26 can be used to push off the ring body 1 by optionally extending the cable 2 (for example, by means of the in Fig. 7 indicated positioning device 19) and / or the molded component 23 are moved.

[0103] An alternative or extension of the ones in the Fig. 7 and Fig. The scraper device 24 described in section 8 is in Fig. 9 indicated. The stripping device 24 can, for example, also have an inclined stop surface 25 or a stop surface 25 that is inclined relative to a central axis M of the cable 2. In this regard, a wedge-shaped body 27 can be used, which in turn optionally has a passage 26, so that a uniform sliding of the ring body 1 is made possible. Due to the inclined stop surface 25, the ring body 1 can be stripped more gently onto the cable sheath 3, if necessary. Fig. Figure 9 shows an intermediate state of the said process step during the stripping of the ring body 1 from the support bodies 10, 11.

[0104] The foregoing explanations and the figures already described are merely examples to illustrate the invention. The following will demonstrate the invention using the... Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. 13. By way of example only, further advantageous variants of a device 9 according to the invention are indicated.

[0105] As can be seen, for example, from Fig. As a result of 10, it can be provided that the contact areas 15 of the contact bodies 10, 11, as an alternative to being designed as opposing edges of a common component, are formed as spaced-apart, individual pins 28 or pegs which are firmly connected to a common base element 29. In this way, it can also be ensured that the distance d AThe contact areas 15 remain unchanged at least during the movement of the contact bodies 10, 11 from the initial state to the operating state (or vice versa). Optionally, the spacing of the mandrels 28 or the contact areas 15 can be variably adjustable, for example, to adapt the device 9 to different ring body types. For instance, the mandrels 28 can be flexibly positioned within a predefined grid 30 on the base element 29.

[0106] Based on Fig. Section 11 is intended to clarify that the plant components 10 and 11 can also differ from one another and, for example, may have a different number of plant areas 15. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the second plant body 11 has two plant areas 15 designed as opposite edges of a common sheet metal component 16 and the opposite first plant body 10 has a single plant area 15 designed as a mandrel 28.

[0107] Two further exemplary plant components 10, 11 are shown using the embodiment of the Fig. 12 and Fig. Figure 13 shows the contact areas 15 of the respective system bodies 10, 11, which are in turn designed as spaced-apart mandrels 28, each of which is firmly connected to a partially ring-shaped base element 29. In the operating state of the system bodies 10, 11, which is shown in Fig. As shown in 13, it can thus differ from the ground state (cf. Fig. 12) result in an overall profile that is at least approximately circular, which can lead to an even gentler widening of the ring body 1.

[0108] Based on Fig. Figure 14 illustrates a method for mounting the ring body 1 onto the cable 2 by means of various process steps. In particular, the sequence of the process steps and their division or subdivision is to be understood as merely exemplary. Individual process steps may be exchanged, combined, further subdivided, or replaced by other process steps if necessary. Furthermore, the following can be described in Fig. The 14 described procedures can be extended by further procedural steps.

[0109] In a preferred, but not limiting, procedure sequence, it may be provided that a user of the device 9 or the system 18 first manually inserts the elastic ring body 1 into a receiving device 21 for receiving the ring body 1 in a first procedure step V1 (for example, as in Fig. 6 shown). In a subsequent, second process step V2, it can be provided that the first support body 10 and the second support body 11, which at this time are still in their basic state, are positioned in the through-opening 12 of the elastic ring body 1 (see, for example, Fig. 2) Subsequently, in a third process step V3, it can be provided that the plant bodies 10, 11 are moved from their initial state to the operating state, as for example in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 indicated. In a subsequent, fourth process step V4, it can be provided that the cable 2 is positioned in the through-opening 12 of the expanded elastic ring body 1 by means of a positioning device 19 (see also Fig. 5) Subsequently, in a fifth process step V5, it can be provided that the ring body 1 is stripped onto the cable sheath 3 by means of a stripping device 24, as shown by the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 indicated.

[0110] Optionally, any further process steps can then be included in the connector assembly process.

[0111] Based on Fig. Finally, Section 15 presents an arrangement 31 of processing modules according to the invention for the assembly of an electrical cable 2, in particular a high-voltage cable.

[0112] The arrangement 31 said comprises the system 18 for mounting the ring body 1 and, within the system 18, the device 9 for expanding the ring body 1, as shown in Fig. 15 indicated. Thus, the cable 2 can first be fitted with the ring body 1 at a defined axial position.

[0113] The arrangement 31 may include further processing modules for assembling the electrical cable 2, independent of the system 18 or the device 9. The processing modules shown are merely examples.

[0114] The Fig. Figure 15 shows a workpiece carrier system 33 for supplying the cable section to be processed, of cable 2, to the individual processing modules or to system 18 or device 9. Depending on the production quantities, the workpiece carrier system 33 shown can also be omitted or modified.

[0115] For example, the workpiece carrier system 33 has a transport device 34 in the form of a conveyor belt and transports several cables 2 attached to a respective cable carrier 35 from processing module to processing module in order to utilize all processing modules as continuously as possible and thus achieve a high throughput in cable processing.

[0116] An example of a first processing module 36 for fitting the cable sheath 3 with further connector components of the device 9 or the system 18 is shown below. Within this framework, for example, a connector housing 37 and a shield sleeve 38 can be applied to the cable sheath 3 of the cable 2.

[0117] The following is an example of a second processing module 39 for assembling at least one connector component of the electrical connector 32. By way of example, the shield sleeve 38, which is shown in the first processing module 36 and at that point is still loosely pushed onto the cable sheath 3, is attached to a contact component carrier at the cable end 2 shown in the second processing module 39.

[0118] Subsequently, further processing modules, not shown, can follow to gradually assemble the connector 32 and finally to mount the elastic ring body 1 or the cable seal.

[0119] As already mentioned, the use of the system 18 or the device 9 according to the invention is within the scope of the in Fig. The arrangement shown in section 31 is to be understood as merely an example. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 118 691 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Device (9) for expanding an elastic ring body (1) for mounting the ring body (1) on a cable (2), comprising a first support body (10) and a second support body (11) which can be inserted into a through-opening (12) of the elastic ring body (1) and which can be moved from a basic state relative to each other to a more distant working state, characterized by , that at least one of the support bodies (10, 11) has at least two support areas (15) which can each be brought directly into contact with an inner side of the through-opening (12) of the elastic ring body (1), and which have a distance (d A ) differ from each other, which is at least as large as the cable diameter (d K ) of the cable (2). [2] Device (9) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the distance (d A) of which at least two plant areas (15) of the at least one plant body (10, 11) remain unchanged in the basic state and in the operating state. [3] Device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the two plant areas (15) of the at least one plant body (10, 11) a) opposite edges of a common component are, preferably edges of a plate-shaped component, particularly preferably of a sheet metal component (16); or b) are spaced-apart mandrels (28) which are preferably firmly connected to a common base element (29). [4] Device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the plant bodies (10, 11) can be moved automatically from the basic state to the working state, preferably by means of at least one actuator device (13). [5] Device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the plant bodies (10, 11) are translationally movable from the ground state to the working state, preferably along a straight path of movement (14). [6] Device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that apart from the first support body (10) and the second support body (11) there are no further support bodies to widen the elastic ring body (1). [7] Device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a receptacle for the cable (2) is formed between the plant bodies (10, 11), preferably a passage (17) for the cable (2). [8] System (18) for mounting an elastic ring body (1) on a cable (2), comprising a device (9) for expanding the elastic ring body (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a positioning device (19) for positioning the cable (2) in the through-opening (12) of the expanded elastic ring body (1). [9] System (18) according to claim 8, characterized by a stripping device (24) for stripping the expanded elastic ring body (1) onto a cable sheath (3) of the cable (2) positioned in the through-hole (12). [10] System (18) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the stripping device (24) has a stop surface (25) to strip the ring body (1) from the support bodies (10, 11) in the working state onto the cable sheath (3) of the cable (2), preferably a stop surface (25) immediately adjacent to a feedthrough (26) for the cable (2). [11] System (18) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by a receiving device (21) for receiving the elastic ring body (1) before expansion, preferably for manual insertion of the ring body (1). [12] System (18) according to claim 11, characterized by, that the receiving device (21) is configured to mechanically preform the ring body (1) in the inserted state, so that the support bodies (10, 11) can be positioned in their basic state without further mechanical influence on the ring body (1) in its through-opening (12). [13] System (18) according to claims 9 and 11, characterized by that the scraping device (24) has a passage (26) and the receiving device (21) has a receiving slot (22), which are arranged side by side in a common mold component (23), preferably in a plate-shaped mold component (23). [14] Method for mounting an elastic ring body (1) on a cable (2), comprising at least the following method steps: - Positioning a first support body (10) and a second support body (11), which are in a basic state, in a through-opening (12) of the elastic ring body (1); - Moving the plant bodies (10, 11) from the ground state to a more distant working state, such that at least two plant areas (15) at least one of the plant bodies (10, 11), which are a distance (d A ) differ from each other, which is at least as large as the cable diameter (d K ) of the cable (2), with an inner side of the through-opening (12) of the elastic ring body (1) brought directly into contact. [15] Method according to claim 14, characterized by , that the elastic ring body (1) is a connector component of a connector (32) to be mounted on the cable (2), preferably on an electrical or optical cable (2), in particular a sealing element for attachment to a cable sheath (3) of the cable (2).

Images